Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

La Fnac Bercy Village a le plaisir d’accueillir le duo Abd Al Malik et Laurent Garnier

MARDI 10 NOVEMBRE À 18H00 FNAC BERCY VILLAGE

PARIS, FRANCE, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — La Fnac Bercy Village a le plaisir d’accueillir le duo Abd Al Malik et Laurent Garnier pour une rencontre exceptionnelle, mardi 10 novembre à 18h00, à l’occasion de la sortie de l’album Scarifications.

Forts de leur précédente collaboration artistique, les deux artistes aux univers aussi différents que complémentaires ont choisi de poursuivre leur aventure musicale commune pour produire un album surprenant, à la croisée du rap et de l’électro

Dans le cadre de cette rencontre exceptionnelle à la Fnac Bercy Village, les fans auront l’opportunité de découvrir ce nouveau projet présenté par les deux musiciens et de faire dédicacer leur album.

Musicien, écrivain et cinéaste, Abd Al Malik n’a jamais cessé de retourner, contourner et détourner les règles de son rap. Avec son cinquième album solo, intégralement produit par l’un des ambassadeurs français de la musique électro Laurent Garnier, Abd Al Malik surgit une fois de plus là où on ne l’attendait pas. Le parti pris est radical, le projet dantesque.

C’est une ambiance, un spleen électrique peuplé de dieux instrumentalisés, de soldes payables en dollars, d’amours indicibles, et d’adolescents pleins de rêves de grandeur. Un retour sur l’enfance, un regard vers demain. Et au-dessus du futur, un soleil dense, plein, noir.

Cet événement est gratuit et ouvert au public dans la limite des places disponibles.

CONTACTS PRESSE :
AUDREY BOUCHARD // 01 55 21 59 25 // audrey.bouchard@fnac.com
ANNA CORTESE // 01 55 21 28 47 // anna.cortese@fnac.com

SOURCE: fnac

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La Fnac Bercy Village a le plaisir d’accueillir le duo Abd Al Malik et Laurent Garnier

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Al Meera Consumer Goods Company supports Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships

QATAR, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (Q.S.C.) is proud to announce its support of the Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships, which is hosted from the 21st until the 31st of October at the Qatar Sports Club.

The largest para-sport event ever to come to the Middle East is seeing 1,300 para-athletes from 100 countries competing to be the best in the world and vie for qualifying spots to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. All proceeds of ticket sales will be donated to charity.

Al Meera is extending its support by providing fresh fruits throughout the competition to athletes and organizers. The supermarket chain also provides its customers with free ticket vouchers to the IPC Athletics World Championships at its Thakhira, Mansoura, Legtaifiya, Hazm Markhiya, Nuaija branches in addition to Géant hypermarket in Hyatt Plaza mall with terms and conditions applied.

Free vouchers are also given away to Al Meera fans on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tousands of vouchers are to be given away throughout the days of the event, leading up to the event, which are then exchanged for tickets at the Qatar Sports Club.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Qahtani, Deputy CEO of Al Meera, said:

“Al Meera continuously seeks to support national initiatives that benefit the people of Qatar, especially those that support and promote healthy living, such as nutrition and sports, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”

“We are very happy to witness such a massive turnout, which indicates how much people look forward to such activities and value the importance of sports, which is an important aspect to both Al Meera and Qatar. We look forward to supporting similar events in the future,” he added.

The Doha 2015 LOC has released a series of inspirational films to raise awareness of para-sport and to highlight the incredible stories of some the para-athletes that will be competing in the event. Entitled “My Incredible Story”, the films tell the stories of triumph over adversity and so far have chronicled athletes Terezinha Guilhermina, Jarryd Wallace, Giusy Versace, Thuraya Al Zaabi and the “youth ambassador” Ghanim Al Muftah.

SOURCE: Al Meera

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Al Meera Consumer Goods Company supports Doha 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

USDA’s FSIS: Whole Foods Market establishment located in Everett, Mass recalls 234 pounds of curry chicken salad products

WASHINGTON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — A Whole Foods Market establishment located in Everett, Mass. is recalling approximately 234 pounds of curry chicken salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The chicken curry salad was packaged on Oct. 16, 2015, and was sold prepackaged, in salad bars, in store’s chef’s cases, and in sandwiches and wraps prepared in the stores. The following products are subject to recall: [Labels (PDF Only)]

Sold by weight “Curry Chicken Salad, Our Chef’s Own” bearing UPC Code # 285551.
Sold by weight “Curry Chicken Salad CC” bearing UPC Code # 261068.
Sold by weight “PPK Salad Chicken Curry” bearing UPC Code # 263142
12 oz. “Curry Chicken Salad Wrap, Made Right Here” bearing UPC Code # 263144.
7 oz. “Single Curry Chicken Salad Wrap, Made Right Here” bearing UPC Code # 263126.
7 oz. “Curry Chicken Salad Rollup” bearing UPC Code # 265325.

These items have a sell by date of Oct. 23, 2015 and were shipped to a warehouse and retail locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island.

The problem was discovered when FSIS was notified of sample testing results performed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Consumption of food adulterated by L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating adulterated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the adulterated food.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be at home in consumers’ freezers or refrigerators.

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

Related items, including the Whole Foods Class Deli Pasta Salad, have been listed for recall on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm469008.htm.

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

FSIS advises all consumers to reheat ready-to-eat product until steaming hot.

Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Heather McCready, Public Relations Manager, at (617) 492-5500.

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

PREPARING PRODUCT FOR SAFE CONSUMPTION
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHOTLINE or visit
www.fsis.usda.gov

Wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and poultry for at least 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills.

Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless reheated until steaming hot.

Do not eat refrigerated pate, meat spreads from a meat counter or smoked seafood found in the refrigerated section of the store. Foods that do not need refrigeration, like canned tuna and canned salmon, are safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening.

Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk and do not eat foods that have unpasteurized milk in them.

Do not eat salads made in the store, such as ham salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad or seafood salad.

Do not eat soft cheeses, such as Feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, Brie, Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses and Panela, unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk.

Use precooked or ready-to-eat food as soon as you can. L. monocytogenes can grow in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be

40º F or cooler and the freezer 0º F or colder Use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature of your refrigerator.

USDA Recall Classifications
Class I	This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
Class II	This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
Class III	This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.

Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Cabela’s 3Q fiscal 2015: total revenue increased 4.6% to $926.5 million

Adjusted Third Quarter Diluted EPS of $0.71
Total Revenue Increased 4.6% to $926.5 Million
U.S. Comp Store Sales Decreased 3.3%, Consolidated Comp Store Sales Decreased 4.2%
Cabela’s CLUB^® Avg. Receivables Grew 13.9% and Charge-Offs Remained at Record Low Levels
Restructuring Initiatives Expected to Reduce Operating Expenses as a Percentage of Total Revenue by 75 to 150 Basis Points Over the Next Three Years

SIDNEY, Neb., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Cabela’s Incorporated (NYSE:CAB) today reported financial results for third quarter fiscal 2015.

For the quarter, total revenue increased 4.6% to $926.5 million; Retail store revenue increased 6.5% to $637.8 million; Direct revenue decreased 7.9% to $161.6 million; and Financial Services revenue increased 13.3% to $123.6 million. During the period, consolidated comparable store sales decreased 4.2%.

For the quarter, adjusted for certain items, net income decreased 13.8% to $50.3 million compared to $58.3 millionin the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were $0.71 compared to $0.81 in the year ago quarter. The Company reported GAAP net income of $43.7 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.62 as compared to GAAP net income of $53.8 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.75 in the year ago quarter. Third quarter 2015 GAAP results included restructuring charges and other items of $0.09 in earnings per diluted share. See the supporting schedules to this earnings release labeled “Reconciliation of GAAP Reported to Non-GAAP Adjusted Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of the GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

“Continued strong performance in many of our key merchandise categories and exceptional performance at Cabela’s CLUB were not sufficient to offset the significant weakness in our fall apparel and footwear product lines,” said Tommy Millner, Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer. “During the quarter, we did take substantial and sustainable actions on our expense base, which will benefit 2016 and beyond.”

“Consolidated comparable store sales were down 4.2% for the quarter,” Millner said. “U.S. comparable store sales were down 3.3%. In both the United States and Canada, our customers have been slow to transition to fall apparel and footwear products. We were encouraged by positive comp performance in many of our core categories, including camping, powersports, home and gifts, firearms, and ammunition.”

“Our new format stores continue to significantly outperform our legacy stores in sales and profit per square foot, yet our U.S. stores opened in 2015 have underperformed our expectations,” Millner said. “Accordingly, we are evaluating our 2016 and 2017 store opening schedule. At this time, we plan to open seven stores in 2016 and no more than that in 2017. We have a number of initiatives underway to improve new store productivity and profitability, which gives us confidence in our long-term goal of 225 stores in North America.”

A shift in ammunition sales from the Direct channel to the Retail channel, continued softness in apparel and footwear categories, and further pressure from new retail square footage contributed to the 7.9% decrease in Direct channel revenue for the quarter.

Merchandise margins decreased 70 basis points in the quarter. Stronger hardline sales and weaker softline sales created a mix impact that accounted for approximately half of the decrease, while the other half was driven by a slightly higher markdown cadence across the assortment.

During the third quarter, the Company launched a major multi-year corporate restructuring project aimed at lowering its expense base to increase return on invested capital. The Company has already identified meaningful savings opportunities across the enterprise that are expected to result in a reduction of operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue by 75 to 150 basis points over the next three years.

In addition to its initiatives to reduce costs, the Company has begun a process to optimize its balance sheet. As part of this process, the Company plans to reduce working capital and sell unproductive assets. The proceeds from this balance sheet improvement will be used to help fund the Company’s previously announced $500 million share repurchase program.

The Cabela’s CLUB Visa program had another excellent quarter. During the quarter, growth in the average number of active credit card accounts was 6.6%. Growth in the average balance per active credit card account was 6.9%, and growth in the average balance of credit card loans was 13.9% to $4.6 billion. For the quarter, net charge-offs remained at historically low levels of 1.70%. Increased Financial Services revenue was driven by increases in interest and fee income as well as interchange income.

“With the revenue shortfall we experienced in the third quarter, we have reevaluated our fourth quarter and full-year expectations,” Millner said. “As a result, we expect a high-single-digit growth rate in revenue and approximately flat non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for full-year 2015 as compared to full-year 2014 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $2.88.”

Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss third quarter fiscal 2015 operating results is scheduled for today (Thursday, October 22, 2015) at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A webcast of the call will take place simultaneously and can be accessed by visiting the Investor Relations section of Cabela’s website at www.cabelas.com. A replay of the call will be archived on www.cabelas.com.

About Cabela’s Incorporated
Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s^® has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter^®. Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB^® Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB”.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical or current fact are “forward-looking statements” that are based on the Company’s beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of future events, taking into account the information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the Company’s statements regarding taking substantial and sustainable actions on its expense base, which will benefit 2016 and beyond; opening seven stores in 2016 and no more than that in 2017; having a number of initiatives underway to improve new store productivity and profitability, which gives it confidence in its long-term goal of 225 stores in North America; its multi-year corporate restructuring project aimed at lowering its expense base to increase return on invested capital; reducing operating expenses as a percentage of total revenue by 75 to 150 basis points over the next three years; reducing working capital and selling unproductive assets; and a high-single-digit growth rate in revenue and approximately flat non-GAAP earnings per diluted share for full-year 2015 as compared to full-year 2014 non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $2.88. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results, performance, or financial condition that the Company expresses or implies in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the state of the economy and the level of discretionary consumer spending, including changes in consumer preferences, demand for firearms and ammunition, and demographic trends; adverse changes in the capital and credit markets or the availability of capital and credit; the Company’s ability to successfully execute its omni-channel strategy; increasing competition in the outdoor sporting goods industry and for credit card products and reward programs; the cost of the Company’s products, including increases in fuel prices; the availability of the Company’s products due to political or financial instability in countries where the goods the Company sells are manufactured; supply and delivery shortages or interruptions, and other interruptions or disruptions to the Company’s systems, processes, or controls, caused by system changes or other factors; increased or adverse government regulations, including regulations relating to firearms and ammunition; the Company’s ability to protect its brand, intellectual property, and reputation; the Company’s ability to prevent cybersecurity breaches and mitigate cybersecurity risks; the outcome of litigation, administrative, and/or regulatory matters (including the ongoing Securities and Exchange Commission investigation, audits by tax authorities, and compliance examinations by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation); the Company’s ability to manage credit, liquidity, interest rate, operational, legal, regulatory capital, and compliance risks; the Company’s ability to increase credit card receivables while managing credit quality; the Company’s ability to securitize its credit card receivables at acceptable rates or access the deposits market at acceptable rates; the impact of legislation, regulation, and supervisory regulatory actions in the financial services industry; and other risks, relevant factors, and uncertainties identified in the Company’s filings with the SEC (including the information set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014, and Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 27, 2015), which filings are available at the Company’s website at www.cabelas.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements. The Company’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Other than as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Investor: Andrew Weingardt, 308-255-7428
Media: Nathan Borowski, 308-255-2861

SOURCE: Cabela’s Inc.

