Daily Archives: December 18, 2015

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Alibaba Group Holding Limited announces the acquisition of South China Morning Post and other media assets of SCMP Group Limited

Hong Kong, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) announced today that it has entered into a definite agreement to acquire the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and other media assets of SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 0583).

The agreement combines the heritage and editorial excellence of the SCMP with Alibaba’s digital expertise to provide comprehensive and insightful news and analysis of the big stories in Hong Kong and China.

“The South China Morning Post is unique because it focuses on coverage of China in the English language. This is a proposition that is in high demand by readers around the world who care to understand the world’s second largest economy,” said Joe Tsai, executive vice chairman of Alibaba Group. “Our vision is to expand the SCMP’s readership globally through digital distribution and easier access to content.”

“With proven expertise especially in mobile Internet, Alibaba is in an excellent position to leverage technology to create content more efficiently and reach a global audience,” said Robin Hu, Chief Executive Officer of SCMP. “We welcome Alibaba’s commitment to invest additional resources in its editorial and business operations to make the SCMP even stronger.”

Apart from the flagship South China Morning Post newspaper, the agreement includes the acquisition of the magazine, recruitment, outdoor media, events & conferences, education and digital media businesses of SCMP Group Limited. Besides the broadsheet, other SCMP titles include the Sunday Morning Post, its digital platforms SCMP.com and related mobile apps, and the two Chinese websites Nanzao.com and Nanzaozhinan.com. The acquisition also includes a portfolio of magazine titles including the Hong Kong editions of Esquire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, The PEAK and Harper’s Bazaar.

About Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group’s mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company is the largest online and mobile commerce company in the world in terms of gross merchandise volume. Founded in 1999, the company provides the fundamental technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help businesses leverage the power of the Internet to establish an online presence and conduct commerce with hundreds of millions of consumers and other businesses.

Alibaba Group’s major businesses include:

  • Taobao Marketplace (www.taobao.com), China’s largest online shopping destination
  • Tmall.com (www.tmall.com), China’s largest third-party platform for brands and retailers
  • Juhuasuan (www.juhuasuan.com), China’s most popular online group buying marketplace
  • Alitrip (www.alitrip.com), a leading online travel service platform
  • AliExpress (www.aliexpress.com), a global online marketplace for consumers to buy directly from China
  • Alibaba.com (www.alibaba.com), China’s largest global online wholesale platform for small businesses
  • 1688.com (www.1688.com), a leading online wholesale marketplace in China
  • AliCloud (www.alicloud.com), a provider of cloud computing services to businesses and entrepreneurs

Media Contacts

Robert H. Christie
Alibaba Group
+1 917 860 9410
bob.christie@alibaba-inc.com

Rachel Chan
Alibaba Group
+852 9400 0979
rachelchan@hk.alibaba-inc.com

SOURCE: Alibaba Group Holding Limited

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The Kroger Co.: King Soopers and City Market stores in Colorado sign new labor agreements with UFCW Local 7

DENVER, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that associates working at King Soopers and City Market stores in Colorado have ratified new labor agreements with UFCW Local 7.

“We are pleased to reach agreements that are good for our associates. These new contracts provide wage increases, affordable health care and ongoing investment in our associates’ pension fund to support their retirement,” said Russ Dispense, president of King Soopers and City Market. “I want to thank our associates for supporting these agreements and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day.”

The contracts cover more than 10,000 associates working in 103 stores, 36 fuel centers and pharmacy technicians in 78 pharmacies in Colorado, including Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Longmont, Parker and Pueblo.

Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs more than 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,620 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.  The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 326 fine jewelry stores, 1,360 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.  Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’sMillion Dollar Club.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

Kroger Family of Stores Media Contacts

The Kroger Co. – General Office

Keith Dailey
Director, Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Cell: 513-257-4955
Email: keith.dailey@kroger.com

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Costa again named UK’s Favourite Coffee Shop by Allegra’s annual Project Café16 report

LONDON, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the sixth year running, Costa has been named the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop by industry experts Allegra as the results for their annual Project Café16 report were released today. No other coffee shop has held on to the accolade for this long since the report’s creation twelve years ago.

Project Cafe16 UK highlights that the UK coffee shop market grew by 10% in 2015, with the sector being worth £7.9 billion in the UK. The coffee market segment continues to be one of the most successful in the UK economy and has established itself as a key driver of UK high street growth.

The report highlights that the UK is a nation of coffee drinkers with 16% of coffee shop visitors frequenting a coffee shop at least once a day in 2015 compared with 14% in 2014. Coffee shop visitors drink an estimated 2.2 billion cups of coffee per year in coffee shops.

The accolade follows an incredible year for Costa as they continued to listen to customer feedback, trialling new store formats including Fresco, their food-led concept store located on Tottenham Court Road, their prestigious Barista of the Year competition celebrating its tenth year and their Costa Foundation charity opening its fiftieth school in Ethiopia, educating children in coffee growing communities across the World.

Christopher Rogers, Managing Director at Costa commented: “We are incredibly proud to have been voted the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop for the sixth consecutive year, and I would like to personally thank all of our loyal customers across the UK who voted for us.

“This accolade is testament to the fantastic work and incomparable passion of our store teams and we wouldn’t be voted the nation’s favourite coffee shop without their dedication and support. We continue to listen to our customers, act on their feedback and provide them with irresistible coffee in warm and welcoming environments across the UK.”

Costa continues to invest in its store estate and employee skills and training programmes to develop stores that serve the communities in which they operate. Never complacent, the brand continues to seek ways to build upon the customer experience with product innovations, ongoing store refurbishments and a promise to deliver irresistible coffee to customers.

– ENDS –

Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa is the UK’s favourite coffee shop, having been awarded “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland” by Allegra Strategies for six years running (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014  & December 2015).

With over 2,000 coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,880 shops in 30 overseas markets, Costa has diversified into both the at-home and gourmet self-serve markets. There are now more than 4,275 Costa Express self-serve machines in the UK.

In the UK Costa employs over 16,000 people and creates around 1,500 jobs each year.

