Monthly Archives: September 2015

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Lindex involves customers to show the underwear collection for spring 2016

Lindex takes a new approach and develops recent year’s underwear success Bra-volution with a campaign where the fashion company involves customers to show the underwear collection for spring 2016.

Gothenburg, Sweden, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The past two years Lindex has involved employees as models to show their new fit concept Bra-volution. The Bra-volution campaigns have been major successes; both in terms of sales but also for the customers, as the clarity in the concept makes it easier for them to find their favorite fit.

We want to inspire even more women to find their bra favorites and this time we do it together with our customers. The campaign’s expression should feel personal and inspiring, and we encourage all women to apply and hope for a great response, says Anne-Kathrine Almark, Marketing Manager at Lindex.

The customers, who are finally selected to participate in the spring campaign, will take part in a unique fashion experience where they will be models for a day.

“The women selected to participate in the campaign will be taken care of by a fantastic team of hair and make-up artists, stylists, and photographers. We want to give them a day out of the ordinary and really make them feel like stars for a day”, says Lena Wall, project manager for the campaign at Lindex.

The campaign and the spring collection will be launched in Lindex stores and lindex.com on the 4th of February.

Check out our film about the campaign here.

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Lindex involves customers to show the underwear collection for spring 2016

Lindex involves customers to show the underwear collection for spring 2016

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eBay announced the appointment of Paul Pressler to its board of directors

SAN JOSE, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — eBay today announced the appointment of Paul Pressler to its board of directors. As a director on eBay’s Board, Mr. Pressler will serve on the Audit Committee as well as the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee.

“I am very pleased to welcome Paul to eBay’s Board of Directors,” said Devin Wenig, President and CEO of eBay.  “As an independent director, Paul brings valuable experience managing major retail and consumer brands as well as significant leadership and financial expertise to eBay’s Board.”

“It is a particularly exciting time to be joining eBay as the company embarks on its next chapter,” said Mr. Pressler.  “eBay is an e-commerce pioneer and a leading global commerce player, and I look forward to working with eBay’s leadership team and my fellow directors as the company sets its sights on the future.”

Mr. Pressler is a partner at the private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC.  He currently serves as Chairman of David’s Bridal, Inc. and SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. and serves on the board of The DryBar, Inc.  Previously, Mr. Pressler served as the President and CEO of Gap Inc.  He spent 15 years in senior leadership roles at The Walt Disney Company, including Chairman of the global theme park and resorts division, President of Disneyland and President of The Disney Stores.  Mr. Pressler served as Chairman of AssuraMed and is a former director of Avon Products Inc., Oveture Acquisition Corporate and OpenTable, Inc.  He earned a B.S. in Business Economics from the State University of New York at Oneonta.

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eBay announced the appointment of Paul Pressler to its board of directors

eBay announced the appointment of Paul Pressler to its board of directors

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Office Depot named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, North America for the tenth year in a row

BOCA RATON, Fla., 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP), a leading global provider of office products, services and solutions and parent company of Office Depot and OfficeMax, today announced that it was recently named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, North America for the tenth year in a row.

The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, offered cooperatively by RobecoSAM and S&P Dow Jones Indices, serve as global benchmarks for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios. The index selects the most sustainable large companies by region and across the world.

“Our inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for a decade in North America is a testament of our long-term commitment to corporate sustainability,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, senior director of sustainability for Office Depot. “We do this by advancing social accountability guidelines for workers in factories around the world, launching award-winning community programs through the Office Depot Foundation, and growing our diverse and green product sales.”

Office Depot was also recently honored with a Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council (SPLC) Supplier Leadership Award for advancing sustainability by engaging its customers. The award recognized Office Depot for taking actions that have enabled institutional purchasers to better understand and take responsibility for the consequences of their spending.

To learn more about Office Depot’s corporate citizenship program, please visit http://www.officedepotcitizenship.com.

About Office Depot, Inc.
Office Depot, Inc. is a leading global provider of products, services, and solutions for every workplace – whether your workplace is an office, home, school or car.

Office Depot, Inc. is a resource and a catalyst to help customers work better. We are a single source for everything customers need to be more productive, including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business services, facilities products, furniture, and school essentials.

The company has annual sales of approximately $16 billion, employs approximately 56,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 59 countries with approximately 1,800 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organization – all delivered through a global network of wholly owned operations, joint ventures, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company operates under several banner brands including Office Depot, OfficeMax, OfficeMax Grand & Toy, Reliable and Viking. The company’s portfolio of exclusive product brands include TUL, Foray, Brenton Studio, Ativa, WorkPro, Realspace and HighMark.

Office Depot, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://news.officedepot.com.

Office Depot, Inc.
Rebecca Rakitin, 561-438-1450
Rebecca.Rakitin@officedepot.com

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Hudson’s Bay Company unveils steps to deliver enhanced all-channel customer experience, accelerate financial performance and drive future success

  • Actions to Generate Additional $75 Million in Expected Annualized Cost Savings and Synergies beyond Previously Announced Synergies from the Integration of Saks Incorporated
  • Realignment Supports Growth Areas of the Business, including Digital Offering and Geographic Expansion

TORONTO & NEW YORK, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hudson’s Bay Company (TSX:HBC) today announced a series of actions to position the Company to deliver an enhanced all-channel customer experience, accelerate financial performance and drive future success. Reflecting the Company’s substantial growth and strong performance since the 2013 acquisition of Saks Incorporated, the initiatives are designed to enable HBC to invest greater resources in the areas of the business offering the most significant return on investment potential, while leveraging strengths across its retail banners and increasing efficiencies.

The actions being announced for the North American business today include:

  • Establishing new Centers of Excellence for the Customer Relationship Management, Creative, and Human Resources functions, complementing existing Centers of Excellence some of which include: Digital, Information Technology, Legal, Logistics, and Real Estate;
  • Consolidating key business functions to enable more productive and efficient operations and refocus resources on customer-facing aspects of the business;
  • Implementing substantial technology enhancements and accelerating the consolidation to one common platform across Company banners, under the leadership of newly hired executives Janet Schalk, Chief Information Officer, and Dion Rooney, Executive Vice President, HBC Digital; and
  • Aligning resources in business functions to match current and future business strategy while investing in areas that will drive growth.

Richard Baker, HBC’s Governor and Executive Chairman, commented, “Through organic growth and acquisitions, HBC has established itself as one of the fastest-growing department store retailers in North America and a truly unique global company. This significant growth has created meaningful opportunities for us to further build our business while operating even more effectively. To that end, we are focused on taking the appropriate next steps to position HBC to deliver continued industry-leading performance and long-term growth, while best delivering for our customers in a constantly evolving industry environment.”

Jerry Storch, CEO of HBC, continued, “By enabling our teams to work smarter, faster and more effectively, we expect to achieve substantial cost savings and continue to invest in our core strategies to build our business, drive further improved financial performance and support the long-term vision of HBC. We have an enormously talented team in place, and will continue to build our world-class capabilities.”

The actions announced today are expected to result an annualized cost savings and synergies during fiscal year 2016 totaling $75 million, in addition to the previously announced synergies the Company is on track to achieve in connection with the integration of Saks Incorporated. The Company anticipates taking a charge of approximately $20 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015 in connection with the realignment.

Since the Company’s 2013 acquisition of Saks Incorporated, it has hired more than 2,000 Associates in connection with new store growth and the expansion of the digital offering across its store banners. As that integration has proceeded, the organization has been positioned to operate more efficiently. Consequently, the realignment announced today includes a reduction in positions at headquarters and in corporate functions across HBC’s store banners, impacting approximately 265 Associates in North America. Affected Associates will receive a severance package and outplacement support to help ease their transition and will be considered for open positions with HBC as appropriate.

The benefits from the realignment will support HBC’s overarching growth strategies, including continuing to strengthen its digital capabilities and all-channel offering, while enhancing store environments across the Company’s banners through renovations and strategic merchandising initiatives. In addition, the Company will be investing in store growth in 2016, including the opening of seven Saks Fifth Avenue locations and 25 OFF 5TH locations, in part through the expansion of both banners into Canada.

“Overall, we are excited about the great opportunities that lie ahead and believe that our new North American structure puts us in an even better position for the future. As we move forward, we are ever mindful of HBC’s Core Values and Winning Ways, including being passionate about our future, acting with integrity in all we do, and building world-class teams,” Mr. Storch said.

About Hudson’s Bay Company
Hudson’s Bay Company, founded in 1670, is North America’s longest continually operated company. Today, HBC offers customers a range of retailing categories and shopping experiences primarily in the United States and Canada. Our leading banners – Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH – offer a compelling assortment of apparel, accessories, shoes, beauty and home merchandise. Hudson’s Bay is Canada’s most prominent department store with 90 full-line locations, two outlet stores and thebay.com. Lord & Taylor operates 50 full-line locations primarily in the northeastern and mid-Atlantic U.S., four Lord & Taylor outlet locations and lordandtaylor.com.Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury specialty retailers, comprises 38 U.S. stores, five international licensed stores and saks.com. OFF 5TH offers value-oriented merchandise through 86 U.S. stores and saksoff5th.com. Home Outfitters is Canada’s largest kitchen, bed and bath specialty superstore with 66 locations. Hudson’s Bay Company trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “HBC”.

Forward-Looking Statements

Information in this press release that is not current or historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws, including statements regarding the Company’s North American realignment plan that is expected to result in $75 million of annualized cost savings and synergies in fiscal 2016, the benefits expected to be realized from such realignment plan, and the Company being on track to achieve $100 millionin synergies related to the integration of Saks Incorporated. This information is based on certain current assumptions regarding expected growth, results of operations, performance, and business prospects and opportunities. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what the Company currently expects. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to: ability to execute retailing growth strategies, ability to continue same store sales growth, changing consumer preferences, marketing and advertising program success, damage to brands and dependence on vendors, ability to realize synergies and growth from the Saks acquisition, ability to make successful acquisitions and investments, constating documents discouraging favorable takeover attempts, successful inventory management, loss or disruption in centralized distribution centers, ability to upgrade and maintain our information systems to support the organization and protect against cyber-security threats, privacy breach, risks relating to our size and scale, loss of key personnel, ability to attract and retain qualified employees, deterioration in labour relations, ability to maintain pension plan surplus, funding requirement of Saks pension plan, limits on insurance policies, loss of intellectual property rights, insolvency risk of parties which we do business with or their unwillingness to perform their obligations, exposure to changes in the real estate market, successful operation of the joint ventures to allow us to realize the anticipated benefits, loss of flexibility with respect to properties in the joint ventures, the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the Galeria Holding acquisition cannot be realized, exposure to environmental liabilities, liabilities associated with Target Corporation, changes in demand for current real estate assets, increased competition, change in spending of consumers, international operational risks, fluctuations in the U.S. and Canadian dollars, increase in raw material costs, seasonality of business, extreme weather conditions or natural disasters, ability to manage indebtedness and cash flow, risks related with increasing indebtedness, restrictions of existing credit facilities reducing flexibility, ability to maintain adequate financial processes and controls, ability to maintain dividends, ability of a small number of shareholders to influence the business, uncontrollable sale of the Company’s common shares by significant shareholders could affect share price, increase in regulatory liability, increase in product liability or recalls, increase in litigation, developments in the credit card and financial services industries, other risks inherent to our business and/or factors beyond our control which could have a material adverse effect on us.

