Daily Archives: October 3, 2015

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Walmart Canada stores to raise money for Canadian Red Cross in support of its disaster relief and emergency preparedness activities across the country

Sets $2.6 million goal for this year’s campaign

Ottawa, ON, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — From October 1 to 23, 2015, all 395 Walmart Canada stores will be supporting families in need by raising money for Canadian Red Cross in support of its disaster relief and emergency preparedness activities across the country.

Beginning on Thursday, October 1, Walmart Canada customers are invited to contribute to the invaluable humanitarian work the Red Cross accomplishes in Canada. Each store will match customer contributions to a maximum of $2,000.

Since 2003, Walmart Canada has raised and donated nearly $29 million in disaster relief funding. Last year, the company raised and donated over $2.8 million for the Canadian Red Cross. These funds provided support to flood relief operations in Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as well as close to 3,000 responses to provide relief to families affected by house fires and pre-emptive evacuations. Although they often fail to make the news, these personal disasters disrupt thousands of lives every year. Every penny counts. Walmart customers can make a real difference in their community and in the lives of local families by donating at their local Walmart.

Funds raised during Walmart Canada’s annual Red Cross Campaign are set aside to help local families after disaster strikes in their respective communities. Donations support the distribution of essential emergency supplies, hot meals, new clothing and a safe place to stay for those affected, as well as training and equipment for local volunteer teams.

“For the past 12 years, Walmart Canada has supported Red Cross operations in communities across Canada, making them stronger and more resilient in their response to disaster,” said Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross. “Walmart Canada is a major partner, and our relationship is one of the largest partnerships within the worldwide Red Cross Movement and all its national Societies.”

“We’re proud to support the Canadian Red Cross and bring awareness about disaster preparedness to local communities,” said Erin Mackey, Manager, Community Giving, Walmart Canada. “We take great pride in serving the communities where we operate, and are honoured to help ensure they have the support they need, when they need it most.”

About the Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross’ mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

About Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada operates a growing chain of 395 stores nationwide serving more than 1.2 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, http://www.walmart.ca/en, is visited by 450,000 customers daily. With more than 90,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart has raised and donated more than $230 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca, facebook.com/walmartcanada and at twitter.com/walmartcanada.

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For more information:
Communications Department
Canadian Red Cross
(613) 740-1994

Anika Malik
Walmart Canada
(416) 562-8193

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Reasor’s celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness month this October with pink reusable bags

Tahlequah, OK, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Reasor’s is going Pink for the Cause! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and for the 7thyear in a row, we are proud to support the cause with special pink reusable bags. During the entire month of October, pink reusable bags will be available to purchase for .99 cents. These bags are designed with a fully blossomed tree full of pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbons.   100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Tulsa Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

You can also make a donation at the register. We’ve made it easy, just inform your cashier how much you would like to donate and that amount will be added to your total. Then you will be presented with a donation card to write your name or to write in honor of someone else.

Last year with your help we raised more than $21,000 for Pink for the Cause and our challenge is to surpass that this year. Join Reasor’s the entire month of October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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Kohl’s launches Madden Girl® fashion collection nationwide and on Kohls.com

Line of cold weather boots, accessories and outerwear available October 15 at Kohl’s stores and on Kohls.com

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) today announced Madden Girl® fashion, cold weather boots, accessories and outerwear will be available October 15 in Kohl’s stores and on Kohls.com. The assortment will include the brand’s cold weather boots as well as exclusive designs for the fall season. Only at Kohl’s styles include a red fleece jacket, puffer vest, and assorted hats, ruanas, earmuffs and scarves.

“Kohl’s is thrilled to be launching this highly relevant, fashion-forward lifestyle brand,” says Michelle Gass, Kohl’s chief merchandising and customer officer. “It will strengthen our ability to speak to millennial audiences with a product mixture of boots, outerwear and accessories and help to position Kohl’s as a destination for on-trend clothing and accessories.”

The line’s fashionable, affordable and cozy boots, ranging from $59.99 to $99.99, includes fringed wedge, duck, puffer and combat styles in the season’s pallet of neutral colors and plaids. Stylish cold weather accessories, priced from $26 to $78 include knit scarves, floppy and fedora hats, earmuffs and printed ruanas. With all outerwear under $120, customers will be able to find pretty parkas, military and fleece jackets, puffers and faux-fur vests to match every occasion and style personality.

A comprehensive social media campaign for Madden Girl kicks off with a curated Winter Lookbook featuring personalized, styled looks by top influencers and social media stars. Throughout the campaign, popular YouTubers will show their Madden Girl style by incorporating key pieces from the collection into their web series. The launch of Madden Girl at Kohl’s will also be supported by an omnichannel marketing campaign that includes comprehensive print, broadcast and digital advertising.

Product will be available for purchase in stores and at Kohls.com/MaddenGirl on October 15.

About Kohl’s
Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading specialty department store with 1,16 6 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)

About Steve Madden
Steve Madden designs, sources and markets fashion-forward footwear and accessories for women, men and children. In addition to marketing products under its own brands including Steve Madden®, Dolce Vita®, Betsey Johnson®, Report®, Big Buddha®, Brian Atwood®, Cejon®, Blondo® and Mad Love®,Steve Madden is the licensee of various brands, including Superga® for footwear in North America. Steve Madden also designs and sources products under private label brand names for various retailers. Steve Madden’s wholesale distribution includes department stores, specialty stores, luxury retailers, national chains and mass merchants. Steve Madden also operates 161 retail stores (including Steve Madden’sfour Internet stores). Steve Madden licenses certain of its brands to third parties for the marketing and sale of certain products, including for ready-to-wear, outerwear, intimate apparel, eyewear, hosiery, jewelry, fragrance, luggage and bedding and bath products. For local store information and the latestSteve Madden booties, pumps, men’s and women’s boots, dress shoes, sandals and more, visit http://www.stevemadden.com/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Kohl’s intends forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause Kohl’sactual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those described in Item 1A in Kohl’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, and other factors as may periodically be described in Kohl’s filings with the SEC.

Source: Kohl’s

Kohl’s
Desta Davis, 262-703-3854
Senior Manager, Public Relations
Desta.Davis@Kohls.com

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Nordstrom, Inc. closes its credit card transaction with TD Bank U.S.A., N.A.

  • $1.8 Billion Net Proceeds to be Returned to Shareholders through Dividend and Share Repurchase
  • Board Authorizes Special Cash Dividend of $4.85 per Share

SEATTLE, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) today announced the closing of its credit card transaction with TD Bank U.S.A., N.A. (TD), including the sale of its credit card portfolio and the initiation of the long-term agreement under which TD is the exclusive U.S. issuer of Nordstrom-branded Visa and private label consumer credit cards. This transaction supports Nordstrom’s strategy to enhance the customer experience while allowing for improvement in capital efficiency.

As previously announced on May 26, 2015, Nordstrom will continue to perform all customer-facing account servicing functions, maintaining the customer-focused integration between its credit and retail operations. The Company will also continue to fund and manage the Nordstrom Rewards loyalty program, Nordstrom debit cards and Nordstrom employee accounts. This transaction is designed to have virtually no service impact on Nordstrom cardholders, customers and employees.

“We look forward to our collaboration with TD, a premier financial institution that shares our customer focus. Our mutual commitment to having Nordstrom employees serve our customers directly is paramount to this partnership,” said Blake Nordstrom, co-president, Nordstrom, Inc.”We are also pleased to be able to return capital directly to our shareholders using our balanced approach to capital allocation.”

USE OF PROCEEDS

The Company sold its credit card portfolio to TD for $2.2 billion, representing the gross value of the outstanding receivables. In conjunction with the transaction, the Company prepaid $325 million of secured debt due October 2016 to provide the receivables free and clear.

The Company intends to deploy net proceeds of $1.8 billion, after $325 million in debt reduction and transaction costs between $35 million and $45 million, directly to shareholders through dividend and share repurchase. In connection with the closing, its board of directors authorized a special cash dividend and an additional $1 billion share repurchase program:

  • The special cash dividend of $4.85 per share of outstanding common stock will be payable on October 27, 2015, to shareholders of record at the close of business onOctober 12, 2015. The Company expects the aggregate payment to be approximately$900 million.
  • The authorized share repurchase program is up to $1 billion of the Company’s outstanding common stock, through March 1, 2017. The actual number, price, manner and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to market and economic conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules. This program is in addition to the Company’s existing repurchase program that was approved by its board in September 2014. The existing repurchase program has $591 million outstanding as of September 30, 2015, and will expire on March 1, 2016.
  • In connection with the special cash dividend and as required by the Company’s equity incentive plans approved by the shareholders, anti-dilutive adjustments will be made to the Company’s outstanding equity awards on the dividend record date to preserve their value following the special cash dividend.

Nordstrom will provide additional details on the overall financial impact of the transaction, including an update to its fiscal 2015 outlook, in its upcoming earnings release on November 12, 2015.

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 315 stores in 39 states and Canada. Customers are served at 119 Nordstrom stores in the U.S. and Canada; 188 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.

Certain statements in this news release contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, anticipated financial outlook for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2016, anticipated annual total and comparable sales rates, anticipated new store openings in existing, new and international markets, anticipated Return on Invested Capital and trends in our operations. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon factors including, but not limited to: successful execution of our customer strategy, including expansion into new domestic and international markets, acquisitions, investments in our stores and online, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from growth initiatives and our ability to provide a seamless experience across all channels; timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, relocations and remodels, all of which may be impacted by the financial health of third parties; our ability to manage the investment opportunities in our online business and our ability to manage related organizational changes; our ability to maintain relationships with our employees and to effectively attract, develop and retain our future leaders; effective inventory management, disruptions in our supply chain and our ability to control costs; the impact of any systems failures, cybersecurity and/or security breaches, including any security breach of our systems or those of a third-party provider that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or company information or compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident; successful execution of our information technology strategy; our ability to effectively utilize data in strategic planning and decision making; efficient and proper allocation of our capital resources; our ability to realize the expected benefits of the long-term program agreement with TD Bank U.S.A., N.A.; our ability to safeguard our reputation and maintain our vendor relationships; the impact of economic and market conditions and the resultant impact on consumer spending patterns; our ability to respond to the business environment, fashion trends and consumer preferences, including changing expectations of service and experience in stores and online; the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns in the highly competitive retail industry; weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, national security or other market disruptions, or the prospects of these events and the resulting impact on consumer spending patterns; our compliance with applicable banking-related laws and regulations impacting our ability to extend credit to our customers, employment laws and regulations, certain international laws and regulations, other laws and regulations applicable to us, including the outcome of claims and litigation and resolution of tax matters, and ethical standards; impact of the current regulatory environment and financial system and health care reforms; compliance with debt covenants, availability and cost of credit, changes in interest rates, debt repayment patterns, personal bankruptcies and bad debt write-offs; and the timing, price, manner and amounts of share repurchases by the company, if any, or any share issuances by the company, including issuances associated with option exercises or other matters. Our SEC reports, including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, and our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended May 2, 2015 and August 1, 2015, contain other information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information we may provide. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.

