Daily Archives: February 18, 2016

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Dunkin’ Donuts recognized as top brand in coffee customer loyalty for the tenth consecutive year by Brand Keys

Dunkin’ Donuts tops packaged coffee category for fourth consecutive year

CANTON, MA, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Donuts today marks a decade of distinction for providing guests with a superior customer experience, as the 2016 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Index® recognizes Dunkin’ Donuts as a top brand for consumer engagement in the out-of-home coffee category. This is the tenth consecutive year Dunkin’ Donuts has earned this honor. Dunkin’ Donuts also leads the packaged coffee category in customer loyalty for the fourth year in a row.

The 20th annual national survey conducted by brand loyalty and engagement consultancy Brand Keys identifies brands that are best able to engage consumers by meeting or exceeding their expectations, which creates loyal customers. Brand Keys’ Customer Loyalty Engagement Index recognizes the brands that receive the highest loyalty and engagement assessments and surpass competitors for “delighting” customers. In the coffee restaurant and packaged coffee categories, consumer preferences were based on consistently meeting customer expectations for taste, quality, service and brand value.

According to Chris Fuqua, Vice President of Dunkin’ Donuts Brand Marketing & Global Consumer Insights & Product Innovation, “Our guests are loyal to Dunkin’ Donuts because of the many ways we work to give them an unsurpassed guest experience. We make our entire menu available all day, and offer our guests more than 25,000 different ways to customize their favorite coffee any way they like it. We’ve launched digital technologies like mobile ordering and delivery that make it even more convenient for people to run on Dunkin’, and we continue to grow our DD Perks Rewards program. On behalf of our dedicated Dunkin’ Donuts’ franchisees and crew members who consistently provide our guests with fast and friendly service all day long, we are honored to be recognized by Brand Keys for customer loyalty for the tenth year in a row.”

“Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a #1 ranking in customer loyalty and engagement for 10 years in a row in an increasingly competitive category. Clearly their quality products and consistent service are contributing to a recipe for long-term success,” said Robert Passikoff, President of Brand Keys.

Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, selling more than 1.9 billion cups of Hot and Iced Coffee and Espresso-based beverages per year. The brand’s beverage offerings include high-quality, freshly-brewed Hot and Iced Coffees, along with Espresso, Cappuccino and Lattes, and the recently introduced Macchiato. All Dunkin’ Donuts menu items are always available any time of day, and guests are encouraged to customize their favorite food and beverages. Dunkin’ Donuts’ packaged coffee is the perfect way to enjoy the delicious taste of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee at home, any time. Available in flavors such as Original Blend, Dunkin’ Decaf® and Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Dark Roast. Dunkin’ Donuts’ packaged coffee is available at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in a 16-oz. bag.

Dunkin’ Donuts continues to reward loyal customers through its DD Perks® Rewards program, achieving 4.3 million members. With DD Perks, guests already earn five points for every dollar they spend on qualifying purchases at Dunkin’ Donuts when they pay using an enrolled Dunkin’ Donuts Card, either plastic or via the Dunkin’ Mobile® App. Once a member accrues 200 points, he or she receives a coupon for a free, any-size beverage of their choice, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants. DD Perks members also receive a coupon for a free, any-size beverage upon enrollment and on their birthday. To enroll in DD Perks, download the Dunkin’ Mobile App or visit www.DDPerks.com.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts), Instagram (www.instagram.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

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About Dunkin’ Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 10 years running. The company has more than 11,700 restaurants in 43 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name: Michelle King
Phone: 781-737-5200
Email: press@dunkinbrands.com

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Dunkin’ Donuts recognized as top brand in coffee customer loyalty for the tenth consecutive year by Brand Keys

Dunkin’ Donuts recognized as top brand in coffee customer loyalty for the tenth consecutive year by Brand Keys

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eBay teams up with inkFrog to help small businesses scale, improve inventory and order management

New partnership aimed to help small businesses scale, improve inventory and order management.

San Jose, California, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of our continuing effort to enable everyone from entrepreneurs to small and medium-sized businesses to be successful on eBay, we have partnered with multi-channel selling solutions provider inkFrog.

Known for its ecommerce services, which span seller efficiency tools, listings integration, and robust sales solutions, inkFrog already helps many eBay sellers manage and track their eBay transactions.  As part of the partnership, qualified small businesses interested in selling on eBay can take advantage of a free one-year subscription by taking a simple survey.

For entrepreneurs and small businesses accustomed to running their operations across different platforms with disparate tools, the inkFrog integration with eBay offers streamlined efficiency.

“Making our customers’ investments in eBay worthwhile and rewarding is job number one for us,” said Jordan Sweetnam, Vice President of Seller Experience at eBay. “We are committed to offering the world’s best selling platform, with consistent and predictable standards and tools.

“Services from inkFrog will simplify tasks for our customers, and give sellers new insights into their activities,” Jordan said. “These services can also help our sellers scale their businesses.”

Through direct integration of inkFrog’s services with eBay accounts, sellers will be able to sync inventory updates across shopping carts and the eBay platform. In addition sellers can take advantage of cutting-edge seller tools.

At eBay, we are focused on our ambition to be the most powerful selling platform by reducing friction for our sellers and by improving experiences that will continue to drive buyers to inventory.

Through integration with inkFrog’s services, sellers will be equipped to serve buyers much more efficiently.

SOURCE:  eBay Inc.

MEDIA CONTACTS

United States: press@ebay.com
Canada: canada.press@ebay.com

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Smart & Final launches new giving campaign, First Street First Percent

Grocer gives first percent of net profits to support local nonprofits

COMMERCE, Calif., 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Feb. 17, 2016), Smart & Final, the value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer, announced the launch of its new giving campaign, First Street First Percent, which donates the first one percent of net profits from the sale of its First Street® private label brand products at its US-based Smart & Final banner stores inCalifornia, Nevada and Arizona to the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation™ to support local nonprofits.

“Smart & Final has a long history of giving back to the communities we serve. With our newFirst Street First Percent program, we are taking our community commitment to the next level,” said Smart & Final CEO Dave Hirz.

First Street, Smart & Final’s flagship private label brand, features more than 2,000 quality products and represents over 23 percent of Smart & Final’s total sales. Customers can find First Street® products across most categories throughout the store, from grocery, frozen and dairy to packaging and cleaning products.

Starting today, Smart & Final customers will see signage throughout the store that provides information about the First Street First Percent program and showcases how their purchase of First Street products can benefit local communities.

“Now when customers buy First Street products, our premier private label brand, they will be giving back to local communities through our Smart & Final Charitable Foundation,” Hirz said.

Through the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation, funds generated will support local nonprofits, e.g., food pantries, Little Leagues, Boys & Girls Clubs, the American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Olive Crest, local schools and many more.

“Buying First Street products will mean better playgrounds, more music in schools, more new uniforms and more meals for friends and neighbors in need,” he said.

Throughout the years, the Smart & Final Charitable Foundation has donated millions of dollars to causes and organizations focused on four key areas – health and wellness, education, hunger relief, and team sports and youth development.

For more information about First Street First Percent, visit www.smartandfinal.com/firstpercent.

About Smart & Final
Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SFS), is a value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer that serves household and business customers. The Company is headquartered inCommerce (located in Los Angeles), CA, where it was founded 145 years ago. As of January 3, 2016, the Company operated 276 grocery and foodservice stores under the “Smart & Final,” “Smart & Final Extra!” and “Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice” banners in California,Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho, with an additional 15 stores in northernMexico operated through a joint venture.

Smart & Final Charitable Foundation, located at 600 Citadel Drive Commerce CA 90040, is a nonprofit charitable organization that donates to local charities and other non-profit organizations. No part of the purchase price for the First Street First Percent program may be deducted as a charitable contribution.

SOURCE Smart & Final Stores, Inc.

