Daily Archives: November 17, 2015

Posted on by

Tesco delivers on its commitment to further reduce the levels of Campylobacter in its fresh chicken

CHESHUNT, England, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco has today released new data which shows that the retailer is delivering on its commitment to further reduce the levels of Campylobacter in its fresh chicken.

Throughout 2014/15 the retailer performed well in the Food Standards Agency (FSA) year- long survey, which monitored the levels of bacteria in poultry, and was the only major supermarket to consistently have significantly lower levels of Campylobacter in its chicken compared to the industry average.

Last summer, Tesco pledged to continue to work in partnership with suppliers in order to meet a new industry leading target, set by the retailer, of at least 95 per cent of chickens to have minimal levels of Campylobacter by 2017.

New data compiled by Tesco, has found that significant progress has already been made in recent months, with figures showing that chicken which contain Campylobacter at the highest level, has fallen to less than 9 per cent in the third quarter this year, compared with 15 per cent recorded by the FSA for the same period in 2014.  Meaning that in the last year, the retailer has driven levels of the bacteria down to below the current FSA  target of 10 per cent and are close to meeting its 2017 goal.

Tesco’s Group Quality Director Tim Smith said: ‘Providing high quality and safe food for our customers is always our absolute priority. It has long been our commitment to reduce levels of Campylobacter in our poultry and we are now seeing real progress at all stages of the supply chain, in tackling the issue through the work we have done with our suppliers.

‘With over 91 per cent of our chicken now testing negative for the highest levels of campylobacter, we are clearly demonstrating our commitment  to tackle the issue and how we want to remain at the forefront of any developments to improve the quality and safety of our chicken. It is also testament to the hard work of our suppliers to tackle the issue.’

FSA’s Director of Policy Steve Wearne said: ‘I welcome this encouraging news from Tesco. It is very good to see the company’s commitment to reducing Campylobacter showing positive results and I’m pleased that Tesco is determined now and in the future to reduce the levels of this bug on chicken.   We will continue to play our part in helping retailers and suppliers tackle Campylobacter.’

How the new Tesco data compares to the FSA target:

TESCO PERFORMANCE - Campylobacter targets

 

Interventions that Tesco has introduced to help shoppers keep safe include being one of the first retailers use robust leak-proof packaging for all raw poultry, which also contains customer information on safe food handling and cooking instructions, with further details available online at the Tesco Real Food Website Food Safety in the Home. In addition, store colleagues are trained to look out for and remove any damaged packs from shelves.

Ends

Notes to Editors

  • Tesco’s data for this quarter is up to 15th October
  • Tesco’s new specification will require that Campylobacter will not be present at the highest level of >1000 cfu per gram in at least 95% of whole chickens on its shelves. For more information go tohttp://www.tescoplc.com/index.asp?pageid=17&newsid=1189
  • Tesco updated its chicken packaging at the end of last year to ensure food safety messaging was more prominent and will continue to look for ways to raise awareness amongst customers about safe handling practices.
  • In 2014 the supermarket sponsored an industry wide event to review progress and enhance collaboration which led to the establishment of the ACT Board.
  • For the FSA’s 2014-15 survey, Tesco was the only main retailer to have a lower incidence of chicken contaminated with Campylobacter at the highest level (>1000 cfu/g), compared to the industry average.https://www.food.gov.uk/science/microbiology/campylobacterevidenceprogramme/retail-survey

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

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

Posted on by

Carrefour Romania presented at INDAGRA trade fair for third year in a row

ROMANIA, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third year in a row, Carrefour Romania has taken part in INDAGRA – the international trade fair for equipment and products used in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and animal husbandry.

From 28 October to 1 November, Carrefour Romania used its stand to showcase “Romanian products” from the country’s various regions (Ardeal, Moldova, Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea, Bucovina).  The event was an opportunity for Carrefour to once again show its support for Romanian producers, and to showcase all the benefits of local sourcing – such as tasty, high-quality products at low prices, helping the regional economy to grow and – of course – protecting the environment.

Carrefour Romania’s purchasing teams were also able to meet Romanian farmers.
Carrefour Group media relations office
presse_groupe@carrefour.com

SOURCE: Carrefour Group

Posted on by

Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander “Alex” Culbreth honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards at the Pentagon

FORT LEE, Va., 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander “Alex” Culbreth was honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards ceremony Oct. 29 at the Pentagon. Culbreth joined 18 other service members and civilian employees with disabilities who received Secretary of Defense awards for their outstanding achievements and contributions to advancing DOD’s mission.

