Daily Archives: February 9, 2016

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16 percent of Panera Bread sales are now digital

Transformation of the Customer Journey Driving Digital Growth

Digital highlights include:

  • 16 percent of total Company sales are now ordered, produced and paid for digitally and it is projected that over 20 percent of its business will be digital by year end
  • More than a third of retail sales come from digital channels in top performing markets
  • To-date, system-wide digital sales are equivalent to a half billion dollar e-commerce business, and could reach $1 billion in annual sales by 2017

St. Louis, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Almost two years after the introduction of Panera 2.0, the initiative has positioned Panera Bread (PNRA) as a leading restaurant e-tailer, with end-to-end digital pathways like Rapid Pick Up and Fast Lane Kiosks increasing accessibility for both to-go and dine-in guests.

“Our 2.0 cafes are demonstrating that restaurants can leverage technology – not just to improve a standalone function like payment – but throughout the customer journey to heighten and differentiate the total experience,” said Ron Shaich, founder and CEO.

“From the start, we knew a mobile payment system alone would not be enough to meaningfully improve the guest experience. We needed to use technology to support a better experience from endto-end throughout the customer journey and we have done just that,” said Blaine Hurst, EVP and Chief Transformation and Growth Officer. “Outside of the big three pizza operators, I don’t know of another public restaurant company that has taken this sort of holistic approach, and in turn, experienced the level of digital adoption we are now seeing at Panera.”

Panera’s digital ordering interfaces also integrate with the Company’s loyalty program – MyPanera – which is used in approximately 60 percent of digital orders, and more than 80 percent of mobile orders through the Panera app. By linking digital orders to the program, guests are able to save their favorites, earn and track rewards, and receive 1:1 tailored content. 2.2 million guests have downloaded the Panera mobile app since Rapid Pick Up was launched nationally in August 2014.

The Company has obtained patent protection for aspects of the Panera 2.0 platform.

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About Panera Bread Thirty years ago, at a time when quick service meant low quality, Panera set out to challenge this expectation. We believed that food that was good and that you could feel good about, served in a warm and welcoming environment by people who cared, could bring out the best in all of us. To us, that is food as it should be and that is why we exist.

So we began with a simple commitment: to bake fresh bread from fresh dough in our bakery-cafes. No short cuts, just bakers with simple ingredients and hot ovens. Each night, any unsold bread and baked goods were shared with neighbors in need.

These traditions carry on today, as we have continued to find ways to be an ally to our guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that we are proud to feed our families. Like poultry and pork raised without antibiotics on our salads and sandwiches. A commitment to transparency and options that empower our guests to eat the way they want. Seasonal flavors and whole grains. And a commitment to removing artificial additives (flavors, colors, sweeteners and preservatives) from the food in our bakery-cafes. Why? Because we think that simpler is better and we believe in serving food as it should be. Because when you don’t have to compromise to eat well, all that is left is the joy of eating.

We’re also focused on improving quality and convenience. With investments in technology and operations, we now offer new ways to enjoy your Panera favorites – like mobile ordering and Rapid PickUp for to-go orders – all designed to make things easier for our guests. As of September 29, 2015, there are 1,946 bakery-cafes in 46 states and in Ontario, Canada operating under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co. ® or Paradise Bakery & Cafe® names. For more information, visit panerabread.com or find us on Twitter (@panerabread), Facebook (facebook.com/panerabread) or Instagram (@panerabread).

Matters discussed in this news release and in our public disclosures, whether written or oral, relating to future events or our future performance, including any discussion, express or implied, relating to our digital sales as a percentage of our business, and statements made therein, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27Aof the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are often identified by the words “believe,” “positioned,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “plan,” “goal,” “assumption,” “continue,” “intend,” “expect,” “future,” “anticipate,” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or the affirmative, that are not statements of historical fact. These forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results and timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2014 and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements and the internal projections and beliefs upon which we base our expectations included in this release are made only as of the date of this release and may change. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Media Contact:
Jonathan Yohannan
jonathan.yohannan@panerabread.com

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50 Prozent mehr Rosen am Valentinstag

15 Jahre Fairtrade Max Havelaar-Rosen bei Coop

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ —
Der Valentinstag ist – gefolgt vom Muttertag – der wichtigste Blumen-Verkaufstag im Jahr. 70 Prozent des Blumenumsatzes in der Valentinswoche werden mit Rosen erzielt. Seit 15 Jahren können Coop Kundinnen und Kunden ihren Liebsten bereits mit fair gehandelten Blumen beglücken. Mittlerweilen sind 98 Prozent der bei Coop verkauften Rosen Fairtrade-zertifiziert. Mehrheitlich stammen die Rosen aus Kenia, wo 50’000 Angestellte von geregelten Arbeitszeiten, sozialer Vorsorge und Schutzkleidung profitieren.

Nicht nur in Rot sind sie beliebt, auch Rosen in Orange und Pink gehen vermehrt über den Ladentisch. Am Valentinstag verkauft Coop rund 50 Prozent mehr Rosen als an einem normalen Tag. Ebenfalls beliebt sind gemischte Sträusse, gefolgt von Tulpen und Orchideen. Dank der strategischen Partnerschaft mit der Max Havelaar-Stiftung gibt es seit 2001 faire Blumen im Coop-Sortiment und der Anteil wächst stetig. Bei Coop tragen 98 Prozent der verkauften Rosen und 95 Prozent aller verkauften Blumen aus dem Weltsüden das Gütesiegel von Fairtrade Max Havelaar.

Die Prämie fliesst an die Produzenten zurück
Wenn Coop Kundinnen und Kunden ihren Liebsten eine Freude bereiten, freuen sich auch die Arbeiterinnen und Arbeiter auf den Blumenfarmen in den Herkunftsländern. Sie profitieren nicht nur von geregelten Arbeitszeiten, sozialer Vorsorge und Bildung, sondern auch von einer Fairtrade-Prämie für eigene Projekte. Letztes Jahr sind durch Blumenverkäufe bei Coop fast eine halbe Million Franken in die Ursprungsländer zurückgeflossen, mit denen unter anderem Spitäler, Schulen und Kinderkrippen mitfinanziert wurden. Fairtrade stärkt die Rechte von Beschäftigten auf Blumenfarmen langfristig, damit sie ihr Leben und das ihrer Familien nachhaltig aus eigener Kraft verbessern können. Jede Rose und jeder Strauss mit dem Fairtrade Max Havelaar-Label besitzt einen Code. Um herauszufinden, woher die Blumen stammen und wie die Fairtrade-Prämie verwendet wurde, muss lediglich der auf der Verpackung aufgedruckte Code online eingegeben werden.

Fairtrade-Vision von Coop
Im Rahmen der Fairtrade-Wachstumsstrategie von Coop werden ganze Sortimente auf Fairtrade umgestellt und das bestehende Sortiment ausgebaut. Bis 2020 sollen alle Rohstoffe aus Entwicklungs- und Schwellenländern auf Fairtrade Max Havelaar umgestellt sein (sofern es einen entsprechenden Fairtrade-Standard gibt). Im 2015 stieg der Umsatz mit Fairtraide Max Havelaar-Produkten bei Coop um mehr als 20 Prozent an.

Bilder zum Download

Kontaktpersonen

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

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

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

 

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50 Prozent mehr Rosen am Valentinstag

50 Prozent mehr Rosen am Valentinstag

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Truten dürfen auch im Ausland an die frische Luft

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Coop setzt auch im Ausland auf hohe Tierwohl-Standards

Die Schweiz besitzt eines der strengsten Tierschutzgesetze weltweit. Auch deshalb bezieht Coop über 75 % ihres Fleisches aus dem Inland. Da Coop aber nicht ihren gesamten Bedarf im Inland decken kann, arbeitet sie mit dem Schweizer Tierschutz STS daran, dass auch die Produzenten im Ausland ihre Tiere unter vergleichbaren Bedingungen wie in der Schweiz halten und fordert die Produzenten auf, noch weiterzugehen und gemäss sogenanntem BTS-Standard zu produzieren. Bei frischem Trutenfleisch hat Coop dieses anspruchsvolle Ziel nun bereits erreicht. Damit haben die Truten bis zu 40 % mehr Platz im Stall zur Verfügung als gemäss EU-Richtlinien. Zudem haben sie Zugang zu einem grossen Wintergarten und die Ställe bieten ihnen diverse Rückzugsmöglichkeiten.