Costa is committed to looking after coffee-growers. That’s why we’ve established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity. The Costa Foundation’s aims are to relieve poverty, advance education and the health and environment of coffee-growing communities around the world. So far, The Costa Foundation has funded the building of 46 schools and improved the social and economic welfare of coffee-growing communities.

Media enquiries for Costa Coffee

Kate Clarke
Costa PR Manager, UK & Ireland
Contact with any press enquiries regarding Costa within the UK & Ireland.

Stacie Wood
PR Executive
Contact for any press enquiries regarding Costa within the UK & Ireland – specifically new store openings; community stories & events, and general press queries.

Melissa Greenwood
PR Manager – Costa International & Costa Express
Contact for any international press enquires outside of the UK & Ireland & media enquires for Costa Express

SOURCE: COSTA

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Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media appoints Courtney Holt Executive Vice President and Head of Maker Studios

GLENDALE, Calif., 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media announced today that Courtney Holt has been named Executive Vice President and Head of Maker Studios, reporting directly to Jimmy Pitaro, Co-chair Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, and President, Disney Interactive, effective immediately.

In this role, Mr. Holt, who previously served as Maker’s Chief Strategy Officer, assumes oversight of Maker Studios from Ynon Kreiz, President of Maker, who will be leaving the company on January 11, 2016.

“We are pleased that Courtney Holt has agreed to take on an expanded role leading Maker Studios as we continue to explore new ways to leverage Maker’s unique capabilities across The Walt Disney Company,” said Mr. Pitaro. “We also want to thank Ynon Kreiz, who in just three short years helped Maker Studios become the global leader in short-form entertainment. We appreciate his leadership during this critical time.”

Mr. Holt served as an adviser to News Corp. Digital and as President of Myspace Music prior to joining Maker Studios. Before MySpace, Mr. Holt was Executive Vice President of Digital Media and Music for the MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, a division of Viacom. Earlier in his career, Mr. Holt held various strategic new media positions at Interscope Geffen A&M and Atlantic Records. Mr. Holt began his career as a freelance producer and director of music videos and commercials. He is a graduate of Boston University and holds a B.S. in Film.

Contacts:
Zenia Mucha
Corporate Communications
(818) 560-5300

Mariam Sughayer
Corporate Communications
(818) 560-3117

SOURCE: Disney

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Tommy Hilfiger names supermodel Gigi Hadid as the brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger women’s beginning Fall 2016

Tommy Hilfiger names supermodel Gigi Hadid as the brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger women’s beginning Fall 2016

Gigi Hadid and Tommy Hilfiger (Photo: Business Wire)

As a part of the new vision for ‘Tommy Hilfiger’ women’s, supermodel and social media star Gigi Hadid will launch her first ever capsule collection – including apparel, footwear, accessories – and fragrance in collaboration with the designer.

AMSTERDAM, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tommy Hilfiger, which is owned by PVH Corp. [NYSE: PVH], announces that internationally renowned supermodel Gigi Hadid will appear as the brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger women’s beginning Fall 2016, building on the new vision and strategic expansion of the brand’s global women’s business. As part of her exclusive ambassadorship, Hadid has partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to launch her first capsule collection, created in collaboration with the iconic American designer. Launching in Fall 2016, the capsule will feature women’s sportswear, footwear and accessories, including watches and sunglasses, as well as a new fragrance, which celebrate Hadid’s unique take on modern style, fused with Hilfiger’s signature “classic American cool” heritage.

“I’ve known Gigi and her family for years, and it has been amazing to watch her grow into one of the world’s top models and most-followed fashion influencers,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “Gigi has walked in our runway shows and now we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with her as the new face of Tommy Hilfiger womenswear and fragrance. She is truly the definition of today’s ‘Tommy Girl’ – her magnetic personality is bright and always optimistic, and her style is confident, effortless and cool.”

Hadid’s ambassadorship reflects the company’s strategic commitment to expanding its women’s businesses globally; while already a significant contributor to global revenues, there is a strong potential for additional growth across all women’s categories. The expansion strategy encompasses design direction, store design, merchandising, presentation and communication to present a fresh new vision for Tommy Hilfiger womenswear, reinforcing the brand’s credentials as the world’s leading accessible designer brand that offers stylish classics with a playful fashion edge.

Dubbed a “social supermodel,” Hadid has been credited with reshaping the world of modeling in the 21st century, and reinventing the role of the supermodel in millennial culture. Through the incredible reach of her social media channels, she connects with fans around the world – over 10 million on Instagram alone – and offers them a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into her lifestyle as a trend-setting style icon. She has appeared on the covers of Vogue, W, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, TeenVogue, Numéro, Schön!, and CR Fashion Book, amongst others, and has also appeared in music videos and television programs around the world.

“I never thought I would be asked to design a capsule collection, so it still feels like a dream that Tommy approached me to collaborate,” said Gigi Hadid. “His company is one that I genuinely love and have been a fan of for my entire life, and Tommy is the easiest, most fun person to work with. I have always looked up to his brand, campaigns and design style. I think our collection celebrates the iconic Tommy lifestyle and mixes a bit of everything: there are styles that are really hippie-chic, styles that are sporty streetwear, and styles that are tomboy but girly; everyone’s is going to love a different part of it.”

The collection and fragrance campaigns will be photographed in early 2016 in New York City, and will break globally in Fall 2016 with dedicated print, online and out-of-home media placements worldwide. Hadid’s campaign will run alongside the brand’s seasonal advertising and dedicated men’s tailored and underwear campaign with brand ambassador Rafael Nadal. To further support the global partnership, Hadid will attend exclusive launch events in key markets around the world, including appearing in the brand’s Hilfiger Collection fashion show during New York Fashion Week.

Tommy Hilfiger has a long history of working with inspiring pop culture icons, and Hadid joins an expanding list of influential women who have partnered with the brand. Past collaborators have included Beyoncé, Kate Hudson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Naomi Campbell,Naomi Watts and Alexa Chung, and in recent seasons, Suki and Immy Waterhouse, and Behati Prinsloo have put their own unique twist on what it means to be a “Tommy Girl” today. The brand has also garnered an impressive list of top models who have walked in its fashion shows including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Lizzy Jagger,Georgia May Jagger, Bella Hadid, Binx Walton and Stella Maxwell, among others.

