Monthly Archives: March 2016

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Walgreens returns as the exclusive retail partner of the second annual Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day’s official retail partner makes more Red Noses available and expands Red Nose Day merchandise to help raise funds to fight kids’ poverty

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Championing everyone’s right to be happy and healthy, Walgreens proudly returns as the exclusive retail partner of the second annual Red Nose Day, helping raise funds to fight kids’ poverty. The campaign’s iconic Red Noses – which people wear in support of the official Red Nose Day on Thursday, May 26 – returned to store shelves at Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide this morning, officially kick starting the nine-week charitable campaign.

Following the sell-out success of last year’s inaugural Red Nose Day, Walgreens is going beyond the nose in 2016 and raising funds through the sale of new Red Flair merchandise, also available nationwide starting today. From red hats and springy novelty headbands to oversized sequin bowties and Red Noses for cars (to name a few), Walgreens is making it even easier for Americans to “Get Seriously Silly” in support of a great cause.

“Helping people live happy and healthy lives is our passion at Walgreens, and participating in Red Nose Day lets us do just that for those who need it most: kids living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad,” said Alex Gourlay, president of Walgreens. “Topping last year’s success is a challenge we’re ready for. We have more Red Noses, new Red Flair and several other fun ways for everyone in the Walgreens family – from our valued customers and vendor partners to our passionate team members – to get involved in this powerful campaign.”

The Return of the Red Noses       
Between now and the official Red Nose Day in May, Walgreens hopes to sell significantly more Red Noses than the 5 million it sold last year. To help meet its goal, Red Noses and Red Flair hit Walgreens shelves two weeks earlier this year, giving Americans even more time to “Get Seriously Silly” in support of a great cause. Starting today and continuing through June 4, Walgreens and Duane Reade locations nationwide will sell Red Noses for $1 each and Red Flair items for between $1-$5.99. Proceeds from Red Nose and Red Flair purchases benefit the Red Nose Day Fund* which supports charities with domestic and international reach aimed at fighting childhood poverty, including Boys & Girls Clubs of America; charity:water; Children’s Health Fund; Covenant House; Feeding America; Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance; National Council of La Raza; National Urban League; Oxfam America; Save the Children; and The Global Fund.

Beyond purchasing Red Noses and Red Flair for themselves, Americans can further support the cause by purchasing Red Noses and Red Flair products for their schools or workplaces, or organize fundraisers in their community. Cash donations can also be made at any Walgreens location.

Walgreens commemorated the return of the laughs and Red Nose Day fun with the help of actor and comedian Ravi Patel (Grandfathered, Masters of None), who helped deliver the first batch of Red Noses and Red Flair to Walgreens shelves in Chicago, the retailer’s hometown. Accompanied by Walgreens team members, Patel arrived at Walgreens flagship store in a Red Nose Day-adorned armored truck. With security in place, a briefcase full of Red Noses and Red Flair handcuffed to his arm and a store full of unsuspecting shoppers, Patel successfully delivered the Red Nose Day fun to Walgreens. The event was captured on film and is posted on the Walgreens YouTube channel.

#RedNose Road Trip & Challenges
Together with Walgreens, Patel will continue the fun online by inviting Americans to “Get Seriously Silly” on social media with weekly #RedNose challenges. Starting today and continuing every Monday leading up to Red Nose Day, Patel will accept the weekly #RedNose challenge from Walgreens with a silly video and task Americans to join in. The challenges include “Share your four-legged friend’s #RedNose look,” “Share your #RedNose Mom & Me Flair selfie,” and “Share your #RedNose landmark photo,” among others. People can share their silliest pictures and videos answering the challenge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #RedNose.

Weekly #RedNose challenge videos will be featured as part of a new Walgreens “50 States, 50 Stories” video series to live on Walgreens.com/RedNoseDay. In the series, Walgreens takes Red Nose Day on the road in search of powerful stories showing people both supporting and benefitting from Red Nose Day. The uplifting, fun-filled stories will showcase real people’s charitable Red Nose Day efforts in action across the country.

