Monthly Archives: June 2015

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IKEA US to again raise its minimum hourly wage in existing stores effective January 1, 2016

Conshohocken, PA, 2015-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA US announced today that it will again raise its minimum hourly wage in existing stores. Effective January 1, 2016, the average minimum hourly wage paid in IKEA US stores will increase from $10.76 to $11.87, a $1.11 or 10.3% increase. This is $4.62 above the current federal minimum wage.

In June 2014, IKEA US announced its new minimum wage structure, which bases minimum hourly wages on local living costs for co-workers. The basis for the local living costs is the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which takes into consideration housing, food, medical and transportation costs plus annual taxes.* This is a departure from determining wages based on the local competitive situation and is centered on the needs of the IKEA co-worker.

“IKEA not only seeks to understand life at home in order to offer our customers a great home furnishings offer, we also seek to understand our co-workers lives and needs in order to make IKEA a great place to work,” commented Lars Petersson, IKEA US President. “This latest wage increase is just the most recent in a series of investments grounded in our commitment to have a positive impact on our co-workers lives.”

Petersson continues, “This is not only the right thing to do for our co-workers, it’s also good for business. One year ago when we announced our new minimum wage structure based on local living conditions, we hoped it would contribute to reducing co-worker turnover. Now six months after the implementation, I am pleased to see that we are pacing to reduce co-worker turnover by 5 points in FY15.”

As a result of today’s announcement, 42 of 43 IKEA US retail locations will have an increase in their minimum wage and approximately 32% of IKEA US hourly retail co-workers will benefit from the change. As of January 2016, all five US distribution centers and all non-retail locations will also have minimum wages above the local living wage, and no co-worker will have a minimum hourly wage below $10.00.

In addition to investing in co-worker compensation, IKEA US is addressing co-workers’ feedback and needs by considering ways to deliver more full-time schedules and increased schedule predictability. Although IKEA US currently provides co-workers with their schedules three weeks in advance, the company is seeking ways to make scheduling even more predictable.

IKEA currently employs 15,000 co-workers in its 40 US stores, five distributions centers and three non-store locations. The company has announced new locations in St. Louis, Memphis, Columbus and Las Vegas.

* The rate used is a single person with no children. Based on the MIT Living Wage calculator http://livingwage.mit.edu. Rate applies no matter what the hours per week a co-worker works. ** According to an independent evaluation (Towers Watson BENEVAL)

Contact: Mona A. Liss, IKEA Corporate PR Director ~ Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180, ext.5852

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 315 IKEA Group stores in 27 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 40 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 14, IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

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Amcal again voted as the leading service provider in the pharmacy sector winning the 2015 Readers Digest Quality Service Award

Victoria, Australia, 2015-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amcal has again been recognised by the Australian public as the leading service provider in the pharmacy sector, winning the 2015 Readers Digest Quality Service Award.

Amcal recorded a combined consumer Quality Service Index score of 78 in the extensive national online survey and grabbed by far the highest consumer score for those who said they would ‘enthusiastically’ continue to shop at the store or recommend it to a friend or family member.

Sigma Chief Operating Officer Mr Gary Dunne said winning the award was great recognition for the thousands of team members in Amcal stores around Australia.

“The Amcal brand is synonymous with providing expert advice for all Australians. Our Amcal pharmacists pride themselves on consistently taking the time to deliver the care and service that their customers need, so it is really pleasing for Amcal to again be recognised as leading the way,” he said.

Independent research analyst Catalyst conducted the online research involving more than 1500 interviews around Australia covering every demographic group on behalf of Readers Digest. Pharmacies were given a Service Quality Index rating based on consumer feedback on the following criteria:

  • Personalisation – providing a tailored customer experience;
  • Understanding – demonstrating empathy for the customer’s needs;
  • Simplicity – making the process quick and easy for the customer;
  • Reliability – consistently delivering high quality customer service;
  • Satisfaction – delivering, and exceeding, customer expectations.

“Sigma continues to introduce programs into our Amcal network to assist the pharmacist help care for customers and better manage their health. This includes continuing to expand our Professional Service programs, such as coeliac testing and kidney check, to bring real and sustainable health management benefits to the community”, said Mr Dunne,

This award follows consistent recognition for Amcal, having previously been awarded the Canstar Blue Most Satisfied Customers award for 2014 and 2013, and the International Customer Service Professionals (ICSP) outstanding Customer Service award for 2014. Another one of Sigma’s pharmacy brands, Guardian, has also won the past three Roy Morgan Customer Satisfaction awards.

Mr Dunne concluded, “Pharmacists continue to be some of the most accessible health care professionals in Australia. So it is a credit to everyone that our Amcal and Guardian pharmacies are universally recognised as consistently providing outstanding customer service standards that are clearly valued by the community.”

For more information please contact:
Gary Woodford
Corporate Affairs Manager
Mob: 0417 399 204

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Sigma Pharmaceuticals Limited announces 5-year wholesale supply and services agreement with Reform Management

VICTORIA, Australia, 2015-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sigma Pharmaceuticals Limited (Sigma) is pleased to confirm a new 5-year wholesale supply and services agreement with Reform Management (Reform).

With over 1,900 independent community pharmacy customers nationally, Reform has one of the largest independent networks and is committed to partnering with suppliers to support their servicing and buying requirements.

Mr Mark Hooper, Sigma Chief Executive Officer commented “Reform is providing critical services to their community pharmacy members to support their customers to pro-actively manage their health. It is really pleasing that Reform has chosen Sigma as their partner of choice and we look forward to this partnership further developing over the long term.”

Reform have been a long term wholesale customer of Sigma, and the relationship further consolidates with this arrangement now extended and expanded.

Reform Managing Director Peter Nelson commented “Reform is committed to providing the solutions our independent community pharmacies need to thrive in this challenging market. Entering into a longer term and more strategic partnership with Sigma was a natural choice to provide us with the supply, products and service solutions required for our community pharmacy members. This strengthening partnership with Sigma will allow our pharmacy members to better succeed both now and into the future.”

For more information please contact:
Gary Woodford
Corporate Affairs Manager
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Limited
gary.woodford@signet.com.au
Mobile: 0417 399 204

 

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BRC supports awareness campaign targeting identity crime in our communities

LONDON, 2015-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — An awareness campaign encouraging people to protect their personal information has been launched today. The ‘Not With My Name’ campaign, produced in partnership with the City of London Police (National Policing Lead for Fraud) is targeting identity crime in our communities.

The campaign will be highlighting advice focused on helping people protect their personal information. This will include pointers on creating safe passwords, protecting internet devices, dealing with unsolicited phone calls and emails, and safely storing and disposing of mail.

These messages will be shared across the country, with the campaign being supported by 35 local police forces and organisations that include Get Safe Online, Cifas, FFA UK, Age UK and Experian.

Identity fraud is an offence that one in four UK adults – 12.275 million people – is believed to have fallen victim to losing on average £1200 each. Total losses to the UK adult population are estimated to be £3.3 billion.*
In the first quarter of 2015 there was a 27% increase in identity fraud. The average age of a victim was 46, with men being 1.7 times more likely than women to have their identity stolen.**

The knock-on effects range from the inconvenient to the highly distressing, with issues taking on average on average 200 hours of a person or businesses time to resolve. Victims often find that money has been removed from their bank or their account has been taken over, a fraudulent passport or driving license has been created in their name, or loans, mortgages and mobile phone contracts have been set-up using their identity.

The wider effects for society are also concerning with the proceeds of identity crime often being used to fund further criminal activity. City of London Police Commander Steve Head, who is the Police National Coordinator for Economic Crime, said:

“Identity crime – the creation of a false identity or the misuse of a genuine identity – is a key facilitator to committing further criminality, evading detection from law enforcement and laundering criminal profits. What many of us do not appreciate is the sheer scale of the problem, with one in four adults believed to have been a victim.

“To really get to grips with identity crime requires us all to come together and share advice on how to protect our personal information at home, in the workplace and while out in public places. Following the top tips provided by the ‘Not With My Name’ campaign will help people better understand the nature and scale of the threat they face which in turn will hopefully make them much less likely to fall victim to this type of offence.”

*National Fraud Authority Annual Fraud Indicator 2013
**According 2015 Cifas report: 2015 Cifas Report: ID Fraud First Quarter

British Retail Consortium, 21 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9BP. 020 7854 8900. info@brc.org.uk.

 

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Wesfarmers Limited enters into an agreement to acquire a 13.7 per cent interest in Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd

PERTH, Australia, 2015-6-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wesfarmers Limited (Wesfarmers) has entered into an agreement to acquire a 13.7 per cent interest in Quadrant Energy Holdings Pty Ltd (Quadrant Energy).

Brookfield Asset Management Inc and Macquarie Capital (a division of Macquarie Group Limited) announced on 9 April 2015 an agreement to acquire Apache Corporation’s (Apache) domestic oil and gas assets in Western Australia for US$2.1 billion, with each holding an initial 50 per cent interest in Quadrant Energy. This transaction completed on 5 June 2015.

Wesfarmers will invest US$100 million to acquire a 27.4 per cent interest in the special purpose vehicle in which Macquarie Capital holds its interest, representing a 13.7 per cent interest in Quadrant Energy. As part of this investment, Wesfarmers will have a right to appoint a director to the Board of Quadrant Energy.

Wesfarmers Managing Director Richard Goyder said the investment in Quadrant Energy is complementary to Wesfarmers’ Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers division’s existing businesses and is expected to generate a satisfactory return to shareholders.

Completion of the transaction is expected today.

For more information:

Investors Media
Mark Scatena
General Manager, Investor Relations & Planning
+61 8 9327 4416 or +61 439 979 398
mscatena@wesfarmers.com.au

Cathy Bolt
Media and External Affairs Manager
+61 8 9327 4423 or +61 417 813 804
cbolt@wesfarmers.com.au

About Quadrant Energy
Quadrant Energy’s portfolio of assets includes interests formerly held by Apache in the following projects:

• three operating gas fields – Reindeer, John Brookes, and Halyard-Spar, and in the BHP Billiton-operated Macedon;
• three operating oil fields – Coniston-Novara, Van Gogh and Stag, and in BHP Billiton-operated Pyrenees Area;
• gas processing facilities and associated infrastructure at Devil Creek, Varanus Island and Macedon; and
• upstream acreage in the Carnarvon, Exmouth and Canning Basins.

All of Quadrant Energy’s gas production is supplied to the Western Australian domestic gas market, and currently represents approximately 40 per cent of Western Australia’s domestic gas supply.

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Wegmans supports the first exhibition designed for the learning needs of children 6 and under at the National Museum of American History

ROCHESTER, NY, 2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will open “Wegmans Wonderplace” Dec. 9 as the first exhibition on the National Mall designed for the learning needs of children 6 and under. Made possible by a $1.5 million gift and in-kind donations from Wegmans Food Markets, this space will allow curious kids to “cook” in a kitchen inspired by Julia Child’s; plant and harvest pretend vegetables and run the farm stand; find the owls hiding in a miniature replica of the Smithsonian’s Castle building; and captain a tugboat based on a model in the museum’s collection.

The museum named its early learning space “Wonderplace” for its mission to cultivate a sense of wonder and imagination. This 1,700-square-foot gallery will be part of the new Innovation Wing and will provide the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities over the next 20 years.

“We know that play is an integral part of sparking invention and innovation, and ‘Wegmans Wonderplace’ will ignite that innate curiosity in children and help guide them on a path to lifetime learning at the Smithsonian,” said John Gray, director of the museum.