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Shopify Inc. recorded strong financial results for full year and quarter ended December 31, 2015

  • Fourth-Quarter Revenue Grows 99% Year on Year
  • Fourth-Quarter Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) Grows 109% Year on Year
  • Number of Merchants Surpasses 243,000
  • Shopify reports in U.S. dollars and in accordance with U.S. GAAP

Ottawa, Canada, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shopify Inc. (NYSE:SHOP)(TSX:SH), the leading cloud-based, multi-channel commerce platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses, today announced strong financial results for the full year and quarter ended December 31, 2015. Continued adoption of the Shopify platform by merchants and a strong holiday shopping season drove a second consecutive quarter of accelerated growth in revenue, GMV and merchants.

“We are coming off not only a tremendous quarter for Shopify, but also for the hundreds of thousands of merchants that trust the Shopify platform to power their businesses,” said Tobi Lütke, founder and CEO of Shopify. “Over the holiday season our merchants collectively sold almost 3 billion dollars worth of products, a huge increase from the year before. We are also seeing our merchants use Shopify to sell on multiple new sales channels like mobile and social. We believe that multichannel, cloud commerce is an industry-wide shift that is still in its infancy.”

“Our strong fourth-quarter performance highlights the strength of our business model, one where we win when our merchants win,” said Russ Jones, Shopify’s CFO. “Many of our efforts in 2015 — such as adding multiple new sales channels to a single integrated back office — were driven by our simple goal of helping merchants become more successful. We added a record number of new merchants in the fourth quarter and are proud that over half of the more than 1,000 merchants now using Shopify Plus are upgrades from merchants who have grown their businesses on Shopify. We’re entering 2016 with excellent momentum and expect to close this year even better positioned than we are today.”

Fourth-Quarter Financial Highlights

  • Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $70.2 million, a 99% increase from the fourth quarter of 2014. Within this, Subscription Solutions revenue grew 70% to $34.6 million, driven by an increase in the number of merchants using our platform; and Merchant Solutions revenue grew 140% to $35.6 million, driven primarily by an increase in revenue from Shopify Payments.
  • Monthly Recurring Revenue1 (“MRR”) as of December 31, 2015 was $11.3 million, up 72% compared with $6.6 million on December 31, 2014.
  • Gross Merchandise Volume2 (“GMV”) for the fourth quarter was $2.8 billion, a 109% increase over the fourth quarter of 2014.
  • Gross profit grew 81% to $35.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, versus $19.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2014.
  • Operating loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $6.5 million, compared with an operating loss of $4.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2014.
  • Adjusted operating loss3 for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $1.3 million, compared with $0.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2014.
  • Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $6.3 million, or $0.08 per share, compared with a net loss of $4.8 million, or $0.12 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2014.
  • Adjusted net loss3 for the fourth quarter of 2015 was $1.1 million, or $0.01 per share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.03 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2014.
  • At December 31, 2015, Shopify had $190.2 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, compared with $59.7 million on December 31, 2014.

Full-Year 2015 Financial Highlights

  • Total revenue for 2015 was $205.2 million, a 95% increase from 2014. Within this, Subscription Solutions revenue grew 68% to $112.0 million; and Merchant Solutions revenue grew 143% to $93.3 million.
  • Monthly Billings Retention Rate4 continued to exceed 100% for 2015.
  • Gross Merchandise Volume2 (“GMV”) for 2015 was $7.7 billion, a 105% increase over 2014.
  • Gross profit grew 80% to $111.1 million for 2015, versus $61.8 million for 2014.
  • Operating loss for 2015 was $17.8 million, compared with an operating loss of $21.6 million for 2014.
  • Adjusted operating loss3 for 2015 was $6.7 million, compared with $15.0 million for 2014.
  • Net loss for 2015 was $18.8 million, or $0.30 per share, compared with a net loss of $22.3 million, or $0.57 per share, for 2014.
  • Adjusted net loss3 for 2015 was $7.7 million, or $0.13 per share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $15.7 million, or $0.40 per share, for 2014.

Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Business Highlights

  • During the fourth quarter 2015, our strongest seasonal quarter for merchant sales, the Shopify team executed flawlessly over the Black Friday Cyber Monday weekend. GMV and order volume more than doubled compared with 2014’s comparable weekend on Shopify’s scalable multi-tenant platform.
  • Shopify was among the first ecommerce providers to add the ability to sell over the leading social media platforms, including Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter, and now over 25% of Shopify merchants have enabled social media selling. While these channels currently account for a small portion of transactions, sales on social media channels are growing rapidly.  Approximately 61% of the traffic and 46% of orders on the Shopify platform came from mobile devices in December 2015.
  • Shopify expanded the number of channels over which merchants can sell by adding a mobile buy button software development kit, enabling transactions on any site a merchant controls, and by integrating social media options into its administrative interface.
  • Shopify enhanced our integrated back office capabilities: we expanded the number of reports available to merchants; we added shipping and delivery options, starting with the US Post Office and UberRush; and we enhanced merchants’ in-person selling capabilities with the addition of EMV readers that accept chip-and-pin and ApplePay.

Financial Outlook

The financial outlook that follows constitutes forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a number of risks. Actual results could vary materially as a result of numerous factors, including certain risk factors, many of which are beyond Shopify’s control. Please see section below, “Forward-looking Statements”.

In addition to the other assumptions and factors described in this press release, Shopify’s outlook assumes the continuation of growth trends in our industry, our ability to manage our growth effectively and the absence of material changes in our industry or the global economy. All numbers provided in this section are approximate.

For the full year 2016, Shopify currently expects:

  • Revenues in the range of $320 million to $330 million
  • GAAP operating loss in the range of $36 million to $42 million
  • Adjusted operating loss3 in the range of $16 million to $22 million, which excludes stock-based compensation expenses and related payroll taxes of $20 million

For the first quarter of 2016, Shopify currently expects:

  • Revenues in the range of $65 million to $67 million
  • GAAP operating loss in the range of $11 million to $12 million
  • Adjusted operating loss3 in the range of $6.5 million to $7.5 million, which excludes stock-based compensation expenses and related payroll taxes of $4.5 million

Quarterly Conference Call

Shopify’s management team will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year results today, February 17, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. ET. The conference call will be webcast on the investor relations section of Shopify’s website at https://investors.shopify.com/events/Events-Presentations/default.aspx. An archived replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the call.

Shopify’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 20-F, including its audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes and its 2015 Management’s Discussion and Analysis are available on Shopify’s website at Shopify.com, and will be filed on SEDAR at www.Sedar.com and on EDGAR atwww.sec.gov. Shareholders may, upon request, receive a hard copy of the complete audited financial statements free of charge.

About Shopify
Shopify is the leading cloud-based, multi-channel commerce platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Merchants use the software to design, set up and manage their stores across multiple sales channels, including web, mobile, social media, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations and pop-up shops.The platform also provides a merchant with a powerful back-office and a single view of their business. The Shopify platform was engineered for reliability and scale, making enterprise-level technology available to businesses of all sizes. Shopify currently powers over 243,000 businesses in approximately 150 countries and is trusted by big brands including Tesla Motors, Budweiser, Red Bull, the LA Lakers, the New York Stock Exchange, GoldieBlox, and many more.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement its consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Shopify uses certain non-GAAP financial measures to provide additional information in order to assist investors in understanding its financial and operating performance.

Adjusted operating loss, adjusted net loss and adjusted net loss per share are non-GAAP financial measures that exclude the effect of stock-based compensation expenses and related payroll taxes as well as sales and use tax.

Management uses non-GAAP financial measures internally for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. Shopify believes that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making.Non-GAAP financial measures are not recognized measures for financial statement presentation under US GAAP and do not have standardized meanings, and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other public companies. Such non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. See the financial tables below for a reconciliation of the non-GAAP measures.

Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding Shopify’s financial outlook and future financial performance. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates” and “intends” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on Shopify’s current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends that management believes might affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by Shopify in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate. These projections, expectations, assumptions and analyses are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, events and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Although Shopify believes that the assumptions underlying these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and readers cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including certain risk factors, many of which are beyond Shopify’s control, including but not limited to: (i) merchant acquisition and retention; (ii) managing our growth; (iii) our history of losses; (iv) our limited operating history; (v) our ability to innovate; (vi) a disruption of service or security breach; (vii) payments processed through Shopify Payments; (viii) our reliance on a single supplier to provide the technology we offer through Shopify Payments; (ix) a breach involving personally identifiable information; (x) serious software errors or defects; (xi) exchange rate fluctuations; (xii) achieving or maintaining data transmission capacity; and (xiii) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in Shopify’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the securities commissions or similar securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces or territories of Canada. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Shopify’s expectations as of the date of this news release, or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made, and subsequent events may cause these expectations to change. Shopify undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

  1. Monthly Recurring Revenue, or MRR, is calculated by multiplying the number of merchants by the average monthly subscription plan fee in effect on the last day of that period and is used by management as a directional indicator of subscription solutions revenue going forward assuming merchants maintain their subscription plan the following month.
  2. Gross Merchandise Volume, or GMV, represents the total dollar value of orders processed on the Shopify platform in the period, net of refunds, and inclusive of shipping and handling, duty and value-added taxes
  3. Please refer to “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this press release.
  4. Monthly Billings Retention Rate, or MBRR, is calculated as of the end of each month by considering the cohort of merchants on the Shopify platform as of the beginning of the month and dividing total billings attributable to this cohort in the then-current month by total billings attributable to this cohort in the immediately preceding month. Billings includes billings from subscriptions, apps (net of referral fees), transaction fees and fees for Shopify Payments.

To view our detailed results with financial tables download this PDF or visit our investors site.

CONTACT:

INVESTORS:

Katie Keita
Director, Investor Relations
613-241-2828
IR@shopify.com

MEDIA:

Sheryl So
Public Relations Manager
416-238-6705 x 302
press@shopify.com

SOURCE: Shopify

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Starbucks opens its first express store in Canada

First Starbucks Express Store in Canada to Open in Toronto’s Busiest Transit Hub

TORONTO, CANADA, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The first Starbucks® express store in Canada opens today in Toronto’s Union Station. Toronto moves at a fast pace, with a huge influx of commuters who make their way into the city each day. Union Station welcomes 250,000 commuters each day, with hundreds disembarking trains at the same time. For those commuters, it is essential to save time and move quickly. Most Starbucks® stores are designed in layers, integrating community gathering spaces, working environments and immersive coffee experiences, all in one location. This new express store will be one of the most streamlined experiences in the company’s portfolio, designed for serving customers high-quality Starbucks® products quickly.

“Designed with the urban commuter in mind, the express store takes what is best about our cafés and refines it for faster service for our on-the-go customers,” said Rossann Williams, president, Starbucks Canada. “Express stores seamlessly integrate technology and efficiency into the customer experience, reducing the amount of time customers need to stand in line.”

The store will be the third of its kind in the world following the two New York locations that opened early last year on Wall Street and the Empire State Building. This thoughtfully designed 400-square-foot store is tailored for serving customers with the efficiency that comes with knowing what they want, quickly. Simply put, this format is the “espresso shot” version of the store experience Starbucks is known for.

Getting this right meant starting from the beginning where, upon entry, customers are greeted by a Starbucks partner (employee) who will be able to take orders, which are electronically sent to the barista.  Moving through the space, customers see a digital menu board displayed on four low-glare monitors. A set of menu options, tailored for the commuter includes the most popular products with Canadian customers; with a focus on high-quality brewed coffee, signature espresso beverages and a selection of popular food items including breakfast sandwiches. This display also serves as a form of art at night with glowing images of coffee farms shining through the station.

“Express stores feature a walk-through experience with no seating. The open layout ensures Starbucks partners are at the heart of the experience, helping customers travel through the space seamlessly,” Williams said. “This new format is the latest example of Starbucks leadership in meeting customer needs; every component has been carefully considered. The store joins a diverse portfolio of designs ranging from large footprint cafés, community stores to Drive Thrus that provide our customers with tailored experiences as they move throughout their day.”

About Starbucks
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-qualityarabica coffee. Today, with more than 23,000 stores around the globe, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit our stores or online at news.starbucks.com and Starbucks.com.

For more information on this news release, contact us

 

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Starbucks opens its first express store in Canada

Starbucks opens its first express store in Canada

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Carrefour opens its first Hypermarket in Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 11 February 2016, Carrefour’s franchise partner, the Majid Al Futtaim Group, opened the first Carrefour Hypermarket in Kazakhstan, in the city of Almaty, the country’s economic capital.

The “Grand Park” Carrefour Hypermarket has a sales area of 8000 m², located in a huge shopping mall counting 400 shops and 1200 parking lots.

The Majid Al Futtaim Group currently runs 162 stores – 71 Carrefour hypermarkets, 84 Carrefour Markets and 7 Carrefour City stores in 15 different countries.

SOURCE: Carrefour

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Carrefour opens its first Hypermarket in Kazakhstan

Carrefour opens its first Hypermarket in Kazakhstan

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Add colour to your home with refreshed ColourMatch by Argos homeware range

Milton Keynes, UK, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Add colour, inspiration and affordable design choices to homes with ColourMatch by Argos, the fashionable homeware range exclusively available from Argos.

With over 800 items in 18 colour ways, the recently updated range features products to make homes standout; from mixing and matching to using hues of blue, pink, red and yellow; ColourMatch by Argos provides the confidence to add colour to homes.

From a pop of colour to creating a statement, the refreshed range means you can easily add interest to rooms in an instant. With affordable price points and a selection of products for every room in the home, from vibrant cushions to geometric print accessories and kitchen must haves, ColourMatch by Argos is ideal for those who want to add style to homes at a fraction of the price of redecorating.

Prices range from £2.00 – £278.99 – take a look at the refreshed ColourMatch by Argos range at www.argos.co.uk where products can be reserved for free for pick up at Argos stores. Same day delivery options are also available with Fast Track; customers can order by 6pm to have an item delivered by 10pm the same day, or schedule a convenient time on the next day or future days for just £3.95.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

For more information, please contact the Argos Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email: media.relations@argos.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter at @argos_PR.

 

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.

SOURCE: Home Retail Group

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Add colour to your home with refreshed ColourMatch by Argos homeware range

Add colour to your home with refreshed ColourMatch by Argos homeware range

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Sainsbury’s wins the ‘Leeds Pride Partner of the Year’ at the The Owlies

LEEDS, UK, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s is celebrating after winning the ‘Leeds Pride Partner of the Year’ at the The Owlies held at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds.

The Owlies have been running since 2008 and celebrate individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the Leeds LGBT community.

In 2015, Sainsbury’s sponsored the Parade Stage in Millennium Square at the Leeds Pride event. Last night Jemma Kameen, Store Manager at Sainsbury’s Salendine Nook and Sarah Warby, Marketing Director, presented a cheque for £2,500 through the retailers Local Heroes Scheme. The scheme acknowledges voluntary work carried out by colleagues. The retailer will donate £5 for every hour spent volunteering for a charity or community group – for a total of £200 a year.

Sainsbury’s Salendine Nook Store Manager, Jemma Kameen, said: “We had 180 colleagues representing Sainsbury’s in the Leeds Pride 2015 event, from stores all across West Yorkshire. It was an amazing experience for myself and all of my colleagues. It’s been an incredible and entertaining evening and it was brilliant to be able to accept the award on behalf of Sainsbury’s.”

Sarah Warby, Director of Marketing for Sainsbury’s and Operating Board Sponsor for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) added: “At Sainsbury’s, we work in an environment of equal opportunities in which we can all be the best we can be, confident that diverse views are listened to. I’m very proud of everything our West Yorkshire colleagues have achieved and it’s lovely to see them being recognised with this award tonight.”

Liaqat Ali, Chair at Leeds Pride said: “The support Sainsbury’s showed Leeds Pride 2015 was amazing and there was a sea of orange across the parade. We’re really grateful for the donation from their Local Heroes scheme and we look forward to working with the team again for Leeds Pride 2016.”

Leeds LGBT Pride is an annual LGBT Pride celebration held in the city of Leeds. This year the event will take place on Sunday 7th August.