INVESTOR CONTACT: Trina Schurman
Nordstrom, Inc.
206-303-6503
MEDIA CONTACT: Dan Evans
Nordstrom, Inc.
206-303-3036

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

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The Kroger Co. launches new line of brand products, imported directly from the most food-rich regions of the world — the HemisFares™

CINCINNATI, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced a new line of corporate brand products, imported directly from the most food-rich regions of the world. HemisFares™ is a guided tour of the best-of-the-best tastes the planet has to offer – found exclusively at the Kroger family of stores.

Kroger introduced the brand with 27 authentic Italian products currently on shelves, and plans to add more products and countries soon.

“Just like American barbeque can mean many different flavors: spicy, smoky, more of a vinegar base, Italian food changes considerably as you travel across the country,” said Gil Phipps, Kroger vice president of Corporate Brands. “Imagine landing in Italy and getting an in-depth, guided tour from village to village, experiencing the single best example of the most beloved foods from each region. Our goal with HemisFares is to bring only the best food finds to our customers.”

Kroger is working side-by-side with the best food connoisseurs, some with decades of experience, to identify the most delectable, regional culinary treasures from around the world. Kroger’s Corporate Brands team travels to those regions, diving into what makes each edible treasure and locality unique. Gelato, for example, originated in Sicily. HemisFares Sicilian Gelato is made from grass-fed cows who roam the Sicilian countryside. These cows are milked daily and provide the fresh cream used to make the rich and creamy HemisFares Sicilian Gelato that is sold on Kroger shelves.

The packaging on each product is also unique, as it tells the story of the food find. It takes customers on a journey, explaining precisely where it came from and what makes that product the best-of-the-best. Each HemisFares item has a “find number” on the packaging to direct customers to other similar products in the HemisFares brand that they may enjoy.

Customers can expect additional HemisFares products over the next year, from regions including Spain, Japan and others.

“Whether you’re epi-curious or just like eating and sharing incredibly tasty food, when you see our HemisFares brand, you can trust the product within is the best this planet has to offer – bar none,” said Phipps. “We’re sure customers will enjoy them as much as we enjoy finding them. So, join us on ‘A Journey of Epicurean Proportions.”

Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs nearly 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,623 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.  The company also operates 781 convenience stores, 327 fine jewelry stores, 1,350 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.  Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’s Million Dollar Club.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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Starbucks opens its 500th store in Mexico City at Antara Shopping Centre

MEXICO CITY, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — When Starbucks opened its first store in Mexico in September 2002, it was a milestone moment for the company. Starbucks had just reached a total of 5,000 stores and was only six years into its expansion to Europe and Asia. Latin America was next.

“We opened our first store 13 years ago at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, and since then we have created a large community in the Mexican world of coffee,” said Marc Branet, director of Starbucks Mexico.

Starbucks and strategic partner Alsea have brought a distinct coffee experience to Mexico and helped expand the country’s specialty coffee market, with the country’s per capita coffee consumption increasing 60% over the past decade.* Together, Starbucks and Alsea have also expanded operations to Argentina, Chile and Colombia. “Starbucks has had an important role in increasing coffee consumption in Mexico, and has supported the growth and profitability of Mexican coffee growers,” said Branet.

Today, Starbucks has more than 6,000 partners (employees), including more than 640 certified Coffee Masters,  who share their passion and knowledge for coffee with customers. Stores in Mexico have also highlighted regional coffees, such as Starbucks® Shade Grown Mexico from the Chiapas region, serving more than 10 million cups of locally sourced coffee in its stores each year. Starbucks has also introduced its signature espresso beverages to the market, such as Flat White as well as cold refreshment with Fizzio™ handcrafted sodas. In February 2015 the country’s first Starbucks Reserve™ store, showcased some of the world’s rarest single-origin, small-lot arabica coffees.

Starbucks has now reached 500 stores in Mexico, its largest market in Latin America. The 500th store in Mexico City’s Antara Shopping Centre pays tribute to Starbucks connection with the country’s coffee heritage. Elements of the store design were inspired by coffee farms of Chiapas. For example, varying light and dark wood tones evoke the coffee roasting process.

Supporting Farmers Impacted by Coffee Rust

Despite the growth of specialty coffee in Mexico, coffee farmers face a significant threat from coffee leaf rust (la roya). The plant fungus damages millions of coffee trees, making it harder for farmers to produce high-quality coffee. In 2014, Starbucks Mexico launched a new coffee tree revitalization program calledTodos Sembramos Café (We All Grow Coffee) to combat the disease. In its first year, the program used 100 percent of the profits from Shade Grown Mexico whole bean coffee sold in Starbucks® stores to distribute over 180,000 rust-resistant plants to more than 60 coffee farms in Chiapas. The program helped farmers gain access to education and training needed to improve the quality of their crops and maintain the stability of their land.

“We began this program to meet the real necessity of growers who have seen their harvest diminish in recent years,” said Arturo Martínez, marketing director for Starbucks Mexico. “Starbucks objective is to contribute to the sustainable supply of coffee plants, building together with producers and customers a better future for these communities.”

Starbucks Mexico aims to double the initiative by donating 360,000 coffee plants to help renew farms devastated by rust. Starbucks also plans to open a new Farmer Support Center in Mexico to provide on-the-ground aid starting in 2016.

One Tree for Every Bag

Starbucks Mexico’s Todos Sembramos Café initiative served as inspiration for a similar year-long effort launching in Starbucks stores in the United States. Through Starbucks One Tree for Every Bag, a rust-resistant coffee tree will be planted for every bag of coffee purchased in participating U.S. stores. To kick off this effort, Starbucks will distribute one million coffee trees to farmers in the region, starting with Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

When Starbucks opened its first store in Mexico in September 2002, it was a milestone moment for the company. Starbucks had just reached a total of 5,000 stores and was only six years into its expansion to Europe and Asia. Latin America was next.

“We opened our first store 13 years ago at Angel de la Independencia in Mexico City, and since then we have created a large community in the Mexican world of coffee,” said Marc Branet, director of Starbucks Mexico.

Starbucks and strategic partner Alsea have brought a distinct coffee experience to Mexico and helped expand the country’s specialty coffee market, with the country’s per capita coffee consumption increasing 60% over the past decade.* Together, Starbucks and Alsea have also expanded operations to Argentina, Chile and Colombia. “Starbucks has had an important role in increasing coffee consumption in Mexico, and has supported the growth and profitability of Mexican coffee growers,” said Branet.

Today, Starbucks has more than 6,000 partners (employees), including more than 640 certified Coffee Masters,  who share their passion and knowledge for coffee with customers. Stores in Mexico have also highlighted regional coffees, such as Starbucks® Shade Grown Mexico from the Chiapas region, serving more than 10 million cups of locally sourced coffee in its stores each year. Starbucks has also introduced its signature espresso beverages to the market, such as Flat White as well as cold refreshment with Fizzio™ handcrafted sodas. In February 2015 the country’s first Starbucks Reserve™ store, showcased some of the world’s rarest single-origin, small-lot arabica coffees.

Starbucks has now reached 500 stores in Mexico, its largest market in Latin America. The 500th store in Mexico City’s Antara Shopping Centre pays tribute to Starbucks connection with the country’s coffee heritage. Elements of the store design were inspired by coffee farms of Chiapas. For example, varying light and dark wood tones evoke the coffee roasting process.

Supporting Farmers Impacted by Coffee Rust

Despite the growth of specialty coffee in Mexico, coffee farmers face a significant threat from coffee leaf rust (la roya). The plant fungus damages millions of coffee trees, making it harder for farmers to produce high-quality coffee. In 2014, Starbucks Mexico launched a new coffee tree revitalization program calledTodos Sembramos Café (We All Grow Coffee) to combat the disease. In its first year, the program used 100 percent of the profits from Shade Grown Mexico whole bean coffee sold in Starbucks® stores to distribute over 180,000 rust-resistant plants to more than 60 coffee farms in Chiapas. The program helped farmers gain access to education and training needed to improve the quality of their crops and maintain the stability of their land.

“We began this program to meet the real necessity of growers who have seen their harvest diminish in recent years,” said Arturo Martínez, marketing director for Starbucks Mexico. “Starbucks objective is to contribute to the sustainable supply of coffee plants, building together with producers and customers a better future for these communities.”

Starbucks Mexico aims to double the initiative by donating 360,000 coffee plants to help renew farms devastated by rust. Starbucks also plans to open a new Farmer Support Center in Mexico to provide on-the-ground aid starting in 2016.

 

One Tree for Every Bag

Starbucks Mexico’s Todos Sembramos Café initiative served as inspiration for a similar year-long effort launching in Starbucks stores in the United States. Through Starbucks One Tree for Every Bag, a rust-resistant coffee tree will be planted for every bag of coffee purchased in participating U.S. stores. To kick off this effort, Starbucks will distribute one million coffee trees to farmers in the region, starting with Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.

* According to the National Association of the Coffee Industry AC (ANICAFE), consumption per capita in Mexico was 1.16 kg in 2005, while for 2015 it is expected to be 1.85 kg, representing an increase of 60% in this period.

About Starbucks Mexico
Starbucks Mexico is owned and operated by Alsea, the leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Spain with globally recognized brands in the quick service, coffee shop and casual dining segments. To learn more, visit us in our stores or online at http://www.starbucks.com.mx/

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

 

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Starbucks opens its 500th store in Mexico City at Antara Shopping Centre

Starbucks opens its 500th store in Mexico City at Antara Shopping Centre

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Carrefour Taiwan reopens Ta Tun Hypermarket in the city of Taichung

Taichung, Taiwan, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — In 1996, Carrefour Taiwan opened the Ta Tun Hypermarket in the city of Taichung.

A year ago, the store was closed in order to be completely remodelled.

On 26 September, the Ta Tun Carrefour was reopened having undergone a complete refitting in order to more effectively meet the needs of Taiwanese customers.

A number of festivities marked the store’s reopening in the presence of Rami Baitieh – Executive Director of Carrefour Taiwan –, a number of local elected representatives and the store’s employees – as well as customers, who were pleased to have their store back.

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Carrefour Taiwan reopens Ta Tun Hypermarket in the city of Taichung

Carrefour Taiwan reopens Ta Tun Hypermarket in the city of Taichung

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Carrefour opened its third Easy Carrefour store in Shanghai

Shanghai, China, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — On September 20, Carrefour officially launched its third Easy Carrefour store in Shanghai. Sitting on Huangjincheng Road 776, Changning District, the store covers a business area of 450 square meters and has over 4,500 items for sale. Easy Carrefour is a signature brand of Carrefour in China and is to build the concept of neighbor community convenience store. It aims at bringing a convenience lifestyle to the surrounding consumers by offering an abundance of goods and quality services to meet the daily necessities of community residents.

Committed to long-term development in China, Carrefour focus on consumer needs and actively develops new formats according to the consumption trend. While setting up hypermarkets in more emerging cities, Carrefour gradually introduces convenience stores and the O2O business. In this way, it is to offer consumers diversified choices of shopping.

Easy Carrefour branches three stores in Shanghai and is expected to have about 10 stores by the year end in the city. Step by step, it will be promoted to more cities across China.

If Easy Carrefour is a “compact and beautiful” new format the retailing tycoon creates, then “Carrefour Online Shop”, its O2O business, opens up new shopping channels for consumers. As the e-commerce brand of Carrefour, the store resources-based Carrefour Online Shop went online in this June. All its goods consumers ordered online are delivered from hypermarket stores, ensuring 100% quality and keeping the price consistent with the hypermarkets. Its offline distribution also affords consumers with flexible choices. Apart from delivery to household, consumers can also choose to pickup goods offline at Easy Carrefour stores.

