Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Pets at Home Group’s Non-Executive Chairman Tony DeNunzio appointed to the Board of Dixons Carphone plc as Senior Independent Director

LONDON, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 16 December 2015, Tony DeNunzio, Non-Executive Chairman of Pets at Home Group Plc, was appointed to the Board of Dixons Carphone plc as a Senior Independent Director.

This disclosure is given in accordance with Listing Rule 9.6.14.

Enquiries
Pets at Home Group Plc:
+44 (0)161 486 6688
Louise Stonier, Company Secretary and Group Legal Director

About Pets at Home
Pets at Home Group Plc is the UK’s leading specialist pet omnichannel retailer and services provider. Pets at Home operates from 405 stores located across the UK. The Group operates the UK’s largest small animal veterinary business with 353 practices, run principally under a Joint Venture model using the Vets4Pets and Companion Care brand names, and a specialist referral vet hospital. Pets at Home is the UK’s leading operator of pet grooming services offered through its 190 grooming salons. The Group also operates 3 specialist High Street based dog stores, called Barkers, as well as Ride-away, an equine retail business with a superstore and website. For more information visit: http://investors.petsathome.com/

SOURCE: PETS AT HOME

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Pets at Home Group Plc announces the appointment of Graeme Jenkins as its CFO

LONDON, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Pets at Home Group Plc, the UK’s leading specialist retailer of pet food, accessories and services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Graeme Jenkins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Graeme will become an Executive Director of the Company and member of the Board, upon his commencement date, which will be announced in due course. Ian Kellett, the current Group CFO, will transition fully into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Retail (CEO of Retail) upon Graeme’s appointment.

Graeme is currently CFO of Australian department store business, Target Australia Pty Ltd, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to this, Graeme was Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director at Virgin Media Business and before this he held a number of senior financial positions at FirstGroup Plc and John Menzies Plc. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young.

Nick Wood, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“I am delighted to welcome Graeme to our team. Graeme brings a broad range of financial experience across consumer facing and fast moving businesses and has a solid operational focus. I would also like to thank Ian Kellett for his ongoing contribution to the growth and development of Pets at Home in his 10th year as our Group CFO. Ian will transition fully into the role of CEO of Retail upon Graeme’s appointment, whilst ensuring an appropriate handover period.”

Graeme Jenkins, commented:

“Pets at Home has an exciting future ahead, with a clear strategy for growth. As an engaged dog owner, I have a natural passion for the business and look forward to joining the team.”

There is no further information to be disclosed under paragraph 9.6.13 of the UK Listing Authority Listing Rules.

Pets at Home Group Plc will publish a third quarter trading statement on 20 January 2016.

Enquiries
Pets at Home Group Plc:
+44 (0)161 486 6688

Louise Stonier, Company Secretary and Group Legal Director

Amie Gramlick, Head of Investor Relations

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Banking services provider in Poland ITCard S.A. partners with Diebold to deploy multivendor software on its growing Planet Cash ATM network

New technology expands deposit automation, increases security through biometrics across Poland’s second-largest ATM fleet

WARSAW, Poland, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — ITCard S.A., one of the leading providers of banking services in Poland, is partnering with Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) to expand its reach and deploy innovative technology on its growing Planet Cash automated teller machine (ATM) network. Diebold is providing multivendor software for nearly 1,000 of its ATMs in the Planet Cash network and delivering break-fix and preventive maintenance services on all Diebold ATMs.

“As we continue to expand our fleet, we’re extending greater convenience and security to our customers,” said Jaroslaw Chrzanowski, chief executive officer, ITCard. “Leveraging Diebold’s best-in-class software and services allows us to give our customers the ability to make more secure and convenient transactions at the ATM and quickly incorporate additional features into the fleet that are under consideration for the future.”

ITCard is purchasing additional ATMs to enhance the consumer experience for its extensive ATM network. To heighten consumer security, biometric finger vein readers will be integrated into all Diebold ATMs.

“This is another demonstration of Diebold’s innovation capabilities. We are pleased to offer our comprehensive suite of software and world-class services to support this expansion and deliver a personalized and secure experience for ITCard’s customers,” said Bassem Bouzid, Diebold senior vice president and managing director, Europe, Middle Eastand Africa.

Diebold’s flexible software platform allows for the quick and seamless integration of new technology which enables ITCard to consider the implementation of Diebold’s cash recycling capabilities and near field communication (NFC) solutions in the future.

About ITCard S.A.
ITCARD provides services via more than 4,000 ATMs, 18,000 POS devices and 0,9 million payment cards and 1,6 million 3D secure cards in Poland. ITCARD cooperates with VISA and MasterCard in several areas, including card issuing and acceptance, ATMs and cash-in machines, recyclers, EFT POS, and customer helpdesk services on behalf of several banks. ITCARD is the sole owner of the Planet Cash ISO ATM network, Planet Pay ISO EFT POS network and Planet Plus Internet Shopping Mall.

About Diebold
Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) provides the technology, software and services that connect people around the world with their money – bridging the physical and digital worlds of cash conveniently, securely and efficiently. Since its founding in 1859, Diebold has evolved to become a leading provider of exceptional self-service innovation, security and services to financial, commercial, retail and other markets.

Diebold has approximately 16,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered nearCanton, Ohio, USA. Visit Diebold at www.diebold.com or on Twitter:http://twitter.com/DieboldInc.

SOURCE Diebold, Incorporated

Media Relations – Renee Murphy, +1-330-490-5825, renee.murphy@diebold.com; Investor Relations – Steve Virostek, +1-330-490-6319, stephen.virostek@diebold.com

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

2016 Start-Up Prize: Fnac partners with Intel to accelerate the development of 10 IoT start-ups

For the second year of the Start-Up Prize, Fnac is collaborating with Intel in an effort to accelerate the development of 10 start-ups in the area of the Internet of Things. French start-ups have until January 17 to apply for the Fnac Start-Up Prize. Ten start-ups will benefit from a personalized assistance program; three of these entities will sign a distribution contract with Fnac.

Ivry-sur-Seine, FRANCE, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Groupe Fnac announces the launch of the 2016 Fnac Start-Up Prize.

