Daily Archives: January 19, 2016

Posted on by

IKEA begins the coworker recruitment process for its future Las Vegas store, opening Summer 2016

LAS VEGAS, NV, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced it has begun the coworker recruitment process for its future Las Vegas store, opening Summer 2016 along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. Candidates interested in working at the future IKEA Las Vegas should apply online at IKEA-USA.com.

“We are thrilled to offer interested jobseekers diverse positions with limitless opportunity at a global company known for being a great place to work,” said Amy Jensen, IKEA Las Vegas store manager. “At IKEA, we offer a variety of positions for different coworkers’ interests so they can enjoy their job and contribute successfully. We believe it is as fun to work at IKEA as it is to shop at IKEA.”

As IKEA Las Vegas progresses through the construction process, a variety of positions are open to local residents. Prospective coworkers can apply for the approximately 300 diverse positions now available in: home furnishings sales, interior design, customer service, safety and security, cashier, facility management, receiving, stock replenishment and warehouse. Also, setting itself apart from other local retailers, IKEA Las Vegas will offer approximately 60 food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Café Bistro and coworker cafeteria.

Drawing from the company’s Swedish heritage, IKEA offers family-friendly initiatives and diverse workplace benefits including full medical/dental insurance to coworkers working 20 hours or more per week with eligibility for domestic partners and children. Other benefits include: vacation, paid maternity/paternity leave and paid time off for child adoption, tuition assistance, a bonus program, 401(k) matching, a pension plan, professional development, training and mentoring programs, free uniforms, and – of course – a discount at IKEA.

IKEA recently was voted by coworkers as a Great Place to Work® on the ‘Fortune 20 Best Retail Workplaces’ list, received a 100 percent perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI,) and listed as #3 on Forbes’ list of “Happiest Retailers to Work For.” Previously, the company has been included in rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years.

IKEA BEGINS RECRUITMENT FOR LAS VEGAS STORE

The organization puts career opportunity into the hands of the individual, encouraging coworkers to consider assignments within different functions, at other IKEA stores or even in other countries. IKEA prides itself on the fact an opportunity at IKEA truly can evolve into a career, potentially paving the way for a global experience as well. The company also places value and emphasis on coworkers’ personal lives and the importance of a work/life balance.

Under construction on 26 acres in the Spring Valley area of Clark County, the 351,000-square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas and its approximately 1,300 parking spaces is located along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. IKEA also will be installing Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array, consistent with the IKEA renewable energy presence at its 90% of its U.S. locations.

The store will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking.

IKEA will generate significant tax revenue for state and local governments. When IKEA Las Vegas opens in Summer 2016, the new store will welcome the newly hired 300 coworkers to the IKEA family of more than 14,000 in the United States and 147,000 globally. Until IKEA Las Vegas opens, customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores: Covina, CA; Tempe, AZ, or Draper, UT; or online at IKEA-USA.com.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 370 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Contact: Joseph Roth, IKEA Public Affairs
(610) 834-0180, x6500

SOURCE: Inter IKEA Systems B.V.

Posted on by

Athleta to launch new girls’ clothing line “Athleta Girl” this summer

Athleta Announces Launch of Girls’ Clothing Line

PETALUMA, Calif., 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, Athleta announced it is launching a new girls’ clothing line called “Athleta Girl.” The collection, which will include both performance and lifestyle clothing, launches online and in select Athleta stores across the U.S. this summer.

According to NPD data, the women’s active wear category is continuing to grow at a fast pace, with overall sales increasing 20 percent to $19.6 billion in 2015*. A portion of this growth can be attributed to younger customers, including pre-teens and teens.

“Sporty is how girls are dressing today. Just like their moms, sisters, aunts and friends, they are living more active lives,” said Nancy Green, president, Athleta. “We see Athleta Girl as an opportunity to offer her clothes that are comfortable, stylish, high-quality, built to move and will perform for her.”

At launch, Athleta Girl product offerings will cover a range of sports, including running, soccer, dance, gymnastics and basketball as well as swim. It will also include an active lifestyle category with products that can transition throughout her entire day.

“Similar to our women’s line, we wanted to create pieces that are rooted in performance, but are versatile enough to be worn at any time in a girl’s day,” continued Green. “Her style is already all about sport, even if she’s not playing a sport. The collection will be the go-to pieces for her wardrobe.”

The line is for girls aged 6 to 14 years and will include key styles from Athleta’s women’s collection, including run shorts, capris and tops, along with new styles designed specifically for a younger customer.

The girls’ category is a natural fit for Athleta as the brand has been active in empowering both women and girls through fitness since its founding in 1998. In 2011, the brand became the national sponsor of Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping girls build confidence through fitness.