HBC cautions that the foregoing list of important factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause HBC’s actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of HBC’s Annual Information Form dated April 30, 2015, HBC’s second quarter Management Discussion & Analysis dated September 10, 2015, as well as HBC’s other public filings, available at www.sedar.com and at www.hbc.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe HBC’s expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable Canadian securities laws, HBC does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Hudson’s Bay Company
Tiffany Bourré, 905-595-7184
Director, External Communications
tiffany.bourre@hbc.com
or
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
416-256-6745
investorrelations@hbc.com

Source: Hudson’s Bay Company

News Provided by Acquire Media

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ICSC Envision 2020: 8 defining changes to impact the retail real estate industry

NEW YORK, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — As the retail real estate industry undergoes one of the most profound transformations in its 60-year year history, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) presents its final Envision 2020 report, a collaborative initiative that outlines where the industry will be in five years according to leaders from around the globe. The resulting Eight Bold Statements are unanimous but differ in progress, interpretation, and execution. This initiative will allow retailers, owners, developers, and investors to plan, progress, and innovate with the future in mind.

The final report includes a number of case studies and examples, interviews with top-level executives, commentary from thought-leaders, and supporting data and insights.

Access the full Envision 2020 report here and an overview below.

#1: Unification of Bricks-and-Mortar and Online Retail

The convergence of physical and digital appeals is occurring on both sides of the retail spectrum. Shopping centers now offer sophisticated digital interfaces, innovative websites, and mobile communications to fulfill the increasingly web-savvy consumer. Conversely, retailers like Bonobos and ‪Amazon.com are among the rising wave of e-tailers who are rolling out brick-and-mortar stores.

#2: Unprecedented Intimacy with the Consumer

Developers and retailers are utilizing technology like mobile applications, social media, and beacon and geo-fencing technology to get to know the consumer and increase consumer engagement.

Last year, Kimco Realty Corp. updated its flagship property, Westlake Shopping Center, and found that consumers who logged into the center’s free Wi-Fi stayed twice as long as consumers who did not log in. Kimco plans to expand the center’s services with geo-fencing technology among other enhancements.

Centers like Simon are also outfitting malls and centers with similar Bluetooth-enabled Beacon technology that offer personalized promotions to shoppers’ smartphones.

#3: Conversion of Shopping Centers Into Communities

Retail properties are evolving into shopping, dining and entertainment hubs that are central to, and fully integrated with, the communities that surround them. Centers are increasingly taking on mixed-use elements including residential, hotel, and office spaces, and entertainment options including cinemas, health clubs, restaurants, and recreational areas.

Related Urban has partnered with Oxford Properties Group to create Hudson Yards – a 17 million-square-foot “city within a city” that will contain office towers (one of which features the city’s highest outdoor observation deck); residential units; public open space; a public school; a luxury hotel; and a shopping center, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.

#4: Mall Environments that Engage Millennials

The millennial generation in the United States is projected to surpass baby boomers this year as the nation’s largest living generation, according to the Census Bureau. In order to appeal to this all-important generation, also known as Generation Y, shopping centers are providing customized, personalized, and sustainable features. JLL reports that most millennials (82 percent) prefer to shop in stores, although they spend a great deal of time browsing and researching products online.

#5: Incorporating Distribution Into Shopping Centers

As landlords position their properties to stay relevant in the digital age, shopping centers are increasingly doubling as distribution centers to fulfill both in-store and online orders. According to a report by consulting firm A.T. Kearney, 23 percent of customers purchase additional items when picking up an online order in-store; and up to 20 percent of consumers make an additional purchase when returning an online order in-store.

Same-day delivery service, Deliv Inc. has made a big splash in this area, collecting $4.5 million total investment from the likes of GGP, Westfield, Macerich Co. and Simon.

#6: Accelerated Developer–Retailer Collaboration

The landlord-tenant relationship will evolve into a more collaborative paradigm, resulting in the sharing of information and technology.

General Growth Properties, Inc. has benefited from a freer exchange of information with its retailers, who have become much more willing to share information that they once considered proprietary, such as traffic patterns and demographic data. This collaboration has helped both sides spend marketing funds more wisely and avoid duplication.

Kimco Realty Corp. is capitalizing on the growing e-tail to retail trend. Through its “Clicks to Bricks” program, the company offers qualified online retailers one year of rent-free tenancy and provides merchants with a “personal business counselor” to assist with site selection and store build out.

#7: Emergence of a New Blended Rental Model

Rent calculation will evolve into a new formula that incorporates the role of the physical store in the broader omnichannel retail activity, taking into account digital transactions.

According to Steven Lowy, co-chief executive officer, Westfield Corp., “The provision of the real estate itself will only be one part of the overall service that real estate providers will be able to offer to retailers. That will require leadership on behalf of leading retailers and real estate providers. Both are starting to invest heavily in technology, and for that technology to work together, commercial arrangements will need to be put in place.”

The range of potential models includes more traditional approaches such as fixed rent, and base plus percentage rents; enhancement of these models by including a proportion of click-and-collect via in-store and online sales in the percentage rent.

#8: Arrival of a Retail–Friendly Investment Outlook

As new shopping center formats emerge, lenders will increasingly favor retail investment opportunities. The amount of institutional capital allocated to commercial real estate is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years, according to David Funk, director of the Baker Program in Real Estate at Cornell University.

Institutions now allocate nearly 10 percent of their portfolios to commercial real estate, a significant increase over the last several decades.

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premier global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials.  For more information, visit www.icsc.org or thecenterofshopping.com.

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ICSC Envision 2020

ICSC Envision 2020

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Kohl’s to offer cherished children’s books from author/illustrator Nancy Tillman now through December

Each $5 purchase helps kids nationwide, with 100 percent of net profit supporting children’s health and education

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Just in time for the holiday season, Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is proud to offer cherished children’s books from author/illustrator Nancy Tillmannow through December, at Kohl’s stores nationwide and on Kohls.com. The treasured stories and coordinating soft toys, Blake Shelton Christmas CD, calendar, note card set and cookbook will be a welcome sight in stockings or under the tree, and are available at an amazing value. Each Kohl’s Cares® item is priced at just $5, with 100 percent of the net profit supporting children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.

“Kohl’s is thrilled to offer enchanting books and toys that reflect the true essence of the season of giving,” said Bevin Bailis, Kohl’s senior vice president of

communications and public relations. “Kohl’s Cares items make incredible gifts, and customers will feel good knowing that with every purchase, they are giving back to local communities.”

The new Kohl’s Cares collection includes:

  • “On the Night You Were Born” book and polar bear soft toy
  • “You’re Here for a Reason” book and elephant soft toy
  • “Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You” book and panda bear soft toy
  • “I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love” book and giraffe soft toy
  • 2016 Nancy Tillman wall calendar
  • Blake Shelton Christmas CD
  • Color Me Christmas! note card set
  • “Holiday Delights!” cookbook

Stocking Stuffers

Make gift-giving memorable with perfect stocking stuffers from the new Kohl’s Cares holiday collection. A copy of “On the Night You Were Born” book and coordinating polar bear soft toy will excite little boys and girls. With each piece priced at just $5, it’s easy to fill stockings for the entire family.

Holiday Party Inspiration

Show your host and hostess how much you appreciate their hospitality with the $5 “Holiday Delights!”cookbook filled with culinary inspiration and layered with appealing appetizers, divine desserts and gift ideas, perfect for seasonal celebrations and beyond! Or add a festive touch to family gatherings and holiday parties with the classic songs from the Blake Shelton Christmas CD for only $5 each.

Perfect for Toy Drives and Gift Exchanges

Pick up a few books and soft toys and donate them at local toy drives to make the holidays of those in need a bit brighter. Additionally, a set of books will delight any child with hours of story time and imagination, perfect for gift exchanges and holiday grab-bags.

Kohl’s Cares, the company’s philanthropic platform, supports programs that benefit children’s health initiatives including special merchandise, a robust associate volunteer program, partnerships with more than 160 hospitals and a fundraising gift card program. For more information about Kohl’s Cares, visitwww.Kohls.com/Cares.

About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading specialty department store with 1,166 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, the company offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and inspiring shopping experiences in-store, online at Kohls.com and via mobile devices. Committed to its communities, Kohl’s has raised more than $274 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For additional information about Kohl’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.

Connect with Kohl’s:

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Kohls)

Twitter (http://twitter.com/Kohls)

Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+Kohls)

Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/Kohls)

Instagram (http://instagram.com/Kohls)

YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/kohls)

Source: Kohl’s

Kohl’s
Ale Owens DesJean, 262.703.2985
Ale.DesJean@Kohls.com
or
Lyra O’Brien, 262.703.5186
Lyra.OBrien@Kohls.com

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Kohl's Cares Holiday Collection (Photo: Business Wire)

Kohl’s Cares Holiday Collection (Photo: Business Wire)

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USDA: Royal Frozen Food recalls frozen beef and pork products not produced under a fully implemented HACCP plan

WASHINGTON, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Royal Frozen Food, a Los Angeles, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 230 pounds of frozen beef and pork products that were not produced under a fully implemented Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. A portion of these products are missing the USDA mark of inspection and may also contain egg, an undeclared allergen, which was not declared on the product label, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The frozen food items were produced between Sept. 1, 2014 and Sept. 29, 2015. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

  • 17 oz. plastic tray package bearing code #607238300447 and containing 10 pieces of “PRECOOKED STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES WITH BEEF AND RICE.”
  • 20 oz. plastic tray package bearing code #607238300454 and containing 8 pieces of “PRECOOKED STUFFED CABBAGE LEAVES WITH BEEF AND RICE.”
  • 12 oz. plastic tray package bearing code #607238300553 and containing 10 pieces of “POT STICKERS.”

Some of the products subject to recall bear establishment number “Est. 20585” inside the USDA mark of inspection. One of the products (Pot Stickers) does not contain the USDA mark of inspection.  These items were shipped to retail locations in California.

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel performing in-plant verification tasks.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Gloria Cheng, owner, at (626) 552-1882.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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SOURCE: USDA

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Citycon: Extension of the IsoKristiina shopping centre in Lappeenranta now completed

HELSINKI, FINLAND, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The major (re)development and extension of the IsoKristiina shopping centre in the heart of Lappeenranta is now completed. The project, which lasted about two and a half years, saw the old section of IsoKristiina completely refurbished, the shopping centre extended, and the adjacent Hotel Lappee connected to the centre. Today, IsoKristiina has 34,000 square metres of leasable area, of which 27,000 square metres are retail premises. The shopping centre offers visitors 80 different shops and services with strong national and international brands.

The first phase of IsoKristiina was opened in May this year. During the summer and today at the grand opening, several openings have been celebrated at the shopping centre: the Finnkino cinema with four screens, the Fitness 24Seven gym, Tokmanni, Marimekko, Luhta Brand Store, Iittala Outlet, Clas Ohlson, children’s clothing stores Polarn O´Pyret, Lasten vaatekaappi and Bambino, the HOB street fashion shop, e-TaxFree, and Bar Marix. TopSport and the Esprit fashion shop will open later in the winter.