A leader and precursor to the distribution of connected objects, Fnac has contributed to the success of some of the main French players in the Internet of Things (IoT). Since the roll-out of dedicated spaces in all of its stores as of 2013, it has not stopped innovating, broadening access to connected objects and their uses. Through this new Start-Up Prize, Fnac wishes to go even further, stimulating innovation and assisting in the growth of French start-ups in the sector.

To do so, Fnac has partnered with Intel, a world leader in microprocessors. Intel is at the heart of the Internet of Things, with increasingly small connectivity and hardware solutions, which are efficient and easy to access, in an effort to remove the obstacles that entrepreneurs wishing to enter this market could face. Together, they designed a twelveweek program to accelerate the development of 10 IoT start-ups, regardless of their level of maturity or prototype design, and through to the distribution of the end products.

The start-ups have until January 17 to apply on the dedicated page at www.prixstartupfnac.com

At the end of the program, three winners will be appointed by a jury made up of personalities from the IoT ecosystem. These three winners will sign a distribution contract with Fnac and will benefit from a dedicated marketing and sales plan.

Main stages of the Fnac Start-up Prize:

Through January 17, 2016 : application
From January 18 to February 15 : selection of the 10 start-ups for the assistance program
From February 15 to May 15 : assistance and mentoring of the 10 start-ups selected
End of May – beginning of June : selection of three winners by emblematic personalities of the IoT ecosystem

About Groupe Fnac – www.groupe-fnac.com: Groupe Fnac is a retailer of entertainment and leisure products and consumer electronics. A leader in France and major player in the countries where it operates (Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Belgium, Switzerland, Morocco, Qatar), Groupe Fnac had a multiformat network of 189 stores (including 115 in France) at the end of 2014, plus e-commerce sites, including Fnac.com, ranked France’s third most visited e-commerce site (close to 10 million unique visitors/month). A standard-setting omni-channel retailer, Group Fnac posted consolidated revenue of €3.895 billion in 2014 and employs 14,500 people.

About Intel – Intel, which is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, currently employs more than 100,000 people in 63 countries, and serves customers in more than 120 countries. Intel creates and produces a broad range of essential technology, including microprocessors and chipsets, as well as hardware and software solutions, and services which, together, are used as the foundation for numerous IT devices worldwide.

Press Contact: Laurent Glépin: +33(0)1 55 21 54 13 – laurent.glepin@fnac.com Alexandre André: +33(0)1 55 21 54 46 – alexandre.andre@fnac.com

SOURCE: Groupe Fnac

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Intrum Justitia to take over ICA Bank’s past due loan receivables

Solna, Sweden, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — ICA Bank has signed an agreement with Intrum Justitia, which will take over the bank’s past due loan receivables. The transaction will give rise to a positive earnings effect of approximately SEK 180 million for ICA Bank during the fourth quarter of 2015.

The agreement also entails that ICA Bank’s loan receivables that have become past due will be successively taken over by Intrum Justitia.

For more information

ICA Gruppen press service, Telephone number: +46 10 422 52 52

ICA Gruppen discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication at 08.30 CET on Thursday, 17 December 2015.

SOURCE: ICA Gruppen AB

Press Service
46+ (0) 10 422 52 52

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Bonmarché Holdings plc announces that its CEO Beth Butterwick will step down to join Karen Millen as its Chief Executive

Wakefield, England, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ —

1. Beth Butterwick to step down as Chief Executive Officer

Bonmarché Holdings plc today announces that Beth Butterwick, Chief Executive, will step down after four years with the Company to join Karen Millen as Chief Executive. Beth will remain with Bonmarché until her successor is appointed to ensure a smooth transition.

The Board is conducting a comprehensive search for the Company’s next Chief Executive and a further announcement will be made in due course.

John Coleman, Chairman, said:

“On behalf of the Board, and all our colleagues at Bonmarché, we thank Beth for her exceptional contribution over the past four years. She has led the business through a transformative period, through the acquisition by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners in 2012, the IPO on AIM in 2013, and most recently the Company’s transition to the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market as one of the UK’s largest women’s value retailers.

Beth has imbued Bonmarché with a sense of energy and purpose, and today the business is wellplaced for long-term success, with a robust balance sheet, strong management, and a carefully formulated growth strategy. We wish her all the very best for the future.”

Beth Butterwick, CEO, said:

“It has been a great privilege to lead this unique Company. I would like to offer my sincere thanks for the valued support from customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders, throughout my time with Bonmarché.”

2. Trading update

In the Company’s Interim Results report published on 23 November, the Board stated that, provided trading conditions normalised for the remainder of the financial year, its expectations for the full year would remain unchanged.

Trading conditions during December, particularly since “Black Friday” on 27 November, have been very challenging, and have not normalised. The Board’s view is that these trading conditions are likely to continue for the remainder of the winter season and it has therefore revised its profit expectations for the current financial year. Given the ongoing volatility of trading conditions, the Board considers it likely that the PBT will be within the range of £10.5m to £12.0m.

The Company will issue its post-Christmas trading update on 15 January 2016.

ENQUIRIES:
Bonmarché Holdings plc
Beth Butterwick, Chief Executive
Stephen Alldridge, Finance Director
c/o FTI +44 (0)20 3727
1000

FTI Consulting – Communications adviser
Jonathon Brill, Josephine Corbett
+44 (0)20 3727 1109

Investec Bank plc
Garry Levin, David Flin, David Anderson
+44 (0)20 7597 4000

SOURCE: Bonmarché Holdings plc

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Debenhams report: mothers-in-law at the bottom of the Christmas present list

LONDON, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Much maligned mothers-in-law can forget any festive cheer this Christmas after coming bottom of the present list.

Over half (51%) will be ignored by their son or daughter’s partner and will be lucky to get so much as a seasons’ greeting, according to a new report from Debenhams.

A further 21% of mothers-in-law will receive a token present costing under £20, the research on Christmas gift giving reveals.

Youngsters will be the biggest winners with an average £206 spent filling their sack from Santa while partners will have an average £163 spent on them.

Men are more generous than women when it comes to choosing a present for their other half, though they take a lesser role when helping with buying for everyone else. 50% of men will spend at least £75 on their partner compared with 30% of women.