Culbreth was invited to the ceremony after being named the DeCA Disabled Employee of the Year based upon his performance at the Vogelweh Commissary, Germany, as well as his support of the local Kaiserslautern community. He now works at the Nellis Air Force Base, Commissary, Nevada.

An active-duty Air Force family member, Culbreth makes significant contributions at work and in his community. Vogelweh’s store director Steven Young praised Culbreth’s attitude. “Despite his limitations, he is ready to learn new processes or to be cross-trained in other operational areas of the store. He makes it a habit to greet all patrons and co-workers with a smile and always has a committed, ‘can do’ attitude.”

Culbreth worked in Vogelweh’s grocery department, maintaining shelf stock levels of the bulk water and grab-n-go sections.

Brad Carson, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, took the occasion to praise the honorees. “The range and types of achievements and contributions our recipients have made to the Department of Defense demonstrates, better than words could ever say, that each of us is truly made of many parts.”

Culbreth would seem to be a perfect example of Carson’s comments. In addition to his work at the store, he was also well-known in the community for his volunteer efforts, spending better than 50 hours a month volunteering for the Ramstein Enlisted Spouses Association (RESA) in the RESA thrift shop on base. He also volunteered at various community outreach events sponsored by RESA.

He was named volunteer of the month for RESA in September 2014, and was one of 256 delegates sent, all expenses paid, to the Americans Working Around the Globe conference in Garmisch, Germany, last April.

“Alex Culbreth’s success is just the latest in proving the value of DeCA’s commitment to hiring the disabled,” said Kevin Hennelly, DeCA’s director for equal employment opportunity. “We all win when Alex wins. He gains financial independence and a career he can be proud of, and we gain an employee who is fully committed to DeCA’s values in serving the most deserving.”

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

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

SOURCE: the Defense Commissary Agency

###

Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander "Alex" Culbreth honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards at the Pentagon

Defense Commissary Agency store worker Alexander “Alex” Culbreth honored at the 35th annual Department of Defense Disability Awards at the Pentagon

Posted on by

Homebase names Chris McDonough Marketing Director

Milton Keynes, UK, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chris McDonough has been appointed to the role of Marketing Director at Homebase, reporting to Managing Director Echo Lu as part of the Homebase Leadership Team. He takes up the position on 1 December 2015.

Chris brings with him a wealth of experience from a broad range of sectors including FMCG and Retail, involving various marketing and commercial roles within the UK and across Europe. He joins the business at an exciting time of change as Homebase builds on its productivity plan to position it for long-term investment and growth.

Chris was recently UK Marketing Director for Asda, responsible for all areas until recently including retail, home shopping, George and financial services. Prior to that he was UK Managing Director for brands with Molson Coors for several years, and UK Marketing and R&D Director for dairy giant Muller, where also had overall responsibility for the Irish business. Chris started his career at Mars, where he progressed through various commercial and marketing roles to become German Pet Care Commercial Director having worked in several roles across Europe.

On his appointment, Echo Lu, Managing Director at Homebase said: “I am delighted that Chris is joining the team and look forward to welcoming him to the business. With his functional expertise, diverse experiences and collaborative style, he will be a great asset as we go through the next stage in our journey to be a more customer focused brand.

I would also like to thank Jo Kenrick for her dedication and contribution in the four years she has been with Homebase and wish her all the best in her future career in non-executive roles.”

Chris McDonough added: “I am excited to be joining Homebase and working with the team. I have been impressed by the enthusiasm and calibre of colleagues I have met so far. It is a great time to join the business as it helps to shape a new direction for home improvement that is very clearly focused on helping customers to create a home they love.”

 

ENDS

Note to Editors:

For more information, please contact the Homebase Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email media.relations@homebase.co.uk .

Follow us @Homebase_PR.

About Homebase
Homebase is a leading home enhancement retailer with around 58 million transactions a year, selling around 38,000 products for the home and garden. It has 271 large, out-of-town stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and a growing internet offering at www.homebase.co.uk. In the financial year to February 2015, Homebase sales were £1.5 billion and it employed some 17,000 people across the business.

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

SOURCE: Home Retail Group

Posted on by

John Lewis at home and Waitrose Basingstoke new co-located shops opened their doors to Basingstoke customers

LONDON, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — At 9am this morning (12 November 2015), the new co-located John Lewis at home and Waitrose Basingstoke shops opened their doors to customers for the first time. The 46,000 sq. ft John Lewis, located in Basing View, is the retailer’s 12th ‘at home’ shop and the largest co-located John Lewis and Waitrose to date. Hundreds of customers queued from 8.00am to explore the shops.