A unique feature of IsoKristiina is that the Theatre of Lappeenranta is entirely located within the shopping centre. There will be plays on the small stage from November, and the big stage will hold its premiere in January 2016. The City of Lappeenranta invested in the theatre project, and will own the premises.

The IsoKristiina shopping centre is directly connected to the adjacent Hotel Lappee with 260 rooms via an indoor corridor between the hotel and the shopping centre and theatre.

“The theatre, hotel and shopping centre form a combination that is in the heart of Citycon´s philosophy of building urban crosspoints.  It offers multiple opportunities for theatre travel, meetings and seminars,” Ulla-Maija Kemppi, Citycon’s Commercial Director.

IsoKristiina shopping centre is jointly owned by Citycon and Ilmarinen with equal 50 per cent shares. The investment in the project totaled approximately EUR 110 million.

“We have positioned IsoKristiina as a modern city centre shopping centre. It hosts excellent grocery stores, daily shopping services, a diverse leisure and entertainment offering, and strong specialty shops. In addition, IsoKristiina has an exceptionally wide range of cafés and restaurants; about ten per cent of the shopping centre area is occupied by food & beverage businesses,” Ulla-Maija Kemppi points out.

“It is great to see that our vision of the new IsoKristiina has become reality and the renewed shopping centre is now open for business. In keeping with our responsibility principles, we implemented the project in such a manner that IsoKristiina can apply for a high environmental certification and it is very likely to get it,” says Tomi Aimonen, Head of Real Estate Investments, Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company.

For further information, please contact:

Ulla-Maija Kemppi, Commercial Director
Telephone +358 40 824 4630
ulla-maija.kemppi@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. The company manages assets that total approximately EUR 5 billion and its shares have a market value of approximately EUR 2 billion. For more information about Citycon, please visit www.citycon.com

Ilmarinen’s task is to ensure that 900,000 people employed in Finland receive the pension they earned from employment. Backed by 550 experts in the field, we help our client companies to succeed and their employees to enjoy their work and spend their retirement in the best possible state of health. Our share of the market amounts to approximately one third and we have investment assets of some EUR 36.4 billion to cover pension liabilities. We are one of the largest real estate investors in Finland with realty assets of EUR 3.5 billion. For more information, please visit: www.ilmarinen.fi.

SOURCE: CITYCON OYJ

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Migros: Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl

ZURICH, Switzerland, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ab sofort gibt es in der Migros das kaltgepresste Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl aus kontrolliert ökologischem Anbau. Durch seine Hitzebeständigkeit eignet es sich hervorragend zum Braten, Backen und Kochen. Zudem tragen die vielen positiven Eigenschaften von Kokosöl zu einer gesunden Ernährung bei.

Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl kaltgepresst unterstützt die gesunde Ernährung

Das Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl wird aus den Nüssen von biologisch angebauten Kokospalmen auf Sri Lanka gewonnen. Die Verarbeitung des nährstoffreichen Fruchtfleisches der Kokosnüsse zum reinen Kokosöl erfolgt nach strengsten Qualitätskriterien in Bio- und Fairtrade-zertifizierten Betrieben.

Die frischen, sonnengereiften Bio-Kokosnüsse werden direkt nach der Ernte auf schonende Weise zu Bio-Kokosöl verarbeitet. Das weisse Fruchtfleisch wird aus dem Kern gelöst, getrocknet und kaltgepresst. Dadurch bleiben die Nährstoffe und der exotische Geschmack bewahrt – dies alles ohne Hitzeeinwirkung oder Beigabe von Zusatzstoffen.

Exotischer Energiekick
Kokosöl besteht zwar zu knapp 90 Prozent aus gesättigten Fettsäuren, davon sind ca. 60 Prozent aber sogenannte mittelkettige Fettsäuren. Diese sind sehr leicht verdaulich und können sofort zur Energieproduktion genutzt werden. So steht diese Energie dem Körper unmittelbar nach der Einnahme zur Verfügung. Zudem ist es in den menschlichen Fettdepots nur schwer speicherbar.

Lange haltbar
Das feste Kokosöl hat mit einem Jahr eine besonders lange Haltbarkeit. Es wird am besten in einem kühlen, trockenen Schrank vor Licht geschützt aufbewahrt und eignet sich somit wunderbar als Notvorrat.

Das Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl ist unübertroffen in Geschmack und Nährstoffgehalt und ab sofort für CHF 6.90 (200 g-Glas) in der Migros erhältlich.

Mibelle Group
Public Relations
Nicole Thaler

Tel. 062 836 18 23

nicole.thaler@mibellegroup.com

Mediensprecherin Migros
Monika Weibel
Tel.044 277 20 63
monika.weibel@mgb.ch

Kontakt für Kunden
M-Infoline
Montag bis Freitag 08.00 – 18.00 Uhr
Samstag: 08.30 – 16.30 Uhr
Limmatstrasse 152
CH-8031 Zürich
Tel. 0800 84 08 48

Zum Kontaktformular

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Migros: Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl

Migros: Bio Max Havelaar Kokosöl

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Taco Bell launches online ordering at ta.co

Taco Bell Launches Online Ordering and Enhanced Digital Experience with ta.co Website

IRVINE, Calif., 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its ongoing commitment to use technology to further improve the fast food experience, Taco Bell® today is launching ta.co, the brand’s new virtual flagship restaurant and website that allows consumers to customize, place and pay for their order in advance.  ta.co gives users the keys to the Taco Bell kitchen how they want it: across mobile devices, tablets, laptops and desktop computers.

“Innovation has always been a part of Taco Bell’s core, and ta.co is our latest promise to make the brand accessible whenever, where ever and however consumers want it,” said Taco Bell CEO, Brian Niccol. “At Taco Bell, we’re rooted in delivering delicious, craveable and affordable Mexican-inspired food. We use technology, design and a heavy dose of creativity to deliver on that promise, all while making our brand more relevant to digital savvy customers.”

ta.co is more than a creative website celebrating the brand’s core product – tacos. It redefines e-commerce for the fast food industry. It features richer media, access to more information and a complete design overhaul to speak directly with the brand’s core millennial fans. It is another step in the brand’s commitment to round the clock access and discovery.

Key features include:

Online ordering: A new, exciting feature of the website. Similar to our mobile app, fans can now place orders for in-store pick up, where they even get to skip to the front of the line.

Customization: With ta.co, you can personalize every meal and create your own culinary masterpiece, and save your orders so you always remember your favorite dishes.

Search: Simply type in any ingredient and all menu items featuring it will populate for a completely personalized experience.

The Feed: A culturally relevant publishing channel where we’re curating new content into one easy-to-access place for fans. When we collaborate with people, companies, and cultural icons, The Feed will be the place to find in-depth and behind-the-scenes details, creating a new way for fans to experience what they already love about Taco Bell.

Nutrition calculator: Transparency has been, and always will be, an important part of Taco Bell’s food journey. ta.co features a new nutrition calculator, making it easier to access ingredient and nutrition information specifically for your custom order.

Careers: A careers section is prominently featured on ta.co, allowing consumers to quickly find the latest information about available positions at their local restaurant and our corporate headquarters.

Digital Innovation & On Demand

To further the brand’s commitment to easy, convenient and amazing experiences, Taco Bell formed a Digital Innovation & On Demand team to identify where technology can help meet the wants and needs of customers and team members in real-time and ignite a superior experience. The small, nimble team includes cross-functional members and takes a holistic approach to business.

“The Digital Innovation & On Demand team applies a start-up mindset to everything we do, quickly testing and applying technology in innovative ways every day,” said Tressie Lieberman, Vice President of Digital. “The team is focused on improving productivity, questioning the status quo and trying new ways of working.”

While ta.co is the latest initiative from this team, the company started its digital innovation journey with the nationwide launch of its mobile ordering and pay app, Live Más, last fall. The app gave fans the keys to the kitchen, resulting in 3.5 million downloads and check growth of 30 percent, largely driven by customization. Since then, the Digital Innovation & On Demand team has focused on a variety of initiatives including ta.co and more:

Delivery: This summer the team spearheaded a partnership with DoorDash to roll out delivery service in more than 200 markets. This work will continue to be a priority as the company will continue to expand delivery to additional markets nationwide.

Beta Living: Testing prototypes to digitalize and enhance the in-store experience is underway at one of the company’s Irvine restaurant locations. Prototypes include:

Ordering kiosks, allowing consumers to have fun and get creativemaking customized creations, without the worry of holding up the line. 

A virtual kitchen where customers can see food being made fresh in the back of the restaurant via a monitor located at the front of the restaurant.

A digital communication board to inform every employee about the latest news rather than posting paper updates.

Loyalty: With the launch of the Live Más app, the company has obtained live feedback and analytics to help evolve the platform.  As a result, a gamified loyalty reward program is launching in late 2015, revolutionizing the customer loyalty program experience in a uniquely Taco Bell way.

As part of Taco Bell’s overall growth plan, more focus will be put on the rise of the on-demand economy and how the brand can provide ultimate convenience and ease for customers and employees online, in-line and on the front line nationwide. 

ABOUT TACO BELL® CORPORATION

Taco Bell Corp. , a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE: YUM), is the nation’s leading Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant. Taco Bell serves made to order and customizable tacos, burritos, and specialties such as the exclusive Doritos® Locos Tacos, gourmet-inspired Cantina Power® Menu and lower calorie Fresco options. Taco Bell Breakfast offers portable, classic items such as the A.M. Crunchwrap, Biscuit Taco and signature breakfast burritos. The company encourages customers to “Live Más,” both through its food and in ways such as its Feed The Beat® music program and its nonprofit organization, the Taco Bell® Foundation™. Taco Bell and its more than 350 franchise organizations have nearly 6,000 restaurants across the United States that proudly serve more than 36 million customers every week.

Like: Facebook.com/tacobell
Follow: @TacoBell (Twitter) and tacobell (Instagram)
Subscribe: YouTube.com/tacobell

MEDIA RELATIONS

Public relations inquiries please call 949-863-3915 or e-mail at media@tacobell.com

SOURCE: Taco Bell Corp.

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EMV chips credit cards now accepted at more than 8,200 Walgreens retail stores nationwide

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Credit cards with “EMV chips” are now being accepted at all of the more than 8,200 Walgreens retail stores nationwide, ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline for retailers to begin accepting the new cards.

Most financial institutions and card issuers are sending their customers chip cards that require signatures for verification, rather than PINs.  While both types of cards improve security, PINs protect against forged signatures and are more secure. Most major retailers, including Walgreens, will be equipped to accept PINs or signatures and are urging card issuers to offer customers chip-and-PIN technology (see below for more detail on chip-and-PIN versus chip-and-signature technology).

Walgreens began transitioning stores to the new technology more than three years ago when it installed new point-of-sale terminals.  The company was able to complete its preparation for chip cards this year with the retail and financial industries’ adoption of standards for chip card acceptance.  The upgrade involved approximately 60,000 point-of-sale terminals in 8,200 stores.