One in five (19%) close friends and immediate relatives will also receive nothing though a further 50% will see up to £100 spent on them by generous gift-givers.

The report, which asked about present buying to highlight the High Street store’s Found It campaign showed that nearly everyone appreciates the thought behind a gift, rather than the cost or the frivolous luxury name. Practicality seems to be the name of the game with six out of ten people planning to give gifts that they know the receiver wants and two thirds (66%) will receive gifts they want or need.

Just 5% said they would like something luxurious and only 3% wanted to know what their gift cost.

Top of the Christmas wish list was vouchers, requested by four out of ten, indicating that people often like to choose their own present, followed by jewellery (35%) then clothing for women (30%) and books (28%) for men with electronic gadgetry (26%) coming a close third.

Ten per cent of women hoped to receive lingerie and 12% flowers.

A quarter of men (25%) wanted items of clothing and one in five (19%) are hoping for tech gifts. Cash was popular among 18 to 24 year olds, along with vouchers.

Regionally top of the gift-givers is surprisingly Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North East while the more prosperous London and the South East along with the North West and Wales will spent the least on presents.

Whatever the gift, the good news is that it is generally appreciated, though women do express more doubts than men with 7% expecting to be disappointed after opening their presents on the big day.

Christine Morgan from Debenhams said: “Getting a present right can be extremely tricky but its good to know that most people put some thought behind choosing a gift and try to get it right. We place great emphasis on helping customers pick the right gift for partners, family and friends, including the mother in law,regardless of how much they want to spend.”

To help shoppers find the perfect gift in stores, we have an army of over 100 personal shoppers who have become professional gift finders. Shoppers can book a free of charge 30 minute consultation to give details of their loved ones and their interests. Personal shoppers then seek out the ideal gift from the shop floor while customers relax.”

Survey of 2008 by Atomic Research dec 8-9th

Ends

CONTACTS
Tehreem Ashraf/tehreem.ashraf@debenhams.com

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Greenpeace Zwischenbericht zu Detox-Massnahmen für saubere Textilien: Coop ist «Trendsetter»

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Zwischenbericht zu Detox-Massnahmen für saubere Textilien Vor rund drei Jahren hat Coop als erstes Schweizer Unternehmen das sogenannte Detox-Commitment von Greenpeace unterschrieben. Dies ist ein klares Bekenntnis, unerwünschte Chemikalien bei der Produktion von Textilien zu vermeiden. Nun hat Greenpeace einen ersten Zwischenbericht zur Umsetzung der Detox-Massnahmen publiziert. Darin bezeichnet sie Coop als «Trendsetter». Dies ist eine Bestätigung für das bereits erfolgte Engagement und eine Motivation, sich weiterhin gleich konsequent für eine saubere Textilproduktion entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette einzusetzen.

Im Januar 2013 hat Coop das Detox-Commitment von Greenpeace unterzeichnet. Im Zentrum dieser Vereinbarung steht die sogenannte Negativliste, welche Chemikalien auflistet, die aus der Textilverarbeitung eliminiert werden sollen. Coop hat sich verpflichtet, bis 2020 auf alle darin aufgeführten Chemikalien zu verzichten.

Klare Vorgaben
Seither hat Coop bereits wichtige Schritte unternommen, um auf problematische Chemikalien bei der Textilverarbeitung zu verzichten. In einem ersten Schritt hat die Detailhändlerin eine eigene Richtlinie Textil und Leder verabschiedet. Sie hält fest, an welche Regeln sich Lieferanten halten müssen. Dabei geht es nicht nur um toxikologische Anforderungen an Textilien, sondern auch um soziale und ökologische Kriterien und um den Anbau der Textilrohstoffe und deren weitere Verarbeitung.

Pilotprojekte führen bereits zu Resultaten
«Bei den Haupt-Textillieferanten wurde die Transparenz bis zu den Ausrüstern (Färbereien, Druckereien) geschaffen und es haben erste Umweltaudits stattgefunden», sagt Emanuel Büchlin, Leiter Einkauf Bekleidung/Accessoires von Coop. Die Ergebnisse der Umwelttests sind auf der Datenbank des Insitutue of Public and Environmental Affairs (IPE) veröffentlicht. «Bei gewissen anspruchsvollen Produktkategorien – wie etwa Regenschirmen, die wasserabweisend sein müssen– haben wir bereits erfolgreich Pilotprojekte umgesetzt. So wird etwa seit November 2015 das gesamte Eigenmarken-Schirmsortiment PFC-frei produziert und kommt im Frühjahr 2016 in die Coop Supermärkte und Coop City Warenhäuser» freut sich Emanuel Büchlin.

Ausbildung von Lieferanten
Coop wird auch in den nächsten Jahren weitere wichtige Massnahmen ergreifen, um die Produktion konventioneller Textilien noch nachhaltiger zu gestalten. Der Fokus im Jahr 2016 liegt auf dem Ausbau des Trainingsangebotes für Lieferanten, um diese im Chemikalienmanagement aktiv zu sensibilisieren und zu unterstützen.

Zusätzlich zum Engagement für eine saubere Produktion konventioneller Textilien wird sich Coop weiterhin für den Verkauf und die Produktion der fair und biologisch produzierten Bio-Baumwolle einsetzen. Insgesamt hat Coop seither über 55’000 Tonnen fair gehandelte Bio-Baumwolle für die Eigenmarke Naturaline verwendet. Damit ist Coop die grösste Anbieterin in diesem Bereich.

Mehr Informationen zu Detox finden Sie unter: http://www.coop.ch/content/act/de/grundsaetze-und-themen/hauptthemen/textil/detox.html

Kontaktpersonen

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

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

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

###

Coop Naturaline Medienreise in Tansania, Besichtigung der Bio Baumwollen Plantagen. Tag 1. BioRe Baumwoll Produzentin Flora Manangu auf ihrem Feld in Minyanda. Bild Remo Naegeli

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Lagardère Travel Retail brings robotics in travel retail with the launch of Automated Collection Experience (ACE) in Aelia Duty Free at Auckland Airport

Auckland, New Zealand, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — A world-first for travel retail, ACE, an acronym for Automated Collection Experience, has arrived in Aelia Duty Free at Auckland Airport. Creating a technology-driven concept, ACE makes the consumer shopping experience not only more convenient but also intriguing and slightly theatrical.