The newly opened Huangjincheng Easy Carrefour is next to Gubei hypermarket of Carrefour. Gubei store is Carrefour’s first hypermarket in Asia and also is one of the two origins of delivery for its e-commerce in Puxi. For residents in the surrounding community, they can not only enjoy one-stop shopping in the Carrefour hypermarket, but also have their daily life needs met in the neighboring Easy Carrefour store. Moreover, they can experience a new type of shopping where orders are placed online and goods are picked up by themselves offline.

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Carrefour opened its third Easy Carrefour store in Shanghai

Carrefour opened its third Easy Carrefour store in Shanghai

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The Carrefour group and trade union Federation UNI Global Union to promote Social dialogue and Diversity in the workplace

Boulogne-Billancourt, FRANCE, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Carrefour group – represented by its CEO Georges Plassat – and trade union Federation UNI Global Union – represented by its General Secretary Philip Jennings – have signed an international agreement to promote Social dialogue and Diversity and to ensure the protection of Fundamental Principles and Rights in the workplace. The agreement was signed in the presence of Guy Ryder, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). This agreement was signed during a meeting of the “European Consultation and Information Committee”, which Carrefour holds twice a year with all of its European social partners.

This global agreement replaces the previous one that the group entered into with UNI Global Union back in 2001. It sets out to encourage:
–    pursuit of an ongoing, constructive social dialogue;
–    diversity and equal opportunities in the workplace through joint initiatives, particularly in relation to gender mix and non-discrimination;
–    the defence and respect of workers’ fundamental rights – freedom of association and principles of collective-bargaining – as well as their safety and their working conditions at Carrefour and at its suppliers’ and franchisees’ premises.

Sustained social dialogue in each country and at international level
The quality of social dialogue at Carrefour goes beyond simple compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Every year, Carrefour enters into nearly 200 agreements with its social partners in France and overseas on issues such as employment, disability, gender mix, ongoing professional training, social dialogue and how employee representatives operate. Further evidence of this ongoing international dialogue is seen at meetings of the “European Consultation and Information Committee” (ECIC) that Carrefour set up back in the mid-90s. Twice a year, it brings together all of Carrefour’s European social partners from Belgium, Spain, France, Italy, Poland and Romania. Discussions are held with Carrefour’s management team, the human resources and social relations departments of each country on issues currently facing the company and projects that are currently under way on issues to do with diversity in particular.

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The Carrefour group and trade union Federation UNI Global Union to promote Social dialogue and Diversity in the workplace

The Carrefour group and trade union Federation UNI Global Union to promote Social dialogue and Diversity in the workplace

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Carrefour Italia launches the 24/7 Gourmet Market in Genoa

GENOA, ITALY, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 24 September Carrefour Italia held a special event to inaugurate the new formula of the Market store of Via XX Settembre in Genova, which will offer the Genoese public the products and services of excellence which characterise the Gourmet Markets. Another major novelty is the possibility of doing one’s shopping day and night, throughout the week, thus meeting the new flexibility requirements of the Genoese, who will be able to organise the time of their purchases far more simply.

The Carrefour Gourmet Market store, a historic shopping reference for the Genoese in Via XX Settembre, boasts local products such as fruit and vegetables and a large variety of fresh fish, the prized oils of the Region and a rich wine cellar with one of the best selections from all over Italy, in addition to other unmissable Ligurian labels. The ever fresh focaccia and Taggiasca olives complement the possibility of buying the best cuts of Italian meat, from the Piedmontese Fassona to the Tuscan Chianina, as well as being able to choose between over 200 types of cheeses. The store also offers a well-stocked bread counter where the typical Ligurian focaccias can be found, made in the traditional way. Many of the gourmet products on sale can already be enjoyed in the modern and elegant bistrot that welcomes customers on entering the Market.

To complete the purchase offer for its own customers, the Via XX Settembre Carrefour Gourmet Market also offers the services that distinguish many of the Market stores of the Group: the laundry, the option of home delivery, parking facilities (an important requirement considering the historic central area where the Market is situated) and also the sale of AMT tickets for Genova’s public transport.

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On 24 September Carrefour Italia held a special event to inaugurate the new formula of the Market store of Via XX Settembre in Genova, which will offer the Genoese public the products and services of excellence which characterise the Gourmet Markets. Another major novelty is the possibility of doing one’s shopping day and night, throughout the week, thus meeting the new flexibility requirements of the Genoese, who will be able to organise the time of their purchases far more simply. The Carrefour Gourmet Market store, a historic shopping reference for the Genoese in Via XX Settembre, boasts local products such as fruit and vegetables and a large variety of fresh fish, the prized oils of the Region and a rich wine cellar with one of the best selections from all over Italy, in addition to other unmissable Ligurian labels. The ever fresh focaccia and Taggiasca olives complement the possibility of buying the best cuts of Italian meat, from the Piedmontese Fassona to the Tuscan Chianina, as well as being able to choose between over 200 types of cheeses. The store also offers a well-stocked bread counter where the typical Ligurian focaccias can be found, made in the traditional way. Many of the gourmet products on sale can already be enjoyed in the modern and elegant bistrot that welcomes customers on entering the Market. To complete the purchase offer for its own customers, the Via XX Settembre Carrefour Gourmet Market also offers the services that distinguish many of the Market stores of the Group: the laundry, the option of home delivery, parking facilities (an important requirement considering the historic central area where the Market is situated) and also the sale of AMT tickets for Genova’s public transport.

Carrefour Italia launches the 24/7 Gourmet Market in Genoa

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Carrefour Poland opened the “Smak Kariery” training centre to train new Carrefour recruits in food preparation

POLAND, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — On September 22, Carrefour Poland opened the “Smak Kariery” training centre exclusively for Carrefour employees.

Guillaume de Colonges, Carrefour Poland’s Executive Director, and Justyna Orzeł, Head of Human Resources at Carrefour Poland, opened the training centre on September 22. Representatives of Poland’s Ministry of Labour and Social Policy who had sponsored the whole “Smak Kariery” educational programme were also in attendance at the opening ceremony. Created in order to meet the specific requirements of jobs that involve transforming food products, the centre will train new Carrefour recruits in food preparation throughout the country.

There were also a number of representatives of Carrefour’s partner institutions among those invited to the centre’s opening ceremony, including representatives of the Central Rural Economy School, the French Institute and the France-Poland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Carrefour Poland opened the "Smak Kariery" training centre to train new Carrefour recruits in food preparation

Carrefour Poland opened the “Smak Kariery” training centre to train new Carrefour recruits in food preparation

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Walmart’s new e-commerce fulfillment center in Atlanta, Ga creates 400 full-time jobs in Fulton County

Center to provide 400 full-time jobs and faster online deliveries at lower costs

ATLANTA, Ga., 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, Walmart officials and local and state dignitaries attended a sneak preview event of Walmart’s new e-commerce fulfillment center in Atlanta, Ga. The new facility is dedicated to filling online orders and is the latest addition to the next-generation fulfillment network Walmart is building to support its rapidly growing e-commerce business.

The 1.2 million sq. ft. facility in Union City, just south of Atlanta, is the third large-scale e-commerce fulfillment center to open in the U.S. in as many months, and features state-of-the-art automation and warehousing systems. When fully operational, the facility will create nearly 400 full-time jobs in Fulton County. The new large scale centers, including the Atlanta facility, will join existing, smaller e-commerce fulfillment centers, store distribution centers, 4,500 Walmart stores and the company’s world-class transportation fleet to ship online orders fast and efficiently to customers around the country.

“We are excited about what this center provides for our Georgia customers and are grateful to Fulton County for welcoming us to do so,” said Neal Maguire, general manager of the Atlanta fulfillment center. “This center will not only provide jobs and economic development for the community, but it will allow us to fulfill the needs of our customers in a more convenient and efficient fashion.”

New Center, New Jobs for Fulton County

“Georgia’s economic environment, highly skilled workforce and innovative technology scene make Fulton County a qualified location for the new e-Commerce center,” commented Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. “In choosing this location for a new facility, Walmart is creating jobs and demonstrating that Georgia is a promising home for the new frontier of technology in business.”

“This is wonderful news for South Fulton and I am grateful that Walmart decided to locate its newest e-commerce center — and the nearly 400 jobs it creates — at this location,” said U. S. Representative David Scott, from Georgia’s 13th congressional district. “Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have been wonderful corporate citizens and the $300,000 in grants provided today to local organizations are prime examples of their commitment to this community.”

Giving Back to Georgia

The sneak preview event included presentations of $350,000 in grants from Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to four local community groups. The Americas Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Inc., Senior Citizens Services of Metropolitan Atlanta Inc., CSRA Business League Inc. and Feeding the Valley Inc. each received contributions to assist with their goals of helping those in need. These contributions were made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Georgia’s State Giving Program (SGP), which supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better.

Additionally, Walmart continues to fight hunger both in Georgia and across the country. As part of Walmart’s and the Walmart Foundation’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in Georgia donated approximately 26.4 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2015, or the equivalent of over 22 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $50.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions throughout the state of Georgia.

New Centers Provide Fast Deliveries at Lower Cost

This new facility is part of a network — Walmart distribution centers, existing e-commerce facilities, 4,500 Walmart stores and a world-class transportation fleet — that ships packages faster and more efficiently, while offering customers more choices for how they receive online orders.

“We’re rapidly enhancing our fulfillment capabilities to give customers more choices and fast shipping, while keeping our costs down so we can continue to lower our prices,” said Neil Ashe, chief executive officer of Walmart Global eCommerce. “Whether shipping to home or picking up at a store, our digital and physical fulfillment assets come together and let customers choose the most convenient way to receive their online orders.”

About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, we serve nearly 260 million customers who visit our 11,508 stores under 65 banners in 28 countries and e-commerce websites in 11 countries. With fiscal year 2015 revenue of $486 billion, Walmart employs more than 2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visitinghttp://corporate.walmart.com on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.

About Philanthropy at Walmart
By using our strengths to help others, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation create opportunities for people to live better every day. We have stores in 28 countries, employing more than 2.2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. We are helping people live better by accelerating upward job mobility and economic development for the retail workforce; addressing hunger and making healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality; and building strong communities where we operate and inspiring our associates to give back. Whether it is helping to lead the fight against hunger in the United States with $2 billion in cash and in-kind donations or supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment through a series of grants totaling $10 million to the Women in Factories training program in Bangladesh, China, India and Central America, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are not only working to tackle key social issues, we are also collaborating with others to inspire solutions for long-lasting systemic change. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit www.foundation.walmart.com.

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Amazon and CBS Corporation to make Prime Video the exclusive subscription streaming home for three new CBS summer series through 2018

  • Prime members will have unlimited access to episodes of new CBS summer series just four days after their initial broadcast at no additional charge to their membership
  • Amazon and CBS also extend and expand deal for more CBS and SHOWTIME™ series on Prime Video

SEATTLE, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — (NASDAQ: AMZN) Building on the success of Amazon’s exclusive in-season licensing agreement for Under the Dome and Extant, Amazon and CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) today announced a new multi-year, multi-series agreement to make Prime Video the exclusive subscription streaming home for three new CBS summer series through 2018. The first new CBS series included in this deal will be next summer’s highly anticipated comic-thriller BrainDead, which Prime members in the U.S. will be able to stream just four days after broadcast at no additional charge to their membership.