Walgreens “nose” consumers aren’t the only ones who know how to have fun for a great cause. Later this week, Walgreens executives will issue a Corporate Challenge to colleagues at other companies encouraging them to share funny videos and show America their silly sides. In the coming weeks Walgreens Facebook page will show just how silly corporate America can get to help fight kids’ poverty around the world.

Beyond the Nose
In the UK, Red Nose Day has raised more than $1 billion since it launched over 25 years ago and is an inspiring cultural phenomenon that unites people from all walks of life in the interest of saving and changing lives. The inaugural Red Nose Day event in the U.S. took place last May and raised more than $23 million to help kids in need in America and abroad.

This year, Red Nose Day’s nine-week campaign will culminate in a live, two-hour broadcast on NBC airing on May 26 (9-11 p.m. ET). The Red Nose Day Special will feature popular comedians, top musicians and Hollywood stars in an engaging mix of comedy, live musical performances and short, compelling films shedding light on the cause.

For more information on Red Nose Day and how to get involved, visit walgreens.com/RedNoseDay and Walgreens onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Media Press Kit is available here: http://walgreens.new-media-release.com/2016_red_nose_day/index.html

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

About Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day is a fundraising campaign run by the non-profit organization Comic Relief Inc, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. Money raised goes to the Red Nose Day Fund, which distributes money to organizations whose work helps to achieve Comic Relief Inc.’s vision of a just world free from poverty. The inaugural Red Nose Day in the U.S. was held on May 21, 2015 and raised more than $23 million. Funds raised benefited children in all 50 states and 15 countries internationally through programs addressing literacy, education, healthcare, and nutrition. The second annual Red Nose Day will be held on Thursday May 26, 2016.  The day’s events will culminate in a two-hour entertainment TV special on NBC, featuring the country’s favorite comedians, musicians and Hollywood stars.

Comic Relief Inc. and Comic Relief UK are independent organizations related through their shared vision of a just world, free from poverty; and with the same mission to effect positive change through the power of entertainment. In the UK, Red Nose Day has been going for 30 years and is an inspiring cultural phenomenon that unites people from all walks of life in the interest of saving and changing lives across the globe.

* Until June 4, 2016, for each Red Nose purchased Walgreens will donate $0.50; and for each Red Nose Flair item purchased (Beads, Bow Ties, Headbands, Sunglasses, Pens, Mugs, Cups and Hats) Walgreens will donate 10 percent of the purchase price to Comic Relief Inc.’s Red Nose Day Fund, which helps lift children out of poverty in the U.S. and overseas. For more information about the Red Nose Day Fund, visit rednoseday.org. No portion of purchase is tax deductible.

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Carrefour Bio opens 6th store in Paris

Boulogne-Billancourt, FRANCE, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 24 March, the 6th Carrefour Bio opened in Paris, Bolivar street. With a sales area of 238m², the store stocks some 4000 products.

Its opening has created 4 new jobs.

This opening complements the Bio campaign which has been on television screens since 20 March – the follow-up to the “I am optimism” manifesto film released earlier this year.  The campaign – which is being rolled out in the press, on television and over the Internet – showcases all of Carrefour’s organic worlds (food, clothing, cosmetics, etc.), and is a reference to the recent Nielsen study which ranks Carrefour as the number one general retailer in France for organic products.

For more than 20 years, Carrefour has been a pioneering company in bringing organic products to the masses in France, undertaking to produce and sell them in all of its various sales formats. The retailer launched its Boule Bio bread in 1992 and is seen as a forerunner.

The graphic below shows key data about Bio products at Carrefour in France:

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Carrefour Bio opens 6th store in Paris

Carrefour Bio opens 6th store in Paris

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Amazon.com to create more than 1,000 more full-time positions in its new San Bernardino fulfillment center

Amazon to create more than 1,000 full-time hourly roles at its third facility in San Bernardino

SEATTLE, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced plans to open a seventh Californiafulfillment center in San Bernardino, where the company launched its first Golden State fulfillment center in 2012. Amazon currently employs more than 12,000 full-time hourly associates at its six existing California locations and plans to create more than 1,000 more full-time positions in the new San Bernardino facility. Outside of San Bernardino, Amazon’s other Golden State fulfillment centers are located in Tracy,Patterson, Moreno Valley, Redlands and Rialto.