The Fall ’16 Hilfiger Collection and Tommy Hilfiger sportswear collections, including Hadid’s capsule and fragrance, will be available at Tommy Hilfiger stores globally, through select wholesale partners and online at tommy.com. Friends and followers of the brand are invited to join the conversation on social media using #TOMMYXGIGI and the handles @TommyHilfiger and @GigiHadid.

About Tommy Hilfiger
With a brand portfolio that includes Tommy Hilfiger and Hilfiger Denim, Tommy Hilfiger is one of the world’s most recognized premium designer lifestyle groups. Its focus is designing and marketing high-quality men’s tailored clothing and sportswear, women’s collection apparel and sportswear, kidswear, denim collections, underwear (including robes, sleepwear and loungewear), footwear and accessories. Through select licensees, Tommy Hilfigeroffers complementary lifestyle products such as eyewear, watches, fragrance, athletic apparel (golf and swim), socks, small leather goods, home goods and luggage. The Hilfiger Denim product line consists of jeanswear and footwear for men and women, accessories, and fragrance. Merchandise under the Tommy Hilfiger and Hilfiger Denim brands is available to consumers worldwide through an extensive network of Tommy Hilfiger and Hilfiger Denim retail stores, leading specialty and department stores, select online retailers, and at tommy.com.

About PVH
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.

PVH CORP. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995: Forward-looking statements made in this press release, including, without limitation, statements relating to PVH Corp.’s (the “Company”) future plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions, are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy, and some of which might not be anticipated, including, without limitation (i) the Company’s plans, strategies, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Company; (ii) the Company may be considered to be highly leveraged, and uses a significant portion of its cash flows to service such indebtedness, as a result of which the Company might not have sufficient funds to operate its businesses in the manner it intends or has operated in the past; (iii) the levels of sales of the Company’s apparel, footwear and related products, both to its wholesale customers and in its retail stores, and the extent of discounts and promotional pricing in which the Company and other business partners are required to engage, all of which can be affected by weather conditions, changes in the economy, fuel prices, reductions in travel, fashion trends, consolidations, repositionings and bankruptcies in the retail industries, and other factors; (iv) the Company’s plans and results of operations will be affected by the Company’s ability to manage its growth and inventory; (v) the Company’s operations and results could be affected by quota restrictions and the imposition of safeguard controls (which, among other things, could limit the Company’s ability to produce products in cost-effective countries that have the labor and technical expertise needed), the availability and cost of raw materials, the Company’s ability to adjust timely to changes in trade regulations and the migration and development of manufacturers (which can affect where the Company’s products can best be produced), changes in available factory and shipping capacity, wage and shipping cost escalation, and civil conflict, war or terrorist acts, the threat of any of the foregoing, or political and labor instability in any of the countries where the Company’s products are sold, produced or are planned to be sold or produced; (vi) disease epidemics and health related concerns, which could result in closed factories, reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials and scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas, as well as reduced consumer traffic and purchasing, as consumers limit or cease shopping in order to avoid exposure or become ill; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with theSecurities and Exchange Commission.

The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: PVH Corp.

Tommy Hilfiger
Media:
Asia Pacific:
Eric Reed, +852 3916 1336
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
eric.reed@tommy.com
or
Europe:
Kimberley Witcomb, +31 (0) 20 709 5714
Director of Communications, EMEA
Kimberley.Witcomb@tommy.com
or
Americas:
Abdel El Hamri, +1 212 548 1728
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, the Americas and SVP, Global Communications
Abdel.ElHamri@tommy.com

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Zalando partners with logistics service provider Fiege to open its first international satellite fulfillment center in Italy

From left to right: Giuseppe Tamola (Country Manager Zalando Italy), Alberto Birolini (Business Development Manager & Board Member Fiege Italy) and Christoph Stark (Vice President Logistics Zalando).

From left to right: Giuseppe Tamola (Country Manager Zalando Italy), Alberto Birolini (Business Development Manager & Board Member Fiege Italy) and Christoph Stark (Vice President Logistics Zalando).

 

STRADELLA, ITALY, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Zalando, Europe’s leading online platform for fashion, is today announcing the opening of its first international satellite fulfillment center. The company has partnered with logistics service provider Fiege, which will operate the 20,000 square meter facility located in Stradella (Pavia, Italy). This pilot will allow Zalando to serve local customers in Italy even faster and to quickly answer the increasing demand for e-commerce in the Italian market.

The fulfillment center is currently ramping up and storing of the assortment has already started. The first test deliveries will be sent out as early as January 2016. In the facility, Zalando will store a selection of items that will cover the majority of Italian orders. The project represents the first pilot of an international footprint of the Zalando logistics network, which until now included three fulfillment centers in Germany and a fourth currently being developed in the south of Germany.

“The investment in the international expansion of our logistics network gives us the possibility to evaluate the benefit of being even closer to our customers. Together with the services implemented over the past year – direct injection from our German fulfillment center into Paris, same day delivery tests into several German cities and the simplified return process, to name a few – this pilot shows the commitment of Zalando to continuously improve the satisfaction of our customers”, said Christoph Stark, Vice President Logistics at Zalando.

NOTES TO EDITORS

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 131 million visits per month. In the third quarter of 2015, around 59 per cent of traffic came from mobile devices, resulting in close to 17.2 million active customers by the end of the quarter.

CONTACT ZALANDO
Katharina Heller | Corporate Communications
katharina.heller@zalando.de
+49 (0)176 12759514

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Metro Inc. donates $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross in response to the government’s commitment to welcome Syrian refugees

Toronto, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Metro Inc. is pleased to announce that it will donate $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross.  This donation comes in response to the government’s commitment to welcome Syrian refugees into the country and will support those landing in both Quebec and Ontario by dividing the $100,000 equally between both provinces.

“The acts of solidarity toward the Syrian refugees illustrate our country’s remarkable humanitarian spirit. We feel deep pride and gratitude when partners like Metro help Red Cross volunteers as they show great humanity in welcoming these families who, following a long and difficult journey, can now aspire to a better life” said Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.