The following are some commonly asked questions regarding the technology:

Q. How do the new chip cards differ from older credit cards?
A. U.S. financial institutions and card issuers are in the process of sending their customers new cards with EMV technology. EMV stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa. The cards contain a gold or silver metallic square chip visible on the front. Older cards with magnetic strips contain data that can be stolen or replicated. Chip cards create a new transaction code for each purchase and the code cannot be reused.  European card issuers have been using the chip technology for years now and successfully reduced incidents of counterfeit fraud as a result.

Q. What if I do not have a chip card?
A. Even after the transition to chip cards, Walgreens stores will continue to accept older magnetic strip swipe cards as well as chip-and-pin and chip-and-signature cards.

Q. What does the customer need to do differently?
A.  Instead of swiping the magnetic strip, the card is inserted in a slot at the terminal during the payment process and left there until a screen prompt tells you what to do next.  Depending on the card you carry and the transaction amount, you may be asked to provide a PIN or signature.

Q. Will you accept debit cards with chips as well as credit cards?
A.   At present, debit cards with chips may be used for purchases at Walgreens, but customers are asked to swipe them instead of inserting them in the chip-card slot.  After a transition period of a few weeks, Walgreens customers will be able to insert their debit chip card in chip readers except in cases where they wish to receive cash back.  Customers requesting cash back will still have to “swipe” their cards the old way.  By next year, debit card users requesting cash back also will use the chip card readers.

Q. Are Walgreens employees trained and ready?
A.  Information and training has been provided to Walgreens employees, and they have additional information available in the store in case questions come up.  The point-of-sale system has simple prompts that make transactions straightforward.

Q: What is the difference between chip-and-signature and chip-and-PIN transactions?
A. Both types of transactions use the same EMV chip cards. Chip-and-signature transactions only require your signature, while chip-and-PIN transactions require you to enter your card’s PIN on the terminal.

Q. Isn’t chip-and-PIN the most secure card transaction?
A.  Chip transactions are more secure than magnetic strips, and chip-and-PIN are the most secure.  Unfortunately, a number of credit card issuers will only process less-secure chip-and-signature transactions.  That means your card remains more susceptible to lost and stolen fraud simply by forging your signature.  A PIN used with the chip card significantly reduces the possibility of that form of fraud.  Retailers, including Walgreens, committed significant resources to build chip-and-PIN infrastructure at points of sale all across America.  Now is the time for card issuers to make full use of this important consumer protection technology.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), the nation’s largest drugstore chain, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,240 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country.

To contact Walgreens media relations, please email media@walgreens.com or call 847-315-2921.

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Chip Card Transaction

Chip Card Transaction

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Nordstrom to relocate its Rack store from 280 Metro Center to the redeveloped Serramonte Center in Daly City, California

SEATTLE, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced today plans to relocate its Rack store from 280 Metro Center to the redeveloped Serramonte Center in Daly City, California. The approximately 40,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in fall 2017. The redeveloped property is owned by Equity One, Inc.

Nordstrom will join fellow anchors Target, JC Penney, Macy’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The new location is just across Highway 280 from the current Nordstrom Rack, and remains conveniently located south of where Pacific Coast Highway meets 280.

“We’ve been privileged to serve this community since we first opened here over 25 years ago,” said Geevy Thomas, president of Nordstrom Rack. “We look forward to bringing customers a larger, brand new space, just across the freeway at Serramonte Center, which we think will offer a better shopping experience.”

Today, there are 13 Rack stores in Northern California, with an additional location recently announced in Santa Rosa, opening in fall 2016. Nordstrom has been serving customers in the state since it first opened at South Coast Plaza in 1978.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Nordstrom brand to our 200,000 square foot expansion of Serramonte Center,” said David Lukes, Chief Executive Officer of Equity One. “Nordstrom has been an excellent partner, and we believe Nordstrom Rack fits perfectly into our goal of adding exciting new shopping alternatives and local jobs to the center.”

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc., offering customers a wide selection of on-trend apparel, accessories and shoes at an everyday savings of 30 to 70 percent off regular prices. The Rack carries merchandise from Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com, as well as specially purchased items from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom. The Rack is designed to provide the ultimate treasure hunt to style-savvy customers.

About Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 310 stores in 38 states and Canada. Customers are served at 119 Nordstrom stores in the U.S. and Canada; 183 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and one clearance store. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also ownsTrunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its five clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

About Serramonte Center
Serramonte Center is an 882,000 sq. ft. super-regional shopping mall located in Daly City, California. The mall is currently undergoing a 200,000 square foot expansion project to provide an exciting new range of shopping alternatives for the residents of Daly City.

About Equity One, Inc.
As of June 30, 2015, our portfolio comprised 124 properties, including 101 retail properties and five non-retail properties totaling approximately 12.8 million square feet of gross leasable area, or GLA, twelve development or redevelopment properties with approximately 2.7 million square feet of GLA, and six land parcels. As of June 30, 2015, our retail occupancy excluding developments and redevelopments was 95.5% and included national, regional and local tenants. Additionally, the company had joint venture interests in eight retail properties and two office buildings totaling approximately 1.8 million square feet of GLA. For more information, please access the Equity One website at www.equityone.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Jessica Canfield
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 303-4250
jessica.canfield@nordstrom.com

Matthew Ostrower
Equity One, Inc.
(212) 796-1760
mostrower@equityone.net

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

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Starbucks launched blog dedicated to connecting with customers and sharing useful information about all things coffee

SEATTLE, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — When Starbucks opened its first store at 1912 Pike, in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, the concept was simple: people who loved coffee wanted to help others fall in love with it, too. Customers learned something new about their favorite coffee, or discovered something new to try.

In that spirit, Starbucks has launched 1912 Pike, a blog dedicated to connecting with customers and sharing useful information about all things coffee – where and how it’s grown, how it’s best enjoyed, what it means to our planet and more.

Storytelling ranges from the creation of coffee blends and a tour of the original Starbucks store, to expert advice from Starbucks partners (employees) on grinding and brewing coffee. Regular features include a coffee drink of the day and coffee beverage recipes.

Read a selection from 1912 Pike on the development of Starbucks® Espresso Roast below, and find much more at http://1912pike.com.

A Lasting Tradition – The story behind our quintessential roast by Anthony Carroll, senior manager of coffee quality development

Dave Olsen was the coffee guy.

He created our Espresso Roast back in 1975. And even though times and palates have changed quite a bit since then, Espresso Roast tastes exactly the same as it did on day one. It has to. It’s our core. It’s where our heart is.

Dave had his first experience with “real” espresso back in 1970 while serving in Italy with the U.S. Army. He says he almost blew up his little stovetop espresso maker trying to pull the perfect shot. And once he did, there was no going back. Dave became obsessed with recreating that singular taste and experience.

Inspired by the long tradition of coffee bars overseas, Dave went on to open Cafe Allegro in Seattle, where he brewed and sold the finest quality coffee he could. But it wasn’t enough. He needed the ultimate espresso blend — the one that would take him back to the day he’d first discovered it.

Fortunately, that’s when Dave met the guys who had recently opened Starbucks. They shared his intense curiosity and passion for coffee’s possibilities. They also had a roastery. So when Dave decided he needed his own blend, he knew where to go.

Dialing in the flavor took time, with countless trials required to get it just right. They played with blends, experimented with roasts, and finally made Dave’s vision a reality. The soon-to-be-a-classic Espresso Roast was born.

The obsession paid off. That same boldness and caramelly sweet finish has been the foundation of every espresso drink we’ve ever made. It balances exquisitely with milk in lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites. It stands boldly on its own in a doppio, and even with added water in an Americano. Espresso Roast never fails to deliver.

Even now, 40 years later, we’re still finding our way to that same end flavor with each new batch of beans. It’s not easy. There’s no school for what we do here – it’s more like one long apprenticeship. I learned what I know from Andrew Linnemann, who learned it from Mary Williams, who learned it from Dave Olsen himself.

Sometimes, I don’t know how we make it happen. But now it’s all on me to ensure Espresso Roast stays true to its proud history. And how will I know we have? Only when Dave visits the tasting room, pulls a shot, drinks it, and tells us we’re still doing it right.

No matter how many times we’ve earned Dave’s seal of approval, I still get butterflies every time he walks in.

Sign up for Starbucks news alerts here, and follow @StarbucksNews on Twitter

For more information on this news release, contact us.

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Dave Olson

Dave Olson

Starbucks launched blog dedicated to connecting with customers and sharing useful information about all things coffee

Starbucks launched blog dedicated to connecting with customers and sharing useful information about all things coffee

 

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Tesco anticipates plastic carrier bag use in England to drop by nearly 70% as a result of the 5p carrier bag charge

CHESHUNT, England, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — From October 5th, customers at all large UK shops will be charged 5p for each single-use carrier bag they use during their shopping trip as part of a new Government scheme.

Based on statistics from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – where a bag charge already exists – Tesco anticipates plastic carrier bag use in England to drop by nearly 70% as a result.

To help customers reduce their bag use and become accustomed to using Bags for Life, in England Tesco will offer a limited number of free Bags for Life at the till during the week before the charge comes into force. Tesco will also share a variety of top tips on how customers can cut down the number of bags used during each shopping trip.

Tips include the importance of making sure you have a bag stashed in your car boot, as well as techniques for folding bags extra small so they can fit in a purse or handbag.

Tesco has also revamped the design of its single-use carrier bags, to coincide with the introduction of the bag charge. The new bags are made of recycled plastic and are much stronger and sturdier. This means fewer will be needed for each shopping trip, which will help customers save money as well as the environment. The new bags will be manufactured using a ‘Closed Loop’ system, which means they will be made from plastic recycled from Tesco stores. Tesco customers will be able to recycle their used bags in store.

The bag charge in Scotland and Wales has so far help raise over £5 million for the RSPB, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Keep Wales Tidy. The bag charge in England is also expected to raise millions, and it is expected to be the biggest ever single source of funding for community projects generated by Tesco customers.

Rebecca Shelley, Group Communications Director for Tesco said:

“It’s incredibly important we do our bit for the environment and we’re really proud of the work we’ve done in this area, particularly in reducing waste.

“We want to do everything we can to help our customers minimise the impact of the charge as well as their impact on the environment, by helping them recycle and re-use their bags.

“We’re also going to work together with our customers to make sure the millions that will be raised from the bag charge goes towards making a real difference for our local communities.”

Tesco sees protecting the environment as an essential as part of being a responsible business. The retailer has set an ambitious target to be a zero carbon business by 2050, and has led the industry in its work to reduce food waste.

Environment Minister Rory Stewart said:

“Using fewer plastic bags will have a huge impact on our natural and marine environment and will help clean up our high streets, but if people do need to take a new plastic bag from a shop, they should feel confident that their money is going to a good cause – done properly this new initiative will be of huge benefit to our environment, and to society.

“Tesco’s programme will give shoppers a say in where their money goes and means all proceeds will be reinvested in local communities. We’d love to encourage other retailers to come forward with innovative schemes that support communities or the environment.”

The money raised from the 5p bag charge in England will be used to pay for a large number of local environmental improvement projects in communities right across the UK. The kinds of projects that will get the green light as a result of the funding will include building new pocket parks, sports facilities, woodland walks and community gardens.