In a world where technology is becoming the defining factor in everyday convenience, the use of robotics in service delivery is cutting edge, revolutionizing the way consumers shop with one implicit promise: speed of service.

With a few simple steps, ACE brings the whole pre-order process into the 21st century, says Ivo Favotto, Executive General Manager of Duty Free & Luxury, Pacific for Lagardère Travel Retail.

“You can now order your duty free goods online and collect them automatically and in-style via ACE. The whole experience is now completely digital. Our ACE is a world first for travel retail and the first retail execution of a robot of this kind in New Zealand. The focus of Aelia Duty Free at Auckland Airport is to revolutionise duty free with experiences that passengers will never forget. Be it the Top Shelf Bar in Departures, where you can get premium cocktail for just $5, or ACE in Arrivals.”

Entirely exposed to consumers from behind the glass, the ACE identifies their box of goods, delivering the purchase within 30 seconds in a highly entertaining and engaging way, enhancing the shopping experience while making it faster and more convenient.

With the overall structure standing four metres high, so heavy that it required the floor to be restructured and strengthened for its installation, ACE is capable of lifting up to 150 kg, ensuring even full duty free allowance orders of 3 bottles of spirits and 6 bottles of wine are no trouble for the robot’s ability.

Richard Barker, Auckland Airport’s general manager of retail and commercial, says, “The ACE robot shows our ongoing commitment to making journeys better and providing a world-class duty free experience at Auckland Airport.”

“Not only does the ACE robot look impressive, it also reduces the time arriving passengers have to wait at the duty free collection point. We congratulate Aelia on their innovation and commitment to customer service,” says Mr Barker.

With similar robots operating at Yotel in New York City and Shoebox in Berlin, the arrival of the ACE at Aelia Duty Free is a testament to parent company Lagardère Travel Retail’s visionary style, recognising the importance of technology and online ordering, just as it has in a traditional retail environment, will become the way of the future for duty free.

With Lagardère Travel Retail being highly experienced in the airport retail environment operating thousands of stores globally in duty free, specialty, convenience and cultural leisure, Aelia Duty Free offers a ‘Here and Nowhere Else’ promise, ensuring the ACE robotic experience remains a highly sought after and exclusive one.

ABOUT LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL: With 3,2 billion euros 100% managed sales in 2014 and a presence in 30 countries, 150 airports and 700 train stations in EMEA, North America and ASPAC, Lagardère Travel Retail is a pioneering and leading travel retail player with global reach. Operating stores in travel essentials, duty free and luxury and foodservice, Lagardère Travel Retail offers a complete range of products and services to satisfy each and every traveller all along his journey. Beyond its three businesses expertise, as a multi-specialist assembler, Lagardère Travel Retail creates value-added opportunities in each location.

In Asia Pacific, Lagardère Travel Retail group operates over 300 outlets in 16 airports, supported by professional local teams in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China.

PRESS CONTACT
Matthieu Mercier, CEO
+61 2 8218 1105 • m.mercier@lagardere-traspac.com
www.lagardere-traspac.com

Janette Doolan, Communications Manager
+61 2 8218 1142 • j.doolan@lagardere-traspac.com
www.lagardere-traspac.com

SOURCE: LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL:

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Albert Heijn start met track&trace bij thuisbezorgen

Zaandam, Netherlands, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albert Heijn is gestart met track&trace bij thuisbezorging. Klanten die hun boodschappen thuis laten bezorgen krijgen op basis van real time informatie een sms-bericht wanneer ze hun bestelling ontvangen. Deze informatie is tot op het kwartier nauwkeurig. Met de nieuwe service kunnen klanten hun tijd flexibeler indelen en biedt het laten thuisbezorgen van boodschappen nog meer gemak. Albert Heijn is de eerste retailer in Nederland die dit doet.

Klanten kunnen hun boodschappen van Albert Heijn, Etos en Gall&Gall zes dagen in de week van 7.00 uur – 22.30 uur tot in de keuken laten bezorgen. Bij het bestellen van de boodschappen kiezen zij op ah.nl een tijdsblok variërend van één tot zes uur. Een veelgestelde vraag van klanten is hoe laat zij de bezorger binnen het gekozen tijdsblok kunnen verwachten. Vanaf nu laat Albert Heijn klanten weten hoe laat zij de boodschappen thuis kunnen verwachten. ‘s Ochtends ziet de klant op ah.nl op basis van de planning en de actuele verkeerssituatie de verwachte aankomsttijd. Deze tijd wordt nauwkeurig gevolgd en indien nodig aangepast aan de hand van real time informatie, bijvoorbeeld als er onderweg file is. Een half uur voordat de chauffeur arriveert ontvangt de klant een sms. Hierdoor zijn klanten veel flexibeler en hebben zij binnen het bezorgblok nog de gelegenheid om bijvoorbeeld even de kinderen van school te halen of de hond uit te laten.

SOURCE: Albert Heijn

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk opens its 114th Hypermart outlet at Hartono Mall Yogyakarta, Central Java with the concept of G7

Tangerang, INDONESIA, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk (MPPA), a multi-format modern retailer in Indonesia, which operates Hypermart, Foodmart and Boston Health & Beauty, today has opened the 114th Hypermart outlets at Hartono Mall Yogyakarta, Central Java with the concept of G7 which has a gross selling area of ± 4,748 m2.

Hypermart Hartono Mall Yogyakarta is the first Hypermart outlet with G7 concept in Yogyakarta and the 12th outlet in Central Java. This new Hypermart outlet is represented in Central Java with the development potential for modern retail.

The shopping comfort and convenience is the main attraction of Hypermart G7, where the shopping aisle become wider with the products color scheme has been arranged in harmony with the eyes. This outlet is not only more appealing but also provides extra services for consumers with a more complete choice and variety of products.

Design looks more modern and Ready to Eat area is extended with a choice of meals ranging from international food to local cuisine. Bulk food also comes with the modern display concept. Electronic products on display comes with a concept that allows consumers to try the desired product.