Wegmans is also supporting the museum’s new demonstration kitchen in the Wallace H. Coulter Performance Plaza. Part of the museum’s Food History Project, the kitchen will host a diverse menu of programs and demonstrations that bring visitors together for relevant discussions that start with history and expand to the present and future of American food. Programming will begin July 3 with the launch of a weekly series of cooking demonstrations. Known as “Food Fridays,” these events will showcase a guest chef and a Smithsonian staff host as they make a dish, talk about the traditions in preparing and eating that dish, and explore a related theme in American food history.

Wegmans is stocking the kitchen pantry every week with fresh produce and will provide culinary experts for demonstrations once each month. On July 10, Wegmans’ Executive Chef Llewellyn Correia will showcase summer grilling with a spotlight on vegetables. The Wegmans “Food Friday” schedule is Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 9 and Nov. 6. Special holiday-themed demonstrations will take place on the stage Dec. 9 to coincide with the grand opening celebration of “Wonderplace.”

“Wegmans’ mission is to help our customers live healthier, better lives, and that begins with children,” said Wegmans CEO Danny Wegman. “Having fun through play is the best way to inspire children to learn.” According to the company, the opening of ‘Wegmans Wonderplace’ at the end of this year will also help to usher in Wegmans’ 100th Anniversary in 2016.

“Wegmans Wonderplace” will feature six sections each with hands-on, play-based interdisciplinary activities. The sections include: the Farm, the Kitchen, the Port, the Construction Site, the Gallery and the Smithsonian Castle. Each area combines artifact displays with fun hands-on activities to engage young children and their families. Activities such as the 12 different kinds of blocks in the Construction Site will help promote creativity and advance motor skills.

More than 100 objects will be displayed around “Wonderplace” to stimulate early learners’ interest in museums and American history. These artifacts from the museum’s collections will be presented in fun ways to get families excited about what they are seeing. In the Castle section, children will get to look at objects from all angles as they climb around—and even under—them. In the Farm section, kids will “find the animals” among the weathervanes, milk bottles, farm toys and lunch boxes.

So that every age group can get the most out of “Wonderplace,” signs will guide parents and caregivers on how to help their children engage in the activities. The center will also contain family-friendly amenities to create a more comfortable environment for visitors. These amenities include family bathrooms with diaper-changing stations, parking areas for strollers and a quiet nook in the rear of the space where parents can feed and take care of infants.

Through incomparable collections, rigorous research and dynamic public outreach, the National Museum of American History explores the infinite richness and complexity of American history. For more information, visit http://americanhistory.si.edu. The museum is located on Constitution Avenue, between 12th and 14th streets N.W. Admission is free.

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Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 86-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.  The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator.  Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for eighteen consecutive years.  In 2015, Wegmans ranked #7 on the list.  The company also ranked #1 for Corporate Reputation, among the 100 ‘most-visible companies’ nationwide in the 2014 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient ® study.

 

Contact Information:

Valeska Hilbig, Smithsonian (202) 633-3129
Jo Natale, Wegmans (585) 429-3627

 

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Wegmans supports the first exhibition designed for the learning needs of children 6 and under at the National Museum of American History

Wegmans supports the first exhibition designed for the learning needs of children 6 and under at the National Museum of American History

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Russian X5 Retail Group opens two distribution centres in the Voronezh Region

Voronezh, Russia, 2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group, a leading Russian food retailer, announced today the opening of two distribution centres (“DC”) in the Voronezh Region. The state-ofthe-art logistics facilities, Ramon and Chernozemye, are expected to strengthen ties between food producers and consumers from seven Black Earth Belt regions, helping to increase the volume of products from local suppliers.

The Ramon facility (39,500 sqm) will handle goods for Pyaterochka stores across the Voronezh, Tambov, Lipetsk, Belgorod, Kursk, Orel and Bryansk regions.

The Chernozemye Distribution Centre (11,500 sq m) will focus on servicing the Perekrestok and Karusel chains in the Voronezh, Tambov, Lipetsk, Belgorod and Kursk regions, as well as the Volgograd Region from next year

Voronezh Region Governor Alexey Gordeev, Х5 Retail Group Government Relations Director Stanislav Naumov and General Director of Pyaterochka retail chain Olga Naumova laid the groundwork for development of the two logistics facilities at a meeting before the opening ceremony. The meeting participants discussed how Russia’s leading agricultural region in terms of production output may benefit from the extensive development of the X5 logistics network. They also noted how the retail industry should seek to ensure advanced retail services for the local community.

Х5 Retail Group invited over 20 major suppliers from the Voronezh Region to attend the opening ceremony, as the launch of the new logistics facilities offers them significant opportunities to develop cooperation with the Pyaterochka, Perekrestok and Karusel chains, while also materially reducing logistics costs and boosting supplies to X5 stores.

The centralisation of the supply chain will also help to increase the share of local suppliers in the product mix offered by X5 stores in the Voronezh Region. Whereas this share is currently above 25% of total retail turnover, the bulk of products sold by X5 retail chain stores are of Russian origin and come from a variety of regions.

The Voronezh Region now hosts 67 Pyaterochka stores, three Perekrestok supermarkets and two Karusel hypermarkets. These employ over 1,250 local residents, with the opening of the two X5 distribution centres creating an additional 950 jobs. On top of that, X5 is planning to open 25 new Pyaterochka stores in the region in 2015, meaning the chain’s total headcount in the Voronezh Region will increase to more than 2,500 employees.

In 2013, X5 started implementing a logistics separation strategy with a view to splitting product flows for convenience stores from the flows for supermarkets and hypermarkets. Single format DCs are instrumental in maximising product traffic centralisation, streamlining deliveries and in-store product ranges. The logistics separation across X5’s retail chains is scheduled to be completed in 2015.

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.

As of 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

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Auchan hypermarkets in China mobilized to relieve to their customers the key information on the traceability of the on-shelf products on the occasion of National Food Safety Week

CHINA, 2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Last June, 19th was the launch of the National Food Safety Week : a key event aiming at promoting the policies and actions carried out in China.

On this occasion, all the Auchan hypermarkets were mobilized to relieve to their customers the key information and sensitization defined by the public authorities. Large boards, broadcasting of movies and leafleting livened our stores throughout the week. Some of them also presented all the projects operated by Auchan to guarantee quality and transparency on the traceability of the on-shelf products.

With an ISO 9,001 certified buying group, 400 audited suppliers, 7,000 licence controls and 2,300 pesticides analyzed every year, Auchan China wants to propose a trustful offer.

To achieve this ambition, a unique system of traceability in the Chinese retail sector has been set up, and in particular since 2013 for the marketed pieces of beef, pork or sheep. On every punnet, an identifier sends back to very complete information on the place and dates of breeding, slaughter, cut and packaging, available on the banner’s website. Since 2014, the same information can also be obtained via QR codes for the customers equipped with smartphones and were widened to the chicken as well as to 9 fruits and vegetables in the stores of Shanghai.

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Auchan hypermarkets in China mobilized to relieve to their customers the key information on the traceability of the on-shelf products on the occasion of National Food Safety Week

Auchan hypermarkets in China mobilized to relieve to their customers the key information on the traceability of the on-shelf products on the occasion of National Food Safety Week

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7‑Eleven® adds two premium lines 7-Select GO!Yum™ and 7-Select GO!Smart™ to its 7-Select™ brand

DALLAS, 2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — When 7‑Eleven® entered the private-brand game, they set the bar high for their 7-Select™ brand … and have now raised it, with two premium lines, 7-SelectGO!Yum™ and 7-Select GO!Smart™ inspired by customer feedback. The company has embarked on a store-wide effort to ensure the quality of its 7-Select line exceeds that of national brands.  The new line extensions, 7-Select GO!Yum and 7-Select GO!Smart satisfy consumer requests for variety in both indulgent and better-for-you products.  The variety in these two premium lines brings on-trend flavors and premium ingredients to a line-up of foods that are only available at 7‑Eleven stores.

“We set out to surpass customer expectations with products exclusively available at 7‑Eleven stores. We are confident that we are exceeding the quality standards of leading national brands with our 7-Select brand,” said Sean Thompson, 7‑Eleven senior director of private brands. “7-Select GO!Yum introduces an indulgent assortment of savory and sweet snacks, with a level of quality more likely found at a specialty store than in a convenience store. Each product is made with premium ingredients curated for imaginative taste combinations and an out-of-the-ordinary sensory experience.”

Carefully selected premium ingredients are the key in both new lines, and the more decadent or exotic, the better. Consumers are looking for, and expecting, better quality food and new taste experiences. 7‑Eleven aims to give them what they want. For example, the 7-Select GO!Yum premium ice cream line features seven rich flavors including Banana Cream Pie,Double Cookie Dough, Fudge Marshmallow, Oh Thank Heaven for Chocolate™, Sea Salt Caramel Truffle, Toasted S’mores and Vanilla Bean.

Popcorn is one of the fastest-growing snack categories as consumers view it as a healthier way to snack. 7‑Eleven has answered that trend with gourmet popcorn in both 7-Select GO!Yum and 7-Select GO!Smart varieties. Preservative-free 7-Select GO!Yum flavors includeSriracha, Jalapeno Cheddar, Bacon Ranch and Cinnamon Sugar.  The particular type of popping corn used keeps the seasoning on the kernels and the glaze on the kettle corn to deliver a light texture in every bite. Unlike many premium national-brand popcorns, all 7-Select varieties are made with non-GMO corn and are air-popped in a nut-free facility.

7-Select GO!Smart was developed for those looking for better-for-you options while on the go and includes great-tasting snacks like gourmet light popcorn, sprouted tortilla chips in exotic flavors, and nutrient-dense yogurt bars.

7-Select GO!Smart products are designed with nutritional balance as a priority. Many are gluten-free, GMO-free and use organic sweeteners like agave and brown rice syrups, which have a lower glycemic index. All have prominent nutritional information to help consumers make the best choice for them.

Gourmet popcorn is now available in 7-Select GO!Smart All Natural, Light Popcorn made withExtra Virgin Olive Oil and Pink Himalayan Salt for just 37 calories a cup. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, 7-Select just introduced GO!Smart sprouted tortilla chips in exotic flavors like Sweet Chili, Sriracha and Sweet Potato. Not only do they taste great, but some studies suggest that sprouted grains may improve absorption of nutrients and be more easily digested.

Other 7-Select GO!Smart choices include yogurt-drizzled fruit and nut bars, in Pistachio and Mixed Berries and Cranberry Cashew varieties.  These products were launched last year and are now a favorite of customers, selling among the top-sellers within nutrition bars.

“Customers have told us that they find it difficult to find good food while on-the-go that can help them find the best nutritional balance,” said Laura Gordon, vice president brand innovation.  “Their needs change by day, sometimes by hour, and we are committed to bringing them a range of great tasting options that will leave them fully satisfied while on the go. 7‑Eleven continues to innovate in the better-for-you arena including snacking and meal options leveraging customer feedback.”

“When we develop an item we start with a clear benchmark – sometimes this is a top-selling national brand and sometimes it is a premium brand or restaurant brand standards.  We don’t launch the item until we are confident we have exceeded the quality of our benchmark.  This way we position our franchisees with products that will create loyalty with their customers and drive repeat visits,” says Thompson.

Today, the 7-Select private brand product lineup includes approximately 350 items cutting across all categories. Another 100 are expected to roll out before the end of the year.

