Monthly Archives: August 2015

Posted on by

La trainera “La Donostiarra” será presentada hoy al público en el C.C. Garbera en un acto organizado por EROSKI en colaboración con el Club Deportivo Kaiarriba

  • Hoy se presenta al público la trainera “La Donostiarra” en el C.C. Garbera en un acto que contará, además, con una degustación popular de pintxos de Bonito del Norte
  • EROSKI incrementa un 33% las compras de Bonito del Norte descargado en puertos vascos durante la primera mitad de la campaña

San Sebastián, España, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — La trainera “La Donostiarra” será presentada hoy al público en el C.C. Garbera en un acto organizado por EROSKI en colaboración con el Club Deportivo Kaiarriba y permanecerá expuesta hasta el 12 de septiembre. La iniciativa se enmarca dentro del apoyo de la cooperativa a los productos locales y a la promoción de una alimentación equilibrada y unos hábitos de vida saludables.

Durante esta campaña, los asistentes podrán conocer de primera mano las actividades desarrolladas por el Club Deportivo Kaiarriba y probar la actividad de los remeros en varias máquinas de remo ergómetro instaladas para ello. Además, para animar la jornada se realizará una degustación popular de Bonito del Norte descargado en puertos vascos entre las 18:00 y las 21:00H.

“Practicar deporte y una alimentación saludable basada en los productos locales de temporada son unos hábitos excelentes para mantener una alta calidad de vida. Por eso la colaboración entre el Club Deportivo Kaiarriba y EROSKI es algo natural y muy positivo” ha señalado Alberto Prieto, gerente del hipermercado EROSKI en Garbera.

EROSKI incrementa un 33% las compras de Bonito del Norte descargado en puertos vascos

Desde el inicio de la temporada, la cooperativa ha aumentado un 33% las compras de Bonito del Norte descargado en puertos vascos. La progresiva transformación de la red comercial al nuevo modelo de tienda “contigo” que apuesta claramente por los frescos locales de temporada es un elemento decisivo de este buen arranque de campaña. De hecho, en su conjunto, la venta de pescado procedente de puertos vascos crece un 27% en las tiendas EROSKI del País Vasco. Son, junto a los nuevos mostradores de carnicería con certificado Euskal Okela, las secciones que más ven incrementadas sus ventas en los establecimientos de la cooperativa ya remodelados.

Durante la pasada campaña, EROSKI realizó unas compras de Bonito del Norte en puertos vascos de 230 toneladas, por un importe superior a los 1,4 millones de euros.En aproximadamente mes y medio que llevamos de campaña de Bonito del Norte descargado en Puertos Vascos, hemos crecido un 33% en kilos comercializados sobre el año anterior.

  • La progresiva transformacíón de las tiendas del País Vasco al nuevo modelo “contigo” que apuesta claramente por los productos frescos locales de temporada es un elemento decisivo de este buen arranque de campaña.
  • “Las pescaderías de EROSKI remodeladas al modelo “contigo” crecen en su conjunto un 27% tras las remodelaciones. Son, junto a las nuevos mostradores de carnicerías EROSKI con certificado Euskal Okela, las secciones que más ven incrementadas sus ventas en las transformaciones al modelo “contigo” que la cooperativa ha impulsado para modernizar su red comercial.
Posted on by

EROSKI comercializa actualmente más del 10% del total de la producción de queso D.O. Idiazabal

 

  • Durante el primer semestre, EROSKI ha aumentado más de un 15% los kilos comercializados de queso D.O. Idiazabal
  • EROSKI y la D.O. IDIAZABAL mantienen una alianza estratégica para impulsar la promoción y distribución de este queso de alta calidad

Uharte-Arakil, España, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — La sociedad Aralar Mendi de Uharte-Arakil, de la mano de su Presidente Alfonso Muro, la Consejera de Desarrollo Rural, Medioambiente y Administración local del Gobierno de Navarra, Isabel Elizalde, el Director de Desarrollo Rural, Agricultura y Ganadería Ignacio Gil Roldan y el presidente del Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Idiazabal, José María Ustarroz reconocieron ayer la labor de EROSKI a favor de la distribución y la difusión del Queso Idiazabal. Gotzon Elizburu, director de Alianzas Comerciales de EROSKI, ha recogido la distinción en el homenaje celebrado en el marco del Artzai Eguna de Uharte-Arakil, en un emotivo acto que también ha realizado un homenaje póstumo al pastor Antonio Lopnereña Goñi, natural de Egoztue. Este reconocimiento se une al recibido el pasado mes de abril en Ordizia por el apoyo de EROSKI al queso D.O. Idiazabal. “Nuestra apuesta a favor del queso D.O. Idiazabal es firme y mantenemos una alianza estratégica para impulsar conjuntamente su promoción y distribución. Las compras de EROSKI de quesos adheridos a esta D.O. representan más del 10% de la producción total de este queso de calidad garantizada. Durante el primer semestre del año, hemos aumentado más de un 15% los kilos comercializados de queso D.O. Idiazabal”, ha señalado Gotzon Elizburu. Las ventas de EROSKI de este producto se incrementaron un 12% el pasado año.

“Este reconocimiento quiere poner en valor el firme compromiso de EROSKI con el queso D.O. Idiazabal y su cristalización en resultados concretos. La cooperativa ha apostado claramente por el futuro de los alimentos locales y por la diversidad del tejido productivo agroalimentario, aspectos tan importantes para la sostenibilidad del sector. La cooperativa no solo ha incorporado los quesos de nuestros pastores a sus puntos de venta, sino que además ha incluido en su marca propia EROSKI SeleQtia el queso artesano D.O. Idiazabal Artzai-Gazta elaborado por pastores de forma totalmente artesanal, demostrando en la práctica que es posible la convergencia entre estos productos artesanales de tradición milenaria y la comercialización para llegar al consumidor del siglo XXI”, ha destacado José Mª Ustarroz.

EROSKI mantiene relaciones comerciales con 57 pastores individuales, medianas y pequeñas empresas dedicadas a la elaboración artesanal de queso siguiendo la certificación marcada por el Consejo Regulador de la D.O. Idiazabal. “Es claro nuestro objetivo de conciliar el interés de los consumidores por la autenticidad de los productos locales con la profesionalización y el crecimiento productivo de muchos pequeños proveedores”, ha subrayado el director de Alianzas Comerciales de la cooperativa.

“Hemos celebrado en nuestras tiendas EROSKI varias campañas monográficas dedicadas a este producto, icono de nuestra cultura y gastronomía. Asimismo, la promoción del queso D.O. IdiazabaL, además de en el País Vasco y Navarra, se ha extendido a otras regiones, destacando la labor desarrollada en Cataluña a través de los establecimientos Caprabo”, ha señalado Gotzon Elizburu.

Convenio de colaboración

La D.O. Idiazabal y EROSKI firmaron en 2014 un convenio de colaboración con el objetivo de trabajar conjuntamente en la promoción y desarrollo de los quesos elaborados a partir de la leche de ovejas latxas y carranzanas con certificado de calidad garantizada tanto en el País Vasco como en Navarra. La cooperativa se convirtió así en el primer grupo distribuidor que rubricaba un acuerdo para ayudar al desarrollo y sostenibilidad del sector a través de la venta de quesos certificados.

Este acuerdo se enmarca en el contexto de los convenios firmados por EROSKI con el Gobierno Vasco e INTIA-Reyno Gourmet, organismo público del Gobierno de Navarra, para impulsar el desarrollo del sector agroalimentario local y la diversidad de su tejido productivo.

 

###

EROSKI comercializa actualmente más del 10% del total de la producción de queso D.O. Idiazabal

EROSKI comercializa actualmente más del 10% del total de la producción de queso D.O. Idiazabal

Posted on by

Asda Mumdex poll: Two thirds of mums say the new school year brings more of a change than New Year

  • £50 of the average £260 spend goes on mums’ hair and make up
  • Despite big spending, the Asda Mumdex poll reveals first day back battles with the kids leave mums with just 23 minutes to get themselves ready
  • Two thirds (66%) of mums say the new school year brings more of a change than New Year, with 60% making new-term resolutions
  • Over a third of mums pledge to lead a healthier lifestyle and exercising
  • Over a third call for a text or email checklist to ease first day back preparations
  • Asda launches special back to school lunchbox bundle and online checklists

LEEDS, England, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — With a new term on the horizon, four in five Asda Mums have revealed it’s important their child looks their smartest for the first day of the new school year.

The latest Asda Mumdex results also reveal that mums are experiencing ‘school gate syndrome’ – in addition to wanting to look their own ‘back to school best’ at the school gates, they feel there is an expectation to share exciting stories from the holidays, while making new school year resolutions for themselves and their family.

When it comes to looking their best, fashion-conscious Asda Mums have said they spend an average £260 on their appearance for the first term. This is broken down by an average spend of:

  • £45 on clothing
  • £46 on a coat(s)
  • £37 on a handbag(s)
  • £17 on jewellery
  • £50 on hair and make up
  • £33 on shoes
  • £32 on getting in shape

Despite this financial investment, mums have found they are limited to spending an average of 23 minutes getting themselves ready and at their back to school best, because 42 minutes is taken up by getting their kids dressed and ready. The latest Mumdex survey shows that the average mum spends:

  • 10 minutes trying to coax their kids out of bed
  • 10 minutes persuading them to put away electronic devices
  • 12 minutes making packed lunches
  • 12 minutes struggling to feed their child breakfast
  • One in five (22%) also spends around eight minutes looking for missing school bags
  • Almost a quarter (23%) spend six minutes looking for missing car or house keys
  • One in three (33%) will spend roughly eight minutes looking for a school uniform or PE kit

Looking good isn’t the only thing on mums’ mind when it comes to the school gates – mums also feel they need to sound good by sharing interesting summer tales. Over a third (35%) feel they are expected to report back on interesting summer activities as the new term starts, and one in three feels there is competition around where they went on holiday.

‘School gate syndrome’ even creeps into areas beyond mums’ control, with over half (58%) feeling competitive during discussions with others about which teacher their child has – this increases to 75% for mums with kids in their first year of secondary school. Meanwhile, just over four in 10 (44%) admit to often talking about their child’s class or set.

But the good news is that, in addition to refreshing their wardrobe, the return to school also brings a fresh start overall for many UK mums. One in three (33%) say they are excited about the possibilities a new school year brings, and two thirds (66%) feel the new school year is actually more of change than January.

Making the most of the change, 60% of mums say they set new-term resolutions. Over a third of mums will focus on adopting a healthier lifestyle (36%) and exercising more (37%), and almost a quarter (23%) want to get into the habit of waking up earlier. When it comes to family goals, over a quarter (29%) of mums say they plan to reduce their child’s screen time, while almost the same amount (28%) say they plan to help their kids more with their homework.

Eager for a solution to their problems, and the time to make the most of new resolutions, the majority of mums polled for the latest Asda Mumdex survey said that the number one measure to help make their back to school preparations easier, would be a text or email checklist of things to bring in or do for the first week of term.