“Athleta Girl is perfectly aligned with our brand mission and values,” said Elisabeth Charles, SVP of Marketing, Athleta. “Our mission is to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to realize their limitless potential. Our new girls’ clothing line allows us to encourage healthy, active lifestyles and instill a strong sense of confidence with the next generation of girls.”

In select stores, Athleta will create a unique shopping experience for its Athleta Girl customers with tailored bags, clothing tags and mannequins.

ABOUT ATHLETA
Athleta has been the premier fitness apparel brand exclusively for women since 1998. With female athletes as its designers, Athleta creates versatile and fashionable performance and lifestyle apparel for the fitness-minded woman who lives life on the go. Offering products that move with her throughout the day, Athleta strives to help her look as amazing as she feels. Athleta offers apparel and gear for a range of activities from yoga and spin to strength training and run as well as seasonal sports, including ski and tennis. Athleta apparel is sold in retail stores across the country and online at www.athleta.com.

*For 12 month period ending November 2015.

SOURCE:  Gap Inc.

Posted on by

Whole Foods Market opens its new 47,563 square foot store in Wauwatosa on February 24, 2016

New Store Marks 2nd Whole Foods Market in Milwaukee Area

Wauwatosa, WI, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket, opens its new 47,563 square foot store located at 11100 W. Burleigh Street in Wauwatosa, Wednesday, February 24, 2016. The much-anticipated store will provide residents in and around the Wauwatosa community with fresh, high quality foods in a convenient and contemporary setting.

“At Whole Foods Market, we have a deep passion for fresh, flavorful natural and organic foods and we are elated to open a store for the Wauwatosa and surrounding communities,” says Whole Foods Market Wauwatosa Store Team Leader, Ted Beres, “Whether looking for high-quality meats and poultry or everyday pantry staples, residents from the health conscious to devoted food enthusiasts will find what they’re looking for. We strongly believe that food in its purest state – free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, colorings and trans fat – is the best tasting and most nutritious food available.”

To celebrate opening day, Whole Foods Market will host its version of a ribbon cutting called a “Bread-Breaking Ceremony” with Whole Foods Market Team Members and Wauwatosa neighbors beginning at 8:45 a.m. Doors open and shopping officially begin at 9 a.m. The first 500 customers through the doors will receive a Whole Foods Market Gift Card with a mystery value between $5 and $50. One customer will receive a $500 gift card.

The Whole Foods Market experience is about the joy of eating and living well in good health. Whole Foods Market invites shoppers to touch, taste, and experiment with a wide variety of natural and organic foods free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners. Much more than a grocery store, Whole Foods Market is a community partner, a trusted resource for nutrition and health and a community-gathering place.

On the Shelves and In the Aisles
Featuring restaurant-quality prepared foods and the convenience of one-stop shopping, the store features a number of unique and enticing elements chosen specifically with the Wauwatosa community in mind. Highlights include:
·       5-Step Rated Meat: All beef, pork, chicken and turkey in the Meat Department comes from farms that have achieved certification in the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-StepTM Animal Welfare Rating Program, providing shoppers with a new level of transparency about how farm animals are raised.
·       Seafood from Sustainable Sources: The seafood counter has the highest quality standards for seafood in the business by working with scientists, fishermen, government agencies and environmental organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council to gather information about aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries, ensuring customers can make the best environmental choices when purchasing seafood.
·       Salad and Hot Bars: The Wauwatosa and surrounding communities will love the freshly prepared salads, build-your-own salad fixings and hot entrees available for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
·       Panini and Pizza Venues: Customers can choose from a variety of delicious pizza and panini sandwiches for quick lunch or dinner options.
·       Health Starts Here™ Program: This store will provide tools and education to help shoppers make healthier choices, including an assortment of specially crafted Health Starts Here dishes on the hot and cold food bars.
·       Bulk Department: Back-to-basics pantry items for all of the Wauwatosa and surrounding communities’ cooking needs.
·       Scratch Bakery: Shoppers will enjoy a wide variety of freshly baked pastries including croissants, muffins, cookies, soft pretzels and more.

Also featured at this location:
·       More than 200 varieties of seasonal, organic and local produce, with a variety of hard-to-find items.
·       More than 200 varieties of natural, organic and local cheeses.
·       More than 50 varieties of fresh seafood and shellfish, all harvested using sustainable practices.
·       A large variety of custom-cut meats from in-house butchers.
·       A robust and exciting selection of olives, artisanal butters and cheeses.
·       A vast array of vegetarian and vegan choices.
·       A large selection of luxurious natural body care items and cosmetics including bulk soaps.
·       Advanced nutritional supplements and vitamins made of only natural ingredients.
·       A beautiful selection of Whole Trade Guarantee fresh-cut flowers and plants.
·       Essential grocery staples, including Whole Foods Market’s own 365 Everyday Value® signature line of products offering the same high standards for taste and quality at everyday low prices.