SOURCE: J Sainsbury plc

For corporate press enquiries please contact press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 020 7695 7295.

 

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Sainsbury’s wins the ‘Leeds Pride Partner of the Year’ at the The Owlies

Sainsbury’s wins the ‘Leeds Pride Partner of the Year’ at the The Owlies

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Daredevil TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher launched the official Sport Relief merchandise exclusively from Sainsbury’s

LONDON, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Daredevil TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher stunned onlookers as she launched the official Sport Relief merchandise, available exclusively from Sainsbury’s, by running across London’s iconic Serpentine Lake, sporting the new Sport Relief t-shirt.

Kirsty took part in the challenge to encourage the Great British public to get involved in this year’s Sport Relief, either by signing up to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games (Friday 18th – Sunday 20th March) or showing their support by purchasing the official Sport Relief merchandise, which includes the official t-shirt, wristbands, deeley boppers and mugs, available now from their nearest Sainsbury’s store.

Shoppers can sign up to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games via sportrelief.com, where they can get involved by either walking, running, swimming or cycling to raise funds for Sport Relief. With over one thousand events at locations throughout the entire UK including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it’s easy to get involved.

Kirsty Gallacher commented: “As a sports presenter and someone who loves keeping fit, I was really up for taking part and this was definitely a new experience for me; to say it was cold was an understatement.

“When Sainsbury’s asked me to get involved and run across water, I wanted to give it a good go as Sport Relief is all about taking part and doing yourself proud. I have my official Sport Relief kit, including the t-shirt and entries to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games are now open, so it’s easy to sign up and get involved.”

Profits from the sale of Sport Relief merchandise will help make a massive difference to people living incredibly tough lives, here at home in the UK and across the world’s poorest communities. Sainsbury’s is inviting everyone to show their support and to get active, raise cash and change lives.

A spokesperson from Sainsbury’s commented: “It was great to see Kirsty beat the odds, brave the weather and take on this task for Sport Relief. We have been a supporter of Sport Relief since 2006 and are proud to continue to be the official retailer of merchandise.  This year we are hoping to make an even bigger difference with a wide range of merchandise available for shoppers to pick up in stores nationwide.

“Entries to the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games 2016 are now open and it’s really easy for anyone to sign up to take part with lots of exciting events all over the UK.”

SOURCE: J Sainsbury plc

For corporate press enquiries please contact press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 020 7695 7295.

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Daredevil TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher launched the official Sport Relief merchandise exclusively from Sainsbury’s

Daredevil TV presenter Kirsty Gallacher launched the official Sport Relief merchandise exclusively from Sainsbury’s

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Lowe’s Companies, Inc. to webcast its fourth quarter 2015 earnings on February 24, 2016

MOORESVILLE, N.C., 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — In conjunction with the Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) fourth quarter 2015 earnings press release, you are invited to listen to its conference call to be broadcast live over the internet on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time with: Robert A. Niblock, chairman, president and chief executive officer; Michael A. Jones, chief customer officer; and Robert F. Hull, Jr., chief financial officer.  Supplemental slides will be available fifteen minutes prior to the start of the conference call.

What: Fourth Quarter 2015 Earnings Conference Call Webcast
When: 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Where: Visit Lowe’s Investor Relations website at http://www.Lowes.com/investor

Click on Webcasts and then on Lowe’s Fourth Quarter 2015 Earnings Conference Call
How: Listen live online and view the supplemental slides by following the directions above

A webcast replay of the call can be accessed from 12:00 p.m. ET on February 24, 2016through May 17, 2016 by visiting http://www.Lowes.com/investor and clicking on Webcasts and then on Lowe’s Fourth Quarter 2015 Earnings Conference Call.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customers a week in the United States, Canada andMexico through its stores and online at Lowes.com, Lowes.ca and Lowes.com.mx. With fiscal year 2014 sales of $56.2 billion, Lowe’s has more than 1,845 home improvement and hardware stores and 265,000 employees. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Contact

If you’re a journalist working on a story about Lowe’s:
704-758-2917
PublicRelations@lowes.com

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Belk launches Kaari Blue fresh new collection for modern Southern women on the go

Kaari Blue Collection Features Vibrant Dresses, Tops, Pants and Signature Shirts

CHARLOTTE, N.C., 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Belk is introducing Kaari Blue, a fresh new collection that’s polished and put together in just the right way for modern Southern women on the go. Sold exclusively at Belk, Kaari Blue has patterns that are crisp, vivid and easy to wear, and luxe fabrics in vibrant colors that make the collection both versatile and stylish.

“Our customers have been asking for modern contemporary styles that can take them from office to evening in smart, streamlined silhouettes that put feminine first,” said John Thomas, executive vice president of private brands at Belk. “Kaari Blue’s quality and subtle details, such as bows and hardware accents, make all the difference for busy women who want to make a statement, not a scene.  We are excited to introduce our customers to Kaari Blue – fashion designed exclusively for them here in the South.”

Statement pieces of the Kaari Blue collection include:

  • Fun, flirty dresses in a variety of vibrant patterns, colors and shapes ($99-119)
  • Bottoms that range from perfectly tailored pants for the office to skirts in a variety of fabrics ($69)
  • Blouses in a variety of cuts, colors and patterns that are perfect for mixing and matching and topped off with subtle details like bows, hardware accents and more ($69-79)
  • Signature button-down shirts that can easily be taken from the office to a dinner date ($69)

The Kaari Blue name is an interesting story in itself. “Kaari” is a Finnish word that means exotic, curved light and luxury, and Blue is the signature color of Belk.

“We are thrilled to launch the newest brand to our strong existing portfolio, and we believe it will give our customers exclusive, modern feminine separates that can mix and match in endless ways – perfect for work, evening or a lunch with friends,” saidMarilyn Connaughton, Belk’s vice president of product development, ready to wear. “Our customers also should love that Kaari Blue is sold only at Belk and has the quality, style and attention to detail they deserve.”

Kaari Blue is available in 157 Belk locations throughout 16 Southeastern states as well as on belk.com.

The brand will also include collections in our Today’s Woman departments in 65 locations. More styles and colors will be added to the Kaari Blue collection throughout the year.

About Belk, Inc.
Belk, Inc., a private department store company based in Charlotte, N.C., is the home of Modern. Southern. Style. with 293 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states and a growing digital presence. Belk is a portfolio company of Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm based in New York. Belk and www.belk.com offer a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.

Belk offers many ways to connect via digital and social media, including Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Plus, and provides exclusive offers, fashion updates, sales notifications and coupons via email or mobile phone text messages. Customers can also download the latest Belk mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or Android.

SOURCE Belk, Inc.

For further information: Jessica Graham, 704-426-8333, Jessica_graham@belk.com; Stacey McCray, 704-552-6565, stacey.mccray@lgapr.com

 

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Belk launches Kaari Blue fresh new collection for modern Southern women on the go

Belk launches Kaari Blue fresh new collection for modern Southern women on the go

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Albertsons Companies’ donation initiatives in 2015 contributed more than $270 million to the communities it serves

Boise, ID, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albertsons Companies today announced that it contributed more than $270 million in food and financial support in 2015 to the communities it serves, helping people in 35 states and the District of Columbia live better lives.

“We are committed to helping make the communities where we operate the best places to live and work,” said Albertsons Companies Chairman and CEO Bob Miller. “Thanks to the generosity of our customers and the dedication of our store teams, our neighborhoods are stronger and much-needed resources are getting to people in need.”

The company’s donation initiatives include a broad range of local and regionally-driven efforts at stores across the country under 18 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Carrs and others. The company’s customers and employees support these efforts through donations and volunteer activities to benefit local charities.

In 2015, the Albertsons Companies Foundation distributed more than $16 million in grants for its key philanthropic causes, including hunger relief, cancer research, programs for people with disabilities, and education. These funds were contributed by customers through an array of successful fundraisers.