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Dixons Carphone’s Nordic division Elkjøp to buy Infocare Workshop, a service and repair company

Dixons Carphone buys Nordic repair partner

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Elkjøp, the Nordic division of Dixons Carphone plc, Europe’s leading specialist electrical and telecoms retailer and services company, has today entered into an agreement to buy Infocare Workshop, a service and repair company in the region.

The acquisition, which remains subject to Norwegian Competition Authority approval, is in line with the company’s strategy of owning the complete end-to-end customer service journey and will enable Elkjøp under the KNOWHOW service brand, to offer even better and more consistent service repair levels to its customers.

Group Strategy Director Andrew Lawley said: “People today are more dependent than ever on 24/7 connectivity and we know how vital it is to access fast, simple and reliable repairs when your tech goes wrong. We are delighted to secure this key part of the Nordic value chain, ensuring our KNOWHOW brand can maintain the high quality aftersales services levels we are known for whilst we look to further grow the business and develop our range of direct to consumer services.”

Elkjøp is the market leading electricals retailer in the Nordics, enjoying a 27% market share through a combination of both own and franchise stores. Infocare Workshop has been Elkjøp’s main partner for repairs of TVs, audio products, computers, tablets and cameras since 2007. As with CurrysPCWorld in the UK, Elkjøp offers services including product repair, TV set up services, PC support, back up services, transferring and deleting of data on mobile phones and installation of kitchens and heat pumps under the KNOWHOW brand.

Infocare Workshop employs 300 people and completes 3-400,000 repairs annually, with revenues of NOK 350 million. The company operates four repair sites, located in Kongsvinger (Norway), Helsinki (Finland) and Växsjö and Linköping (Sweden).

ENDS

For further information
Hannah Collyer
Head of Media Relations
+44 (0)1727 203 041

Helen Smith, Cerith Evans
Brunswick Group
+44 (0)207 404 5959

Information on Dixons Carphone plc is available at www.dixonscarphone.com
Follow us on Twitter: @DixonsCarphone and @DCSebJ

About Dixons Carphone
Dixons Carphone plc is Europe’s leading specialist electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over 40,000 people in 9 countries.

Focused on helping customers navigate the connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive range of electrical and mobile products, connectivity and expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and KNOWHOW.

Dixons Carphone’s primary brands include Carphone Warehouse, Currys and PC World in the UK & Ireland, Elkjøp, Elgiganten, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of UK & Ireland airports and Phone House in Spain, Sweden and Norway. Our key service brands include KNOWHOW in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, and Geek Squad in the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Business-to-business (B2B) services are provided through Connected World Services, PC World Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected World Services aims to leverage the Group’s existing expertise, operating processes and technology to provide a range of services to businesses.

Dixons Carphone plc
Hannah Collyer
Head of Group Media Relations
+44 (0) 834 256 775
Hannah.collyer@dixonscarphone.com

SOURCE: Dixons Carphone plc.

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Retail Focus noted Kesslers & L’Oréal as ‘Top-of-the-POPs’ for their Giorgio Armani Si point-of-purchase display range

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Retail Focus highlights Kesslers’ collaboration with L’Oréal Designer Fragrances for the in-store launch ofGiorgio Armani Si.

The retail news publication, which provides innovations and trends across the industry, noted Kesslers & L’Oréal as ‘Top-of-the-POPs’ for their Giorgio Armani Si point-of-purchase display range.

The point-of-purchase displays, designed and manufactured by Kesslers International, successfully created a uniformed brand presence in-store. The range of different sized displays produced, successfully accommodated the brand’s full national distribution outlets from; high-end flagship stores to mass-market department stores. The displays effectively brought the above the line TV advertising campaign, featuring Kate Blanchett, to life in-store.

Kesslers were pleased to have been highlighted in the magazine’s long-running feature, which each month, promotes one of the industry’s leading point-of-purchase display solutions.

To read the full article visit Retail Focus: http://bit.ly/1NpDGrL

SOURCE: Kesslers International Ltd
Contact us: +44 (0) 208 522 3000 | info@kesslers.com

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Retail Focus noted Kesslers & L’Oréal as ‘Top-of-the-POPs’ for their Giorgio Armani Si point-of-purchase display range

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Debenhams launches Christmas 2015 with a cross-channel marketing campaign

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Debenhams, the leading international multi-channel retailer launches Christmas 2015 with a cross- channel marketing campaign designed to showcase the department store’s gifting credentials.

‘Found It’, the highly successful campaign for 2014 is evolved for 2015 with a more emotive message which highlights Debenhams’ gift offering for a wide range of recipients – making the product the hero, demonstrating the breadth of offer and conveying the chain’s new leading-edge online delivery propositions including next day delivery when you order by midnight.

Designed to capture the period of both self-purchase, getting ready, and major gift buying the campaign launches in store at the end of October and aims to steal a lead in the battle for the Christmas shopper.

‘Found It’ will appear across the UK and ROI estate of 169 stores as well as in advertising, direct mail, online, PR and social media. The campaign takes a more personal approach to gifting through creating present suggestions for personas including: ‘Found It For the fashionista’; ‘ Found It For the girl who likes to sparkle’; ‘Found It For the weekender’; ‘Found It For the one you love’; and ‘Found It For the littlest one’. Store windows feature ‘Found It’ and showcase the best in gifting across all categories. An exclusive Oxford Street flagship window will be revealed on 1st November featuring dynamic video content in partnership with exclusive cosmetics brand, Make Up Forever, bringing the exterior of the building to life.

A further build on the £2 million investment made last year into Christmas decorations and collateral will continue to ensure customers feel festive and give a sense of theatre in store that cannot be replicated online. In addition, this year all Debenhams carrier bags will be ‘turning red’ with ‘Found It’ branding for the season.
Debenhams’ army of 180 personal shoppers are to become ‘Gift Finders’ and through an online reservation service customers will be able to book an appointment and delegate their Christmas shopping. Personal shoppers will find gifting solutions for loved ones as shoppers relax in the Personal Shopping gifting suite.

A print run of over 2 million, 160 page gift guides combine the retailer’s fashion and beauty, home and toy offer showcasing 1,000 gift ideas. These can be picked up in the retailers’ stores and have been inserted in the Mail on Sunday.

Digital and 48 sheet advertising breaks from early November followed by TV and radio advertising. TV concepts appear as 20” and 10” formats kicking off with the prime ITV X Factor break. The creative focuses on the emotion of a recipient when they receive the perfect gift. A host of famous voices have been recruited for the campaign including Dawn French, Sarah Millican, Jamelia and James Nesbitt. The six separate concepts will sit together as a 60” execution on YouTube. Retained agency J.Walter Thompson devised the campaign, TV executions were shot by Jamie & Jamie from the production company, Hoi Polloi and print executions were created by the Debenhams in house Creative team. This approach to shorter length TV ads sees the retailer doubling the number of times its customer will see the ad.

Further into the season six sheet posters along with consecutive single page print executions in titles including Grazia, Shortlist, Stylist, Stella, Sunday Times Style and You magazine will appear. National newspapers The Sun, Daily Mail, Metro, Daily Telegraph, Metro and Evening Standard also will carry executions.

Debenhams Marketing Director, Richard Cristofoli says, “The ’Found It’ campaign was designed to celebrate the moment of finding and receiving the perfect gift from a loved one. It was created as a campaign idea that would have longevity, not burn out after its first year. Feedback on our 2014 campaign was extremely positive and we are pleased to return with an even stronger emotional connection this year.

“Our campaign is multi-channel and seeks to make smart use of resource with for example, shorter length TV ads that see us deliver a higher frequency of media,” continues Cristofoli.

PR and social media will also highlight the offer with influencer gifting activity, Instagram and Facebook competitions. In addition, online curated gifting for persona editorial will showcase key items from the Debenhams offer. Customers will be encouraged to share a ‘selfie’ of themselves using #found it with the ideal gift they have found at Debenhams for the chance to win a £1,000 gift card. Entrants into the competition will also have the chance to appear as part of a Metro cover wrap in December. Activity to prompt continuous conversations using #foundit, which trended in the number one spot in the UK in 2014, will also take place throughout the period.

Set to deliver strong talking points globally, a range of international territories are also running elements of the ‘Found It’ campaign in support of Debenhams’ 70 international stores including Debenhams in Malta, Cyprus and Latvia.

Ends

CONTACTS

For further images and information please contact:
Alice Cottingham: 020 3549 6423 / alice.cottingham@debenhams.com

SOURCE: Debenhams Retail plc

###

Debenhams launches Christmas 2015 with a cross-channel marketing campaign

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Debenhams to launch in the Australian and Vietnamese markets in 2016

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Debenhams, the multichannel department retailer, is to drive its international presence further by launching in the Australian and Vietnamese markets in 2016. The move comes on the back of agreements with local market partners, Pepkor in Australia (part of the global retail giant, Steinhoff Group) and VinDS, part of Vingroup, one of Vietnam’s largest private companies.

A phased approach to expansion into Australia will see Debenhams enter the Southern hemisphere for the first time. A dedicated Debenhams-led Australian ecommerce site will launch prior to Christmas 2015. The site will offer product tailored to the market, local currency payment and will be the retailer’s first region-specific site.

Debenhams’ own brand womenswear, womens’ accessories and menswear product will be distributed and retailed within selected, Pepkor-owned, Harris Scarfe stores from October 2016. Future plans include the launch of Debenhams branded franchise stores offering the full product range including fashion, cosmetics and home.

In Vietnam, Vingroup will distribute products in their Fashion Megastore department store chain from early 2016 with selected womenswear and menswear brands sold in 15 stores across the country by the end of the year.

Debenhams Chief Executive Michael Sharp says, “International expansion is a key strategic priority for us and we are delighted to be working with Pepkor in Australia with a new multi-channel business model, selling our brands online, in Harris Scarfe stores and opening Debenhams stores longer term.

“Selling our own brands outside of Debenhams offers a new leg of growth for the business. Our distribution agreement with Vingroup in Vietnam will introduce our brands to this exciting market for the first time”, continues Sharp.

“International expansion is one of our key strategic priorities and we believe that the Australian market holds a lot of potential. Our product range translates well and many consumers are aware of our brands and Designers . We are excited to deliver a business model which includes distribution, franchise and e-commerce channels.

“The opportunity for Debenhams to expand internationally includes distributing our products to new customers and working with Vingroup in Vietnam enables us to complement the existing Fashion Megastore offering with a clear point of difference”, continues Sharp.

John Scott, Director of International Business Development for Debenhams said, “Both deals are hugely exciting and significant for Debenhams.

“Australia is a market that we have been reviewing for a number of years and we are delighted to be working with Pepkor, and the wider Steinhoff Group. They are a true global player with the necessary resource and local market expertise to drive our business forward in the region.

“Working with Vingroup we will equally benefit from their market leading knowledge and expertise in the Vietnamese market. Plans to grow the Fashion Megastore concept over the coming years will see Vingroup take a dominant position in the department store sector which Debenhams will now be part of.”

Jason Murray, Managing Director of Pepkor South East Asia, said, “We are delighted to have secured this partnership with Debenhams. The wholesale arrangement will augment our efforts to revitalise and grow the Harris Scarfe business, while franchise stores will complement our HS stores and add to our back office scale. These stores will be contemporary, smaller scale flagships which we believe will be Australia’s first genuine modern department stores. Graham Dean, CEO of Harris Scarfe, and his team bring deep UK and Australian department store experience to this venture.”

Munish Rishi, CEO of VINDS (Consumer lifestyle arm of Vingroup) said, “We are pleased to announce our agreement to distribute Debenhams brands. We believe the partnership will bring significant value to our Fashion Megastore proposition and prove an attractive offer for Vietnamese consumers looking for fashionable, quality and affordable products. We plan to bring best of Debenhams’ brands to the market as key differentiator for our Fashion Megastore’s with 8 additional stores opening in next 2 months and a plan to launch 30 stores over next 3 years.”

Debenhams currently has 248 stores across 28 countries opening its first international store in Bahrain in 1997 followed by further stores across the Middle East including Egypt, Kuwait, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai and now Abu Dhabi). Stores are also now located in Europe, and South East and South West Asia.

Debenhams plans to grow its international business to around 30% of the total, through franchise expansion, international online growth and distributing owned brands beyond Debenhams franchise markets. Debenhams recently opened up its largest global franchise store, in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the retailer’s second store in Avia Park Moscow, is the largest Debenhams store opened to date in mainland Europe.