Whole Foods Market currently has two locations in Wisconsin: 2305 N. Prospect Ave in Milwaukee, and 3313 University Ave in Madison.

Whole Foods Market is hiring approximately 120 Team Members for this new location.

EXPERTS

Michael Bashaw

President – Midwest Region

Michael Bashaw’s career with Whole Foods Market started 20 years ago as a Bread and Circus Team Member in the North Atlantic Region.

Posted on by

Market 32 by Price Chopper announces the acquisition of O’Laughlin’s Home Care Pharmacy in Pittsfield, Mass

Schenectady, N.Y., 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Market 32 by Price Chopper announces the acquisition of O’Laughlin’s Home Care Pharmacy in Pittsfield, Mass. Pharmacist Stan Walczyk and the O’Laughlin’s Home Care Pharmacy team members have joined the Market 32 team.

“We are so happy to welcome such a strong and trusted health care provider to our team. Customers can look forward to seeing the same familiar faces while also gaining access to expanded and enhanced pharmacy signature offerings,” said Kathy Bryant, vice president of pharmacy for Price Chopper. “Market 32 is truly a comprehensive health and wellness destination in this community. The combination of a full service pharmacy along with convenient care available at Berkshire Health Services (BHS) Walk-In Care provides our customers with affordable and accessible health care services.”

“I am very pleased and excited to have found a ‘family owned’ provider in Market 32 that will continue to offer the same service, values, and principles that O’Laughlin’s Home Care Pharmacy has provided,” said Walczyk. “Our staff looks forward to serving all patients in our new setting.”

O’Laughlin’s Home Care Pharmacy customers will have immediate access to the many great savings programs and services that Market 32 has to offer, including Diabetes AdvantEdge Program that offers free diabetes medications and supplies. There are also programs that include free antibiotics and free prenatal and children’s vitamins. Immunizations are also offered including shingles, pneumonia, and flu vaccinations. An interactive blood pressure kiosk and a private, professional patient counseling room is available for consultations with a pharmacist to answer health and medication related questions.

Market 32 Pharmacy accepts most insurance plans. Shoppers will be able to easily transfer prescriptions by calling or bringing prescription bottles to the pharmacy.

Customers will also see the added benefit of extended business hours. The Market 32 pharmacy is open 8 am to 8 pm on Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Market 32 is also home to Walk-In Care by Berkshire Health Services. The BHS Walk-In Care provides fast convenient care for minor illnesses. It is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm and no appointment is needed. The pharmacy can be reached at 413-496-9332.

-30-

About The Golub Corporation:
Based in Schenectady, NY, the Golub Corporation owns and operates 136 Price Chopper and Market 32 grocery stores in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The American owned, family-managed company prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. Golub’s 22,000 teammates collectively own more than 47% of the company’s privately held stock, making it one of the nation’s largest privately held corporations that is predominantly employee-owned. For additional information, visit www.pricechopper.com

Contact: Mona Golub
Price Chopper
518-379-1480

Jon Pierce, APR
Pierce Communications
518-221-1186

SOURCE: Price Chopper

Posted on by

Wincor Nixdorf to present its enhanced hardware portfolio for retail stores at EuroCIS 2016

Better performance, lower energy consumption

Paderborn, GERMANY, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — More powerful, energy-saving, user-friendly and ergonomic: Wincor Nixdorf is presenting its enhanced hardware portfolio for retail stores at EuroCIS 2016. The enhancements have been made to the BEETLE POS family, including printers, as well as solutions for self-service checkout and cash management at the point of sale and in the back office.

For over 40 years, Wincor Nixdorf has been synonymous with innovative, reliable and future-proof POS technology. At EuroCIS 2016, the IT provider will once again demonstrate why it holds such a leading position. Since in today’s age of omnichannel solutions, the point of sale is turning into a hub for additional applications, Wincor Nixdorf has equipped its systems with even more powerful and highly energy-efficient processors. At the same time, the company added new variants to individual model lines and made various fine adjustments.

Checkout: The all-in-one multitouch POS system BEETLE /iPOS plus, with its new Intel Braswell processor technology (Intel Pentium N3710 4x up to 2.56 GHz), offers 100 percent more computing power and up to 40 percent less energy consumption than the previous Intel Atom processor. Its fanless, dust- and splash-proof aluminum chassis and the projected capacitive multitouch technology ensure maximum system availability, a long service life and a guaranteed future. In addition, the terminal’s design was modernized and its footprint further reduced prior to EuroCIS 2016.