As a supermarket company, the cause of Hunger Relief is especially important to Albertsons and a major focus of fundraising and giving. In 2015, the company’s more than 2,200 stores gave over $245 million in products to hundreds of local food banks, pantries and meal programs. In addition, the company launched several programs during the holiday season that made the holidays brighter for people in need. The “End Hunger” Food Bag, Santa Bucks and Turkey Bucks programs allowed shoppers to purchase food or make a contribution to purchase food that would go directly to their local food bank or pantry. These efforts yielded more than $10.3 million in food donations to combat food insecurity during the holidays.

Also in 2015, the Albertsons Companies Foundation continued its partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation and award-winning actress/Hunger Is Ambassador Viola Davis on the successful Hunger Is charitable program, which includes an in-store fundraising campaign to fight childhood hunger. The joint charitable initiative awarded grants to 79 local charities to increase access to free and reduced-cost school breakfast, improve the nutritional quality of breakfast programs, and expand weekend, summer and vacation food programs.
Albertsons is committed to continuing these philanthropic efforts and creating new opportunities to support worthy causes in 2016 and beyond.

About Albertsons Companies
Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 18 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market and Carrs.

Contact: Brian Dowling
925-226-5141
brian.dowling@albertsons.com

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Tractor Supply Company management promotions: Benjamin F. Parrish, Jr. to EVP, General Counsel, Real Estate and Construction and Kurt D. Barton to SVP, Controller

BRENTWOOD, TN, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today announced two management promotions. Benjamin F. Parrish, Jr. has been promoted to Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Real Estate and Construction, and Kurt D. Barton has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Controller.

In conjunction with his promotion, Mr. Parrish will assume leadership responsibilities for the Company’s Real Estate and Construction department in addition to his previous responsibilities for Compliance, Legal, Loss Prevention, Risk Management, Safety, and Stewardship. Mr. Parrish joined Tractor Supply Company in 2010 as Senior Vice President-General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Parrish will continue to report to Greg Sandfort, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Barton, who has held the position of Vice President, Controller since 2009, will continue to have responsibility for the Company’s Accounting, Tax, Purchasing and Master Data departments. Mr. Barton joined Tractor Supply Company in 1999 as Manager, Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting, and served as Director, Internal Audit from 2002 until 2009. Mr. Barton will continue to report to Tony Crudele, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

About Tractor Supply Company
At December 26, 2015, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,488 stores in 49 states. The Company’s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use.

Media:
Alecia Pulman/Brittany Rae Fraser
ICR
(203) 682-8200

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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Dunkin’ Donuts’ new franchise partner Wabash Valley Donuts, Inc. to develop three new restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana

LEADING COFFEE AND BAKERY CHAIN SEEKS FRANCHISEE CANDIDATES IN EVANSVILLE

CANTON, MA, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, announced today the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with new franchise group, Wabash Valley Donuts, Inc., to develop three new restaurants in Terre Haute, Indiana. The first restaurant under the agreement is planned to open in 2017.

Wabash Valley Donuts, Inc. is made up of Terre Haute-native and former NFL Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tony McGee, alongside his partner Mark McCreery for his post-NFL career venture. Rounding out this group is Greg Lansing, who is the current Men’s Basketball coach at Indiana State University. This team, which has run successful QSR industry brands in the past, will manage and oversee the operations for each restaurant.

“We are excited to expand the brand’s presence in Terre Haute and play an important role in the daily lives of people who live, work and visit here,” said Tony McGee, Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee. “We have a passion and loyalty for the Dunkin’ Donuts brand and look forward to opening our restaurants in the years to come.”

Franchise opportunities remain available in Evansville. To help fuel additional growth in the market, special development incentives are available which include reduced royalty fees for three years and up to $5,000 in local store marketing support for timely openings.*

In an effort to keep the brand fresh and competitive, Dunkin’ Donuts offers flexible concepts for any real estate format including free-standing restaurants, end caps, in-line sites, gas and convenience, travel plazas, universities, as well as other retail environments.

“Our enthusiastic and dedicated franchisees contribute to our brand’s growth, which has helped solidify our position as one of the fastest growing brands by unit count in the quick-service restaurant industry,” said Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of global franchising and business development, Dunkin’ Brands. “We are thrilled these new franchisees have joined the Indiana market, and know these new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants they are developing will satisfy a growing consumer demand in the Terre Haute community.”

Dunkin’ Donuts’ new look includes four distinct restaurant design options for franchisees, each featuring variations in layout, color schemes, graphics, textures, furniture and/or lighting. The designs enhance the current restaurant appearance, environment and layout to serve people all day long. Unlike other quick-service restaurants, Dunkin’ Donuts allows franchisees to select individual elements from any of the four options, creating a restaurant design that reflects their personal tastes and preferences, and best serves their specific restaurant size and location.

Since the 1950s, Dunkin’ Donuts has been a daily ritual for millions of people and has offered guests delicious food, beverages and friendly service at a great value. Dunkin’ Donuts offerings include hot coffee, iced coffee, flavored coffees, lattes, macchiato, espresso, cappuccino, Dunkin’ Donuts K-Cup® pods, Coolatta® frozen drinks, donuts, muffins, bagels, breakfast and bakery sandwiches, and a DDSMART® menu featuring better-for-you items.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

*Details available in the Dunkin’ Donuts Franchise Disclosure Document

About Dunkin’ Donuts
Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for nine years running. The company has more than 11,700 restaurants in 43 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name: Jenna Kantrowitz
Phone: 954-893-9150
Email: jkantrowitz@fish-consulting.com

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Toys“R”Us® launches its brand-new ‘Play With Purpose’ fundraising and awareness campaign in partnership with Save the Children

15.5 Million U.S. Children Live in Poverty; Many Lack Playtime in Their Daily Lives; 10 Minutes of Play Improves Children’s Performance; Play Enhances the Progress of Early Development by 34%

Wayne, NJ, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us® today announced the launch of its brand-new ‘Play With Purpose’fundraising and awareness campaign in partnership with Save the Children – the leading nonprofit working to ensure every U.S. child is healthy, safe and learning. Together, Toys“R”Us and Save the Children are embarking on a mission to provide some of the 15.5 million youth living in impoverished regions of the country with opportunities and resources to integrate purposeful play into their everyday lives; a factor proven critical in children’s emotional, physical and cognitive development and future growth. Now through April 17, customers can make cash donations at any Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us® store, or online at Toysrus.com/PlayWithPurpose to help bring learning through play to kids in need.

CLICK TO TWEET: Join @Toysrus and @SavetheChildren to bring #playwithpurpose to the 15.5M U.S. kids in need. Donate today: www.toysrus.com/playwithpurpose

The company’s Play With Purpose campaign is designed to support Save the Children’s early childhood development programs – Early Steps to School Success, Literacy/Healthy Choices and the SummerBoost Initiative – which help children in some of America’s most underprivileged areas thrive. To further assist families involved in the Early Steps program, a targeted approach to enhancing school readiness for children ages 0-5, Toys“R”Us will provide Save the Children with “play packs” filled with toys that build key skills and encourage socialization, along with informational materials to educate parents on the benefits of engaging with children during play.

“Witnessing a child’s face light up during playtime is a truly awesome moment. What’s more, play can help children unlock developmental skills, instill confidence and enhance imagination – the building blocks to success,” said Dave Brandon, Chairman and CEO, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “To know that millions of children living in poverty do not have access to play – whether due to limited family resources or knowledge about the importance of play – is heartbreaking. Together with Save the Children, and with the support of our team members and customers nationwide, we will strive to ensure all kids are provided opportunities to play with purpose.”

“Play enhances early childhood development, improving language skills and a child’s social, emotional and physical well-being. That’s why daily playtime is so important,” said Judie Jerald, Senior Advisor for Early Childhood Education Policy at Save the Children Action Network. “Having conducted many in-home visits, I’ve witnessed first-hand the monumental benefits families experience with the basic integration of play in their daily lives – from overcoming behavioral issues, to improving independent learning. Now, with Toys“R”Us providing toys and resources to directly facilitate meaningful play, we can help children foster a love of learning and realize achievements – in school and life – that they and their parents never thought possible.”