The donation will enable the Canadian Red Cross to help refugees begin a new life in their community and provide them with some essential services and basic assistance such as housing, clothing, hygiene products and food.

This most recent donation reflects the values of Metro’s Community Investment Program, through which the company hopes to have a positive impact on the communities that it serves. This includes major food donations made to food banks in Quebec and Ontario every year, as well as its involvement with United Way and many other organizations, particularly those focusing on food access.

Metro Inc.
With annual sales of over $12 billion and over 65,000 employees, METRO INC. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical distribution in Québec and Ontario, where it operates a network of more than 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.

-30-
Information:
Mark Bernhardt
mark.bernhardt@metro.ca
416 239-7171 x6155

SOURCE: Metro

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Schnucks Markets names Mark Doiron as its new chief merchant

ST. LOUIS, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Schnucks Markets, Inc. is pleased to announce industry veteran Mark Doiron has joined the company as its new chief merchant. Doiron, who has more than 25 years of experience in the food and grocery industries, will be responsible for procurement and merchandising throughout Schnucks’ 99 supermarkets. He serves on the company’s senior management team and reports to the Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck.

“We are pleased to welcome Mark to our team,” Schnuck said. “He brings valuable and unique experiences to this leadership position, and we look forward to his contributions as we continue on our mission of nourishing the lives of our customers.”

“I am excited to join Schnucks,” Doiron said. “After getting to know the company, the St. Louis area, and seeing Schnucks’ Midwest locations, it was clear that this would be a great fit for both myself and my family.”

Before joining Schnucks, Doiron was president of Sure Winner Foods, a frozen food distribution company based in the northeastern United States. Prior to that, he was chief supply chain officer for Delhaize, a Belgium-based international food retailer, where he oversaw the company’s U.S. operations.

Doiron earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern Maine. He and his family are moving to the St. Louis area from Scarborough, Maine. He replaces Steve Harper who retired earlier this year.

About Schnuck Markets, Inc.
Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned grocery/pharmacy retailer committed to nourishing people’s lives. The company takes pride in its community partnerships and gives in kind and cash donations to more than 500 not-for-profit organizations each year. Schnucks currently operates 99 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa. Privately held, Schnucks employs nearly 15,000 teammates and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Follow Schnucks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Schnucks.

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Media Contact: Paul Simon
314-994-4603
psimon@schnucks.com

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Raley’s Family of Fine Stores donates 81,000 pounds of meat to local food banks throughout Northern California and Nevada

Fair Oaks, CA, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Raley’s Family of Fine Stores donated more than 12,500 turkeys, chickens and hams – which will serve 65,000 individuals throughout Northern California and Nevada.

Each of the 114 Raley’s, Bel Air and Nob Hill store locations within the chain has made a $1,000 donation of meat to benefit local food banks- totaling more than 81,000 pounds of nutritious protein.

The donation was prepared at the Raley’s Distribution Center in Natomas for delivery to local stores for food bank pick-up- the donations stay in the local community of each individual store.

“Raley’s donation of holiday meats is especially impactful this year,” said Blake Young, President/CEO of Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. “2015 marks the first year Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is acting as the food bank for Sacramento County and we are currently serving 150,000 men, women and children per month through the support of 210 local partner agencies. This meat donation from Raley’s will mean a happier holiday season for so many families in need.”

Hunger is a growing problem in the United States and it knows no boundaries. It is estimated that 1 in 5 kids in the United States is without consistent access to adequate food. A recent report revealed California’s child poverty rate – 27% – is the worst in the nation.

Quality, wholesome proteins can often be cost prohibitive to individuals suffering with food insecurity.  “Access to healthy food is important for all families, and this meat donation provides protein and hard to get nutrients, like iron and zinc, to those who need it” Said Emily Satrazemis, Raley’s Corporate Dietician. “By providing a wholesome and high quality protein to these families, we can add balance and nutrition to their dinner table.”

For more than a decade, Raley’s has partnered with local food banks to provide this annual meat donation. At a time when food banks are at their greatest need for donations, Raley’s absorbs all administrative fees to ensure that 100% of donations go directly to local food banks. Raley’s is proudly partnered with 74 food banks throughout Northern California and Nevada. Each partnering agency distributes the meat donation to the hungry in that neighborhood, so contributions remain in the community of each store location where the donation was made.

SOURCE: Raley’s Family of Fine Stores

For information about our stores, please contact Chelsea Minor, Director of PR and Public Affairs at CMinor1@raleys.com.

 

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distribution center outside raley's semi trucks news vans

distribution center outside raley’s semi trucks news vans

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Citycon appoints Marianne M. Håkonsen VP Marketing and Branding and member of the Corporate Management Committee

HELSINKI, FINLAND, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Marianne M. Håkonsen has been appointed Citycon Oyj’s Vice President, Marketing and Branding and member of the Corporate Management Committee. Marianne M. Håkonsen (b. 1967) is a Norwegian citizen and has a Master of Science degree in Communications from the University of Montpellier. She will take her position immediately.

Ms Håkonsen will be responsible for leading the marketing and branding activities in all Citycon countries and furthermore she will be responsible for the development of Citycon’s digital strategy and international leasing.

Ms Håkonsen has served as the Marketing Director of Citycon Norway AS and has over twenty years of experience in the shopping centre industry.

SOURCE: CITYCON OYJ

For further information, please contact:
Marcel Kokkeel, CEO
Tel. +358 20 766 4521 or +358 40 154 6760
marcel.kokkeel@citycon.com

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

 

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Colruyt Group grants its pig farmers with support bonus of 10 cents per kilo

Halle, Belgium, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Colruyt Group has decided to support the pork industry by granting its pig farmers with a support bonus of 10 cents per kilo. The group is looking to use this action to help its long-term partners scrape a living. This is also a way of contributing to the prosperity of local producers and of continuing to provide its customers with high-quality Belgian pork. In parallel, Colruyt Group is continuing to be actively involved in discussions with the different stakeholders in the chain as part of the Chain Consultation, but reaching an agreement in this consultation remains difficult. We hope the dialogue is pursued and Colruyt wants to continue to participate actively.