Tesco customers will get the chance to vote in store and online for the projects they most want to go ahead in their own local areas. Six projects will receive funding in each of 432 regions annually, which means that around 2,500 different projects are expected to receive funding from the bag charge after just one year. The amount of funding available for individual local projects will range from £8,000 to £12,000.

Tesco is calling on customers to nominate local good causes they would like to see benefit from the money. Nominations will be whittled down to three good causes that customers can choose from to vote for in each area. Administration of the local funding will be handled by environmental improvement charity Groundwork, which specialises in supporting communities to transform local green spaces for the better.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork UK chief executive, said:

“The bag charge is all about making sure we do what we can to create a better environment.  Using the proceeds of the charge to help people improve parks and green spaces on their doorstep doubles the benefit.  There are so many benefits to be gained from making sure people have well designed, well managed green space near to where they live.

“People are healthier because they can exercise in the fresh air, grow their own food or just get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Communities are stronger because people get to know their neighbours and families have more places to have fun together.  Local green spaces can also help tackle bigger issues – increasing biodiversity and reducing the impacts of climate change.  We’re delighted to be working alongside Tesco stores and customers to bring these benefits to thousands of communities across the UK.”

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

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

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Amazon: popular and award-winning Universal Music Group artists now available for unlimited listening on Prime Music

Prime members in the U.S. and U.K. can start listening to newly added albums anytime, anywhere via the Amazon Music app on iOS, Android, Fire devices, Amazon Echo, or on the Web—plus tracks are available for offline listening

SEATTLE, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced that Prime members in the U.S. and U.K. now have access to even more great music – popular and award-winning Universal Music Group artists are now available for unlimited listening on Prime Music.

Starting today, Prime Music will now include select albums from Universal Music artists such as Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Lana DelRey, Maroon 5, Of Monsters and Men, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, Ellie Goulding, Drake, Lorde, Jessie J and Eminem, among others. In addition, a wide selection of popular Jazz and Classical albums from Universal Music artists will now be available for Prime members to enjoy.

“Prime Music has already become a top destination for streaming music in the U.S. and U.K., and we are thrilled today to make it even better by growing our selection with Universal Music artists,” stated Steve Boom, VP of Digital Music for Amazon. “From chart topping artists like Lady Gaga to legendary musicians such as Tom Petty and Nirvana, we know our Prime members will love listening to all the additional music that’s now available as part of their membership.”

“We are pleased to make a selection of our catalog available on Prime Music,” said Francis Keeling, Universal Music Group’s Global Head of Digital Business. “With Amazon’s tremendous reach and consumer appeal, we are delighted to build on our relationship by making Universal Music’s world-class artists available to Amazon Prime members.”

In addition, Prime members can enjoy music from Universal Music artists in expertly-programmed Prime Playlists. Prime Music is available via the Amazon Music app on iOS, Android, Fire devices, Amazon Echo, or on the Web at www.primemusic.com—plus tracks are available for offline listening. In addition, the Amazon Music app for Android supports Android Auto, allowing drivers to play favorite tracks from Prime Music using an elegant, car-optimized interface.

About Amazon Music
Prime members in the U.S. can listen to more than one million songs, over a thousand Prime Playlists and hundreds of Prime Stations available ad-free on Prime Music at no additional cost to their membership. Prime Music can be accessed through the Amazon Music app on Fire devices, Amazon Echo, iPads, iPhones, Android devices, laptops or online at www.primemusic.com, with tracks available to download for anytime, anywhere listening. Eligible customers who are not already Prime members can try Prime Music with a 30-day free trial by visiting www.amazon.com/prime.

Prime members and customers also have access to tens of millions of tracks to purchase and download in MP3 format in the Amazon Music store www.amazon.com/digitalmusic.

More to Prime
Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $99 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items across all categories, unlimited Free Same-Day Delivery on more than a million items in 14 metro areas, unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, more than one million songs, more than one thousand playlists and hundreds of stations with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals all year long, free secure, unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive with Prime Photos and access to more than 800,000 books to borrow with the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. In addition, Prime members in 11 cities receive one and two hour delivery on a selection of tens of thousands of everyday essentials with the dedicated Prime Now mobile app. Not a member? Start a free trial of Amazon Prime at amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr
or
Universal Music Group
Andy Fixmer, +1-310-865-0132
andy.fixmer@umusic.com

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Virgin America to offer travelers free wifi access to the entire Netflix catalog of films and award–winning shows

New High-Speed ViaSat Satellite WiFi Launches this Month on Virgin America, Allowing Guests to Stream Video in the Air – Just Like at Home

San Francisco, CA, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, Netflix, the world’s leading Internet TV network, and Virgin America, the low–fare, upscale airline known for offering next generation entertainment and connectivity, announced they are joining forces to provide complimentary in–flight WiFi access that allows new and existing Netflix members to enjoy the entire Netflix catalog of films and award–winning shows. Beginning today, Netflix users onboard Virgin America’s new ViaSat WiFi–equipped aircraft will be able to stream the best programming available in the skies, including the hit series House of Cards and Orange Is The New Black, to their phones, tablets, and laptops at no cost through March 2, 2016*. The experience is made possible by Virgin America’s recent connectivity partnership with ViaSat, which brings significantly faster WiFi to the airline’s 10 new airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015 to mid – 2016. In addition to offering free streaming through its new ViaSat WiFi network, as of next month, Virgin America will also offer House of Cards seasons 1ן for free on the airline’s recently upgraded Red® touch–screen seatback in–flight entertainment platform – so travelers can binge–watch through their own devices or their seatback.

Virgin America and Netflix kick off their #NetflixOnboard partnership today with the surprise unveiling of a House of Cards and Netflix–branded aircraft and an appearance by Michael Kelly, the Emmy–nominated star of the Netflix original series House of Cards. Kelly’s character Doug Stamper, who serves as President Frank Underwood’s loyal consultant and Machiavellian fixer, will drop in on Virgin America Flight 1 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). Guests onboard the flight will be able to binge–watch Netflix content in Virgin America’s mood–lit cabin and will be treated to a signature Whiskey Whistleblower cocktail, while Kelly – as Doug Stamper – dispenses some tongue–in–cheek, morally–ambiguous political advice over the aircraft’s intercom before take–off.

“Netflix and Virgin America are both known for their focus on innovation and for shaking up their respective industries – so we’re thrilled to team up to bring the best in technology and entertainment to the skies. These latest generation investments in our WiFi and entertainment platforms allow us to provide the largest breadth of streamed content ever available at 35,000 feet – along with entire seasons of some Netflix favorites via the Red platform,” said Abby Lunardini, Virgin America Vice President of Brand Marketing and Communications. “We hope our guests enjoy the offering and know that even President Frank Underwood can’t get entertainment this good onboard Air Force One.”

“As WiFi becomes more ubiquitous, it’s going to be increasingly possible for members to enjoy Netflix wherever they want,” said Bill Holmes, Netflix’s global head of business development. “We’re delighted to partner with Virgin America to extend the joy of Netflix to our members at 35,000 feet.”

As the only airline based in Silicon Valley, Virgin America has long been known for its innovative in–flight experience – including being the first (and still only) U.S. airline to offer WiFi on every flight and power outlets at every seat. Virgin America has one of the youngest fleets in the industry, with custom–designed, mood–lit cabins, comfortable leather seating and a personal seatback entertainment platform that offers every guest their own seatback touch–screen with movies, live TV, interactive maps, videogames, a 3,000 song library and an on–demand menu, which allows flyers to order a cocktail or snack from their seatback any time during a flight.

Earlier this summer, Virgin America announced a new connectivity partnership with ViaSat to bring even faster WiFi to the airline’s 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft being delivered from fall 2015 – mid – 2016. The partnership leverages ViaSat’s satellite–based in–flight internet service to enable Virgin America’s guests to experience internet speeds similar to what they expect at home – offering WiFi connectivity that is 8 to 10 times faster than any other onboard WiFi system, with the freedom to watch and now stream online directly on any connected device when in–flight. This month the first aircraft with the new ViaSat WiFi service entered service, paving the way for guests to watch all of their favorite Netflix content from the comfort of their plush leather seats. The new ViaSat service* will be rolling out to about one aircraft a month through June 2016 – and the WiFi service will be complimentary for travelers until March 2, 2016. In addition to being the only U.S. airline to offer fleetwide WiFi as of 2009, Virgin America has made continuous investments in its in–flight connectivity system, including upgrading its full fleet to the latest generation ground–based WiFi system as of 2014 and now investing in the most advanced satellite–based WiFi system with ViaSat for its next 10 aircraft deliveries.

Virgin America also recently announced it was implementing a significant upgrade to its Red® in–flight entertainment system, which will allow guests to binge–watch entire seasons of certain Netflix originals, including House of Cards Season 1ן. The new Red Beta creates an even more immersive in–flight entertainment experience with higher resolution capacitive touch screens, Android–based software that allows for faster, real–time updates, and three times more content – including full seasons of favorite television shows, more interactive maps, videogames including classics like Pac Man and Asteroids – along with the first surround–sound listening experience to be offered by an airline.

*How #NetflixOnboard works:
Guests on aircraft equipped with the new ViaSat WiFi service will be notified by the Virgin America in–flight team that they can access high–speed WiFi. Guests can then open their browser and login for free by selecting the “VirginAmerica” ViaSat network and will then be prompted to either login to their existing Netflix account or to create a new, 30–day free trial account, after which they will then be connected to the Netflix service at 35,000 feet, just like they would on the ground. Existing account holders will be able to access Netflix through their mobile device, tablet or laptop onboard ViaSat equipped Virgin America aircraft at no additional cost through March 2, 2016, while new members can sign up to enjoy a free 30–day free Netflix trial – good for use both in the air, on Virgin America’s ViaSat–equipped aircraft, or on the ground.

Photos and video of the House of Cards and Netflix–branded Virgin America aircraft can be found at:
https://www.virginamerica.com/cms/about–our–airline/photos/netflix–partnership

Photos of Virgin America’s unique aircraft – including its new #NetflixOnboard aircraft as well as broadcast quality b–roll can be found at:
https://www.virginamerica.com/cms/about–our–airline/photos.html

Media Contacts:
For Virgin America: Dave Arnold/dave.arnold@virginamerica.com/917.968.3622 or Patricia Condon/patricia.condon@virginamerica.com/650.906.8147
For Netflix: Marlee Tart/mtart@netflix.com/408.656.9437

Editor’s Note: Virgin America is a U.S.–controlled, owned and operated airline. It is an entirely separate company from Virgin Atlantic. Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group is a minority share investor in Virgin America.