Families Face the Facts, Embrace Play and See Results

Through the good work of Save the Children’s early childhood development programs and field representatives, underprivileged families from Washington to South Carolina are able to reap the benefits of hands-on involvement, as they embrace unstructured playtime in their homes. Statistics serving as the foundation of this campaign include:

  • Play builds the foundation for a lifetime of learning
  • Pretend play with a child from 8 to 17 months old is linked to higher intellect at age 5
  • Young children benefit from interaction, babbling, facial expressions and gestures, the absence of such responses from adults can lead to disparities in learning and behavior
  • In one study, children age 1 ½ to 2 ½ who were provided sets of plastic building bricks had significantly higher language scores six months later
  • Even 10 minutes of play can improve a child’s performance, may encourage thinking and successfully controls behavior
  • Children with access to a variety of toys reach higher levels of intellectual achievement

*Visit http://www.toysrusinc.com/charitable-giving/play-with-purpose/works-cited for a full list of citations and resources.

Visit the Toys“R”Us YouTube Channel to view a video series that provides an inside look at some of the children and families positively impacted by Play With Purpose and join the conversation with @Toysrus, @Babiesrus and@SaveTheChildren using #PlayWithPurpose.

For more than a decade Toys“R”Us and Save the Children have partnered to bring awareness and much-needed funding to children in need in the U.S. and around the world. Financial support totaling more than $7.6 million – including donations from customers, Toys“R”Us and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund – has helped the organization provide thousands of blankets to babies in impoverished regions in the U.S., benefited Save the Children’s early childhood development programs and offered critical assistance during times of crises.

To kick off the 2016 Play With Purpose campaign, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund awarded Save the Children with a $100,000 grant.

Click HERE to download images related to the Play With Purpose campaign.

Charitable Giving at Toys“R”Us

The philanthropic mission of Toys“R”Us, Inc. and the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund is to keep children safe and help them in times of need. The Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund contributes millions of dollars annually to various children’s organizations, including those providing disaster relief to victims of large-scale crises, as well as those supporting America’s military families. The Fund also provides grants to leading special needs organizations, furthering the company’s commitment to children of all abilities. In addition to financial and product donations, Toys“R”Us, Inc. hosts in-store and online fundraising campaigns annually that raise millions of dollars for the company’s signature philanthropic partners.

# # #

Media Contacts:
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Adrienne O’Hara
973-617-4383
Adrienne.Ohara@toysrus.com

Nicole Hayes
973-617-4371
Nicole.Hayes@toysrus.com

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Intershop Communications AG recorded solid revenues and increased profitability for 2015

  • EBITDA of EUR 3.5 million, EBIT of EUR 0.2 million
  • Total revenues of EUR 42.7 million; adjusted at prior year level
  • Licencing revenues up by 51%
  • Product revenues in percent of total revenues climb to 41% (previous year: 30%)
  • Operating cash flow rises sharply to EUR 5.0 million (previous year: EUR 0.4 million)
  • Forecast: in 2016 due to further investments in product, sales and marketing only moderate increase in EBIT with revenues at prior-year level, in the medium term high sales potential in the B2B market and cloud environment

Jena, Germany, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Intershop Communications AG (ISIN: DE000A0EPUH1), a leading independent provider of innovative solutions for omni-channel commerce, recorded solid revenues and increased profitability for 2015. At Group level, Intershop’s revenues declined by 7% to EUR 42.7 million; adjusted for the 2014 sale of its subsidiary, SoQuero GmbH, however, revenues reached the prior year level as projected (2014: EUR 42.9 million).

Product revenues rose by 27% to EUR 17.4 million in the reporting period. The related licensing revenues increased by 51% to EUR 9.3 million. Maintenance revenues climbed 8% to EUR 8.1 million. By contrast, service revenues declined by 22% to EUR 25.3 million, primarily because of the non-recurrence of the online marketing revenues and reduced consulting revenues from two key accounts. Consulting and training revenues dropped by 16% to EUR 19.3 million. Adjusted for the revenues of the two key accounts, revenues from consulting projects rose by 2%. Full-service revenues increased by 6% to approx. EUR 6.0 million. Product revenues accounted for 41% of total revenues, up by 11 percentage points on the previous year. Accounting for 59%, service revenues again made the biggest contribution to Intershop Group’s total revenues. The increased percentage of product revenues shows, however, that the strategic repositioning has been successful.

Based on the higher percentage of high-margin product revenues and the improved cost structure, Intershop’s earnings showed a positive trend in the financial year 2015. The gross margin was up by nine percentage points on the previous year to 45%, and operating expenses declined by 18%. Consequently, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose sharply from EUR -2.1 million to EUR 3.5 million. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to EUR 0.2 million in the reporting period, up from EUR -6.3 million in the previous year. Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.00 (previous year: EUR -0.22).

Thanks to the increased profitability and the debt and equity measures carried out in the course of 2015, the cash position has also improved significantly. At EUR 15.2 million, liquid funds clearly exceeded the previous year’s EUR 6.4 million as of 31 December 2015. Cash flow from operations improved notably in the reporting period from EUR 0.4 million to EUR 5.0 million. Due to the capital measures, Intershop Group’s total assets increased by 30% to EUR 33.0 million. The equity ratio declined from 70% to a still comfortable 58% as a result of the debt capital raised. As of the balance sheet date, Intershop employed 380 people worldwide.

In the financial year 2016, the company will focus on expanding its strategic growth areas. This also includes widening the base of small and medium-sized customers. In this context, Intershop will present an enlarged range of cloud solutions in this course of this year. In addition, the company will push ahead with its synaptic commerce solutions, essentially by further opening its own technology platform for third-party solutions. This aspect is particularly important in the B2B market, which will play an even more critical role in 2016 than in the past, as Intershop moves forward to exploit and expand its expertise and technology lead in this market.

Says Dr. Jochen Wiechen, CEO of Intershop Communications AG: “Our transformation into an integrated provider of omni-channel commerce solutions is showing effect and the increased percentage of product revenues will clearly help to enhance our profitability. We are gradually laying the basis for a sustainable growth strategy. Therefore, in 2016 we are planning further investments in our product development as well as sales and marketing. We will continue the positive trend of 2015 and will slightly improve our earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) with revenues remaining stable. In the areas of B2B and cloud solutions we see promising sales potential and great opportunities for Intershop, thereby expecting high growth rates in the medium term.”

The full consolidated financial statements will be published in mid-March 2016. All financials in this press release are provisional, pending completion of the statutory audit.

About Intershop
Intershop Communications AG (founded in Germany 1992; Prime Standard: ISH2) is the leading independent provider of omni-channel commerce solutions. Intershop offers high-performance packaged software for internet sales, complemented by all necessary services. Intershop also acts as a business process outsourcing provider, covering all aspects of online retailing up to fulfillment. Around the globe more than 300 enterprise customers, including HP, BMW, Bosch, and Deutsche Telekom run Intershop solutions. Intershop is headquartered in Jena, Germany, and has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China. More information about Intershop can be found online at www.intershop.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such difference could include, among other things: Intershop’s limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues and expenses and potential fluctuations in revenues and operating results, significant dependence on large single customer deals, consumer trends, the level of competition, seasonality, risks related to electronic security, possible governmental regulation, and general economic conditions.

Intershop Public Relations

Heide Rausch

Phone: +49 3641 50-1000
Fax: +49 3641 50-1309
E-Mail

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Darty plc announces third quarter trading for the period 1 November 2015 to 31 January 2016

Strong peak trading and further improvement in cash position

PARIS, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Darty plc today announces third quarter trading for the period 1 November 2015 to 31 January 2016, based on unaudited management accounts.