Basingstoke customers will discover one of the first ever Home Hubs in the John Lewis shop, a dedicated area bringing together all of John Lewis’s home design services, and showcasing the retailer’s home interior products through a display of room sets. Leveraging the business’ strength as an omnichannel retailer, customers can choose from an edited selection of 16,000 products across furniture, furnishing accessories, homeware, technology and nursery departments in-store, and use iPad terminals to shop the retailer’s full assortment online.

The 26,000 sq ft Waitrose store will be only the fifth branch in the country to include a wine bar where customers can enjoy tapas and wines from its award-winning collection. Offering over 20,000 lines, Waitrose Basingstoke will also include a rotisserie and cafe and it is only the eighth store in the UK to include a juice bar.

A ribbon was cut by the first Partner to be employed by each branch: Olivia Jermy, stock management Partner at John Lewis at home, and Gina Benson, supermarket assistant at Waitrose. The Partners were joined by branch managers Ali Gilbert (John Lewis) and Jamie Rodgers (Waitrose),  as well as representatives from local organisations that both shops are supporting as part of its charitable Community Matters scheme: Ark Cancer, Charity Spotlight UK and Basingstoke NeighbourCare. The first customer purchased an Orla Kiely Sugar Bowl from John lewis at home at 9:05am.

Ali Gilbert, branch manager of John Lewis at home Basingstoke, said: ‘Today marks a very exciting time for us and it was a truly magical moment welcoming our first customers through the doors. Partners from both John Lewis and Waitrose have worked incredibly hard to get us to this stage and and I’m very proud of everyone that has been involved. In our Basingstoke development, we have created a fantastic place for people to work and shop, and I look forward to meeting many more customers from the local area in the coming months.’

Jamie Rodgers, branch manager of Waitrose Basingstoke, added: ‘I am honoured to be part of a Partnership that has placed so much investment in Basingstoke and the surrounding area. The new shop co-located with John Lewis at home will enable us to deliver the customer experience John Lewis Partnership is renowned for and will encourage even more people to visit Basingstoke. I am looking forward to playing a key role alongside our fellow traders at Basing View and in the town centre to help Basingstoke thrive.’

John Lewis at home and Waitrose Basingstoke brings John Lewis and Waitrose together in a unique way –  the two shops will share office space, a dining room and locker rooms. This joint venture allows customers to shop at both John Lewis at home and Waitrose in one trip, and ‘at home’ customers will have the benefit of Waitrose’s catering facilities.

John Lewis at home will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am – 8pm and from 11am – 5pm on Sunday (10.30am as browsing time).

Waitrose will be open on Monday to Saturday from 7.30am – 9pm and on Sunday from 11am – 5pm (10.30am as browsing time). The café will be open Monday to Saturday 7.30am until 8pm and Sunday 10.30am – 4.30pm.

The shops are located at Basing View, Basingstoke.

The John Lewis Partnership – The John Lewis Partnership operates 46 John Lewis shops across the UK (32 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2), johnlewis.com, 344 Waitrose shops, waitrose.com and business to business contracts in the UK and abroad. The business has annual gross sales of over £10bn. It is the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 88,700 staff are Partners in the business.

John Lewis – ‘Best Clothing Retailer 2015’ , ‘Best Electricals Retailer 2015’ and ‘Best Homewares Retailer 2015’¹, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2015

You can follow John Lewis on the following social media channels:
www.johnlewis.com/twitter
www.johnlewis.com/facebook
www.johnlewis.com/youtube.

Waitrose – the Nation’s Favourite Supermarket¹ and winner of the Best Supermarket² and Best Food and Grocery Retailer³ awards – currently has 344 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 Verdict Best Food and Grocery Retailer 2015
² Good Housekeeping Best Supermarket 2014, Which? Best Supermarket 2014
³ Verdict Best Food and Grocery Retailer 2014

Enquiries

For further information or images please contact:
Becca Williams, Antidote Communications
Telephone: 0203 740 4009
Email: ohnlewis@antidotecommunications.com

SOURCE: John Lewis Partnership

Posted on by

John Lewis to open shop-in-shops within 7 branches of Netherlands’ leading department store de Bijenkorf

Retailer to open seven shop-in-shops with The Netherlands’ leading department store

LONDON, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — In a first for the retailer, John Lewis has announced it will have a physical presence in Europe by opening shop-in-shops within seven branches of The Netherlands’ leading department store, de Bijenkorf.

