Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Carrefour now with nearly 470 quality lines around the world

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — In 2014, a number of countries sought to relaunch their Lines to reflect the work that France has been doing since 2011. China, Argentina and Poland have already finished – they have given impetus to their initiatives by setting up new lines with local producers. China, for example, has launched new grapefruit and orange lines.

Carrefour Taiwan and Carrefour Brazil are more invested than ever before in the initiative. Italy is going to be relaunching its lines in 2015.

To date, the group has nearly 470 Carrefour quality lines. Consumers in each country appreciate the close relationships that the retailer has with local farmers – relationships that serve as guarantees of trust.
Naturally, all of these initiatives highlight our Quality Lines, the purpose of which – since they were launched in 1992 – has always been to provide solutions to future concerns!

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Carrefour now with nearly 470 quality lines around the world

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

NACS announces the appointment of Allison Dean as meetings coordinator

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Allison Dean has joined NACS as meetings coordinator. Dean will join the NACS meetings and conventions team and assist in the day-to-day operations of several NACS meetings throughout the year, including the NACS Show, one of the nation’s largest and most successful tradeshows.

Allison comes to NACS most recently from CORE Group, a public health non-profit organization where she worked on meeting planning, membership and office management. Previously, Dean worked for Event Planning International Corporation (EPIC) as a registration associate. Dean was also active with the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer as a crew and volunteer coordinator.

Dean graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, with B.A. in media studies.

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Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 151,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2013, of which $491 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

NACS appoints Kym Selph as the exhibit & membership services coordinator

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kym Selph has joined NACS as the exhibit & membership services coordinator. Selph will join the NACS supplier relations team and assist in the operations of several NACS meetings throughout the year, including the NACS Show, one of the nation’s largest and most successful tradeshows.

Selph comes to NACS most recently from the American Wholesale Marketers Association (AWMA) where she was assistant to the president as well as meetings manager. She supported aspects of AWMA’s annual tradeshow including exhibitor services, signage and serving as a liaison between the executive management team, board of directors and association members.

Selph studied human resources management at Florida State College and communications at the University of Maryland, University College.

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Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Toys“R”Us® brings customers to a galaxy far, far away with a year-long celebration in honor of the epic Star Wars saga

The Star Wars Saga Begins in the U.S. with an In-Store Event, VIP Sweepstakes and Hundreds of Products for Fans and Collectors of All Ages

WAYNE, NJ, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us® stores worldwide and Toysrus.com are set to bring customers to a galaxy far, far away with a year-long celebration in honor of the epic Star Wars saga. The adventure begins in the U.S. on Sunday, May 3, with Star Wars Day events taking place at all Toys“R”Us locations across the country, during which young Jedis and their families are invited to visit their local store dressed in their Star Wars best, receive giveaways and more.* Shoppers can also browse hundreds of products based on the blockbuster franchise, including items they can’t find anywhere else, at Toys“R”Us stores and Toysrus.com/StarWars.

“Since the debut of the Star Wars toy line nearly 40 years ago, Toys“R”Us has been a one-stop destination for generations of Star Wars enthusiasts looking to find the broadest assortment of playthings and collectibles based on the hit series,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “This year, and in the years to come, we are leveraging our global footprint and toy authority position to bring this hot property to fans around the world, providing them with best-in-class products and exclusives, epic in-store boutiques, special events, unique promotions and much more.”

Toys“R”Us, U.S. to Celebrate Star Wars Day in Style, Offer Exclusive VIP Shopping Trip Sweepstakes

On Sunday, May 3, all Toys“R”Us locations in the U.S. will celebrate Star Wars Day with one-of-a-kind in-store experiences. Fans of all ages who visit their local store from 12 noon – 2pm are invited to dress as their favorite Star Wars character, take a picture with Geoffrey the Giraffe and experience a special LEGO® Star Wars build and giveaway, while supplies last.*

Event attendees can also enter to win a $1,000 Toys“R”Us gift card and a trip for four to Toys“R”Us Times Square in New York City for a private Star Wars shopping experience this fall. More information about the Star Wars Midnight Madness VIP Shopping Spree and entry rules surrounding the sweepstakes are available at Toysrus.com/VIPsweeps.