Director of Public Relations & Communications MPPA, Danny Kojongian stated “MPPA Retail remains committed to provide the best service for the people in Indonesia, especially Yogyakarta society by improving the shopping experience and comfort through this G7 Hypermart concept.”

For further information, please contact:
Phoa Marchea Trenggono,
Investor Relations & Communications Officer
marchea.phoa@mppa.co.in

Danny Kojongian,
Director of Public Relations & Communications
danny.kojongian@hypermart.co.id

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

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

SOURCE: PT Matahari Putra Prima Tbk

###

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

SM Investments Corporation receives Platinum Award from Hong Kong-based magazine The Asset for the 7th Year

SM SVP for Finance Franklin Gomez receives The Platinum Award for excellence in corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and investor relations on behalf of the company.

Pasay City, Philippines, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — SM Investments Corporation (SM) was cited anew by Hong Kong-based magazine The Asset as a winner of the Platinum Award, the highest award for excellence in corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and investor relations for seven years running. SM’s Senior Vice President for Finance Franklin Gomez received the awards on behalf of the company.

SM was also awarded as the Best Investor Relations Team, a new category this year. SM is the sole Philippine company awarded this category among only seven companies in the Asian region. SM’s Investor Relations department is headed by Senior Vice President Corazon P. Guidote. She is supported by a team of IR and communications professionals whose main goal is to address the requirements of both its major and minority shareholders through direct communications, mainstream and social media communications, domestic and international IR roadshows, conferences and forums. They reach out to as many investors as possible both equity and fixed income who have interest in the Philippines given that SM is widely considered by the investment community as an ideal proxy for investing in the country.

Attesting further to SM’s adherence to global standards across the group, its major listed subsidiaries SM Prime Holdings Inc. and BDO Unibank, Inc. likewise received the Platinum Award. BDO and SM Prime have also been excellence awardees of The Asset for the past six years.

The Asset’s Corporate Awards, which focuses on Excellence in Governance, CSR and Investor Relations, uses a rigorous research process for benchmarking the region’s listed companies. The criteria used to assess the companies include a range of metrics on financial performance, which are also a proxy for gauging management acumen. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the importance of sustainable growth where companies are also evaluated according to the quality of their corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental responsibility and investor relations. A total of 56 companies were awarded on December 15 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong.

# # #

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Corazon P. Guidote
Senior Vice President for Investor Relations
SM Investments Corporation
E-mail: cora.guidote@sminvestments.com
Tel. No. (632) 857-0117
www.sminvestments.com

SOURCE: SM Investments Corporation

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

ascena retail group’s Board of Directors authorized $200 million stock repurchase program

MAHWAH, N.J., 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ:ASNA) (the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a $200 million stock repurchase program. Purchases made under this program are authorized to be made by the Company from time to time when market conditions warrant, subject to any approvals required under the Company’s existing loan documents. The program authorizes the purchase of ascena common stock through open market purchases and/or privately negotiated transactions, and is subject to applicable SEC rules. This program replaces the existing stock repurchase program amended in Fiscal 2011, which had a remaining authorization of approximately $90 million. This stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and it may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion.

David Jaffe, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “This new authorization demonstrates our Board’s confidence in ascena’s operating model and expected cash flows, and creates additional flexibility to enhance stockholder value. We remain focused on commitments we’ve made to the rating agencies and our debt holders to de-lever our balance sheet, and will act in an opportunistic manner with excess cash.”

About ascena retail group, inc.
ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ:ASNA) is a leading specialty retailer offering clothing, shoes, and accessories for missy and plus-size women under the Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, Cacique, maurices, dressbarn, and Catherines brands, and for tween girls under the Justice brand. ascena retail group, inc. operates through its subsidiaries approximately 4,900 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more information about ascena retail group, visit ascenaretail.com, AnnTaylor.com, LOFT.com, louandgrey.com, lanebryant.com, cacique.com, maurices.com, dressbarn.com, catherines.com, and shopjustice.com.

Source: ascena retail group, inc.

ascena retail group, inc.
Investor Relations
551-777-6895
asc-ascenainvestorrelations@ascenaretail.com
or
ICR, Inc.
James Palczynski, 203-682-8229
Partner
jp@icrinc.com

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Ediston Real Estate to focus on mid-market homes with the launch of Ediston Homes

Edinburgh, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ediston Real Estate has launched a house building company. Ediston has to date concentrated on commercial property with only fleeting investment into residential, but this will change with the launch of the new company. Ediston Homes will focus on mid-market homes mainly in central Scotland with some of its projects, such as The Fruitmarket in Edinburgh, being mixed use and developed in conjunction with Ediston Real Estate.

Ediston Homes is headed-up by Managing Director Peter Brogan, recruited from Muir Homes where he was also MD. Peter will be responsible for delivering a set of ambitious targets. The company’s board includes Chairman Harry O’Donnell who was previously Managing Director of Miller Homes, as well as Andy McKinlay Development Director at Ediston Real Estate and Bob Millar formerly of Scottish Homes.

Danny O’Neill, founder and Chief Executive of Ediston Group who will not join the Board said: “I will remain focussed on growing our REIT which we launched in 2014 and Ediston Homes will operate with the expertise of others in the Ediston group. The Homes team has an opportunity to create a great business in a housing sector which is in need of additional well-funded developers and more importantly much needed delivery of new homes.”

Andy McKinlay, director of Ediston said: “we have looked at investing in the housing sector for a number of years but felt the model was wrong for a business like ours. However the industry has changed and I am confident the time is right for us to invest and develop directly.

Its first residential development will be at the old Fruitmarket site in Edinburgh and will comprise 34 semi-detached and terraced houses for private sale as well as 80 flats available for rent under Edinburgh City Council’s NHT initiative. The housing for sale will be marketed during next year, with the rented units becoming available from November 2016.

In a separate announcement Ediston has also developed a rental model which will focus on the delivery of social housing for rent, and with Ediston Real Estate’s experience in institutional investment it is aiming to invest around £100m into the social housing and mid-market rental sectors over the next four years. Ediston’s institutional fund management experience has helped the Homes business to raise the equity and it is now looking for a home in which to deploy the capital.