Coop setzt sich schon länger dafür ein, dass Nutztiere aus ausländischen Lieferbetrieben unter vergleichbaren Bedingungen gehalten werden wie in der Schweiz. Seit Herbst 2015 halten die Trutenproduzenten im Ausland mindestens die Schweizer Anforderungen ein, d.h. die Tiere haben bis zu 40 % mehr Platz zur Verfügung als die EU-Richtlinien fordern und statt Kunstlicht gibt es in den Ställen natürliches Tageslicht. Coop hat ihre Produzenten aufgefordert und unterstützt, dass sie noch weiter gehen und die Anforderungen nach dem Vorbild des Schweizer Tierwohlprogramms BTS (besonders tierfreundliche Stallhaltungssysteme) einhalten. Inzwischen haben die ausländischen Produzenten ihre Ställe umgebaut und alles frische Trutenfleisch der Coop-Eigenmarken (exkl. Prix Garantie) entspricht diesen höheren Anforderungen, sodass die Tiere nicht nur mehr Platz, sondern zusätzlich auch freien Zugang zu einem Wintergarten, erhöhte Sitzgelegenheiten im Stall sowie flächendeckende Einstreu drinnen und draussen zur Verfügung haben. Mehr Informationen unter www.taten-statt-worte.ch/282.

Höhere Tierwohlstandards – gleiche Preise
Die höheren Tierschutzanforderungen verursachen Kosten, dies unter anderem weil Wintergärten gebaut werden mussten und die Truten deutlich mehr Platz zur Verfügung haben. Coop hat sich aber entschieden, die Mehrkosten selber zu tragen, die Preise für die Kunden bleiben somit unverändert.

Bestnoten für Coop
Seit 2013 unterstützt der Schweizer Tierschutz STS Coop beratend in diversen Projekten, die allesamt zum Ziel haben, im Ausland tierfreundliche Haltungsstandards umzusetzen. Zusätzlich begutachtet er die Ställe sowie den Transport der Tiere und die Schlachtung. Für ihre Tierschutzleistungen hat Coop von in- und ausländischen Stellen schon mehrmals Bestnoten erhalten, so zum Beispiel von der Organisation Compassion in World Farming oder vom Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare (BBFAW).

Mehr Informationen finden Sie unter: www.coop.ch/tierwohl. Dabei wird nicht nur das Engagement von Coop im Ausland, sondern auch im Inland gelobt, beispielsweise im Rahmen des Tierwohlprogramms Naturafarm.

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

SOURCE: Coop

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Truten dürfen auch im Ausland an die frische Luft

Truten dürfen auch im Ausland an die frische Luft

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Tesco becomes the first supermarket to commit to CoppaFeel!’s #brahijack campaign

CHESHUNT, England, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco is the first supermarket to commit to CoppaFeel!’s #brahijack campaign. The potentially life saving bra labels, which remind you to check your boobs, have been introduced into the backs of F&F’s co-ordinate and everyday lingerie ranges available both online at http://www.clothingattesco.com/lingerie+underwear/icat/lingerie-shop and in over 600 Tesco stores nationwide.

CoppaFeel’s CEO Kris Hallenga said: “We’re super excited that F&F have committed to #BraHijack. Their nationwide reach to women is amazing and we can’t wait for the lingerie to drop into stores and help spread our boob checking message.”

F&F’s Head of Buying for Essentials Rosie Robbins said: “We are really excited to be supporting the CoppaFeel! #brahijack campaign – it’s incredibly important women check themselves regularly for breast cancer because it really does save lives. These little reminders have huge potential to make a real difference in the fight against breast cancer.”

Breast cancer currently affects 1 in 8 women in the UK and unfortunately over 5% of breast cancers are detected too late. That’s a huge number. If found at an early stage, it is treatable and even beatable. The aim of #BraHijack is to build boob checks into our daily lives so we know what to look out for. CoppaFeel! are seizing the opportunity to ensure every woman has the best chance of surviving this disease – educating them when young, to instill lifelong healthy habits that will potentially save them in years to come.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701
We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

 

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Tesco becomes the first supermarket to commit to CoppaFeel!’s #brahijack campaign

Tesco becomes the first supermarket to commit to CoppaFeel!’s #brahijack campaign

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British Retail Consortium comments on the relaxation of Sunday Trading hours in UK

LONDON, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Responding to today’s announcement by government that it plans to extend Sunday opening hours by amending the Enterprise Bill, the BRC said: “There are different views across retail over whether the relaxation of Sunday Trading hours is a good or a bad thing for retailers and their staff. This is much more dependent on the structure of individual business than their size or location, which both local government and central government must keep in mind.

“If relaxation is to be implemented, then it is vitally important that it’s done in the right way. We have been encouraging the Government to only devolve these new powers to directly elected mayors of combined authorities in the first instance in addition to implementing crucial safeguards including proper impact assessments, robust community consultation and an appeals process. These are vital given ‘zoning’ appears to still be on the table which would could lead to consumer confusion and the potential for some businesses to be unfairly excluded.”

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC said: “These proposals are unlikely to give retailers and the communities they serve the boost the Government is hoping to deliver. Instead the Government should be concentrating its efforts on finally delivering fundamental reform of the business rates system which would provide much greater support to the reinvention of high streets across the country and particularly in areas which are struggling.

“There is common agreement that an inconsistent approach to these plans without safeguards will be difficult for businesses to manage and confusing for consumers.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact Bryan Johnston Bryan.Johnston@brc.org.uk 020 7854 8936

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Non-Food online sales in UK grew 14.9% in January 2016 vs a year earlier – BRC-KPMG

  •  Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 14.9% in January versus a year earlier, when they had risen by 11.7% over the previous year. This is the second best performance since June 2015. January’s online sales performance was ahead of its 3-month and 12-month averages of 14.0% and 12.7%, respectively.
  • In January 2016, Online sales represented 21.5% of total Non-Food sales, against 20.1% in January 2015. This is the second highest penetration rate since the inception of this monitor in December 2012, indicative of the popularity of online shopping during the January sales.
  • Toys & Baby Equipment was the fastest growing category, achieving its best performance since January 2015. This was followed closely by Health & Beauty and Other Non-Food, with the latter reaching its fastest growth rate since August 2014 and making the largest contribution to Online Non-Food sales growth.
  • In January, Online sales contributed 2.4 percentage points to the year-on-year growth of total Non-Food sales, while stores made a larger contribution.

LONDON, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium, said:“While Online continued to be a key driver of growth for retailers in January, after playing a vital role in driving sales over the Christmas period, overall growth was more balanced across both channels. Online’s contribution to the growth of Non-Food sales in January, 2.4 percentage points, was outperformed by that of Stores. For example footwear and furniture sales experienced more growth in stores than online, a sign that the high street’s attraction remains strong. Online sales were up by 14.9 per cent, close to the Christmas record and the second best performance since June. The top performing non-food category was toys and baby equipment, as the popular lines sold out before Christmas became available again. The penetration rate for online was 21.5 per cent, up slightly on the same month last year, and whilst a couple of categories gave away to the stores a number of others, including clothing, saw their highest ever recorded online penetration rate.”

David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: “While online growth slowed slightly in January to 14.9 per cent, the popularity of this channel continued from December with penetration rates rising to 21.5 per cent. Retailers encouraged shoppers to beat the back-to-work blues with a variety of seasonal e-promotions. Fashion sales were particularly popular as consumers took full advantage of clearance sales and the colder weather encouraged purchases of heavier knits and woollens.