“San Bernardino has proven to be an important part of Amazon’s growth in California, and we are proud to continue creating jobs and helping support the economy here in the Inland Empire,” said Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s vice president of North American operations. “Over the past three and a half years, we have not only built a network of top-notch fulfillment centers across the state, but we’ve also provided continuing education classrooms onsite, generous paid parental leave benefits and leadership growth for associates ‒ in addition to competitive wages.”

Amazon employees at the 1.1 million-square-foot San Bernardino fulfillment center will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys.

“We are excited Amazon continues to view San Bernardino as a great place to do business and we’re proud to be part of Amazon’s history and future,” said Mayor R. Carey Davis of San Bernardino. “The company continues hosting a robust public tours program, donating needed items and volunteer hours to local charities, and supporting local businesses on a regular basis.”

Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one, as well as generous maternity and paternity leave benefits. Amazon also offers regular full-time employees innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, employees are pursuing degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, to name a few.

To learn more about working at an Amazon fulfillment center, visit www.workatamazonfulfillment.com.

The project is being developed by Hillwood Investments.

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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

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Sainsbury’s launches nationwide recycling service for Easter egg packaging

LONDON, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — UK set to throw away up to 3,000 tonnes of Easter egg packaging

Today, Sainsbury’s is appealing to customers to get #EggyAboutEggcess, as the supermarket launches its nationwide recycling service for Easter egg packaging.

The service aims to ensure all elements of chocolate egg packaging are recycled, including rigid plastic that kerbside collectors don’t always accept as part of their service. Recycling bins will be placed in 400 stores around the country from Monday.

With waste experts WRAP estimating that 3,000 tonnes of packaging excess is produced each year, and with 80 million eggs sold in the UK annually – the next fortnight is crucial in the recycling calendar.

To encourage shoppers to recycle, Sainsbury’s is launching an online campaign appealing to the public to get #EggyAboutEggcess.

Paul Crewe, Head of Sustainability and Energy at Sainsbury’s said: “From creating an Easter bonnet to building a fort made of boxes, we’re asking customers to share pictures of the imaginative ways they use their egg packaging over the weekend, before bringing it to be recycled.”

“We hope that the #EggyAboutEggcess initiative will alert the public to our in store service, a super convenient way to make a difference after all the Easter festivities!”

It’s not the first time Sainsbury’s customers have got behind a recycling campaign. Last Christmas, shoppers helped the supermarket recycle over 89,000 tonnes of Christmas cards which was an increase of over 2,000 tonnes on the previous year.

Sainsbury’s egg recycling bins will be placed in 400 stores around the country from Monday 28th March until the 12th April, making it easy for millions of customers to recycle every last bit of egg packaging.

Top tips from Sainsbury’s on how to get creative with Easter egg packaging: 

1. Make an Easter bonnet with a bit of creativity and a lot of glue! See some creative suggestions here

2. For an extra bit of entertainment for the kids, separate all the packaging, hand over some Sellotape and get them to make a fort to play in!

3. Create masks using pictures of characters on the front of packaging.

4. Get kids to make spring garlands for upcoming parties with a bit of string and some imagination.

5. Make a dolls house using a box for each room – don’t forget to keep the foil from eggs

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

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Sainsbury’s launches nationwide recycling service for Easter egg packaging

Sainsbury’s launches nationwide recycling service for Easter egg packaging

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Sainsbury’s Double Up event returns from 30 March to 5 April

LONDON, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Points could be worth twice as much between 30 March–5 April 2016

The popular Sainsbury’s Double Up event, which will run from 30 March to 5 April, lets customers exchange their Nectar points for vouchers worth twice as much to spend in the following departments:

  • Tu clothing
  • Electricals
  • Entertainment*
  • Homeware
  • Toys
  • Taste the Difference: wine, champagne, sparkling, sherry and port

Customers can exchange their Nectar points for vouchers at the customer service desk in stores from 30 March to 5 April, stating their chosen department.  Vouchers must be redeemed by 5 April, using one voucher per category.