Mobile solutions. For store staff who want to serve customers not only at the checkout but also on the shop floor using tablet PCs, Wincor Nixdorf offers a mobile POS solution. The tablet, which can be integrated in the existing store IT infrastructure via the TP.net software platform, provides all required POS functionalities. The solution is thus targeted in particular at specialist retailers whose customers expect reliable advice. Employees can obtain supplementary information on articles and prices, for example, and so respond competently and flexibly to customers’ wishes. If there are too many customers having to wait at open stationary checkouts, the mobile solution can help out and so reduce waiting times (“queue busting”).

Peripherals: Wincor Nixdorf’s new TH250 thermal POS printer, which has been awarded an ENERGY STAR, is the successor to the tried-and-tested printer model TH230. The new device offers convincing performance thanks to its printing speed of 350 mm per second, making it one of the fastest thermal receipt printers available on the market. At EuroCIS, visitors from the world of retailing can also get a picture of the TH250’s optimized graphics and QR code printing. In addition, the printer’s energy consumption has been minimized through improved standby control.

Self-service checkout: A perfect shopping experience with a focus on speed, convenience and flexibility is once again a major topic at this year’s trade fair. Here, Wincor Nixdorf is well-positioned with its different self-service solutions for the checkout zone. The focus is on the self-service checkout solution BEETLE /iSCAN EASY. With its new design, new cash components, easy switching between staff-operated and self-service mode and the ability to be easily integrated in checkout furnishings, BEETLE /iSCAN EASY meets all the current requirements retailers have for self-service checkouts.

In-store interaction is also supported by the W1000 kiosk solution. Through its interactive kiosk applications, customers can get additional information and also complete transactions, if required. The selection of self-service systems for EuroCIS reflects the results of the Self-Checkout Initiative started by the EHI Retail Institute. Over the course of 2015, a market survey of already installed systems as well as an extensive retailer survey provided further insights, which can be realized with Wincor Nixdorf systems. Wincor Nixdorf’s consulting campaign We make IT yours! uses the EHI study as a basis and offers the opportunity to discuss the benefits and deployment options of self-service solutions – also at the trade fair.

Cash management: Wincor Nixdorf offers a broad portfolio of systems for banknote and coin processing both at the checkout and in the cash office.

A new highlight that is going to be presented at EuroCIS for the first time is Value Line for cash management at the POS. This attractive entry-level solution for automated cash processing is geared specifically to the requirements of Wincor Nixdorf’s retail customers and their end customers. Value Line is characterized by its simple integration in existing POS software, its security and its excellent price/performance ratio. A compact system design simplifies the process of integrating Value Line in existing checkout zones. The solution is designed to be used in industries with moderate cash processing requirements as far as speed and the number of transactions are concerned, for example at bakeries, kiosks, hospitality businesses, hairdressers, clothing stores or furniture stores.

Furthermore, Wincor Nixdorf will use the trade fair as an opportunity to demonstrate the performance of its POS automation solution consisting of the CINEO C6010 and the CINEO C1010, which has proven its worth in practice at service stations and many independent food retailers, for example. Retailers visiting the fair can also convince themselves of the solutions that Wincor Nixdorf has developed for automated, time-saving cash processing in the cash office, namely the CINEO C6020 note recycler and the CINEO C1030 bulk coin recycler. Wincor Nixdorf will be showcasing both the consolidation of notes in a cassette and stacked storage in a safe bag.

During EuroCIS 2016 (January 23–25, 2016, Düsseldorf exhibition center), Wincor Nixdorf will be presenting its solution portfolio at stand C26 in hall 9. What’s more, various practical projects and Wincor Nixdorf’s omnichannel solutions will be introduced as part of the presentation program that accompanies the trade fair. Claude Gerber, Head of IT at Calida AG, will talk about his experiences with the SAP Order Management solution Wincor Nixdorf has installed at the global clothing group, for example. There are also plans for a presentation about the omnichannel concepts an international fashion group has pursued together with Wincor Nixdorf. In addition, Sabine Grün, Head of Retail Industry Marketing at Wincor Nixdorf, will give a brief talk on the subject of “Creating a new store experience with mobile solutions”.