-Ends-

About Debenhams
Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades out of more than 240 stores across 27 countries. Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions. In the UK, Debenhams has a top three market position in womenswear and menswear and a top ten share in childrenswear. It holds the number two market position in premium health and beauty. Debenhams has been investing in British design for 21 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands. Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Savannah Miller, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, FrostFrench, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Todd Lynn, Julien Macdonald, Jenny Packham, Stephen Jones, Preen, Giles Deacon Janet Reger, John Rocha, Ashley Thomas, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson. About Steinhoff, Pepkor and Harris Scarfe Pepkor has a global portfolio of apparel and homewares retail chains, mostly focused around value. It was bought this year by the Steinhoff Group, a South African based retail conglomerate. The combined business had turnover in 2014 of over €11bn and global footprint of over 6,000 stores. Pepkor is the owner of Pep &Co, the recently launched UK chain which already has 50 stores open. Harris Scarfe is one five brands operated by Pepkor in Australasia. It is a department store retailer, offering a range of own brand and branded homewares, electrical goods, women’s and men’s wear. Harris Scarfe offer two formats; the Harris Scarfe full range stores with soft and hard homewares, electrical, footwear, lingerie and fashion; and the HS Home stores ranging only soft and hard homewares and electrical. Originally founded in Adelaide, South Australia in 1849, Harris Scarfe was purchased by Pepkor in 2012 and has subsequently focused on expanding its store portfolio, on updating its offer and on modernising its existing stores. It employs more than 2,000 staff in over 50 stores across the metro and regional areas of South Australia, Tasmania, New South Wales, ACT and Queensland. Its HQ is in Melbourne, Victoria. About Vingroup Vingroup Joint Stock Company (Vingroup JSC), formerly known as Technocom, was founded in Ukraine in 1993 by an ambitious group of Vietnamese youths. Technocom began with food production and quickly found great success with the Mivina brand. During the early years of the 21st century, Technocom was ranked among Ukraine’s Top 100 largest and most influential companies. In 2000,Technocom – Vingroup returned to Vietnam with ambition to contribute the country’s development. Emphasizing sustainable long-term development, Vingroup initially focused investments on real estate and hospitality through two key brands, Vincom and Vinpearl. Ten years of hard work and dedication turned Vincom into one of Vietnam’s premier real estate brands with a number of mixed-used developments in major cities, combining modern shopping malls, offices and luxury apartments in a single complex, leading the trend towards smart, eco-luxury urban projects in Vietnam. Alongside Vincom Vinpearl has also become the leader in Vietnam’s tourism industry, featuring international 5-star and above hotels, resorts, beach villas, amusement parks and golf courses. In January 2012, Vinpearl JSC merged into Vincom JSC to form Vingroup JSC. The new structure ensures sustained development and allows Vingroup to focus on developing its strategic brands: • Vinhomes (Luxury serviced apartments and villas) • Vincom (Premium shopping malls) • Vinpearl (Hotels & Resorts) • Vinpearl Land (Entertainment) • Vinmec (Healthcare services) • Vinschool (Education) • VinEcom (E-commerce) • Vincom Office (Offices for lease) • Vinmart (Supermarket) • Vinfashion (Fashion) • Vincharm (Fitness and beauty care) • Almaz (The International Cuisine & Convention Center) • VinPro Vingroup continues to pioneer and lead consumer trends in each of its businesses introducing Vietnamese consumers to a brand new, modern life-style with international-standard products and services. Vingroup has created a respected, well-recognized Vietnamese brand and is proud to be one of the nation’s leading private enterprises. With these achievements, Vingroup is recognized as one of the most dynamic, successful, well-capitalized companies in Vietnam, well-positioned for international integration and comparable to the best regional and global peers.

CONTACTS

For further images and information please contact:
Alice Cottingham: 020 3549 6423 / alice.cottingham@debenhams.com

SOURCE: Debenhams Retail plc

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Debenhams to launch in the Australian and Vietnamese markets in 2016

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Debenhams Top Toys for Xmas 2015

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Parents will recognise the toys that are top of their kids’ Christmas lists to Santa from their own childhood.

Twenty three years ago mums and dads raced to snap up Tracy Island and Thunderbird characters from the popular children’s TV show as shops struggled to cope with demand.

This year ITV’s hit remake “Thunderbirds are Go” is already creating a new buzz for the characters and Tracy Island toy, Debenhams has revealed, only this time the iconic Island is an interactive version that is grabbing the attention of youngsters and parents alike.

The forthcoming new Star Wars epic “Episode VII– The Force Awakens” has added to the nostalgia surrounding predictions for toys that will top the wish-lists for this year’s Christmas stockings. The first Star War toys originally went on sale in 1978.

“We may be ten weeks away from the big day but we are seeing the trends developing now and it’s the toys that we knew when we were growing up that are proving to be the favourites, although they have been brought bang up to date with the help of new technology.” said toys buyer at Debenhams James Ford.

Another toy making a come-back this year is The Bratz girls, first launched in 2002, with the new versions more edgy than ever. Disney’s Frozen, last year’s must-have toy, is predicted to once again be a best seller, while Lego retains its timeless appeal among kids of all ages.

Debenhams predict the key LEGO themes this year will be the martial arts inspired Ninjago, the music themed LEGO Friends Pop Stars sets and of course the latest LEGO Starwars sets taken from the new long awaited new film.

Products from another film spin off, The Good Dinosaur, continues youngster’s love of all things prehistoric and, there has been fantastic demand for cute collectable Shopkins and the lovable Minions characters from the successful trilogy of movies.

Interactive Pets are a massive trend and brands like Little Live Pets, which include talking birds, singing and dancing mice, turtles and butterflies, are predicted to be amongst the top tech toys requested by under 11 year olds. James added: “Many of the toys have recently launched in-store and we are seeing customers already seeking out and buying the large must-have toys to ensure the children in their lives are not disappointed this Christmas.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure we have enough stock throughout the Christmas period. It never hurts to start early when it comes to sourcing popular gifts, such as in-demand toys, but we are sure that whatever the child, or adult in your life wants, with over 5000 toys in our range online you will find it at Debenhams.”

One third of all toys are bought at Xmas with Britons spending £2.9 billion a year.

Debenhams Top Toys for Xmas 2015

Bratz Dolls and Accessories

The Good Dinosaur

Frozen dolls and accessories

Shopkins

Interactive Pets (such as Little Live Pets)

LEGO Ninjago

LEGO Friends Pop Stars

Minions

Star Wars

Thunderbirds

Top Toys from the last Decade:

2014 – Frozen dolls and accessories

2013 – Furby

2012 – Skylander

2011 – Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster (foam-disc shooter)

2010 – Toy Story Buzz Lightyear jet pack

2009 – Go Go Hamsters

2008 – High School Musical dance mat

2007 – Nintendo Wii

2006 – Doctor Who Cybermen Mask

2005 – Tamogotchi

CONTACTS
Rebecca Crutchley / rebecca.crutchley@debenhams.com

SOURCE: Debenhams Retail plc

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Debenhams Top Toys for Xmas 2015

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Office Depot announced its “Gear Up for Gifting” holiday campaign

BOCA RATON, Fla., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Office Depot, Inc., a leading global provider of office products, services, and solutions and parent company of Office Depot and OfficeMax, today announced its “Gear Up for Gifting” holiday campaign at all retail stores and at officedepot.com/holiday with early Black Friday deals, special holiday fashion collections, free delivery for qualifying $35 online orders1, and mailing and shipping services.

“Office Depot offers products and services to help holiday shoppers ‘Gear Up for Gifting’,” said Tim Rea, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Office Depot, Inc. “We’re excited to share gift collections that make it convenient to shop and give personalized gifts this holiday season.”

Early Black Friday and “Every Monday is Cyber Monday” deals

According to the National Retail Federation, approximately 40 percent of consumers begin their holiday shoppingbefore Halloween each year. To accommodate so many early shoppers, Office Depot and OfficeMax will unveil exclusive daily and weekly product deals from its most desirable shopping categories including technology, printers, and furniture alongside other business and home office supplies.

Whether in store or online, customers will find a great gift at a great value any day of the week with the company’s Early Black Friday deals available starting on Sunday, Nov. 8 and “Every Monday is Cyber Monday” online deals on Nov. 2, 9, 16, and 23.2 Additional Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals will be announced soon. Customers can sign up for alerts to receive notifications about Black Friday in-store and online deals and events at officedepot.com/blackfriday. Cyber Monday deals at officedepot.com/cybermonday will be valid starting Sunday, Nov. 29.

Early Black Friday deals on high-performing laptops at great prices, available both online and in stores, include:

Valid Nov. 8-14

Toshiba laptop bundle for $329.99 (regular price $549.98; save $220)
- Includes Toshiba laptop, Microsoft Office 365, Windows 10, 16GB USB flash drive and wireless mouse
Toshiba Satellite C55D laptop for $219.99 after $130 instant savings and $50 mail-in Visa pre-paid card
Lexar 32GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive for $9.99 (regular price $39.99; save $30)
- Up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0 drive
All printers on sale (in stores only), including the HP Envy 5534 for $79.99 (regular price $129.99; save $50)
- Exclusively at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores
- Features wireless print, copy, and scan

Valid Nov. 15-21

Lowest price ever, Toshiba Satellite C55 laptop with 8 GB memory and Intel® Core™ i3 Processor for only $349.99 (regular price $549.99; after $150 instant savings & $50 mail-in Visa pre-paid card
Lenovo Tab 2 A8 Tablet for $99.99 (regular price $159.99; save $60)
50% off HP Envy 4500, $49.99 (regular price $99.99; save $50)
- Features wireless print, copy, and scan

Exclusive holiday collections and personalized gifts

For your hard to shop for co-worker, Office Depot and OfficeMax’s Co-worker Collection delivers the perfect dose of snarky wit and thoughtful humor to complement gifts that fit everyone’s personality. Coming soon to an Office Depot or an OfficeMax retail store near you, find the best gift and accompanying tagline, especially relevant for your co-workers starting Nov. 1.

Gift your family and friends with the most fashionable gear this holiday season. The Divoga® brand fashion collections, exclusively at Office Depot and OfficeMax, are ideal for all go-to holiday gear. Cozy Cabin offers everything from notecards and ear buds to phone cases and tablet sleeves in warm, holiday patterns, with pops of gold to add a little sparkle to your gear. Merry & Bright includes charming, must-have products decorated with bright, wintry colors and playful prints to inspire the holiday season.

Gift givers can count on Office Depot and OfficeMax’s Copy & Print Center to create personalized gifts such as holiday cards for businesses and families, customized calendars and photo gifts, such as personalized smartphone cases, tablet covers, ornaments and canvas gifts.

Office Depot and OfficeMax offer a wide selection of gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Whether you need a gift for someone in the office, a client, family member or friend, or even an impulse buy for yourself, Office Depot and OfficeMax have all the business and home office essentials, technology products and accessories you need. Shop for even more holiday gifts online at officedepot.com/holiday.

Shopper services: Free delivery and mailing and shipping services

Now, Office Depot and OfficeMax customers are eligible to receive free shipping for qualifying online purchases of $35 or more, making it fast and easy to shop from the comfort of home.

Take advantage of mailing and shipping services to drop off or ship UPS, FedEx and U.S. Postal Service packages to national, international and military base locations. And, extended hours offer night and weekend drop off to mail and ship packages. Plus, ground, express and overnight options accommodate timely shipping for last-minute purchases.

Elf Yourself® this holiday season

The annual holiday tradition, Elf Yourself®, is back this year with more ways to brighten the season. The popular dancing elves have new grooves and a few festive surprises that are sure to bring a smile to your friends and family when the updated app launches soon. The Elf Yourself® season will start Nov. 1 to surprise and delight all; Download the Elf Yourself app or share it with a friend, family member or colleague for some light-hearted holiday fun.

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

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

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

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

¹Place a qualifying order of $35 or more with OfficeDepot.com, and if you’re in one of our many local delivery areas, your delivery will be FREE. Minimum purchase required is calculated after discounts and before taxes are applied. Most furniture, oversize and special order items are excluded. Other restrictions may apply. Visit officedepot.com/delivery for details.

²While supplies last

Office Depot, Inc.
Julianne Embry, 561-438-1451
julianne.embry@officedepot.com
or
Sarah England, 561-438-1448
sarah.england@officedepot.com

SOURCE: Office DEPOT® | OfficeMax®

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Office Depot expands its big and tall seating assortment

BOCA RATON, Fla., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP), a leading global provider of office products, services, and solutions, and parent company of Office Depot and OfficeMax, today announced an expansion of its big and tall seating assortment. The exclusive line offers a customized solution to those in need of a quality chair that fits a wider range of body types and sizes and is now available in both Office Depot and OfficeMax retail locations and online.

A recent Office Depot Small Business Index found that 76 percent of employees are concerned about proper posture when sitting at work but nearly half (43 percent) do not have a chair tailored for their height and weight. Unsurprisingly, 56 percent of those that use an office chair on a daily basis claim that they suffer from back pain.

“Poor seating is known to cause health risks, and given today’s emphasis on proper, ergonomic seating, finding the right office chair to fit your body is essential,” said Petter Knutrud, senior vice president of merchandising for Office Depot, Inc. “Our line of big and tall chairs are the sturdy, physically beneficial seating solution for working professionals to enhance productivity – and the entire workday experience.”

Selecting the right office chair for the right body type enhances comfort and may even benefit the user by promoting circulation and providing spine support. Office Depot’s big and tall chairs provide day-long comfort for larger users and come in a variety of styles such as executive chairs with lumbar cushions and height- and tilt-adjustable options for extra support, or low- and mid-back task chairs that allow for easy movement. These chairs are designed for intensive use six to eight hours per day and meet or exceed ANSI/BIFMA performance standards for comfort, safety, sustainability and durability.