In response to this, Asda has developed a checklist of tips and reminders to ensure nothing falls off the to-do list for mums on that busy first morning.

Asda’s Hayley Tatum said: “As a mum, I know what those back to school nerves feel like – what class your little one will be in; sending them through the school gates looking smart; getting them there on time after a few weeks of a summer routine – but it’s important that mums know they’re all feeling the same and to take some time for themselves if they can.

“Interestingly, the Asda mum faces the new school year just like, if not more so, the January new year – making resolutions, treating themselves to a new school-gate outfit, or even starting a new fitness and health regime – and good on us all I say!

“Mums have more than enough to think about when it comes to preparing for back to school, putting on their best juggling act, so we also understand a little help can go a long way. After listening to their call to action, we’ve developed quick and easy solutions, starting with the back to school checklist, and a one-click lunchbox bundle which adds tasty and healthy lunches instantly to your online shopping basket. I hope these go a little way to saving them some time in the final weeks of the summer holiday.”

Helen Low, Senior Design Director at George added: “We believe confidence is the key to looking great. There can be a lot of pressure on mums to keep up appearances in all aspects of their day-to-day lives – at George we provide styling solutions for busy mums for every occasion, however much time they have to spare.”

For Asda’s back to school lunchbox bundle, visit www.asda.com, or to find out further information on Asda Mumdex and download the Back to School checklist visit your.asda.com/mumdex.

George school uniforms which include our 100 day guarantee, and starting at just £2 per item, can be found at: http://direct.asda.com/george/school-uniform/D10,default,sc.html

George womenswear features seasonal solutions to help mums look great at the school gates and beyond, from as little as £2.75 george.com.

###

Posted on by

Sears Holdings: final tender results to purchase for cash up to $1,000,000,000 principal amount of its outstanding 6 5/8% Senior Secured Notes Due 2018

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Il., 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sears Holdings Corporation (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SHLD) today announced the final tender results of its previously announced tender offer (the “Offer”) to purchase for cash up to $1,000,000,000 principal amount of its outstanding 6 5/8% Senior Secured Notes Due 2018 (the “Notes”).  As of 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on August 28, 2015 (the “Expiration Date”), approximately $936.2 million principal amount of the Notes were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Offer, including approximately$0.6 million principal amount of the Notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the early tender date of August 14, 2015 (the “Early Tender Date”) and at or prior to the Expiration Date.

The terms and conditions of the Offer are set forth in an Offer to Purchase (the “Offer to Purchase”) and related Letter of Transmittal (the “Letter of Transmittal”), each dated August 3, 2015.  Consummation of the Offer, and payment for the tendered Notes, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions described in the Offer to Purchase.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer, the Company expects that it will accept for purchase all of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Offer at or prior to the Expiration Date and not previously accepted for purchase.

Holders who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw Notes at or prior to the Early Tender Date received the “Total Consideration” of $990 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes that were accepted for purchase, which included an early tender payment of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the settlement date.  Holders who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw Notes after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to the Expiration Date will receive the “Tender Offer Consideration” of $960 per $1,000principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the settlement date.

The settlement for those Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn after the Early Tender Date, and at or prior to the Expiration Date, and accepted by the Company is currently expected to be Monday, August 31, 2015.  Notes tendered pursuant to the Offers may no longer be withdrawn, unless otherwise required by law.

Jefferies LLC (the “Dealer Manager”) is serving as Dealer Manager for the Offer.  Questions regarding the Offer may be directed to the Dealer Manager at (877) 877-0696 (toll free) or (212) 284-2435 (collect).  Requests for the Offer to Purchase or the Letter of Transmittal or the documents incorporated by reference therein may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc., which is acting as the Tender Agent and Information Agent (“Tender and Information Agent”) for the Offer, at the following telephone numbers: banks and brokers, (212) 269-5550; all others, toll free at (800) 330-5136.  Offer materials are available at the following Web site address:  www.dfking.com/sears.

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities.  No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.  The Offer was made solely pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal.  None of the Company, the Company’s Board of Directors, the Dealer Manager, the Tender and Information Agent, the trustee under the indenture governing the Notes or any of their respective affiliates has made any recommendation as to whether holders should tender their Notes.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements about the Offer, the terms of the Offer, the dates on which actions relating to the Offer are expected to occur and other statements that describe the Company’s plans.  Whenever used, words such as “will,” “expect,” and other terms of similar meaning are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements, including these, are based on the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.  These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to the Offer, such as the operational and financial profile of the Company or any of its businesses after giving effect to it.  Detailed descriptions of other risks relating to the Company are discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  While we believe that our forecasts and assumptions are reasonable, we caution that actual results may differ materially.  We intend the forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time made and do not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available, except as required by law.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD) is a leading integrated retailer focused on seamlessly connecting the digital and physical shopping experiences to serve our members – wherever, whenever and however they want to shop. Sears Holdings is home to Shop Your Way®, a social shopping platform offering members rewards for shopping at Sears and Kmart as well as with other retail partners across categories important to them. The Company operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation, with full-line and specialty retail stores across the United States. For more information, visit www.searsholdings.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sears Holdings Public Relations
(847) 286-8371

SOURCE Sears Holdings

Posted on by

RILA: Retailers spent billions upgrading to accept new “chip-and-PIN” cards, but banks keep on issuing “chip and signature” cards in US

Arlington, VA, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — In a segment on this morning’s Today Show, a spokeswoman from MasterCard led viewers to believe that new “chip” credit cards being issued to consumers are the same cards currently issued in Europe and Canada that have reduced fraud by almost 80 percent. What this spokeswoman omitted, is that the cards that have cut fraud across the globe are Chip and PIN credit cards. In the United States, banks are skipping the PIN and relying on signatures, which do not provide the added layer of security for cardholders that exists in other countries.

Retailers have spent billions upgrading their point-of-sale terminals to accept new “chip-and-PIN” cards, but banks are only taking a half-step by issuing “chip and signature” cards that are still more fraud-prone than the cards they issue everywhere else in the industrialized world.

MasterCard also insinuated that all customers will have new cards in their wallet on October 1. But an independent survey released by the AP found that only 1 in 10 consumers have been issued a new card.

Watch this segment from this morning’s Today Show.

Banks and card networks have some explaining to do:

1)      Why aren’t new chip cards being issued with an accompanying PIN if it’s the smartest and safest technology available?

2)      Why, if Chip and PIN has been successful across the globe in reducing fraud, would we implement a less secure standard for American cardholders?

3)      Why are banks and card networks willing to make the added investment in security in other countries but not here in the United States?

Banks and card networks continue to gloss over the fact that the cards they are issuing in the United States are inferior to the same products they offer in the rest of the industrialized world. It’s time for them to honestly answer these questions.

RILA is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.

###

Jason Brewer
Senior Vice President, Communications & Advocacy
Phone: 703-600-2050
Email: jason.brewer@rila.org

Posted on by

BRC Global Standards and NSF International to run four roadshows in India this November

LONDON, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — BRC Global Standards and NSF International are proud to announce they are running four roadshows taking place in India from the 2nd to the 6th of November. They will be held Monday 2 November in Delhi, Tuesday 3 November in Mumbai, Wednesday 4 November in Bangalore and Thursday 5 November in Chennai.

BRC Global Standards and NSF International will be promoting the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 7 and the Global Markets programme. As certification to the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety continues to grow, BRC Global Standards and NSF International are working together to provide opportunities to recognise and encourage the development of food safety systems in small sites where the full requirements of the Standard may add less value, and in sites that are still developing food safety management systems. The new Global Markets programme will now enable audits and recognition against a set of requirements of the Standard identified as basic level and a further set of requirements at intermediate level.

Mark Proctor, CEO of BRC Global Standards, said: “The development of the Global Markets programme has provided a great opportunity in emerging markets, such as India, to provide effective stepping stones for factories to progress towards full certification. The levels also provide recognition of attainment at basic and intermediate levels, which are increasingly recognised by customers as providing assurance about the food safety systems operated at their supply sites. We are delighted to be able to work jointly with NSF International to deliver this message on the upcoming roadshows.’’

Peter Bracher, Managing Director of NSF International, said: “During my work in India I’ve seen many good food operations who shared a passion to meet full BRC certification and so drive their export potential. In practice this can be a big step, so I’m delighted to see that the Global Markets programme will provide a simpler path towards full certification whilst also giving recognition for making those first vital steps. All of us at NSF International are happy to support the BRC with their new initiatives.’’

Roadshow Agenda

BRC Global Standards
• Introduction to the BRC Food scheme and the Global Markets programme
• Analysis of BRC certificated sites in India
• Overview of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 7 requirements

Case Study
• From a recently certificated site: why they decided to go for certification, how they prepared, how they found the process, recommendations for others

NSF International
• Explanation of the audit process
• How NSF International can support sites
• NSF International capabilities
• Relationship with BRC Global Standards

BRC Global Standards
• Explanation of the Global Markets programme – an ideal entry route

Notes to Editors:

About BRC Global Standards
BRC Global Standards are the world’s biggest provider of safety and quality Standards’ Programs for food manufacture, packaging, storage and distribution. BRC Global Standards are generated with the help of technical specialists, retailers, manufacturers and certification bodies from around the world, so everything is based on practicality, rigour and clarity.

The BRC Global Standards certification scheme offer comprehensive support to help new and established businesses to achieve and maintain their quality and safety aims.

For more information please visit www.brcglobalstandards.com

Media Contact: BRC +44 (0)20 7854 8980

About NSF International
NSF International is a global independent organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the food, water and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.

The NSF Global Food Division provides expertise and accredited services across all supply chain sectors, from agriculture, produce, processing, distribution and dairy, to seafood, retail and restaurants. Services include Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certification (SQF, BRC, GLOBALG.A.P., FSSC, IFS, BAP and CanadaGAP), plus expert auditing, consulting and technical services, HACCP validation and inspection, organic food certification through Quality Assurance International (QAI), and specialty food verification and certification (including Non-GMO Project and gluten-free). NSF is also the leading certifier of foodservice equipment, nonfood compounds and bottled water/beverages.

Our services in India:

• Training for food standards, food safety and management systems
• Auditing and certification for HACCP, BRC, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, Global GAP
• Inspections
• Supplier auditing and development
• Retail audits
• Drinking water quality and component certification
• Food equipment certification

Posted on by

Tesco the first UK supermarket to tap into the rapidly growing vinyl music market

CHESHUNT, England, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Tesco will become the first UK supermarket to tap into the rapidly growing vinyl music market next week when it will sell the new album by British rock legends Iron Maiden.

Maiden’s first studio offering in five years, The Book Of Souls, will be released on Friday September 4, with the triple LP format going on sale in 55 of the supermarket’s largest Tesco Extra stores.

The move is significant as in the last few years the vinyl album revival has been gaining momentum, year on year with sales up by more than 50 per cent in 2014.*

Vinyl albums have bucked the downward sales trend in the last year of other music formats such as CDs which fell by 6.5 per cent and downloads which dropped by nearly nine per cent.