The Force is Strong In-Store and Online

Whether searching for a collectible Luke Skywalker action figure, a must-have Death Star construction set or the latest Darth Vader role play item, Toys“R”Us is a one-stop shop for hundreds of playthings based on classic Star Warscharacters, scenes, vehicles and more. Throughout 2015, customers will find fantastic promotions and discounts on these fan-favorite items in-store and online, starting with an out-of-this-world Buy One Get One 40% OFF ALL Star Wars merchandise offer, valid from Sunday, May 3 through Saturday, May 9 at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com.**

Additionally, gamers can gear up for adventure by preordering Star Wars Battlefront™, the ultimate Star Wars video game experience, at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. Developed by DICE – creators of the award-winning Battlefield series – the game will be available November 17, 2015 and will allow players to immerse themselves in the epic Star Wars battles they’ve always dreamed of and create new heroic moments of their own.

To provide customers with an immersive, digital destination for all things Star Wars, the company has created an online Star Wars hub at Toysrus.com/DestinationStarWars, which will showcase video content, event information and more in the coming months.

In preparation for the debut of the new 2015 film, Star Wars aficionados can add to their collections and shop the following Star Wars Saga products, available now exclusively at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/StarWars:

LEGO® Star Wars™ Battle Droid Troop Carrier from the LEGO Group

Bring in reinforcements at the Battle of Naboo with the LEGO® Star Wars™ Battle Droid Troop Carrier. Star Warsenthusiasts can help the Pilot Battle Droids unload the racks of Battle Droids and detachable blaster racks before the Gungan Warrior has time to take aim and fire. As featured in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, this detailed transporter also features a detachable driver compartment that can be attached at either end, as well as hidden wheels to help it glide across the floor. The set includes a Gungan Warrior minifigure with a weapon, plus 2 Pilot Battle Droids and 12 Battle Droids with weapons. No batteries required. Ages 8 to 14 years.

LEGO® Star Wars™ Coruscant Police Gunship from the LEGO Group.

Slide open the cockpit, jump in and get ready to transport the Clone Shock Troopers into the heat of battle with this 481-piece LEGO® Star Wars™ set. As featured in Season 5 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated TV series, the Coruscant Police Gunship has sliding doors, folding wings and landing gear, 2 spring-loaded blasters and a rear weapon compartment containing 3 lightsabers and 2 blasters. Little builders can then deploy any of the 4 included minifigures: Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka and 2 Shock Troopers. No batteries required. Ages 8 to 11 years.

Operation Star Wars™ Edition from Hasbro®

It’s the game that brings Star Wars to the operating room. Little surgeons will be challenged to find and remove some special Defective Droid parts that are giving C-3PO and R2-D2 trouble. Players will find a Pain in the Neck, a Bad Memory Module, a Hiccupping Hologram, a Cranky Crankshaft and more. They can also earn Galactic Credits for successfully extracting these pesky parts from Droid friends. Caution is required, as R2-D2 will whistle and beep if kids touch the metal sides. Hands will have to be steady to win in this intergalactic version of Operation. Requires 4 “AAA” batteries (not included). Ages 6 years and up.

Star Wars™R2-D2’s in Trouble® Star Wars™ Edition Game from Hasbro®

R2-D2 is stuck in a force field in this Star Wars™ version of the classic Trouble® game, and it’s up to Luke Skywalker and C-3PO to set him free. When players move their pawns all over the board, the Pop-O-Matic die roller even makes real R2-D2 sounds. The player who gets them all to the finish area first, wins! Requires 3 “AAA” batteries (demo batteries included). Ages 5 years and up.

To download the official Toys“R”Us “Destination: Star Wars” logo, please visit:https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d-sfc41a3eeadd4eaf9

*Event intended for children, ages 5 and older. Parental supervision required at all times. All giveaways and event materials are available while supplies last and will be distributed to participating children only. Limit one per child. Quantities limited; no rain checks.
**Discounted item must be of equal or lesser value to the lowest priced item purchased. Excludes nursery and apparel clearance items.

STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 869Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 725 international stores and over 240 licensed stores in 37 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites includingToysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrusand Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

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Media Contacts:
Adrienne O’Hara
973-617-4383/646-366-8863
Adrienne.Ohara@toysrus.com

Nicole Hayes
973-617-4371/646-366-8862
Nicole.Hayes@toysrus.com

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

X5 Retail Group to acquire 27 stores from Nash and Gurman retail chains in the Republics of Mari El and Chuvashia to open new Pyaterochka stores and Perekrestok supermarkets

Yoshkar-Ola, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group, a leading Russian food retailer, announces the acquisition of 27 stores belonging to the Nash and Gurman retail chains in the Republics of Mari El and Chuvashia. X5 will use the purchased selling space to open new Pyaterochka stores and Perekrestok supermarkets.