The first three shop-in-shop departments will open in spring 2016 at de Bijenkorf’s flagship stores in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. This will be followed by additional openings in Eindhoven and Utrecht by the end of next year and in Amstelveen and Maastricht in 2017.

The John Lewis departments will be between 300 sq ft and 500 sq ft in size with the retailer’s in-house store design team designing the look and feel of the retail space.

On offer to customers will be the best of John Lewis’s own brand home and lifestyle products across bed, bath, living and gifting assortments.

Today’s announcement builds on John Lewis’s ambition to increase awareness and engagement with more international customers and to expand its existing international presence. Throughout May and July 2015, John Lewis opened 14 shop-in-shops across Singapore and the Philippines and by 2014 had opened seven shop-in-shops in South Korea.

Andy Street, Managing Director, John Lewis, said: ‘We’re delighted to be debuting our first European shop-in-shop and de Bijenkorf is the perfect partner to enable us to bring John Lewis to a new customer base and country. Our existing shop-in-shops in Singapore, the Phillipines and South Korea have been well received and are trading well. Whilst we remain committed to our UK physical expansion we hope to announce more international collaborations in 2016’.

Notes to editors

John Lewis – John Lewis operates 45 John Lewis shops across the UK (32 department stores, 11 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership and all 30,000 John Lewis staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis, ‘Best Clothing Retailer 2015’ , ‘Best Electricals Retailer 2015’ and ‘Best Homewares Retailer 2015’1, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2015

About de Bijenkorf – de Bijenkorf is The Netherlands’ leading department store with 10 physical stores and a website. Its flagship stores are located in iconic buildings in some of the country’s major cities including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag and Eindhoven.

Enquiries

For further information or images please contact:
Laura Askew, Communications Manager, Online & Flagships
Telephone: 020 7798 3396
Email: laura.askew@johnlewis.co.uk

Posted on by

800 Best Buy stores to open at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tue, Nov. 17 to put Star Wars: Battlefront in fans’ hands

Minneapolis, MN, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Best Buy already has everything Star Wars fans want, like the Sphero BB-8 and the HP Star Wars Special Edition Laptop.

And now more than 800 Best Buy stores will be opening early – at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time* on Tuesday, Nov. 17 to put Star Wars: Battlefront in fans’ hands. Find the store nearest you.

Here are four quick things to remember when pre-ordering and getting the game at Best Buy.

  • Gamers Club Unlocked members knock 20 percent off the game’s price tag
  • My Best Buy members get $10 in rewards certificates when pre-ordering
  • Those who pre-order the game will be among the first to experience the Battle of Jakku
  • Save $5 on the Star Wars: Battlefront Season Pass (regularly priced at $49.99) when you purchase the game

*Remember: Our East Coast stores open at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, and our stores in the Central time zone open at 11:01 p.m. Monday. Fans in the Rocky Mountain time zone can get their hands on it at 10:01 p.m. and those on the West Coast can get it at 9:01 p.m.

SOURCE:  Best Buy

###

800 Best Buy stores to open at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tue, Nov. 17 to put Star Wars: Battlefront in fans’ hands

800 Best Buy stores to open at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tue, Nov. 17 to put Star Wars: Battlefront in fans’ hands

Posted on by

PVH Corp. to release its Q3 2015 earnings results on Dec 2, 2015

NEW YORK, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH) today announced that it will release its third quarter 2015 earnings results on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 after the market closes. PVH will sponsor a conference call on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, hosted by Emanuel Chirico, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Shaffer, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Financial Officer, to discuss the results.

The call will be broadcast live over the Internet via www.pvh.com under the Investors section. For those who are unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call on the above website for 12 months. In addition, an audio replay can be listened to for 48 hours, commencing approximately two hours after the call. To listen to the call replay, dial 719-457-0820 or 888-203-1112 (domestic toll free) and enter the pass code number 947167.

PVH Corp., one of the world’s largest apparel companies, owns and markets the iconic Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands worldwide. It is the world’s largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, ARROW, Warner’s and Olga, and its licensed brands, including Speedo, Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, and Ike Behar.

The webcast and conference call will consist of copyrighted material and may not be recorded, reproduced, retransmitted, rebroadcast, downloaded or otherwise used without PVH’s express written permission.