The only other music format in growth is streaming which grew by 78 per cent last year.

Tesco music buyer Michael Mulligan explained the reasons behind the move.

He said: “In the last year we began selling record decks in our largest stores and initial sales are very encouraging so giving our customers some new vinyl to play on those decks seems like the logical next step.

“And there can be no better way to launch this trial than working with one of rock music’s most iconic bands and their eagerly anticipated new album.

“We are anticipating demand for The Book Of Souls to be high as Iron Maiden’s last album was the band’s most successful to date, reaching number one in 28 countries including the UK.

“If this trial is a success then we would consider selling more vinyl albums before the end of the year.”

After bottoming out at just over 205,000 vinyl albums in 2007, UK sales have grown every year since and in 2014 reached almost 1.3 million – the highest annual total since 1995.

Michael Mulligan added: “The trend for vinyl doesn’t seem to be confined to one particular age group. Parents are getting their old vinyl albums down from the loft and teenagers are discovering the joys of the 12 inch record for the first time.”

Customers and fans can also enjoy Iron Maiden’s own brand of beer called Trooper, whilst they first play the new album, with Tesco offering them the opportunity in their Extra stores to purchase a 500ml bottle for £1 when bought with the LP or CD, instead of the regular retail price of £1.99.

Iron Maiden co-Manager, Dave Shack commented: “It was a proud moment when the UK’s biggest supermarket created a landmark opportunity for us to present our fans with a one-stop shop for our brand new album & award winning Trooper beer.

“We have put a lot of energy into all our formats of the new record but the vinyl has to be one of the most impressive packages I have ever seen.

“It’s a triple gatefold sleeve housing six sides of premium 180g vinyl and incorporates some unique, quite spectacular artwork across the whole package – something that can only be done with vinyl due to the space this format offers.

“Celebrating the release of this album with a special price on our Trooper beer felt like a great way of saying cheers to our fans. We sincerely hope they like both!”

ENDS

Photo:

Tesco will become the first UK supermarket to tap into the rapidly growing vinyl music market next week when it will sell the new album by British rock legends Iron Maiden.

Tesco will become the first UK supermarket to tap into the rapidly growing vinyl music market next week when it will sell the new album by British rock legends Iron Maiden.

Note to editors:

* All music industry data recorded by the BPI (British Phonographic Institute)

  • The Book Of Souls will also be sold in CD format by Tesco in 850 of its UK stores and online at Tesco Direct. The 3 LP vinyl format will cost £24 while the 2 CD version will cost £9.

 

The Tesco stores that will be selling the vinyl format are:

Lee Mill Extra

Reading Extra

Romford Gallows Corner Extra

Southend Extra

Scunthorpe Extra

Telford Extra

Wath-Upon-Dearne Extra

Weston Favell Extra

Stockport Extra

Great Yarmouth Extra

Stourbridge Extra

Bradford Extra

Grimsby Extra

Hexham Extra

Coulby Newham Extra

Swansea Llansmlet Extra

Nottingham Beeston Extra

Culverhouse Cross Extra

Manfield Chesterfield Extra

Hull St Stephens Extra

Bradley Stoke Extra

Oldham Huddersfield Extra

Hanley Extra

Walkden Extra

Walsall Extra

Dudley Extra

Bulwell Extra

Barnstaple Extra

Yate Extra

St Helens Extra

Corby Oakley Road

Woolwich Extra

Gateshead Trinity Extra

Shoreham Extra

Wembley Extra

Osterley Extra

Brislington Extra

Bradford Peel Centre

Gallions Reach Extra

Chester Broughton Extra

Coventry Arena Extra

West Bromwich Extra

Durham Extra

Exeter Vale Extra

Hartlepool Extra

Horwich Extra

Hindley Extra

Hucknall Extra

Irlam Extra

Talbot Green Extra

Leeds Seacroft Extra

Leicester Extra

Milton Keynes Extra

Milton Keynes Bletchley Extra

Merthyr Tidfell Stn Yard Extra

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.

Posted on by

Darden to release its fiscal 2016 Q1 financial results on Tuesday, September 22, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla., 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI) plans to release its fiscal 2016 first quarter financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, with a conference call to follow at 8:30 am ET.  Gene Lee, CEO, and other senior management will discuss first quarter results and conduct a question and answer session.  For those who cannot listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call.

What:   

Darden Restaurants, Inc. Fiscal 2016 First Quarter Earnings Conference Call

When:   

8:30 am ET, Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Where:   

https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1007/10299

How:  

Live over the Internet – Simply log on to the web at the address above or, to access via the telephone, dial 1-888-820-8959 and enter passcode 8850168 to join the call.

About Darden
Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), owns and operates more than 1,500 restaurants that generate $6.8 billion in annual sales. Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., and employing more than 150,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. Our restaurant brands – Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, The Capital Grille, Eddie V’s and Yard House – reflect the rich diversity of those who dine with us. Our brands are built on deep insights into what our guests want. For more information, please visit www.darden.com.

SOURCE Darden Restaurants, Inc.: Financial

(Analysts) Kevin Kalicak (407) 245-5870; (Media) Rich Jeffers (407) 245-4189<

Posted on by

Starbucks: Chris Parry, the Barista that is also an F-16 fighter jet mechanic

SEATTLE, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Having good manners helps to make a great first impression. It’s how Chris Parry got her first job at Starbucks.

“I was taught to say ‘may I,’ ‘ma’am,’ and ‘sir’ growing up,” said Parry.

After ordering a beverage at a Texas Starbucks® store when Parry was 17 years old, the manager asked if she’d be interested in working for the company. The store manager heard the way Parry communicated with her barista and thought she would be an ideal candidate to interact with Starbucks customers.

“I submitted an application the next day. Shortly after interviewing, I was offered the job,” she said. “I’ve been a partner for the past four years and I’ve loved every minute working here.”

A flexible work schedule has allowed Parry to pursue another career serving her country. She joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2013 and is currently an F-16 fighter jet mechanic.

“I had always wanted to join the military. By joining the Air Force Reserves, I could continue working for Starbucks and receive a paid education as well,” she said.

Parry’s aunt, uncle and several cousins all served in the Armed Forces and their stories of service made an impression on her. Although she felt a great sense of patriotism, she was also deeply impacted when one of her cousins died while serving as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“My cousin’s death made military service and sacrifice very real for me,” said Parry. “Ironically, it fueled my desire to serve. Dying was not what I feared the most. Instead it was not following my dreams and allowing something to hold me back.”

Parry qualified for several jobs in the Air Force Reserves including a medical position, which was ideal because she wanted to become a nurse. Surprisingly, she decided to take a different turn.

“My military recruiter suggested that I train to be an F-16 fighter jet mechanic,” said Parry. “He thought I would be really good at the job and since I like to be a ‘jack of all trades,’ I pursued it.”

As a jet mechanic, Parry is up early in the morning to inspect and clean aircraft. She conducts systems and flight control checks before pilots fly and refuels the jets when they land.

“I remove engines, repair fuel leaks and replace tires,” said Parry. “If something is broken, I fix it.”

While training to be a jet mechanic, Parry met her husband, Santino. They married in November of 2014 and moved to California where Santino is stationed. Parry then landed a job at a local Starbucks Military Family Store.

“Transferring from my store in Texas to one in California was easy,” said Parry. “Starbucks is very supportive of military partners.”

Parry heads to Texas for a week every three months in the reserves. She is also taking classes at a local community college and will apply to nursing school in the fall.

“Starbucks and the Air Force have prepared me for life,” said Parry. “Both have taught me to have integrity, put service before self and strive for excellence in all that I do.”

###

Starbucks: Chris Parry, the Barista that is also an F-16 fighter jet mechanic

Starbucks: Chris Parry, the Barista that is also an F-16 fighter jet mechanic

 

Read more Starbucks veterans stories here: Paying Tribute and Creating Opportunity

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

Posted on by

Wegmans: Chef Cesare Casella and Alessio Fasano, M.D. to explore gluten-free eating and Mediterranean Diet at Amore Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar

Rochester, NY, 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amore Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar is once again welcoming Chef Cesare Casella as he takes over the kitchen for one night. This time, Chef Casella, chef-owner of Salumeria Rosi in NYC and author of The Fundamental Techniques of Classic Italian Cuisine, will team with Alessio Fasano, M.D., director of the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital. Together, they will explore the world of gluten-free eating and the joys of the Mediterranean Diet.

Dr. Fasano, author of Gluten Freedom, will provide an insightful talk about his work in the treatment of celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Casella will prepare a gluten-free meal following his secret to brilliant flavors – making the most of just a few, best-quality ingredients.

Guests will enjoy a reception including Leek Frittata and Roasted Beets. The four course dinner will highlight organic farm lettuces and vegetables, risotto with roasted vegetables, wild-caught striped bass, and a seasonal fruit crisp. All courses will include wine pairings.

The Chef & The Doctor dinner series was created in 2015.  Science continues to reveal how food choices can influence our ability to live healthier, better lives. Pairing medical knowledge with chef talent creates an evening of new decision making and food experimentation. Delicious and nutritious can co-exist!

What: The Chef & the Doctor Dinner
When: Monday, September 14, 2015 – two seatings; 50 people each
5:30pm reception, 6:00pm dinner OR
7:30pm reception, 8:00 dinner
Where: Amore Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1750 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610
Price: $85pp, plus tax and gratuity; includes reception and 4-course dinner
Tickets: Reservations highly recommended – The Chef & The Doctor dinners sell out quickly. Please call Amore at 585-452-8780.

###

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, has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for eighteen consecutive years, ranking #7 in 2015. Wegmans also has various restaurant concepts in its stores, including The Burger Bar, The Pub by Wegmans, and Amore Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar, as well as Next Door by Wegmans – a stand-alone restaurant in Rochester, NY. The enthusiastic staff of the Wegmans Restaurant Group embraces the “best of our market” to nourish and delight all those at the table.

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

Posted on by

Dollar General’s management to present at the Goldman Sachs 22nd Annual Global Retailing Conference, September 9

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn., 2015-8-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) announced today that management will present at the Goldman Sachs 22nd Annual Global Retailing Conference on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 8:50 a.m. Eastern Time at The Plaza Hotel in New York.

The presentation will be webcast and can be accessed live or as an archived replay through Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from the link on the Dollar General Investor Relations website under “Conference Calls and Investor Events.”

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operates 12,198 stores in 43 states as of July 31, 2015. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. For more information on Dollar General, please visit www.dollargeneral.com.

Contact(s):

Dollar General Corporation
Investor Contacts:
Mary Winn Pilkington, 615-855-5536
or
Matt Hancock, 615-855-4811
or
Media Contacts:
Dan MacDonald, 615-855-5209

ABOUT DOLLAR GENERAL CORPORATION
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. With 12,000 stores in 43 states, Dollar General has more retail locations than any retailer in America. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. For more information on Dollar General, please visit www.dollargeneral.com.