With extra inches added on to standard chair dimensions, Office Depot’s collection of big and tall chairs make it easy for long limbs to get comfortable. Seating solutions, such as the new WorkPro 7000® Series Big & Tall High-Back Chair, are designed to meet consumers’ needs with:

Durable mesh seating style popular for its breathability
Cable control system to comfortably and easily make adjustments from a seated position
High quality molded foam seat cushion that offers ultimate comfort, support and durability and better maintains shape over time
Height-adjustable back to accommodate a variety of heights from average to extra tall

Visit us online for more information and to purchase big and tall chairs, including brands and models that are available exclusively at Office Depot and OfficeMax.

Survey Methodology/Sample Qualification

From August 14-28, 2015, Office Depot conducted interviews via the Internet among a nationally representative sample of 974 small- and medium-sized businesses.

About Office Depot, Inc.

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

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

Office Depot, Inc.
Sarah England, 561-438-1448
sarah.england@officedepot.com

SOURCE: Office DEPOT^® | OfficeMax^®

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Zalando launches Brand Diaries – a video series featuring Polo Ralph Lauren, TOPSHOP and Levi’s®

BERLIN, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Zalando launches Brand Diaries: three brands, three ambassadors and three stories. Following in the footsteps of the Share Your Style campaign, where influencers such as Lucky Blue Smith and Caroline de Maigret shared their style insights, Zalando launches Brand Diaries – a video series featuring Polo Ralph Lauren, TOPSHOP and Levi’s®. Europe’s biggest online platform for fashion invited key representatives of these three iconic fashion brands to talk about their style in the context of a different city: New York, London and San Francisco.

To portrait Polo Ralph Lauren, the American heritage brand selected international men’s influencer Adam Gallagher. Exclusively for the Brand Diaries, Adam talks about his career, style evolution as well as the influence New York has on his lifestyle. Working out in Washington Square Park, admiring the Flatiron building or getting a quick coffee at Ralph’s Café are just a few of the things that contribute to Adam’s style. His modern gentleman and dapper looks, in photoshoots taken next to iconic NYC landmarks, accentuate the current Polo Ralph Lauren collection for men.

TOPSHOP Global Design Director, Jacqui Markham, reveals how London and British style inspires the brand’s collections, what her exciting job entails, whose style she admires and how she’d describe her own personal style. In her closing words Jacqui says: “fashion should not be serious. It is about having fun, just experiment”.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Jonathan Cheung – Senior Vice President Design Levi’s – shares his favourite spots in San Francisco, the world’s denim capital. Straight cut, boot cut or flares – Jonathan explains us what is trending this season and how Northern California is part of the brand´s DNA. The Levi´s® Brand has invented jeans for men over 150 years ago, and also brought the first ever jeans for women to the world 80 years ago. This Autumn´s Levi’s collection is paying homage to California’s “Lost Coast”, a wild and secluded part of the Northern California area.

Brand Diaries will launch on the 21^st October 2015 in Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. On zalando.com’s #shareyourstyle hub customers will find a range of inspirational digital and mobile-friendly content.

#shareyourstyle

Notes to Editors

CAMPAIGN CREDITS
BRAND DIARIES
Concept: Zalando
Art direction: Zalando

POLO RALPH LAUREN
Videographer: Cycy Sanders
Photographer: Nick Pierce / GALLA

TOPSHOP
Video/Photographer: Alick Cotterill

LEVI’S
Video/Photographer: Matthew Justus

About Zalando
Zalando (https://corporate.zalando.com) is Europe’s leading online fashion platform for women, men and children. We offer our customers a one-stop, convenient shopping experience with an extensive selection of fashion articles including shoes, apparel and accessories, with free delivery and returns. Our assortment of over 1,500 international brands ranges from popular global brands, fast fashion and local brands, and is complemented by our private label products. Our localized offering addresses the distinct preferences of our customers in each of the 15 European markets we serve: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland and the United Kingdom. Our logistics network with three centrally located fulfillment centers in Germany allows us to efficiently serve our customers throughout Europe. We believe that our integration of fashion, operations and online technology give us the capability to deliver a compelling value proposition to both our customers and fashion brand partners. Zalando’s shops attract over 135 million visits per month. In the second quarter of 2015, around 57 percent of traffic came from mobile devices, resulting in close to 16.4 million active customers by the end of the quarter.

Contact Zalando

Jolanda Smit
Head of Global PR
jolanda.smit@zalando.de
+49 176 12759223

SOURCE: Zalando

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From left to right: Adam Gallagher (Polo Ralph Lauren), Jacqui Markham (TOPSHOP), Jonathan Cheung (Levi´s®)

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Hudson’s Bay Company launches Find @ Lord & Taylor, new off-price concept catering to younger demographic

First Location Debuts November 2015 in New Jersey
Five Additional Openings Planned for 2016

NEW YORK, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hudson’s Bay Company announced today the launch of Find @ Lord & Taylor, a new off-price concept catering to a younger demographic and delivering on-trend, in-season product at amazing prices. Opening its first store in Paramus, New Jersey in November 2015, Find @ Lord & Taylor will launch in the Northeastern United States, with six additional store openings planned for 2016.

“Off-price continues to be a key driver of HBC’s growth strategy, and we are thrilled to expand this business with the introduction of our newest concept,” stated Jerry Storch, CEO, Hudson’s Bay Company. “We see significant opportunity for expansion and remain committed to investing in this sector through new store opening and developments. We believe Find @ Lord & Taylor will be a great entry point to introduce the Lord & Taylor brand to new consumers.”

Find @ Lord & Taylor stores will average 30,000 square feet, offering a compelling assortment of women’s, men’s, and kids’ apparel and footwear, with a fun, easy-to-shop experience. Unlike other HBC Outlets, Find @ Lord & Taylor will also offer an expanded Home selection. By combining the best in brands with outstanding value, shoppers will enjoy fresh and distinct apparel and home fashion offerings from leading brands at savings of up to 70% off.

“We believe we have the right mix of compelling price points, new locations and easy-to-shop store formats to target a new demographic of shoppers,” said Jonathan Greller, President of Outlets, Hudson’s Bay Company. “Our goal is to offer our consumers an exciting merchandise mix at impressive prices.”

Find @ Lord & Taylor is part of HBC’s Outlet Division, along with Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH. For more information, visit findit.com.

About Hudson’s Bay Company
Hudson’s Bay Company is one of the fastest-growing department store retailers in the world, based on its successful formula of driving the performance of high quality stores and their all-channel offerings, unlocking the value of real estate holdings and growing through acquisitions. Founded in 1670, HBC is the oldest company in North America. With the recent completion of its acquisition of GALERIA Kaufhof Group, HBC’s portfolio today includes eight banners, in formats ranging from luxury to better department stores to off price, with more than 460 stores and 65,000 employees around the world.

In North America, HBC’s leading banners include Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH, along with Find @ Lord & Taylor and Home Outfitters. In Europe, its banners include GALERIA Kaufhof, the largest department store group in Germany, Belgium’s only department store group Galeria INNO, as well as Sportarena.

HBC has significant investments in real estate joint ventures. It has partnered with Simon Property Group Inc. in HBS Global Properties Joint Venture, which owns properties in the United States and Germany. In Canada, it has partnered with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust in the RioCan-HBC Joint Venture.

Hudson’s Bay Company
Tiffany Bourré
905-595-7184
416-571-1301 (cell)
tiffany.bourre@hbc.com

Source: Hudson’s Bay Company

News Provided by Acquire Media

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

RONA celebrates the achievements of four of its stores in this year’s Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORAs)

Boucherville (Québec), 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — RONA is proud to celebrate the achievements of four of its stores in this year’s Outstanding Retailer Awards (ORAs) in the following categories: Best Building Centre over 15,000 sq.ft. (W. Filsinger & Sons RONA, Guelph, Ont.); Best Contractor Specialist Retailer (Contractor First by RONA, Calgary, Alta.); Best Large Surface Retailer (RONA Golden Mile, Scarborough, Ont.) and Young Retailer of the Year (Josh Beusekom, Manager, Fort Macleod TRU Hardware, Fort Macleod, Alta.).

“We have set a record this year garnering no less than four Outstanding Retailer Awards, said Luc Rodier, Executive Vice President, Retail at RONA. These stores all have tremendous success in their respective markets for a variety of reasons but they all have the following in common: they are dedicated, true leaders in their local communities and embody the seal of excellence that is associated with the RONA brand. We are proud of the recognition they have received through these awards.”

Launched in 1992, the ORAs are the industry’s only independent awards program dedicated to celebrating the achievements of hardware, home improvement and building supply dealers in Canada. In its 23-year history, the program has honoured more than 140 retailers. The 2015 awards were presented at a special ORA Gala Dinner organized as part of the Hardlines Annual Conference, held October 21nd, at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and Conference Centre.

Outstanding Retailer Award – Best Building Centre over 15,000 sq.ft.
W. Filsinger & Sons RONA was established in 1995 on an eight-acre site in Guelph, Ontario. For a long time, the store focused mostly on renovators and home builders, leaving little space for proper product display. Then, in 2011, the store underwent an ambitious expansion, more than tripling the retail space. That renovation included a Building Project Centre, which displays exterior siding, windows, doors, and decking. It also houses the largest bath showroom in the store’s market. This comprehensive, one-stop-shop is at the heart of the store’s appeal to retail customers and contractors alike. Since the completion of the Building Project Centre, the store has doubled its cash sale percentage and seen a marked increase in female shoppers. Despite the proximity of four other hardware and building supply stores within a two-kilometre range, the store has maintained steady sales increases over the years.

Outstanding Retailer Award – Best Contractor Specialist Retailer
Contractor First is a RONA store located in Calgary, Alberta, that expanded in 2012 when it joined forces with a contractor yard in Calgary and welcomed 22 new employees. The infusion of experienced staff, as well as additional equipment, allowed the store to combine the best practices of both businesses. One year later, the store’s name was changed to Contractor First by RONA. As a leader in the building materials sector in Calgary, Contractor First takes pride in serving its customers consistently and professionally—day in and day out. And those customers range from “walk-in” DIYers to small contractors, and even some of Calgary’s largest home builders. Key to the store’s success has been the sales team’s ability to build strong relationships with contractors, thanks to the very knowledgeable employees that are dedicated to getting them the information and products they need on time to avoid delays.

Outstanding Retailer Award – Best Large Surface Retailer
RONA Golden Mile is the top-performing RONA big box store in Ontario. Located in Scarborough, it also holds the largest volume of products, while remaining the most profitable. Padam Dugal, the store manager, joined the team in 2008 while the country was facing a recession. Since then, RONA Golden Mile has achieved great sales growth with increases that are rare in this type of economy. Padam attributes much of that growth to the store’s loyal and committed team. Employees are empowered to think outside of the box and deal with customers’ concerns on the spot in a timely and effective manner. Although competition is steep, with five Home Depots nearby and a Lowe’s right in its backyard, sales have actually gone up since the Lowe’s opened. Part of that sales jump is due to the Contractor Desk, which not only provides prompt customer service but treats all account holders like family. In 2012, Golden Mile RONA added a centralized service desk in the centre of the store to sell project packages. The desk also offers installed and special-order services. Since it opened, installed sales have more than doubled.

Outstanding Retailer Award – Young Retailer of the Year
At just 21 years old, Josh Beusekom and his two business partners decided to open a hardware store. When the Fort Macleod TRU Hardware store opened two years ago, it received great support from the community in Fort Macleod, Alberta. And the support is mutual—staff value what each customer says and they sincerely care about whether customers’ projects turn out the way they’d hoped or if they simply have an enjoyable shopping experience. Josh trains all the staff himself, with support from vendors on specific product training. Having the right products and great customer service are key to Josh’s business. He always goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. He has previously dropped off products and instructed customers on how to use them, and once not only delivered a Christmas tree to an elderly customer, he even put it up for her. Josh’s involvement with the Chamber of Commerce keeps the store visible and helps promote shoppers from traveling to nearby Lethbridge, only 30 minutes away, where there are many retail outlets, including big box stores.

ABOUT RONA
RONA inc. is a major distributor and retailer of hardware, building materials and home renovation products in Canada. The Corporation operates a network of over 500 corporate and independent dealer affiliate stores under several different banners, and in a number of complementary formats. With its nine distribution centres, RONA serves its store network as well as many independent dealers operating under other banners, including the Ace banner which RONA is licenced to use and for which it is the exclusive distributor in Canada. With some 24,000 employees, the Corporation generates annual consolidated sales of $4.1 billion. For more information, visit rona.ca.

PRESS CONTACT

Phone:514-599-5900 ext. 5271
Email:media@rona.ca

SOURCE: RONA

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

The TJX Companies completed its acquisition of Trade Secret, off-price retailer that operates 35 stores in Australia, from Gazal Corporation Limited

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX), the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Trade Secret, an off-price retailer that operates 35 stores in Australia, from Gazal Corporation Limited (ASX: GZL) for a purchase price of AUD$80 million subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The acquisition of Trade Secret provides TJX an opportunistic entry into Australia, where TJX currently operates one of its 13 buying offices.

Trade Secret offers branded apparel for women, men and children, as well as footwear, accessories and home fashions at great values. Trade Secret stores are located in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Capital Territory. Trade Secret opened its first store in 1992 and since then, has grown to over AUD$160 million in revenue for its fiscal year ended June 2015.