“As use of online channels continues to increase, retailers continue to invest in their logistics, fulfilment and returns networks to improve the customer experience.”

British Retail Consortium, 21 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9BP. 020 7854 8900. info@brc.org.uk.

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UK retail sales rose by 2.6% in January 2016 vs the same month last year – BRC-KPMG

  • UK retail sales rose by 2.6% on a like-for-like basis from January 2015, when they had increased 0.2% from the preceding year. On a total basis, sales were up 3.3%, against a 1.6% rise in January 2015. This is the best growth since September, firmly ahead of the 3-month average of 1.6% and the 12-month average of 1.9%.
  • Adjusted for the BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index deflation, total growth was 5.1%.
  • All product categories contributed to the growth, apart from Food, which turned slightly negative but the 3-month and 12-month averages for Food stayed unchanged from last month. Furniture topped the growth rankings table, a particularly strong achievement in the most important month of the year for the category.
  • Online sales of Non-Food products grew 14.9% in January versus a year earlier, when they had grown 11.7%. The Non-Food online penetration rate was 21.5%, up 1.4 percentage points from January 2015.

LONDON, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium, said: “Following on from a somewhat disappointing Christmas period for retailers, the new year kicked off to a strong start, with 3.3 per cent growth across all product categories and 2.6 per cent growth on like-for-like sales. This was the best performance for retailers since September and ahead of the three and twelve month averages.

“January’s performance was driven by big-ticket items, in particular furniture, which is encouraging in the largest month of the year for the category. However, the performance in clothing and footwear was driven by the New Year sales. After seeing a slight recovery in December, food sales were once again slightly down in January, while the mildly positive longer term trends were unchanged.

“Retailers will welcome the positive start to what will be a momentous year for the industry. Next month the Treasury will report back on its long awaited review of the business rates system. This is the moment for the government to rebalance this tax away from property intensive industries in order to ensure that the introduction of the living wage does not have unintended consequences on our local communities and jobs .”

David McCorquodale, UK Head of Retail, KPMG, said: “Fashion and the home drove retail sales to beat the January blues, up 2.6 per cent in the month on a like-for-like basis. After a slow start to the Autumn/Winter season, fashion and footwear sales soared in the early half of the month as promotional pricing caught the eye.

“Furniture and home accessories continued their strong run as the improving property market enjoys its makeover. Following a fairly admirable Christmas, January was also a reasonable month for the grocers with total food and drink sales remaining in the black, just, for the three months November to January.

“Heading into February, retailers will be turning attention to the next big promotional event in the calendar, Valentine’s Day and hoping to take a decent share of consumer spend as they’ll be facing stiff competition from both the experiential and leisure sectors.”

British Retail Consortium, 21 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9BP. 020 7854 8900. info@brc.org.uk.

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1.000e Wajonger aan de slag bij Albert Heijn

Zaandam, Netherlands, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Vandaag ging bij Albert Heijn aan de Samanthagang in Zoetermeer, de 1.000e Albert Heijn Wajonger aan de slag. Staatssecretaris Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid Jetta Klijnsma feliciteerde medewerker Sanne Jans met haar contract. Klijnsma: “Fantastisch om te zien dat 1.000 Wajongers een baan hebben gekregen bij Albert Heijn. Dat geeft hen een perspectief. Ik zie gelukkig steeds meer bedrijven die deze jongeren een kans geven.” Directeur UWV Werkbedrijf Tof Thissen en AH directeur winkels & logistiek Cees van Vliet kondigden aan alles in het werk te stellen om eind 2016 tweeduizend Wajongers aan de slag te hebben bij Albert Heijn.

Speciaal AH participatieteam
Om een versnelling te realiseren heeft Albert Heijn een speciaal participatieteam in het leven geroepen. Dit gemotiveerde team met medewerkers uit de hele organisatie, ging in november 2015 aan de slag. Het team bestaat uit regio-coördinatoren en jobcoaches. Zij coachen de buddies in de winkel die medewerkers begeleiden met een arbeidshandicap. In lijn met de landelijke banenafspraak, richt het team zich op arbeidsgehandicapte medewerkers die onder de participatiewet vallen.

Het bieden van perspectief
In 2014 sprak Albert Heijn de ambitie uit om een grote Wajong-werkgever te worden met als doel tweeduizend Wajongers in 2016. Directeur winkels & logistiek Cees van Vliet: “Het is een forse ambitie waar we samen met UWV flink de schouders onder moeten zetten. Albert Heijn is met ruim 900 winkels en in totaal zo’n 100.000 medewerkers een grote werkgever in Nederland. Dat is een verantwoordelijkheid die we serieus nemen. We willen een werkgever zijn voor iedereen. Ook voor mensen met een arbeidsbeperking. We bieden hen een perspectief, een leeromgeving en het gevoel erbij te horen.”

Albert Heijn werkt nauw samen met UWV. Directeur UWV Werkbedrijf Tof Thissen: “UWV werkt intensief samen met werkgevers om jonggehandicapten duurzaam een plek te bieden op de reguliere arbeidsmarkt. Albert Heijn vervult daarin wat ons betreft een voorbeeldfunctie. Veel Wajongers kunnen slechts gedeeltelijk werken en hebben begeleiding en aanpassingen nodig op de werkplek. Dit vergt extra inspanningen en die levert Albert Heijn al jaren met succes. We zijn heel blij met de ambitie die er nu ligt en gaan ons vol inzetten om deze te helpen realiseren.”

Vertegenwoordigers van de media kunnen contact opnemen met een van de woordvoerders via telefoonnummer: 088-6592020, via e-mail: pers@ah.nl of via twitter @AlbertHeijnPers.
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UWV en Albert Heijn gaan voor tweeduizend Wajongers eind 2016 Zaandam en Zoetermeer, 8 februari 2015. Vandaag ging bij Albert Heijn aan de Samanthagang in Zoetermeer, de 1.000e Albert Heijn Wajonger aan de slag. Staatssecretaris Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid Jetta Klijnsma feliciteerde medewerker Sanne Jans met haar contract. ANP PHOTO PERSSUPPORT Foto en bijschrift vallen buiten de redactionele verantwoordelijkheid van de Algemene Nieuwsdienst van het ANP. Foto is vrij van rechten en mag alleen redactioneel gebruikt worden in de context van het geleverde bijschrift.

UWV en Albert Heijn gaan voor tweeduizend Wajongers eind 2016
Zaandam en Zoetermeer, 8 februari 2015. Vandaag ging bij Albert Heijn aan de Samanthagang in Zoetermeer, de 1.000e Albert Heijn Wajonger aan de slag. Staatssecretaris Sociale Zaken en Werkgelegenheid Jetta Klijnsma feliciteerde medewerker Sanne Jans met haar contract. ANP PHOTO PERSSUPPORT Foto en bijschrift vallen buiten de redactionele verantwoordelijkheid van de Algemene Nieuwsdienst van het ANP. Foto is vrij van rechten en mag alleen redactioneel gebruikt worden in de context van het geleverde bijschrift.

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Dollarama Inc. invests $60 million for a new warehouse in Montreal, Quebec

MONTRÉAL, Québec, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollarama Inc. (TSX: DOL) (“Dollarama” or the “Corporation”) announced today that its Board of Directors approved an investment of approximately $60 million in the construction of a new warehouse in Montreal, Quebec.

The new 500,000 square-foot warehouse will be located in the Lachine borough near the intersection of highways 13 and 520, in close proximity to Dollarama’s existing, centralized warehousing and distribution operations. The new facility will increase Dollarama’s total warehousing capacity by approximately 40% on a square footage basis, thereby accommodating capacity requirements as the Corporation continues to expand its store network.