Before the deal, the stores were managed by Universal LLC. 26 out of the 27 acquired facilities are located in the Republic of Mari El (Yoshkar-Ola, Volzhsky), and one store is based in the Rebublic of Chuvashia (Cheboksary). Six of the retail facilities are branded as Gurman, while the remaining ones make up the Nash chain.

The Perekrestok chain will integrate three stores (including the one in Cheboksary) and other stores will be rebranded as Pyaterochka. The integration of all the facilities is expected to be completed in 1H 2015. The acquired stores have an average selling space of 600–700 sq m and are all leased.

Those of the Nash and Gurman staff who would like to continue their jobs at the new Pyaterochka and Perekrestok stores will be offered employment after they complete supplementary training courses.

The newly acquired facilities will be refurbished in line with the new Pyaterochka and Perekrestok concepts. The chains will seek to expand their fresh product offering (fruits, vegetables, dairy, confectionery and bakery) and thereby provide additional opportunities for local suppliers to establish cooperation with the national retail chains. In terms of pricing, Pyaterochka and Perekrestok target all social groups, frequently offering attractive promotions and seasonal discounts.

In the Republic of Mari El, X5 currently runs a total of 34 Pyaterochka stores, 3 Perekrestok supermarkets, and one Karusel hypermarket. The nearby Chuvashia Republic has 54 Pyaterochka stores, 3 Perekrestok supermarkets, and 2 Karusel hypermarkets. The closest distribution centres are located in Dzerzhinsk and Kstovo (Nizhny Novgorod region).

Note to Editors:
X5 Retail Group N.V. (LSE: FIVE, Fitch – ‘BB’, Moody’s – ‘B1’, S&P – ‘BB-’) is a leading Russian food retailer. The Company operates several retail formats: the chain of proximity stores under the Pyaterochka brand, the supermarket chain under the Perekrestok brand, the hypermarket chain under the Karusel brand and Express convenience stores under various brands.

At 31 March 2015, X5 had 5,639 Company-operated stores. It has the leading market position in both Moscow and St. Petersburg and a significant presence in the European part of Russia. Its store base includes 4,958 Pyaterochka proximity stores, 405 Perekrestok supermarkets, 83 Karusel hypermarkets and 193 convenience stores. The Company operates 33 DCs and 1,407 Company-owned trucks across the Russian Federation.

For the full year 2014, revenue totaled RUB 633,873 mln (USD 16,498 mln), EBITDA reached RUB 45,860 mln (USD 1,194 mln), and profit for the period amounted to RUB 12,691 mln (USD 330 mln).

X5’s Shareholder structure is as follows: Alfa Group – 47.86%, founders of Pyaterochka – 14.43%, X5 Directors – 0.04%, treasury shares – 0.04%, free float – 37.63%.

For further details please contact
Maxim Novikov
Head of Investor Relations
Tel.: +7 (495) 502-9783
e-mail: Maxim.Novikov@x5.ru

Anastasiya Kvon
IR Director
Tel.: +7 (495) 792-3511
e-mail: Anastasiya.Kvon@x5.ru

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Rite Aid pharmacists are readily available to administer the whooping cough vaccine, Tdap as the number of pertussis cases increases

Washington State Department of Health Reports Spike in Whooping Cough Cases for 2015

CAMP HILL, PA, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — As the number of pertussis (also known as whooping cough) cases increases, Rite Aid is encouraging Washington residents to get vaccinated against the disease if they haven’t already done so. Rite Aid pharmacists are readily available to administer the whooping cough vaccine, Tdap, at all 139 Washington locations. Last week, the Washington State Department of Health reported an increase in the number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases this year 1. There have been 319 cases of whooping cough so far in 2015 – a 551 percent increase in number of cases from 2014.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adolescents 11 and above receive the Tdap vaccine. Cost varies based on the patient’s insurance coverage and the Tdap vaccines are covered by many insurance plans. Tdap vaccinations are available during pharmacy hours and no appointment is necessary. To locate the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITE-AID.

Although young children typically receive the DTaP vaccine, a series of five shots which prevents diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, from their primary health care providers as part of a regular vaccine schedule, the CDC recommends a Tdap dose between ages 11 and 12; individuals who did not receive a Tdap dose at those ages should receive one as soon as possible. Children between the ages of 7 and 10 who did not receive their full childhood schedule of DTaP may also receive their Tdap vaccine from a Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacist.

Additionally, the Tdap vaccine is recommended for healthcare professionals and anyone having close contact with a baby younger than 12 months, including grandparents, family members and childcare providers. Women who are pregnant should get a Tdap immunization during every pregnancy to protect their newborn from whooping cough.