Posted on by

SAP to implement high-performance platform for the storage and processing of SAP HANA data for Russian food retailer X5 Retail Group

Moscow, Russia, 2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group, a leading Russian food retailer (LSE ticker: “FIVE”), and SAP, one of the global market leaders for enterprise application software, have signed a contract to implement a high-performance platform for the storage and processing of SAP HANA data based on the SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud environment. This will allow X5 to analyze information about billions of purchases made across the retail chain, to plan product lines, forecast demand, accommodate changes in consumer demand and carry out tailored marketing campaigns aimed at any of the Group’s target customer segments.

SAP HANA will enable X5 to quickly analyze several years’ worth of data on transactions carried out with suppliers, as well as documents relating to logistics and transportation, financial transactions, and also data on all purchases over the past three years. The system will be implemented quickly thanks to the Enterprise Cloud environment, with assistance from SAP’s technical support team at SAP’s Moscow-based data center. The basic data set will include around four billion checks.

In addition, this new solution will help to increase significantly the speed at which standard reports and analytics are carried out. It’s planned that within the next 9-12 months, X5 will be able to receive reports on transactions in stores with virtually no delay. Operational analytical data that were until now only available for the previous day will be generated within 30 minutes.

Stephan DuCharme, CEO of X5 Retail Group said: “In line with our strategy to develop as a multi-format retailer, X5 is constantly improving the value proposition of each distribution network and aims to meet the expectations of all target groups. The SAP HANA platform will let us focus on innovations to understand more accurately the current demands of our customers, our business and our partners.”

Stefan Höchbauer, SAP President, Middle & Eastern noted: “Given the market dynamics and increasing level of competition, the ability to accurately plan the product range, to analyze huge volumes of detailed information in real time, while managing customer expectations are all very important for retailers. The SAP HANA platform will provide the basis for innovation, helping X5 Retail Group to better manage its business and relationships with customers and suppliers.”

Note to Editors:
X5 Retail Group N.V. (LSE: FIVE, Fitch – ‘BB’, Moody’s – ‘Ba3’, 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 30 June 2015, X5 had 5,971 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 5,273 Pyaterochka proximity stores, 438 Perekrestok supermarkets, 83 Karusel hypermarkets and 177 convenience stores. The Company operates 35 DCs and 1,364 Companyowned 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). In H1 2015, revenue totaled RUB 382,608 mln (USD 6,666 mln), EBITDA reached RUB 27,518 mln (USD 479 mln), and net income amounted to RUB 7,942 mln (USD 138 mln).

X5’s Shareholder structure is as follows: Alfa Group – 47.86%, founders of Pyaterochka – 14.43%, X5 Directors – 0.05%, treasury shares – 0.01%, free float – 37.64%.

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

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

Posted on by

Whole Foods Market Millburn-Union opens brand new barbecue restaurant

Restaurant opens Aug. 28th offering in-house smoked meat and all the traditional fixin’s

AUSTIN, Texas, 2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market Millburn-Union is excited to announce the opening of BBQ, a brand new barbecue restaurant that will bring the most sought after traditional American BBQ flavors of Kansas City, Memphis, and the Carolinas, right to Jersey! The restaurant will feature a selection of smoked meats, sandwiches, mac & cheese platters and salads alongside traditional barbecue sides, beverages and desserts.

The grand opening will take place on Friday, August 28th at the side parking lot of Whole Foods Market Millburn-Union from 11:00am to 2pm. The smokers are fired up and ready for a day filled with music, free samplings, games, and more! Attendees are welcome to sample the restaurant’s new menu and enjoy the outdoor festivities throughout the day.

BBQ slow-smokes a variety of tasty options including ribs, sausage, chicken, pulled pork, and even seitan. Smother your sandwich or platter with one of the venue’s exclusive barbecue sauces, or get your cut of choice by the pound. All of the menu items meet Whole Foods Market’s strict quality standards and come from trusted suppliers that are committed to the highest regard for animal welfare.

The menu also offers all of the fixin’s needed to round out your meal from buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy to corn on the cob to creamy slaw and sweet potato fries. With items like oven-baked Mac & Cheese to tender brisket and a wide selection of beer and wine, many of which are sourced from local breweries such as Kane, Carton and more, there is something for the whole family at BBQ.

BBQ offers take-out and catering service and the space features large screen televisions making it the perfect venue to catch any major sporting event. For more information on Whole Foods Market Millburn-Union and BBQ, please visit the store’s social media channels:

Facebook: /WholeFoodsMillburnUnion
Twitter: @WFMMillburn #bbq
Instagram: @WFMMillburn #bbq

BBQ
At Whole Foods Market Millburn-Union
2245 Springfield Ave
Vauxhall, NJ 07088
Hours:  [Mon –Sun] 11 AM – 10 PM

Posted on by

222 Meijer stores across Midwest to feature variety of Star Wars grocery and merchandise items

Retailer featuring variety of items and hosting midnight events for Force Friday at 222 stores across Midwest

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer stores throughout the Midwest are preparing to bring customers closer to a galaxy far, far away by offering a variety of grocery and merchandise items in honor of the epic Star Wars saga and this year’stheatrical release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Starting on Force Friday at 12:01 a.m., Sept. 4, young Jedi and their families will find a huge variety of the newest Star Wars themed products at all 222 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. The Grand-Rapids, Mich.-based retailer is also hosting larger regional midnight events at 12 Meijer stores where customers can participate in the Force Friday global celebration for Star Wars.

“There are generations of Star Wars enthusiasts counting down to the latest in this epic saga, so we’re thrilled to be carrying a wide assortment of merchandise and groceries in nearly every aisle throughout our stores,” said Peter Whitsett, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing. “The Force is strong in our customers, so we’ll feature everything from toys and collectibles, to apparel and houseware items.”

Whitsett said other items will include Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition, which joins forces with Star Wars for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Wii U gaming systems. In addition to Blu-Rays, DVDs, books, wall plaques, and posters from the original film series and other fan-favorite items, Meijer will also feature Taste of the Galaxy food stations on Force Friday with samplings and Star Wars-themed recipe options to feed the fandom as they re-watch their favorite episodes.

“We are thrilled our stores will help fans be among the first to get their hands on the all new assortment of Star Warsmerchandise,” Whitsett said. “Once customers see our selection for Force Friday, they’ll see we’re the perfect one-stop shop for all things related to Star Wars.”

About Meijer:
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 222 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronics offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

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

Contact: Joe Hirschmugl, 616-791-3943, joseph.hirschmugl@meijer.com

# # #

222 Meijer stores across Midwest to feature variety of Star Wars grocery and merchandise items

222 Meijer stores across Midwest to feature variety of Star Wars grocery and merchandise items

Posted on by

Groupe Auchan: Oney Banque Accord grew in 1st half of 2015 in spite of economic and regulatory effect

Groupe Auchan: Oney Banque Accord grew in 1st half of 2015 in spite of economic and regulatory effect

Croix Cedex, France, 2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — On 30 June 2015, Oney Banque Accord had stable Net Banking Income compared to the previous financial year, at €190 million (+0.3%). The French subsidiary stood up well in spite of economic and regulatory effects, thanks to significant investment to support innovation and the development of new services and good control of risk and expenses. We note that the international subsidiaries were very dynamic, particularly Spain and Portugal.

Credit production increased by 1.3% to reach €1.1 billion. At the same time, Oney Banque Accord continued to improve the control of its risks: the risk rate on outstanding business thus reached 2.8% (against 3.3% in the 1st half of 2014). Net earnings increased by 1.4% to €24.3 million, against €24.0 million on 30 June 2014. The Basel III solvency ratio (before dividend distribution) was brought to 15.41%, a clear improvement (14.22% pro forma 1st half 2014).

“We are delighted by the interest aroused by our innovations in France and abroad. These results encourage us to continue in this direction and provide still more support to retail players in redefining their customer experiences, to adapt to new practices. Our new strategy is now bearing fruit, enabling us to grow and have greater financial stability”, says Jean-Pierre Viboud, Managing Director of the Oney Banque Accord group.

###

Groupe Auchan: Oney Banque Accord grew in 1st half of 2015 in spite of economic and regulatory effect

Groupe Auchan: Oney Banque Accord grew in 1st half of 2015 in spite of economic and regulatory effect

Posted on by

Mehrfach-Auszeichnung für Unternehmen der REWE Group

Verbraucher Initiative: Mehrfach-Auszeichnung für Unternehmen der REWE Group

Köln, Deutschland,  2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — Die Vertriebslinien REWE, PENNY und toom Baumarkt haben bei der von der Verbraucher Initiative e.V. durchgeführten CSR-Unternehmensbefragung für ihr nachhaltiges Engagement jeweils in ihrer Kategorie den Spitzenplatz erreicht. Sie tragen nun die Auszeichnung „Nachhaltiges Einzelhandelsunternehmen 2015“ und erhalten dafür die Gold-Medaille. Damit schnitten die Vertriebslinien der REWE Group auch im Vergleich zum Wettbewerb außerordentlich gut ab. In der Sparte Nahrungs- und Genussmittel erreichten lediglich die Lebensmitteleinzelhändler Kaufland, real und tegut noch Gold. Aldi Süd und Bünting mussten sich mit Silber zufrieden geben, Norma mit Bronze. Ähnlich schnitt der Wettbewerb (Hornbach: Silber) im Baumarkt-Bereich ab.

Die REWE Group hat bereits in der Vergangenheit Spitzenplatzierungen in der CSR- Unternehmensbefragung der Verbraucher Initiative erreicht: Bei der ersten Teilnahme 2009 erzielte das Unternehmen eine Silber-Auszeichnung, 2011 reichte es für alle Einzelhandels-Vertriebslinien der REWE Group sogar zur Gold-Medaille.

„Die Auszeichnung der Verbraucher Initiative bestätigt uns in unserer langjährigen und konsequenten Unternehmensausrichtung in Bezug auf mehr Nachhaltigkeit. Sie zeigt aber auch, dass wir in stark übergreifenden Sektoren – vom Discount über den Vollsortimenter bis hin zum Baumarkt – viel bewegt haben und auch weiterhin bewegen werden“, sagt Dr. Daniela Büchel, Leiterin Corporate Responsibility der REWE Group.

Der Bundesverband untersuchte 46 Unternehmen nach ihrer sozialen und ökologischen Aktivitäten anhand eines 350 Punkte umfassenden branchenspezifischen Kriterienkatalogs in den sechs umsatzstärksten Branchen: Nahrungs- und Genussmittel, Textilien und Schuhe, Möbel, Bau- und Heimwerkermaterial, Informations- und Kommunikations-technologie sowie Gesundheit und Körperpflege. Entlang umfangreicher Kriterien gaben die Unternehmen Auskunft u. a. zu ihrem nachhaltigen Engagement entlang der gesamten Lieferkette.