SOURCE: Ediston Real Estate

Ediston Real Estate, 39 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HN
Tel: 0131 225 5599

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Diebold to provide ATMs And Kiosks to Chinese market in partnership with leading IT company in China

Inspur will also acquire minority stake in Diebold’s services-focused joint venture in China

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) today announced it is forming a new joint venture with a subsidiary of the Inspur Group, a Chinese cloud computing and data center company, to develop, manufacture and distribute financial self-service solutions in China. Inspur will hold a majority stake of 51 percent in the new joint venture, which will be named Inspur Financial Information Systems, Ltd. The joint venture will offer a complete range of self-service terminals within the Chinese market, including automated teller machines (ATMs). Also, Diebold will serve as the exclusive distributor outside of China for all products developed by the new joint venture, which will be sold under the Diebold brand.

In addition, to support Diebold’s services-led approach to the market, Inspur will acquire a minority share of Diebold’s current China joint venture. Moving forward, this business will be focused on providing a whole suite of services including installation, maintenance, professional and managed services related to ATMs and other automated transaction solutions.

Inspur Group is an $8 billion Chinese multinational information technology provider headquartered in Jinan, Shandong, China, with more than 70 years in business. The company specializes in IT hardware and software, and is a leading self-service kiosk manufacturer for major financial institutions in China. Inspur’s clients and business partners also include LG, IBM, Cisco, Microsoft, VMware and Micron.

“Partnering with Inspur enhances our competitive position and deepens the relationship with our customers in China,” said Andy W. Mattes, Diebold president and chief executive officer. “Inspur’s strong reputation as a leading China IT company with a global footprint allows our new joint venture to bring more innovative solutions to China’s financial institutions and strengthens Diebold’s go-to-market strategy in this important market. We look forward to re-igniting growth in China and are excited to work with Inspur to sell a complete suite of self-service products and related services.”

“We are very happy to enter into this venture with Diebold, a well-respected global leader in financial self-service solutions, to continue growing our own presence in this market inChina,” said SUN Pishu, president and CEO of Inspur Group. “Inspur is one of the fastest-growing self-service technology providers in China. Combining both company’s technology, sales expertise and existing presence in China will be of great value, both to our clients and our respective businesses.”

Upon closing the agreement, Diebold will appoint a chairman of the new joint venture, while Inspur will appoint a chief executive officer for the business to lead day-to-day operations. The agreement is anticipated to be finalized in mid-2016, pending regulatory and other approvals, with plans to begin manufacturing and distribution activity immediately after regulatory approvals.

Diebold has approximately 16,000 employees worldwide and is headquartered nearCanton, Ohio, USA. Visit Diebold at www.diebold.com or on Twitter:http://twitter.com/DieboldInc.

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include those concerning the anticipated benefits of the joint venture with Inspur and growth in theChina market. Statements can generally be identified as forward-looking because they include words such as “will,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “could,” “should” or words of similar meaning. Statements that describe the company’s future plans, objectives or goals are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The factors that may affect the company’s results include, among others: the company’s ability to commence the joint venture with Inspur, including the timing and requirements of governmental and regulatory approvals, including Chinese foreign investment and anti-trust review; the success of the company’s joint venture with Inspur; the success of the company’s current joint venture as a complimentary service organization; the success of the proposed branding strategies; the impact of market and economic conditions on the financial services industry generally and in China specifically; the regulatory environment for the financial services industry generally and in China specifically; the capacity of the company’s technology to keep pace with a rapidly evolving marketplace globally and specifically in China; pricing and other actions by competitors; the impact of the company’s strategic initiatives; and other factors included in the company’s filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and in other documents that the company files with the SEC. You should consider these factors carefully in evaluating forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

SOURCE Diebold, Incorporated

Media Relations, Mike Jacobsen, APR, +1-330-490-3796, michael.jacobsen@diebold.com, Investor Relations, Steve Virostek, +1-330-490-6319, stephen.virostek@diebold.com

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Matthew Bassiur appointed VP Head of Global Intellectual Property Enforcement Alibaba Group

Bassiur to lead Alibaba Group’s industry-leading anti-counterfeiting efforts

Hangzhou, China, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) today announced the appointment of Matthew Bassiur as Vice President, Head of Global Intellectual Property Enforcement, effective January 2016.

In this new role, Mr. Bassiur will lead a team that works with international brands and retail partners, industry associations, government regulators, law enforcement and other organizations to advance Alibaba Group’s anti-counterfeiting and IP rights protection efforts. He will report to Michael Evans, President of Alibaba Group.

“Matthew’s appointment is the latest step in Alibaba Group’s comprehensive and industry-leading efforts to fight counterfeits,” said Jack Ma, Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group. “Counterfeiting is a problem that challenges all forms of distribution, whether in e-commerce or offline retail. We will continue to be relentless in our long-term commitment to protect both consumers and intellectual property rights owners, and we call on all companies in our industry to join our fight against bad actors.”

Mr. Bassiur joins Alibaba Group from Pfizer Inc., where he served as the Vice President and Deputy Chief Security Officer. He oversaw Pfizer’s anti-counterfeiting operations, large-scale investigations into criminal activity, physical security and crisis management for North, Central and South America. Prior to Pfizer, he was Senior Director, Americas Region, and Counsel for IPR Enforcement at Apple, where his responsibilities included building and overseeing an investigative program into complex thefts, frauds, leaks, threats and cyber-related crimes, as well as developing and implementing Apple’s civil, criminal, and administrative anti-counterfeiting program.

Prior to joining Apple, Mr. Bassiur was a federal prosecutor in the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), where he prosecuted large-scale, multi-jurisdictional IP crimes and coordinated domestic and international IP enforcement training and outreach. During his tenure with the DOJ, Mr. Bassiur also served as the Intellectual Property Liaison to Industry for his section.

From 1998 to 2006, as an assistant district attorney in the Trial Division under Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, Mr. Bassiur specialized in investigations and prosecution of New York’s trademark counterfeiting industry and Asian organized crime.