Summary

  • Successful Christmas and winter sale periods, with a strong development of click and collect up 53 per cent at Darty
  • Continued market outperformance in France with like-for-like sales up 4.4 per cent, positive like-for-like sales in Belgium and a decline in the Netherlands due to new warehouse IT system, which lessened towards the end of the period
  • ‘Confiance 4.0’ plan on track and delivering strong results in terms of cash, costs, franchises and multi-channel development
  • Focus on working capital resulted in average net debt for the quarter reducing by nearly €100 million compared to the same quarter last year

Q3 revenue change (3 months to 31 January)

Total** Like-for-like*
France 2.8% 4.4%
Belgium and the Netherlands 2.1% (3.8)%
Total 2.6% 2.7%

*excluding Mistergooddeal.com
**including Mistergooddeal.com

Régis Schultz, Chief Executive, commented:

“Despite events in Paris we performed well over Christmas and the winter sale period with a competitive offer and good product availability. Through the continued efforts of all our teams and the improvements made in the business over recent years we continued to outperform the market in France with Darty’s like-for-like sales up 4.4 per cent, and Belgium delivered a third successive quarter of positive like-for-like sales.

“The Group is moving at pace on our ‘Confiance 4.0’ plan with continuation of our multi-channel and franchise growth, cost initiatives and an improving cash position.”

Group

Total Group revenue was up 2.6 per cent and up 4.0 per cent excluding Mistergooddeal.com. Like-for-like sales increased by 2.7 per cent. We saw positive sales in all major product categories apart from multi-media, where the market remained weak. Sales were particularly strong in communication and we saw a second quarter of positive vision sales.

Our web-generated sales continued to grow, up 12 per cent excluding Mistergooddeal.com, now representing 16 per cent of total product sales. Underlying group gross margin was down around 40 basis points for the period with a less favourable product mix than earlier in the year. Mistergoodeal.com then had a positive impact of around 20 basis points and there was a dilutive impact of around 30 basis points from the franchise business.

France

Darty excluding Mistergooddeal.com continued to outperform the market, with total revenue up 4.5 per cent and like-for-like sales up 4.4 per cent. We were well prepared for and traded well over the Christmas and winter sale periods, with a wide range and good availability of products. Whilst footfall in stores reduced, conversion rates improved. As a result of our good social relations we were one of the first retailers able to open additional stores on a Sunday, with those opened in Paris seeing double digit sales growth.

Darty’s web-generated sales represented over 16 per cent of total product sales. This was driven by a 53 per cent growth in click and collect sales, which reached a record 64 per cent of web sales on Christmas Eve. We also saw a best ever Sunday trading on Darty.com during the Black Friday weekend and a record 1.4 million visits to Darty.com on the first day of the winter sale.

Overall gross margin for France was down around 60 basis points, with underlying gross margin down around 50 basis points. We continued to grow the profitable franchise business with a further 7 openings to total 59 in France, which had a dilutive impact of around 40 basis points on gross margin. Mistergooddeal.com had a positive impact of around 20 basis points on gross margin and whilst its revenue remains under pressure the business is breakeven.

Belgium and the Netherlands

At Vanden Borre in Belgium and BCC in the Netherlands overall revenue was up 2.1 per cent and like-for-like sales were down 3.8 per cent. Web-generated sales continued to grow strongly, up over 8 per cent, to over 14 per cent of total product sales. Overall gross margin was up around 10 basis points.

Vanden Borre delivered a third successive quarter of positive like-for-like sales, with strong web sales, but continued to see some small gross margin pressure from competitive market conditions.

Gross margin again improved at BCC. Revenue however continued to see some disruption from the implementation of a new warehouse IT system, which lessened towards the end of the period.

Financial position

Our cash enhancement programme continued to deliver an improvement in working capital with average net debt for the quarter reducing by nearly €100 million compared to the same quarter last year, resulting in the Group’s €225 million revolving credit facility being undrawn (31 January 2015: €150 million drawn). Our objective remains to reduce average net debt by at least €50 million for the year compared to the prior year and to reduce year end net debt by around €40 million compared to the prior year end.

There will be a telephone conference call for analysts at 08.00 on 18 February 2016. Dial-in number: +44 (0) 20 3003 2666. A recording of this call will be made available after 10.00. Replay dial-in number: +44 (0) 20 8196 1998, Access Pin: 7570986#.

The Group will issue its Full Year Results on Thursday 16 June 2016.

 

Enquiries

Analysts
Darty plc
Simon Ward
+44 (0) 20 7269 1400

Media
UK
Finsbury
Jenny Davey
+44 (0) 20 7251 3801

France
Le Public Système
Ségolène de Saint Martin
+33 1 41 34 23 31

 

About Darty plc

Darty group is a leading multi-channel service led electrical retailer operating over 400 stores and websites in three European countries. It generated an annual turnover of over €3.5 billion in 2014/15 through its operations of Darty and Mistergooddeal.com in France, Vanden Borre in Belgium and BCC in the Netherlands. Its ordinary shares are listed with the UK Listing Authority and trade on the market for listed securities on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol DRTY.L. It is also listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris.

For further information, please visit the company’s website, www.dartygroup.com.

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future results in forward looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or accounting standards, Darty plc does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

 

APPENDIX

Store numbers as at 31 January

2016 2015
France 223 228
Belgium and the Netherlands 137 118
360 346
Franchise Stores* 63* 37
Group Total 423 383

*Includes 59 stores in France (2015:34) and 4 overseas (2015:3)

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More than 9,000 veterans already have entered 7‑Eleven’s Operation: Take Command; deadline on February 26

DALLAS, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Thousands of veterans are charging ahead to enlist inOperation: Take Command, 7‑Eleven, Inc.’ssecond franchise giveaway contest targeted exclusively to U.S. military veterans.

With the Feb. 26 deadline for entries fast approaching, more than 9,000 veterans have entered, already exceeding last year’s total number of entrants.

The winner will receive a waiver of the franchise fee, valued at up to $190,000, to franchise any 7‑Eleven® convenience store available in the continental U.S. at the contest’s culmination. Interested veterans, who are first-time 7‑Eleven franchise applicants, can enter online at www.VeteransFranchiseGiveaway.com through Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. The winner will be announced in June.

“This is a great opportunity for a veteran to take charge of his or her future,” said Larry Hughes, 7‑Eleven vice president of Franchise Systems and himself a West Point graduate and U.S. Army veteran. “Veterans have a proven track record as 7‑Eleven franchisees. Leadership and character, systems orientation, discipline, the ability to build teams … the qualities that are stressed in the military are the same ones that lead to success in our system.”

In addition to their military experience, many of the veterans who have entered this year’s Operation: Take Command competition hold bachelor’s and graduate degrees and possess business, retail and management skills.

The Operation: Take Command franchise giveaway is a multi-phased competition that includes meeting 7‑Eleven’s franchising qualifications and successful interviews. The top 25 will be invited to submit a video on why they deserve a 7‑Eleven franchise. Up to seven will be selected for the semi-finals round, which includes a Facebook video contest. The three getting the most Facebook votes will be interviewed by 7‑Eleven’s franchise department and narrowed to one winner.

To qualify for the contest, an entrant must be age 21 or older, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, an honorably discharged veteran, have excellent credit and at least three years of leadership, retail or restaurant experience. Contestants will go through the same qualification process as all 7‑Eleven franchise applicants including credit evaluation, a leadership test, business plan development, budget and location preferences.

7‑Eleven has been recognized by veterans’ organizations for its military-friendly business opportunities, hiring practices and philanthropic support for military families. Military veterans serve in every level of the company from store sales associates to headquarters personnel. The retailer also has supported military assistance organizations including Hire Heroes USA, the USO, Reserve Aid, Warrior Gateway and Operation Mend.

“Response to this year’s Operation: Take Command has already surpassed last year, I think in part because veterans recognize what a great opportunity owning a 7‑Eleven franchise can be and that 7‑Eleven is a military-friendly company on all fronts,” Hughes said. “Five of the top 10 finalists in last year’s contest are now 7‑Eleven franchisees.”

7‑Eleven was selected a 2014-2015 “Best for Vets” franchise by Military Times, a Top 100 Military-Friendly Employer by G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse magazines in 2014, 2015 and 2016, one of U.S. Veterans Magazine Top 100 Veteran-Friendly Companies, and MVE (Most Valuable Employer) by civilianjobs.com.