“Our private brands set 7‑Eleven apart from the competition,” Thompson said. “This may be the largest pipeline of innovation in 7‑Eleven history. My goal is to build a best-in-class selection. Creating, and then meeting, quality expectations is what increases brand loyalty.”

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7‑Eleven operates, franchises or licenses nearly 10,500 7‑Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are more than 56,200 7‑Eleven stores in 16 countries. 7‑Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #1 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2014 Top Global Franchise list; #2 on Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies for 2013; #10 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2015, and #3 in Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start. 7‑Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine’s 2013 list of the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail.” 7‑Eleven places among Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2014 by U.S. Veterans Magazine and is among GI Jobs magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2014. Hispanic Magazine named 7‑Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7‑Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com.

Contact:
Stephanie Shaw
7‑Eleven, Inc.
972-828-5837
Stephanie.Shaw@7-11.com

 

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7‑Eleven® adds two premium lines 7-Select GO!Yum™ and 7-Select GO!Smart™ to its 7-Select™ brand

7‑Eleven® adds two premium lines 7-Select GO!Yum™ and 7-Select GO!Smart™ to its 7-Select™ brand

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New Zealand: Foodstuffs North Island consolidates a number of its wholesale Cash’n Carry stores

Auckland, New Zealand, 2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Foodstuffs North Island Ltd has today confirmed that as part of an extensive review of its wholesale business and following consultation with affected staff, it is consolidating a number of its wholesale Cash’n Carry stores – resulting in the closure over the next couple of months of Toops Napier, Toops New Plymouth, Gilmours Panmure, Gilmours Henderson and Gilmours Rotorua.

Doug Cochrane, General Manager Retail, Foodstuffs North Island Ltd says, “We need to meet the evolving needs of our customers and to do this we need to have a network of well located, large format stores, offering a consistent customer experience and product range across the North Island. Unfortunately, these five wholesale stores due to their size or location were not suitable to be turned into the large format stores customers will require for the future.”

The store closures will affect a total of 128 full and part time employees.

“The decision to close these stores was not taken lightly,” says Cochrane. “We are absolutely committed to helping our staff during this tough time and providing all the support we can. With the support of the local community and our wider co-operative, we will be working hard to find our people job opportunities within the Foodstuffs network of stores, in particularly in the 60 businesses across the regions these stores are located in.  We have identified over 100 job opportunities currently available within the Foodstuffs network and we are confident that many more job opportunities will be found in the coming days.”

“We recognise that financially this decision will have an impact on staff so a ‘Care Programme’ has been developed so we can provide all affected staff with financial and other support at the conclusion of their contracts.  Our staff have great skills and we are confident they will be an asset to anyone who takes them on. Concentrating on facilitating this process is a top priority for us right now and we have enlisted the support of external HR advisors to provide staff with CV writing and interview skills.”

“The teams at all these stores do a great job and our decision to close the stores is absolutely no reflection on them,” says Cochrane. “We have been proudly servicing the wholesale market for many years, and we remain totally committed to delivering the best possible offer we can to our wholesale customers.  These changes are a direct reflection of us listening to our customers’ needs and our desire to provide the right offer to meet their long-term business requirements.”

Cochrane adds that while the decision to close the stores is a difficult one, he believes it is the best decision for customers.  “We will be investing in our seven remaining stores in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North and Wellington so that our wholesale business will provide a better store offer and help our customers run their businesses more effectively.”

Customers will continue to get great service throughout this period of change and service delivery customers of the affected stores will still be able to shop via the Service Delivery offering and have their products delivered direct to their premises.

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Country superstar Jennifer Nettles teams up with American West Jewelry to debut a collection on QVC Sunday, July 5

American West Jewelry Featuring Jennifer Nettles Launching on QVC

WEST CHESTER, Pa.,  2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Country superstar, Jennifer Nettles is teaming up with American West Jewelry to debut a collection on QVC Sunday, July 5 at 6 PM (ET). The line will feature stunning looks that combine sterling silver, brass, leather and suede with vibrant gemstones. Viewers can tune in to hear from Nettles herself, who will not only be presenting the collection but also sharing her personal inspirations for the design of the pieces.

“We are thrilled for the debut of this unique collaboration featuring American West Jewelry and Jennifer Nettles,” said Ken O’Brien, senior vice president of merchandising at QVC. “Jennifer is such a powerful voice in the entertainment world and we are looking forward to offering both country music fans and jewelry lovers alike the chance to experience the collection.”

The Grammy®, CMA and ACM award-winning singer and songwriter infuses her personal style throughout the line. The eclectic and bohemian-chic pieces include necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings which range in price from approximately $50 to $349.

“I love reaching people through my music, but I can’t tell you how excited I am to be able to share my passion for jewelry with the QVC audience,” commented Nettles. “I enjoy accessorizing my own wardrobe on a daily basis and I cannot wait for people to experience all of the fun this line has to offer.”

A selection of the American West Jewelry Featuring Jennifer Nettles collection is currently available online at www.qvc.com/JenniferNettles.content.html. The full debut assortment is scheduled to be available beginning July 5, while supplies last, through QVC.com, the QVC apps or by calling 800.345.1515.

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About QVC
QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: QVCA, QVCB), is the world’s leading video and ecommerce retailer. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 300 million homes worldwide through operations in the U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and a joint venture in China. Based in West Chester, Pa. and founded in 1986, QVC has evolved from a TV shopping company to a leading ecommerce and mobile commerce retailer. The company’s website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

About American West Jewelry
American West Jewelry is owned by Relios, an Albuquerque based design and production studio. American West Jewelry captures the beauty and spirited lifestyle of the American west in bold, eclectic, sterling silver, brass, leather and genuine gemstones. Founded in 1975, Relios is committed to quality design and craftsmanship in America.

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The Defense Commissary Agency: 700 students of military families to receive scholarship this year thanks to 2015 Scholarships for Military Children program

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-6-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Seven hundred students of military families will each receive a $2,000 scholarship this year thanks to the 2015 Scholarships for Military Children program.

The scholarship, created in 2001, recognizes the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and celebrates the commissary’s role in enhancing military quality of life.

“The scholarship program helps improve educational opportunities for military children,” said Marye Carr, Defense Commissary Agency liaison for the program. “And, at DeCA we are proud to be a small part of honoring the best and the brightest young students in our military communities.”

No government funds are used to support the program. DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, manufacturers, brokers, suppliers – and the general public donate money to fund the program, and every dollar donated goes directly to funding the scholarships.

“I’ve always been amazed and impressed with the intelligence, the creativity and the dedication, the pursuit of scholastic excellence shown by these students,” said Michael J. Dowling, DeCA deputy director and COO.

“Our stores host awards ceremonies for scholarship recipients,” Dowling added, “and we all recognize the support of the many folks – our industry partners and the Fisher House Foundation – for making the scholarship possible.” The scholarship program is administered by Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to service members and their families.

“The competition among applicants was keen,” said Fisher House Foundation Vice President Jim Weiskopf. “Those who were selected had excellent grades, had leadership positions in school extracurricular activities and were active volunteers in their communities. Some had full-time or part-time work experience. All wrote thoughtful, well-researched essays.”

Four thousand applications were submitted for this year’s scholarships. The number of scholarship awards each year is based on funds available, but the program awards at least $2,000 at each military commissary. If there are no eligible applicants from a given commissary, the funds designated for that commissary are awarded as an additional scholarship at a different store.

Planning for next year’s program is underway, and an announcement of open dates to apply is usually made in the fall. “For the coming year’s scholarship program, we will remind students the program is open with banners at commissary entrances,” said Carr.

Applications will be available in commissaries worldwide and online at www.militaryscholar.org. To apply for a scholarship, a student must be a dependent, unmarried child, younger than 21 – or 23, if already enrolled as a full-time student at a college or university – of a service member on active duty, reservist, guardsman, retiree or survivor of a military member who died while on active duty or survivor of a retiree.

Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their sponsor, are enrolled in the DEERS database and have a current military ID card.

NOTE: For videos related to this news release, please access the following links: YouTube video and DIVDs video. For photos, please go to our Flickr page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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American military commissaries to celebrate their 148th anniversary on July 1

July 1 marks 148 years of military commissary benefit

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — American military commissaries, the “supermarkets to the military” across the globe, reach their 148th anniversary on July 1. On that day in 1867, Congress authorized the Army to begin selling, at cost, food items – called “commissary goods” to soldiers of all ranks. This landmark event began the modern era of retail food sales taking place on military installations.

Military commissaries today little resemble the warehouses that doubled as sales stores in 1867, but there are key similarities. For example, commissaries still sell food at cost to officers and enlisted alike, providing a savings benefit that promotes readiness and encourages retention in the armed services.

From stables and hangars to modern facilities

“Throughout history, commissaries transformed right alongside the military, evolving from a counter in a subsistence storehouses to former stables to old airplane hangars to vacant warehouses to the modern facilities you see today,” said Joseph H. Jeu, director and CEO of the Defense Commissary Agency. “A constant amid this evolution has been delivering a benefit for service members and their families who’ve earned it.”

In addition to the savings military families receive on their commissary purchases, the benefit also provides an indirect support to patrons of nearly $250 million annually. This support is due in large part to the commissary’s relationship with industry partners – its vendors, suppliers and brokers – responsible for store support, military-only coupons, contributions to installations, promotions and giveaways, and scholarships for military children.

Modern-day benefit begins

The modern-day benefit began after the Civil War. Then, many soldiers were poorly served by sutlers, licensed vendors who often overcharged or provided poor-quality goods. After the war, Congress decided that enlisted men should receive the same shopping privileges officers had already enjoyed for four decades and extended the benefit to all ranks.

The first stock list, approved in 1868, consisted of 82 items, most of which were canned goods. This product selection was similar to the stock lists of contemporary civilian general stores. Eventually, the sales function moved from storehouses to separate buildings, first known as “commissary sales stores” and, later, to “sales commissaries.”

Civilian post traders, who had been permitted to sell anything commissaries did not carry, were abolished in 1893, and the modern exchange system took their place in 1895. To this day, the commissaries and exchanges are separate organizations, with different funding sources.

First overseas stores open

The first overseas commissaries opened in Cuba and the Philippines in 1898-99. After the Navy and Marine Corps opened their first commissary sales stores in 1910, personnel from any service could patronize any commissary run by the other armed services.

When the Air Force became a separate service in 1947, it inherited its commissaries from the Army. Each service ran its own stores, first at installation level and later through an agency.

Since 1879, commissaries have used various customer surcharges to help the stores pay for transport, spoilage or construction costs.

Congress establishes surcharge

From 1879-1882, a 10 percent charge was levied on all goods except tobacco. In the 1920s, the stores used a surcharge that varied by location. In 1952, Congress established what has become a permanent surcharge, initially at 3 percent, but in 1983 it was increased to 5 percent. The surcharge is primarily used to cover facility construction and renovation costs.

The list of eligible shoppers has expanded since 1867. Retired officers became eligible in 1879 and retired enlisted men in 1914. All spouses and family members were shopping by the 1930s, although some received the benefit earlier in many locations.

DeCA begins operations

In 1991, to improve efficiency and increase taxpayer savings, Congress and the Department of Defense created the Defense Commissary Agency by consolidating the military services’ separate retail grocery operations. Since then, customer savings have increased from 25 to an average of 30 percent.