“Prime members have loved having access to series like Under the Dome and Extant just four days after broadcast, and we’re excited to continue to offer in-season availability of more great CBS summer series over the next three years,” said Brad Beale, Amazon Vice President of Digital Video Content Acquisition. “We are also always working to ensure our Prime members have the best selection, and we know they will continue to enjoy unlimited access to a wide array of CBS titles to binge-watch anytime, anywhere.”

“We’re thrilled to build on our relationship with Amazon with new original summer series and more programming from CBS and SHOWTIME,” said Scott Koondel, Chief Corporate Licensing Officer, CBS Corporation. “With a truly original, genre-bending concept from outstanding creative auspices, BrainDead will be one of the most talked-about shows next summer by CBS viewers and Prime members.”

BrainDead is a comic thriller from Robert and Michelle King, acclaimed producers of The Good Wife. Set in the world of D.C. politics, the series follows a young fresh-faced Hill staffer (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) getting her first job in Washington, D.C. and discovering two things: the government has stopped working, and alien spawn have come to Earth and eaten the brains of a growing number of congressmen and Hill staffers.

This deal will also extend and expand CBS and SHOWTIME titles available to Prime members. Popular programming including Medium, The Tudors, The L Word, the original Twin Peaks series, America’s Next Top Model, I Love Lucy, Penn & Teller, The Amazing Race, MacGyver,Brotherhood and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. CBS Films’ available for Prime members include the Golden Globe-nominated films InsideLlewyn Davis and Pride, among others. Prime members can watch CBS titles and more via the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at www.amazon.com/primevideo –Prime members can also download titles on iOS, Android and Fire devices for offline viewing. Customers who are not Prime members can sign-up for a 30-day free trial at www.amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon Video
Amazon Video includes tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes available on Prime Video at no additional charge to Prime members, as well as access to hundreds of thousands of titles to buy or rent. Amazon Video is the only service in the world that brings customers both of these options in one place.

Prime Video, available on Amazon Video, lets Prime members enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series airing now such as the multi-Golden Globe-winning and Emmy-winning series Transparent, Hand of God, Bosch, Catastrophe and Mozart in the Jungleas well as hit series like Sex and the City, Veep, Girls, The Sopranos, Entourage, Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Wire. Prime Video also offers members blockbuster movies such as Transformers: Age of Extinction, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, among others. Prime members have access to a collection of kids shows including Amazon Original Series Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, and Blue’s Clues.

Prime members can look forward to several new upcoming original series premiering this year, with the coming-of-age dramedy Red Oakspremiering on October 9, followed by the much anticipated adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle on November 20, and season two of Emmy-winning Transparent December 4. Coming in 2016 will be the second seasons of Mozart in the Jungle, Bosch and romantic comedy, Catastrophe, along with the debut season of The New Yorker Presents.

In addition to tens of thousands of titles to instantly stream on Prime Video, the Amazon Prime membership (www.amazon.com/prime) includes more than one million songs, more than a thousand playlists and hundreds of stations through Prime Music, unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items, early access to select Lightning Deals, unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos, and access to borrow from more than 800,000 books for Kindle owners–all for $99 a year.

Amazon Video can be accessed through the Amazon Video app on TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/amazonvideo. Prime Video titles can also be downloaded for offline enjoyment—the only subscription streaming service to offer this functionality. Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at Amazon.com/prime.

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.

About CBS Corporation
CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS.A and CBS) is a mass media company that creates and distributes industry-leading content across a variety of platforms to audiences around the world. The Company has businesses with origins that date back to the dawn of the broadcasting age as well as new ventures that operate on the leading edge of media. CBS owns the most-watched television network in the U.S. and one of the world’s largest libraries of entertainment content, making its brand — “the Eye” — one of the most recognized in business. The Company’s operations span virtually every field of media and entertainment, including cable, publishing, radio, local TV, film, and interactive and socially responsible media. CBS’s businesses include CBS Television Network, The CW (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Warner Bros. Entertainment), CBS Television Studios, CBS Global Distribution Group (CBS Studios International and CBS Television Distribution), CBS Consumer Products, CBS Home Entertainment, CBS Interactive, CBS Films, Showtime Networks, CBS Sports Network, Pop (a joint venture between CBS Corporation and Lionsgate), Smithsonian Networks, Simon & Schuster, CBS Television Stations, CBS Radio and CBSEcoMedia. For more information, go to www.cbscorporation.com.

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

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THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE’s Red joins the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®

New giant character balloon celebrates next summer’s Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment’s “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE”

NEW YORK, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — This Thanksgiving, a giant bird takes to the sky in a mad dash down Manhattan streets as THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE’s Red debuts as a colossal character balloon in the 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. Known to 3 billion fans as the hero of the blockbuster “Angry Birds” mobile game franchise by Rovio Entertainment, Red will transform into a helium giant ready to protect a precious egg during his inaugural flight in the famed holiday spectacle. Before hitting the big screen next summer in Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment’s “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE,” Red will migrate to New York City to celebrate the start of the holiday season in front of more than 3.5 million spectators and more than 50 million television viewers nationwide during the annual Thanksgiving Day march.

“Angry Birds is a worldwide phenomenon and we are thrilled to have Red join the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon line-up this year, taking his place among some of the world’s most popular and recognizable characters,” said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “With his trademark angry look, but lovable personality, Red will protect his precious egg as he takes flight down the streets of Manhattan and into the hearts of millions of spectators lining the Parade route and tens of millions more watching from homes across the country.”

“We could think of no better occasion than the legendary Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for Red from ‘THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE’ to take his maiden flight. Millions of viewers will have the opportunity to share in our bursting enthusiasm as Red soars across the New York skyline in this iconic American holiday tradition,” exclaimed Randi Spieker, vice president of Consumer Products Licensing and Retail, Rovio Entertainment Ltd.

Transformed into a massive balloon from next summer’s feature film, “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE,” Red is posed in a midstride dash clutching the egg like a football during a Thanksgiving Day game. Standing at approximately 45.5-feet tall, 29.7-feet wide and 44-feet long; with the biggest eyebrows in all of Manhattan at 7-feet wide, in his trademark scowl, Red is one giant angry bird, ready to take on the challenge of a holiday excursion to the Big Apple.

The 89th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs nationwide on NBC-TV, on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015 from 9 a.m. – noon in all time zones. Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment’s “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE” will be released on May 20, 2016.

In the 3D animated comedy, “THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE,” we’ll finally find out why the birds are so angry. The movie takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis, “We’re the Millers,” “Horrible Bosses”), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad in his first animated role since “Frozen”), and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride, “This is the End,” “Eastbound & Down”) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to. Featuring a hilarious, all-star voice cast that includes Bill Hader (“Trainwreck,” “Inside Out”), Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids”), and Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), as well as Keegan-Michael Key (“Key & Peele”), Kate McKinnon (“Saturday Night Live,” next year’s “Ghostbusters”), Tony Hale (“Veep,” “Arrested Development”), Ike Barinholtz (“The Mindy Project,” “Neighbors”), Hannibal Buress (“Broad City,” Why? With Hannibal Buress”), Jillian Bell (“22 Jump Street”), Danielle Brooks (“Orange Is the New Black”), Latin music sensation Romeo Santos, and YouTube stars Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla); the Columbia Pictures/Rovio Entertainment film is directed by Fergal Reilly and Clay Kaytis and produced by John Cohen andCatherine Winder. The screenplay is by Jon Vitti, and the film is executive produced by Mikael Hed and David Maisel.

About the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For almost 90 years, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the Parade proudly marches down a more than 2-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy’s (NYSE:M) employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The Parade also features America’s best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy’s signature giant helium character balloons. For more information on the Macy’s Parade please visit www.macys.com/parade or call the Parade hotline at (212) 494-4495.

About Rovio Entertainment:
Rovio Entertainment Ltd. is a global entertainment media company. Headquartered in Finland and with studios across the world, Rovio is the creator of Angry Birds™, the casual mobile game that changed an industry and became an international phenomenon. Today Angry Birds is not only the most downloaded game of all time with over 3 billion downloads, it is a renowned entertainment brand that has branched out into animation, books, licensing and more. THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE is slated for release in summer 2016.

Source: Macy’s

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade:
Orlando Veras / Christine Olver, 646-429-7450 / 646-429-5713
Orlando.Veras@macys.com
Christine.Olver@macys.com
or
Rovio Entertainment/Rogers & Cowan:
Wendy Zaas / Taryn Owens, 310-854-8100
wzaas@rogersandcowan.com
towens@rogersandcowan.com

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Netflix will add seven new original series for older kids beginning this December

Beverly Hills, Calif., 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — After recently announcing a slate of original series for the pre–school audience, Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX), the world’s leading Internet TV network, will add seven new original series for older kids beginning this December. Building on its partnerships with globally respected brands, Netflix will launch all new stories from LEGO® Bionicle® and LEGO® Friends and the world’s first family is back and funnier than ever in DreamWorks Animation’s all–new original family sitcom, Dawn of the Croods.

Netflix is also broadening its offering for tweens and teens; the live action show Lost & Found Music Studios shows us how the next hit song could be just one heartbreak away, while fans of fast and funny will find the stop–motion, action–comedy of Buddy Thunderstruck right up their alley…or race–obsessed Greasepit in this case. The anime inspired Glitter Force joins the growing portfolio of strong girl characters on Netflix. And finally, Netflix is introducing its first ever original animated series produced in Latin America. Las Leyendas (The Legends) is based on a successful trilogy of children’s films from the Mexican animation studio, Ánima Estudios.

“Roughly half of our 65 million members around the world regularly watch kids content and with the addition of these seven diverse original series we are continuing our strong investment in kids programming,” said Andy Yeatman, Director of Global Kids Content for Netflix. “We know kids love Netflix and that’s in part because they never really outgrow us. We program and recommend new TV shows and movies from preschool through their teen years and into adulthood.”