About Virgin America: Known for its mood–lit cabins, three beautifully designed classes of service and innovative fleetwide amenities — like touch–screen personal entertainment, WiFi and power outlets at every seat, Virgin America has built a loyal following of flyers and earned a host of awards since launching in 2007 — includingbeing named both the “Best U.S. Airline” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for the past seven consecutive years and “Best Domestic Airline” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the past eight consecutive years. For more: www.virginamerica.com

About Netflix: Netflix is the world’s leading Internet television network with over 65 million members in over 50 countries enjoying more than 100 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet–connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

SOURCE: Netflix

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Sainsbury’s Q2 Trading Statement for the 16 weeks to 26 September 2015

LONDON, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Strategy progressing well in a challenging market

  • Total Retail sales for second quarter up 0.3 per cent (excl fuel), down 1.8 per cent (inc fuel)
  • Like-for-like Retail sales for second quarter down 1.1 per cent (excl fuel), down 3.3 per cent (inc fuel)
  • Volume and transactions grow as customers value our lower regular prices
  • Full year underlying profit before tax now expected to be moderately ahead of published consensus

Mike Coupe, Chief Executive, said; “During the quarter we saw an improvement in our key trading metrics. Both volume and transactions grew as the decline in average basket spend in supermarkets continued to stabilise. Whilst the market is clearly still challenging, with food deflation impacting many categories, we are making good progress on delivering our strategy.

Our programme to enhance the quality of over 3,000 own-brand products is on track. Taste the Difference volume grew by over four per cent in the quarter and was voted the best supermarket range by Good Housekeeping for the third year running. We introduced improvements to the taste and texture of our juice ranges and improved the ripeness and quality of our avocados. We also reduced the amount of sugar in our own-brand yoghurt range, supporting our commitment to be the best retailer for food and health.

As we continue to reduce our promotional activity in favour of lower regular prices, we are improving the accuracy of our demand forecasting. This is driving better availability and lower than expected levels of waste. This also results in even better product freshness which supports our commitment to quality. Our customers are telling us that we are communicating our prices and promotions more clearly which, in combination with the price reductions we have made, has seen an increase in price satisfaction scores.

Sainsbury’s colleagues continue to deliver excellent customer service and we exceeded our internal targets for both service and availability. To recognise the hard work, talent and dedication of our store colleagues, we announced a four per cent pay increase from 30 August, which is the highest annual pay increase for store colleagues in over a decade.

We opened 27 convenience stores in the quarter and, for the sixth year in a row, we were named ‘Convenience Retailer of the Year’ at the Retail Industry Awards. Groceries online orders grew at over 15 per cent and we increased our number of Click and Collect sites to 52. We also launched our Tu clothing website nationwide. The first six weeks of trading significantly exceeded our expectations and the majority of customers are choosing to collect their orders in store.

Clothing grew by nearly 13 per cent in the quarter, with our Back to School campaign proving a great success, selling over 640,000 pairs of boys’ trousers from our school uniform range. We worked with Admiral to launch a new menswear collection with two different ranges, Retro and Gold, which are both available exclusively at Sainsbury’s.

Sainsbury’s Bank opened its 200th Travel Money bureau and saw its best ever month for travel money in July, with a 35 per cent year-on-year increase in transaction volumes.

Year-to-date we have traded well, with both sales and cost savings ahead of expectations. Should current market trends continue, we expect our full year underlying profit before tax to be moderately ahead of our published consensus1.”

1. All sales figures contained in this trading statement include VAT and are in accordance with IFRIC 13

2. Like-for-like sales include the impact of extensions as follows

Q1 Q2 H1
Retail sales growth including fuel (%)
Total (2.3)% (1.8)% (2.0)%
Like-for-like (3.7)% (3.3)% (3.5)%
Retail sales growth excluding fuel (%)
Total (0.6)% 0.3% (0.1)%
Like-for-like (2.1)% (1.1)% (1.6)%
Included in like-for-like sales (%)
Net contribution from extensions 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%

3. Store investment programme 2015/16:

Q1 Q2 H1
Supermarkets
New 1 1 2
Replacements 1 1 2
Extensions – – –
Refurbishments – 4 4
Closures (1) (1) (2)
Convenience
New 10 27 37
Closures (3) – (3)
Refurbishments 4 – 4

At the end of the quarter, Sainsbury’s had 599 supermarkets and 741 convenience stores

4. Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, regulation or accounting standard, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise

5. Sainsbury’s also released today its Second Quarter Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability update. This is available at www.j-sainsbury.co.uk/investor-centre/results-and-presentations/

6. A conference call will take place at 8:30am.  To listen to the audio webcast we recommend that you register in advance.  To do so please visit www.j-sainsbury.co.uk prior to the event and follow the on-screen instructions.  To view the transcript of the conference call go to www.j-sainsbury.co.uk and follow the on-screen instructions in the second quarter trading statement section

7. Sainsbury’s will announce its Third Quarter Trading Statement on 13 January 2016

###

Sainsbury’s Q2 Trading Statement for the 16 weeks to 26 September 2015

Sainsbury’s Q2 Trading Statement for the 16 weeks to 26 September 2015

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SONIC® Drive-In announces the return of Limeades for Learning®

America decides which teachers receive funding by voting September 28 through October 18

OKLAHOMA CITY, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, announces the return of Limeades for Learning®. In partnership with DonorsChoose.org, the national award-winning and voter-driven cause marketing campaign funds essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in today’s youth.

From September 28 through October 18, 2015, SONIC guests and fans can make a difference in their local communities by voting for public school teacher projects they would like funded through the Limeades for Learning website, LimeadesforLearning.com. Throughout the voting period, projects with the most votes each week receive funding, while remaining projects get a chance at funding for the next week.

There are multiple ways to vote on LimeadesforLearning.com:

1. Create an account with a valid email address and vote each day.

2. Visit a local SONIC, make a purchase and use the code on the bag sticker for two votes.

3. Vote ten times and SONIC will send an additional code worth two extra votes.

4. Share your vote on Facebook, Twitter or through email to earn additional votes.

“Recognizing the need for resources and innovative teaching techniques in the classroom, SONIC is proud to celebrate teachers across the country by putting more than half a million dollars in our customers’ hands to make a real difference in the local communities we serve,” said Christi Woodworth, vice president of public relations for SONIC. “So many amazing teachers recognize the special talents in each and every child they teach, and they are on a mission to develop those talents. We created Limeades for Learning as a one-of-a-kind platform and opportunity for our guests to join us in giving back by identifying teacher’s projects they find inspirational and supporting them with the simple click of a button at LimeadesforLearning.com.”

Every year, teachers spend more than $1 billion of their own money on school supplies; that’s more than $500 per teacher. In the last six years, SONIC and its franchise partners have donated $4.2 million to public school classrooms in local communities to help alleviate this burden. By the close of this year’s campaign, SONIC will have invested more than $5 million in students and teachers nationwide.

“The impact of this program has been astounding. SONIC’s Limeades for Learning has funded nearly 7,500 teacher projects since the program launched in 2009, improving education experiences for hundreds of thousands of teachers and students across the country,” says Charles Best, founder and chief executive officer at DonorsChoose.org. “This year, teachers are submitting more innovative classroom projects than ever. SONIC’s fans consistently deliver strong participation and support, and we are excited to deliver more meaningful supplies to classrooms all across the country as we continue to build on the success of Limeades for Learning.”

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In
SONIC, America’s Drive-In, is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over the past 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. To learn more about Sonic Corp.(NASDAQ/NM: SONC) and Limeades for Learning, please visit sonicdrivein.com and limeadesforlearning.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About DonorsChoose.org

DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that allows public school teachers across the country to post classroom project requests on their website, www.DonorsChoose.org. Individuals are able to browse the requests and can donate any amount to projects that inspire them. Once a project reaches its funding goal, DonorsChoose.org sends the materials to the school. Teachers and fans can also connect with DonorsChoose.org at facebook.com/DonorsChoose or on Twitter@DonorsChoose.

for SONIC Drive-In
Matthew Young, 512-542-2802
matthew.young@cohnwolfe.com

Source: SONIC Drive-In

News Provided by Acquire Media

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TTI Homelite / Echo won Home Depot’s 2015 Innovation Award for its Echo 58-volt line of outdoor power equipment

Retailer Recognizes Top Product Innovations, Echo 58V Outdoor Power Equipment Wins Top Honor

ATLANTA, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced that TTI Homelite / Echo won the retailer’s 2015 Innovation Award for its Echo 58-volt line of outdoor power equipment. The annual award recognizes the most revolutionary new products that provide true benefits to consumers and the companies that exceeded expectations in sales, service and program execution. Runner-up honors were awarded toWink, Inc. for its Smart Home Hub and American Standard for its Optum VorMax Tall Height Elongated Toilet. Additionally, Solar City won Environmental Partner of the Year for its Residential Solar and Liberty Hardware won Marketing Innovation for its Monthly DIY Project Posts, Content & Social Campaign.

“The Home Depot’s goal is to offer customers the most innovative, groundbreaking products that will help them improve their homes while saving them time and money,” said Ted Decker, executive vice president, Merchandising for The Home Depot. “Our merchants consistently work with our manufacturing partners to develop pioneering products that differentiate TheHome Depot and attract customers.”

A groundbreaking line of cordless outdoor portable power equipment came to market in 2015 with the launch of Echo 58-volt. This professional-grade system uses a 58-volt battery platform to operate five outdoor tools, combining the power of gas and the convenience of cordless. The system carries one of the industry’s most powerful lithium-ion battery packs and a competitive charge time. Each unit comes equipped with a brushless motor customized for that particular tool. The tools feature a 90-day, money-back guarantee and a five-year consumer warrantee. The line includes a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, blower, mower and chain saw.

In addition to the top three award winners, The Home Depot recognized the companies that round out the top 10 product innovations:

Milwaukee Tool FUEL Bare Tools

  • Milwaukee Tool is an industry-leading manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools for professional users worldwide. Since the company began in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has led the industry in both durability and performance.

ITW Paslode Pneumatic Fastening Gun

  • Paslode is a premier manufacturer of innovative fastening solutions and services. For more than 75 years, professional tradesmen serving the residential construction market have relied on Paslode products to drive worksite efficiency, customer satisfaction and business results.

ETi Solid State Lighting Linkable LED Shop Light

  • This LED Linkable Shop Light fixture is perfect for any application where high quality LED lighting is required for a workspace. It’s the perfect solution for upgrading from older fluorescent fixtures to new LED Linkable technology.

Toro Custom Z-Builder

  • Build the perfect TimeCutter® with the Toro® Custom Z-Builder™. Design a Z by choosing the steering, platform, deck, engine, seat and many more custom options – hand delivered, set up and ready to go.

Broan NuTone EZ Fit Bath Fan

  • The NuTone EZ80N EZ Fit Ventilation Fan can easily be installed from the room side with no attic access required by installing the four tightening clamps that twist to secure the housing directly to ceiling material. Alternatively, it can be installed by attaching the housing directly to ceiling joists or trusses.

JELD-WEN Architectural Fiberglass Door

  • The JELD-WEN Architectural Collection provides strikingly realistic wood grains for eye-catching results. Exclusive fiberglass technology reserved only for this collection delivers a combination of rich stain-ability, energy performance, protection and durability with each architecturally inspired design.

LG Side-by-Side Refrigerator

  • LG’s side-by-side refrigerators provide customizable capacity for even more ways to use your space. With adjustable, slide-out shelving, gallon-size door bins and multiple drawers, LG’s side-by-side refrigerators give you incredible organization, so you can find just what you need in a snap.