Mr. Bassiur was a United States Fulbright Scholar and, under the Fulbright Specialist Program, taught Intellectual Property law at Renmin University in Beijing, China. He earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia, School of Law in 1998 and was inducted into the Order of the Coif. In 2007, he was the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Award for Distinguished Service as a Federal Government Official for his work in the field of IP investigations, prosecutions, education and outreach.

“Matthew makes a great addition to the Alibaba team,” said Michael Evans. “His expertise in IP rights protection, policy creation and enforcement, as well as his deep familiarity with China, will complement our dedicated IPR enforcement team in China and help us to continue to globalize as a company, working with our brand, industry and government partners worldwide.”

Alibaba Group leads the industry in the fight against counterfeiting and protecting intellectual property rights. Alibaba’s success is dependent on consumers having a positive shopping experience on its platforms. In the latest quarter ended September 30, 2015, Alibaba reported 386 million annual active shoppers on its China retail marketplace platforms, an increase of 19 million from the prior quarter. The company employs a broad range of strong measures to maintain the integrity of its marketplaces, including consumer protection funds and strict policies against illegitimate listings and poor quality merchants, ensuring that consumers continue to have a peace of mind when they shop on Alibaba’s platforms.

In the area of brand protection, Alibaba collaborates with brands and industry associations to streamline and expedite IP complaints and take-down procedures, including its Good-Faith Takedown program with 1,800 IP rights holders that participate with close cooperation from Alibaba.

Taking the fight to the root cause of counterfeits, Alibaba has been at the forefront through innovative and sophisticated programs and assistance of enforcement actions that are first of their kind in the e-commerce industry. These include:

Unique Product ID Code: Under a program called Blue Star, Alibaba works with manufacturers to print unique identifiers in the form of QR codes on products in order to enable the authentication and tracking of billions of products from cosmetics to fast-moving consumables to food items sold on Tmall and Taobao Marketplace. Consumers can scan the code using their mobile Taobao or Tmall shopping app to authenticate and verify the source of products and manufacturers. Manufacturers can track products sold through various distribution channels by tapping into product and location data on Alibaba’s cloud-based tracking system. For more information about the Blue Star program, see www2.alizila.com/alibaba-turning-lowly-qr-code-fakes-fighter.
Quality Manufacturing Program: Alibaba works with traditional OEM manufacturers in China to transform their operations into higher value-add manufacturing with original designs and brand building. The vision of the program is to transform “made-in-China” into “created-in-China.” These high-quality products, such as apparel, shoes, bags, baby products, household furniture and furnishings, are sold in a special channel,q.taobao.com, on Taobao Marketplace.
Assisting Law Enforcement: During 2015, Alibaba Group assisted law enforcement in counterfeit crack-down efforts that resulted in the arrest of over 200 criminal groups and seizure of over 300 warehouses and factories for counterfeit goods.

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

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

DUBLIN: HOUR PASSION OPENS NEW BOUTIQUE IN THE LUXURIOUS SHOPPING DESTINATION OF KILDARE VILLAGE

DUBLIN, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — JOINTLY WITH THE SWATCH GROUP UK, HOUR PASSION HAS JUST OPENED ON 14 DECEMBER A NEW BOUTIQUE IN THE LUXURIOUS SHOPPING DESTINATION OF KILDARE VILLAGE, LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF DUBLIN (IRELAND).

The multi brand concept store houses high and mid-range watch brands of Swatch Group: LONGINES, RADO, TISSOT, CERTINA, MIDO, HAMILTON, CALVIN KLEIN WATCH AND JEWELRY, SWATCH and FLIK FLAK.

The new store spans over 85 square meters and echoes the Hour Passion philosophy throughout, the modern and contemporary look provides the perfect setting for the diverse collection of watch brands.

An interior concept was developed for the location to create an authentic shopping experience, from the elegant off-white walls to the clean, graphic lines of the custom displays.

SOURCE: Hour Passion SAS

###

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy on how the gargantuan galaxy of Star Wars fits into and expands the wonderful world of Disney

HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 14: President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy attends the World Premiere of ?Star Wars: The Force Awakens? at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney) *** Local Caption *** Kathleen Kennedy

GLENDALE, Calif., 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the whole Company has mobilized around the Star Wars franchise and the launch of this film. While the new Star Wars films are produced by Lucasfilm under the umbrella of The Walt Disney Studios headed by Chairman Alan Horn, Disney XD just wrapped up its second season of the animated series Star Wars Rebels. In September, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media orchestrated Force Friday, a global event unveiling all-new merchandise, and recently released the Star Wars: Battlefront video game, with a special Star Wars: The Force Awakens Play Set for Disney Infinity, which is out today. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is currently celebrating “Season of the Force” at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger announced at D23 EXPO 2015 in August the planned creation of not one but two Star Wars Lands, in Anaheim and in Orlando.

Leading the charge is Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy, the prolific producer who met Star Wars creator George Lucas not long after he released the very first film in the series, Star Wars: A New Hope, in 1977, and was handpicked by him to take the reins shortly before Lucasfilm joined Disney. As this newest episode of the Star Wars Saga unfolds—and with other Star Wars Stories such as Rogue One on the way—we posed a few questions to Kennedy on how the gargantuan galaxy of Star Wars fits into and expands the wonderful world of Disney.

Q: Was there anything that surprised you when you took the job of running Lucasfilm?

Kathleen Kennedy (KK): I can’t say there’s anything that surprised me, but in terms of being an executive and running a company as well as making movies, I’ve never been in a situation like I am now, especially inside The Walt Disney Company, where there’s the empowerment of all these different lines of business associated with the content that we make. What I love about it is, it’s an extension of the creative process. The strength of narrative is so important in all these different areas of business, especially now with technology. Technology is creating the opportunity to drive the narrative in so many different ways.

Q: If Lucasfilm had not become part of Disney, as a movie producer you presumably would’ve explored making new Star Wars films. What kind of difference do you think Disney made when it acquired Lucasfilm and these films were announced?

KK: It’s been huge. I had to go into a quick learning curve to just understand all the things that Lucasfilm was involved in to begin with, but once the acquisition happened, and once those other lines of business began to integrate inside The Walt Disney Company, the ability to leverage Lucasfilm globally has been nothing short of astounding. I don’t think there’s any possibility that Lucasfilm could’ve come close to doing what this company has managed to do with positioning and setting up this franchise on a global scale. There were parts of the world that didn’t know that much about Star Wars, such as China and Russia, since they never showed many of the films on the big screen. So there was a huge education process that needed to go on.