Members of the National Guard and Reserve always had partial shopping privileges – essentially, during brief periods of active duty service; but in 2004, in recognition of their vital contributions to the nation’s defense, their increasing duties and extended deployments, National Guard and Reserve personnel were authorized full commissary benefits.

The number of items stocked by commissaries has also increased from the 82 sold in 1868 to the 22,500 items available in the commissary’s largest stores today. “With a legacy of 148 years behind us, we remain committed to providing a valuable commissary benefit to military members, retirees and their families that is cost effective and operationally efficient,” Jeu said. “Whether it’s the 19th century or the 21st century, we exist to serve our patrons.”

NOTE: For photos related to this release, please visit our Flickr page.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Toys“R”Us revealed its lineup of exclusive figures and playthings that will be available at the highly anticipated Comic Convention in San Diego next month

In Celebration of Highly Anticipated Con, Company Introduces “Collector Vector,” a New Destination Dedicated to Products for the Mature Collector Community, in All Stores Nationwide and Online at Toysrus.com

Wayne, NJ, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Building on its tradition of offering an unbeatable assortment of toys for collectors of all ages, Toys“R”Us today revealed its lineup of exclusive figures and playthings that will be available at the highly anticipated Comic Convention in San Diego next month. Conventioneers and online shoppers will find must-have merchandise based on several fan-favorite entertainment brands, including BATMAN™, MY LITTLE PONY, POWER RANGERS™, Star Wars™, TRANSFORMERS and more at the Entertainment Earth booth (#2343) and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12.*

In conjunction with Comic Convention, Toys“R”Us has introduced a new shop titled, “Collector Vector,” dedicated to collectible action figures, playsets and more for the mature collector community, available now in its stores nationwide and Toysrus.com. This specially designated destination features nearly 100 highly sought-after collectibles from industry leading manufacturers, including Bandai, Diamond Select™, Mezco Toyz, McFarlane Toys and NECA, among others, as well as items based on hit properties, such as BATMAN™, Godzilla, Sons of Anarchy, Predator, The Walking Dead and more. The company’s new digital “Collector Vector” hub, available online at Toysrus.com, features hundreds of additional product options, including items customers can’t find anywhere else.

Click to Tweet: .@ToysRUs reveals exclusive #SDCC merchandise & announces new #CollectorVector in-store & online shop www.toysrus.com/ComicConvention

“Just as pop culture fans have been eagerly awaiting the 2015 Comic Convention all year long, we have been working with our manufacturing partners to bring a lineup of exclusive products to this year’s show that our conventioneers will clamor for,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “We are thrilled to share these collectibles, along with our new, easy-to-navigate, dedicated online and in-store shop, ‘Collector Vector,’ with our avid collector community who has long looked to Toys“R”Us as the destination for these unique items.”

Toys“R”Us Raises the Curtain on Its 2015 Comic Convention Exclusives

Toys“R”Us will provide convention goers the opportunity to be among the first to purchase exclusive merchandise, including BATMAN Classic TV Series Batgirl, Mortal Combat X Glow-in-the Dark Raiden, G.I. JOE DESERT DUEL, MY LITTLE PONY PRINCESS CELESTIA™ and TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Bluestreak, among others at the Comic Convention in San Diego from Thursday, July 9 through Sunday, July 12*. Select first-look items will become available in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide later this year.

Fans unable to journey to San Diego will also have the opportunity to purchase all of the same products online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention beginning on Thursday, July 9. All merchandise is available while supplies last, so fans are encouraged to visit Entertainment Earth at booth #2343 or Toysrus.com/ComicConvention early to make purchases.

The following Toys“R”Us exclusives will be available at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention beginning Thursday, July 9:

BATMAN™ Classic TV Series Batgirl from Mattel®
Brave and beautiful in 6-inch scale, and rendered in actress Yvonne Craig’s likeness, this classic TV series Batgirl features dynamic, iconic colors, a two-sided soft goods cape and 16 points of articulation for ultimate playtime action and posing. Collectors can display her on the included base and choose between one of two retro cityscape backdrops. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

BATMAN™ vs Harley Quinn from Schleich®
With this two-pack, supervillain Harley Quinn leads her own battle against the formidable and legendary BATMAN™. Complete with her signature black and red harlequin costume, this figure’s false smile hides a sneaky criminal, so BATMAN will need all of his high-flying skills to fight her. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

G.I. JOE DESERT DUEL from Hasbro®
It’s a fast-firing, high-rolling G.I. JOE-Cobra battle with this DESERT DUEL pack. Complete with a Cobra Basilisk tank and an Elite Horseman figure to drive it, fans can load missiles in the elevating, rotating launcher, making the set’s Cobra Air Trooper figure a rolling nightmare for the G.I. JOE commandos. But with the included Philip “Chuckles” Provost figure, kids and collectors can fold out the camouflage canopy on the F.O.E. Striker 4-wheeler and take aim at enemies with the poseable cannon. And, if the pack’s Night Fox figure has to pursue enemies on foot, the cannon comes off the vehicle. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

Mortal Kombat X Glow-in-the Dark Raiden from Mezco Toyz
As befits Raiden, the Elder God of Thunder, this 6-inch scale figure features 23 points of articulation, many with ball joints, allowing collectors to recreate all the moves and poses that have made Raiden part of Mortal Kombat gaming legend. Raiden comes complete in a displayable collector-friendly blister card, as well as with alternate lightning hands and a lightening ball. To ensure a game-accurate likeness, each figure is sculpted using the digital files from the game developers themselves. Available only at the Comic Convention and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention.

MY LITTLE PONY MAUD ROCK PIE™ from Hasbro®
Fans can join in on Ponymania with PINKIE PIE’S sister, MAUD ROCK PIE™. This detailed and beautiful pony comes complete with an outfit featuring all kinds of flowers, perfect for kids and collectors looking to have the best MY LITTLE PONY adventures. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

MY LITTLE PONY DARING DO DAZZLE™ from Hasbro®
Fun is on its way with this storybook pony pal who loves adventure. This DARING DO DAZZLE™ figure is an intrepid pony and she’ll bring the magic of friendship to all fans’ MY LITTLE PONY playtime. She’s got the outfit and hat for fun on safari, and fashionistas can style her hair with the included comb so she never looks less than fabulous. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

MY LITTLE PONY PRINCESS CELESTIA™ from Hasbro®
PRINCESS CELESTIA™ is a kindhearted pony who spreads friendship wherever she goes. This talking figure’s incredible wings light up and move, and she wears the crown of a true princess. Fans can experience their own PRINCESS CELESTIA pony adventure for $20. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

Star Wars™ The Black Series Jabba’s Rancor™ Pit from Hasbro®
Star Wars™ fans can re-create one of the biggest battles and missions in the Star Wars Saga with this set from The Black Series. Jabba’s Rancor™ Pit includes highly articulated 3.75-inch figures, all of which are featured in the epicReturn of the Jedi scene where Jabba the Hut throws a Gamorrean Guard and Luke Skywalker into the Rancor Pit, while Princess Leia looks on in horror. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Bluestreak from Hasbro®
What’s the most unstoppable thing on the battlefield? The mouth of Bluestreak. He never stops talking and he’s not a fan of silence. He likes the Decepticons even less. If words were fireblasts, Bluestreak would have wiped out the Decepticons long ago. This highly detailed figure easily converts from robot mode to sports car mode for added play, and comes with a blaster that jumps out whenever he sets his sights on Decepticons. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

POWER RANGERS™ Limited Black Edition Legacy Megazord from Bandai™
After 20 years of POWER RANGERS™ action and excitement, fans can return to the beginning with this original MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS Megazord. This limited edition Legacy Megazord with premium diecast parts will be available to conventioneers and online shoppers in black and gold. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

To download high-res images of Toys“R”Us Convention Exclusives, as well as “Collector Vector” signage, please click here.

*All Toys“R”Us Comic Convention exclusive items are limited editions and will be available on a first-come, first served basis, while supplies last; No rain checks.

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 866 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 730 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 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 66,000 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/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

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Media Contacts:
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
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

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Leading international food retailers Delhaize Group and Royal Ahold N.V. announced that they have entered into an agreement to merge

  • Ahold and Delhaize announce this morning their intention to combine their businesses through a merger of equals
  • The merger will create a complementary base of more than 6,500 stores with 375,000 associates, characterized by trusted brands with strong local identities
  • The combination, Ahold Delhaize, will be able to serve over 50 million(1) customers per week in the United States and in Europe
  • Ahold Delhaize will accelerate innovation, bringing together both companies’ expertise to deliver increased value and choice for customers across its supermarket formats and online platforms
  • The combination will bring together banners offering associates even better places to work, built on similar values and heritage
  • Mats Jansson, Chairman of Delhaize Group, will become Chairman of Ahold Delhaize. Jan Hommen, Chairman of Royal Ahold, and Jacques de Vaucleroy, Delhaize Group Director, will become Vice Chairmen of Ahold Delhaize
  • Dick Boer, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Ahold, will become Chief Executive Officer. Frans Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Delhaize Group, will become Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Integration Officer
  • The transaction will create significant value, with anticipated run-rate synergies of €500 million per year to be fully realized in the third year after completion
  • Both companies are highly cash generative which will allow Ahold Delhaize to invest in future growth and deliver attractive returns to shareholders
  • Ahold and Delhaize businesses reported aggregated net sales of €54.1 billion, adjusted EBITDA of €3.5 billion, net income from continued operations of €1.0 billion and free cash flow of €1.8 billion in 2014(1)
  • Ahold will terminate its ongoing share buyback program; €1 billion will be returned to Ahold shareholders via a capital return and a reverse stock split prior to completion of the transaction
  • At completion, Delhaize shareholders will receive 4.75 Ahold ordinary shares for each Delhaize ordinary share. Ahold shareholders will own c. 61% of the combined company’s equity and Delhaize shareholders will own c. 39% of the combined company’s equity
  • The transaction is expected to be completed mid-2016, following regulatory clearances, associated consultation procedures and shareholder approval
  • The Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Delhaize as well as Management and Supervisory Boards of Ahold unanimously support and recommend the transaction

Brussels, Belgium and Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading international food retailers Delhaize Group (Delhaize) and Koninklijke Ahold N.V. (Ahold) today announced that they have entered into an agreement to merge. The combined company, which will be named Ahold Delhaize, will have a portfolio of strong, trusted local brands with more than 375,000 associates serving more than 50 million customers every week in the United States and Europe. The company will have enhanced scale across regions, market-leading retail offerings to serve customers’ changing needs, and a strong financial profile from which to fund innovation and investments in future growth. Ahold Delhaize will capitalize on the strong heritage and values of both companies, as well as complementary cultures, neighboring geographies, and the impact of combining successful sustainability programs.

Jan Hommen, Chairman of Ahold, and Mats Jansson, Chairman of Delhaize, said:“This is a true merger of equals, combining two highly complementary businesses to create a world-leading food retailer. The transaction delivers a compelling value proposition for our shareholders, a superior offering for our customers and attractive opportunities for our associates.”

Frans Muller, CEO of Delhaize, said: “We believe that the proposed merger of Ahold and Delhaize will create significant value for all our stakeholders. Supported by our talented and committed associates, Ahold Delhaize aims to increase relevance in its local communities by improving the value proposition for its customers through assortment innovation and merchandising, a better shopping experience both in stores and online, investments in value, and new store growth. We look forward to working closely with the Ahold team to implement a smooth integration process and realize the targeted synergies.”