Given Dollarama’s strong free cash flows, well in excess of the cost of the project, Dollarama has opted to own the facility instead of leasing it from a third party. The land, comprised of two contiguous properties, is being acquired from a party related to Dollarama, at the same price paid by such party in an arm’s length transaction.

As a result of this investment, capital expenditures guidance for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2017 has been revised from a range of $100 million to $110 million to a range of $160 million to $170 million. The increase accounts for land and building costs as well as professional fees, but excludes some equipment costs which had already been factored into the initial forecast.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early spring, with completion expected towards the end of 2016.

About Dollarama
Dollarama is Canada’s leading dollar store operator with 1,005 locations across the country. Our stores provide customers with compelling value in convenient locations, including metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities and small towns. Dollarama aims to provide customers with a consistent shopping experience, offering a broad assortment of everyday consumer products, general merchandise and seasonal items. Our quality merchandise is sold in individual or multiple units at select fixed price points up to $3.00.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release about our current and future plans, expectations and intentions, results, levels of activity, performance, goals or achievements or any other future events or developments constitute forward-looking statements. The words “may”, “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “expects”, “plans”, “intends”, “trends”, “indications”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “likely” or “potential” or the negative or other variations of these words or other comparable words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and on estimates and assumptions made by us regarding, among other things, general economic conditions, construction costs and timelines as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Many factors could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section of the Corporation’s management’s discussion and analysis (available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com).

These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect us; however, they should be considered carefully. The purpose of the forward-looking statements is to provide the reader with a description of management’s expectations regarding the Corporation’s financial performance and may not be appropriate for other purposes; readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made herein. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at February 2, 2016 and we have no intention and undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

For further information:
Investors
Michael Ross, FCPA, FCA
Chief Financial Officer
514-737-1006 x1237
michael.ross@dollarama.com

Media
Lyla Radmanovich
(514) 845-8763
media@rppelican.ca

www.dollarama.com

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Nordstrom launches new collaboration with style icon Olivia Palermo

SEATTLE, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a new collaboration in partnership with international style icon Olivia Palermo. Set to hitNordstrom stores and nordstrom.com on February 8th, 2016, the ‘Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28’ collection features 32 styles of separates with roots in American sportswear staples, and dresses with a polished and feminine appeal.

The Spring collection includes versatile separates in signature prints and rich textured fabrics such as suede, silk and leather, as well as an assortment of premium denim pieces including high rise denim culottes, a retro denim skirt, a four-button blazer and a wide leg jumpsuit. These are what Palermo calls “life pieces.”

“We wanted to create great separates that are elevated and could mix and match easily to create outfits women can wear all year,” said Palermo. “Versatility was an important goal – being able to wear one item in multiple ways so you always feel polished and put together. A well-cut navy pant can be restyled so many ways and will always be chic. The Military Vest or the Sleeveless Suede Trench can be worn as a vest or as a dress and are the perfect layering pieces, you can mix them with other pieces in your wardrobe to create or change looks throughout the year.”

Palermo partnered with Nordstrom Product Group, the retailer’s private label design group, to develop the line for house brand Chelsea28, which focuses on modern feminine fashion at an accessible price level. The one-year partnership will produce four collections including spring, summer, fall and holiday.

As a global fashion influencer through her work as a model, spokesperson and as the executive editor and creative director at her fashion and lifestyle website OliviaPalermo.com, Palermo solidified her standing as a trendsetter for her generation and gained international recognition for her keen sense of style and savvy eye for balancing high and low fashion.

“The ‘Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28’ collection reflects how a stylish young woman is dressing today,” said Mark Tritton, President of Nordstrom Product Group. “Olivia Palermo is revered around the globe for her style. We know our customers look to her for fashion inspiration, and we saw her consistently on our inspiration boards as well. We think she embodies the Chelsea28 brand perfectly, so it was a very natural choice.”

The ‘Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28’ collection will range in price from $68 to $448, and will be available in 94 Nordstrom locations in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as on nordstrom.com/oliviapalermo. Nordstrom ships internationally to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Nordstrom has been the retail partner of choice for brands such as SJP Collection, Sarah Jessica Parker’s line of shoes, Topshop/Topman and Madewell, which have exclusive U.S. distribution through the retailer, as well as the creative collaborator for the launch of Miss Wu, Jason Wu’sdiffusion line; and Tank Magazine fashion director and street style star Caroline Issa’s’Nordstrom Signature and Caroline Issa’ collection.

For a complete list of stores, please visit nordstrom.com/oliviapalermo.

Please visit press.nordstrom.com to find the ‘Olivia Palermo + Chelsea28’ media kit including full collection imagery and video content.

Media Contacts: 

Nordstrom, Inc.
Anya Pavlovic  (206) 303-3015
anya.pavlovic@nordstrom.com

Aimé Agency
Barbara Saint Aimé
(646) 725-3312
barbara@aimeagency.com

ABOUT NORDSTROM
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 323 stores in 39 states, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 194 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and one clearance store. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its five clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

 

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Nordstrom launches new collaboration with style icon Olivia Palermo

Nordstrom launches new collaboration with style icon Olivia Palermo

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Nordstrom celebrates spring fashion with the launch of national brand campaign “See Anew”

“See Anew” celebrates spring fashion through an optimistic lens

SEATTLE, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom launches a national brand campaign through “See Anew,” an optimistic celebration of spring fashion. The retailer’s most inspirational looks for men and women are featured in a highly visual creative execution involving mirrors, floral prints and smiling models.  The campaign’s TV, digital, print, social, and video components will debut on February 8.

The campaign is anchored by a short film spearheaded by Nordstrom Vice President of Creative Projects, Olivia Kim in collaboration with experimental filmmakers Tell No One of Good Egg and branding agency Partners & Spade. Remi Weekes and Luke White of Tell No One conceptualized and created a life-size, kaleidoscope in which the models danced throughout with mirrors splitting and spinning, creating kinetic reflections of the garments that results in a joyful, kaleidoscopic vision of spring.

“The assignment was to inspire new and existing customers, to give them a different perspective from what they may have seen from us before,” says Kim, “We took the approach of starting with the most inspirational, beautiful spring product and then partnered with an incredible team of creatives to make what we think is really compelling content. The intent was to focus on a mood—the fresh, optimistic mood that spring brings.  I absolutely love that some of the models are smiling—that looks really fresh to me. I love how in the film, the fashions and the faces turn into flowers in full bloom.”

The retailer’s Chief Marketing Officer Brian Dennehy says, “Our hope is that the work touches a different spirit and connects with a younger customer than we have in the past.” Dennehy continues, “Olivia is a non-traditional merchant and we’ve had success with her recent projects such as the Pop-in@nordstrom shops and the fledgling Space department. We were excited to pair Olivia’s spirited take on fashion with our love for our customer and we are delighted with the results.”

Of the creative brief’s challenge, Partners & Spade partner Anthony Sperduti comments, “When we began to collaborate with the team at Nordstrom, there was such new thinking being brought to the table, that the idea of “See Anew” was compelling on many levels. Being able to interpret that visually and pay homage to the fashion became an incredibly fun challenge that really came to life through the clever use of mirrors, choreography and A LOT of flower petals.”

Filmmakers Tell No One comment, “We loved the brief and immediately connected with Anthony of Partners & Spade.  In terms of execution, it was a mixture of both scale model and digital renders.  We are big testers of our ideas to help us develop before shooting, we aim to get as much in camera as possible or at least to make it feel like that.  Iain from MPC is always at hand to figure out how all ideas make it into the final film.”