Press Contact

Press/Financial Press

Andreas Bruck
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 5251 693 5200
E-Mail: andreas.bruck@wincor-nixdorf.com

Press/Trade Press

Dr. Thomas Daubenbüchel
Head of Press and Editorial Office
Phone: +49 5251 693 5212
E-Mail: thomas.daubenbuechel@wincor-nixdorf.com

Ulrich Nolte
Phone: +49 5251 693 5211
E-Mail: ulrich.nolte@wincor-nixdorf.com

Trade Press

Claudia Wendorff-Goerge
Phone: +49 5251 693 5203
E-Mail: claudia.wendorff-goerge@wincor-nixdorf.com

SOURCE: Wincor Nixdorf

Posted on by

AGS Transact Technologies installs 50,000th Wincor Nixdorf automated teller machine at an Indian bank

AGS installs 50,000th automated teller machine from Wincor Nixdorf in India

Paderborn, GERMANY, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — AGS Transact Technologies and Wincor Nixdorf have two good reasons to celebrate: AGS has installed the 50,000th Wincor Nixdorf automated teller machine at an Indian bank, and the new collaboration model involving Wincor Nixdorf and AGS was recently launched. The aim of this partnership is to jointly develop and locally produce an ATM model by AGS that has been customized to meet the needs of rural areas. Both companies signed a framework agreement in September covering the partnership. Under the agreement, Wincor Nixdorf will supply key system components that will be used to produce 40,000 systems over the next two years. Shipment of the first 1,000 system components signaled the start of local production by AGS.

“In the past ten years, we have been able to provide all leading banks with best-in-class ATM technology thanks to our strong relationship with AGS in the critically important Indian market,” Eckard Heidloff, CEO and President of Wincor Nixdorf AG, told banking representatives in Mumbai. The support provided by AGS and Wincor Nixdorf enabled the banks to set up a stable self-service infrastructure, Heidloff noted. “The start of production for the new ATM model marks the beginning of a new chapter for us. Our collaboration lends new momentum to the Financial Inclusion Initiative introduced by the Indian government and facilitates the provision of financial services, particularly in rural areas,” Heidloff said.

Ravi B. Goyal, Chairman and Managing Director of AGS Transact Technologies, said: “Our company is a reliable, highly capable technology partner for banks for over a decade now. This collaboration, under the “Make in India” initiative backed by the Government of India, will help us to provide our customers with a tailored, robust product, thereby enabling them to provide a payments service infrastructure in the remotest parts of India.”

The locally produced ATMs, once installed, will help increase access to financial services in rural and metropolitan areas of India. Wincor Nixdorf and AGS Transact Technologies have been driving forces behind the dynamic growth of India’s ATM market. An analysis conducted by the British market research firm RBR shows that Wincor Nixdorf ranked among the top three in the market with an installed base of about 23 percent of ATMs in 2014. RBR projects that India will become the world’s second-largest ATM market, behind China, by 2020. The key reasons for this expansion are rapid population growth and financial inclusion projects initiated by the Indian government.

Press Contact

Press/Financial Press

Andreas Bruck
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: +49 5251 693 5200
E-Mail: andreas.bruck@wincor-nixdorf.com

Press/Trade Press

Dr. Thomas Daubenbüchel
Head of Press and Editorial Office
Phone: +49 5251 693 5212
E-Mail: thomas.daubenbuechel@wincor-nixdorf.com

Ulrich Nolte
Phone: +49 5251 693 5211
E-Mail: ulrich.nolte@wincor-nixdorf.com

Trade Press

Claudia Wendorff-Goerge
Phone: +49 5251 693 5203
E-Mail: claudia.wendorff-goerge@wincor-nixdorf.com

Posted on by

Le Bon Marché presents the first exhibition in France of original works by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei

PARIS, France, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Le Bon Marché continues its dialogue with the art world, presenting “Er Xi”, the first exhibition in France of original works by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. Inspired by an immersion into the collective consciousness of popular Chinese tales and legends, the installation transforms Le Bon Marché into a parallel world of dreams.

The exhibition is an entirely new experience for the Chinese artist, who has never previously displayed his work in a commercial setting. “Showing at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is using a new medium, the department store, to encounter a new audience that is every bit as broad as a museum’s,” Ai Weiwei explains. Calling his exhibition “Er Xi”, which translates as “child’s play” in Chinese, the artist reconnects with his childhood, appropriating a space dedicated to contemporary trends as his playground.

Ai Weiwei drew inspiration for the exhibition from Shan Hai Jing, the “Classic of Mountains and Seas”, a collection of popular legends and epic tales that have been told to children for over 2,000 years in China. Le Bon Marché becomes home to several dozen chimerical characters represented by traditional kites, crafted from bamboo and tissue paper.

This poetic tribute to China’s heritage spans three areas: the display windows on rue de Sèvres, the atriums of Le Bon Marché and a special exhibition gallery on the main floor. The exhibition runs from January 16 to February 20, 2016, welcoming everyone who delights in remaining a child at heart…

Practical information:
Guided tours for adults Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 8 pm and Saturdays from 11 am to 12 pm (free reservations).
Tours for children (6 to 11) followed by an art workshop on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 pm to 4 pm (reservations required, 20 euros).