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

Posted on by

PENNY spendet 10.000 Euro für krebskranke Kinder in Köln

Köln, Deutschland,  2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — Vom 17. bis 19. Juli war PENNY auf dem Parookaville-Festival in Weeze. Der über 1.000 Quadratmeter große PENNY Store war zentrale Anlaufstelle des 120.000 Quadratmeter großen Campinggeländes mit Platz für 12.000 Camper. Der Markt hatte 55 Stunden ununterbrochen geöffnet. Rund 150 Mitarbeiter sorgten dafür, dass sich die Stadtbewohner mit allen  Lebensmitteln für das Katerfrühstück oder die Grillparty frisch vor Ort versorgen konnten.

„Das Festival war ein voller Erfolg und eine Riesen Party. Trotz all der guten Laune wollten wir auch an diejenigen denken, die unsere Hilfe und Solidarität brauchen. Da lag es für uns als Kölner Unternehmen nahe, uns für den „Förderverein für krebskranke Kinder e.V. Köln“ zu engagieren. Unsere Festival-Kunden haben fleißig ihre Pfand Bons gespendet und wir haben auf 10.000 Euro aufgerundet. Mein ausdrücklicher Dank gilt Allen, die uns dabei unterstützt haben“, sagt PENNYRegionsleiter Jochen Vogel anlässlich der heutigen (28.8.) offiziellen Scheckübergabe im Elternhaus des Fördervereins in Köln.

Der Förderverein für krebskranke Kinder e.V. Köln ist eine Selbsthilfeinitiative betroffener Eltern, die sich seit 1990 dafür einsetzt, die Lebensbedingungen und das Umfeld krebskranker Kinder und ihrer Familien nachhaltig zu verbessern. Unter anderem betreibt der Förderverein auf dem Gelände der Uni-Klinik das Kölner Elternhaus. Hier findet die Familie während der klinischen Behandlung in der Nähe ihrer kranken Kinder ein Zuhause auf Zeit sowie Rat, Hilfe und Zuwendung.

„Ohne die Unterstützung vieler Freunde und Förderer können wir das alles nicht leisten“, betont Marlene Merhar, Vorsitzende des Fördervereins für krebskranke Kinder e.V. Köln. „Wir bekommen keine Subventionen oder staatliche Gelder, sondern sind auf privates Engagement und Spenden angewiesen. Deshalb sind wir sehr dankbar und freuen uns über die großzügige Spende von PENNY.“

Bildunterschrift: PENNY-Regionsleiter Jochen Vogel überreichte heute (28.8.) Marlene Merhar, Vorsitzende des Fördervereins für krebskranke Kinder e.V. Köln, einen Spendenscheck in Höhe von 10.000 Euro.

PENNY erzielte 2014 allein in Deutschland mit 2.200 Filialen und 26.000 Mitarbeitern einen Umsatz von rund sieben Milliarden Euro. Im Ausland erwirtschaftete PENNY mit 1.370 Filialen und 18.200 Mitarbeitern einen Umsatz von über vier Milliarden Euro.

Ansprechpartner:
Andreas Krämer
Pressesprecher PENNY
Tel: +49 221 149 1050
Mail: presse@rewe-group.com

###

PENNY spendet 10.000 Euro für krebskranke Kinder in Köln

Bildunterschrift: PENNY-Regionsleiter Jochen Vogel überreichte heute (28.8.) Marlene Merhar, Vorsitzende des Fördervereins für krebskranke Kinder e.V. Köln, einen Spendenscheck in Höhe von 10.000 Euro.

Posted on by

REWE Group erneut Verpflegungspartner des RheinEnergieMarathon Köln

REWE-FC-Promi-Spendenstaffel zugunsten der HistiozytoseHilfe

Köln, 2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — Als langjähriger Partner unterstützt die REWE Group auch den 19. RheinEnergieMarathon Köln und sorgt an der Strecke und im „REWE-Verpflegungsdorf“ wieder für den richtigen Energiekick für die Läufer: Der Handels- und Touristikkonzern stellt gemeinsam mit den sportbegeisterten Partnern 75.000 Chiquita-Bananen, 20.000 Müsli-Riegel, 12.000 Fruity-Riegel, 12.000 PENNY-Mini-Schoko-Riegel, 12.000 Liter Apfelsaft, 5.000 Äpfel (Krings in Rheinbach), 2.500 Bockwürstchen (Qualitätsmetzgerei Wilhelm Brandenburg) und 600 Kilogramm Seeberger-Studentenfutter kostenlos bereit.

„Seit mehr als zehn Jahren unterstützen wir nun den Köln Marathon. In dieser Zeit hat sich das Lauf-Event immer weiter entwickelt, aber auch der Sport insgesamt an Bedeutung gewonnen. Marathon ist heute ein Massenphänomen und mit dem richtigen Trainingsplan und regelmäßigen ärztlichen Kontrollen ein sehr gesunder Sport. Ich hoffe, dass wir am 4. Oktober tolles Wetter haben, denn dann ist der Marathon ein unvergleichliches Event in der Domstadt“, freut sich Martin Brüning, Leiter Unternehmenskommunikation der REWE Group. Das Unternehmen wünsche allen Teilnehmern viel Erfolg. „Ganz gleich welche Strecke in welcher Zeit, wer ankommt ist immer ein Sieger“, so Brüning.

Das REWE Group-Verpflegungsdorf ist zu einem Markenzeichen des Köln Marathon geworden. Bei keinem anderen Stadtlauf gibt es eine so reichhaltige und qualitativ hochwertige Verpflegung im Ziel und an der Strecke. Wir freuen uns, dass wir auch im diesem Jahr auf unseren langjährigen Partner bauen können“, sagt Markus Frisch, Geschäftsführer der Köln Marathon Verwaltungs- und Werbe GmbH.

Quartett läuft für guten Zweck

Bei aller Vorfreude vergisst die REWE Group aber nicht diejenigen, für die eine Teilnahme an einem Marathon ein unerfüllter Traum bleiben wird. Eine Promi-Staffel läuft auch in diesem Jahr zugunsten der HistiozytoseHilfe e.V. Das Quartett Lionel Souque (REWE Group Vorstand), Jean-Jacques van Oosten (Chief Digital Officer REWE Group), Carsten Cullmann (FC-Urgestein und aktuell Trainer der U15-Mannschaft des 1. FC Köln), Marcel Abanoz (Reha-Trainer der Lizenzabteilung des 1. FC Köln) sammelt mit jedem gelaufenen Kilometer einen Euro. Unterstützt werden sie dabei von den 350 mitlaufenden Mitarbeitern der REWE Group. „Im vergangenen Jahr konnten wir so 3.000 Euro erlaufen. Ich bin optimistisch, dass wir das auch in diesem Jahr schaffen. Denn die Diagnose Histiozytose verändert das Leben der betroffenen Kinder, der Eltern und des gesamten sozialen Umfelds massiv: Unzählige Arztbesuche, Medikamente mit erheblichen Nebenwirkungen und die mannigfachen Symptome der Krankheit machen einen normalen Alltag fast unmöglich“, sagt Lionel Souque, Botschafter der HistiozytoseHilfe. Histiozytose ist eine sehr seltene Erkrankung, von der überwiegend Kinder unter zehn Jahren betroffen sind.

Gesundheitsmanagement der REWE Group bereitet Läufer auf Marathon vor

Das Handels- und Touristikunternehmen bereitet seine Mitarbeiter mit einem unternehmenseigenem Fit.Netz-Programm auf den Köln Marathon 2015 vor. Rund 350 Mitarbeiter aus ganz Deutschland gehen in Staffel, Halbmarathon oder Marathon an den Start. Im Rahmen des Fit.Netz-Programms geht es dabei nicht um das hochleistungsorientierte Laufen von Bestzeiten, sondern das sichere und gesunde Erreichen der Ziellinie. Unterstützt wird das Gesundheitsmanagement der REWE Group dabei vom mas-Institut aus Köln.  Unter dem diesjährigen Motto REWE Group – Läuft! – erhalten alle Teilnehmer einen Leistungscheck samt individuellem Trainingsplan. In unterschiedlichen Lauftreffs – je nach Leistungsniveau – konnten die Läufer Kraft und Ausdauer trainieren und sich somit bestens vorbereiten. Einen besonderen Service gibt es am Wochenende des Köln Marathons: Jeder Teilnehmer der REWE Group erhält eine persönliche Betreuung im Ziel-Bereich samt Verpflegung. Erfahrungsaustausch und Massage, um dort den Tag gemeinsam mit Kollegen und Familie ausklingen zu lassen.

Auf dem Foto (von links): Carsten Cullmann, Jean-Jacques van Oosten, Lionel Souque und Marcel Abanoz.

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

###

REWE Group erneut Verpflegungspartner des RheinEnergieMarathon Köln

Auf dem Foto (von links): Carsten Cullmann, Jean-Jacques van Oosten, Lionel Souque und Marcel Abanoz.

Posted on by

New Zealand: New World and PAK’nSAVE butcheries to banish environmentally unfriendly polystyrene trays

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 2015-8-31— /EPR Retail News/ — Nineteen New World and PAK’nSAVE stores throughout the country have been trialling a great piece of Kiwi ingenuity, a recyclable plastic meat tray, meaning the environmentally unfriendly polystyrene tray, which is commonly seen across supermarkets, days are well and truly numbered.

Creating a suitable alternative to the useful but hard to dispose of polystyrene trays has been a long running global environmental challenge.

Currently the problem remains that literally hundreds of millions of polystyrene trays are sent to landfill every year after being in use for about one week. Up until now there’s been no real alternative but to landfill the used product as polystyrene is not accepted via kerbside schemes.

According to Mike Sammons, Sustainability Manager, Foodstuffs New Zealand Ltd the business decided to ask itself – Could we find a truly workable, sustainable alternative to the ‘destined for landfill’ foam meat trays?

“Any replacement product needs to look better, work just as well, be available at the same cost and be 100% recyclable at kerbside,” says Sammons. “But we are determined to listen to our customers who have been clear in telling us it’s time to move towards packaging that is more environmentally friendly.”

After two years of product development, the team at New World and PAK’nSAVE think they might have cracked it says Mike Sammons,

“Our packaging partner, Alto Packaging, developed, designed and manufactured a recyclable plastic tray to our specifications, that is currently being trialled in 19 New World and PAK’nSAVE stores around the country,” says Sammons. “The meat tray ticks all the right boxes in terms of sustainability and performance and furthermore it’s made right here by one of New Zealand’s leading rigid plastic packaging companies.”

Initial results from the trial are looking very promising with 88% of customers rating the overall performance of the packs as better than the traditional polystyrene packs, and a further 10% of customers rating performance on par with the traditional polystyrene packs.

Sample customer feedback has been extremely positive with the below comments capturing general customer sentiment;

  • “can put in the recycle bin which is much more convenient”
  • “seems to curb the liquid spilling out”
  • “looks better”
  • “clean, fresh and environmentally friendly”

The new tray comprises 50% recycled material and is accepted by every kerbside recycling scheme across New Zealand and as its made of clear plastic not black, it can be easily separated in the recycling centres.