The minimum number of points that can be exchanged is 1,000 – normally worth £5, but worth £10 during the Double Up event.  The maximum number is 4,000 points – normally worth £20, but worth £40 during the event.

Sarah Ellis, Head of Marketing Strategy at Sainsbury’s, said: “This is a really popular event that rewards our loyal customers.  It’s a great time for shoppers to double their money by exchanging their Nectar points for vouchers to spend in our stores. With spring just around the corner, Nectar Double Up can help your money go that bit further.”

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

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Sainsbury’s Double Up event returns from 30 March to 5 April

Sainsbury’s Double Up event returns from 30 March to 5 April

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Kesko and Neste updates its Neste K service station concept to provide comprehensive service experience

HELSINKI, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kesko and Neste are leading Finnish service stations into a new era. The new Neste K service station concept has been built on the basis of customer feedback, resulting in a cosy milieu, a menu designed by a top chef, restrooms updated by an interior designer and high quality services for motorists. New Neste K service stations provide a comprehensive service experience, in line with the ‘Tactics for Better Stops’.

“The refurbishment of Neste K service stations is part of Kesko’s neighbourhood market strategy – we want to offer our customers high quality and personalised services quickly and easily. Motorists often stop at service stations only when they need to. In line with Neste K’s Tactics for Better Stops, we want to provide our customers with such a good service that all the people on the road will find Neste K a choice they cannot pass by without stopping. The change involves a new kind of service culture, which puts the customer and quality in the centre of all activities,” says Jorma Rauhala, Senior Vice President for Kesko’s grocery trade.

“The new Neste K station concept will further deepen our cooperation with Kesko. We are pleased to see that we share the aim of providing joy to customers on the move. Our own station network is very important for us, as it enables us to offer our customers high quality fuels, refined in Finland, as well as other products and services needed by motorists. We absolutely want to be profiled at the top of the stations in customer encounters and our service and product offering,” says Antti Tiitola, Executive Vice President for oil retail business area at Neste.

Neste K service stations will not be copies of each other but every station will have its special needs and opportunities depending on location and clientele.

“We want to give retailer entrepreneurs at Neste K service stations a chance to voice their own views – making each Neste K different and unique. Retailers know their customers and can tailor the station’s services and selections of food and groceries to meet their needs,” says Rauhala.

Tasty food and versatile services in pleasant premises

The aim of Neste K stations is to deliver a superior food experience to customers on the road. The stations will offer customers varied and high quality food, either consumed on site or taken away. The menu choices of the service stations have been designed by Pekka Terävä, an awarded top chef. Coffee lovers will be treated with an array of special coffees.

Neste K service stations range from compact 100 square metre city stations to nearly 2,000 square metre stations for long distance motorists. The leading idea in the design and use of space is to provide an ecological, cosy and functional ambience. The restrooms of Neste K service stations will be clean and pleasant. The premises designed by the interior design company dSign Vertti Kivi & Co make use of moving image and voice, for example.

Neste K service stations will provide their customers with tidy and modern refuelling yards and high quality additional services, such as free wifi in the restaurant, the Osta&Nosta cash withdrawal at checkouts service, a recharging point for electric cars, and the QuickWash car wash services based on the latest technology.

The first new Neste K station opened its doors at Teiskontie road in Tampere on 22 March 2016, and all the current 70 joint stations of Neste and Kesko are due to be changed and refurbished to become Neste K service stations by the end of 2017. The aim is to build a network of close to 100 Neste K stations. The total capital expenditure will be tens of millions of euros.