Carol Meyrowitz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The TJX Companies, Inc., stated, “We are very pleased to add Trade Secret to the TJX family of companies, which fits directly into our clear vision for continued global growth. Trade Secret’s business is closely aligned with ours, and this acquisition provides us with immediate scale and first-mover advantages in Australia. We believe that, similar to our successful expansion in Canada, which started with our acquisition of Winners in 1990, we can further develop Trade Secret by leveraging our off-price leadership experience, global buying scale, vendor universe, marketing, and other capabilities. As one of the few major U.S. retailers to have expanded profitably in international markets, includingCanada and Europe, we are very confident in our potential to grow successfully in our third continent and eighth country. We are delighted to welcome Trade Secret and its organization to TJX.”

About The TJX Companies, Inc.
The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. As of August 1, 2015, the end of the Company’s second quarter, the Company operated a total of 3,461 stores in seven countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Austria, and three e-commerce sites. These include 1,130 T.J. Maxx, 990 Marshalls, 503 HomeGoods and 6 Sierra Trading Post stores, as well as tjmaxx.com and sierratradingpost.com in the United States; 240 Winners, 97 HomeSense, and 39 Marshalls stores in Canada; and 423 T.K. Maxx and 33 HomeSense stores, as well as tkmaxx.com, in Europe. TJX’s press releases and financial information are also available at tjx.com.

Important Information at Website

The Company routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the Investor Information section at tjx.com. The Company encourages investors to consult that section of its website regularly.

Forward-looking Statement

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Various statements made in this release are forward-looking and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect or believe may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The following are some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: the announced acquisition may not yield the expected benefits; execution of buying strategy and inventory management; operational and business expansion and management of large size and scale; customer trends and preferences; marketing, advertising and promotional programs; competition; personnel recruitment, training and retention; labor costs and workforce challenges; economic conditions and consumer spending; data security; information systems and new technology; adverse or unseasonable weather; serious disruptions or catastrophic events; seasonal influences; corporate and retail banner reputation; merchandise quality and safety; expanding international operations; merchandise importing; commodity pricing; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; fluctuations in quarterly operating results and market expectations; mergers, acquisitions, or business investments and divestitures, closings or business consolidations; compliance with laws, regulations and orders; changes in laws and regulations; outcomes of litigation, legal matters and proceedings; tax matters; real estate activities; cash flow and other factors that may be described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied in such statements will not be realized.

Source: The TJX Companies, Inc.

The TJX Companies, Inc.
Debra McConnell
Global Communications
(508) 390-2323

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

BJ’s Restaurants reports its revenues increased 11.1% during fiscal 2015 third quarter

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.(NASDAQ:BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2015 third quarter that ended onTuesday, September 29, 2015.

Third Quarter 2015 Highlights Compared to Third Quarter 2014

Total revenues increased 11.1% to $229.4 million

Total restaurant operating weeks increased approximately 10%

Comparable restaurant sales increased 2.3%

Net income increased 90.7% to $12.4 million from $6.5 million (third quarter 2015 net income includes a $2.9 million pre-tax gain related to a lease termination)

Diluted net income per share increased 108.7% to $0.48 from $0.23 (third quarter 2015 diluted net income per share includes an $0.08 gain related to a lease termination)

2015 development plan for 16 new restaurants remains on target with six new restaurants opened during the third quarter, 13 opened in the first nine months of the year and three to open during the fourth quarter (of which one has already opened)

“BJ’s strong third quarter financial results were driven by solid comparable restaurant sales gains and further success in optimizing our operating practices and efficiencies,” commented Greg Trojan, President and CEO. “Our positive 2.3% increase in comparable restaurant sales represents our fifth consecutive quarter of positive comparable restaurant sales which, coupled with our productivity initiatives, resulted in another quarter of solid four-wall restaurant level operating margins of 19.7%, a 210 basis point year-over year improvement. Menu enhancements have been one of the key strategies driving our top line sales, and we remain focused on adding unique, craveable and differentiated items to our menu. During the third quarter we introduced a summer assortment of ‘Loaded’ burgers led by our top selling Hickory Brisket and Bacon Burger, our limited time Peanut Butter and Jelly Pizookie® and our Temple Of Stone IPA beer, in collaboration with the award-winning Stone Brewing Co., all with favorable guest feedback. More recently, we launched new fall appetizer flavors featuring our Dry Rub and Root Beer Glazed Wings, which are also being well received by our guests.”

Trojan continued, “By focusing on fundamentals such as food quality and value, menu innovation and gold standard hospitality, we will continue to drive top line sales. Our sales focus and initiatives to aggressively manage our cost structure are delivering consistent earnings growth and, combined with our ongoing national restaurant expansion program, creating value for our shareholders. We remain committed to building the best brand and best company in casual dining, and our substantial progress against this goal has established a platform for continued near and long-term growth.”

In the third quarter of fiscal 2015, BJ’s opened six new restaurants in Huntsville, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; Melbourne, Florida; Avon, Indiana; Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Newport News, Virginia. Earlier this month, during the fourth quarter, the Company opened another new restaurant in Canton, Ohio. “With the upcoming opening of our Akron, Ohio restaurant next week followed by our Longview, Texas restaurant in mid-November, we will achieve our goal of 16 new restaurants in fiscal 2015,” added Trojan. “With only 169 restaurants in 22 states currently open and estimated national capacity for at least 425 BJ’s restaurants, we are excited that the majority of our growth remains ahead of us. Our 2016 pipeline is in excellent shape and we currently anticipate the opening of 18 to 19 new restaurants. Looking forward, our development team is actively building our fiscal 2017 and 2018 new restaurant pipeline as we remain committed to double digit new restaurant openings which, combined with our sales momentum and operating and cost disciplines, are a proven successful path to earnings growth.”

Share Repurchase Program Update

During the third fiscal quarter of 2015, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 0.4 million shares of its common stock for approximately $18.8 million. Since the Company’s first share repurchase authorization was approved in April 2014, the Company has repurchased and retired approximately 4.2 million shares for approximately $165.3 million. The Company currently has approximately $34.7 million available under its authorized $200 million share repurchase program.

Lease Termination

Results for fiscal 2015 third quarter include a pre-tax gain of approximately $2.9 million, or approximately $0.08 per diluted net income per share, related to the anticipated closure of the Company’s Century City, California restaurant. The BJ’s Century City restaurant is located at The Westfield Century City Mall, which is being significantly reconfigured and renovated, necessitating the closure of the restaurant by the end of January 2016. As a result of the forced lease termination and the termination fee due from the landlord, the Company recorded a $2.9 million net gain during the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. will conduct a conference call on its third quarter 2015 earnings release today, October 22, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Senior management will discuss the financial results and host a question and answer session. In addition, a live audio webcast of the call will be accessible to the public on the “Investors” page of the Company’s website located at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com and a recording of the webcast will be archived on the site for 30 days following the live event. Please allow 15 minutes to register and download and install any necessary software.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. currently owns and operates 169 casual dining restaurants under the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery®, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse®, BJ’s Pizza & Grill® and BJ’s Grill® brand names. BJ’s Restaurants offer an innovative and broad menu featuring award-winning, signature deep-dish pizza complemented with generously portioned salads, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pastas, entrees and desserts, including the Pizookie® dessert. Quality, flavor, value, moderate prices and sincere service remain distinct attributes of the BJ’s experience. All restaurants feature BJ’s critically acclaimed proprietary craft beers, which are produced at several of the Company’s restaurant and brewery locations and independent third party craft brewers. The Company’s restaurants are located in the 22 states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California,Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, NewYork, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. VisitBJ’s Restaurants, Inc. on the Web at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com.

Certain statements in the preceding paragraphs and all other statements that are not purely historical constitute “forward-looking” statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Such statements include, but are not limited to, those regarding expected comparable restaurant sales and margin growth in future periods, total potential domestic capacity, the success of various sales-building and productivity initiatives, future guest traffic trends, construction cost savings initiatives and the number and timing of new restaurants expected to be opened in future periods. These “forward-looking” statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those projected or anticipated. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) our ability to manage an increasing number of new restaurant openings, (ii) construction delays, (iii) labor shortages, (iv) increase in minimum wage and other employment related costs, including the potential impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on our operations, (v) the effect of credit and equity market disruptions on our ability to finance our continued expansion on acceptable terms, (vi) food quality and health concerns, (vii) factors that impact California, where 62 of our current 169 restaurants are located, (viii) restaurant and brewery industry competition, (ix) impact of certain brewery business considerations, including without limitation, dependence upon suppliers, third party contractors and related hazards, (x) consumer spending trends in general for casual dining occasions, (xi) potential uninsured losses and liabilities due to limitations on insurance coverage, (xii) fluctuating commodity costs and availability of food in general and certain raw materials related to the brewing of our craft beers and energy, (xiii) trademark and service-mark risks, (xiv) government regulations and licensing costs, (xv) beer and liquor regulations, (xvi) loss of key personnel, (xvii) inability to secure acceptable sites, (xviii) legal proceedings, (xix) other general economic and regulatory conditions and requirements, (xx) the success of our key sales-building and related operational initiatives, and (xxi) numerous other matters discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. The “forward-looking” statements contained in this press release are based on current assumptions and expectations and, BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or alter its “forward-looking” statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact Greg Levin of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. at (714) 500-2400 or JCIR at (212) 835-8500 or at bjri@jcir.com.

SOURCE: BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

SPECIAL.T-Kapseln bei Coop: Perfekter Tee in weniger als zwei Minuten

SPECIAL.T-Kapseln bei Coop: Perfekter Tee in weniger als zwei Minuten

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Schwarztees entfalten ihr Aroma am besten, wenn man sie bei 92 Grad ganz kurz ziehen lässt. Grüntees benötigen eine deutliche längere Ziehzeit, wobei die Temperatur aber nur rund 80 Grad betragen sollte. Genau die richtige Ziehzeit und die passende Wassertemperatur zu erwischen, ist mit einem Teebeutel oder einer frischen Teemischung gar nicht so einfach. Besser und schneller geht es mit den SPECIAL.T-Teekapseln von Nestlé. Denn die SPECIAL.T-Maschinen wählen je nach Tee automatisch die richtige Temperatur und Ziehzeit. Die entsprechenden Kapseln gab es bisher nur auf der Online-Plattform von SPECIAL.T zu kaufen. Nun werden die Kapseln erstmals weltweit im stationären Handel verkauft, und zwar in rund 240 Coop Supermärkten und Coop City Warenhäusern. Zudem gibt es die Kapseln auch auf Coop@home.

Wer bereits einmal einen perfekt zubereiteten Tee getrunken hat, weiss dessen Qualität zu würdigen. Einen solchen Tee zuzubereiten, benötigt aber viel Zeit: Erst muss die Teesorte und deren spezifische Eigenschaften bestimmt, dann das Wasser auf die richtige Temperatur erhitzt werden und schliesslich muss der Tee lange genug ziehen, um sein Aroma optimal entfalten zu können. So viel Zeit für die Zubereitung des Tees möchten immer weniger Leute aufbringen. Gleichzeitig möchten sie nicht auf einen perfekten Tee verzichten. Deshalb schätzen immer mehr Schweizer Haushalte die Vorzüge der SPECIAL.T-Maschinen.

Erlesene Teesorten
Ab sofort können die SPECIAL.T-Kapseln von Nestlé in rund 240 Coop Supermärkten, Coop City Warenhäusern und auf Coop@home gekauft werden. Der Tee stammt aus den renommiertesten Anbaugebieten und für die Kapseln werden nur die ersten beiden Teeblätter einer Pflanze und die Knospe verwendet, die als besonders aromatisch gelten. Die Aluminiumkapsel schützt den Tee vor dem Verlust des Aromas.
Die Kapseln waren bis anhin nur auf der Onlineplattform von SPECIAL.T erhältlich. Neu verkauft Coop sechs bis zehn Varietäten dieser Teekapseln. 10 Kapseln kosten 4.90 Franken.

Sonderangebot: SPECIAL.T-Maschine für 69 statt 139 Franken
Anlässlich des Verkaufsstarts der Kapseln in den Coop Supermärkten wird die SPECIAL.T-Maschine bei Coop City, in in grösseren Coop Verkaufsstellenund auf Coop@home vom 26. Oktober bis 27. Dezember 2015 für 69 Franken verkauft (Normalpreis 139 Franken).

Bilder zum Download

Kontaktpersonen

Denise Stadler, Leiterin Medienstelle
Tel. +41 61 336 71 10

Ramón Gander, Mediensprecher
Tel. +41 61 336 71 67

Urs Meier, Mediensprecher
Tel. +41 61 336 71 39

Nadja Ruch, Mediensprecherin
Tel. +41 61 336 71 87

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SPECIAL.T-Kapseln bei Coop: Perfekter Tee in weniger als zwei Minuten

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Die blauen Cumulus-Bons neu auch in digitaler Form in der Migros App und auf der Cumulus-Homepage zur Verfügung

Zürich, Switzerland, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ab 26. Oktober 2015 stehen die blauen Cumulus-Bons neu auch in digitaler Form in der Migros App und auf der Cumulus-Homepage zur Verfügung. Mit diesem Schritt vervollständigt die Migros das digitale Portemonnaie in der Migros App.