“It’s also easy for customers to recycle. All the user has to do is give the used meat tray a quick rinse under the tap as you do with a lot of other recyclable packaging and pop it in the recycling bin,” confirms Sammons. “By moving to this tray, New World and PAK’nSAVE customers can avoid sending the equivalent of 14 Olympic size swimming pools full of polystyrene to landfill each year.”

But the innovations don’t stop at the trays ability to be recycled say Sammons. The real innovation lies in the trays ability to capture fluid in the base. The little ‘dimples’ in the bottom of the tray hold the fluid there even when tilted or turned upside down, meaning customers don’t have to worry about any nasty meat fluids getting in amongst their shopping.

Working with councils, recyclers and Alto Packaging means the inclusive process undertaken to bring the new trays to market ensure they will not only perform as required but customers can be assured they are 100% able to be recycled, says Sammons.

The recyclable plastic meat tray is just one of a number of sustainable innovations New World and PAK’nSAVE are bringing to the market over the next year, and Sammons confirms the business is committed to leading the charge on providing sustainable supermarket shopping solutions.

###

New Zealand: New World and PAK’nSAVE butcheries to banish environmentally unfriendly polystyrene trays

New Zealand: New World and PAK’nSAVE butcheries to banish environmentally unfriendly polystyrene trays

Posted on by

Reasor’s the 2nd largest majority employee owned company in Oklahoma and the 45th in US

Tahlequah, OK, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — The National Center for Employee Ownership has announced that the Reasor’s is the second largest majority employee owned company in Oklahoma and the 45th in the United States.

Reasor’s set up an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2007 and now employs more than 3000 employees. Since the first store in 1963, the foundation of Reasor’s was built on delivering unbeatable customer service. By transitioning to an ESOP, this has further motivated employees to maintain a superior level of customer service and aided in the continued growth of a favorite local Oklahoma Company.

The National Center for Employee Ownership’s 2015 Employee Ownership 100 list includes the nation’s largest companies that are at least 50% owned by an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) or other broad-based employee ownership plan. Many are 100% employee-owned. The great majority (90%) of the companies on this list have ESOPs, although a number of them have more than one plan. Other vehicles for employee ownership on this list include profit sharing plans invested in company stock, stock purchase plans, 401(k) plans, and a worker cooperative.

The companies on the list employ approximately 668,000 people worldwide

Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), the most common form of employee ownership for companies on the list, are an employer-sponsored benefit plan. Companies contribute stock or cash to buy stock to an employee stock ownership trust. Generally, all full-time employees who have worked for a year or more are in the plan and receive allocations of stock every year based on relative pay or a more level formula. They get their shares after they leave and can sell them back to the company at an appraised fair market value. Companies and their owners can get significant tax benefits from an ESOP, and they are particularly attractive as a means to buy out an owner or owners of a closely held company. Most of the ESOPs on this list were set up for that reason. ESOPs are only very rarely funded by employees themselves.

Research on ESOPs shows that:

  • ESOP companies grow about 2.5% per year faster after an ESOP is set up than would have been expected based on their performance relative to peer companies prior to an ESOP.
  • ESOP participants average about 2.5 times more in total retirement assets than do employees in non-ESOP companies.
  • ESOP companies lay people off at one-third to one-fourth the rate of other companies.

About the National Center for Employee Ownership
The National Center for Employee Ownership is a non-profit information, and research organization on all forms of broad-based employee ownership. Details about the NCEO and employee ownership are available at www.nceo.org.

About Reasor’s®
Reasor’s® was founded 52 years ago at a single location in Tahlequah, Oklahoma by namesake, Larry Reasor. Today, the company has 19 locations and two convenience stores throughout northeastern Oklahoma. In 2007, Reasor’s® became employee-owned and now provides jobs for over 3,000 community members. In 2013, Supermarket News ranked the company #25 on its Top 50 Small Chains and Independents in the U.S. For more information about Reasor’s®, visit www.reasors.com.

###

 

Posted on by

Kmart Pharmacy survey: 41 percent typically do not get a flu shot

Survey finds more than forty percent of adults typically do not get a flu shot

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — Flu season is coming, which means coughing, fevers, body aches and misconceptions about the flu vaccine are on the horizon. A new online survey of Kmart shoppers, conducted on behalf of Kmart Pharmacy by Sears Holdings Member Feedback and Insights team, found that while nearly all (94 percent) agree some people are particularly vulnerable to getting the flu or having a serious case of the flu, 41 percent typically do not get a flu shot.

Getting a seasonal flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu – and Kmart Pharmacy is out to debunk some of the most common flu-related myths preventing people from staying healthy each year:

  • The flu shot does not protect me from the virus: The Kmart Pharmacy survey found that approximately one in three (31 percent) people typically do not get a flu shot because they believe the vaccine won’t protect them. The flu vaccine is intended to create a stronger immune system to keep you from not catching the bug, and also lessens the chances of spreading the flu virus to others.
  • I never get the flu so I do not need a flu shot: No one is immune from getting the flu. Some individuals are actually more susceptible to developing serious flu-related complications than others, including children under the age of five, adults age 65 or older, and pregnant women. While the Kmart Pharmacy survey found that only 28 percent of people think getting the flu shot will not protect others around them, everyone should receive the flu shot. The vaccine helps protect others around you.
  • My decision to get the flu shot only affects me: If you were to contract the contagious virus, there is a chance you could infect your family, your friends, and your co-workers. More than half of respondents (55 percent) said they have missed work themselves or know someone who missed work last year due to the flu. Sick employees are likely not working at an optimum level and can expose others to germs in the workplace. The end result is costly to both employees and employers.

“Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent the seasonal flu, and we encourage families to take this important step to protect themselves,” says Phil Keough, president, Kmart Pharmacy. “Stop in today and visit one of our professionally trained immunizing pharmacists who are ready to administer flu shots as well as other CDC-recommended vaccinations.*”

Kmart is now offering no-cost flu shots (with most insurance)** to customers at participating Kmart pharmacy locations – including Quadravalent and high-dose flu shots. No appointment is necessary and Shop Your Way® Pharmacy Rewards members receive points for each flu shot purchased. Announced earlier this year, the new Shop Your Way® Pharmacy Rewards Program gives members $10 back in points 1(10,000 points) for every five qualifying prescriptions filled in a rolling 12-month period.

The CDC recommends people start getting vaccinated soon after the flu vaccine becomes available. Kmart Pharmacy wants to keep families healthy this flu season and invites them to stop by their nearest Kmart Pharmacy location for a flu shot today. Learn more at kmartpharmacy.com/flu or cdc.gov.
Kmart Pharmacy also offers onsite flu shot clinic services. Ask your local Kmart pharmacist how to schedule a flu shot clinic at your workplace.

Survey Methodology
This United States survey was conducted online by Sears Holdings on behalf of Kmart Pharmacy from July 29 through Aug. 6, 2014among over 10,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

About Kmart
Kmart, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a mass merchandising company and part of Shop Your Way, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through shopyourway.com. Kmart offers customers quality products through a portfolio of exclusive brands that include Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense. For more information visit the company’s website at www.kmart.com | Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/kmart.

About Shop Your Way
Shop Your Way® is a free social shopping destination and rewards program offering millions of products, personalized services, and advice. Through a network of retail partners and service providers, members can shop, compare, purchase items and earn points to use on future purchases. Members also enjoy special pricing, exclusive sales, events, access to celebrity brands and sweepstakes. And through the unique social community on shopyourway.com, members can research and browse products, create wish lists, poll friends and family and even get advice from experts to help choose the products and services that best meet their needs.

There is no minimum purchase required for Shop Your Way members to redeem points and points can be used toward purchases across countless product categories. Download the free Shop Your Way app available on iTunes or Google Play. By accepting Shop Your Way member benefits and offers, you agree to the Shop Your Way terms and conditions, available at www.shopyourway.com/terms.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sara Taylor Andrea Abate
Sears Holdings Zeno Group for Kmart
847-286-0774 312-396-9713
Sara.Taylor@searshc.com Andrea.Abate@zenogroup.com

*Vaccine administration is dependent on local Pharmacy State Rules and Regulations.
** No co-payment unless required by your plan. Cash price of the Trivalent flu shot is $27.99. 

1 Subject to Shop Your Way® Pharmacy Rewards program terms and conditions. Points are valid for two weeks once received on the purchase of non-pharmacy merchandise. This offer is not valid for and cannot be used by any patient who is a beneficiary of a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, TRICARE or Plan de Salud del Gobierno de PR (PSG). Offer not valid in LA for controlled substance prescriptions or in AR, MA, NJ, NY, Virgin Islands and Guam. By accepting Shop Your Way® member benefits and offers, you agree to the Shop Your Way® terms and conditions, available at www.shopyourway.com/terms.

SOURCE Kmart

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kmart.com

Posted on by

Overstock.com to acquire a group of related, privately held financial technology companies

New Subsidiary Brings Crypto and U.S. National Market System Together

SALT LAKE CITY, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — Overstock.com, Inc. (Nasdaq:OSTK) announced today that it has entered into agreements to acquire a group of related, privately held financial technology companies, and has closed the acquisition of the assets of one of those companies. These acquisitions were made through Overstock’s t0 subsidiary. This transaction is a pioneering development in connecting crypto capital markets to existing national markets.

SpeedRoute currently routes approximately 2.5 percent of U.S. equity order flow. The acquisition of SpeedRoute and its underlying technologies positions Overstock to connect t0 trading to the entire U.S. equity market. The combination of SpeedRoute’s infrastructure and critical mass connectivity with the t0 blockchain software plugged into the U.S. equity markets creates a paradigm-changing moment for capital markets, stated Overstock officials.

“This merger combines vision with market-leading trading technology and infrastructure that is already accepted across the industry, creating the opportunity for a quantum leap in securities trading and settlement processes,” said SpeedRoute CEOJoseph Cammarata.  “This collaboration allows Overstock to enter this new financial technology arena with a speed and aggression that I believe will revolutionize Wall Street, while adding an already profitable and cash-flow positive business right to Overstock’s bottom line. The winners are going to be investors and regulators alike.”

“According to Karl Marx, ‘The philosophers have only interpreted the world. The point, however, is to change it.’ The acquisition of SpeedRoute brings to fruition the idea behind t0.com:  making financial markets more fair and efficient through the application of crypto technology,” said Overstock CEO Patrick M. Byrne. “Together, we can revolutionize finance across the globe by providing for it a cryptoledger foundation that is immune to the various forms of risk and mischief that are embedded in our current system.”

The total purchase price for the group of businesses will be paid in cash and Overstock common stock. The majority of the deal closed today. The acquisition of certain assets remains subject to regulatory notification requirements. As a result of this transaction, SpeedRoute and its related companies will be held within Overstock’s subsidiary, t0, in which Overstock’s ownership stake increases to 81 percent.