Campaign elements
Digital Video: February-April; YouTube, Vevo, Pandora, and more
Mobile Video: Pandora, KARGO
Nordstrom.com: content experience
Nordstrom catalog: tagline and extensions
Nordstrom stores: visual display elements
Print: March issue of: Elle, Essence, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair.
April issues of: Elle, Esquire Big Black Book, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Vogue. (Women’s publications will have a Shazam watermark driving to the Nordstrom.com experience.)
Out of Home: Creative extensions in key stations in Washington D.C. and San Francisco
Social: Sponsored posts across Nordstrom social platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and targeted programs with SnapChat and Pinterest.
TV: Feb 8th-Apr 25 in four markets: Boston, Chicago, Miami, Portland

Credits
Client: Nordstrom
Agency:  Partners & Spade
Production Company: Good Egg
Directors: Tell No One of Good Egg
Executive Producers/Good Egg: Julia Reed & John Hassay
Editor: Suzy Davis/Final Cut
Post Production: Iain Murray/MPC
Post Production Producers: Hannah Ruddleston & Ryan Hancocks/MPC
Music: “Elementary Lover” by Matthew Dear
Publisher: Ghostly Songs, LLC
ECD/Partner: Anthony Sperduti
Creative Director: Griffin Creech
Art Director: Elizabeth Dilk
Account Director: Cristina Fotieo
Executive Producers: Erika Best & Andy Wilcox

About Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 323 stores in 39 states, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 194 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and one clearance store. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its five clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

About Partners & Spade
Partners & Spade is a branding studio founded in 2008 that works across a range of disciplines including advertising, branding, retail design, and film making. Partners & Spade’s unique approach allows the studio to nimbly work with corporations such J. Crew, Whole Foods Marketand Sonos as well as rising brands like Warby Parker, Shinola and Peloton.

About Tell No One of Good Egg
Tell No One are Luke White and Remi Weekes. As individuals they are writers and directors.

As Tell No One they experiment with video cameras. Intended to be a peek into their experimental process, posting their on-going ideas, inspirations and processes. Think of this as like an informal brainstorm. They also shoot promos, commercials and fashion film together.

Their work collectively have been exhibited and screened in institutions big and small, around the world. From the Guggenheim Museum, New York to the British Film Institute, London.

Media Contact:
Pamela Lopez
Nordstrom Inc.
206-303-3171
206-617-9391 (mobile)
pamela.lopez@nordstrom.com

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

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Weis Markets opens its remodeled store in the Grandview Plaza in Hanover, PA

Hanover, PA, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Remodeled store now features in-store beer café with 900 varieties of beer

Weis Markets celebrated the Grand Reopening of its remodeled store in the Grandview Plaza on Baltimore Street in Hanover on Friday, February 5.

The former’s Nell’s location which reopened as a Weis Markets’ store in September has been extensively remodeled. As a result of the remodel, the 56,100 square-foot store now has a 30-seat beer café with more than 900 varieties of local crafts and imports, including Wyndridge Farms and Liquid Hero Brewery craft beers, which are brewed in York County. Customers can also create their own six packs. Beer can be purchased for takeout or on site consumption. The beer café opened in mid-January.

Since September, the store has added 1,600 new products. It has all new décor, expanded and upgraded fresh departments, a larger variety of natural and organics, a pharmacy and an expanded floral department. The store now sells fresh, store made sushi and hot pizza in the deli.

At the Grand Reopening celebration, the store made $500 donations to three local organizations: the Parkville Fire Company, Penn Township Police Department and God’s Meal Barrel, a local food pantry. Weis Markets will also announce a $1000 donation to the South Western School District Education Foundation and a $500 donation to the YWCA of Hanover.

SOURCE: Weis Markets, Inc.

Weis Markets, Inc.

1000 South Second Street
PO Box 471
Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801

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Weis Markets opens its remodeled store in the Grandview Plaza in Hanover, PA

Weis Markets opens its remodeled store in the Grandview Plaza in Hanover, PA

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Overstock.com, Inc. SVP and Chief Architect Alec Wilkins included in Utah’s top professionals Under 40

SALT LAKE CITY, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) Senior Vice President and Chief Architect Alec Wilkins was honored as one of Utah’s top professionals in the Forty Under 40 ceremony, held today at The Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

Utah Business Magazine organizes the annual event to celebrate the state’s “up-and-coming business professionals rising through the ranks at record speed.” Wilkins was chosen as a recipient of the award, in part, for his leadership in creating Overstock.com subsidiaries Supplier Oasis and tØ.com.

“It’s a smart and successful group, and I was happy to be included,” said Wilkins about his fellow Forty Under 40 honorees.

Supplier Oasis is a platform that adds significant value to drop-shippers, suppliers, and e-commerce merchants of all sizes, while tØ aims to apply the transparency, security, and efficiency of cryptographically-protected distributed ledgers to the world of finance.

Wilkins joined Overstock.com as vice president of app development in 2013 after spending two years consulting for the online retailer with WildBeard Technologies, a mobile payment and application monetization company he founded. He was promoted to senior vice president of product development and chief architect for Overstock.com in 2015.

About Overstock.com
Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) is an online retailer based in Salt Lake City, Utah that sells a broad range of products at low prices, including furniture, rugs, bedding, electronics, clothing, and jewelry. Worldstock.com is dedicated to selling artisan-crafted products from around the world whereas Main Street Revolution supports small-scale entrepreneurs in the U.S. by providing them a national customer base. Overstock has additional community-focused initiatives such as a Farmers Market and pet adoptions.  Forbes ranked Overstock in its list of the Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in 2014. Overstock sells internationally under the name O.co. Overstock (http://www.overstock.com and http://www.o.co) regularly posts information about the company and other related matters under Investor Relations on its website.

O, Overstock.com, O.com, O.co, Club O, Main Street Revolution, Worldstock Fair Trade, Worldstock, and OVillage are registered trademarks. O.biz, Club O Dollars, and OGlobal are trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. The Overstock.com, Club O, and Worldstock Fair Trade logos are also registered trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. Other service marks, trademarks and trade names which may be referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact.  Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2015, and any subsequent filings with the SEC.

Media Contact:
Mark Delcorps, Overstock.com, Inc.
+1 (801) 947-3564
pr@overstock.com

Investor Contact:
Mark Harden, Overstock.com, Inc.
+1 (801) 947-5409
mharden@overstock.com
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Overstock.com, Inc. SVP and Chief Architect Alec Wilkins included in Utah’s top professionals Under 40

Overstock.com, Inc. SVP and Chief Architect Alec Wilkins included in Utah’s top professionals Under 40

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Meningitis B vaccinations available at Walgreens pharmacies throughout the Santa Clara area

Local health officials urge vaccination as area sees reported cases

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens offers vaccinations that provide protection against Meningitis B at all of its pharmacies throughout the Santa Clara area, as county health officials urge vaccination due to a number of reported Meningitis B cases. Vaccinations are available daily during regular pharmacy hours with no appointment necessary and may be covered by select insurance plans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Meningitis spreads through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions. Meningitis primarily affects infants, adolescents and young adults. Teens and adults whose immunity has faded or living in close quarters, such as college dormitories, may also be at risk.

“We support the recommendations of local health officials and stress that vaccination is the best protection against Meningitis B,” said Hayley Park, Regional Healthcare Director for Walgreens. “Walgreens pharmacists play an important role by providing more convenient access to vaccinations and other preventive services throughout the community.”

Walgreens pharmacists in California can administer Meningitis B vaccine to qualified patients age 10 through 25 and other vaccinations to individuals ages 7 and older.*

To find the nearest Walgreens, residents can call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit www.walgreens.com.

*Vaccines are subject to availability. Age, state and health-related restrictions may apply.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,173 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com, SkinStore.com and VisionDirect.com. Walgreens also manages more than 400 Healthcare Clinic and provider practice locations around the country.

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Emily Hartwig
Office: 847-315-3316
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Carrefour and its Foundation sent aid to victims in the recent earthquake in Taiwan

TAIWAN, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 has struck southern Taiwan just before 4 AM (local time) resulting in the collapse of four buildings in one particular development in the city of Tainan. The toll of injuries and fatalities continues to worsen by the hour: some 400 have been injured and a further 100 or so are still unaccounted for.