The information made available on the webcast and conference call will contain certain forward-looking statements that reflect PVH’s view of future events and financial performance as of December 2, 2015. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings. Therefore, the Company’s future results of operations could differ materially from historical results or current expectations, as more fully discussed in its SEC filings. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation, any estimate regarding revenues or earnings.

The information made available also will include certain non-GAAP financial measures, as defined under SEC rules. A reconciliation of these measures will be included in the Company’s earnings release, which will be posted on the Company’s website, www.pvh.com, and included in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K to be furnished to the SEC in advance of the webcast and conference call.

Source: PVH Corp.

PVH Corp.
Dana Perlman, 212-381-3502
Treasurer, Senior Vice President
Business Development and Investor Relations

Posted on by

Kmart releases its ultimate shopping guide for this holiday season

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — With so many ridiculously awesome ways to shop at Kmart this holiday season, we’re making it easy for our Shop Your Way® members and customers by sharing the ultimate shopping guide. Because there are many options while shopping this holiday season, we’ve compiled our Top 10 Holiday Shopping tips to help you cross off everything on your list – check it out:

2015 Kmart Holiday Shopping Guide

  1. Members-Only Online Preview: Shop Your Way Members will have access to many of Kmart’s Thanksgiving/Black Friday doorbusters and BOGO sale items four days early (some exclusions apply) – during an exclusive online pre-sale event beginningSaturday, Nov. 21 at 12 a.m. CT running through Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11:59 p.m. CT at www.kmart.com/blackfriday. All items will be available in limited quantities and while supplies last.
  2. Ridiculously Awesome Deals: Gifts for everyone including toys for kids and the kid in all of us, small home appliance and apparel. From 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Dayuntil 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 (local time), take advantage of numerous hot holiday doorbuster deals at Kmart including:
    • Star Wars: The Force Awakens Extendable Lightsaber; sale price $4.99, reg. price$9.99
    • Star Wars: The Force Awakens Classic 20″ Figures; sale price $9.99, reg. price$19.99
    • Swift Stream Z-9 Camera Drone; sale price $59.99, reg. price $99.99
    • Dakota Spruce 6 ft. unlit tree; sale price $15.00, reg. price $49.99
    • Poinsettia; sale price $0.89, reg. price $2.99 – $4.99
    • BE and Piper Faves Kids’ Denim; sale price $6.00, reg. price $12.99 – $14.99
    • Up to 50% off holiday lights; reg price $2.99 – $29.99
    • Proctor Silex appliances; sale price $3, reg. price $9.99
  3. Online Black Wednesday Sales: Who said there was just one Black Wednesday? Every Wednesday now through Dec. 16 (with the exception of Nov. 25), Kmart.com will feature discounted products and deals across popular categories.
  4. Late Night Points: Night owls, rejoice! Earn $10 back in points on every $75 purchase or more. Order must be placed online at Kmart.com between midnight and 6 a.m. CT throughChristmas Eve****.
  5. Bluelight Specials: The original flash sale is back – we’re talking about the Bluelight Special of course!   Taking place in every single store, every single day – plus online and coming soon via mobile. The Bluelight Specials will be offered across various product categories, and we could tell you when that special siren will sound, but where’s the fun in that?
  6. No Money Down Layaway****** and Leasing*******: New this year, Kmart offers NMD Layaway and Leasing through Nov. 29 so members and customers can take advantage of the Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday deals and doorbusters. This provides an opportunity for shoppers to budget and plan for the busy holiday season while taking advantage of deals at doorbuster prices. For more information, please visit Kmart.com/Layaway and Kmart.com/Leasing.
  7. Toys, Toys, Toys: Kmart is the toy headquarters with exclusive toys and the hottest brands and licensed toys including Star Wars, Fisher Price®, LEGO®, Hot Wheels®, NERF® and more. Plus shop all of Kmart’s exclusive toys including Zoomer by Spin Master® Kitty & Nibblesand the 2015 Holiday Barbie®.
  8. Integrated Retail: Kmart makes shopping easier allowing members to conveniently get their gifts how, when and where they want. Kmart’s integrated retail options offer smarter, more flexible and dynamic ways to shop through seamless in-store and online shopping experiences such as Free Store Pickup (buy online, pickup for free In-Vehicle Pickup option); Pay-In-Store (reserve online, pay in store); Free Anyone, Anywhere (have a friend pickup purchases at any Kmart store); and Free Two-Day Shipping (Shop Your Way Max members get two-day free shipping on qualifying online orders).
  9. Freebie Saturdays: Every Saturday and all throughout the holiday season, Kmart is making shopping fun again and giving away freebies such as popcorn, a box of apple juice, a small toy – starting at 8am and while supplies last.
  10. The Giving Hat™: Kmart introduces The Giving Hat – an inspirational and fashionable campaign that draws attention, heightens awareness and raises funds in the fight against childhood cancer and other life threatening diseases. Designed in collaboration with St. Jude, the winter hat (one size fits all) will be sold exclusively at Kmart and at www.Kmart,com/stjude for just $5, with Kmart donating $1 from each sale to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital now through Dec. 31. Make a difference and inspire others by sharing a picture wearing your hat using #TheGivingHat @kmart.