Ab Ende Oktober wird das Einkaufen für Migros-Kunden, die die Migros App benützen, noch komfortabler. Alles, was sie für ihren Einkauf benötigen, steht dann in digitaler Form in der Migros App zur Verfügung: Dazu zählen neu auch die blauen Cumulus-Bons. Zusammengefasst bietet die Migros App jetzt folgende Leistungen:

Sammeln von Cumulus-Punkten mit digitaler Cumulus-Karte
Mobiles Bezahlen durch Hinterlegung der Kreditkarte oder eines Kontos der Migros Bank
Bargeldloses Bezahlen mit einer Migros-Zahlkarte, z.B. der Geschenkkarte
Digitale Vorteilcoupons und Bonus-Coupons
Digitale blaue Cumulus-Bons
Kassenbons

Um die blauen Cumulus-Bons digital nutzen zu können, müssen Cumulus-Kunden die neuste Version der Migros App downloaden oder ihre Migros App aktualisieren. Neu erscheint in der Migros App anstelle des Cumulus-Strichcodes ein QR-Code (digitaler Cumulus-Code), der eine noch höhere Daten-Sicherheit bietet. Cumulus-Bons, welche noch nicht eingelöst wurden, können ab sofort online auf der Cumulus-Homepage (Mein Konto) oder in der App aktiviert werden. Sobald der digitale Cumulus-Code an der Kasse oder am Subito-Bezahlterminal gescannt ist, wird der Wert der aktivierten Bons von der Einkaufssumme abgezogen. Bons der neuen Cumulus-Abrechnung stehen ab 1. November 2015 digital zur Verfügung.

Die blauen Cumulus-Bons werden auch weiterhin mit der Cumulus-Abrechnung den Kunden per Post zugestellt. Somit besteht neu die Möglichkeit, die Bons wahlweise in Papierform oder digital mit der Migros App einzulösen. Die Bons sind wie bisher zwei Jahre gültig.

Detaillierte Informationen zu den digitalen Cumulus-Bons befinden sich auf www.migros.ch/digitale-bons

So funktioniert’s:

Textmaterial

Pressemitteilung (PDF, 96 kB)

Bildmaterial

Bild «Smartphone Kasse» DE

Für weitere Informationen

Für Kundenanfragen
Cumulus-Infoline
Tel.0848 85 0848

Kontakt für Kunden
M-Infoline

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

Zum Kontaktformular

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Die blauen Cumulus-Bons neu auch in digitaler Form in der Migros App und auf der Cumulus-Homepage zur Verfügung

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

American Pharmacists Month: Walgreens acknowledges its more than 27,000 community pharmacists

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — In support and recognition of American Pharmacists Month, Walgreens is acknowledging its more than 27,000 community pharmacists for the important role they play as the most accessible health care providers in the community, supporting preventive and chronic care for the more than 8 million customers who interact with Walgreens every day.

Across more than 8,200 locations, Walgreens and Duane Reade pharmacists are deepening relationships with patients, working more closely than ever with local providers and health systems and providing a wide range of services to help improve the health of the communities they serve nationwide. From preventive services to specialized counseling and support for those managing complex conditions, Walgreens pharmacists serve as patient advocates furthering Walgreens purpose to champion everyone’s right to be happy and healthy.

“As the most accessible, and among the most trusted, health care providers in thousands of communities across America, our pharmacists help patients achieve healthier lives by delivering personalized care and serving as an integral part of their care teams,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “This month is an opportunity to recognize and thank our community pharmacists for the tremendous impact they make in the lives of millions of people each day.”

During fiscal year 2014, the company’s pharmacists filled more than 850 million prescriptions, administered more than 9.6 million immunizations and helped patients managing complex conditions secure nearly $100 million in financial assistance to access life-saving therapies.

National Pharmacy Technician Day
October is also a time to thank and recognize pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns for the value they bring to communities and to the profession on National Pharmacy Technician Day, Oct. 20.

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

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

SOURCE: Walgreens

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

METRO GROUP supports online job recruiting startup Culinary Agents as it expands its services to French and Italian entrepreneurs

Düsseldorf, Germany, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — METRO GROUP is supporting Culinary Agents, the professional networking website for catering and hospitality sectors, to kick off operations in France and Italy this month. Starting in October, the online job recruiting startup offers its services to French and Italian entrepreneurs and specialists of restaurants, caterers and hotels, planning further expansion into European and Asian markets in 2016. METRO GROUP has acquired a stake in Culinary Agents earlier this year to forge a strategic partnership to provide added value for the customers of its international wholesale divisionMETRO Cash & Carry.

With the support of METRO Cash & Carry, an international leading player in self-service wholesale, Culinary Agents is now offering its networking services in France and Italy. Among the first customers, there are also Michelin rewarded chefs offering vacancies in their companies. The European market entry represents an important step for the New York-based startup, specializing in job matching, networking and mentoring for catering and hospitality industries. METRO Cash & Carry is now able to offer its key customer group of hotel, restaurant and catering professionals a quick and reliable access to networking and finding qualified personnel for their daily business success.

“Culinary Agents is kicking off the local operations in France and Italy, two crucial markets for METRO where we have cultivated profound relationship with the hospitality community over the past decades. With the technology and services offered by Culinary Agents, we are able to provide those entrepreneurs with assistance and solutions to their recruiting and networking”, said Pieter Boone, CEO of METRO Cash & Carry and member of the Management Board of METRO AG.

Building a global network

The market entry into Italy and France clearly showcases Culinary Agents’ international success story, giving way to further expansion into European and Asian markets in the next year. “Our mission is to help people across the restaurant, hotel, catering and overall hospitality sectors with talent sourcing, job matching, and professional networking. Entering France and Italy is a significant step for us and we definitely see great potential in the European market. The partnership with METRO will enable us to build a global network to help talent and businesses across the community”, said Alice Cheng, founder of Culinary Agents. Both European networking websites can be visited atwww.culinaryagents.fr and www.culinaryagents.it.

Founded in 2012, by Alice Cheng, Culinary Agents offers technology based solutions focused on job matching, career development and mentorship in the hospitality sector. With more than 70,000 registered users in the United States (as of Oct 2015), Culinary Agents has already proofed its role in the food, beverage and hospitality industry.

Guide Michelin promotes Culinary Agents in European markets

Culinary Agents’ technology and services are a cost-effective way to source all levels of positions for various types of hospitality businesses. Unlike other job sites, which are often static, Culinary Agents has an automatic matching process, which tees up opportunities to talent and talent to businesses, along with tools to support applicant matching, messaging, and management. The partnership with METRO Cash & Carry will enable Culinary Agents to expand broadly across Europe and Asia. To strengthen the strategic partnership, METRO also sponsors the latest edition of Guide Michelin to intensively promote Culinary Agents among the sophisticated dining and hospitality establishments throughout the US and Europe.

METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most important international retailing companies.In the financial year 2014/15 it generated sales of around €59 billion. The company operates more than 2,000 stores in 30 countries and has a headcount of around 230,000 employees. The performance of METRO GROUP is based on the strength of its sales brands that operate independently in their respective market segments: METRO/MAKRO Cash & Carry – the international leader in self-service wholesale – Media Markt and Saturn – the European market leader in consumer electronics retailing and Real hypermarkets.

Culinary Agents is changing the hotel, restaurant and catering industry (HoReCa), through its development of a professional networking and job matching website for current and aspiring HoReCa professionals. With more than 70,000 users in 30+ cities across the U.S. (as of Oct 2015), Culinary Agents supports all types of food service establishments, catering businesses, specialty retail stores, and hotels, as well as schools and non-profit organizations in the HoReCa industry. The strength of Culinary Agents’ platform is in its technology and reach. Through its website, Culinary Agents provides businesses with an efficient, cost effective way to source HoReCa talent for jobs of all levels, while enabling job seekers to represent themselves professionally, pinpoint appropriate job opportunities, and find resources to help fuel their careers. For more information, please visit www.culinaryagents.com.

METRO AG
Corporate Communications
Metro-Straße 1
D-40235 Düsseldorf

Telephone: +49 211 6886-4252
Telefax: +49 211 6886-2001

E-Mail METRO GROUP: presse@metro.de

SOURCE: METRO GROUP

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Nordstrom opened the doors to its new store at Mayfair, its first full-line store in Wisconsin

New store marks the company’s first full-line store in Wisconsin

SEATTLE, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom, Inc.(NYSE: JWN) opened the doors to its new store at Mayfair today, its first full-line store inWisconsin. The three-level, 140,000 square-foot store offers customers the latest fashions for women, men and children. The store also features new interior and exterior design concepts, a full-service restaurant and bar and an enhanced beauty experience.

“This is a big day for us – we’re excited to be opening our first full-line store in Wisconsin,” said Elena Mallios, Nordstrom Mayfair store manager. “We can’t wait to start taking care of customers in the area and are going to work hard to bring them a convenient shopping experience.”

Nordstrom Mayfair offers customers five shoe departments, expansive cosmetics and accessories areas, and a comprehensive offering of popular brand names for women, men and children. Customers will find shoes and handbags from Kate Spade New York, Rebecca Minkoff, UGG Australia, Stuart Weitzman, Sam Edelman, Frye, Steve Madden, Hunter and more. The women’s and men’s apparel offering includes fashions from Alice + Olivia, Vince, Diane von Furstenberg, Rag & Bone, Ted Baker London, Eileen Fisher, Vince Camuto, Topshop, Topman,John Varvatos, Hugo Boss, Billy Reid and many more. In the beauty department, customers can shop NARS, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, Clinique, La Mer, Tom Ford, Jo Malone Londonand more.

The store offers a number of services to enhance the shopping experience. These amenities include Personal Stylists – a free wardrobing and shopping service, curbside pickup, in-store alterations and tailoring and certified shoe and bra fitters. Customers can dine at Ruscello, a Mediterranean and Italian inspired full-service restaurant and bar, and enjoy handcrafted coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies and grab-and-go food options at the Ebar.

Nordstrom hosted an opening day Beauty Bash just outside the store’s first floor mall entrance at 8 a.m. Customers learned the latest trends and tips from the top names in cosmetics and fragrances. At 10 a.m., in what has become a Nordstrom tradition, the first customers through the doors were applauded and welcomed by about 400 employees.

Earlier in the week, Nordstrom underwrote and held a sold-out opening gala and after-party for more than 2,300 guests that raised more than $190,000 to benefit The Links, Incorporated – Cream City (WI) and Milwaukee (WI) Chapters, Ronald McDonald House Eastern Wisconsin andUnited Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County.

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 323 stores in 39 states and Canada. Customers are served at 121 Nordstrom stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 194 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 owns Trunk 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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Salimah Karmali
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 696-4187

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Starbucks® brings a fang-tastic new Frappuccino® blended beverage this Halloween

SEATTLE, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The most popular adult Halloween costumes of 2015 are expected to be U.S. presidential candidates, emojis and Star Wars characters. And the most popular beverage of the season may be a fang-tastic new Starbucks® Frappuccino® blended beverage.

Starbucks launched its first Halloween Frappuccino in the United States and Canada with the green tea Franken Frappuccino in 2014. Now it’s going global with vampire-inspired Starbucks Frappuccino blended beverages for a limited time at the end of this month.

Starbucks Frappula Frappuccino – U.S., Canada and Asia Pacific

Frappula Frappuccino® blended beverage is made with white chocolate sauce, milk and ice blended together then layered between mocha sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of raspberry syrup oozes from the rim, which is finished with whipped cream on top. U.S. stores will offer the Frappuccino between October 28-31 and stores in Canada from October 28-November 1. It’s available now in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.

Starbucks Vampire Frappuccino – Europe and Latin America

Vampire Frappuccino® blended beverage is a crème-based chocolate Frappuccino blended beverage with strawberry sauce. It’s available from October 26-November 1 in participating stores in the UK and continental Europe. Participating stores in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama will offer it from October 30-November 2.

Nutritional information

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

SOURCE: Starbucks Corporation

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Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Macy’s to showcase PEANUTS® collectible plush and exclusive themed merchandise this holiday

This holiday season, Macy’s celebrates PEANUTS as the retailer partners with the iconic entertainment brand in celebration of its 65^th anniversary and the 50^th anniversary of the holiday classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas”

NEW YORK, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — This November, the PEANUTS^® gang takes center stage at Macy’s (NYSE:M) for the holiday season in celebration of their 65^th anniversary and the golden anniversary of the classic holiday animated special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” A collaboration that is sure to delight generations of fans who have grown up with PEANUTS beloved characters and stories, this holiday season at Macy’s, the world-famous characters will be showcased with a collectible plush and exclusive themed merchandise as inspiration for Macy’s famed holiday windows and via a new float in the 89^th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®.