The survivors have significant requirements. To respond to this disaster and the requests of NGO Chinese Christian Relief Association (CCRA), Carrefour’s teams in Taiwan have rallied in order to provide victims with what they need to meet their emergency requirements, including water, non-perishable foodstuffs, warm clothing and sleeping bags. The teams are also providing logistics support and getting these supplies to those affected by the disaster from stores based in Tainan and Kaohsiung.

As well as mobilising Carrefour’s teams based in Taiwan, the Carrefour Foundation also released €180,000 worth of aid in the immediate aftermath in order to support the work being done by the NGO to help victims.

The Carrefour Foundation responded to a previous disaster in Taiwan in August 2009, when the country was hit by Typhoon Morokot, releasing emergency aid to help victims.

SOURCE: Carrefour

Press Contact

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00
For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17
By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

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Macy’s partners with AwesomenessTV to debut IN AWE OF YOU

The line features flirty dresses and punchy accessories that will stun in new series Closet Wars debuting today on AwesomenessTV

NEW YORK, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s has partnered with AwesomenessTV to debut IN AWE OF YOU, a lifestyle brand aimed at the Gen Z ingénue. The line features coquettish dresses, trendy clutches and other whimsical accessories such as nail decals, mobile chargers and temporary tattoos. Hitting stores in February, the IN AWE OF YOU range will ensure the junior girl looks and feels her best for all of the important social occasions in her life this spring. IN AWE OF YOU will be showcased in “Closet Wars,” a new series starring YouTube sensations Vanessa and Veronica Merrell on the AwesomenessTV YouTube channel, debuting today.

“Our junior customer is smart, dynamic and hyper-conscious of fashion and the latest trends,” saidStephanie Muehlhausen, vice president/fashion director of ready-to-wear/Millennial. “AwesomenessTV is one of the leading sources of culture and entertainment for that customer, and our collaboration has resulted in an amazing collection that fits her lifestyle perfectly. IN AWE OF YOU, from the cool cuts of the dresses to the playful glamour of the accessories, speaks directly to the Gen Z girl, and she’s going to love it.”

“IN AWE OF YOU is another great way to bring the AwesomenessTV brand into the physical world for our Gen Z audience. Macy’s is a phenomenal partner that embraced the spirit and attitude of our audience with this collection,” said Jim Fielding, Global Head of Consumer Products AwesomenessTV.

From Valentine’s Day to prom to graduation, and everything in between, IN AWE OF YOU offers young women the styles they want at incredible value, with an assortment of dresses and separates ranging from $39 to$79. Channeling the hottest trends of the season, the collection boasts a pastel color palette with pops of jewel tones, and chic A-line and sleek column silhouettes featuring cold shoulders, cut-outs, ruffles and swingy skirts. Polishing off these glamorous Valentine’s Day and weekend looks are charming accessories, clear Lucite box clutches with interchangeable pouches, and to-die-for shoes.

The IN AWE OF YOU collection also carries styles inspired by the runway, perfect for prom and graduation. A range of short, midi and floor-length dresses, as well as of-the-moment two-piece sets, are rendered in gorgeous pastels and oversized floral prints, featuring sheer details and crystal embellishments. A handy-dandy prom kit includes all the essentials—silver bobbi pins, a gold nail file, and glittery portable charger, amongst other fun knickknacks—to keep our girl party-ready, and a structured, miniature top-handle bag with detachable bow charm adds youthful sophistication to her graduation look.

In “Closet Wars,” the stylish twins will be pitted against one another in a fashion faceoff and will be tasked with shopping for their perfect closets. They’ll then be challenged to create the best looks for the special occasions they’re presented with, featuring the exclusive IN AWE OF YOU collection.

IN AWE OF YOU launches in select Macy’s stores and on macys.com in February, and the first episode of “Closet Wars” is available today.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 734 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events asMacy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plazain southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

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

About AwesomenessTV
AwesomenessTV is a multi-platform media company owned by DreamWorks Animation (Nasdaq: DWA) and Hearst, the latter of which has a 25 percent interest. Included under the AwesomenessTV banner are AwesomenessTV, a leading destination for original programming serving the global Gen Z audience; the ATV Network, a community based MCN with over 90,000 channels; Big Frame, an influencer talent management company; DreamWorksTV; Awestruck; Awesomeness Films; Wildness; as well as consumer products, music and branded entertainment divisions. AwesomenessTV was founded by Brian Robbins (Smallville, Varsity Blues, All That) and Joe Davola (In Living Color, Smallville, MTV Networks). Check out www.awesomenesstv.com.

Source: Macy’s

Macy’s
Holly Thomas, 646-429-5250
Holly.Thomas@macys.com
or
Billy Dumé, 646-429-7449
Billy.Dume@macys.com
or
AwesomenessTV
Courtney Love Gavin
courtneyloveg@awesomenesstv.com

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IN AWE OF YOU BY AWESOMENESSTV dress, exclusively at Macy's. (Photo: Business Wire)

IN AWE OF YOU BY AWESOMENESSTV dress, exclusively at Macy’s. (Photo: Business Wire)

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Bella Freud and Sainsbury’s to create two limited edition canvas shopper bags to raise money for Sport Relief

LONDON, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — London based fashion designer Bella Freud, has collaborated with Sainsbury’s to create two limited edition canvas shopper bags to raise money for Sport Relief.

The Bella Freud bags will be exclusively available in Sainsbury’s stores and online from 15thFebruary 2016.

Known for her iconic Word jumpers, Freud has incorporated her own visual style into her designs for Sport Relief. Emblazoned with ‘Girl’ or ‘Everyone is Beautiful’ the block colour canvas bags are stylish and durable.

Bella Freud commented: “I am happy to be working with Sainsbury’s on this project in support of Sport Relief. I chose these words to make people feel good and lift their spirits.”

James Brown, Director of Non Food Trading at Sainsbury’s says: “It’s an honour to be working with Bella Freud on our latest project for Sport Relief. These bags incorporate Bella’s classic mix of fun and style and we are sure they will fly off the shelf in no time.

Comic Relief uses cash raised through Sport Relief to transform lives across the UK and the world’s poorest communities. The practical and reusable bags will be available in store for £5 with at least £1.50 going to Sport Relief.

For corporate press enquiries please contact press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 020 7695 7295.
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Bella Freud and Sainsbury’s to create two limited edition canvas shopper bags to raise money for Sport Relief

Bella Freud and Sainsbury’s to create two limited edition canvas shopper bags to raise money for Sport Relief

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H&M, ILO and SIDA launch industrial relations project for the development of socially sustainable textile and garment industry in Ethiopia

H&M, International Labor Organization (ILO) and Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) have launched an industrial relations project aiming to improve the development of a socially sustainable textile and garment industry in Ethiopia.

Stockholm, Sweden, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Promoting a well-functioning dialogue between the partners on the labour market is a fundamental and important part of H&M’s fair living wage strategy. ILO highlights the importance of promoting freedom of association and collective bargaining as necessary for workers and employers to negotiate wages and working conditions. We share this view and that is why our strategy is focusing on improving industrial relations in our strategy. This three year project will assist the Ethiopian government, social partners and major industry stakeholders in their efforts to promote social dialogue and improve productivity as well as improve wages and working conditions through nurturing sound labour relations practices and promoting collective bargaining.

The project is funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and H&M and implemented by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions and Ethiopian Employers Federation.

-Well-functioning relations and social dialogue on the labor market is key to improve working conditions and establish fair living wages. We are engaged in projects which have the aim of strengthening employees’ rights and their ability to negotiate on their own behalf on their terms and conditions through trade unions and or democratic elected employee representatives. Our goal is for all of our strategic supplier factories to have democrati¬cally elected and functional work¬place representation in place by 2018 at the latest, says Anna Gedda, Head of Sustainability at H&M.