SOURCE: LVMH

 

###

Le Bon Marché presents the first exhibition in France of original works by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei © Quentin Labail

Posted on by

K-food stores to reduce the prices of 2,000 products due to fall in raw material prices on the world market

K-food stores will reduce the prices of 2,000 products due to a fall in raw material prices on the world market and a decrease in costs. In the current economic situation, the price of food has become increasingly important to many consumers. At the same time, the role of food quality and local origin in making buying decisions is growing. Last year, the sales of products from local producers at K-stores increased by 15 per cent.

HELSINKI, Finland, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — “A continuous fall in consumer prices as long as this is highly exceptional. The last time was 50 years ago. As a result of it and a decrease in costs, K-food stores will reduce the prices of around 2,000 products. The adjustment of prices to market conditions is a perfectly normal operation in the grocery trade,” says Jorma Rauhala, Senior Vice President for Kesko’s grocery trade.

The purchase prices of grocery products change regularly, because raw material prices are affected by availability, the success of the crop, and the exchange rate changes of different countries. Raw materials are purchased in large quantities under long-term contracts, which is why there are delays in the pass-through of changes of world market prices to consumer prices. The Russian export ban has also markedly reduced the exports of Finnish foods, which, in turn, reduces consumer prices in Finland. In addition, Kesko has continued the enhancement of its own functions.

“We ought to remember that price is not the only deciding factor of a food store – food is a far too valuable issue to be discussed only in that respect. K-food stores are the quality leaders in the Finnish grocery trade. We provide Finnish consumers with the best food stores, at which excellent service, the most diversified selections and a comprehensive selection of local Finnish products meet. The sales of products from local producers at K-stores, for example, have grown on several consecutive years and last year, their sales increased by 15 per cent,” says Rauhala.

A competitive price level is a precondition for success in the Finnish grocery market. But in its role as the most responsible food retailer in the world, the K-Group’s duty is to take care of wellbeing throughout the food chain. Kesko and K-food retailers are continuously taking concrete actions in order to safeguard the vitality of Finnish food production. Examples of this include the launch of the “Thank the Producer” operating model, active participation in the Blue and White Footprint campaign and the Local Food Date events (Lähiruokatreffit) bringing together local producers, stores and consumers. Last year, K-retailers’ purchases of products from local suppliers were €570 million. The reduction of prices must not have a negative impact on the quality of Finnish food, or the vitality of primary production and the food manufacturing industry.

Price reductions will be implemented in one store chain at a time in January-February as follows: around 2,000 products at K-citymarkets, around 1,350 at K-supermarkets and around 550 products at K-markets. The first price reductions took effect at the beginning of January and the next reductions will be made in February.

Further information:
Senior Vice President Jorma Rauhala, Kesko, grocery trade, tel. +358 105 322 211
Vice President Ari Akseli, Kesko, grocery trade, tel. +358 10 532 3490
Vice President Karoliina Partanen, Kesko, grocery trade, communications, tel. +358 105 320 744

K-food retailers, with whom the Kesko grocery trade applies the chain business model, are responsible for customer satisfaction at more than 900 K-food stores. K-food store chains are K-citymarket, K-supermarket and K-market. K-food stores are the most responsible in the world in their sector. Their strengths also include superior fresh food departments, competent service, the widest selections, Finnish products and Pirkka. K-food stores provide both high quality and affordable prices.

K – for shopping to be fun.

SOURCE: KESKO

Posted on by

Argos launches its new Spring/Summer 2016 range on January 16

Milton Keynes, UK, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — On Saturday 16 January, leading general merchandise retailer Argos launches its new Spring/Summer 2016 range. Thousands of new products join existing classics to offer a full range of over 20,000 items which can be found online at argos.ie, as well as in store.

Smart shoppers can take advantage of over 800 WOW deals with prices either lowered or frozen offering market-leading deals across technology, homewares, electronics and toys, including the Morphy Richards 732006 Supervac Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with a €135 saving – now available for only €139.99, the HP 15.6” Intel™ Pentium® 4GB 1TB Laptop with a €125 saving at just €434.99 and €70 saving on the Canon Powershot SX610 20MP 18x Zoom Compact Camera for only €149.99.

2016 is a year of sport, so products expected to be popular include 4K TVs, tablets – now available from only €74.99 and premium smartphones. Also on trend this year will be the Japanese video game Yo-Kai Watch, Scandinavian style homewares, new technology in personal care products and much more.

Andy McClelland, Operations Manager, Argos Republic of Ireland, said: “This season we’ve an increased selection of fantastic new products, non-stop deals and exclusive brands that Irish customers can’t get anywhere else including Heart of House, Habitat and Chad Valley.

We continue to offer comprehensive ways for customers to shop with us, with thousands of products available to Check & Reserve on argos.ie – allowing Irish shoppers to take control and reserve their items for free pick up in any of our 40 stores that same day.”