Named for the high-pitched “whooping” sound typically accompanying severe coughing fits, whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is particularly dangerous for infants. The CDC says about half of whooping cough patients under a year of age require hospitalization and that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the bacterial infection.

In addition to the Tdap vaccine, Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists are able to vaccinate patients against more than a dozen diseases based on the CDC’s vaccine guidelines and state regulations.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/Pertussis-HCP-KeyMessages2015.pdf

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Contact:

Media: Kristin Kellum 717-975-5713

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

The Meijer LPGA 5k Run & Walk presented by Kellogg’s® to bring the community together on July 25

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Meijer LPGA 5k Run & Walk presented by Kellogg’s® seeks to bring the community together by featuring multiple competitive challenges for corporations, schools, members of the media, families and individuals.

The race will once again be powered by Gazelle Sports, and will start at 8 a.m. July 25 at Rockford High School. It will include a complimentary breakfast provided by Kellogg’s®.

“The race is really another way to get the community involved with the Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft, and ultimately help increase awareness around hunger in the communities we serve,” Meijer President J.K. Symancyk said. “Tournament week will offer something for everyone, and this year we wanted to kick the race up a notch by incorporating fun, yet competitive challenges for the community.”

“The great thing about the Meijer LPGA 5k Run is you don’t have to be a professional athlete to take part. Anyone can run a 5k,” said Dathan Ritzenhein, a Rockford, Mich. native and professional long-distance runner who placed 7th in the 2015 Boston Marathon. “Building off the success of last year’s inaugural event, the 5k is a great way to get the whole family involved in a healthy lifestyle, receive free tickets to the tournament, and help feed those in need.”

Each participant will receive a Meijer LPGA 5k Run & Walk presented by Kellogg’s® shirt, and two daily tickets to the golf tournament, valid for any one day Tuesday through Sunday.

Community 5k Run & Walk

The cost to participate is $15 per person, ages 17 and younger, and $25 per person, ages 18 and older. Strollers are welcome at the event.

The top three runners in each age group will receive $500, $250, and $100 in Meijer gift cards, respectively.

Community Challenges

The cost to participate on a team is $150 per team. The top five finishers in each team will be scored.

Corporate: Local corporations are encouraged to put together a team of five to 10 runners.
Media: Meijer will donate the entry fees for up to five teams of members of the media. Each team must include five to 10 runners.
School: Meijer will donate the entry fees for up to 10 teams of high school students. Each team must include five to 10 runners.

Winners of the community challenges will receive a $1,000 donation to the Meijer Simply Give program in their team’s name.

With Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer as the title sponsor, the driving mission of the tournament is focused on feeding the hungry and improving the quality of life within the region. The tournament will coincide with the retailer’s Simply Give program, which has raised nearly $14 million for food pantries across the Midwest since its inception in November 2008. Similar to last year, proceeds from the tournament and each of the week’s festivities – including the 5k Run & Walk – will benefit the Simply Give program.

“As runners, we all understand the value of nutrition as it relates not only to our health, but our performance,” said Greg Meyer, a professional long-distance runner from Rockford, Mich. who won the Boston Marathon in 1983. “Helping to provide nutrition to families in need offers them a greater likelihood of being healthy and productive in the community. I hope all area runners and walkers will help support the Meijer Simply Give program by joining me and Dathan Ritzenhein in the Meijer LPGA 5k.”

Registration for the Meijer LPGA 5k Run & Walk presented by Kellogg’s® is now open at meijerLPGAclassic.com

About Meijer Simply Give
Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer operates 213 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit meijercommunity.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

About Blythefield Country Club
Located just north of Grand Rapids, Blythefield has been providing families the best golf and social experience in West Michigan since 1928. With the Rogue River flowing through, Blythefield boasts one of the most beautiful championship layouts in Michigan. Previously, Blythefield has hosted the 1953 Western Amateur, the 1961 Western Open, won by Arnold Palmer, and the 2005 Western Junior won by Rickie Fowler. In 2014, Blythefield hosted the inaugural Meijer LPGA Classic presented by Kraft. Learn more about Blythefield Country Club at www.blythefieldcc.org.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Octagon Global Events
Octagon Global Events is a division of Octagon, the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency. Octagon Global Events focuses on premium event/property management, providing strategic corporate solutions. The division currently manages two Champions

Tour events, two LPGA Tour events and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. For more information, visit http://www.octagonglobalevents.com.