For more information about products that won, visit www.homedepot.com

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,270 retail stores in all 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2014, The Home Depot had sales of $83.2 billion and earnings of $6.3 billion. The Company employs more than 370,000 associates. TheHome Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

SOURCE The Home Depot

Kathryn Emery, The Home Depot, (949) 887-2268, kathryn_g_emery@homedepot.com

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BRC new guidelines to help retailers protect themselves against malicious activity from inside their organisation

LONDON, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The BRC has today published new guidelines to help retailers of all sizes protect themselves against malicious activity from inside their organisation. Occasionally a member of staff, contractor or supplier can betray the trust placed in them to exploit their privileged access to the business for their own ends.

The BRC’s Insider Threat Guidelines set out some simple steps to help retail businesses assess the threat, identify indicators of high risk behaviour and consider what physical and cyber security measures they should have in place. The Guidelines can be downloaded from the link to the right of this release.

Tom Ironside, BRC Director of Business and Regulation, said:

“Security is often approached in terms of protection against external threats. Whilst the vast majority of employees are honest, retailers also need to think about where they may be vulnerable to malicious activity by those with inside access to their business. Whether this is theft of stock, complex fraud or a cyber data breach, businesses must be alert to such potential threats from within. The impact of an insider incident can be significant, resulting in damage to the organisation’s reputation and staff morale, as well as financial loss.”

For media enquiries please call the press office: 020 7854 8924

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

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Groupe Fnac SA makes an all-share offer for Darty plc on the basis of 1 Fnac share for every 39 Darty shares held

LONDON, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Board of Darty plc (“Darty” or the “Company”) announces that it has received a proposal from Groupe Fnac SA (“Fnac”) regarding an all-share offer by Fnac for Darty on the basis of 1 Fnac share for every 39 Darty shares held. The proposal currently values Darty at 101p per share based on the closing prices on 29 September 2015. In addition, Darty shareholders would be entitled to retain the final dividend of 2.625 cents payable on 13 November 2015 to those shareholders on the record as at 23 October 2015.

The Board has considered the proposal and concluded that it should further explore the benefits of a potential combination with Fnac. Initially, this engagement will focus on reviewing deal execution risks in order to determine whether an offer is likely to be deliverable on a basis which could be capable of being recommended to Darty shareholders.

In accordance with Rule 2.6(a) of the Takeover Code, Darty confirms that by no later than 5.00 p.m. on 28 October 2015, Fnac must either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Darty under Rule 2.7 of the Code or announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Darty, in which case the announcement will be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Code applies. This deadline can be extended with the consent of the Panel in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Code.

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be available atwww.dartygroup.com.

The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into and does not form part of this announcement.

A further announcement will be made in due course.

This announcement has been made without the consent of Fnac.

Enquiries

Darty plc
Simon Ward
+44 (0) 20 7269 1411

Morgan Stanley
Ian Hart
+44 (0) 20 7425 8000

UBS Investment Bank
Craig Calvert
+44 (0) 20 7567 8000

Finsbury
Rollo Head
Jenny Davey
+44 (0) 20 7251 3801

About Darty plc
Darty group is a leading multi-channel service led electrical retailer operating 400 stores in three European countries. It generated an annual turnover of over €3.5 billion in 2014/15 through operations in Darty and Mistergooddeal.com in France, Vanden Borre in Belgium and BCC in the Netherlands. Its ordinary shares are listed with the UK Listing Authority and trade on the market for listed securities on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol DRTY.L. It is also listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris.

For further information, please visit the company’s website, www.dartygroup.com.

Important Notices

Certain statements made in this anLnouncement are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future results in forward looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or accounting standards, Darty plc does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Darty and no-one else in connection with the approach referred to in this announcement. In connection with such matters, Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents will not regard any other person as their client, nor will they be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for providing advice in relation to this approach, the contents of this announcement or any other matter referred to herein.

UBS Limited, which is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Darty and no-one else in connection with the approach referred to in this announcement. In connection with such matters, UBS Limited, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents will not regard any other person as their client, nor will they be responsible to any other person for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for providing advice in relation to this approach, the contents of this announcement or any other matter referred to herein.

Neither this announcement nor any copy of it may be taken or transmitted directly or indirectly into Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to any persons in any of those jurisdictions, except in compliance with applicable securities laws. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of Australian, Canadian, South Africa or Japanese securities laws. The distribution of this announcement in other jurisdictions may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this announcement or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about, and observe, any such restrictions.

This announcement is not intended to, and does not, constitute, represent or form part of any offer, invitation or solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of, any securities whether pursuant to this announcement or otherwise.

This announcement is not an offer of securities in the United States.

The securities to which this announcement relates have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or with any regulating authority or under any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and in compliance with applicable state law. The securities mentioned herein are expected to be issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act provided by Section 3(a)(10) thereunder.

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Stefan Larsson to step down as global president of Old Navy effective October 2, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today announced that Stefan Larsson will step down as global president of Old Navy effective October 2, 2015. Jill Stanton, executive vice president of Global Product at Old Navy, will lead the division in the interim, reporting to Gap Inc. Chief Executive Officer Art Peck. A search for a new global brand president is already under way.

“We have an impressive team at Old Navy, with some of the best creative and business talent in the industry, and they are delivering consistent results,” said Peck. “We have a clear strategy in place, and I have every confidence the brand will continue to build on its momentum and realize its substantial growth potential.”

Stanton is a proven industry veteran with more than 25 years experience, including almost 14 years at Nike where she served as vice president and general manager of global apparel.

About Gap Inc.

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

Old Navy fashion inquiries: OldNavy_Press@gap.com

SOURCE: Gap Inc.

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Publix Super Markets Charities to donate $4m to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Southeast

LAKELAND, Fla., 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) announced today that it would donate $4 million to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Southeast. The donation will provide funding to build 40 new houses in 2016 as well as increase support to more than 60 affiliates whom the Foundation currently funds.

This generous donation continues the Foundation’s commitment to meeting the basic needs of the communities it serves through additional financial support for housing. The average price to sponsor a house is $77,000.

“Every family deserves an opportunity to have a roof over their heads and food on their table,” said Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities. “My father established our foundation in 1966 with a strong desire to see our communities thrive. Forty-nine years later, we are continuing his legacy. As we honor my father’s memory and celebrate what would have been his 108th birthday today, we are delighted to continue our 26-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity by giving $4 million to Habitat affiliates across Publix’s footprint.”

The Habitat for Humanity affiliates who will be receiving funding for new houses include:

Alabama

  • Habitat for Humanity of Baldwin County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Alabama
  • Wiregrass Habitat for Humanity

Florida

  • Beaches Habitat for Humanity
  • Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity
  • Habitat for Humanity of Brevard County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Broward
  • Habitat for Humanity of Collier County
  • Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Miami
  • Habitat for Humanity of Jacksonville
  • Habitat for Humanity of Key West and      Lower Florida Keys
  • Habitat for Humanity of Martin County
  • Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys
  • Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Osceola County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County
  • Habitat for Humanity of St Lucie County
  • Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys
  • Habitat for Humanity of Walton County
  • Lakeland Habitat for Humanity
  • Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
  • Southeast Volusia Habitat for Humanity

Georgia

  • Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity
  • Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta
  • Habitat for Humanity – North Central Georgia
  • Valdosta-Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity

North Carolina

  • Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte

South Carolina

  • Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity
  • Charleston Habitat for Humanity
  • Dorchester Habitat for Humanity
  • Habitat for Humanity of Anderson
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
  • Habitat for Humanity of Spartanburg
  • Sea Island Habitat for Humanity

Tennessee

  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville – Dickson Division
  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville – Wilson Division
  • Habitat for Humanity – Williamson-Maury
  • Knoxville Habitat for Humanity

“Publix Super Markets Charities and Publix have been strong supporters of our local Habitat and the entire Lakeland community,” said Claire Twomey, CEO Lakeland Habitat for Humanity. “It’s difficult to imagine how differently our community would look without the generosity of Mr. George and the great company he started. This significant donation of $4 million by the Foundation to Habitat affiliates will provide new homes to more than 200 low-income people and provide essential funding for our work across Publix’s operating areas.”

In related efforts, Publix Super Markets associates will invest the sweat equity, where possible, in building the Habitat for Humanity houses in 2016 during its Publix Serves campaign. Publix Serves was established as a way for Publix associates across the company to gather together to make an impactful difference in the communities they serve. Publix will donate groceries to fill the pantries of the new homes being sponsored by PSMC.

“Publix associates are the best in the industry,” said Maria Brous, Publix director of media and community relations. “Our associates serve our customers with stellar customer service, and serve their communities generously by giving of their time and talents to support many nonprofit organizations. Our associates are always there to give of themselves when our communities are in need. Giving back is what we do. It is our culture of service.”

PSMC began its support of Habitat for Humanity in 1989 with its first contribution to Habitat for Humanity of East Polk County (Winter Haven, Fla.). The Foundation has continued its support of Habitat for Humanity, donating more than $1.1 million to Habitat affiliates in 2014. This year’s $4 million contribution to Habitat for Humanity affiliates is over three times the amount previously given in any year and will support more than 80 Habitat affiliates across the Southeast.

George Jenkins, founder of Publix Super Markets and affectionately known as “Mr. George” believed in giving. From the day he opened his first Publix, he made sure his associates, customers and community were taken care of. In 1966, Mr. George established the Foundation with the vision that it would continue giving long after he was gone. Under the leadership of Carol Jenkins Barnett, Mr. George’s daughter, Publix Super Markets Charities remains committed to serving the communities in which Publix operates.

Corporate Initiatives and Trade Publications
Maria Brous
Director of Media & Community Relations
P.O. Box 407
Lakeland, FL  33802-0407
(863) 688-1188 ext. 55339
maria.brous@publix.com

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Russian food retailer X5 Retail Group signed RUB 24 bn ($367m) long-term unsecured loan facility agreement with VTB Bank

Moscow, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group N.V. (“X5” and/or the “Company”), a leading Russian food retailer (LSE ticker: “FIVE”), has signed a RUB 24 bn long-term unsecured loan facility agreement with VTB Bank (“VTB” and/or the “Bank”) with tranches maturing in up to 3 years and an interest rate of the Central Bank of Russia’s key rate plus an agreed margin.

The loan facility has two tranches: – RUB 10 bn maturing in 2.5 years, and – RUB 14 bn maturing in 3 years.

The facility will be used to make an early repayment of MosPrime-linked loans (including refinancing a RUB 12.5 bn loan from VTB Capital plc.) and to finance the Company’s operations.

The new loan will improve the quality of the Company’s debt portfolio by reducing the overall cost of debt due to a lower margin and lower volatility of the underlying key rate. In addition, the structure and duration of the Company’s debt will improve as the maturity period is extended until 2018, while the risk of interest expense growth will be mitigated as MosPrime-linked obligations are refinanced.

The facility does not increase the Company’s total debt.

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 Company-owned trucks across the Russian Federation.

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

 

 

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Morrisons to increase its hourly pay rate for store staff to £8.20

Morrisons is intending to increase its hourly pay rate for store staff to £8.20 an hour from a previous minimum of £6.83.