Members and customers can get an early look at Thanksgiving and Black Friday deals at kmartlocalad.com. Accessible via computer, tablet or mobile device, LocalAd shows deals from the Kmart circulars and reveals hundreds more in-store discounts on overstock inventory unique to specific local stores.

Follow the Kmart and Shop Your Way holiday conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at #OhWhatFun.

*Apparel exclusion: discounted item is of equal or lesser value
**Footwear exclusion: Of equal or lesser value. Excludes Deal Flash, Everyday great prices, &Adam Levine collections
***Second item of equal or lesser value
**** Late night points cannot be combined with other offers and will not be available from 11/22/2015-11/28/2015.
*****Qualifying total spend is calculated on purchase price of items less discounts and coupons, not including taxes, and must be made in a single transaction. For each $50 a customer spends in a single transaction, they may purchase one bag for $9.99.  There is no limit to number of bags purchased. While quantities last. Exclusions apply.  See store for details.
******Offer valid on new layaway contracts through Sunday 11/29/15. No down payment required in store.  One penny down required online for layaway only. All fees nonrefundable. Cancellation fees apply, except Ohio. Layaway requires biweekly payments. Exclusions also apply. See store for details.
*******Offer valid on new lease contracts through Sunday 11/29/2015 in store only. Age and income requirements. Excludes non-durable (disposable) goods; drug, grocery, fine jewelry, footwear and apparel items. Lease requires a single qualifying purchase of $69 or more. Online lease applications can be approved on line but products must be picked up in store and application completed. See store for details.

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

About Shop Your Way
Shop Your Way® is a free social shopping destination and rewards program offering millions of products, personalized services, and advice. Through a network of retail partners and service providers, members can shop, compare, purchase items and earn points to use on future purchases. Members also enjoy special pricing, exclusive sales, events, access to celebrity brands and sweepstakes. And through the unique social community on shopyourway.com members can research and browse products, create wish lists, poll friends and family and even get advice from experts to help choose the products and services that best meet their needs. There is no minimum purchase required for Shop Your Way® members to redeem points and points can be used toward purchases across countless product categories. Download the free Shop Your Way app available on iTunes or Google Play. There is no minimum purchase required for Shop Your Way members to redeem points and points can be used toward purchases across countless product categories. Download the free Shop Your Way app available on iTunes or Google Play. By accepting Shop Your Way member benefits and offers, you agree to the Shop Your Way terms and conditions, available at www.shopyourway.com/terms.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sara Weitz

Sears Holdings
847-286-0774
Sara.Weitz@searshc.com

Annika Tunberg
Zeno Group for Kmart
312-527-2SHC (2742)
Annika.Tunberg@zenogroup.com

SOURCE: Kmart

###

Kmart releases its ultimate shopping guide for this holiday season

Kmart releases its ultimate shopping guide for this holiday season

Posted on by

SSP to operate 29 retail and food and beverage outlets at Oslo Airport Gardermoen valued at £500M

LONDON, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has won a contract for between five years (for retail) and seven years (for food and beverage) valued at approximately £500 million (6.4 billion Norwegian Krone) at Oslo Airport Gardermoen. It will operate 29 retail and food and beverage outlets, which will open between 2016 and 2018.

Brands featured include well-known international brands such as Starbucks and exciting ‘firsts’ for Norway, including two concepts from leading UK chef Jamie Oliver – a bakery called Deli & Bakery by Jamie Oliver and Jamie’s Italian. There are also locally renowned names such as WB Samson, which, established in 1894, is Oslo’s oldest bakery. In addition, a number of bespoke concepts will highlight the very best of the Scandinavian region. Among these is Hunter Bar, which has been designed to encapsulate the masculinity as well as the softer virtues of the modern Norwegian man, and serves hearty dishes including venison. Norgesglasset is named after a type of glass that was produced in Norway from the beginning of the twentieth century until the 1970s, and celebrates the best of Norwegian design. Another example is Aquavit Bar, where passengers can enjoy the famous Scandinavian potato-based liquor, as well as beers.