H&M has an ongoing industrial relation project in Cambodia in collaboration with SIDA and ILO .This project in Ethiopia is part of the agreement between the ILO and H&M was signed in September 2014. It intends to establish a positive and innovative model for other brands and create a global alliance to promote the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda in the supply chain of the global garment industry.

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

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

Head of Communications
Kristina Stenvinkel
+46 8 796 39 08

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

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SONIC Drive-In partners with Keurig Green Mountain to offer hot, fresh Green Mountain Coffee®

OKLAHOMA CITY, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — SONIC Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, is raising the bar for breakfast quality by announcing a partnership with Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), a personal beverage system company, to offer hot, fresh Green Mountain Coffee®. The addition of Green Mountain Coffee® to SONIC’s popular breakfast lineup represents SONIC’s latest step towards creating new distinctively delicious beverages, for every guest’s taste preference.

To complement the launch of Green Mountain Coffee® at its drive-ins, SONIC invites guests to kick start their day the right way with a new Breakfast Express deal, featuring a Breakfast Burrito and a Green Mountain Coffee® or fountain drink for only $3, ready in two minutes guaranteed.*

“SONIC takes pride in offering one of the best breakfast lineups in the industry and we continually seek new ways to provide our guests the best quality and value in new and innovative ways,” said Scott Uehlein, vice president of product innovation and development for SONIC. “When it comes to sourcing and roasting the finest coffee available, the Green Mountain Coffee brand is second to none. Value, quality and speedy service are several of the cornerstones of the SONIC brand’s commitment to its customers, and this new partnership and Breakfast Express deal raise the bar in the ongoing QSR breakfast wars.”

SONIC bolsters its breakfast offering by launching the partnership with Green Mountain Coffee®, a brand that prides itself in roasting the highest quality coffee in the world while building strong, lasting relationships with the farmers who grow it. SONIC guests will now be treated to a smooth, aromatic and mild blend from Green Mountain Coffee®, made exclusively from 100 percent Arabica specialty grade Fair Trade Certified™ coffee beans, from Central and South America.

Founded in 1981 in Waitsfield Vermont, Green Mountain Coffee® has grown from a local coffee shop to America’s #1 Single Serve Coffee Brand1.

Made with scrambled eggs, melty cheddar cheese and crispy bacon or savory sausage, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, SONIC Breakfast Burritos are one of the most popular items on the brand’s breakfast menu. Pair with a Green Mountain Coffee® or fountain drink for $3 in two minutes or less for a morning kick-start you can only get at SONIC.

Guests can enjoy the perfect brew to start the day or perk up in the afternoon since SONIC’s entire breakfast menu is available all day.

* Tax not included. Offer applies to one Breakfast Burrito and one Green Mountain Coffee®, Soft Drink, Iced Tea or Limeade only. Excludes orders containing additional items, substitutions or Add-Ins and Add-Ons. For a limited time only at participating SONIC Drive-Ins. See menu for details.

1 IRI Infoscan data, Single Cup Coffee Sub-Category, Total U.S.- IRI Multi Outlet, 52 week period ending 12/20/15

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In
SONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving more than 3 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. Over more than 60 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, more than 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC’s Limeades for Learning philanthropic campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated more than $5 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in today’s youth. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com and please visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit Limeadesforlearning.com.

SONC-M

for SONIC Drive-In
Matthew Young, 512-542-2802
Matthew.Young@cohnwolfe.com

Source: SONIC Drive-In

News Provided by Acquire Media

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SONIC Drive-In partners with Keurig Green Mountain to offer hot, fresh Green Mountain Coffee®

SONIC Drive-In partners with Keurig Green Mountain to offer hot, fresh Green Mountain Coffee®

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Chipotle Mexican Grill launches Local Grower Support Initiative to help local farmers meet new food safety standards

Chipotle provides education, training and financial assistance to help small and medium-sized growers meet new food safety standards

DENVER, CO, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today at its national employee meeting the formation of the Chipotle Local Grower Support Initiative, a new program to help smaller, local suppliers meet its heightened food safety standards. Supporting local farmers has been an important part of the company’s commitment to Food With Integrity, and Chipotle plans to commit up to $10 million to help local farms meet its food safety standards and to make more local ingredients available across the country.

“We have supported local farms around the country for a number of years because we believe it is the right thing to do,” said Steve Ells, Chipotle founder, co-CEO, and chairman. “We recognize that it may make it difficult for some local farms to comply with our heightened standards, but we are looking to help local farmers comply with our standards and to continue our support for local farms and rural communities around the country.”

The initiative will provide the support and education necessary to meet the company’s high standards and help offset the costs of enhanced testing and food safety practices for some smaller farmers. Additionally, financial assistance will be provided in the form of grants or premiums to help cover the higher costs of enhanced food safety practices. The company will also look to develop new partnerships and seek out farmers using greenhouses and other technologies around the country that meet Chipotle’s food safety standards.

For more information about the Chipotle Local Grower Initiative and the company’s commitment to food safety, visit Chipotle.com/localgrowersupport.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that — where possible — are sustainably grown and raised responsibly with respect for the animals, the land and the farmers who produce the food. In order to achieve this vision, we focus on building a special people culture that is centered on creating teams of top performers empowered to achieve high standards. This people culture not only leads to a better dining experience for our customers, it also allows us to develop future leaders from within. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in 1993 and operates more than 2,000 restaurants, including 18 Chipotle restaurants outside the U.S. and 13 ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen restaurants, and is an investor in an entity that owns and operates three Pizzeria Locale restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.

Source: Chipotle

Chipotle
Chris Arnold, 303-222-5912
carnold@chipotle.com

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PetSmart achieved historic adoption milestone in 2015; half a million pets adopted out in single year

Blu, of Fort Worth, is the 500,000th Adopted Pet in 2015; PetSmart and PetSmart Charities Continue Mission to End Pet Homelessness with Two Pets Adopted Every Minute a PetSmart Store is Open

PHOENIX, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — PetSmart today announced that in 2015 it achieved a historic adoption milestone – half a million pets adopted out in a single year. Blu, a terrier mix estimated at a little over a year old, is the 500,000th pet adopted out of a PetSmart store in 2015, joining the Sessums family of Haslet, Texas, as their eighth family member.

In 2015, PetSmart adopted out nearly 517,000 pets in total, topping the previous year’s milestone of 466,000 pets adopted in 2014.

Prior to joining the Sessums, Blu was with the City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter, one of PetSmart’s local adoption partners, for several months. Blu was adopted and brought back twice before being adopted out of a PetSmart store, where the City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter was conducting an adoption event. Blu found his forever home with the Sessums family and joins mom, Suzanne, dad, Darrell, sons Tanner, 15, and Colby, 12, as well as two Chihuahuas, David and Rosie, and a black lab named Shadow.

“I just can’t believe Blu was brought back twice – he is the perfect dog, such a love bug, but I think his puppy energy may have been the challenge for the previous families,” Suzanne said. “We recently said goodbye to our 13-year-old Corgi, Chewy, who we adopted 10 years ago. We knew we would adopt again and were planning to take our time, but one week after the loss of Chewy, Blu picked us at a PetSmart store. He was especially taken with my youngest son, Colby. Usually the dogs pair up with me, but Blu and Colby are great companions.”

To celebrate Blu as the 500,000th pet adopted in 2015, PetSmart is giving the Sessums a year’s supply of dog food and treats for all four pups in the household. Blu prefers Simply Nourish™ lamb formula and his favorite treat is Milo’s Kitchen® chicken jerky.

“Adoption is about love and creating and expanding family – Blu joins the Sessums family as their eighth member and the Sessums join our PetSmart family of passionate people who save lives — 6.7 million pets since we started our adoption services in 1994,” said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer, PetSmart. “We are thrilled for Blu and by our adoption achievement for 2015, and we look forward to helping expand families everywhere in 2016 and saving even more lives.”