Bradford, England, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — More than 90,000 staff will benefit – across all age brackets.

Morrisons will make an extra investment of more than £40m in the improved hourly pay rate. Supplements, such as a premium for working on Sunday, will also be simplified.

David Potts, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said: “We have been listening to our colleagues who told us they want their pay to be more competitive and simpler.

“By paying a significantly higher hourly rate, we are recognising the contribution of our excellent staff, who are so important to the revival of Morrisons.”

The shopworkers’ union Usdaw is supporting the pay move and recommending it to its members.

Media contact

For all media enquiries call
0845 611 5111
Available 24 hours

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MPPA through Hypermart became one of the winners in INDONESIA WOW BRAND AWARD 2015 Retail Sector, Hypermarket category

Tangerang, Indonesia, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The prestigious award event, Indonesia WOW Brand organized by the PT MarkPlus Indonesia (MarkPlus, Inc.) was held at The Ritz-Carlton, Mega Kuningan, Jakarta on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. Through an intense consideration process on hundreds of brands, PT Matahari Putra Prima tbk. through Hypermart managed to become one of the winner in INDONESIA WOW BRAND AWARD 2015 Retail Sector, Hypermarket category.

INDONESIA WOW BRAND 2015 is an apreciation for the achievements by the brand based on research as one of the applications of the WOW Marketing theory. On the WOW Marketing theory in the era of connectivity, there are customers path changes, where before their brands selection decision was only influenced by individual decision, now it is influenced by many people (including the media).

INDONESIA WOW Brand 2015 Research on: Residential Property Developers, Shopping Mall & Retail Jabodetabek involved 575 respondents, which aims to determine customer path advocacy ratio based on the Residential Property, Developers, Shopping Mall & Retail. Respondents were randomly selected and interviewed by telephone on products purchased and consumed during the past month. Respondents representing middle to high (minimum upper-middle class) with the age range of 25-50 years.

Director of Public Relations and Communications MPPA, Danny Kojongian stated, “MPPA is proud to receive the Indonesia WOW Brand Award 2015. This reflects the positivity brand of Hypermart to consumers in Indonesia in accordance the Company’s commitment, to continuously provide the best of modern retail services in the middle of a challenging economic conditions.”

About PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA)
PT Matahari Putra Prima (MPPA) operates Hypermart, Foodmart and Boston Health & Beauty. Total 2014 Sales amounted to Rp 13,59 Trillion (audited), a growth of 14.1% from 2013. Net Income 2014 amounted to Rp 554,0 Billion, which grew 24.5% from Rp 444,9 Billion in 2013. Hypermart has the widest store network among hypermarket operators in more than 60 cities ranging from Tanjung Balai (Medan) to Jayapura (Papua).

MPPA continues to receive both domestic and international acknowledgement with several awards such as: 2014 Customer Satisfaction by Roy Morgan, 2014 Excellence Experience by Bisnis Indonesia & Carre CCSL, 2014 Top 500 Bronze Award by Retail Asia, 2014 Charta Peduli Indonesia by Dompet Dhuafa, 2014 Superbrand Indonesia by Superbrand, 2014 Best Senior Management IR Support & Most Improved Investor Relations by Alpha Southeast Asia, 2014 Most Admired Companies by Fortune Indonesia, and 2014 Most Admired Company by Warta Ekonomi.

For further information, please contact :
PT. Matahari Putra Prima, Tbk

Danny Kojongian,
Director Communications and Public Relations
Email: danny.kojongian@hypermart.co.id

Fernando Repi
Public Relation Department Head
Email: fernando.repi@hypermart.co.id
+6281393339727

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MMPA

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RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust to release its financial results for the three and nine months ended Sep 30, 2015 on Nov 3, 2015

TORONTO, ONTARIO, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX:REI.UN) today announced that it is scheduled to release its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 prior to the market open on Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

Interested parties are invited to participate in a conference call with management on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. eastern time. You will be required to identify yourself and the organization on whose behalf you are participating.

In order to participate, please dial 416-340-2216 or 1-800-355-4959. If you cannot participate in the live mode, a replay will be available untilDecember 1, 2015. To access the replay, please dial 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 and enter passcode 8465599#.

Scheduled speakers include Edward Sonshine, O.Ont., Q.C., Chief Executive Officer, Rags Davloor, President and Chief Operating Officer and Cynthia Devine, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Management’s presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. To ask a question, press “star 1” on a touch-tone phone. The conference call operator will be notified of all requests in the order in which they are made, and will introduce each questioner.

Alternatively, to access the simultaneous webcast, go to the following link on RioCan’s website http://investor.riocan.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/events/default.aspx and click on the link for the webcast. The webcast will be archived 24 hours after the end of the conference call and can be accessed for 120 days.

About RioCan
RioCan is Canada’s largest real estate investment trust with a total enterprise value of approximately $15.6 billion as at June 30, 2015. It owns and manages Canada’s largest portfolio of shopping centres with ownership interests in a portfolio of 353 retail properties containing approximately 79 million square feet, including 48 retail properties containing 13 million square feet in the United States as at June 30, 2015. RioCan’s portfolio also includes 15 properties under development in Canada. For further information, please refer to RioCan’s website at www.riocan.com.

Contact Information:
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Christian Green
Director, Investor Relations & Compliance
416-864-6483
www.riocan.com

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eBay General Counsel Marie Oh Huber named one of the 2015 Women Leaders in Tech Law by The Recorder

An influential legal journal names her among 2015 Women Leaders in Tech Law.

San Jose, California, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — eBay General Counsel Marie Oh Huber has been named one of the 2015 Women Leaders in Tech Law by The Recorder.

In a Q&A with the influential Silicon Valley legal publication, Marie – who has worked throughout her career to promote diversity – spoke about what needs to be done to tackle the gender gap in technology.

“Relentlessly work at every level to encourage and promote talented women, from entry-level to corporate boardrooms. Make it about the business imperative and have men, in addition to women, drive closing the gap.”

She said that the most valuable career advice she ever received was to “be fearless and authentic.”

Marie, who joined eBay this year, added that what she likes most about working in technology is the “pace of innovation, and the constant challenge it brings”.

She brought to her role at eBay more than 20 years’ experience counseling tech companies, having previously worked for Agilent Technologies where she was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since 2009. Previously she was Vice President, Assistant General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from 2000 to 2009.

Prior to Agilent, Huber was an M&A and corporate lawyer at Hewlett-Packard from 1990 to 1999. She started her career before HP at large law firms in New York and San Francisco.

She is a strong champion for diversity and inclusion, paying it forward, and giving back to the community. She serves on the boards of the James Campbell Company LLC and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. She has received a Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund’s 2015 Women of Achievement Award, a 2014 National Diversity Council’s Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology distinction, and an Inside Counsel Transformative Leadership Award in 2013.

eBay

SOURCE: eBay Inc.

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eBay General Counsel Marie Oh Huber named one of the 2015 Women Leaders in Tech Law by The Recorder

eBay General Counsel Marie Oh Huber named one of the 2015 Women Leaders in Tech Law by The Recorder

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BURGER KING launches A.1. Halloween WHOPPER® sandwich this season, a burger with a black bun that has A.1. flavor baked in

BURGER KING® Restaurants Tailor Japanese Flavored Bun Phenomenon to U.S. Tastes with A.1 Sauce

MIAMI, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — BURGER KING® restaurants are launching the A.1. Halloween WHOPPER® sandwich this season, a burger unlike any other in America, with a black bun that has A.1. flavor baked in. While the pitch-black bun gives the Halloween WHOPPER® sandwich a look that may make some think “hmmmmm?” the burger’s classic A.1. flavors will have tasters saying “mmmmm.”

Inspired by the BURGER KING® brand’s Black Burger in Japan, which created buzz worldwide, the Halloween WHOPPER® sandwich has a look that’s curious to the eye, while the A.1. bun’s flavor is familiar and savory to the palate. The A.1. smoky black pepper flavor is baked right into the bread. Layered between the buns is savory flame-grilled beef topped with melted American cheese, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, creamy mayonnaise, A.1.® Thick and Hearty Sauce, crunchy pickles, and sliced white onions.

“Our U.S. guests have been extremely curious about the bun flavors they’ve seen introduced in Japan and other countries, so we saw the opportunity to bring them an equally unique experience,” said Eric Hirschhorn, Chief Marketing Officer, for the BURGER KING®Brand North America. “We tailored the flavor of the black bun to the American palate with A.1. sauce, a flavor this country loves, and we’re delivering it in a way that’s never been done before by baking it into the bun. It may look Japanese but it tastes like America.”

This scary good burger will be available for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide while supplies last for the suggested price of $4.99.

All mentions of A.1. refer to A.1.® Thick and Hearty Sauce, a product of the Kraft Heinz Foods Company.

About the BURGER KING® Brand
Founded in 1954, the BURGER KING® brand is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world.  The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER®, the BURGER KING® system operates more than14,000 locations in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories. Almost 100 percent of BURGER KING® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. The BURGER KING® brand is owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (TSX,NYSE:QSR), one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies with more than $23 billion in system sales and over 19,000 restaurants. To learn more about the BURGER KING® brand, please visit the BURGER KING® brand website at www.bk.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About The Kraft Heinz Company
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQ: KHC) is the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, The Kraft Heinz Company provides high quality, great taste and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. The Company’s iconic brands include Kraft, Heinz, ABC, Capri Sun, Classico, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, Lunchables, Maxwell House, Ore-Ida, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Planters, Plasmon, Quero, Weight Watchers Smart Ones and Velveeta. The Kraft Heinz Company is dedicated to the sustainable health of our people, our planet and our Company. For more information, visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com.

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CONTACT:

Brooke Scher Mogan
ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS
212-230-1800
brooke@alisonbrodpr.com
bk@alisonbrodpr.com

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Brighten up your home and office environment with full array of lighting options from Debenhams

LONDON, 2015-9-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — With winter drawing in, lighting is about to take centre stage to brighten up your home and office environment.

From vintage inspired floor lamps to modern table lights, the AW15 collection from Debenhams sees a full array of options ranging from polished silvers, bright colours and sleek looks to fun, retro designs. With a nod to catwalk trends, this season’s designs feature deep berry tones, sumptuous fabrics and standout oversized lighting; following the recent design aesthetic that brings industrial chic to the forefront of interior design.

For wildlife lovers, Abigail Ahern for Edition sees the standard lamp base transformed into oversized animals in a soft velvet finish, making these lamps clear conversation pieces that ooze glamour. Smartly dressed beagles and oversized pelicans are complemented by velvet fringed lampshades that push the boundary on design.

Ben de Lisi’s lighting collection brings in elements from childhood toys such as oversized pencils and porcelain robots, which mix novelty with style and updates any setting in an instant. His ‘love’ light is a popular choice for homes while the black ceramic camera lamp makes a great addition to any budding photographer’s home.

CONTACTS

Lisa.hunt@debenhams.com / rebecca.crutchley@debenhams.com

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Brighten up your home and office environment with full array of lighting options from Debenhams

Brighten up your home and office environment with full array of lighting options from Debenhams