Contact: Lesley Baker, Tournament Director, Octagon, 616-426-6225, Lesley.Baker@octagon.com or Christina Fecher, Public Relations Manager, Meijer, 616-735-7968, Christina.Fecher@meijer.com

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. appoints Mary Beth West as EVP and chief customer and marketing officer effective June 1, 2015

PLANO, Texas, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) today announced that Mary Beth West, a highly accomplished consumer marketing executive, will join the Company’s executive leadership team as executive vice president and chief customer and marketing officer effective June 1, 2015. She will be stepping down from her position on its Board of Directors to assume this new role.

West has been a member of the JCPenney Board of Directors since 2005 and has served in numerous leadership positions at General Foods and Kraft, most notably as executive vice president and chief category and marketing officer of Kraft Foods. In joining JCPenney, West brings nearly 30 years of consumer and retail marketing experience to the Company with expertise in brand management, integrated marketing communications and consumer insights and strategy. Most recently, West held the top marketing role with Mondelēz International Inc., where she served as executive vice president and chief category and marketing officer.

“Mary Beth’s contributions to the Board have been invaluable,” said Myron E. (Mike) Ullman, III, chief executive officer of JCPenney. “Her vast experience developing and growing some of the world’s most trusted and well-known brands was instrumental to our work building an emotional connection with our customers. I am delighted that she will be supporting the Company in this new capacity, which will enable us to more directly leverage her knowledge and expertise.”

“Mary Beth is a significant addition to our leadership team. As chief customer and marketing officer, we will capitalize on her nearly 30 years of consumer and retail marketing experience to lead JCPenney’s efforts to exploit our rich customer data in support of the Company’s marketing and promotional strategy. Her blend of marketing experience, consumer advocacy and strategic acumen are exactly what we need to engage new and existing customers with promotions and experiences that will inspire more families to choose JCPenney,” added Marvin Ellison, president and CEO-designee of JCPenney.

West will not stand for re-election to the JCPenney Board of Directors and will step down from the Board at the end of her term, which concludes on May 15, 2015, at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders. Following her appointment to chief customer and marketing officer, she will join the Company’s executive board and report directly to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Additionally, Kirk Waidelich has been promoted to senior vice president, sales promotion and marketing. Waidelich is a 28-year veteran of JCPenney who brings a wealth of customer, marketing and overall retail knowledge to this very important role. He most recently served as JCPenney’s vice president of marketing strategy where he was responsible for restoring promotions at the Company and aligning its marketing strategy with the Company’s strategic growth initiatives. Waidelich will be a member of the company’s executive board and report to West.

Media Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com

Investor Relations:
(972) 431-5500 or jcpinvestorrelations@jcpenney.com

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation’s largest apparel and home furnishing retailers, is dedicated to fitting the diversity of America with unparalleled style, quality and value. Across approximately 1,060 stores and at jcpenney.com, customers will discover a broad assortment of national, private and exclusive brands to fit all shapes, sizes, occasions and budgets. For more information, please visit jcpenney.com.

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J. C. Penney Company, Inc. appoints Mary Beth West as EVP and chief customer and marketing officer effective June 1, 2015

Posted on April 29, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Morrisons brings back staffed express checkouts to its supermarkets to offer customers a quick and personal service

Morrisons is bringing back staffed express checkouts to its supermarkets this week to offer customers a quick and personal service, and more choice at checkouts.

Bradford, England, 2015-4-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The express lanes will serve customers who wish to buy ten items or less. They will mean customers with a small shop who want personal service will not have to queue behind those with a trolley full of groceries and have an alternative to self-scanning.

The average basket size for a UK supermarket customer is now 11 items costing £15, with shoppers visiting stores approximately five times a week[i].

David Potts, CEO of Morrisons said: “We’re listening hard to our customers and responding quickly wherever possible. If customers from time to time do smaller shops, they want to get in and out of our stores quickly.

“We are responding by introducing express checkouts which shoppers with ten items or less can use. These checkouts – and our very helpful staff – will offer a quick and personal service, helping to keep queues low and improving thousands of shopping trips.”

Two express lanes will be introduced at each of Morrisons 504 supermarkets nationwide. They will be run from existing checkout units within each store. One will be operational from 8am to 8pm and both during daily peak shopping periods of 12-2pm and 4-6pm.

Their addition means Morrisons will offer customers three payment options in store. Standard checkouts will cater for larger trolley shops, whilst self checkouts and manned express checkouts will give customers more choice for smaller shops.

The development comes after Morrisons retail team and CEO David Potts asked colleagues and customers how to make the shopping at Morrisons better. Another recent change has been the removal of Morrisons Intelligent Queue Management system in March 2015. Staff now use their own judgement to decide how many checkouts to open rather than being guided by a computer system.

Media contact

For all media enquiries call
0845 611 5111
Available 24 hours

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