Each year, about 7 million pets enter shelters across North America and some 3 million healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized. To help end pet homelessness and save lives, PetSmart joins PetSmart Charities, PetSmart Charities of Canada and nearly 3,000 local animal welfare organizations across North America on a range of powerful adoption events in PetSmart stores. Four times each year, PetSmart highlights the adoption program through National Adoption Weekends where nearly 20,000 pets find lifelong, loving homes in a single weekend.  Last year, through all the combined adoption efforts at PetSmart stores, two pets were adopted every minute a store was open and about 1,400 pets’ lives were saved every day.

Blu has transitioned well to his new family, and Suzanne, a staffer at Victory Therapy Center, which provides therapeutic riding, physical therapy and counseling services in Roanoke, Texas, also sees great promise in Blu serving as a therapy dog at the center.

“We recently lost all our therapy dogs because the family moved away. Blu is so loving and affectionate, I see a strong future for him as a therapy dog, too, and I plan to train him for this important work,” Sessums added.

As a gift to new pet adopters for saving a life – whether adopting at PetSmart or elsewhere – PetSmart offers its free Adoption Starter Kit available every day at PetSmart stores. To ensure every adopter has all the essentials for their new family member, the kit includes more than $400 in savings on products and services – even a free bag of pet food, including Blu’s favorite: Simply Nourish.

About PetSmart®
PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart’s passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilled lives. This mission impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates, and how we give back to our communities. We employ approximately 53,000 associates, operate approximately 1,444 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and approximately 202 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp day care services and pet adoption services in-store. Our portfolio of digital resources for pet parents – including PetSmart.com, PetFoodDirect.com, Pet360.com, OnlyNaturalPet.com and petMD.com – offers the most comprehensive online pet supplies and pet care information in the U.S. Through our in-store pet adoption partnership with independent nonprofit organizations, PetSmart Charities™ and PetSmart Charities™ of Canada, PetSmart helps to save the lives of more than 500,000 homeless pets each year. In addition, PetSmart supports organizations that make communities a better place to call home through our philanthropy program, PetSmart Gives Back™. By giving back to the communities where we live and work, PetSmart not only celebrates the power of pets to enrich people’s lives—we live it.

Follow PetSmart on Twitter: @PetSmart
Find PetSmart on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PetSmart
See PetSmart on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmart  

About PetSmart Charities™
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets. Each year nearly 500,000 dogs and cats find homes through our adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and sponsored adoption events. Each year millions of PetSmart shoppers contribute to pets in need by making donations on a pin pad at the register.  Their generous donations are then managed by PetSmart Charities, which efficiently uses 90 cents of every dollar, making funding grants to directly help pets in need.  PetSmart Charities grants more money to directly help pets in need than any other animal welfare group in North America, with a focus on funding adoption and spay/neuter programs that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization, independent from PetSmart, Inc. PetSmart Charities has received the Four Star Rating for the past 13 years from Charity Navigator, an independent nonprofit that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization.

About PetSmart Charities of Canada
PetSmart Charities of Canada is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets in Canada. Each year more than 20,000 cats and dogs find Canadian homes through our adoption program in nearly all PetSmart® stores across Canada and our sponsored adoption events. A leading funder of animal welfare, PetSmart Charities of Canada has granted more than $9 million to help pets in need with a funding focus on adoption and spay/neuter programs that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered charity, independent from PetSmart, Inc.

About City of Fort Worth Animal Shelter
The mission of the City of Fort Worth’s Animal Shelter is to find loving and forever homes for all the pets that land at the shelter, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane awareness and compassion. Our purpose is to decrease the number of unwanted and stray dogs and cats in the city, to encourage responsible animal ownership and to protect the city’s public health, safety and welfare.

PetSmart:
Golin for PetSmart Charitable Programs:
Jennifer Kepler
jkepler@golin.com
972-341-2552
PetSmart’s Media Line: 623.587.2177

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PetSmart to carry TurboPUP innovative portable meal bars for dogs in stores across the U.S. and Canada

PetSmart Is Initial Exclusive Retailer of TurboPUP Meal Bars, an All-Natural, Complete Meal-on-the-Go for Dogs

PHOENIX, 2016-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Last Friday, Kristina Guerrero, founder of TurboPUP, impressed the sharks on ABC’s Shark Tank with the news of her exclusive, national retail deal with PetSmart. The specialty pet store will carry her TurboPUP innovative portable meal bars for dogs in more than 900 PetSmart stores across the U.S. and Canada this year.

Guerrero’s big idea for a lightweight canine meal replacement bar was sparked by a backcountry ski trip with her dog Dunkan five years ago. Realizing he was as hungry as she was, she fed him her own provision even though she knew the food was lacking in proper canine nutrition. The experience fueled her quest to find suitable travel food for Dunkan, but she came up empty handed and decided to create TurboPUP – a premium, compact and “Complete K9 Meal Bar” to help sustain a dog’s energy level.

Guerrero headed to the kitchen, and with the help of her food-scientist husband, found the perfect recipe using grain-free, all-natural, human-grade ingredients. TurboPUP bars are a complete meal replacement solution and formulated with essential vitamins and nutrients dogs require in every stage of life.

“Kristina’s entrepreneurial spirit and hard work creating TurboPUP is the true definition of innovation,” said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer at PetSmart. “We love pets and know they make us better people, and we always want to deliver new solutions to help pet parents take better care of their pets, as well as to support the range of pet lifestyles out there. So many people are now always on-the-go with their pups, and TurboPUP bars are the ideal portable food solution for those weekend warriors out with their dogs whether camping, hiking or spending a day at the dog park or mall.”

TurboPUP meal bars are manufactured at a facility in Oregon and use American-sourced, human-grade ingredients. These all-natural, high-protein and grain-free bars are perfect for pet parents who get out with their dogs. The compact, lightweight meal bars come in two canine-favorite flavors: peanut butter and bacon.

“I’m thrilled TurboPUP is going to be in PetSmart stores. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer TurboPUP bars to dog owners and dogs across the country,” said Guerrero, TurboPUP Founder and CEO.

Guerrero, a decorated U.S. Air Force Veteran, first appeared on Shark Tank in Jan. of 2015 where she walked away with a $100,000 investment from Shark Tank’s Daymond John. The funds helped her kick-start TurboPUP with manufacturing, distribution and expansion plans for the TurboPUP line.

PetSmart is the largest pet specialty retailer for services and solutions that address the lifetime needs of pets, and is dedicated to product innovation, often premiering the latest pet lifestyle products in its stores. Debuting the TurboPUP product is a natural fit, and the bars can now be found at PetSmart stores and petsmart.com through April 2016.

About PetSmart®
PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart’s passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilled lives. This mission impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates, and how we give back to our communities. We employ approximately 53,000 associates, operate approximately 1,444 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and approximately 202 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp day care services and pet adoption services in-store. Our portfolio of digital resources for pet parents – including PetSmart.com, PetFoodDirect.com, Pet360.com, OnlyNaturalPet.com and petMD.com – offers the most comprehensive online pet supplies and pet care information in the U.S. Through our in-store pet adoption partnership with independent nonprofit organizations, PetSmart Charities™ and PetSmart Charities™ of Canada, PetSmart helps to save the lives of more than 450,000 homeless pets each year. In addition, PetSmart supports organizations that make communities a better place to call home through our philanthropy program, PetSmart Gives Back™. By giving back to the communities where we live and work, PetSmart not only celebrates the power of pets to enrich people’s lives—we live it.

Follow PetSmart on Twitter: @PetSmart
Find PetSmart on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PetSmart
See PetSmart on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmart

SOURCE: PetSmart


Media Contacts
If you are a member of the news media and have an inquiry, please contact:

PetSmart Public Relations
24-Hour News Media Line
Phone: 623.587.2177

PetSmart Charities
Phone: 623.587.2872
PetSmart Charities Newsroom