SS16 range highlights: 

TECHNOLOGY

One of the top TV trends for 2016 is set to be the 4K TV, as more broadcasters opt to produce 4K ready content. 4K TV is the next evolution in picture quality with four times the detail of current high definition, which provides a unique, sharper and crisper image than any other TV.

New to the range this season is the pinnacle of crisp, colourful TV viewing, the LG 55inch EG920 4k OLED TV priced at €2,799.00. Alternatively, there’s an LG Ultra HD 4K for just €739.00 and exclusive to Argos – the 40” Ultra HD 4K from Bush priced at €629.99.

The Bush retro DAB radio returns with two new classic colours – sage green and cornflower blue – priced at €77.99.

Tablets continue to grow in popularity as the streaming of TV content and films becomes more accessible than ever. Argos introduces one of the most affordable tablets to the market, the Alba 10-inch tablet priced at just €119.99. Exclusive to Argos, it comes complete with 16GB of storage and a quad-core processor which allows for quick browsing.

A new addition to mobile, is the Bush Spira E2X (€224.95), the first premium smartphone in the exclusive Argos range, with a 16-megapixel camera, Octo-core processor and the latest Android software. This is a must-buy for anyone who can’t be parted from their phone. The slim line design also means it is lightweight and comes complete with gorilla glass meaning it’s more durable than the average smartphone.

For music lovers, the new Philips Multiroom streaming products can’t be beaten. Featuring a simple set up and using Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi, they start at only €139.99 and best of all allow you to listen to music in multiple rooms of the home.

New Bush DAB radios are also launching this season with a range of colours and starting from a low price of only €44.99.

SPORTS & FITNESS

This spring/summer sees the launch of even more fitness products which can be snapped up for less than half price including the Reebok One GT40S Treadmill (€789.99), the Everlast Smart XV8 Treadmill (€474.99) and Men’s Health Folding Workout Bench (€134.99).

OUTDOOR & GARDEN

Get the garden summer ready with deals including a black Rattan Effect 3-Seater Mini Corner Sofa (€439.99) with a saving of €20, an Oil Drum Charcoal BBQ with cover (€79.99) at a saving of over €70. Also, make mowing the lawn easier this year with the Qualcast Corded Rotary 1300w Mower (€117.99) which comes with a 320W Free Grass Trimmer.

HOME & FURNITURE

Spring/summer homeware sees an eclectic mix of trends for the home, from floral to rustic charm and simple living, Argos own brand, Heart of House has them covered. The Padstow Chair (€449.99) available in Naval Stripe or Duck Egg is designed in-house and is a cross between a chaise longue and an armchair. This is an elegant addition to your home as well as being possibly one of the most comfortable items of furniture available.

Modern, understated and simple is the essence of Scandinavian living, a trend which looks set to become even more popular this summer and the new Afina dining set encapsulates this look perfectly (€682.99).

Also new is the Amberley Table with six chairs (€714.99). A solid wood, country style set which is great for families and was inspired by last year’s Great Irish Bake Off and celebrates Irish people’s love for baking.

VIDEO GAMES & CONSOLES

Key games this year include PS4’s Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End available in March and Quantum Break which comes out on the Xbox One in April.

One to watch this spring/summer is children’s animation game Yo-Kai Watch with its arrival from Japan. Available on Nintendo 3DS, the game is based on the popular kids comic film series in Japan in which evil monsters and spirits are fought off.

With the arrival of the new Ghostbusters movie this year, LEGO Dimensions is releasing a Ghostbusters Level Pack which is available at the end of January and a Ghostbusters Fun Pack available in March.

TOYS

This season sees the trend for all things Frozen continuing as more products launch featuring the familiar faces of Elsa and Anna including the Frozen Magical Story Cape (€40.49) and the Disney Frozen Babies (€23.49). The classic doll, Barbie, also launches a new range, the Barbie Spy Squad along with the ever popular Disney Princess Collection.

The exclusive range of Chad Valley toys continue to grow, with new additions including the Chad Valley inflatable slide (€233.99), the Chad Valley Bouncy Castle with slide (€233.99) and the Chad Valley 3-in-1 combo play tent (€41.99).

Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po are back with a bang as the Teletubbies make a return to TV screens this year from soft talking toys to collectable figures and playsets they are a must have for pre-school children.

Pie Face, the game the whole family can enjoy, which sees players ending up with a face of cream, will continue to be popular this Spring/Summer.

PERSONAL CARE

This season sees a new range of personal products which makes looking beautiful a breeze. Babyliss continues to innovate this year with the new 3Q Dryer (€186.99) which has a brushless motor, making it not only quiet but light and the Rose-Quartz AC Hair Dryer (€37.99) which leaves hair sleek and smooth thanks to the quartz-ceramic and active ionic conditioning. Compact in design and lightweight, it can also be taken on your travels this summer.