Dick Boer, CEO of Ahold, said: “The proposed merger with Delhaize is an exciting opportunity to create an even stronger and more innovative retail leader for our customers, associates and shareholders worldwide. With extraordinary reach, diverse products and formats, and great people, we are bringing together two world-class organizations to deliver even more for the communities we serve. Our companies share common values, proud histories rooted in family entrepreneurship, and businesses that complement each other well. We look forward to working together to reach new levels of service and success.”

(1) These figures are an aggregation of the reported data of Ahold and Delhaize without any pro forma adjustments. They exclude joint ventures in Portugal and Indonesia.

Transaction website

Please visit www.adcombined.com for additional material on today’s announcement.

Investor conference call

A conference call will take place today at 09.00 CEST to discuss this morning’s announcement. If you wish to join, please dial one of the following numbers:
From Brussels: +32(0)2 404 0660
From the Netherlands: +31(0)20 716 8256
From the US: +1 212 444 0895 or +1 877 280 1254
From the UK: +44(0)20 3427 1904
Confirmation code: 1225825

The presentation slides will be available from the transaction website at www.adcombined.com. The presentation slides may be downloaded before the start of the conference call from the website at www.adcombined.com.

A recording of the conference call will also be available from today on the website at www.adcombined.com.

Press conference

A press conference will also take place today at 12.00 CEST at the Business Faculty Brussels, St. Lendriksborre 6 Font Saint Landry, 1120 Brussels.

It will be simultaneously webcast on www.adcombined.com and available to view thereafter.

For more information

Delhaize Group
Investor relations contacts
Frederic van Daele
+32 2 412 2151

Aurélie Bultynck
+32 2 412 2151

Media contacts
Nicolas van Hoecke
+32 2 412 8669

Royal Ahold N.V.
Investor relations contacts
Henk Jan ten Brinke
+31 88 659 5213

Media contacts
Tim van der Zanden
+31 88 659 5134

 

To read the full press release, please click here

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Gap Inc. applauded the bipartisan Senate vote to approve Trade Promotion Authority legislation

SAN FRANCISCO, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today applauded the bipartisan Senate vote to approve Trade Promotion Authority legislation. The measure approved will modernize and renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and help to build a robust trade agenda to bolster U.S. economic growth and competitiveness. The measure now goes to the President for his signature.

Gap Inc. also conveyed its strong support for Congressional renewal this week of trade preferences for Africa, Haiti, and the Generalized System of Preferences, as well as Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA). Trade preference programs promote economic development and help to lift people out of poverty in the world’s poorest countries by providing duty-free entry for qualifying products, while TAA provides workers with the support and tools they need to compete in a 21st century global economy. The TAA and trade preferences legislation approved today by the Senate will require House approval before it can be signed into law.

“In approving the bipartisan Trade Promotion Authority legislation, Congress takes an important step forward to help ensure the future competitiveness of the U.S. economy. TPA will provide a crucial tool for U.S. negotiators who are seeking to secure the best possible deal for American workers and businesses when finalizing trade agreements such as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). Importantly, TPA also establishing strong, enforceable labor protections, human rights, and environmental standards,” said Sonia Syngal, executive vice president of global supply chain and product operations for Gap Inc. “We applaud members of the Senate and House who demonstrated leadership by voting to approve TPA, and we urge the President to quickly sign the legislation into law.”

“TPP and trade preference programs for Africa and Haiti would help U.S. companies such as Gap Inc. compete globally by reducing tariffs for apparel. Our competitors based in Europe and Asia currently enjoy these duty-free benefits, so leveling the playing field would help save millions of dollars,” continued Syngal. “These savings can then be reinvested into our workforce and operations, or passed onto our customers.”

About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, and Intermix brands. Fiscal year 2014 net sales were $16.4 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,300 company-operated stores, over 400 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

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Starbucks announced the 3 finalists in Frappuccino® Flav-Off poll online after more than 1.4 million votes

SEATTLE, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — More than 1.4 million Starbucks customers have been voting for their favorite of six new flavors by giving green straws to their top choices in the Frappuccino® Flav-Off on Frappuccino.com. Three blended beverages have emerged as the most popular in a green-straw poll online.

Drumroll please….

The favorites are: Caramel Cocoa Cluster; Cinnamon Roll; and Cupcake

Customers will now have a final opportunity to vote for their favorite Frappuccino by giving a straw to their top choice. The winning Frappuccino® Fan Flavor blended beverage will be announced July 3rd on Frappuccino.com. Then, from July 3-6 customers will be able to purchase the winning Starbucks Frappuccino® Fan Flavor at a special price of $3 for a grande (16 oz.) size beverage from 2-5 p.m. local time.

While Carmel Cocoa Cluster is the favorite in Texas and Florida, voters in New York and Nevada preferred Cinnamon Roll, and Cupcake is tops in Montana and Oklahoma. Scroll down in this link to see trending flavors by state.

 

Caramel Cocoa Cluster Frappuccino Blended Coffee Beverage

A blend of toffee nut syrup, Frappuccino® Roast Coffee, milk and ice and topped with a layer of dark caramel sauce, finished with whipped cream and a drizzle of mocha sauce #TeamCCC

 

Cinnamon Roll Frappuccino Blended Coffee Beverage

 

A blend of cinnamon dolce syrup, white chocolate mocha sauce, vanilla bean, Frappuccino® Roast Coffee, milk and ice, finished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon dolce topping #TeamCinnamonRoll

 

Cupcake Frappuccino Blended Crème Beverage

 

A blend of vanilla bean, hazelnut syrup, milk and ice, finished with whipped cream #TeamCupcake

For more information on this news release, contact us.

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Starbucks announced the 3 finalists in Frappuccino® Flav-Off poll online after more than 1.4 million votes

Starbucks announced the 3 finalists in Frappuccino® Flav-Off poll online after more than 1.4 million votes

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Evolution Fresh™ tapped some veggie-loving experts to help get more greens into your diet this summer

SEATTLE, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Looking for new ways to freshen up your green routine?

Evolution Fresh™ tapped some veggie-loving experts for some fun ways to get more greens into your diet this summer.

Evolution Fresh™ founder Jimmy Rosenberg, Starbucks nutritionist Kate Schenk, professional runnerLauren Fleshman, and Jeanine Donofrio of the blog “Love and Lemons” provide some top tips on how to stay green while beating the heat using summer favorite Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon.

1. Green Juice on a Stick 

 

Nothing beats cooling down in the summer sun with a refreshing ice-pop. Sneak some greens into your day with this simple three steps, three ingredients ice-pops made using cold-pressed Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon, an avocado and banana. Just blend, pour, freeze and enjoy.

“This is one of my favorite summer recipes,” said Kate. “My kids love popsicles, but I like to avoid the added sugar found in most frozen treats. These homemade greensicles are a win-win. They’re a delicious, fun way to get more greens in your diet, plus kids love making them.”

Kate’s Recipe

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon

½ an avocado

½ a banana

Blend the ingredients together, pour into ice-pop molds, freeze until set and enjoy.

2. Green Snack Pairings

In the current culture of rushing from one destination or task to the next, the key to easy and health snacking is organization and planning.

“Include a fruit or vegetable at every snack,” said Kate. “A fantastic on-the-go option is a green juice and a handful of walnuts. The natural fat in walnuts helps your body absorb some of the nutrients found in fruit and vegetable juice, making it one of my favorite green juice snack pairings.”

Whether you’re sitting at your desk or in the car, this snack pairing is easy and portable. “It helps keep you feeling replenished and fueled until your next meal,” she said.

3.  Blend a Greener Smoothie 

 

Evolution Fresh Founder, Jimmy Rosenberg, started squeezing and selling fresh juice on the beaches in Santa Monica, California about 30 years ago. Jimmy is passionate about high quality juice and flavor that is closest to nature. He advocates for people trying to make healthy choices and inspires those on a wellness journey.

“I love to point people towards incorporating green juice into their daily lives, and tell them to pay close attention to how it makes them feel,” he said. “Whether it’s by grabbing a green juice to get more vegetables in your diet or taking a quiet moment in the day to take a few deep breaths and love yourself – be aware of what makes you feel the best.”

Remaining true to his roots, Jimmy starts his day with a green superfood smoothie to replenish his body for a fresh start to the day.

Jimmy’s Recipe

Ingredients:

Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon

A Handful of Fresh Kale

1 serving of superfoods: (i.e. chia or hemp seeds)

½ cup of seasonal fresh fruit

Blend the ingredients together with ice until smooth, serve and enjoy.

4. Get your Greens On-the-Run

 

For pro-runner Lauren Fleshman, travelling is the worst for getting in greens. “I don’t like eating a bunch of fiber before race day, but I don’t want to miss out on the nutrients,” she said.

Her trick: find the nearest Starbucks store to her hotel. “I pop my debit card into my running shorts pocket, and plan my run to finish at a Starbucks store where I pick up an Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon.”

Lauren finds this a great way to enjoy the cold-pressed juice while walking through those last few city blocks back to the hotel while taking in the sights. Made from more than a pound of green vegetables, you’ll sip up the good nutrition without the risks of “fiber runner tummy.”

5. The Lighter & Greener Side of Pesto

 

Jeanine Donofrio, the voice behind the blog Love and Lemons, likes to add more green veggies to summer meals wherever she can.

“Barbecues are one of my favorite things about the summer season, and adding greens to any occasion is easier than we might think,” said Jeanine. “I love getting creative with my recipes and sauces, like my Sweet Green Lemony Pesto, to help jazz up every dish, from chicken, to fish, to pasta.”

When the weather is hot, we all naturally gravitate toward lighter dishes. By using a green juice in place of most of the olive oil, it makes this pesto an overall lighter version.

Jeanine’s Recipe

Ingredients:

6 table spoons of pine nuts, toasted

1 garlic clove

2 large handfuls of basil or a combo of basil and mint

1 teaspoon of lemon zest

¼ teaspoon of Dijon mustard

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ cup of Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon

11/2 tablespoons of olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

In a food processor, pulse together the pine nuts and garlic

Add the basil, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, a few generous pinches of salt, and a few grinds of pepper then pulse again until combined

With the food processor running, pour in the Evolution Fresh Sweet Greens and Lemon juice and olive oil and blend until smooth but still herb-flecked

Taste and add more olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest to your liking

For more information on this news release, contact us.

 

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Evolution Fresh™ tapped some veggie-loving experts to help get more greens into your diet this summer

Evolution Fresh™ tapped some veggie-loving experts to help get more greens into your diet this summer

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Historic Seattle awarded Starbucks its Best Adaptive Reuse Award for 2015 for its outstanding achievement in bringing the building of the old Packard Showroom back to life

SEATTLE, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — In autumn of 2012, a “for lease” sign appeared in the window of art supply store that was going out of business.

The aging building on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, built nearly a century ago, was once a showroom for luxury automobiles and the crown jewel of the city’s auto row. The grand dealership, closed during the Depression, was home to an auto parts dealer during the 1940s-60s, and reverted back to a dealership again in the 1970s. By the 2000s it became a quirky retail space with a haphazard drywall partitions and layers of dated finishes.

Two years later, the 15,000 square-foot space reopened as the first Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room the site of the old Packard Showroom transformed to a one-of-a-kind tribute to coffee.Historic Seattle, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the city’s architectural legacy, awarded Starbucks its Best Adaptive Reuse Award for 2015 for its outstanding achievement in bringing the building back to life.