About Overstock.com
Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) is an online retailer based in Salt Lake City, Utah that sells a broad range of products at low prices, including furniture, rugs, bedding, electronics, clothing, and jewelry. Worldstock.com is dedicated to selling artisan-crafted products from around the world whereas Main Street Revolution supports small businesses across the U.S. by providing them a national customer base. Overstock has additional community-focused initiatives such as a Farmers Market and pet adoptions. Forbes ranked Overstock in its list of the Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in 2014. Overstock sells internationally under the name O.co.  Overstock (http://www.overstock.com and http://www.o.co) regularly posts information about the company and other related matters under Investor Relations on its website.

O, Overstock.com, O.com, O.co, Club O, Main Street Revolution, Worldstock Fair Trade, Worldstock, and OVillage are registered trademarks. O.biz, Club O Dollars, and OGlobal are trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. The Overstock.com, Club O, and Worldstock Fair Trade logos are also registered trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. Other service marks, trademarks and trade names which may be referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact. Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on August 7, 2015, and any subsequent filings with the SEC.

CONTACT: Media Contact:
Kirstie Burden, Overstock.com, Inc.
+1 (801) 947-3116
pr@overstock.com

Investor Contact:
Mark Harden, Overstock.com, Inc.
+1 (801) 947-5409
mharden@overstock.com

Posted on by

Sprouts Farmers Market’s CEO Amin Maredia and COO Jim Nielsen will present at the Goldman Sachs 22nd Annual Global Retailing Conference

PHOENIX, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (Nasdaq:SFM) today announced that Amin Maredia, chief executive officer, and Jim Nielsen, president and chief operating officer, will present at the Goldman Sachs 22nd Annual Global Retailing Conference at the Plaza Hotel in New York. The presentation will begin at 9:35 am (EDT) on Thursday, September 10, 2015.

The company invites investors to listen to the live webcast of the presentation on the company’s investor relations website,investors.sprouts.com, under “Events and Presentations.” A replay will be archived and available at the same location.

About Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts Farmers Market is a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods at great prices. We offer a complete shopping experience that includes fresh produce, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, packaged groceries, meat and seafood, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care and household items catering to consumers’ growing interest in health and wellness. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts employs more than 20,000 team members and operates more than 200 stores in 13 states from coast to coast. For more information, visit www.sprouts.com or @sproutsfm on Twitter.

CONTACT:

Investor Contact:
Susannah Livingston
(602) 682-1584
susannahlivingston@sprouts.com

Media Contact:
Donna Egan
(602) 682-3152
donnaegan@sprouts.com

Posted on by

McDonald’s CEO Open Letter To Burger King

Oak Brook, IL, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — McDonald’s CEO Open Letter To Burger King

Dear Burger King,

Inspiration for a good cause… great idea.

We love the intention but think our two brands could do something bigger to make a difference.

We commit to raise awareness worldwide, perhaps you’ll join us in a meaningful global effort?

And every day, let’s acknowledge that between us there is simply a friendly business competition and certainly not the unequaled circumstances of the real pain and suffering of war.

We’ll be in touch.

-Steve, McDonald’s CEO

P.S. A simple phone call will do next time.

Posted on by

Raley’s Family of Fine Stores announced new location in Arden, Sacramento

West Sacramento, CA, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is announcing a new location in Arden, an established Sacramento neighborhood. The new site advances the company’s vision to bring health and wellness to customers and allows Raley’s to further expand their presence within the region.

Located at the corner of Howe Avenue and Fair Oaks Boulevard, the 36,000 square foot store will deliver customers an exciting shopping experience and an extensive assortment of fresh, high quality food.

“Raley’s takes great pride operating our business in one of the richest agricultural hubs in the world. We are excited about what this region represents for the future of food production,” said Michael Teel, Raley’s owner & CEO. “Raley’s is helping lead the way to a better food system and our new site offers an opportunity to continue that innovation.”

In partnership with Stafford King Wiese Architects and Armstrong Development Properties, Raley’s plans to develop a new store that will be state-of-the art with a focus on the most sustainable features. The recently secured new location is scheduled to begin construction in mid-2016 with an opening targeted for the second quarter of 2017.

###

Raley’s Family of Fine Stores announced new location in Arden, Sacramento

Raley’s Family of Fine Stores announced new location in Arden, Sacramento

Posted on by

CVS/pharmacy to reopen its two Baltimore stores damaged during protest activity last April

  • Demolition of closed Pennsylvania Ave. store begins Friday, August 28 to make way for a new store at same location
  • Reopenings expected by end of the year

Woonsocket, Rhode Island, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — CVS/pharmacy announced today that it plans to reopen by the end of the year its two Baltimore stores that sustained heavy fire damage during protest activity last April.

Demolition work at the closed CVS/pharmacy at 2509 Pennsylvania Avenue will begin tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM. The store will be completely rebuilt and it is scheduled to reopen by the end of this year. CVS/pharmacy is also renovating its closed store at 2560 West Franklin Street and it is scheduled to reopen in the Fall.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Demolition work at 2509 Pennsylvania Ave. (corner of North Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue) will begin at 7:00 AM on August 28, 2015.

“CVS/pharmacy is committed to serving the Baltimore community and we look forward to bringing back our two stores better than ever,” said Helena Foulkes, President of CVS/pharmacy. “When these stores reopen, we will be providing our customers and patients an enhanced selection of groceries and healthy food options along with the quality pharmacy care they have come to depend upon from CVS/pharmacy.”

Employees who worked at the closed stores have been serving their customers at other Baltimore locations over the past few months. Those employees will welcome their customers back to their neighborhood CVS/pharmacy once they reopen.

About CVS/pharmacy
CVS/pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), is America’s leading retail pharmacy with over 7,800 locations. It is the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco and the first pharmacy in the nation to receive the Community Pharmacy accreditation from URAC, the leading health care accreditation organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. CVS/pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on their path to better health by providing the most accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS/pharmacy and CVS Health is available at www.cvshealth.com.

Posted on by

Kroger will host a conference call with investors on Friday, September 11

CINCINNATI, OH, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) will host a conference call with investors on Friday, September 11, 2015 at 10 a.m. (ET) to discuss financial results for the second quarter 2015.

The presentation will be broadcast online at ir.kroger.com. Click on “Quarterly Results” to access the event. An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available from approximately 1 p.m. (ET) Friday, September 11 through Friday, September 25, 2015.

Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs nearly 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,626 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.  The company also operates 780 convenience stores, 327 fine jewelry stores, 1,342 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.  Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’s Million Dollar Club.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Posted on by

Citycon: the construction of Mölndal Galleria has now started in Mölndal, Sweden

The groundbreaking for the new Mölndal Galleria and the transformation of Mölndal’s city centre took place yesterday, 27 August in a ceremony held on the construction site. The event was jointly organised by Citycon, NCC, Riksbyggen and MölndalsBostäder, the four companies investing in the renewal of Mölndal city centre.

Helsinki, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — “We are pleased that construction of Mölndal Galleria has now started. The interest from tenants has been high and today more than half of the  the retail space is leased including anchors such as H&M, Systembolaget and Lindex as well as a large Ica grocery store. Although the main focus will be on retail, the shopping centre will also become a meeting place for residents and visitors through its offering of services, restaurants and cafés,” says Nils Styf, Chief Investment Officer at Citycon.

Central Mölndal is currently being given a complete makeover. The city centre will feature 400 brand new apartments and refurbished inner city streets and squares. The old shopping centre is being demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art shopping centre with over 70 shops, 24,000 square metres of retail space and parking spaces for more than 800 cars.

Mölndal Galleria is being (re)developed in a joint venture between Citycon (50%) and NCC (50%). Citycon will acquire NCC’s share of the shopping centre when the project is completed, and is investing a total of approximately EUR 120 million. The new shopping centre is scheduled to open in 2018. In addition to Mölndal Galleria, NCC is also currently building the new SCA head office next to the shopping centre and 145 apartments for Riksbyggen. In addition, Mölndalsbostäder invests in 200 new apartments in the city centre.

“NCC’s strength is to develop attractive urban environments that combine workplaces, housing, retail and services, thereby leading to a city centre that is both sustainable and attractive. We are now taking the next step towards a more attractive city centre in Mölndal,” says Johanna Hult Rentsch, Regional Manager at NCC Property Development.

“The increase in retail volume that is going to be generated by the new shopping centre will be very positive for Mölndal’s long-term appeal, both for people wanting to settle here and for companies looking to establish an office in Mölndal,” says Marie Östh Karlsson, Mayor of Mölndal Municipality.

Citycon and NCC have chosen to submit the Mölndal Galleria project for BREEAM certification (a global environmental and sustainability standard) and expect to obtain a Very Good rating.

“Mölndal Galleria’s location right in the heart of Mölndal city centre, close to the Mölndalsbro transport hub—which is serviced by trains, buses and trams—will make it easier to travel green. Mölndal Galleria will also feature electronic signboards displaying public transport departures, around twenty charging stations for electric cars, and plenty of bicycle parking,” says Nils Styf.

For further information, please contact:
Nils Styf, Chief Investment Officer
Tel. +46 733 50 60 39
nils.styf@citycon.com

Citycon Oyj (Nasdaq Helsinki: CTY1S) is a leading owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic regions, managing assets that total approximately EUR 5 billion and with a market capitalisation of approximately EUR 2 billion. For more information about Citycon, please visit www.citycon.com

Posted on by

ULTA Beauty’s Q2 and H1-2015 results: 20% increase of net sales

  • Total Sales Increased 19.4%
  • Comparable Sales Increased 10.1%
  • Diluted EPS Increased 22.3% to $1.15
  • Company Raises Guidance for Fiscal Year 2015

BOLINGBROOK, Ill., 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — ULTA Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA) today announced financial results for the thirteen week period (“Second Quarter”) and twenty-six week period (“First Six Months”) ended August 1, 2015, which compares to the same periods ended August 2, 2014.

“The Ulta Beauty team achieved outstanding results in the second quarter, with top line momentum delivering better than expected earnings growth,” said Mary Dillon, Chief Executive Officer. “Strong traffic growth drove healthy comparable sales increases across stores, salon and e-commerce, while average ticket growth also contributed. An exciting pipeline of new products, combined with increasing effectiveness of our marketing strategies, drove market share gains across all categories. In light of the excellent performance of the business in the first half of the year, we are raising our outlook for the full year and now expect to achieve earnings per share growth in the high teens.”