Details on each show can be found below:

  • LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One – Q1 2016
    The LEGO Group will premiere the Netflix original series, LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One, based on its popular LEGO Bionicle franchise and line of buildable action figures. The new storyline takes place on the mythical island of Okoto, where the forces of darkness are on the move and the evil Makuta is working to cast the world into darkness. The desperate island inhabitants enlist six heroes – called the Toa – to help save their beloved island. Only when the heroes are united, will they be able to battle the forces of evil, defeat Makuta and save Okoto. The four episode season will be available in all Netflix territories globally in early 2016. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, BIONICLE are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2015 The LEGO Group.
  • LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship – Q2 2016
    Another new Netflix original series for kids is LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship featuring characters from the popular LEGO Friends line of construction toys. This series will follow the adventures of five best friends – Stephanie, Emma, Olivia, Mia and Andrea – around their hometown Heartlake City. From summer camp to the basketball court, saving their webcast or helping take care of a friend, the zany antics, adventures and missteps are made all the better by having their best friends by their side. The four episode season will premiere worldwide on Netflix in 2016. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure, BIONICLE are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2015 The LEGO Group.
  • Buddy Thunderstruck – 2017
    From American Greetings Entertainment with Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, Buddy Thunderstruck is an action–comedy, stop–motion extravaganza that follows the adventures of a semi–truck racing dog named Buddy and his albino ferret mechanic. It all goes down in race–obsessed Greasepit, a place chock full of larger–than–life characters and nitro–burning, gear–slamming, tire–squealing, fish–tailing good times. Buddy Thunderstruck will premiere worldwide exclusively on Netflix in 2017 with a 12 episode season.
  • Las Leyendas – 2017
    Las Leyendas (The Legends) will be the first animated Netflix original series to be produced in Latin America and is based on a successful trilogy of children’s films from the Mexican animation studio, Ánima Estudios. Set in the 1800s, this whimsical adventure centers on Leo San Juan, a reluctant but heroic teen boy with the ability to communicate with ghosts and monsters. One day, Leo’s hometown vanishes into another dimension, prompting Leo to join forces with a phantasmagorical group of misfits in order to defeat Quetzalcoatl, an inter–dimensional entity who has sought to conquer the universe for centuries. Leo and his fantastical friends travel on a magic ship across time to the most famous and mystical places on Earth to fight off the evil forces that threaten the welfare of all. The first season of 13 episodes will premiere exclusively on Netflix, worldwide, in 2017.
  • Dawn of the Croods – December 24, 2015
    Eep, Grug, Thunk, Ugga, Sandy and Gran are back and funnier than ever in this all–new family sitcom. Follow everyone’s favorite family as they meet new friends, outrun new creatures and encounter “firsts” the world has never seen – such as school, slumber parties, hiccups and elections. The Croods are discovering them all. Dawn of the Croods will be available exclusively on Netflix in all current territories except Germany and Japan.
  • Glitter Force – December 18, 2015
    When the magical kingdom of Jubiland is invaded by an evil emperor and his band of fairytale villains, a tiny pixie named Candy recruits five preteen girls to form the powerful team of the Glitter Force to help defend Earth from becoming the next target. These fabulous friends transform from ordinary school girls into super powered cool girls. Defending the Earth from fairytale villains isn’t an easy job, but the Glitter Force proves that nothing is more powerful than friendship. From Saban Brands, the 20–episode season will premiere worldwide, excluding Asia, exclusively on Netflix December 18, 2015.
  • Lost & Found Music Studios – Q1 2016
    From Temple Street Productions, Lost & Found Music Studios is a series about a group of talented teenage musicians who struggle to find their authentic sound and place in the world as they hone their craft at a prestigious music studio. In each episode, young artists navigate the ups and downs of the music industry, as they find their way to love, inspiration, and redemption. After all, the next hit song could be just one heartbreak away. Lost & Found Music Studios will premiere exclusively on Netflix worldwide, outside of Canada, UK and Ireland, with 26 half hour episodes in 2016.

About the Netflix Offering for Kids
Netflix has a dedicated section for kids featuring dozens of original series for kids as well as TV shows and movies from great partners like PBS, Disney Channel, DreamWorks Animation, Mattel, Hasbro, Scholastic and Lego, all in a commercial free environment. The dedicated section for kids is available across a broad range of devices including PCs and Macs, iPads, game consoles, streaming devices and smart TVs. Members are provided a Kids profile upon sign up and can customize additional profiles for their children. The kids experience features a character bar where you can find a deep selection of great TV shows and movies featuring that character. Kids, parents and caregivers will also be able to scan through row after row of movies and TV shows organized by easy–to–understand genres like superheroes, princesses, dinosaurs and girl power, featuring clear and simple descriptions of each title.

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.

Press Contacts
Jenny McCabe
pr@netflix.com
pr.netflix.com

SOURCE: Netflix

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E. Leclerc à nouveau « Enseigne de l’Année », Catégorie grande distribution alimentaire

Ivry-sur-Seine, France, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — E. Leclerc est de nouveau l’Enseigne de l’Année1 en 2015. En tête devant 10 autres distributeurs2 dans l’étude que vient de dévoiler OC&C Strategy Consultants3, E. Leclerc bénéficie d’un score d’attractivité puissant, obtenu grâce à ses points forts reconnus par les consommateurs : les prix bas, la qualité des produits et la qualité des services. Ces performances sont également soulignées par les clients de l’enseigne dans la dernière étude TNS Distrivison 2015.

E. Leclerc, GSA préférée des Français devant Système U et Auchan

Avec un score d’attractivité générale de 75/100, E. Leclerc est, cette année encore, la Grande Surface Alimentaire (GSA) préférée des Français. Parmi les dimensions étudiées, placée 9 points en tête devant Auchan et 11 points devant Carrefour, l’enseigne performe une fois de plus sur les prix bas. La qualité des produits ainsi que leur concordance avec les attentes des clients sont un vrai point de différenciation. En termes d’attractivité générale sur les services, E. Leclerc est très bien positionnée également, en première place ex-aequo avec Système U. En détail, l’encaissement, la rapidité et la simplicité du parcours client, le conseil, la gestion des problèmes et l’intégration multicanal sont des exemples de services très appréciés, plaçant l’enseigne, à une exception près4, systématiquement en tête du classement.

Une reconnaissance aussi pour les Espaces Culturels E. Leclerc

Coté Multimedia, les Espaces Culturels E. Leclerc sont en première position juste devant la Fnac (2ème) et Cultura (3e). En particulier, le rapport qualité/prix, la confiance, les services, la qualité des produits et le choix sont fortement mis en avant, avec des notes oscillant entre 74 et 76/100Un leadership corroboré par l’étude TNS Distrivison 20155

1 Catégorie GSA
2 Auchan, HM Carrefour, Carrefour Market, Casino, Cora, Géant, Intermarché, Lidl, Monoprix, Système U.
3 Le classement 2015 de l’attractivité des enseignes de distribution a été élaboré par OC&C Strategy Consultants en juin 2015. Cette étude a été menée sur 900 enseignes, dont 112 en France, et auprès de 40 000 personnes dans le monde, dont 5 000 en France générant près de 50 000 évaluations.
La méthodologie de l’étude est disponible sur demande.
4 Item “Gestion des problèmes”, où l’enseigne est 2ème après Auchan
5 Le baromètre annuel DistriVision GMS analyse tous les ans la fréquentation, l’attractivité et l’image des enseignes d’hypermarchés, supermarchés et hard discounts. Étude réalisée en Juin 2015 par questionnaire auto administré à domicile auprès d’un échantillon national représentatif de 10000 personnes responsables des achats du foyer La méthodologie de l’étude est disponible sur demande.
6 Le panel des enseignes est constitué de E.Leclerc, Lidl, Leader price, Aldi, Netto, Dia, Auchan, Carrefour, Intermarché, Hyper U, Simply Market, Super U, Carrefour MArket, Atac, Géant, Match, Cora, Casino Supermarché et Monoprix.

La dernière étude DistriVision reflète aussi la perception qualitative qu’ont les clients E. Leclerc de leur enseigne et son leadership incontesté dans la grande distribution6. Enseigne dont l’appréciation globale est la meilleure des GMS en 2015, elle est première sur les dimensions de prix (largement devant Lidl) et sur les promotions (à plus de 10 points devant le n°2 Carrefour). Elle est également en tête sur les premiers prix, devant Lidl, mais aussi sur la carte de fidélité. Côté MDD, la qualité de ses marques distributeurs et leur rapport qualité/prix la placent en haut du classement. Concernant ses magasins, l’agencement et le repérage en magasin, mais aussi la praticité pour faire ses courses remportent tous les 3 la préférence.

En arrivant largement en tête des notions de citoyenneté et de santé, E. Leclerc bénéficie également d’une image d’entreprise éthique. Enfin, pour ses clients E. Leclerc est première en termes de confiance et d’appréciation de l’enseigne, paramètres qui restent forts et stables au fil des années.

“Ce Trophée de l’enseigne 2015 est une reconnaissance importante et une fierté pour l’ensemble des adhérents et des collaborateurs E.Leclerc. Année après année, notre leadership d’image sur le secteur des GSA nous permet de confirmer la pertinence de notre offre globale et la qualité de la relation que les Centres E.Leclerc entretiennent avec leurs clients”, a déclaré Michel-Edouard Leclerc ce soir lors de la remise du Trophée, à Paris.

À propos de E.Leclerc
Avec 640 magasins et 557 adhérents en France, E.Leclerc est leader de la distribution en France. L’enseigne a réalisé un chiffre d’affaires de 45.7 milliards d’euros (avec carburant), en 2014. Le leadership de l’enseigne est confirmé par une part de marché de 20 %. Ces performances résultent d’une politique menée depuis la création du Mouvement E.Leclerc en 1949 : son combat au quotidien pour des prix bas et un modèle économique unique, reposant sur une organisation décentralisée, coopérative et participative. Les adhérents du Mouvement E.Leclerc, entrepreneurs indépendants, partagent une même mission : permettre à chacun de vivre mieux en dépensant moins, grâce à des initiatives innovantes et responsables, en pratiquant les prix les plus bas à qualité comparable. Acteurs de la vie locale, au plus près du terrain, ces adhérents investissent de façon durable afin de faire des centres E.Leclerc des lieux qui répondent aux besoins de leurs clients et défendent leur pouvoir d’achat au quotidien.

Service de presse E.Leclerc : Tél : 01 56 69 73 85 / E-mail : e.leclerc@edelman.com

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Alimentation Couche-Tard and FUCHS PETROLUB SE deal received clearance from the competition authorities

Laval (Québec), Canada, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX: ATD.A / ATD.B) announces today the closing of the deal to sell its lubricants business to FUCHS PETROLUB SE (“FUCHS”). The deal, announced on August 1 st , 2015, was subject to standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions and has now received clearance from the competition authorities

The sale is through a share purchase agreement, pursuant to which FUCHS has acquired 100% of all issued and outstanding shares in Statoil Fuel & Retail Lubricants AB (“SFR Lubricants”).

SFR Lubricants is one of the leading suppliers of lubricants in Scandinavia and the Baltics. FUCHS PETROLUB is a global Group based in Germany which develops, produces and distributes around 10,000 lubricants and related specialties across the world.

About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Couche-Tard is the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. In the United States, it is the largest independent convenience store operator in terms of number of company operated stores. In Europe, Couche-Tard is a leader in convenience store and road transportation fuel retail in Scandinavia and the Baltic countries with a significant presence in Poland.

As of July 19, 2015, Couche-Tard’s network comprised 7,987 convenience stores throughout North America, including 6,556 stores offering road transportation fuel. Its North American network consists of 15 business units, including 11 in the United States covering 41 States and four in Canada covering all ten provinces. About 80,000 people are employed throughout its network and at its service offices in North America.

In Europe, Couche-Tard operates a broad retail network across Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Denmark), Poland, the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and Russia. As at July 19, 2015, it comprised 2,229 stores, the majority of which offer road transportation fuel and convenience products while the others are unmanned automated service-stations which offer road transportation fuel only. The Corporation also offers other products, including stationary energy, marine fuel, lubricants and chemicals. Couche-Tard operates key fuel terminals and fuel depots in six countries. Including employees at Statoil branded franchise stations, about 19,000 people work in its retail network, terminals and service offices across Europe.