10 cents per kilo

Colruyt Group is aware of the difficulties that farmers have now been facing for several months. In concrete terms, the group will pay a support bonus of 10 cents for each kilo of pork, which will be retroceded to the farmers. This initiative concerns all pork received by the group, regardless of the form in which it is subsequently distributed (fresh meat, cured meat, by-products). This measure will be applied for a period of 8 weeks.

Stefan Goethaert, Colruyt Group Fine Food Director: “We understand the difficult situation that Belgian pork farmers have been facing over the last few months. Moreover, we attach a lot of importance to seeing Belgian producers continue to provide us with pork. This measure will directly benefit pig farmers that supply us with pork in line with our specifications. We hope our support can breathe new life in the dialogue within the chain consultation so that the search for structural solutions can be pursued. After these 2 months, we will reassess the situation.”

Reminder: last year, Colruyt Group also assisted farmers by freezing the price of pork for 6 weeks, at a time when market prices were crashing.

Colruyt Group however remains convinced that the solutions required by our Belgian producers can only emerge from the consultation with all stakeholders in the industry and with the Belgian and European bodies. The impact of Belgian retail in an international context is rather limited . The Belgian distribution only buys 6.8 % of the total home pork production and cannot possibly aid the entire market, let alone the export. Colruyt Group will however do everything in its power to ensure that these discussions result in structural and stabilising measures offering a future perspective for all stakeholders.

Contact
Jan Derom
press@colruytgroup.com
+32 (0)2 363 55 45
+32 (0)473 92 45 10

SOURCE: Colruyt Group

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SSP and Budapest Airport extend partnership

LONDON, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has cemented its partnership with Budapest Airport by celebrating the confirmation of a contract extension. Nick Inkster, CEO, SSP WEMEAP, and Jost Lammers, CEO, Budapest Airport, sealed the agreement which will see numerous upgrades, refurbishments, and conversions, of SSP’s many restaurants and cafés at Budapest Airport.

The first stage of the progressive partnership will see SSP’s Flocafe in Terminal 2B refreshed and upgraded. This will result in 32m2 of additional seating with expectation to generate 50,000 more transactions. In the coming months, and as part of the expansion, the legendary upscale Gundel restaurant will be converted into a long open-plan bar serving a diverse range of food and beverages. In addition, the Hippo restaurant will be transformed into an O’Leary’s sports bar serving casual dine-in meals accompanied by the best of TV sport. The airside outdoor terrace will also be upgraded to enable its use throughout the year.

Commenting at the signing ceremony, Lammers said: “I am delighted to celebrate our ongoing partnership with SSP Hungary. The continued contract will see some major developments and upgrades of facilities helping to keep Budapest Airport in the top tier of wide variety, and best value, retail airport experiences in Europe. SSP is a reliable, valued, and close partner, delivering up-to-date food and beverage choices for the ever-growing number of passengers using the continually improving Budapest Airport.”

SOURCE: SSP Group plc

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

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SSP opens ‘casual fine-dining’ concept Boston Grill at Stockholm Central Station

LONDON, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has opened ‘casual fine-dining’ concept Boston Grill at Stockholm Central Station. This is the second outlet of the Stockholm-based brand to open in the city.

Offering the elegance of fine dining combined with the warm and personal touch of a more casual environment, Boston Grill is a relaxed meeting place providing the highest standards of service.

The menu is inspired by the vibe of the Boston food scene and highlights include Clam Chowder, Tomahawk steak (a rib cut served on the bone which is ideal for sharing), and traditional plum compote with homemade vanilla ice cream. The meat served is meticulously matured, and organic ingredients are used wherever possible.

The selection of drinks includes a wide range of beers and wines, several of which are organic, as well as an extensive cocktail list.

Commenting on the new opening, Lars Edengréen, CEO of SSP Sweden said; “Our aim is to continuously offer our guests high-quality dining and drinking experiences. In the unique setting of the Central Station, we believe that the Boston Grill will become a favourite venue for visitors to Stockholm as well as those who live and work in the city. It is the ideal choice for everyone from families celebrating a birthday to those who want a professional business lunch.”

Kerstin Gillsbro, CEO of the station’s operator Jernhusen said; “For Jernhusen, it is important that we offer a variety of restaurant choices for travellers and visitors to meet a diverse range of needs. The Boston Grill is the perfect complement to the other bars and restaurants at the station, and a very exciting addition to our facilities.”

“Everyone is welcome at our new restaurant,” adds Wilhelm Vintilescu, CEO of O’Learys Trademark, which is the franchise organisation for the Boston Grill. “A great brand in a great location, the Boston Grill will have wide appeal to all.”

SOURCE: SSP Group plc

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

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43 Starbucks partners received their degrees through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan in December

43 Starbucks partners received their degrees through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan in December

SEATTLE, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Graduation parties with balloons, cakes and proud families posing for photos take place in homes across the U.S. this time of year. Those types of celebrations also happened in several Starbucks stores recently.

More than 40 Starbucks partners (employees) received their degrees through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan in December, and will embark on a brighter future without being weighed down by student debt.

When the the Starbucks education benefit launched in June 2014, Seattle-based shift supervisor Jessica Andrews was well positioned to take full advantage.

Already enrolled with Arizona State University (ASU), Andrews had a handle on the challenges and rewards of online education. The two-year Starbucks partner was becoming more adept at balancing her schedule to accommodate work, study and free time. And, because she had a year completed through ASU’s online campus when the Starbucks program began, she was familiar with all the support resources the university provides to lay the foundation for academic achievement, including academic success coaches; eAdvisor, which monitors a student’s progress to stay on track for graduation; and Major Maps, step-by-step roadmaps for each degree program.

The one big change was her realization that the looming financial burden she was dreading would be disappearing. Full tuition coverage was previously available to juniors and seniors when the program launched in 2014. Beginning in April of 2015, Starbucks and ASU extended full tuition reimbursement to all eligible partners including sophomores and freshmen.