“People had ignored this space for a long time,” said Eugenia Woo, Director of Preservation Services for Historic Seattle. “Starbucks did a fantastic job of maintaining the original features of the building while updating it to make it something that shines.”

Starbucks maintained the original look of the exterior by restoring the ornate brick masonry exterior and its white terra cotta cladding – adding a nod to Starbucks heritage by replacing the blue mosaic tile inset into the arch above the entrance with a sculpted siren figure.” The showroom’s large window bays fill the space with light and connect customers to the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood outside. A more than 15-foot version of the Starbucks Reserve® logo stands high on the rooftop where the Packard neon once glowed.

Inside the Roastery, just nine blocks from the original Starbucks® store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, thousands of visitors each week now walk across the original terrazzo and concrete floor. Original heavy wood timbers soar to the 18-20-foot ceilings in the open floor plan that now houses coffee roasters, retail areas, a spacious café and a restaurant. Reclaimed materials, including wood from the decorative ceiling, mingle with the gleaming hand-hammered copper coffee silo.

“Now when you walk inside the Roastery, you can still see the patina of age and see how solidly it was built with heavy timbers,” Woo said. “But at the same time you can see how it’s updated with rich materials and wood, really embracing the original features and enhancing them.”

Starbucks corporate architect Tony Gale accepted the award from Historic Seattle on behalf of lead designer Liz Muller and team of more than 30 people that included architects, designers, engineers and specialists.

“Crowds come to the Roastery from all over the world,” Gale said. “To have the Roastery in a historic location – reminiscent of the original Pike Place store – really takes you emotionally to the next level.”

Our Love Affair with Coffee Knows No Bounds

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom.

 

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Historic Seattle awarded Starbucks its Best Adaptive Reuse Award for 2015 for its outstanding achievement in bringing the building of the old Packard Showroom back to life

Historic Seattle awarded Starbucks its Best Adaptive Reuse Award for 2015 for its outstanding achievement in bringing the building of the old Packard Showroom back to life

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Help for Heroes and Tesco to help raise thousands in support of Armed Forces Day

Cheshunt, England, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The UK’s best known charity for injured Veterans has joined forces with the UK’s biggest retailer and suppliers to encourage people around the UK to enjoy a great British tradition and have a breakfast fit for a hero for Armed Forces Day.

The Heroes Breakfast has been cooked up by Help for Heroes and Tesco to help raise thousands for injured and ill Servicemen, women and Veterans, as well as unite the country in support of Armed Forces Day on June 27th.

Tesco colleagues are also hosting a series of Heroes Breakfast events ahead of the day at Tesco stores in garrison towns around the country, to honour local troops.

To make it easy for people to prepare their Heroes Breakfast, Tesco, Help for Heroes, bacon and sausage makers Alf Turner, Eggs for Soldiers and baked beans makers Branstons have put together the ‘The Heroes Breakfast Pack’ – which includes all the vital ingredients for a full Heroes Breakfast.

The pack costs £5 and it will be available at selected Tesco stores across the UK from Monday 22nd June until Tuesday 30th June. £1 from the sale of  each pack will go to providing vital support for serving and former soldiers who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses.

Robin Terrell, Chief Customer Officer for Tesco said:

“Everyone loves a British breakfast, and we want as many people as possible to get involved and have a Heroes Breakfast in honour of our troops.

“We are proud of our long association with the Armed Forces and we are one of the biggest employers of both reservists and former Servicemen and women.

“Supporting this Help for Heroes  campaign is our way of getting right behind Armed Forces Day – we’re hoping to raise thousands for Help for Heroes, all to be spent on vitally important support for our injured Service personnel and veterans.”

Tesco is one of the biggest employers of former Servicemen and women, with thousands of Veterans on the supermarket’s books. The retailer is also one of the biggest employers of reservists and has a record as a forces-friendly organisation – Tesco founder Jack Cohen set up his first market stall with his demob money after coming home from active service during the First World War.

Since 2005, Tesco has also raised nearly £30 million for Armed Forces charities including Help for Heroes.

Bryn Parry, CEO and Co-Founder, Help for Heroes said:

“Everyone loves a great British breakfast and we hope everyone will turn their breakfast into a Heroes Breakfast to show their support for our Armed Forces. The needs of those who’ve suffered as a result of their Service are growing year on year and we’d like to say thanks to a great British business for backing the tens of thousands of men and women we support every year.”

Paul Turner from Alf Turner and Sons Ltd said:

“The Heroes Breakfast is a great opportunity for everyone to celebrate the amazing job done by  our armed forces by getting together with family and friends and having the very British Full English Breakfast whilst raising much needed funds to support the wounded.”

In November last year Tesco became the first supermarket to sign the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Corporate Covenant and pledge a wide range of improved support for current and former Servicemen and women. This includes seeking out Veterans who have left the Armed Forces for employment with Tesco and supporting spouses and partners of serving personnel to get jobs at Tesco stores.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on
01992 644645

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Sweeter variety of Lincolnshire grown cabbage to be trialled by Tesco

Cheshunt, England, 2015-6-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Getting kids to eat their greens at dinner time has never been an easy job – as many long suffering parents will know.

But now that task should be a little easier as a sweeter variety of homegrown cabbage – a vegetable that is packed with nutrients – is to be trialled by Tesco.

The new variety, known as Sweet Summer Cabbage, is grown in Lincolnshire and has been naturally developed to re-generate interest in the vegetable.

It has a light, sweeter and fresher taste than other cabbage varieties and as the name implies is aimed at people who love making their own  salads and coleslaws.

Tesco vegetable buyer Luke Shutler explains: “In recent years many greens have not only shed their ‘difficult’ image but have been re-appraised as superfoods because of their great nutritional value.

“Broccoli was the first about 10 years ago but more recently, thanks to foodie culture and a greater awareness of what we eat, we have seen other greens such as spinach and even sprouts become more popular.

“Unfortunately that has not happened with cabbage, yet, and we think that demand is being held back because of a poor image that goes back to memories of school dinners and cabbage that was boiled to within an inch of its life.

“We have worked with TJ Clements, one of the UK’s biggest brassica producers, to come up with this sweet green variety that we believe will not only be a hit with children but with adults too.

“Regular varieties of cabbage have a slightly peppery, almost bitter flavour but the sweetness of the Summer Sweet can be tasted as soon as you take your first bite.

“We are trialling it this summer and if demand is strong then we will have more next year.”

Recent UK market stats for all retailers (Kantar, March 2015) reveal that demand for cabbage has fallen by 6 per cent in the last two years.

Cabbage sales in Britain were at their highest in the 1950s when the vegetable was a seen as a relatively inexpensive way of eating nutritious food.

But as Britain became more prosperous, the ‘meat and two veg diet’ began falling by the wayside and, with the introduction and influences of other cuisines and fast food culture, over the years there has been  has been a  downturn in the demand for cabbage.

Summer Sweet Cabbage costs £1 per 500g pack and will be available in 250 stores.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on
01992 644645

We are a team of over 500,000 people in 12 markets dedicated to providing the most compelling offer to our customers.

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Wegmans Food Markets recognized by EPA as an outstanding Safer Choice Retailer

Rochester, NY, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — On June 22, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Wegmans Food Markets as an outstanding Safer Choice Retailer. The award, presented in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC, was accepted by Wegmans Category Merchant for cleaning products, Dave Tantillo, and Wegmans Sustainability Manager, Jason Wadsworth.

EPA developed the Partner of the Year Awards to recognize Safer Choice stakeholders who have furthered the safer chemistry and safer product goals of the Safer Choice Program. In 2014, Wegmans introduced a line of cleaning products made with safer ingredients.

To qualify for the Safer Choice (formerly “Design for the Environment”) label, a product must meet EPA’s Safer Choice Standard, which includes stringent human and environmental health criteria. When the Safer Choice label appears on a product, it means the EPA has evaluated each ingredient in the product for potential human health and environmental effects. Safer Choice works closely with companies to help them understand the chemistry of their products and to select safer alternatives to chemicals that pose potential health or environmental concerns.

“I’ve been managing the cleaning product categories for several years. If someone asked me, when I first started, if we could successfully launch a line of products that was safer for people and the environment, effective, and priced attractively, I would have told you it would be impossible,” says Tantillo. “But Safer Choice standards gave us direction. Combining that with our committed supplier, we had a formula for success. And our customers are the real winners.”

For more information about the Safer Choice Program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/saferchoice

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Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is an 86-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for eighteen consecutive years. In 2015, Wegmans ranked #7 on the list. The company also ranked #1 for Corporate Reputation, among the 100 ‘most-visible companies’ nationwide in the 2014 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient ® study.

Contact Information: Jeanne Colleluori, media relations coordinator, 585-720-5750

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Rite Aid completes acquisition of Envision Pharmaceutical Services

CAMP HILL, Pa., 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) has completed its previously announced acquisition of Envision Pharmaceutical Services (“EnvisionRx”) from leading global private investment firm TPG and other shareholders in a transaction valued at approximately $2 billion, including approximately $1.8 billion in cash and approximately 27.9 million Rite Aid shares.

“The completion of this acquisition is an important step in our strategy to expand Rite Aid’s retail healthcare platform and enhance our health and wellness offerings,” said Rite Aid Chairman and CEO John Standley.  “EnvisionRx’s talented management team and valued associates are a tremendous addition to our Rite Aid family. The combination of EnvisionRx’s broad suite of PBM and pharmacy-related businesses with Rite Aid’s retail platform will provide our customers and patients with an integrated offering across retail, specialty and mail-order channels.”

EnvisionRx CEO Frank Sheehy added, “As part of Rite Aid, we are well positioned to deliver a truly integrated healthcare offering which will provide tremendous benefits to both plan sponsors and patients. Our work is already well underway and we look forward to accelerating our efforts now that the transaction is complete.”

Sharad Mansukani, a senior advisor to TPG and the former chairman of EnvisionRx, said, “TPG is proud to have partnered with EnvisionRx’s founders and excellent management team in building a business that is truly set apart from other PBMs. We are confident EnvisionRx will enjoy many years of success as part of Rite Aid.”

EnvisionRx will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Rite Aid led by Frank Sheehy and current management. EnvisionRx’s headquarters will remain in Twinsburg, Ohio.
The transaction, which was announced in February 2015, is expected to be accretive to Rite Aid’s earnings per share in Rite Aid’s fiscal year 2017.

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. served as financial advisor to Rite Aid and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP was the company’s legal advisor. J.P. Morgan served as exclusive financial advisor to EnvisionRx, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP acted as its M&A legal counsel and Baker & Hostetler LLP acted as its regulatory legal counsel.

About Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corporation 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.

About EnvisionRx
Established in 2001, EnvisionRx is a national, full-service pharmacy benefit management (PBM) company with consolidated revenues in excess of $4 billion. The company provides both transparent and traditional PBM options through its EnvisionRx and MedTrak PBMs, respectively, as well as pharmacy-related services to clients across the nation. EnvisionRx also offers fully integrated mail-order and specialty pharmacy services through Orchard Pharmaceutical Services; access to the nation’s largest cash pay infertility discount drug program via Design Rx; an innovative claims adjudication software platform in Laker Software; and a national Medicare Part D prescription drug plan through Envision Insurance Company’s EnvisionRx Plus product offering. Information about EnvisionRx, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rite Aid Corporation, is available through the company’s website at envisionrx.com.