Commenting on the new deal, Morten Solberg Nilsen, managing director of SSP Norway and Denmark said; “SSP has been operating at Oslo Gardermoen since 1998, and we are delighted to be building on our relationship with the team here as the airport moves into a new era. Our offer has been designed to help the airport achieve its ambitions to create a ‘Gateway to Scandinavia’, and we are certain that this outstanding brand line-up will do much to further enhance the customer experience at Oslo Airport.”

If you have a press enquiry, please call Clare Williams at Templemere Public Relations on +44 (0) 1483 243 546 or press.office@ssp-intl.com

SOURCE: SSP Group plc

Posted on by

Harris Teeter associates and food bank volunteers to prepare Thanksgiving dinner bags for families-in-need

Families-in-Need to Receive Holiday Meal Courtesy of Harris Teeter

Date: Monday, Nov. 23, 2015

Press Conference:    10:30 a.m.

Where: Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
3808 Tarheel Drive
Raleigh, N.C. 27609

Interviews are available.  Live shots are welcomed! 

Raleigh, N.C., 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nov. 23, 2015, Harris Teeter associates and food bank volunteers will assemble 2,000 Thanksgiving dinner bags for families-in-need. The bag assembly is hosted in conjunction with Harris Teeter’s annual Harvest Feast Food Drive and Donation Card Campaign; the bags will be distributed through the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina’s network of partner agencies.

Each Thanksgiving dinner bag contains products for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving meal including: chicken, stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, rolls and cookie mix.

“Harris Teeter is excited to feed 8,000 local community members who may have otherwise gone without a meal this holiday season,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. “We are proud to partner with the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina for this event, and throughout the year to help relieve hunger in the Raleigh community.”

This is the sixth year that Harris Teeter is hosting a bag assembly in Raleigh as part of the company’s annual Harvest Feast programming. Each bag assembled has enough food to provide a holiday meal to a family of four.

Harris Teeter would like to thank its generous vendors who made this donation possible:  Sanderson, Del Monte, Ocean Spray, Bruce Foods, Kraft, Idahoan Foods, McCormick, New York Packaging, and Kings Hawaiian.

For more information about Harris Teeter’s Harvest Feast campaign, click here.

About Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has   provided food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina for more than 30 years. The Food Bank serves a network of more than 800 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults through warehouses in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, the Sandhills (Southern Pines), and Wilmington. In fiscal year 2014-2015, the Food Bank distributed more than 57 million pounds of food and non-food essentials through these agencies. Sadly, hunger remains a serious problem in central and eastern North Carolina. In these counties, nearly 650,000 people struggle to access nutritious and adequate amounts of food necessary for an active and healthy life. www.foodbankcenc.org.

SOURCE: Harris Teeter, Inc.

Posted on by

Foodstuffs’ liquor retail brand, Liquorland acquires 20 stores across the country from The Mill Retail Holdings

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Foodstuffs has today announced that its traditional liquor retail brand, Liquorland, has successfully completed the purchase of 20 liquor stores across the country from The Mill Retail Holdings (TMRH). Following the initial announcement of intent to purchase in September, the deal was completed today, Tuesday 17 November, taking immediate effect.

Steve Anderson, Managing Director, Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd says of the acquisition, “We’re delighted to bring these 20 stores into the Liquorland business and it can only strengthen our network across the country. It is a win for both the business and our customers.”

“Each store will transition to the successful owner-operated, franchisee model that is in place throughout the Liquorland network. Franchisees are directly responsible for their individual businesses and with the power of local knowledge, give our stores the edge that can only be achieved through an owner who is wholly invested in the success of the business. Our franchisees are incredibly excited to be taking on these 20 new stores, they are committed to delivering the best customer experience possible and we are confident that the change will bring some positive aspects to both the customers’ shopping experience and the overall offer.”

Anderson is pleased to confirm that Liquorland brand standards will be in place and customer service, product range and expert knowledge will be a focus. Customer rewards through Fly Buys are an added benefit for customers shopping with Liquorland.

“Liquorland has a clear business strategy and extremely high standards of in store execution. As the franchisor, Liquorland remains responsible for support services to the store including marketing and advertising support and IT services, meaning owners can focus solely on being a successful business within their local community,” says Anderson.