For the Second Quarter

  • Net sales increased 19.4% to $877.0 million from $734.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014;
  • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 10.1% compared to an increase of 9.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The 10.1% comparable sales increase was driven by 7.0% growth in transactions and 3.1% growth in average ticket;
  • Retail comparable sales increased 8.9%, including salon comparable sales growth of 10.1%;
  • Salon sales increased 19.7% to $51.6 million from $43.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014;
  • E-commerce sales grew 43.4% to $36.1 million from $25.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, representing 120 basis points of the total company comparable sales increase of 10.1%;
  • Gross profit decreased 40 basis points to 34.9% from 35.3% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 primarily due to supply chain initiatives including the new Greenwood, Indiana distribution center;
  • Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense as a percentage of net sales decreased 50 basis points to 21.0% compared to 21.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 primarily due to marketing efficiencies;
  • Pre-opening expenses increased to $4.1 million, compared to $3.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Real estate activity in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 included 20 new stores, one relocation and two remodels compared to 19 new stores and four remodels in the second quarter of fiscal 2014;
  • Operating income increased 20.9% to $118.5 million, or 13.5% of net sales, compared to $98.0 million, or 13.3% of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2014;
  • Net income increased 22.0% to $74.2 million compared to $60.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2014; and
  • Income per diluted share increased 22.3% to $1.15 compared to $0.94 in the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

For the First Six Months

  • Net sales increased 20.5% to $1,745.1 million from $1,448.0 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014;
  • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 10.8% compared to an increase of 9.2% in the first six months of fiscal 2014. The 10.8% comparable sales increase was driven by 7.2% growth in transactions and 3.6% growth in average ticket;
  • Retail comparable sales increased 9.3%, including salon comparable sales growth of 10.2%;
  • Salon sales increased 20.1% to $102.9 million from $85.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014;
  • E-commerce comparable sales grew 46.8% to $80.1 million from $54.5 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014, representing 150 basis points of the total company comparable sales increase of 10.8%;
  • Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was equal to the first six months of fiscal 2014 at 34.9%;
  • SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales decreased 50 basis points to 21.6% compared to 22.1% in the first six months in fiscal 2014;
  • Pre-opening expense increased to $7.2 million compared to $6.2 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014. Real estate activity in the first six months of 2015 included 44 new stores, two relocations and two remodels compared to 40 new stores and four remodels in the first six months of fiscal 2014;
  • Operating income increased 26.4% to $226.0 million, or 13.0% of net sales, compared to $178.9 million, or 12.4% of net sales, in the first six months of fiscal 2014;
  • Net income increased 27.4% to $141.1 million compared to $110.7 million in the first six months of fiscal 2014; and
  • Income per diluted share increased 28.1% to $2.19 compared to $1.71 in the first six months of fiscal 2014.

Balance Sheet

Merchandise inventories at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2015 totaled $705.7 million, compared to $541.5 million at the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2014, representing an increase of $164.2 million. This increase was driven by 102 net new stores, the opening of the Company’s fourth distribution center in Greenwood, Indiana, as well as new brand additions. Average inventory per store increased 14%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014. This increase was primarily driven by the new Greenwood, Indiana distribution center, investments in inventory to ensure high in-stock levels to support strong sales growth and incremental inventory for new brands and in-store prestige brand boutiques. Average inventory per store, excluding the investment in the newGreenwood, Indiana distribution center, increased 10.9%.

The Company ended the second quarter of fiscal 2015 with $475.4 million in cash and short-term investments.

Share Repurchase Program

During the second quarter, the Company repurchased 291,227 shares of its stock at a cost of approximately $46 million under its 10b5-1 plan. As of August 1, 2015, $286.3 million remained available under the $400 million share repurchase program.

Store Expansion

During the second quarter, the Company opened 20 stores located in Albuquerque, NM; Ammon, ID; Bristol, TN; Chattanooga, TN;Clark, NJ; Federal Way, WA; Jacksonville Beach, FL; Laurel, MD; Miami, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC; Rancho Cordova, CA; Redlands, CA; Reno, NV; Roseville, MI; San Francisco, CA; San Luis Obispo, CA; Shawnee, OK; Sioux City, IA; Twin Falls, ID and Waterford, CT. The Company ended the second quarter with 817 stores and square footage of 8,628,213, representing a 14% increase in square footage compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

Outlook

For the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company currently expects net sales in the range of $869 million to $883 million, compared to actual net sales of $745.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Comparable sales for the third quarter of 2015, including e-commerce sales, are expected to increase 8% to 10%. The Company reported a comparable sales increase of 9.5% in the third quarter of 2014.

Income per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 is estimated to be in the range of $1.00 to $1.05. This compares to income per diluted share for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 of $0.91. As previously communicated, earnings growth in the second half of 2015 is expected to moderate compared to the first half of the year, reflecting the timing of marketing expenses and supply chain investments including a new distribution center in Greenwood, Indiana which opened on August 3, 2015.

The Company is raising its previously announced fiscal 2015 guidance. The Company plans to:

  • achieve comparable sales growth of approximately 8% to 10%, including the impact of the e-commerce business, compared to previous guidance of 7% to 9%;
  • increase total sales in the mid to high teens percentage range;
  • grow e-commerce sales in the 40% range;
  • expand square footage by approximately 13% with the opening of 100 net new stores;
  • remodel four locations;
  • deliver earnings per share growth in the high teens, compared to previous guidance of the high end of the range of 15% to 17%. This includes planned supply chain and system investments, excluding the $0.02 non-recurring tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2014, and assuming continued share repurchases to offset dilution; and
  • incur capital expenditures in the $300 million range in fiscal 2015, compared to $249 million in fiscal 2014.

Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss second quarter results is scheduled for today, August 27, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 705-6003. The conference call will also be web-cast live at http://ir.ulta.com and remain available for 90 days. A replay of this call will be available until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on September 10, 2015and can be accessed by dialing (877) 870-5176 and entering conference ID number 13617296.

About ULTA Beauty
ULTA Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) is the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin, hair care products and salon services. Since opening its first store 25 years ago, ULTA Beauty has grown to become the top national retailer providing All Things Beauty, All in One Place™. The Company offers more than 20,000 products from over 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including ULTA Beauty’s own private label. ULTA Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin and brow services. ULTA Beauty is recognized for its commitment to personalized service, fun and inviting stores and its industry-leading ULTAmate Rewards loyalty program. As ofAugust 1, 2015 ULTA Beauty operates 817 retail stores across 48 states and also distributes its products through its website, which includes a collection of tips, tutorials and social content. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “strategies” or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: the impact of weakness in the economy; changes in the overall level of consumer spending; customer acceptance of our rewards program and technological and marketing initiatives; changes in the wholesale cost of our products; the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets; the possibility that our continued opening of new stores could strain our resources and have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance; the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues; the possibility that the capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure and the performance of our newly opened distribution center may not be adequate to support our recent growth and expected future growth plans; the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems; weather conditions that could negatively impact sales; our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel; our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock repurchase programs; our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan; and other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. Our filings with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: ULTA Beauty

ULTA Beauty
Scott Settersten
Chief Financial Officer
(630) 410-4807
or
Laurel Lefebvre
Vice President, Investor Relations
(630) 410-5230
or
Karen May
Director, Public Relations
(630) 410-5457

FULL RESULTS

Posted on by

Hurricane Katrina 10th anniversary: Starbucks partners will participate in a Citywide Day of Service in New Orleans

SEATTLE, 2015-8-28— /EPR Retail News/ — A decade ago Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast, leading to one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. This weekend, as residents of New Orleans mark the 10th anniversary, many Starbucks partners (employees) will participate in a Citywide Day of Service to continue giving back to the historical city.

In a personal essay below, Starbucks regional director Jennifer Hicks recalls the day Katrina made landfall, and she shares how Starbucks partners and customers have rebuilt their lives since that time in 2005.

At the time Katrina hit, I was a district manager with stores in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles, Louisiana.

I didn’t think it was going to be much of a storm. Two fellow district managers, who lived in New Orleans, evacuated to my house. We had dinner and tracked our partners to make sure they were safe. We treated it like a regular hurricane.

The next morning, we brewed coffee and delivered it to local Red Cross shelters. Around 10 a.m., we started hearing reports that the levees had failed and at that moment we looked at each other and knew that this was going to turn into something very, very different.

Every Starbucks store in New Orleans closed. One of my stores in Gonzales, Louisiana, which is about 20 minutes outside Baton Rouge, became the last store open on the way to New Orleans. All Starbucks locations in Baton Rouge tripled in volume because we were the only stores open in the area.

I remember that we were adamant about finding every partner. We had hired a young man to be a barista the Friday before Katrina and we told him we were going to close for the hurricane and he could start the next day. It took nearly four weeks to locate him because he had evacuated to Atlanta. Because he had not worked yet, he was surprised that we were still looking for him, but we told him, “You have a partner number, you’re a partner, so we just want to make sure you’re okay.”

New Orleans stores stayed closed for quite a while and they were difficult to re-open because partners didn’t have places to live. It was slow going to get stores back up and running.

‘We’re so happy to see you’ 

When we finally began reopening stores, we wanted to be sensitive about how we spoke with our customers. In the past, we could greet them with, “How are you doing today?” We quickly adjusted our language to, “We’re so happy to see you.” We understood how customers were feeling as they returned to the city and started working to rebuild their homes. I remember a partner who brought a regular customer to tears by asking, “Do you still drink Caramel Macchiato?” Being back in their store, being able to seetheir barista, and simply being acknowledged was powerful.

I am always amazed at how many partners found their way back to Starbucks stores in New Orleans after Katrina and have been there ever since. We have partners who were incredibly grateful for monetary resources from Starbucks CUP Fund. We even have partners who joined the company while they were displaced and then transferred to New Orleans. They tell some pretty compelling stories about what it means to be a partner in New Orleans. There’s a certain level of gratitude and knowledge that working for Starbucks is more than just a job. Some criticized us for not reopening stores faster, but we wanted to be respectful of our partners and the stress they were under after the storm.

Three years after Katrina, Starbucks held its Global Leadership Conference in New Orleans and community service was a main focus. More than 10,000 store managers planted trees and built parks and playgrounds. Through the Greater New Orleans Foundation, we found smaller nonprofits that really needed our help and we maintain many of these relationships to this day.

‘Still more work to do’

Saturday is the anniversary of Katrina and I’m participating in community service with a team of Starbucks partners. We are working with an organization called the NORD foundation to rebuild a playground and park. It’s a challenging day for many partners who just want to be at home with family and friends. There are also many partners who are doing service with church groups and other organizations. There are so many people coming out in support of the city.

Today we’ve reopened all but two Starbucks stores in New Orleans (that were damaged beyond repair) and have added many more in the city. One of my favorites is on Canal Street and St. Charles. The back half of the store is meant to evoke that of a shop keeper where you display pictures of your family. I talked with the designer, David Daniels, and said if we were going to put up pictures of our family, then we had to share those of our partners volunteering during the Global Leadership Conference. The back part of that store is sort of my ode to our partners, with beautiful pictures of them painting and planting trees.

New Orleans has made a lot of progress, but there are still places that have gone unchanged. If you go where tourists typically go, you won’t see areas that haven’t recovered unless you go looking for them. I’m sad to say that there are neighborhoods where residents didn’t have the insurance to rebuild their homes. Katrina brought to light many issues that are now being addressed. There is still more work to do, but the spirit and essence of New Orleans is alive and well.

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

 

###

Hurricane Katrina 10th anniversary: Starbucks partners will participate in a Citywide Day of Service in New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina 10th anniversary: Starbucks partners will participate in a Citywide Day of Service in New Orleans