In addition, about 4,700 stores are operated by independent operators under the Circle K banner in 12 other countries or regions worldwide (China, Guam, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam) which brings to more than 14,900 the number of sites in Couche-Tard’s network.

For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., please visit: http://corpo.couchetard.com.

Contact:
Raymond Paré, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Tel: (450) 662-6632 ext. 4607 investor.relations@couche-tard.com

Forward Looking Statements:
The statements set forth in this press release, which describe Couche-Tard’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or forecasts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as “will”, “plan”, “evaluate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “expect” and other related expressions are used to identify such statements. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results, or the measures it adopts, could differ materially from those indicated or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular projection. Major factors that may lead to a material difference between Couche-Tard’s actual results and the projections or expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements include the effects of the integration of acquired businesses and the ability to achieve projected synergies, fluctuations in margins on motor fuel sales, competition in the convenience store and retail motor fuel industries, exchange rate variations, and such other risks as described in detail from time to time in documents filed by Couche-Tard with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on information available as of the date of the release.

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IKEA US raises awareness of important home safety; will only sell window blinds and coverings with no cords or non-accessible cords

Conshohocken, PA, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA US announces today that as of October 1, 2015, IKEA US stores will only sell window blinds and coverings with no cords or non-accessible cords. This announcement is part of the ongoing IKEA home safety program, Safer Homes Together, which focuses on educating customers about safety at home.

According to research by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 1996 and 2012, nearly one young child per month on average died from strangulation by window cords. These statistics make it evident that window blinds and coverings with exposed cords can be a hazard for young children.

“Product safety is the highest priority for IKEA, which is why we have been working to develop alternative solutions to exposed cords in window coverings. In 2012, IKEA made the commitment to only offer window blinds and coverings with no or non-accessible cords by January of 2016, and we’re pleased to be able to announce that we’ve met this commitment,” commented Heather Spatz, IKEA US Country Sales Manager. “IKEA is committed to working together with our customers to raise awareness of this important issue and to help families get the knowledge they need to ensure a safer everyday life at home.”

As of January 1, 2016, all IKEA stores globally will also offer only cordless blinds or window coverings.

In an effort to prevent any blind or window covering cord mishaps, IKEA reminds customers to check their window coverings to ensure that they do not pose a strangulation risk to young children. For more information about window covering safety and other important home safety information, please visit our website. Please also visit the CPSC Window Covering Information Center at http://cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education-Centers/Window-Covering/

For further information, please contact:
Elizabeth Gray, APCO Worldwide, (646) 556-9316, egray@apcoworldwide.com

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 328 IKEA Group stores in 28 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 40 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 15, IKEA Group had 771 million visitors to the stores and 1.9 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

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H&M opens its first store in India

After months of anticipation amongst fashion-lovers, the first H&M store in New Delhi is now open! In an unprecedented milestone, over 2,500 H&M fans lined up prior to the ribbon cutting for the official launch of the city’s new fashion destination. The roaring energy and excitement earlier this morning truly celebrated the brand’s offering of fashion and quality at the best price in a sustainable way.

New Delhi, India, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ —Post the exclusive VIP party with Bollywood celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez on September 30th, H&M fans were treated to a bloc party atmosphere for the Grand Opening. The celebrations were hosted by popular artist Kanan Gill with a live DJ set and street entertainment, the H&M Store team also joined in the fun with a high energy flash mob. Having lined up in the queue more than a day prior to the opening, the first three fashion enthusiasts received gift cards of INR 15,000, INR 10,000 and INR 7,500 respectively and the first 1000 customers all received a limited edition H&M India tote bag. Karl-Johan Persson – CEO; Janne Einola – Country Manager and Kapil Vig – Store Manager cut the red ribbon to welcome customers to the store located at Select CITYWALK, Saket and spread across more than 25,000 sq. ft.

“We have been waiting for this day for a long time now and this fabulous response is truly worth the wait! I am hopeful that Indian customers will enjoy our diverse offering and find fashion inspiration in the store” said Janne Einola, Country Manager, H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Pvt. Ltd. India.

Presenting a wide selection of latest trends and timeless classics for customers, H&M will offer women’s, men’s, and children apparel and accessories. The flagship will be open every day from 10 AM until 10 PM. The end of 2015 will see another H&M store opening at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. In 2016, H&M will open its first Bangalore store at VR mall.

For more press information, please contact:
Dhatri Bhatt, Head – Public Relations
H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Pvt. Ltd.
Telephone: +919643401385
E-mail: dhatri.bhatt@hm.com

For press loans, please contact:
Keerti Kataria, Press Showroom Manager
H&M Hennes & Mauritz Retail Pvt. Ltd.
Telephone: +919899452949
E-mail: keerti.kataria@hm.com

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H&M opens its first store in India

H&M opens its first store in India

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Sarah Cary PhD promoted to Head of Sustainable Places at British Land

LONDON, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sarah Cary PhD has been promoted to Head of Sustainable Places at British Land reporting to Lucinda Bell, Chief Financial Officer. She will be responsible for ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the business through the four strategic pillars of the strategy: Wellbeing, Community, Futureproofing and Skills and Opportunity which are central to British Land’s mission to create Places People Prefer. Lucinda Bell said,’ Sarah has a wealth of expertise in this agenda and her passion and commitment will build on the significant contribution she has already made to British Land’s leadership position on sustainability.’ Sarah was previously British Land’s Sustainable Developments Executive.

Contact:
Helen Lo, British Land 07912 572619

NOTES TO EDITORS

About British Land
We are one of Europe’s largest publicly listed real estate companies. We own, manage, develop and finance a portfolio of high quality commercial property, focused on retail locations around the UK and London Offices & Residential. We have total assets in the UK, owned or managed of £18.9 billion (British Land share of which is £13.6 billion), as valued at 31 March 2015. Our properties are home to over 1,200 different organisations ranging from international brands to local start-ups. Our objective is to deliver long-term and sustainable total returns to our shareholders and we do this by focusing on Places People Prefer. People have a choice where they work, shop and live and we aim to create outstanding places which make a positive difference to people’s everyday lives. Our customer orientation enables us to develop a deep understanding of the people who use our places. We employ a lean team of experts, who have the skills to translate this understanding into creating the right places, and we have an efficient capital structure which is able to effectively finance these places.

UK Retail assets account for 55% of our portfolio. As the UK’s largest listed owner and manager of retail space, our portfolio is well matched to the different ways people shop today, from major regional shopping centres to single occupier locations. We are focused on being the destination of choice for retailers and their customers by being the best provider of spaces and services. Comprising around 22 million sq ft of retail space across shopping parks, superstores, shopping centres, department stores and leisure assets, the retail portfolio is modern, flexible and adaptable to a wide range of formats.

Our Office and Residential portfolio, which accounts for 45% of our portfolio is focused on London, We have an attractive mix of high‑quality buildings in well‑managed environments and a pipeline of development projects, which will add significantly to our portfolio. Increasingly, our offices are in mixed-use environments which include retail and residential elements. Our 6.7 million sq ft of high quality office space includes Regent’s Place and Paddington Central in the West End and Broadgate, the premier City office campus (50% share).

Our size and substance demands a responsible approach to business. We believe leadership on issues such as sustainability helps drive our performance and is core to the delivery of our overall objective of driving shareholder value and creating Places People Prefer.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com

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ALDI removes certified synthetic colors, partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) and added MSG from all of its exclusive brand food products

Grocery Store Removes Certified Synthetic Colors, Partially Hydrogenated Oils and Added MSG

Batavia, Ill., 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — ALDI, the nation’s low-price grocery leader*, announced that it has removed certified synthetic colors, removed partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) and removed added MSG from all of its exclusive brand food products. This announcement is part of the company’s efforts to expand store offerings and address customers’ preferences and needs about particular ingredients in their food. With 90 percent of ALDI products being sold under private labels, ALDI is able to ensure that customers have a wide selection of options free of these ingredients and available at the low prices they are known for.

“At ALDI, we are dedicated to the well-being of our customers by providing high quality groceries at the lowest possible prices and offering foods shoppers can feel good about serving their families,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI. “Our decision to remove these ingredients from all of our exclusive brand foods delivers on our ongoing commitment to meet the evolving preferences of our customers. Since more than 90 percent of the products we sell are under our exclusive brands, eliminating these ingredients will have a real impact on the over 30 million people who shop in our stores.”

“Today’s shoppers are more involved with food than ever before. They want to know everything about their food and the companies that supply them – especially as it relates to ingredients and the impact on their families,” said Phil Lempert, editor of SupermarketGuru.com and food industry analyst. “ALDI is leading the supermarket industry in rightly responding to the science that shows the implications of these ingredients, and meeting the needs of the increasingly savvy consumers who don’t want artificial or potentially harmful ingredients in the products they buy.”

As a retailer focused on private label brands, ALDI continues to take a leading role in responding to consumer demand by removing these ingredients from the vast majority of their products. The company began removing these ingredients in 2014, and customers will begin to see these products in stores this fall, with all reformulated product lines in stores by the end of 2015.

Over the past several years, ALDI has enhanced its product offerings to provide customers with even more options they can feel good about, including:

  • Fresh Produce: Increased fresh, organic produce offerings, including organic bananas, apples, tomatoes, avocados and salad mixes.
  • New Product Lines: Introduced its SimplyNature line of products, which is free from more than 125 ingredients, as well as a gluten-free line of products under the ALDI exclusive brand, liveGfree.
  • Labeling: Highlighted nutritional facts on the front of all ALDI exclusive brand food packages for shoppers to easily find key nutritional information.
  • Dietitian’s Picks: Established the ALDI Dietitian’s Picks that showcases existing products hand-selected by registered dietitians for their nutritional value to help guide shoppers in their purchasing decisions.

Additionally, ALDI partners with registered dietitians through its Advisory Council to provide tips, recipes and meal-planning ideas that make healthy eating easy and affordable for families.

“I’m happy that ALDI is listening to people’s concerns about synthetic dyes and eliminating them in all of their products,” said Sally Kuzemchak, registered dietitian, author and ALDI advisory council member. “Shopping at ALDI makes it easier for busy parents to stock up on quality ingredients at a great value for their families.”

ALDI customers will learn about the product reformulation through updated food packaging, the ALDI Fresh catalog, weekly advertisements and through our social media channels including Facebook, Twitter and the ALDI Simply Smarter Living Blog.

About ALDI Inc.
A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,400 US stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. More than 30 million customers each month save up to 50 percent** on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells more than 1,300 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. ALDI was named the 2014 Retailer of the Year by Store Brands Magazine for its strong commitment to value and innovation-focused private brand product development. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

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According to a survey of more than 6,000 consumers conducted in March 2014 by Market Force Information. **Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

Contact: Katie Green
(312) 988-2168
KGreen@webershandwick.com

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Unibail-Rodamco completes the disposal of Nova Lund shopping centre in Sweden to TH Real Estate for €176 Mn

Paris, Amsterdam, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Further to the agreement with TH Real Estate entered into on March 5, 2015, Unibail-Rodamco announces the completion of the disposal of Nova Lund shopping centre (Lund, Sweden). The total acquisition cost(1) amounts to SEK1,635 Mn (€176 Mn) (2) , representing a net initial yield(3) of 5.5% and an average value per m2 of SEK63,155 (€6,791/m²) (2) . Terms of the transaction are as announced in March 2015.