“Together Macy’s and PEANUTS have a long history of entertaining generations of fans, dating back to the first-ever Snoopy balloon in the 1968 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” said Amy Kule, group vice president, Macy’s Parade & Entertainment Group. “This year, we are celebrating the milestone anniversaries of this American treasure by putting Peanuts and its beloved characters front and center during the holidays at Macy’s, with featured roles in a host of our most beloved holiday traditions – from our collectible plush and animated holiday windows to our iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

“Peanuts and Macy’s are two brands that are essential to celebrating the holidays – it just isn’t the holiday season until you see Snoopy soar down the streets ofManhattan in the Macy’s Thanksgiving DayParade and watch Charlie Brown decorate his pathetic tree in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’” said Leigh Anne Brodsky, managing director of Peanuts Worldwide. “This year, as we celebrate the 50^thanniversary of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ that connection will be even stronger as Snoopy and his sister, Belle, star as the collectible plush package and the Peanuts gang is featured in Macy’s windows around the country.”

Kicking off the holiday celebration will be PEANUTS iconic beagle Snoopy, who will serve as the 2015 Macy’s Holiday Ambassador. Starting Nov. 2, an exclusive Snoopy collectible plush featuring his sister Belle will be available at more than 600 full-line Macy’s stores and on macys.com. The huggable plush features Snoopy dressed in a warm holiday hat and vest along with a bonus backpack clip of his sister Belle. For two decades, Macy’s collectible plush program has featured some of the most recognizable characters in history. Selected to highlight the family fun and excitement that awaits shoppers at Macy’s stores during the holiday season, Snoopy makes his fifth appearance as the Official Holiday Ambassador. The Snoopy plush will be in stores through the end of the holidays and will be available for $15.95. As part of his duties as Holiday Ambassador, Snoopy will be featured in a host of holiday collateral at Macy’s, including posters and custom-designed shopping bags distributed nationwide throughout the holiday season. In addition, Snoopy cold-air inflatable balloons will adorn marquee entrances at Macy’s flagships inNew York City and San Francisco, and he will be a featured character at a series of in-store special children’s events from coast-to-coast.

To help shoppers get into the PEANUTS holiday mood, special merchandise displays at eight locations across the country will sprout for the season featuring an exclusive assortment of PEANUTS product. From a miniature version of the famed Charlie Brown Christmas Tree to books, lunch boxes, totes and tees, a perfect PEANUTS-themed gift awaits the fan in your family at Macy’s. PEANUTS holiday pop-up displays will open in early November at Macy’sHerald Square (New York City), Macy’s Center City (Philadelphia), Macy’s State Street (Chicago), Macy’s Union Square (San Francisco), Macy’s Dadeland (Miami), Macy’s Del Amo (Torrance, CA), Macy’s Mission Viejo (Orange County, CA), and Macy’s Brea (Orange County, CA).

The fun continues as PEANUTS takes over as the theme of Macy’s famed, animated holiday window displays. Celebrating “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the Broadway windows at Macy’s flagship store at Herald Square in New York City will debut incredible animated scenes from the iconic television special marking its 50^th anniversary this year. Additionally, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is the theme that will decorate the holiday windows at Macy’s downtown stores in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Rounding out the spectacle will be a new Snoopy’s Doghouse float debuting this year in the 89^th Annual Macy’sThanksgiving Day Parade. Featuring many familiar sights from the animated classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the float highlights signature elements of the special, including Snoopy’s dog dish brimming with delicious bones, an oversized version of Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree and of course, Snoopy’s ornately decorated doghouse. Along for the ride on the new float will be Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus, who will keep an eye out on Snoopy as he takes flight once again with his pal Woodstock as a giant character helium balloon for his own record-breaking 39^thappearance in the holiday procession.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

About PEANUTS Worldwide:
The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including: CANDIE’S (R), BONGO (R),BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), MOSSIMO (R), LONDON FOG (R), OCEANPACIFIC (R), DANSKIN (R), ROCAWEAR (R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R), WAVERLY (R), ZOO YORK (R), ED HARDY (R), SHARPER IMAGE (R), UMBRO (R), LEE COOPER (R), ECKO (R), and MARC ECKO (R). In addition, Iconix owns interests in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), MATERIAL GIRL (R), PEANUTS (R), TRUTH OR DARE (R), BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB (R), ICE CREAM (R), MODERN AMUSEMENT (R), and BUFFALO (R) brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

Source: Macy’s

Macy’s Media Relations
Orlando Veras, 646-429-7450
orlando.veras@macys.com
or
Peanuts Worldwide
Melissa Menta, 212-293-8506
mmenta@peanuts.com

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This Holiday Season, PEANUTS(R) is the word at Macy’s as the retailer partners with the iconic entertainment brand in celebration of its 65th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the holiday classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” As part of the collaboration, a new Snoopy collectible plush will be available at stores nationwide, starting Nov. 2. (Photo: Business Wire)

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Argos and B&O PLAY by BANG & OLUFSEN to offer sophisticated design-led audio products

Stylish audio products from B&O PLAY now available at Argos

Milton Keynes, UK, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Argos has teamed up with B&O PLAY by BANG & OLUFSEN, the contemporary audio brand, to offer customers sophisticated, design-led audio products. Featuring an on-trend colour palette of muted tones and gold hues, the luxury collection of headphones and speakers are now available from Argos stores and argos.co.uk.

B&O PLAY’s audio range offers immaculate design and best-in-class sound for high-quality listening experiences. The B&O PLAY headphones and speakers, made from premium materials, are easy to integrate into daily life, both at home and on-the-go.

Tom Martin, UK Country Manager at B&O PLAY, says: “B&O PLAY is focused on merging fashion, design and audio excellence, carefully crafted with 90 years of Bang & Olufsen heritage, for today’s on-the-go consumer. Our partnership with Argos will help to us reach a broader range of young, urban consumers offering them a unique, quality range of headphones and wireless speakers.”

There are seven B&O PLAY products now available from Argos, including the BeoPlay A2 portable Bluetooth speaker, BeoPlay H8 wireless headphones, the powerful Beolit 15 speaker and BeoPlay H3 in-ear headphones.

Audio

Beolit 15 – (448/8666), £399 – Powerful wireless speaker system that connects with mobile, desktop and tablet devices to give high quality audio streaming performance without the need for Wi-Fi. The Beolit 15 comes with a rechargeable battery; giving up to 24-hours on a single charge and is available in four colours including polar blue, shaded rosa, natural and natural champagne.

A2 – (447/7134), £299 – Designed for portability, this Bluetooth speaker has a unique flat design with a solid aluminum core for acoustic stability and durability. The long leather strap means it can be carried easily and it even features a built-in USB charger to power phones. The system has a 24-hour battery life and is available in four on-trend colours including grey, green, black and natural.

Headphones

H8 – (355/7639), £399 – Premium wireless on-ear headphones featuring active noise cancellation for optimum sound and up to 14 hours of battery lifetime. Made from lambskin leather and clad memory foam, these headphones will rest comfortably on ears and at just 255 grams, they are one of the lightest available. Choose from two colourways including argilla bright and gray hazel.

H6 – (448/5298), £329 – Over-the-ear design combining style and first grade sound quality, the H6 is available in a choice of black or natural leather. For ease, the H6 comes with the option to plug the cable into the right or left ear.

H3 – (447/5923), £169 – Small and elegant, this in-ear headphone offers powerful sound, a sturdy exterior and comfortable fit. Made from a single piece of light-weight metal to enhance sound, the H3 is available in black, red or gold.

EarSet 3i – (448/5353), £139 – An ultra-light and adjustable earphone, ideal for those on the move. The 3i seamlessly conforms to fit any ear to deliver premium sound and comfort. Available in black or white.

Form 2i – (339/6230), £109 – With an iconic design, these ultra-light headphones give off impressive sound whilst still looking elegant. Available in six vibrant colours including green, grey, blue, black, white or red.

B&O PLAY joins a growing list of highly respected audio brands available at Argos, including Bose, Ted Baker Audio, Audio Technica and Marshall. Visit the B&O PLAY shop at www.argos.co.uk

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

For more information, please contact the Argos Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email: media.relations@argos.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter at @argos_PR.

About Argos
Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 50,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with around 121m customer transactions a year through its stores and over 900 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2015. Customers can take advantage of Argos’ convenient Check & Reserve service available through its network of 788 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

In the financial year to February 2015, Argos sales were £4.1 billion and it employed some 29,000 people across the business.

Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.

ABOUT B&O PLAY
Firmly grounded in decades of design excellence, craftsmanship and product innovation from Bang & Olufsen, B&O PLAY interprets the same values for a new type of contemporary products aimed at design-conscious urbanites with an active lifestyle. The B&O PLAY portfolio is made up of products, that are intuitive to use and easy to integrate into your daily life – at home or on the move.

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Argos and B&O PLAY by BANG & OLUFSEN to offer sophisticated design-led audio products

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Waitrose launches brand new website offering customers all they need to prepare, cook and enjoy great food at home

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The multichannel evolution of Waitrose heats up today with the launch of a brand new website offering customers all the kit they need to prepare, cook and enjoy great food at home.

From this week, waitrosekitchen.com will offer customers a significantly wider range online of over 3000 products, from cookware and utensils to cookbooks and coffee machines, to spiralizers and blenders. The site will also offer ideas, expertise and inspiration to enable those who have a passion for cooking to enjoy experimenting and developing their skills.

The total kitchen market is sized at over £4.5bn and has rapidly grown in recent years with online sales projected to grow to £1bn by 2018*. Waitrose plans to increase its share in this expanding market six fold within the next five years.

The launch of waitrosekitchen.com builds on the supermarket’s growing multichannel presence, which includes the recently launched specialist shops www.waitroseflorist.com, www.waitrosecellar.com, www.waitrosegifts.com,www.waitrosegarden.com, and www.waitrosepet.com in addition to the retailer’s main website for groceries, www.waitrose.com.

Robert McCarthy, Head of eCommerce, said: ‘We already offer our customers the ingredients, ideas and expertise and so waitrosekitchen.com is a natural evolution for Waitrose and a real step forward in our multichannel strategy. The essence of the site is to bring together our customers love of food and cooking with all the equipment they need. The website will give them access to exciting products, competitive prices and ultimate convenience.’

The launch now means many UK customers will be able to order waitrosekitchen.com products directly to their homes in the UK, or click and collect to their nearest branch. If customers order by 9pm, they can collect the next day from their nearest Waitrose branch.

In addition to hundreds of own brand products, the website will also feature top brands such as Le Creuset, KitchenAid and Nordicware, as well as some niche and innovative products such as the automatic pan stirrer and the Smoking Gun, a handheld smoker which can smoke almost anything from cheese to chocolate. Top trends will also be highlighted on the site as well as a focus on seasonal products, such as juicers, smoothie makers, soup makers and steamers.

To celebrate the launch of waitrosekitchen.com customers are being offered 20% off when they spend £30 or more, excluding kitchen appliances, until 24 November 2015.

waitrosekitchen.com will complement food and cooking expertise on other Waitrose channels, including its publications, Waitrose TV, social media and in branch activity. The website will help to connect all of these elements to inspire customers with the latest innovation and ideas to inspire cooks across the country.

Notes to editors

* According to Conlumino, July 2013.

Waitrose – the Nation’s Favourite Supermarket¹ and winner of the Best Supermarket² and Best Food and Grocery Retailer³ awards – currently has 342 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 61 convenience branches, and another 28 shops at Welcome Break locations. It combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop – dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced, combined with high standards of customer service. Waitrose also exports its products to 50 countries worldwide and has seven shops in the Middle East. (www.waitrose.com)

¹ Conlumino Awards, 2014
² Good Housekeeping Best Supermarket 2014, Which? Best Supermarket 2014
³ Verdict Best Food and Grocery Retailer 2014

Enquiries

For further information please contact:

Kerry Davies, Corporate Communications Manager
Email: kerry.davies@waitrose.co.uk
Telephone: 01344 824325

SOURCE: John Lewis Partnership

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

The Fondation Louis Vuitton celebrates its first anniversary

PARIS, FRANCE, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Fondation Louis Vuitton opened its doors a year ago, on October 24, 2014, welcoming the public to its amazing building. In one year, the Foundation has emerged as a major institution in the cultural landscape of Paris, France, and indeed the world. A few figures tell a remarkable success story.

1 year: The Foundation celebrates its first anniversary at the end of October. A new “must” on the Paris cultural scene, the institution has made multidisciplinary programming a key strength, welcoming exhibitions, artistic and musical performances, concerts, plus master classes and educational workshops for young visitors.

3 Hangs: Comprised primarily of works done from the 1960s onwards, the Foundation’s nascent collection is developed around four themes, unified by powerful emotional resonance: contemplative, subjective expressionism, popist and music/sound.

These four themes have been illustrated in three Hangs. For the first phase in the inaugural cycle, Hang 1 centered on a reading of the architecture through a compact presentation of emblematic works. Hang 2 spotlighted the collection’s expressionist and contemplative lines through a variety of works, ranging from Alberto Giacometti to Annette Messager and Ed Atkins. Finally, Hang 3 – which runs until January 4, 2016 – focused on the popist and music/sound lines of the collection.

In addition to its own collection, the Fondation Louis Vuitton has organized several temporary exhibitions, alternating between contemporary shows and historical perspectives. Olafur Eliasson presented unique installations created specially for the Foundation, while the most recent exhibition, Keys to a Passion, brought together an emblematic selection of major works from the 20th century that connect with the four core themes of the collection.

For its 2016 program, the Foundation will feature contemporary Chinese art, both in its own collection and in a series of exhibitions.