“I actually applied for student loans the week before the Starbucks announcement was made,” Andrews said. “I was able to more or less finance the first year at ASU through different types of help and financial aid, but then I realized if I really wanted to continue it was going to be tough. I was going to have to apply for student loans, which I didn’t want to do. I was thinking of taking time off and just saving for college. Then the Starbucks College Achievement Plan was announced and it became an easy decision for me.”.

Today, Andrews has her B.A. in organizational leadership.

Hats off to Starbucks College Achievement Plan New Grads

Madison Schmitt, a Starbucks® store shift manager, is also celebrating her new ASU degree in psychology. Schmitt said she was “astounded” with the quality of her education and the consistent, responsive care she received from Starbucks and ASU staff and advisors. She also found the ASU experience to be “remarkably applicable and impactful” to her day-to-day life and career interests.

With career aspirations in human resources, Gabriel Adolphe also has a new degree through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. “I feel blessed for the opportunity and ability to finish college,” he said. “Due to financial reasons, I was unable to finish my degree in the past. Since rejoining Starbucks, the partnership with ASU has given me the chance to pursue my education affordably.”

They are among the 43 Starbucks College Achievement Plan students who graduated from ASU this month – the largest group of grads yet in an ongoing drive to get 25,000 Starbucks partners ASU diplomas by 2025.

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

SOURCE: Starbucks Corporation

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Amazon: Prime Now customers in Austin can now enjoy one-hour delivery from local restaurants

  • Prime Now customers in Austin can now enjoy delivery from local restaurants and food trucks, including Boteco ATX, Chi’Lantro, Clay Pit,Michi Ramen, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Southside Flying Pizza, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, Terry Black’s Barbecue, The Backspace and many more
  • Free one-hour delivery for a limited time on all restaurant orders

SEATTLE, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced the launch of restaurant delivery on Prime Now in Austin. Starting today, Prime Now customers in Austin can enjoy one-hour delivery from local restaurants and food trucks, including Boteco ATX, Chi’Lantro, Clay Pit, Michi Ramen, Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill, Southside Flying Pizza, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, Terry Black’s Barbecue, The Backspace, and many more local favorites.

Using the Prime Now mobile app, Austin customers can view participating restaurants, browse menus, place orders, track the status of their delivery, and watch as the driver travels from the restaurant to the delivery address in real time. Once an order is placed, Amazon drivers deliver the food in an hour or less.

“Austin is a haven for people who love great music, great weather and great food,” said Gus Lopez, general manager, Amazon Restaurants. “That’s a perfect fit with restaurant delivery on Prime Now: we take care of mealtime so our customers have more time for the things they love.”

Restaurant delivery on Prime Now is available across 15 zip codes in and around downtown Austin and will continue expanding restaurant selection in the coming weeks. Prime members can download the Prime Now app or visit amazon.com/primenow to enter their zip code and see if Prime Now is available in their area. In zip codes where restaurant delivery is available, customers will see Restaurants on the home page.

Participating Austin restaurants include:

  • 100 Pizzitas
  • 416 Bar & Grille
  • aRoma Italian Kitchen & Bar
  • Arpeggio Grill
  • ATX Boudain Hut
  • Austin Daily Press
  • Austin’s Habibi
  • Bacon
  • Barlata Tapas Bar
  • Benji’s Cantina
  • Billie Jean’s Burger Pub
  • Bombay Dhaba
  • Boteco ATX
  • Cazamance
  • Chi’Lantro
  • Chinatown
  • Clay Pit
  • Conscious Cravings
  • Cool Beans
  • Daily Juice Cafe
  • Delicious Thai
  • Dock & Roll Diner
  • Emerald Tavern Games & Cafe
  • Fat Sal’s Deli
  • Gus’s World Famous Friend Chicken
  • Heros Gyros
  • Il Forte
  • J. Black’s Feel Good Kitchen & Lounge
  • Juice Austin
  • Kesos Taco House
  • La Cocina de Consuelo
  • Llama’s Peruvian Creole
  • Mama V’s Quezzadillaville
  • Michi Ramen
  • Mighty Bird
  • Monkey Nest Coffee
  • Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill
  • NO VA Kitchen & Bar
  • People’s RX
  • PhoNatic
  • Pie Plante
  • Pommes Frites Etc
  • Rebel Pizza Bar
  • Republic of Sandwich
  • Rockaway Beach ATX
  • Rollin Smoke Barbecue
  • Royal Jelly
  • Saffron
  • Sagra
  • Sala & Betty
  • Shawarma Point
  • Slake Cafe
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Southside Flying Pizza
  • Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop
  • Taco Flats
  • Tamale House East
  • Tea Haus
  • Terry Black’s Barbecue
  • The Backspace
  • The Halal Bros
  • Thistle Cafe
  • Way South Philly
  • Xian Sushi and Noodle
  • And more coming soon…

“We are immensely excited to offer our fresh, made-from-scratch pizza and delicious salads to customers through Amazon’s Prime Now service,” said Art Goldstein, owner, Southside Flying Pizza. “For ten years we have surprised and delighted our customers with large portions and outstanding quality. Now, Prime Now makes it even easier to order from and enjoy Southside Flying Pizza.”

Restaurant delivery on Prime Now offers customers transparent pricing—there are no menu markups or hidden service fees and delivery on all orders is free for a limited time. Customers pay using the information already stored in their Amazon account and orders are backed by Amazon’s award-winning customer service.

To learn more about Prime Now, and to download the mobile app, visit amazon.com/primenow. For restaurants interested in working with Prime Now, please contact restaurant-inquiries@amazon.com/.

More to Prime

Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $99 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 20 million items across all categories, unlimited Free Same-Day Delivery on more than a million items in 16 metro areas, unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, more than one million songs, more than one thousand playlists and hundreds of stations with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals all year long, free secure, unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive with Prime Photos and access to more than 800,000 books to borrow with the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. In addition, Prime members in select cities receive one and two hour delivery through Prime Now on tens of thousands of items through a mobile app. Not a member? Start a free trial of Amazon Prime at amazon.com/prime.