Constructed in 2002, Nova Lund, a 25,889 m2 shopping centre, is located in Lund (20 km northeast of Malmö), in the south of Sweden and attracts between 2-3 million visits per year.

For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations
Julie Coulot
+33 1 76 77 57 22
Media Relations
Pauline Duclos-Lenoir
+33 1 76 77 57 94

About Unibail-Rodamco
Created in 1968, Unibail-Rodamco SE is Europe’s largest listed commercial property company, with a presence in 12 EU countries, and a portfolio of assets valued at €35.7 billion as of June 30, 2015. As an integrated operator, investor and developer, the Group aims to cover the whole of the real estate value creation chain. With the support of its 2,085 professionals, Unibail-Rodamco applies those skills to highly specialised market segments such as large shopping centres of major European cities, and large offices and convention & exhibition centres in the Paris region. The Group distinguishes itself through its focus on the highest architectural, city planning and environmental standards. Its long term approach and sustainable vision focuses on the development or redevelopment of outstanding places to shop, work and relax. Its commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability has been recognised by inclusion in the DJSI (World and Europe), FTSE4Good and STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes. The Group is a member of the CAC 40, AEX 25 and EuroSTOXX 50 indices. It benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor’s and FitchRatings.

For more information, please visit our website: www.unibail-rodamco.com

(1) Including transfer taxes and transaction costs.
(2) Using the exchange rate of 1 EUR = 9.3 SEK
(3) Annualised contracted rent including indexation for the next 12 months, net of operating expenses, divided by the asset value.

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NRF and e-digital consultancy FitForCommerce release their first Omnichannel Retail Index

WASHINGTON, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation and e-digital consultancy FitForCommerce announced today the release of their first Omnichannel Retail Index, a report that examines 120 retailers across multiple categories and their use of omnichannel strategies across web, mobile and store, such as buy online pick up in store, real-time inventory availability and mobile optimized websites.

The report and partnership set the stage for future content, research and thought leadership opportunities. The next bi-annual index is slated to be released in 2016.

“In an increasingly competitive landscape, retailers are taking a truly customer-centric approach to running their business and developing innovative solutions to meet their customers’ expectations,” said NRF Senior Vice President and Shop.org Executive Director Vicki Cantrell. “The NRF-FitForCommerce Omnichannel Retail Index provides the industry an in-depth and practical method to benchmark their organization’s initiatives in the digital space against best practices from around the industry and all the methods that exist when it comes to how customers engage with brands across all touchpoints.”

“Brands and retailers need to or already are concentrating enormous resources on enabling the omnichannel customer, whether the brand or retailer calls it omnichannel or not,” said Bernardine Wu, CEO of FitForCommerce. “The NRF-FitForCommerce Omnichannel Retail Index is a guide for vetting business cases and prioritizing investments, especially because today’s innovations become tomorrow’s best practices, which become the next day’s table stakes.”

To adequately measure retailers’ use and delivery of these services across the industry, FitForCommerce in July 2015 used a mystery shopping method to evaluate specific omnichannel offerings and capabilities across web and mobile sites as well as in-store.

Some of the key findings in the report include:

  • Half of the bricks-and-mortar Index retailers show in-store product availability on their product detail pages;
  • Another half let customers look up in-store inventory on their mobile device;
  • 23 percent offer buy online pick up in store options for their customers;
  • 84 percent let registered customers see a bag or a cart that is consistent across different platforms;
  • Nearly half of multichannel retailers provide in-store signage designed to educate shoppers about their omninchannel offerings (buy online pick up in store, reserve online, etc.);
  • Three out of five retailers in the Index offer “save for later” functionality with their online shopping cart;
  • Half of the retailers offer free return shipping; and
  • Three-quarters of the retailers in the Index offer a “click to call” service feature on their mobile websites.

For a copy of the complete report please email press@nrf.com

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. NRF.com

FitForCommerce is a leading boutique consultancy that helps hundreds of online and multichannel brands and retailers make informed digital, ecommerce and omnichannel retail investment decisions. Leveraging years of experience, state-of-the-art tools, strategic diligence and tactical planning, FitForCommerce helps brands and retailers define strategies for growth, improve the customer experience, plan and hire the right organization, and find “best fit” technology solutions. eCommerceKnowHow.com, managed by FitForCommerce, is the ecommerce industry’s most comprehensive knowledge base and educational resource. The Innovation Office, powered by FitForCommerce, curates emerging technologies to help retailers keep up with and demystify innovation in the retail space. FitForCommerce.com

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Kathy Grannis Allen
(202) 783-7971
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

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Federal Realty Investment Trust acquires 85% interest in The Shops at Sunset Place mixed-use center in South Miami, Florida

Federal Realty expands presence in key Miami Dade submarkets

ROCKVILLE, Md., 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE: FRT) today announced its acquisition of an 85% interest in The Shops at Sunset Place, a 515,000-square-foot, mixed-use center in South Miami, Florida based on a gross value of $110.2 million. The transaction includes the assumption of an existing $70.8 million mortgage with an interest rate of 5.6 percent and maturity date of September 2020. The Trust has acquired the property with local market partners Grass River Property and The Comras Company.   With its recent acquisition of CocoWalk in nearby Coconut Grove, the Trust and its partners have invested approximately $200 million within a three mile area that is home to some of South Florida’s strongest year-round demographics, high barriers to entry, and demand drivers including universities, hospitals and corporate headquarters.

Situated on approximately ten acres at the intersection of US1, Red Road and Sunset, The Shops atSunset Place lies at ‘main and main’ within the thriving South Miami commercial district. The neighborhood sits amongst some of Florida’s most affluent residential areas including Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Coconut Grove. Approximately 100,000 people reside within three miles of the property, with an average household income of $120,000.

“As Miami becomes an increasingly urban and dense market, walkable, authentic neighborhoods like Coconut Grove and South Miami are becoming increasingly attractive destinations to live, work, shop, dine and be entertained,” said Dawn Becker, Executive Vice President –Mixed Use Division,Federal Realty Investment Trust. “Like Cocowalk, Sunset Place presents a compelling opportunity to create value through integrating it with the vibrant streets that border the property, adding new tenants and delivering a mix of uses that meet the demand of the affluent, year round communities it serves.”

The Shops at Sunset Place comprises 408,000 square feet of retail space, 107,000 square feet of office space and a 1,700-space parking garage. Tenants include AMC Theatres, LA Fitness, Barnes & Noble, Forever 21, Splitsville and Z-Gallerie.   The Shops at Sunset Place benefits from close proximity to the University of Miami’s main campus, South Miami Hospital, some of Miami’s most prestigious private schools, and a number of corporate offices. The South Miami Metrorail station is one block away, providing direct access to public transit. The property enjoys a 96% walk score according to www.walkscore.com.

“The Shops at Sunset Place was always envisioned to provide a pedestrian friendly, streetscape environment, as an extension of South Miami’s “Main Street” Sunset Drive,” said Michael Comras, CEO of the Comras Company. “With the right vision, balanced approach and creative thinking, The Shops will complement the area’s popular restaurants, cafes and boutiques, while becoming a vital retail anchor that caters to the locals and surrounding communities. We are looking forward to working closely with all to improve and evolve this vision together.”

“Looking at the demand drivers in place and the demographics in the surrounding residential community, it’s easy to understand why we see tremendous unlocked potential in The Shops atSunset Place,” Tom Roth, Principal at Grass River Property added. “South Miami is one of the best urban nodes in Miami-Dade County – it is walkable, with transit at its doorstep and has a well balanced mix of commercial and residential uses. Knowing this, it will be central to our plan to better integrate with South Miami’s street grid, connect back to the community and improve the Sunset experience for those that want to shop, live, visit or work there.”

Local Media Inquiries
Tadd Schwartz
Schwartz Media
(305) 807-3612
tadd@schwartz-media.com

Aaron Gordon
Schwartz Media
(305) 962-3292
aaron@schwartz-media.com

About Federal Realty
Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Bostonas well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Founded in 1962, our mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply.  Our expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods likeSantana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Rowin Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued by their respective communities. Federal Realty’s 90 properties include over 2,600 tenants, in approximately 21 million square feet, and 1500 residential units.

Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 48 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visit www.FederalRealty.com.

About The Comras Company
Comras Company of Florida, Inc. is a leading retail leasing, investment and development company. The firm specializes in urban markets and provides services that include landlord and tenant representation, strategic planning, site identification, market analysis, lease negotiation, portfolio review, site acquisition and disposition. The Company was founded by Michael Comras in 1992 and has since grown to sixteen employees with seven brokers dedicated to retail leasing and sales. In addition to brokerage services, Mr. Comras has developed and owns a portfolio of street oriented retail assets in Miami’s top markets. A sampling of these assets include flagship locations for Apple, Gap, Nike, Forever 21, BCBG, Sephora, and 24 Hour Fitness in locations along Miami Beach’s historic Lincoln Road, Collins Avenue’s “Fashion District”, Coconut Grove, Wynwood, andMiami’s Design District, www.ComrasCompany.com.

About Grass River Property
Grass River Property is a Coconut Grove, Florida-based real estate investment and development firm with investments across various asset classes, including residential, hotel, retail and office. Since inception, the firm has targeted investments in urban properties served by existing transportation infrastructure for high value-add residential as well as commercial and mixed-use developments stressing walkability, transit access and sustainability in increasingly dense urban settings. Grass River’s principals, Justin Kennedy, Tobin Cobb, George Spillis, Peter LaPointe,Chris Cobb and Tom Roth have decades of experience working with some of the nation’s largest real estate and financial firms, including LNR Property, Flagler, Hines, Bayview Financial, Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs. Learn more at www.GrassRiverProperty.com.

Investor Inquiries Media Inquiries
Brittany Schmelz Andrea Simpson
Investor Relations Director, Marketing
301/998-8265 617/684-1511
bschmelz@federalrealty.com  asimpson@federalrealty.com

SOURCE Federal Realty Investment Trust

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Tractor Supply Company signed with EPA to ensure all small-engine products purchased by the Company for resale comply with the Clean Air Act

BRENTWOOD, TN, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced that it has signed an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relating to the sale of small-engine merchandise by the Company.

Under the agreement, Tractor Supply Company will implement a formal compliance program designed to ensure that all small-engine products purchased by the Company for resale comply with the Clean Air Act. The compliance plan is similar to one adopted voluntarily by the Company in 2012. The Company also agreed to pay a civil penalty of $775,000, most of which is being reimbursed by a vendor who sold the small engine products at issue to the Company. These products were sold during the 2006 to 2009 time frame. In addition, the Company has agreed to sponsor an emissions offset program that will result in the replacement of twenty-two older wood-burning stoves with EPA-certified wood-burning stoves. The settlement is subject to approval by the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

“Tractor Supply is committed to selling products that comply with all applicable laws and regulations,” said Greg Sandfort, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Although there is no evidence that any of the products sold by Tractor Supply exceeded permissible emissions levels, we worked diligently with the government and our vendors to resolve other compliance issues. Like other retailers, we rely primarily on our vendors to certify compliance of their products with the Clean Air Act. Under this agreement, we will work closely with the suppliers of our small engine products to ensure compliance.”