About TPG
TPG is a leading global private investment firm founded in 1992 with over $74 billion of assets under management and offices in San Francisco, Fort Worth, Austin, Dallas, Houston, New York, Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. TPG has extensive experience with global public and private investments executed through leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts, growth investments, joint ventures and restructurings. The firm has a well-known history of healthcare investing and its well-known investments include Adare Pharmaceuticals, Aptalis, EnvisionRx, Fenwal, Healthscope, IASIS Healthcare, Immucor, IMS Health, Par Pharmaceutical, Quintiles Transnational and Surgical Care Affiliates, among others. For more information visit www.tpg.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Rite Aid expressly disclaims any current intention to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the distribution of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

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Contact Information
Rite Aid Media Contact:
Susan Henderson
717-730-7766
skhenderson@riteaid.com

Rite Aid Investor Contact:
Matt Schroeder 717-214-8867
investor@riteaid.com

TPG Media Contact:
Luke Barrett
212-601-4752
lbarrett@tpg.com

 

 

Contact:

Investors: Matt Schroeder 717-214-8867 or investor@riteaid.com

Media: Susan Henderson 717-730-7766

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CBRE / Maastricht Uni study: significant gap between large and small office buildings in achieving sustainability certification

62% of large buildings qualify as green, compared to less than 5% of small buildings San Francisco closing in on Minneapolis in green market rankings

Los Angeles, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Owners of small buildings have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by implementing energy-efficient practices, due to a significant gap between large and small office buildings in achieving sustainability certification, according to a new study by CBRE Group, Inc. and Maastricht University.

The 2015 Green Building Adoption Index, a joint project of CBRE and Maastricht, found that 62.1 percent of office buildings in the U.S. greater than 500,000 square feet are considered “green” (holding either an EPA ENERGY STAR label, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) full-building LEED certification or both). In contrast, only 4.5 percent of all U.S. office buildings less than 100,000 square feet qualified as green.

“Our 2015 study confirmed that green building adoption has been primarily a big building, first-tier city phenomenon,” said David Pogue, CBRE’s global director of corporate responsibility. “It would appear that many smaller buildings in the majority of large markets still have an opportunity to be ‘best in class’ among their peer set by achieving these certifications.”

Minneapolis led the city ranking for the second consecutive year, with 70.4 percent of all office space currently qualified as green, down from 77.0 percent in 2014. San Francisco, again in second place, significantly closed the gap and now boasts a 70.0 percent green market, up from 67.2 percent in 2014. Chicago, at 63.4 percent, was third, while Atlanta (57.8 percent) and Houston (52.9 percent) swapped positions at fourth and fifth. The top 10 cities on the 2014 list all retained a place on the 2015 list.

The overall results of the study show that the uptake of green building practices in the 30 largest U.S. cities continues to be significant, but that the growth is slowing. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2014, 13.1 percent of the commercial building stock had an ENERGY STAR label, LEED certification, or both, compared to 13.8 percent at the end of 2013. Measured by size, the amount of certified commercial space also decreased from 39.3 percent in 2013 to 38.7 percent at the end of 2014.

“This decrease does not imply that buildings are starting to perform worse than before. Rather, it reflects the fact that only a certain fraction of the building stock can obtain a green or energy-efficiency certification,” said Dr. Nils Kok, associate professor in Finance and Real Estate, Maastricht University (NL). “Additionally, it appears that some of the buildings that were previously certified did not renew their certification in 2014. This does not necessarily mean that the energy use of these buildings has changed, but that some owners and managers choose not to spend the time or expense to reapply for certification every year.”

Executed in close collaboration with the USGBC and CBRE Research, this is the second release of the annual Green Building Adoption Index. Based on a rigorous methodology, the Index shows the growth of ENERGY STAR- and LEED-certified space for the 30 largest U.S. office markets, both in aggregate and in individual markets, over the previous 10 years.

GBAI 2015 graph.jpg

GBAI 2015 graph.jpg

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2014 revenue).  The Company has more than 52,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 370 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com​​.

For Further Information

Christy Ingle
T +1 949 7258591
email

Corey Mirman
T +1 212 9846542
email

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Klépierre announced conditional agreement with Wereldhave on the disposal of a portfolio of 9 shopping centers located in the Netherlands for EUR 770m

PARIS, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Klépierre today announced it has reached a conditional agreement with Wereldhave on the disposal of a portfolio of nine shopping centers1 located in the Netherlands for a total consideration of 770 million euros,2 a level that is consistent with appraised values. The portfolio includes convenience and district shopping centers mostly located in cities outside of Randstad, representing a total of approximately 236,000 sq.m and an estimated annual net rental income contribution of 44 million euros3 on a group share basis.

The transaction is not subject to any financing conditions and is expected to close at the end of the third quarter of 2015, subject to customary conditions precedent, including anti-trust clearance, and completion of Klépierre and Wereldhave works council consultation processes.

Laurent Morel, Chairman of Klépierre’s Executive Board, commented: “This transaction is a clear delivery on Klépierre’s asset rotation strategy post-merger with Corio and demonstrates the liquidity and value of our portfolio. It immediately refocuses Klépierre’s Dutch portfolio on two of the most dynamic cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam and Utrecht, which will become more attractive with the ambitious re-development of Hoog Catharijne. The disposal of this portfolio releases additional financial capacity to fund future growth in our preferred regions of Continental Europe, through the development of our quality pipeline, and selective opportunistic acquisitions of prime shopping destinations.”

Following the transaction, Klépierre’s Dutch portfolio, refocused on cities in the affluent Randstad region, will represent a total value of 1 billion euros (as of December 31, 2014). This divestment is expected to result in net cash proceeds to Klépierre of 695 million euros (group share), which would first be mostly used to reimburse outstanding debt.

Assuming it is completed as planned, the divestment is expected to have a limited impact on the net current cash flow for 2015. Accordingly, Klépierre maintains its net current cash flow per share guidance for fiscal year 2015.

1 Amersfoort (Emiclaer), Arnhem (Presikhaaf), Dordrecht (Sterrenburg), Heerhugowaard (Middenwaard), Nieuwegein (Cityplaza, including extension), Rijswijk (In den Bogaard), Tilburg (Centre), Zoetermeer (Oosterheem) and Zwolle (Stadshagen).
2 Total share, including transfer duties but excluding potentially applicable VAT. Consideration is 730 million euros excluding transfer duties.
3 Based on the 2014 full year annual net rental income contribution of these assets

Klépierre’s legal advisor in connection with the transaction described in this announcement is De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek.

ABOUT KLEPIERRE
A leading shopping center property company in Europe, Klépierre combines development, rental, property, and asset management skills. Its portfolio is valued at 21 billion euros on December 31, 2014. It comprises large shopping centers in 16 countries of Continental Europe. Klépierre holds a controlling stake in Steen & Strøm (56.1%), Scandinavia’s number one shopping center owner and manager.

Klépierre’s largest shareholders are Simon Property Group (20.3%), world leader in the shopping center industry, APG (13.5%) and BNP Paribas (6.6%). Klépierre is a French REIT (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam and is included in the CAC Next20 and CAC Large 60 indexes, the SBF 80, the EPRA Euro Zone, and the GPR 250 indexes. Klépierre is also included in several ethical indexes – DJSI World and Europe, FTSE4Good, STOXX® Global ESG Leaders, Euronext Vigeo France 20 and Eurozone 120 – and is a member of both Ethibel Excellence and Ethibel Pioneer investment registers. Klépierre is also ranked as a Green Star by GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). These distinctions mark the Group’s commitment to a voluntary sustainable development policy. For more information, visit our website: www.klepierre.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS

Vanessa FRICANO – + 33 1 40 67 52 24 – vanessa.fricano@klepierre.com

Julien ROUCH – +33 1 40 67 53 08 – julien.rouch@klepierre.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

Aurélia de LAPEYROUSE – + 33 1 53 96 83 83 – adelapeyrouse@brunswickgroup.com

Nathalie BAUDON – + 33 1 53 96 83 83 – nbaudon@brunswickgroup.com

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This press release is available on Klépierre’s website: www.klepierre.com

 

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BESTSELLER DONATES EUR 1,475,420 TO SOS KINDERDORF PART OF THE LOCAL GIVE-A-DAY DONATION FOR GERMANY

JUNE 22, LARS PEDERSEN, BESTSELLER’S COUNTRY DIRECTOR FOR GERMANY, HANDED OVER THE LOCAL GIVE-A-DAY DONATION FOR GERMANY TO SOS KINDERDORF WHO RECEIVED 1,475,420 EURO.

GERMANY, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lars Pedersen handed over the check at a formal event at SOS Kinderdorf where he also gave a speech. Among others he talked about how he delivered the good news to the organisation:

“I clearly remember the day I had to call SOS Kinderdorf to let them know the final results of GIVE-A-DAY. It was a very special moment for me, and I told Mr. Wölfle, Head of sponsor activities at SOS Kinderdorf, that what I was about to recite was not a phone number… 1-4-7-5-4-2-0… it was the final donation from BESTSELLER to SOS Kinderdorf – 1,475,420 Euro,” Lars said and continued:

“I’m very proud of the efforts of every single store and every single BESTSELLER colleague on GIVE-A-DAY. They all worked hard to generate the highest possible turnover to donate for charity.”

At SOS Kinderdorf they are, needless to say, very happy with the donation and impressed with the result:

”I’m really impressed with the commitment of the employees and customers of BESTSELLER who were able to raise this amazing amount for charity in one day,” says Prof. Dr. Johannes Münder Chairman of the Board at SOS Kinderdorf.

Building an embassy for children
SOS Kinderdorf Deutschland (SOS Children’s Villages) is an independent, non-governmental international development organisation which has been working to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children since 1949.

The organisation will use the donation to build an embassy for children that will function as an education and congress centre for children as well as place to advocate for children’s rights and equal opportunities.

Monday, Lars Pedersen learned more about the plans of building the embassy for children as well as the general work of SOS Kinderdorf:

“I’m pleased with the organisation’s innovative idea, not only to give young people a home, but also to help them in their daily routines. Here, I really sense the motivation of the young people, their optimism and their belief in the future,” Lars Pedersen said in his speech.

The global GIVE-A-DAY donation on 10 April amounted to 15 million Euro of which 50% was donated to local charities in 39 countries. The other 50% was donated to global charities. The German donation to SOS Kinderdorf is the biggest local GIVE-A-DAY donation.

Read more about SOS Kinderdorf here

Read more about GIVE-A-DAY here

 

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BESTSELLER DONATES EUR 1,475,420 TO SOS KINDERDORF PART OF THE LOCAL GIVE-A-DAY DONATION FOR GERMANY

BESTSELLER DONATES EUR 1,475,420 TO SOS KINDERDORF PART OF THE LOCAL GIVE-A-DAY DONATION FOR GERMANY

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JACK & JONES PARTNERS WITH MYER DEPARTMENT STORE IN AUSTRALIA TO OPEN SHOP-IN-SHOPS DOWN UNDER DURING SUMMER AND AUTUMN 2015

JACK & JONES HAS SIGNED A DEAL WITH MYER DEPARTMENT STORE IN AUSTRALIA LEADING TO THE OPENING OF A NUMBER OF SHOP-IN-SHOPS DOWN UNDER DURING SUMMER AND AUTUMN 2015.