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

Source: Amazon.com

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

 

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Kesko’s VV-Auto Group Oy and MAN Truck & Bus AG sign agreement on the import of MAN trucks

VV-Auto Group Oy and MAN Truck & Bus AG have entered into an agreement on the import of MAN trucks, MAN buses and Neoplan buses and their spare parts, and the related after-sales services in Finland.

HELSINKI, Finland, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — “Car sales are one of the three strategic growth areas of the new Kesko. This agreement will support VV-Auto’s growth strategy and enhance our cooperation with the Volkswagen Group, enabling us to serve an even wider customer base,” says Pekka Lahti, President of VV-Auto Group.

The functions of Konekesko’s MAN business unit will transfer to VV-Auto Group Oy from 1 January 2016. MAN’s 28 employees will be transferred to VV-Auto as existing employees. MAN Truck & Bus Center will become part of VV-Autotalot Oy. MAN Truck & Bus Center has sales premises in Espoo, Kouvola, Kuopio, Seinäjoki, Kokkola, Oulu and Rovaniemi. VV-Auto Group’s MAN retailer in the Turku, Pori and Tampere market regions is Suvanto Trucks Oy. After-sales services will remain the responsibility of the existing network of authorised MAN repair shops.

“Such change enables faster and stronger development of all areas of the MAN business. As VV-Auto is an innovative brand house and a pioneer of multichannel marketing, we are eager to benefit from their expertise,” says Olli Ronkainen, Business Unit Director at MAN Truck and Bus Finland.

The MAN truck offering includes TGL, TGM, TGS and TGX series with a GVWR ranging from 7 to 44 tonnes. With the help of its extensive partner network, it is also able to offer versatile superstructures and equipment. The MAN bus offering include high-quality solutions for city, regional and tourist traffic.

VV-Auto Group Oy is an importer of Audi, SEAT and Volkswagen passenger cars and Volkswagen vans. Its subsidiary, VV-Autotalot Oy, is the largest retailer of the brands imported by VV-Auto Group. Cars imported by VV-Auto are sold and maintained in a total of 70 locations across Finland. The VV-Auto Group employs more than 750 automotive sector professionals. VV-Auto is part of the Kesko Corporation.

MAN trucks were previously imported by Konekesko Oy. The Kesko Corporation has been importing MAN trucks and buses since 1979.

www.entry.man.eu/fi / vv-auto.fi

SOURCE: KESKO

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Kesko and Plan International Finland partner to improve working conditions of migrant workers in Thailand’s fish industry

Kesko and Plan International Finland, an organisation promoting children’s rights, continue their cooperation to improve the sustainability of Thailand’s fish industry and the position of migrant workers. We have agreed on cooperation for the years 2015-2018.

HELSINKI, Finland, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Cooperation of Kesko and Plan International started last spring with a research project that examined the conditions of Cambodian migrant workers and their families in Thailand’s fish industry. The aim of the common project is to improve the working conditions of Cambodian migrant workers and the education and protection of their children in Thailand.

The cooperation also aims to improve the transparency of the production chain. We try to include a wide variety of fishing industry companies and civil society organisations. The Thai state also has a significant role to play in the implementation of children’s and migrant workers’ rights.

Poverty drives whole families from the neighbouring countries to Thailand as paperless migrant workers. It is estimated that up to 20,000 Cambodian children aged 10-15 work in the fish industry of Thailand where as many as 90 percent of employees are migrant workers with low wages.

During the project, we aim to examine the activities of the unofficial sector of the fish industry, identify the means to prevent the abuse and discrimination of migrant workers and their children, and train the operators in the supply chain in issues of transparency and fair treatment of workers.

“Companies play an increasingly important role in the implementation of children’s rights. Our cooperation is a good example of new kind of partnerships, which are in line with the objectives of sustainable development. In cooperation with Kesko and other companies, Plan International can achieve much wider impacts than alone,” says Niina Mikolanniemi, Plan International Finland’s Senior Corporate Partnership Manager.

“It’s great that companies such as Kesko consider it important to support children’s rights on a long-term basis,” says Mikolanniemi.

Cooperation with Plan provides Kesko with better opportunities in Thailand to extend its impacts in the supply chain further than the first step, that is, the manufacturer.

“We consider that we have an obligation to take responsibility for the human rights in the purchasing chain of our products. Our cooperation with Plan supports our efforts to develop the supply chain and to increase transparency,” says Matti Kalervo, Kesko’s Vice President for Corporate Responsibility.

We are implementing the project in cooperation with Plan International Sweden, and it is part of a larger project funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency in Thailand and Cambodia.

Kesko is a Finnish listed trading sector company, which operates in the grocery trade, the home improvement and speciality goods trade and the car trade. Kesko is the fifth most sustainable company in the world (The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World). www.kesko.fi

Plan International is one of the world’s largest and oldest organisations for promoting children’s rights. Plan, which has no religious or political affiliations, improves the lives and protection of children in 70 developing countries. www.plan.fi

Further information:

Matti Kalervo, Kesko Corporation, Vice President for Corporate Responsibility, tel. +358 50 306 4081, matti.kalervo@kesko.fi

Niina Mikolanniemi, Plan International Finland, Senior Corporate Partnership Manager, tel. +358 40 761 1677, niina.mikolanniemi@plan.fi

SOURCE: KESKO

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Kesko continues its expansion in Russia with the opening of new K-ruoka store in St. Petersburg

Kesko opened a new K-ruoka store in St. Petersburg at Prospekt Yuriya Gagarina 34 today. The store is located in rented premises in the southern part of St. Petersburg next to the traditional Yuzhnyy market and has good traffic connections. This is the ninth store in the K-ruoka chain.

HELSINKI, Finland, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — According to Kari Heiskanen, Kesko’s grocery trade’s Country Director for Russia, Kesko will continue capital expenditure in Russia, but every new investment will be carefully considered. Three new K-ruoka stores will be opened in 2016.

Further information is available from Country Director for Russia Kari Heiskanen, Kesko’s grocery trade, tel. +7 812 3317723.