Q: Star Wars is famous for its massive, dedicated fan base. With this being the first new Star Wars Saga film in a decade, how has that factored in?

KK: We have some wonderful people inside Lucasfilm that have been nurturing that relationship with the fans for over 30 years. That was one of the first things that everybody at Lucasfilm sat down and really talked to me about—that this is completely unique and it’s really important to the success of Star Wars. The marketing team has done an unbelievable job of respecting that and nurturing that and empowering that.

Q: Star Wars: The Force Awakens is just the first of several plannedStar Wars movies, some of which are Saga films that focus on the Skywalker family, and others such as Rogue One that are known asStar Wars Stories. What can you tell us about the approach Lucasfilm is taking to the franchise as a whole?

KK: What we’re doing is built around the universe of Star Wars, the mythology that George created. It gives us a huge amount of flexibility to look at it as though we’re dealing with Star Wars history, and we can pull the history books out and then determine what direction we go, what genre we choose to move in.

Q: In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Daisy Ridley’s Rey is an incredible, strong heroine. One of the interesting things about Lucasfilm is how many of the lead executives are women.

KK: Right now our executive team is 58 percent female, and they’re all powerhouses. Our head of games is a woman. The GM of the company is a woman. The head of story is a woman. Four out of the six key people in the development group are all women and strategic planning for the new ILMxLAB is run by a woman. It’s pretty great, and the conversation in the room does change. That’s something that I’m acutely aware of all the time: When you have a balance like that, there are distinctly different points of view that start conversations in ways that they just don’t when you don’t have diversity in the room.

SOURCE: Disney

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

Benjamin William Gardener appointment as a director of Findel PLC was not approved at the General Meeting

LONDON, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Board of Findel announces that the ordinary resolution to appoint Benjamin William Gardener as a director of the Company (the “Resolution”) proposed at the General Meeting held on 21 December 2015 was not passed and the Resolution has failed. The Resolution was voted on by means of a poll vote.

Further details of the Resolution were set out in the circular to shareholders of Findel (containing the notice of the General Meeting) posted on 27 November 2015.

The proxy votes for the Resolution were as follows:

Resolution	For		Against		Withheld
Resolution	No. of shares	%	No. of shares	%	No. of shares
Ordinary resolution to appoint Benjamin William Gardener as a director of the Company.	14,972,559	19.11%	63,388,424	80.89%	2,051

The Company’s issued share capital consists of 86,442,534 ordinary shares of £1.00 each with ISIN GB 00BB8B4R053. The Company does not hold any shares in Treasury. Therefore the total number of ordinary shares in the Company with voting rights is 86,442,534. 78,360,983 votes were validly cast representing 90.65% of the shareholder base.

A vote “Withheld” is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the votes “For” or “Against” a resolution.

— END —

Enquiries

Tulchan Communications LLP
Stephen Malthouse / Will Smith
020 7353 4200

Posted on December 21, 2015 by EPR Retail News Editors

RioCan completes 2nd phase of the purchase of Kimco’s interest in collection of 22 Canadian properties

TORONTO, ONTARIO and NEW HYDE PARK, NEW YORK, 2015-12-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX:REI.UN) and Kimco Realty Corp. (“Kimco”) (NYSE:KIM) announce that RioCan has completed the second phase of the previously announced transaction to purchase Kimco’s interest in a collection of 22 Canadian properties selected by RioCan. The remaining three properties were acquired at a purchase price of $238 million, and RioCan assumed Kimco’s share of the existing in place debt of $104 million.

Additionally, in a separate transaction RioCan has acquired Kimco’s 50% interest in Tillicum Centre, a 468,533 square foot shopping centre inVictoria, BC at a net purchase price of $58.9 million (at a 50% interest) along with possible future consideration to Kimco based on additional potential residential density. In connection with the purchase, RioCan assumed Kimco’s interest in the in place mortgage financing of $32.5 million(at a 50% interest) that carries an interest rate of 2.9% and matures in May 2018. RioCan estimates that the acquisition is expected to generate incremental NOI of approximately $3.6 million on an annualized basis.

Tillicum Centre is anchored by Save-On-Foods, Cineplex, London Drugs, and Winners. Lowe’s has assumed 120,000 square feet that was previously leased by Target Canada. Other national tenants at the centre include Old Navy, Dollar Tree, and Ardene. In addition, Tillicum Centre has municipal approval for the potential development of a multi-storey residential development/intensification at the site.

The partners continue to market for sale a second group of eight retail assets, which are in various stages of marketing. There remains a third group of three transitional properties that were previously occupied by Target, which will be dealt with at a future date.

About RioCan
RioCan is Canada’s largest real estate investment trust with a total enterprise value of approximately $15.1 billion as at September 30, 2015. It owns and manages Canada’s largest portfolio of shopping centres with ownership interests in a portfolio of 354 retail properties containing approximately 78 million square feet, including 49 retail properties containing 13 million square feet in the United States as at September 30, 2015. RioCan’s portfolio also includes 16 properties under development in Canada. For further information, please refer to RioCan’s website at www.riocan.com.

About Kimco
Kimco Realty Corp. (NYSE:KIM) is a real estate investment trust (REIT) headquartered in New Hyde Park, N.Y., that is North America’s largest publicly traded owner and operator of open-air shopping centers. As of September 30, 2015, the company owned interests in 710 shopping centers comprising 105 million square feet of leasable space across 39 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Publicly traded on the NYSE since 1991, and included in the S&P500 Index, the company has specialized in shopping center acquisitions, development and management for more than 50 years. For further information, please visit www.kimcorealty.com, the company’s blog at blog.kimcorealty.com, or follow Kimco on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kimcorealty.

Contact Information:
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Cynthia Devine
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
(647) 253-4973

Kimco Realty Corp.
David F. Bujnicki
Vice President, Investor Relations and
Corporate Communications
1-866-831-4297
dbujnicki@kimcorealty.com

SOURCE: RioCan