JEWELLERY

A new Palladium Collection of wedding bands launches this summer. Palladium is a beautiful and long lasting, yet affordable alternative to platinum. Wedding bands start from €317.

Wear beautiful freshwater pearl jewellery with the launch of Makoto, which has been inspired by nature’s pure and lustrous gems of the sea.

Timberland Watches, the stylish range of watches from the outdoor clothing brand, are also launching in Argos this season, for men who want practical, hard-wearing watches with a stylish twist.

One of the most anticipated launches is the new range of My Little Pony Jewellery which includes My Little Pony rainbow dash charm bracelet, My Little Pony flutter shy charm bracelet and My Little Pony rainbow dash colour chain necklace – all priced at €15.89.

This season also sees the launch of the new Shopkins range of jewellery for children including Shopkins necklace, bracelet and ring set (€20.49).

NURSERY

If you’re expecting a new addition to the family this spring/summer, Argos has the branded essentials, perfect for creating a beautiful nursery including Mamas & Papas Swirl Petal Pushchair Package (€99.99) with a saving of over €45, Mamas & Papas Harrow 3 Piece Nursery Furniture Set (€629.99).

Take a look at the new Spring / Summer 2016 collection from Argos at www.argos.ie

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

For more information, please contact Aoife Sweeney, PR Manager, Argos Republic of Ireland on aoife.sweeney@argos.co.uk

Follow us on Twitter @ArgosIreland_PR.

About Argos
Argos is Ireland’s leading general merchandise retailer and provides a unique offer of choice and convenience. It sells general merchandise and products for the home from 40 stores in the Republic of Ireland and around 700 stores in the UK.

Argos opened its first stores in the Republic in January 1996 in Limerick and Dublin; there is now an Argos catalogue in approximately three quarters of all Irish homes.  Argos is already one of the largest retail employers in the country with around 1,100 employees. In 2005, Argos launched its Irish website, www.argos.ie, which now has over 20,000 products online.

SOURCE: Home Retail Group

Posted on by

GUILD the new power tool brand that lets DIY’ers achieve that professional finish; exclusively available at Argos and Homebase

Milton Keynes, UK, 2016-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Struggling to put up that shelf will be a thing of the past, as the new GUILD power tool range offers everyone from novices to keen DIY’ers easy to use power tools that help achieve that professional finish for a job well done. Launching today, GUILD is exclusively available at Argos and Homebase (online only).

Power tool essentials including sanders, angle grinders, circular saws and drills feature at the heart of this range, and have been designed with easy to use buttons and controls, so that everyone can feel confident when tackling any DIY project around the home using these tools. With over 40 products to choose from, the extensive new range can help you complete both small and large scale projects with ease and precision.

With the drill being at the heart of any tool box, the GUILD 18V Hammer Drill (£49.99) is a must have for any toolbox. Screwdriving and drilling is made easier and more efficient, with its 23 torque settings for greater versatility and high power when working, this high performance tool can drill into brick, stone, wood, metal and plastics with ease.

For those projects out in the Garden, the range includes an 18V high power battery (£24.99), which can be used on all of the Guild 18V cordless products as either an additional spare, ideal if you are away from a charge point.

GUILD Brand Manger, Sophie West said: “We understand that having the right tools that are easy to use, great value for money and will get you that professional finish, is really important to customers. We are confident in the quality of our products that’s why all our power tools come with a free two year Guarantee. Whether it’s hanging a picture or making a bookcase from scratch, the GUILD range gives both novices and DIY expert’s great tools to help carry out projects around their home.“

The GUILD range can be reserved free of charge for instant pick up from over 840 Argos stores nationwide or at www.argos.co.uk and at www.homebase.co.uk. The full GUILD range will be available in Homebase stores nationwide from March 2016.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
For more information, please contact the Guild Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email: media.relations@homeretailgroup.com.

About Argos
Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 60,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with around 121m customer transactions a year through its stores and over 900 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2015. Customers can take advantage of Argos’ convenient Check & Reserve service available through its network of 844 stores and concessions across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

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

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

About Homebase
Homebase is a leading home enhancement retailer with around 58 million transactions a year, selling around 38,000 products for the home and garden. It has 265 large, out-of-town stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and a growing internet offering at www.homebase.co.uk. In the financial year to February 2015, Homebase sales were £1.5 billion and it employed some 17,000 people across the business.

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

SOURCE: Home Retail Group

###

GUILD the new power tool brand that lets DIY’ers achieve that professional finish; exclusively available at Argos and Homebase

GUILD the new power tool brand that lets DIY’ers achieve that professional finish; exclusively available at Argos and Homebase