Kesko is a Finnish listed trading sector company. Kesko operates in the grocery trade, the home improvement and speciality goods trade and the car trade. Its divisions and chains act in close cooperation with retailer entrepreneurs and other partners. In 2014, Kesko’s net sales totalled €9.1 billion and it employed nearly 20,000 people. Kesko has over 1,500 stores engaged in chain operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus. Kesko’s shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. The company’s domicile and main premises are in Helsinki. Kesko is the fifth most sustainable company in the world (The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World). www.kesko.fi

SOURCE: KESKO

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LVMH Environment Director Sylvie Bénard talks about the significance of the Climate Change agreement

Sylvie Bénard © LVMH

Sylvie Bénard © LVMH

 

PARIS, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The COP21 meeting came to a close on Saturday, December 12th when 195 countries adopted the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. LVMH Environment Director talks about the significance of this universal agreement.

The COP21 ended with an agreement. Does this mean the conference was a success?
For the first time in history, the 195 countries attending together agreed to take measures to mitigate climate change.
The agreement is universal and also seeks a balance between developed, emerging and still developing nations, with a funding floor of $100 billion per year. The objective of holding the global increase in temperatures to 2°C – 1.5°C if conditions allow – was also formally stated.
Now it’s up to the countries to ratify the text and implement it.

What impressed you most during the COP21 meeting?
The positions taken by the world’s leaders confirmed my belief that climate change is now a reality for everyone. What personally marked me most was the engagement of the 20 countries most exposed to climate change – the Philippines, Maldives, the Cook Islands and others –  in order to weigh on the negotiations. They showed that their people are already experiencing the effects of global warming every day.
Another significant point was the degree to which civil society –businesses, NGOs and citizens – played a pivotal role by demonstrating that there are solutions and innovations and by showing that they can be implemented. Here, LVMH aims to be exemplary, and creating an internal carbon fund is elegant proof of this commitment.

What is your assessment of the COP21 conference?
Beyond the agreement itself, the conference raised awareness of the issue among all publics. It was extremely gratifying for my teams and for me personally since we’ve been “preaching the good word” for over 20 years!  Our Group can be legitimately proud to have been measuring its carbon footprint for more than 15 years.
The fact that LVMH was a partner of the COP21 is important too, since it has provided an opportunity to educate our staff, our management, as well as our external stakeholders. The very enthusiastic response to the presentations of initiatives by LVMH Houses at the conference definitely encourages us to pursue our efforts.

SOURCE: LVMH

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Sephora awarded Sustainable Brand label and 2015 R Award for eco-design by Génération Responsable association

PARIS, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sephora’s sustainable development initiatives were recognized on December 8th by the association Génération Responsable, which awarded Sephora the Sustainable Brand label, as well as the 2015 R Award for eco-design.

Within the scope of the SOLUTIONS COP21 showcase, partnered by Génération Responsable, an association that promotes actions by major brands to protect the environment, Sephora was awarded the Responsible Brand label. The beauty retailer signed a voluntary commitment prepared by the association with support from the French Ecology Ministry. This engagement joins the numerous initiatives Sephora pursues to reduce its carbon footprint.

The event also included the 2015 R Awards, which recognize exemplary performance by member brands in different categories, including energy, waste management and responsible advertising. Sephora received the R Award for eco-design for a new merchandising display case now used at all the brand’s European stores. With a 30-percent lighter metal frame, the new furniture will reduce CO2 emissions by 220 metric tons.

SOURCE: LVMH

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Génération Responsable

Génération Responsable

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H&M won the Libby Award for Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M is a winner of the Libby Awards 2015 having been named Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company by Peta’s youth division for its commitment to animal welfare.

“Animal welfare is important to us at H&M and we are happy that our work to improve animal welfare practices in our industry has been recognized by PETA”, says Madelene Ericsson, Sustainability Expert at H&M.

Every year, Peta’s youth division nominates the best brands, celebrities and companies that are making positive contributions when it comes to making the world a greener, healthier and kinder place for humans and animals. This year, H&M won the Libby Award for Best Animal-Friendly Clothing Company when the public was asked to vote for their favourite animal-friendly company.

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Only press enquiries
Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

All other enquiries
H&M switchboard +46 8 796 55 00
Email info@hm.com

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

SOURCE: H&M

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PriceSmart Foods brings fresh new take on authentic Asian grocery store with the opening of new store in Burnaby

The brand new store will hold its grand opening on December 19, showcasing its thousands of authentic Asian products and made-inhouse sushi, dim sum and barbecue

Burnaby, B.C., 2015-12-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The wait is over for residents of the Metrotown area of Burnaby as the brand new PriceSmart Foods opens its doors today, bringing a fresh new take on the authentic Asian grocery store to the community.

The store carries thousands of products from Asian supplier partners as well as national-brand products at good price points. It also boasts a bakery that makes Asian-style fruit buns and cakes, and a seafood service where seafood purchased in-store can be cooked by the team in any style the customer requests. The PriceSmart Foods Kitchen also offers a wide variety of Asian cuisines made fresh in-house, including sushi, dim sum and barbecue meats.

The store’s grand opening activities are slated for December 19, when customers will be treated to a traditional lion dance, performances by a local dance school, a chance to win prizes by spinning the lucky wheel, a pig roast, and of course, samples of some of what’s in store.

PriceSmart Foods president Darrell Jones, Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan and Burnaby-Deer Lake MLA Kathy Corrigan will attend the grand opening to make speeches and help cut the ribbon to officially open the store.

The grand opening event begins at 9 a.m. on December 19.

“We are so excited to be back in the Metrotown area with our incredible new store,” said PriceSmart Foods president Darrell Jones. “This store is one-of-a-kind, with a huge variety of authentic Asian products with the prices, service and high standards PriceSmart customers can trust.”

– end –

PriceSmart Foods is part of the Overwaitea Food Group (OFG), which is the leading retail grocery chain in Western Canada. Known for customizing its stores to meet the needs of the neighbourhood, OFG has proudly provided customers with great value in innovative ways for more than 100 years.

For more information, contact:
Media Relations
604-888-2079, extension 2200
mediarelations@owfg.com

SOURCE: Overwaitea Food Group