1,000: The number of seats in the Auditorium, which welcomes all forms of live artistic performances, especially music. Artists to date have ranged from Lang Lang to Kanye West and Kraftwerk. The public enjoys the performances of musicians and artists from every discipline in this venue, which boasts unique architecture and state-of-the-art technical facilities. Classical music concerts are broadcast on Radio Classique.

3,600 glass panels: With a transparent lightness that evokes the sails of a ship, these panels constitute the roof of the spectacular building designed by Frank Gehry. Conceived as a vessel floating in its natural environment, the boldly unique building was made possible thanks to innovative expertise and technologies. This architectural feat has become a new symbol of Paris, as well as of a France focused on vibrant innovation.

1.2 million visitors: The Fondation targeted 700,000 visitors the first year after the inauguration on October 24, 2014. The tremendous enthusiasm of the public has resulted in attendance well beyond these expectations. What’s more, it has proved especially popular among a young public – a quarter of the visitors are under 26.

SOURCE: LVMH

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The Fondation Louis Vuitton celebrates its first anniversary

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Sainsbury’s trials new supermarket layout and increased range of checkout options to make shopping easier

LONDON, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s has today revealed details of the trials it is carrying out at six of its supermarkets across the UK to respond to new and emerging shopping trends. The changes being tested, including a radically different supermarket layout and an increased range of checkout options, are designed to make the stores quicker and easier to shop and to offer customers more choice where they most want it.

New ‘mission-based’ store layout.
Greater focus on popular own-label clothing and homeware.
New till formats and technology enable quicker checkout.

The majority of people still do their food shopping in supermarkets, but are increasingly doing smaller shops, more often. In addition to having a successful and growing convenience store estate, Sainsbury’s is also trialling how it can cater to specific shopping missions in its supermarkets, including a new ‘Food to Go’ section at the front of the store next to the checkouts. The retailer has also moved its fresh bakery products to this section making it more convenient for people wanting to buy fresh products quickly.

Sainsbury’s is also dedicating more space in these stores to its popular Tu clothing range along with kitchen and homeware items. For people who want to spend time browsing, items such as clothing, homeware, mobile phones and tablets are situated along the walls of the store. The amount of space given to non-food in these trial stores has increased by around 30%.

As well as making shopping easier, Sainsbury’s is also trying to help customers check out as quickly as possible and is piloting two new types of checkout in the trial stores, giving customers four different checkout options to choose from. In addition to manned checkouts and self checkouts used for basket shops, Sainsbury’s is offering customers a larger self checkout option for people with small trollies, which is already proving popular with customers. In the two stores that are piloting Sainsbury’s new shopping app, ‘SmartShop’, people can also checkout via the innovative new SmartShop handset.

When fully tested and ready to roll out, SmartShop will enable customers to scan in their shopping lists at home. Once they get to store, the app will show a map locating their chosen items around the store and they will pay via their mobile phone, which will be the quickest checkout option of all.

Launching the project, Mike Coupe, Chief Executive Officer, Sainsbury’s, said: “The majority of people still do most of their shopping in supermarkets and that’s a trend that will continue, but we need to make our supermarkets more convenient for people who visit often to do a smaller shop. This trial is about seeing how far we can go in catering for every shopping mission, whether someone wants to pop in quickly to buy a sandwich for lunch, or whether they have more time and want inspiration for the home, or advice on tech and gadgets. No matter what customers are buying, we know that everyone wants to check out as quickly as possible and giving customers more checkout options to suit them is key to the trial. The pilot stores will act as a barometer for feedback and we’re listening to what customers tell us along the way. This is very much a trial and we know that not everything will work, but certain elements are already proving very popular and we would hope to roll those out more widely where feedback is consistently positive.”

The six stores involved in the trial are: Alperton in London; Devizes in Wiltshire; Emersons Green in Bristol; Harpenden in Hertfordshire; Morecambe in Lancashire and Tamworth in Staffordshire. Different elements are being trialled in each of these stores.

Key elements of the trial:

Layout changes to cater for specific shopping missions

The stores have been rearranged to bring all fresh products together in one place, including moving bakery to the front of store and creating a larger ‘Food to Go’ area closer to the checkouts.
Moving the frozen aisle closer to fresh to help customers choose between similar products.
Revamped counters, with a greater range and more choice including new-look delis, butchers and a bigger selection of hand-finished cakes in the patisserie counter.
Where people are shopping for longer-term purchases such as clothing, kitchen and homeware, health and beauty, pharmacy and tech, products are now clearly positioned in the outer aisles of the store for people who have more time to shop.
Customer service desks and kiosks are at the front of the store and are no longer next to the ‘Food to Go’ are. This splits the queues for customer service and for customers wanting to pay for small items, which should result in better service for both groups overall.

Changes to space and range

Each of the six trial stores has an average of 30% more clothing, kitchen and homeware; this is a growing part of the business and for customers who have said they want a greater selection of these products.
More space dedicated to fresh food to give customers more choice where they want it.
Simplified ranges in e.g. canned and packaged and household remove duplication while helping customers make decisions more quickly in areas choice matters less to them.

Faster checkout options

There are two new types of checkout, giving customers four options to choose from: traditional manned checkouts, basket self checkouts, new trolley self checkouts and SmartShop checkouts, for customers who are comfortable with technology (in testing phase and trialling for customers on handsets in Alperton and Harpenden stores only).
Once fully developed, shoppers will be able to build a digital shopping list at home; will see their products on a store map on their phone when they get to their local store; will scan their items on their mobile phones as they go round, with a rolling tally to show how much they are spending and they will then checkout quickly at a dedicated SmartShop checkout.

Convenience store format trial

Sainsbury’s is also trialling a new format convenience store opposite the company’s London Store Support Centre in Holborn. The store, which is just under 1,000 sq ft, is the smallest Sainsbury’s Local to date and is designed to meet the needs of people working in the area who want to buy food for breakfast, lunchtime or get something on the way home for dinner. Sainsbury’s opened 98 convenience stores last year and will open one to two per week this year. Finding the right stores in the right locations is a challenge and this new format will open up more property opportunities if it proves successful.

Sainsbury’s Store Format Milestones:

Self-service (1950): Introduced self-service at London Road store in Croydon
First supermarket (1954): Opened first supermarket, in Southampton
Firstdelicatessen counter (1971): Opened first deli counter, in Wandsworth
Bakery (1973): Opened its first in-store bakery, in Telford
First convenience store (1988): Opened first convenience store, in Hammersmith

SOURCE: J Sainsbury plc

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Sainsbury’s trials new supermarket layout and increased range of checkout options to make shopping easier

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Lowe’s names Hitachi, Pergo and Sunrise Global as the company’s 2015 Vendor Partners of the Year

MOORESVILLE, N.C., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lowe’s Companies Inc. announced this week it has named Hitachi, Pergo and Sunrise Global as the company’s 2015 Vendor Partners of the Year. The companies were selected for their commitment to product quality, innovation and customer service.

Hitachi’s exclusive relationship with Lowe’s provides a broadened selection of best-in-class products with the latest innovations. Pergo developed several exclusive programs to differentiate the flooring experience by providing stylish yet affordable options. Continued collaboration with Sunrise Global has set the industry standard for 40-volt and 80-volt cordless outdoor power equipment allowing customers to better enjoy their outdoor spaces.

“We celebrate our vendor partners who are committed to putting the customer first, drawing on their team’s creativity to find new and innovative ways to help people love where they live,” said Mike McDermott, Lowe’s Chief Merchandising Officer.

In addition to the overall vendor partners of the year, the following vendor partners were honored for setting the highest bar in innovation:

All Strong Industry for the Style Selections and allen + roth cordless blinds
Blue Rhino for refined technology to minimize environmental impact
GE Appliances for the Cafe/Keurig Refrigerator and Edge-to-Edge Freestanding Range
Nicolas Holiday for technology improvements to the Trim a Tree program
MasterBrand Cabinets for style and DIY friendly options
MTD for the Troy-Bilt FLEX line and Troy-Bilt Pivot Zero Turn Mower
PLI Pak Lite for Pergo Gold and Floor Comfort XPS foam underlayment
Positec for the Rockwell Bladerunner and the WORX Switch Drive 20V Drill and Drive
Samsung for the ActiveWash Washing machine and the Flex Duo
Skydrop for the Smart Sprinkler Controller
Stanley Black & Decker for the DeWalt line of 40V Lithium outdoor power equipment
Sunrise Global for the Lowe’s-exclusive Kobalt 80-volt outdoor power equipment
Teknor Apex for the Neverkink MAX garden hose

ABOUT LOWE’S
Lowe’s Companies Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customers a week in the United States, Canada andMexico through its stores and online at Lowes.com, Lowes.ca and Lowes.com.mx. With fiscal year 2014 sales of $56.2 billion, Lowe’s has more than 1,845 home improvement and hardware stores and 265,000 employees. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, North Carolina, Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

SONIC opened its first Rhode Island drive-in location on Monday, October 26, 2015

America’s Drive-In Enters 45^th State with Smithfield Area Location

SMITHFIELD, R.I., 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — SONIC, America’s Drive-In^®, is celebrating the opening of its first Rhode Island drive-in location on Monday, October 26, 2015. Whether it’s to delight in experiencing SONIC for the first time, or to merely enjoy the delicious Real Ice Cream Shakes and Premium Beef Hot Dogs, the Rhode Island community is invited to celebrate and dive into a new flavor experience with SONIC.

The new Smithfield SONIC is conveniently located at 393 Putnam Pike by Route 44. The drive-in will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight seven days a week.

“We are thrilled to be the first franchisees to bring the SONIC experience to Rhode Island,” said Bob Bowen, franchisee of the new drive-in. “The drive-in will feature an indoor dining room to accommodate up to 70 guests, a double drive-thru and a drive-in area with 12 parking stalls for cars to pull in, offering our fans many ways to enjoy SONIC.”

The location already has eager customers arriving hoping to get their first taste of SONIC’s signature menu offerings. Once open, SONIC guests have the privilege of enjoying their breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites all day. SONIC’s customizable options and various made-to-order combinations make it the perfect place to satisfy all cravings.

Rhode Island is the 45^th state for the expanding brand, with the Smithfield location being the first to open in the state. Plans to bring two additional drive-ins to Rhode Island are in motion as well, with both drive-ins expected to open in the next few years. The swiftly growing brand plans to open an additional 50 to 60 new franchise locations across the nation within the next year.

“Our expansion into our 45^th state proves that SONIC has grown far beyond the regional player it once was; this opening is not only a milestone but also a stepping stone toward our goal of having a SONIC Drive-In convenient to all guests in the U.S.,” said Drew Ritger, senior vice president of development at SONIC. “SONIC is expanding rapidly through franchise partnerships like this one in Rhode Island, and we are constantly looking for new entrepreneurs interested in becoming a part of a different kind of restaurant concept.”

There are still many opportunities for SONIC to expand through strategic franchise partnerships like this one in New England including Rhode Island,Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. SONIC offers franchisees flexibility with multiple drive-in formats, including the indoor dining offering especially suited to colder climates. Individuals interested in pursuing a SONIC franchise are encouraged to visit sonicfranchises.com for more information on qualifications and brand support.

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

SONIC Drive-In
Madison LaRoche, 512-542-2842
Madison.LaRoche@CohnWolfe.com

Source: SONIC Drive-In

News Provided by Acquire Media

Posted on October 28, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

SONIC® Drive-In launches the most premium chicken sandwiches ever offered, the new Ultimate Chicken Sandwich

America’s Drive-In raises the bar for chicken sandwiches

OKLAHOMA CITY, 2015-10-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — In November, SONIC^® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) satisfies chicken cravings across the nation with the launch of the most premium chicken sandwiches ever offered, the new Ultimate Chicken Sandwich. Featuring a combination of high-quality ingredients and flavors unique to SONIC, the Ultimate Chicken Sandwich is the perfect option for guests seeking the superior chicken sandwich.

The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich is made with a 100% premium all white meat crispy chicken breast filet settled in a soft Brioche bun. Two topping options give guests an ultimate choice for their sandwich: the Traditional, with creamy mayo and crinkle-cut pickles, or the Classic option, with creamy mayo, fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

“We’ve continued to successfully differentiate and innovate our sandwich offerings for guests seeking premium options when they come to SONIC and our chicken options are one-of-a-kind,” said Todd Smith, chief marketing officer for SONIC. “Our team of culinary experts innovated to deliver a chicken sandwich unlike any other with simple, yet delicious, topping options to complement our premium chicken. A visit to SONIC is all about customization so guests are always able to take it to the next level by adding what they want.”

Pair the new Ultimate Chicken Sandwich with an order of Tots and a Cherry Limeade to make a great meal for lunch, dinner, or anywhere in between. The Ultimate Chicken Sandwich is available all day, but only for a limited time.

SONIC Drive-In
Matthew Young, 512-542-2802
Matthew.Young@cohnwolfe.com
or
Christi Woodworth, 405-225-5600
Vice President of Public Relations
Christi.Woodworth@sonicdrivein.com

Source: SONIC Drive-In

News Provided by Acquire Media

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SONIC® Drive-In launches the most premium chicken sandwiches ever offered, the new Ultimate Chicken Sandwich

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