Sandfort added: “We are proud of our record of being an environmentally responsible company. Through our Stewardship Program, we have taken a number of steps to reduce our impact on the environment, including the implementation of company-wide initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy as well as the construction last year of a highly energy efficient store support center that was awarded LEED Silver certification. We also offer our customers opportunities to recycle oil and used vehicle batteries in most of our stores.”

For additional information on Tractor Supply Company’s environmental stewardship efforts, please visit: http://www.tractorsupply.com/content_stewardship_stewardship-overview.

About Tractor Supply Company
At June 27, 2015, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,438 stores in 49 states. The Company’s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use.

Anthony F. Crudele
Chief Financial Officer
Christine Skold
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(615) 440-4000

Media:
Alecia Pulman/Brittany Rae Fraser
ICR
(203) 682-8200

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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DDR sold 19 operating assets and two land parcels during 3Q 2015

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR) today announced that it closed on the disposition of 21 assets totaling $302 million at 100% ownership, $145 million at DDR’s share, during the third quarter of 2015.

During the third quarter, DDR sold 19 operating assets and two land parcels for an aggregate $145 million at the Company’s share. Included in the third quarter total is the sale of 10 assets from the BRE DDR Retail Holdings III portfolio for $165 million, bringing year-to-date sales in the joint venture to $213 million at a premium to the fourth quarter 2014 acquisition costs. DDR has an additional 10 operating assets and nine land parcels under contract for sale, representing an expected total price of $268 million at the Company’s share. Year-to-date, the Company has sold $358 million and acquired $160 million of assets at DDR’s share.

Luke J. Petherbridge, chief financial officer of DDR, commented, “During the third quarter, we continued to upgrade our portfolio by selling lower growth, institutional quality assets into an environment of historically low cap rates for our property type.  We will continue to opportunistically sell the bottom tier of the portfolio and use proceeds to acquire assets at a volume consistent with our original acquisition guidance, invest in attractive redevelopment projects, and to continue to delever the balance sheet.”

About DDR Corp.
DDR is an owner and manager of 382 value-oriented shopping centers representing 116 million square feet in 41 states and Puerto Rico. The Company’s portfolio is comprised primarily of large-format power centers located in top markets across the United States, and is actively managed to create long-term shareholder value. DDR is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DDR. Additional information about the Company is available at www.ddr.com.

Safe Harbor
DDR Corp. considers portions of the information in this press release to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, with respect to the Company’s expectation for future periods. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, among other factors, local conditions such as supply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in the area; competition from other available space; dependence on rental income from real property; the loss of, significant downsizing of or bankruptcy of a major tenant; constructing properties or expansions that produce a desired yield on investment; our ability to buy or sell assets on commercially reasonable terms; our ability to complete acquisitions or dispositions of assets under contract; our ability to secure equity or debt financing on commercially acceptable terms or at all; our ability to enter into definitive agreements with regard to our financing and joint venture arrangements or our failure to satisfy conditions to the completion of these arrangements; and the success of our capital recycling strategy. For additional factors that could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as amended. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

SOURCE DDR Corp.

News Provided by Acquire Media

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Baby products retailer Babies“R”Us® redesigns its namesake diaper line to better deliver on parents’ needs for their little ones

New Assortment of Diapers and Training Pants Provide Babies with Better Fit, Absorbency and Comfort

WAYNE, NJ, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Babies“R”Us®, the nation’s leading dedicated baby products retailer, has redesigned its namesake diaper line to better deliver on parents’ needs for their little ones. The enhanced assortment of diapers, available exclusively at Babies“R”Us, features better leak protection and comfier fit with an everyday competitive price as low as 15 cents per diaper. Providing parents with simple diapering solutions, the proprietary line of diapers offers moms, dads and caregivers a new, improved absorbency that helps keep baby drier – even through the night – and a flexible, stretch waistband so baby is comfortable and the diaper secure. New playful designs also add a touch of fashionable fun that won’t break the piggybank. Available in newborn through size six, the disposable line is offered in “jumbo,” “super” and “value” packs ranging in price from $7.99-$29.99.

Click to Tweet: Does your baby’s diaper need a change? We think so! @BabiesRUs announces better benefits, new design. Visit Babiesrus.com! #BRUNewDiapers

“Babies“R”Us is the destination and reliable resource for baby essentials, and as the industry authority, we continually strive to enhance the benefits of products that matter most to parents and that impact their everyday lives,” said Reg McLay, Senior Vice President, Babies“R”Us Business. “The redesigned diapers provide our value-conscious shoppers with a lower-priced alternative that matches the quality of other diapers found on the market.”

The collection of Babies“R”Us branded products, including Babies“R”Us diapers, first arrived on shelves in late 2009 with the introduction of a variety of essentials, such as wipes, laundry detergent and purified water. Since that time, the company has continued to innovate its proprietary products in an effort to offer families alternative, affordable options that provide the benefits they want and the care their children deserve.

Additionally, for toddlers making their way out of diapers, the company redesigned its training pants with a “Wetness Indicator,” alerting parents with a design that fades when their little one is wet. They also come with easy open sides for smooth, quick changes.

The exclusive line of Babies“R”Us essentials offers parents and caregivers a wide range of infant and toddler products for everyday needs at affordable prices. Customers can easily identify the assortment by its distinctive purple and white Babies“R”Us logo to know that the product will play an essential role in raising a happy and healthy baby.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 864 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 730 international stores and over 240 licensed stores in 38 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys at FAO.com. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys“R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 66,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys“R”Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys“R”Us, Babies“R”Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus, Twitter.com/Babiesrus and Twitter.com/FAOSchwarz.

# # #

Press Contacts:
Babies“R”Us, U.S.
Cheryl O’Brien
973-617-4380/646-366-8825
Cheryl.Obrien@toysrus.com

Samantha Xenis
973-617-5306/646-366-8826
Samantha.Xenis@toysrus.com

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Publix Super Markets Inc. declared quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share

LAKELAND, Fla., 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — Publix Super Markets Inc. announced its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share on its common stock.

The dividend will be payable Nov. 2, 2015, either through direct deposit or mailed as a check to stockholders of record as of the close of business Oct. 15, 2015.

Stockholders who would like to elect direct deposit of dividends should visit the Stockholder Services page at www.publix.com/stock. An online Direct Deposit Authorization for Publix Stock Dividend Form is available on this page. Stockholders should complete the online form, print and sign the form as indicated, and send it along with a voided check to Publix stockholder services.

MEDIA CONTACTS

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Russian retailer X5 Retail Group to hold its Extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 15 October 2015

Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group N.V. (“X5” or the “Company”), a leading Russian retailer (LSE ticker: “FIVE”), invites its shareholders and holders of global depository receipts (GDRs) to its Extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the “EGM”) to be held at Parkstraat 20, 2514 JK The Hague, The Netherlands at 11.00 CET on 12 November 2015. The record date for the EGM is 15 October 2015.

The agenda items to be considered by shareholders and holders of GDRs at the EGM are:

  • the appointment of Mr. Stephan DuCharme and Mr. Michael Kuchment as members of the Supervisory Board,
  • the appointment of Mr. Igor Shekhterman as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Management Board, and
  • the appointment of EY as the new external auditor of the Company starting 1 January 2016.

Explanatory notes to the EGM agenda are available at www.x5.ru.

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

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%

Forward looking statements:
This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not only relate to historical or current events. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “anticipate”, “target”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “expected”, “plan”, “goal”, “believe”, or other words of similar meaning.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances, a number of which are beyond X5 Retail Group N.V.’s control. As a result, actual future results may differ materially from the plans, goals and expectations set out in these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of X5 Retail Group N.V. speak only as at the date of this announcement. Save as required by any applicable laws or regulations, X5 Retail Group N.V. undertakes no obligation publicly to release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements in this document that may occur due to any change in its expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

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SUPERVALU: Sam Duncan intends to retire as President and CEO on February 29, 2016

  • Bruce Besanko Promoted to Chief Operating Officer
  • Susan Grafton Promoted to Chief Financial Officer

MINNEAPOLIS, 2015-10-3 — /EPR Retail News/ — SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE: SVU) today announced that Sam Duncan has informed the Company’s Board of Directors of his intention to retire as President and CEO on February 29, 2016, following the end of the Company’s fiscal year.

Duncan was named President and CEO in February 2013 in connection with the sale by SUPERVALU of five retail grocery banners to Albertson’s. Under Duncan’s leadership and direction, SUPERVALU has repositioned its three core business segments: Independent Business, Save-A-Lot and its five remaining regional Retail Food banners, as well as helped deliver increases in shareholder value. Duncan, 63, is retiring to spend more time with his family in the Pacific Northwest.

“SUPERVALU is a terrific organization and we have accomplished a great deal together during the past two and one-half years,” said Duncan. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our employees and thank them for all of their hard work and dedication. I am also looking forward to finishing the year strong and continuing to drive sales and cash through my remaining time at the Company, as well as providing time and support to ensure a smooth transition for my successor. After 46 years in the grocery and retail business, this is a bittersweet moment, but I am also excited by the opportunity to have more time for my family and personal interests following my retirement.”

“Sam has made a tremendous contribution to SUPERVALU during his tenure as President and CEO,” said Jerry Storch, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. “He helped stabilize the business following the sale of the five retail grocery banners and has led a turn-around in the performance of the entire Company including improving the performance of all three of its core business segments. The Company is in a better place today because of Sam’s leadership. The Board is very grateful and appreciative for Sam’s contributions to the Company. The Board process for naming the next CEO is underway, including consideration of internal and external candidates.”

SUPERVALU also today announced that Bruce Besanko has been promoted to the newly-created role of Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, reporting to Sam Duncan, and that Susan Grafton has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Bruce Besanko. Both appointments are effective immediately. In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Besanko will retain oversight of the finance function, and assume oversight of the Company’s independent business operations, five regional Retail Food banners, and the Company’s merchandising, marketing, and pharmacy functions.

“I’m very pleased that Bruce has been promoted to the role of COO for our Company,” said Duncan. “He has done a superb job as CFO for SUPERVALU, working with me and the leadership team on all aspects of the Company’s turnaround success. He is an astute businessman who has always impressed me with his leadership and how he deals with business challenges and opportunities. In this role, I am confident he’ll help lead our operations teams to successfully plan and execute against our future business strategies.”

Duncan continued, “Additionally, we are very fortunate to have Susan in our ranks as someone who can step right into the CFO role. She has a tremendous financial background and has been instrumental in helping us reposition our financial organization and the overall business over the past one and one-half years.”

Today’s announcement does not impact the Company’s continued exploration of a separation of its Save-A-Lot business.

About SUPERVALU INC.
SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest grocery wholesalers and retailers in the U.S. with annual sales of approximately $18 billion.SUPERVALU serves customers across the United States through a network of 3,597 stores composed of 1,857 primary stores serviced by the Company’s food distribution business; 1,335 Save-A-Lot stores, of which 902 are operated by licensee owners; and 197 traditional retail grocery stores (store counts as of June 20, 2015). Headquartered in Minnesota, SUPERVALU has approximately 40,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.

Source: SUPERVALU INC.

SUPERVALU INC.
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Steve Bloomquist, 952-828-4144
steve.j.bloomquist@supervalu.com
or
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jeff Swanson, 952-903-1645
jeffrey.s.swanson@supervalu.com