Liquorland formed as a specialist liquor retailer in 1981 with 18 stores and has grown to 88 stores nationwide from Waipapa in Northland to South City in Invercargill. The acquisition takes the Liquorland footprint to 108 stores – an additional six in the South Island and fourteen in the North Island.

Anderson adds, “This is an exciting period of accelerated growth for Liquorland on the back of solid growth in 2014.

“The brand promise is simple – we supply products that our customers want, set competitive prices over a huge range of liquor brands, and employ friendly and knowledgeable staff. The franchisee model is a key part of this formula.”

A thorough due diligence process was undertaken before the sale was completed by Liquorland; the business is working though the details of the acquisition with staff in a transparent process and has offered contracts of employment to Foodstuffs Liquor New Zealand Limited as the owner of Liquorland. No positions at The Mill retail stores have been disestablished.

Foodstuffs Liquor New Zealand Limited is a subsidiary of Foodstuffs (NZ) Limited which is New Zealand’s largest retail grocery organisation, with much of its success owed to the 100% Kiwi owned and operated philosophy behind its brands and an unrivalled depth of retailing, wholesaling, liquor and franchise experience.

Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd
95 May Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1041
PO Box 27-480, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1440
DX Box CX 15021, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1440
Phone: +64 9 621 0508
Fax: +64 9 621 0987

SOURCE: FOODSTUFFS NEW ZEALAND

Posted on by

The Foodstuffs South Island opens Fresh Foods Training Centre for its Butchery and Bakery Apprentices

The Foodstuffs South Island Fresh Foods Training Centre opened its doors today, Wednesday the 11th of November, to much anticipation from Foodstuffs staff, Skills4Work and Competenz.

Christchurch, New Zealand, 2015-11-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Located on the same site as Trent’s Wholesale on Orbell Street in Christchurch, the new training centre has been purpose built to cater for the needs of the Butchery, Seafood, Deli and Bakery departments across Foodstuffs’ PAK’nSAVE, New World and Raeward Fresh supermarkets.

The centre will be used for both theory and practical workshops for Foodstuffs Butchery and Bakery Apprentices across the South Island; as well being used for sampling, product development, demonstrations and conferences.

Kim DeGarnham, General Manager of Employee and Support Services, Foodstuffs South Island Ltd, says, “The benefits of having our very own state-of-the-art Fresh Foods Training Centre are immense. Our butchery, seafood, bakery and deli staff are a pivotal part of the customer experience in our supermarkets. We regularly receive positive feedback from customers on the quality of their work and products. Whether it’s a delicious bread recipe or the perfect cut of meat, this is the customer experience we aim to deliver every time a customer visits one of our stores. Providing regular training and helping staff work towards qualifications, is rewarding for staff and helps us deliver consistent quality while fostering innovation and improvement.”

The initial concept for a multi-purpose training centre was born in 2009 and its development has been a collaborative effort across the business led by its training team.

“We are focused on innovative investment that delivers growth while serving our customers. The Fresh Foods Training Centre does just this. We’re extremely pleased with the final result,” adds DeGarnham.

The project has also had strong support and guidance from training providers Skills4Work and Competenz to ensure the venue met all Foodstuffs’ requirements.

Tamai Roff, National Operations Manager, Skills4Works, says “Foodstuffs invest heavily in staff training and are focused on building the skills of its people and providing quality learning experiences. Skills4Work is pleased and honored to be associated with Fresh Food Training Centre. Foodstuffs continually demonstrate a commitment to ongoing training, which has been borne out the development of this first class facility. It is fitted with the best equipment and provides a wonderful opportunity for budding butchers and bakers. It is unparalleled in New Zealand.”

The centre opening follows significant investment and development by Foodstuffs South Island in the region in the four years post the Canterbury earthquakes.

This includes the Hornby Ambient Distribution Centre, which opened in 2014, and the four supermarket rebuilds and three new builds that have been completed in Canterbury.

Foodstuffs South Island Ltd
167 Main North Road
Papanui, Private Bag 4705
Christchurch
Phone: +64 3 353 8700
Fax: +64 3 353 8190
www.foodstuffs-si.co.nz

SOURCE: FOODSTUFFS NEW ZEALAND

###

The Foodstuffs South Island opens Fresh Foods Training Centre for its Butchery and Bakery Apprentices

Debbie Behrnes and Steve Anderson