Brande, Denmark, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — International Sales Manager at JACK & JONES, Dennis Birk Jørgensen, says: “To gain foothold on the Australian market is an extremely good opportunity for BESTSELLER. The Australian consumers are moving in the right direction when it comes to fashion awareness, and with JACK & JONES’ price policy and platform, we can give the market a new international dimension and something the Australian consumers haven’t seen before. Our goal is to be the most inexpensive of the coolest brands.”

The products for the shop-in-shops are created in close cooperation with Myer, who is deeply involved in design process with JACK & JONES and the express team. JACK & JONES plans to introduce the Australian customers to several of their lines. This means several different shop-in-shop solutions.

Myer currently has 67 department stores in Australia, and JACK & JONES plans to open 54 shop-in-shops during a 4 week period in 40 department stores across the country. The grand opening takes place in Melbourne on 17 August.

Corporate Communication
Phone: +45 99 42 16 62
E-mail: communications@bestseller.com

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JACK & JONES PARTNERS WITH MYER DEPARTMENT STORE IN AUSTRALIA TO OPEN SHOP-IN-SHOPS DOWN UNDER DURING SUMMER AND AUTUMN 2015

JACK & JONES PARTNERS WITH MYER DEPARTMENT STORE IN AUSTRALIA TO OPEN SHOP-IN-SHOPS DOWN UNDER DURING SUMMER AND AUTUMN 2015

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ONLY in collaboration with Zalando to launch comprehensive shoe collection this August

SOON ONLY CUSTOMERS WILL BE ABLE TO COMPLETE THEIR LOOK WITH A PAIR OF SHOES WHEN SHOPPING WITH ONLY. THE NEW COLLECTION IS ESTABLISHED IN CLOSE COLLABORATION WITH ZALANDO. 

Brande, Denmark, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — As of August 2015, ONLY launches a comprehensive shoe collection including a variety of sporty, trendy, denim and party looks. This is reflected in the collection that contains boots, sneakers, heels, lace shoes and slippers in both leather look and real leather.

Collaboration with Zalando
The collection is established in close collaboration with Zalando presenting a range of 20 styles in different colours at an expected price level ranging from EUR 39.95 – 119.95. For future seasons the collection will be extended with more categories inspired by the latest trends.

ONLY shoes are launched in selected ONLY stores, at ONLY.com and at Zalando.com. Initially, the focus will be on the German market, with the objective to establish commercial partnerships with shoe retailers and expand within the existing distribution network. To ensure an efficient distribution, ONLY’s digital B2B sales platform will play a key role.

In the commercial co-development ONLY and Zalando are leveraging market insights, product know-how and design skills to provide a competitive ‘value for money’ offering.

“We are delighted to contribute with Zalando’s online fashion and product insight to this cooperation with our close brand partner ONLY. Together we will create a unique collection with a focus on feminine strength, self-confidence and latest trends,” says Claudia Reth, VP Fashion Director Zalando.

Senior Manager, New Business Development at ONLY Michael Fynboe adds: “We believe that moving towards closer partnerships and digital advancement will drive our business forward. Shoes will be the first category to prove this new way of operating. This will change how we work, putting more emphasis on product development and partnership commitment.”

More information:
Michael Fynboe, Senior Manager, New Business Development, ONLY
Phone: +45 25514306
ONLY.com

 

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ONLY in collaboration with Zalando to launch comprehensive shoe collection this August

ONLY in collaboration with Zalando to launch comprehensive shoe collection this August

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Die Rewe-Zentral-Aktiengesellschaft und die Rewe Zentralfinanz eG neue Aufsichtsratsmitglieder gewählt

Erich Stockhausen neuer Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender

COLOGNE, Germany, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Die Rewe-Zentral-Aktiengesellschaft und die Rewe Zentralfinanz eG haben heute, Montag, 22. Juni 2015, bei ihrer 43. Ordentlichen Hauptversammlung bzw. ihrer 84. Ordentlichen Generalversammlung in Warnemünde neue Aufsichtsratsmitglieder gewählt.

Otmar Hornbach, Aufsichtsratsmitglied der Rewe-Zentral AG war im vergangenen Jahr verstorben. Die Aufsichtsratsmitglieder Gudrun Glock sowie der Vorsitzende des Aufsichtsrats Heinz-Bert Zander legten ihre Aufsichtsratsmandate aus Altersgründen nieder. Aufsichtsratsmitglied Frank Morgenstern hatte sein Aufsichtsratsmandate zum 31. Mai 2015 niedergelegt.

Für die Rewe-Zentral AG wurden einstimmig als neue Aufsichtsratsmitglieder als Vertreter der Aktionäre gewählt:
– Peter Hornbach, Geschäftsführer der Wasgau Food Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, als Nachfolger von Otmar Hornbach für den Rest von dessen Amtszeit;
– Michael Fricke, Kaufmann und Vorstandsmitglied der Rewe Handels eG, Hungen, als Nachfolger für Gudrun Glock für Rest von deren Amtszeit,
– Heinz-Werner Satter, Geschäftsführer der Schwälbchen Frischdienst GmbH und Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender der FÜR SIE Handelsgenossenschaft eG, als Nachfolger für Frank Morgenstern für den Rest von dessen Amtszeit;
– Andreas Schmidt, Vorstandsmitglied der Rewe Dortmund Großhandel eG als Nachfolger von Heinz-Bert Zander für den Rest von dessen Amtszeit.

Für die Rewe-Zentralfinanz eG wählte die ordentliche Generalversammlung als Nachfolger von Gudrun Glock sowie von Frank Morgenstern und Heinz-Bert Zander ebenfalls einstimmig Michel Fricke, Heinz-Werner Satter und Andreas Schmidt als Anteilseignervertreter. Otmar Hornbach war nicht Mitglied des Aufsichtsrates der Rewe-Zentralfinanz eG.

In den heutigen ordentlichen Aufsichtsratssitzungen der Rewe-Zentralfinanz eG und der Rewe-Zentral AG wurde zudem Erich Stockhausen, Kaufmann in Erkrath und Vorstandsmitglied der Rewe West eG, als Nachfolger von Heinz-Bert Zander zum neuen Aufsichtsrats-Vorsitzenden gewählt.

Heinz-Bert Zander, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Rewe Dortmund Großhandel eG, hatte die Funktion des Rewe Group-Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden seit 2007 inne.

Die genossenschaftliche REWE Group ist einer der führenden Handels- und Touristikkonzerne in Deutschland und Europa. Im Jahr 2014 erzielte das Unternehmen einen Gesamtaußenumsatz von über 51 Milliarden Euro. Die 1927 gegründete REWE Group ist mit ihren 330.000 Beschäftigten und 15.000 Märkten in 12 europäischen Ländern präsent. In Deutschland erwirtschafteten im Jahr 2014 rund 228.000 Mitarbeiter in rund 10.000 Märkten einen Umsatz von 37 Milliarden Euro.

Zu den Vertriebslinien zählen Super- und Verbrauchermärkte der Marken REWE, REWE CENTER, REWE CITY und BILLA, der Discounter PENNY sowie die Baumärkte von toom Baumarkt und B1 Discount Baumarkt. Hinzu kommen die Bio-Supermärkte (TEMMA), innovative Convenience-Märkte (REWE To Go), das Gastrokonzept „Oh Angie!“ und E-Commerce-Aktivitäten REWE Lieferservice sowie Zooroyal und Weinfreunde. Zur Touristik gehören unter dem Dach der DER Touristik die Veranstalter ITS, Jahn Reisen und Travelix sowie Dertour, Meier’s Weltreisen und ADAC Reisen sowie die Geschäftsreisesparte FCm Travel Solutions und über 2.100 Reisebüros (u.a. DER Reisebüro, DERPART), die Hotelketten lti hotels, Club Calimera und PrimaSol Hotels und der Direktveranstalter clevertours.com.

Ansprechpartner:
REWE Group-Unternehmenskommunikation
Tel: +49 221 149 1050
Mail: presse@rewe-group.com

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ICCO en Albert Heijn: Met avocado’s krijgen kleine Afrikaanse boeren toegang tot wereldmarkt

Oostzaan, The Netherlands, 2015-6-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Door de samenwerking tussen ontwikkelingsorganisatie ICCO en Albert Heijn krijgen kleinschalige avocado-boeren in Zuid-Afrika toegang tot de internationale markt en een beter inkomen. Minister Ploumen voor Buitenlandse Handel en Ontwikkelingssamenwerking nam vanochtend een doos met avocado’s van de eerste oogst in ontvangst: “Opnieuw een mooi voorbeeld van hoe handel en ontwikkelingssamenwerking elkaar kunnen versterken. De boeren kunnen hun producten structureel verkopen en de winkel kan voorzien in de almaar toenemende vraag naar avocado’s.”

De laatste jaren stijgt de consumentenvraag naar avocado’s enorm. Marit van Egmond, directeur Vers van Albert Heijn: “Vorig jaar steeg de verkoop van deze gezonde vrucht bij Albert Heijn met zo’n 30 procent. We nemen onze avocado’s af van zeer professionele bedrijven, omdat die aan onze eisen op het gebied van kwaliteit, voedselveiligheid en duurzaamheid kunnen voldoen. Door onze ondersteuning van kleinschalige boeren zitten hun producten en processen nu ook op die norm. Zo vergroten we de beschikbaarheid van avocado’s voor onze klanten. En vanuit de Albert Heijn Foundation, die de aanpak financieel ondersteunde, vinden we het ook belangrijk om kleinschalige boeren een kans te bieden op de internationale markt.”

Dankzij het grote lokale netwerk van ontwikkelingsorganisatie ICCO kwam Albert Heijn in contact met kleinschalige boeren die wonen in de hoog gelegen noordelijke teeltgebieden van Zuid-Afrika. Door ondersteuning in de teelt hebben zij toegang gekregen tot de internationale markt. Gé Happe, strategisch inkoper van Albert Heijn: “Albert Heijn gaf een aantal enthousiaste jonge medewerkers de kans om naar Zuid-Afrika af te reizen en met deze boeren in gesprek te gaan. Vervolgens kwamen zij met een plan van aanpak. Dankzij de kennis van ICCO en FairMatch Support, die wereldwijd werken aan duurzame handelsketens, werden de plannen verder uitgewerkt en gerealiseerd. De boeren hebben zich georganiseerd in een coöperatie en er is hard gewerkt aan kwaliteitsverbetering. Zo kunnen zij nu hun afzet vergroten.”

Albert Heijn en ICCO wonnen in 2013 samen een award bij de Partnership Verkiezing, waarvan het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken de initiator is, voor deze vernieuwende manier van werken. Zij werken al langer samen in de Albert Heijn Foundation. Naast economische ontwikkeling vindt de Albert Heijn Foundation het belangrijk om de lokale situatie van Afrikaanse boeren en hun medewerkers te verbeteren, door te investeren in onderwijs, gezondheidszorg en huisvesting.

Stap-voor-stap een duurzamer assortiment
De samenwerking in Zuid-Afrika begint op kleine schaal, met twintig boeren. Dit jaar levert dat 100.000 avocado’s op die bij de Albert Heijn supermarkten te koop zijn. Het is de bedoeling dat het volume de komende jaren flink zal toenemen.

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Foto: Raymond Rutting Op de foto staan van links naar rechts: Wim Hart, Raad van Bestuur ICCO, minister Ploumen en Marit van Egmond, directeur Vers van Albert Heijn.

Foto: Raymond Rutting
Op de foto staan van links naar rechts: Wim Hart, Raad van Bestuur ICCO, minister Ploumen en Marit van Egmond, directeur Vers van Albert Heijn.