The Fine Print:

The contest is not open to eligible veterans who are legal residents of Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota and where prohibited. All participants must read and agree to the official rules at veteransfranchisegiveaway.com. This is not an offer to sell a franchise, which will be made by us only in a state if 7‑Eleven, Inc. is first registered, filed, exempted or otherwise qualified to offer franchises in that state, and only if 7‑Eleven provides an appropriate Franchise Disclosure Document. A credit of up to $190,000 toward the initial franchise fee will be awarded. The winner will be required to pay any portion of the initial franchise fee over $190,000 for the store they select, along with other initial fees, including but not limited to a $29,000 down payment on inventory, cost of all licenses and permits, expenses to attend training and other fees described in our Franchise Disclosure Document. The 20-percent franchise fee discount that we offer to veterans is not applicable to this contest when calculating the initial franchise fee for the selected store. 

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven operates, franchises and licenses more than 10,700 7‑Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, there are some 57,900 7‑Eleven stores in 17 countries. 7‑Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations. Accolades include placing #7 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2016, #1 on Entrepreneur magazine’s 2014 Top Global Franchise list; #10 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2015; #1 on “Best Retail Franchises” list for April 2015 by FranchiseRankings.com; #3 on Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start; and is among GI Jobs magazine’s Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2016. 7‑Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com.

Contact:

Stephanie Shaw
7‑Eleven, Inc.
972-828-5837
stephanie.shaw@7-11.com

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Foodstuffs to open new Four Square at West Melton in the third quarter of this year

Foodstuffs is thrilled to announce to the West Melton community that construction of the new Four Square is well on track with the store planning to open in the third quarter of this year.

Auckland, New Zealand, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The prominently positioned store, which is part of the new shopping centre on Weedons Ross Road, and opposite West Melton School, promises to deliver a fresh and modern shopping experience.

The spacious Four Square will be some 800m2 and customers can expect to find a great selection of fresh produce and meat as well as all the great Kiwi brands they want and need.

Roger Davidson, General Manager of Property and Retail Development, Foodstuffs South Island Ltd is delighted to bring the West Melton community a Four Square they can be proud of.

“We can’t wait to open the doors. Four Square is a brand kiwis identify with and the store will be a positive addition to the West Melton area with a strong community focus.

“While there is still some work to be done before opening day, the earthworks are well underway and the construction team will begin laying the foundations in the coming weeks.”

“The opening of West Melton will bring us to 72 Four Squares throughout South Island.” 

SOURCE: FOODSTUFFS NEW ZEALAND

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

 

###

Foodstuffs to open new Four Square at West Melton in the third quarter of this year

Foodstuffs to open new Four Square at West Melton in the third quarter of this year

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Foodstuffs North Island Limited announces the refurbishment of PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe in late June

Auckland, New Zealand, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Foodstuffs North Island Limited is pleased to announce the refurbishment of PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe, on the corner of Queen and Harris Streets, Pukekohe. The refurbishment is due to commence on site in late June.

Foodstuffs North Island Limited is pleased to announce the refurbishment of PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe, on the corner of Queen and Harris Streets, Pukekohe. The refurbishment is due to commence on site in late June.

“The refurbishment of PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe is a very exciting project for us,” says Angela Bull, Foodstuffs North Island General Manager Property Development. “The renovation will enhance the customer’s experience as we modernise the store exterior and give the store interior a refresh, so that customers will really see the difference as they enter the store. The refurbishment ensures our customers get a modern grocery shopping experience with the PAK’nSAVE pricing our customers expect.”

PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe will be open throughout the refurbishment and PAK’nSAVE staff will make sure customers can do all their shopping in a safe and convenient environment.

Nigel Ollett, owner operator of PAK’nSAVE Pukekohe, is excited about the new look store. “I’m really looking forward to giving the store a facelift so that we continue to provide our customers with a PAK’nSAVE that meets their shopping needs.”

SOURCE: FOODSTUFFS NEW ZEALAND

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

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More than 25,000 pets found their forever homes at PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend

Held Last Week, February National Event Aimed at Saving Lives is the Most Successful in PetSmart History

PHOENIX, 2016-Feb-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — More than 25,000 pets found their forever homes last week during PetSmart’s National Adoption Weekend event held at more than 1,400 PetSmart stores across North America — setting a new company record with the most pets adopted at these national, chain-wide events since they were initiated by the retailer more than a decade ago.

Approximately 25,027 pets were adopted through the event last week (Monday – Sunday), beating the company record by nearly 3,000 pets and representing a 43 percent adoption increase over last year’s Feb. event. This year’s efforts also included nearly 100 stores that expanded their life-saving efforts to include small animals such as ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits.

These PetSmart signature National Adoption Weekend events are conducted in collaboration with PetSmart CharitiesTM, PetSmart CharitiesTM of Canada and their adoption partners – more than 3,000 local animal welfare organizations.  While called National Adoption “Weekend,” the adoption efforts span the week with the majority of the pets, about 23,000, adopted between Friday and Sunday when many stores host large parking lot tent-events with their local adoption partners to connect adoptable pets with their forever families.

“We are thrilled so many pets – more than 25,000 in all — found their forever homes this past week in our stores,” said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer, PetSmart. “Our National Adoption Weekend events are highly coordinated efforts involving nearly all aspects of our company, our PetSmart Charities and PetSmart Charities of Canada nonprofit organizations and animal welfare partners. From setting up tents and preparing stores to serve as adoption centers to coordinating with our local partners, we couldn’t be more proud of the collaborative efforts that resulted in this recent adoption success — together we are saving lots of lives!”

At PetSmart stores across the country, PetSmart services associates including groomers and trainers, helped prepare adoptable dogs.  For example, PetSmart groomers-in-training utilized their training hours to help adoption partners beautify their dogs and ready them for their forever families. Also a new feature this past weekend, new pet parents received a special adoption certificate and, as always, also received the PetSmart Adoption Starter Kit with tips on how to transition a newly adopted pet into the home, as well as coupons for a free bag of pet food, free one-time services for training, veterinarian and Doggie Day Camp, as well as discounts on the essentials such as bowls, collars, beds and grooming – all totaling $400 in value ($325 CAD).

Directly on the heels of the adoption success, this coming weekend, PetSmart will host its New Pet Event, featuring education and problem-solutions to help first-time pet owners welcome their newest family member and celebrate all of the exciting “firsts” — from a first bath to first accident.

Top 10 Most Adoption-Friendly Cities

PetSmart congratulates Fort Worth, which adopted out the most pets in the U.S. during the week-long event. The Fort Worth area’s local adoption partners helped find lifelong, loving homes for 300 cats and dogs.

Based on PetSmart Charities’ February National Adoption Weekend data, the top 10 cities with the most pet adoptions were:

  1. Fort Worth, Texas (300 adoptions)
  2. Houston, Texas (261 adoptions)
  3. Phoenix, Ariz. (222 adoptions)
  4. San Antonio, Texas (215 adoptions)
  5. Gainesville, Florida (210 adoptions)
  6. Lubbock, Texas (206 adoptions)
  7. Dallas, Texas (185 adoptions)
  8. Tucson, Ariz. (177 adoptions)
  9. Tulsa, Okla. (167 adoptions)
  10. Albuquerque, N.M. (166 adoptions)

 

Partnering to Save 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 20,000-plus pets find lifelong, loving homes in a single week.

In addition to the National Adoption Weekend events, every day pets are adopted out of PetSmart stores, which serve as extensions to local pet shelters with dedicated adoption center space. 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.

PetSmart’s next National Adoption Weekend will be held in May. If you’re looking to add a pet to your home, consider saving a life by adopting. Visit your local PetSmart Charities adoption center in most PetSmart stores across the country, or visit www.petsmartcharities.org for more information.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following PetSmart Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PetSmartCharities and on Twitter at @PetSmartChariTs.

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 — includingPetSmart.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 and other support to 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.

Contacts:
Golin for PetSmart Inc.:
Danielle Bickelmann
dbickelmann@golin.com
972-341-2503

Golin for PetSmart Charities:
Jennifer Kepler
jkepler@golin.com
972-341-2552

PetSmart Media Line:
623-587-2177