Further information:
Jorma Rauhala, Senior Vice President, grocery trade, Kesko Corporation, tel. +358 10 5322 211
Mikko Paukkonen, Vice President, Neste K service station concept, Kesko Corporation, tel. +358 50 567 9761
Antti Tiitola, Executive Vice President, oil retail business area, Neste Corporation, tel. +358 10 458 4273

K-Group

The about 40,000 exceptionally nice people of the K-Group work daily to make shopping fun for customers in our stores in the Nordic countries, the Baltic countries and Russia. We help our more than 1,500 stores serve their customers in the grocery trade, the home improvement and speciality goods trade, and the car trade. We do our work with big heart while paying attention to society and the environment. We are already the most responsible food retailer in the world and are constantly trying out something new. We are doing this to provide good choices both on the shelves of the local stores and online.www.kesko.fi

Neste
Neste is a pioneer in oil refining and renewable solutions. We provide our customers with premium-quality products for cleaner traffic and industrial products based on world-class research. We are the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel, and our annual production capacity is more than 2 million tons. We also are the world’s largest company providing renewable fuel from waste and residues. Our sustainable operations have received recognition in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies, among others. Our net sales for 2015 amounted to approximately EUR 11 billion, and our shares are listed on NASDAQ Helsinki. Cleaner traffic, energy and life are moved forward by about 5,000 professionals. More information: neste.com/en

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Argos raised €80,000 for the Irish Cancer Society in just 12 months since the launch of its partnership

Milton Keynes, UK, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ireland’s leading general merchandise retailer Argos has raised €80,000 for the Irish Cancer Society, since the launch of its two year partnership in March last year. The money raised so far will fund 3,000 nursing hours at the Irish Cancer Society’s hospital-based Daffodil Centres for people affected by cancer in Ireland, providing cancer information, support and advice in local communities.

Colleagues and customers across Argos’ 40 stores nationwide have reached this impressive total in just 12 months, making this one of the Irish Cancer Society’s fastest growing ‘charity-of-the-year’ partnerships to date.  Following the launch of the partnership last March with a Daffodil Day fundraiser, stores have hosted a wide range of events to boost the fundraising total. These include staff fundraisers such as cake sales, raffles, along with participating in the Society’s own campaigns like Colour Dash and Paint it Pink.

Des Barnett, Charity Partnership Manager at Argos Republic of Ireland says: “Since the launch of our charity partnership with the Irish Cancer Society last year, we saw incredibly high levels of engagement from stores right across the country, which is fantastic. We far exceeded our fundraising target for the first year, and having voted to support the Irish Cancer Society, our colleagues will be delighted to know that they are making such a difference to people affected by cancer.”

“We are so pleased to have the support of Argos”, says John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society. “Every day we are fighting cancer on so many fronts to ensure that less people will die from this terrible disease. We are so grateful, not only for the support from the staff of Argos but also to their customers who have so enthusiastically gotten behind our cause. So far thanks to our partnership with Argos, we can support almost 3,000 visitors to one of our specialist Daffodil Centres, based in hospitals all over Ireland. We look forward to reaching even more people as our partnership continues to grow. Together we won’t give up until cancer does.”

Further fundraising plans by Argos colleagues in 2016 include support of the Irish Cancer Society’s national fundraising events such as Colour Dash, Paint it Pink, and Movember, as well as bespoke fundraising activity linked to key trading periods for the business such as the Argos Catalogue Launch in July.

For more information, please contact Aoife Sweeney, PR Manager, Argos Republic of Ireland on email: aoife.sweeney@argos.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @ArgosIreland_PR

About Argos

Argos is Ireland’s leading general merchandise retailer and provides a unique offer of choice and convenience. It sells general merchandise and products for the home from 40 stores in the Republic of Ireland and around 800 stores in the UK.

Argos opened its first stores in the Republic in January 1996 in Limerick and Dublin; there is now an Argos catalogue in approximately three quarters of all Irish homes.  Argos is already one of the largest retail employers in the country with around 1,100 employees. In 2005, Argos launched its Irish website, www.argos.ie, which now has over 25,000 products online.

About Irish Cancer Society

The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s national cancer charity. Established in 1963, the Irish Cancer Society provides information, support and care to those with, and affected by, cancer all over Ireland. Our services are professional, confidential and free of charge. The Society is almost entirely funded through the generosity of the public and receives less than 2% government funding.

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No Repro Fee. Donna Campbell, from Argos (left) with Des Bartnett, Charity Partnership Manager, Argos and Bernie Healy, Daffodil Centre Cancer Nurse at St. James Hospital, pictured at the announcement of €80,000.00 funds raised in the last twelve months by Argos making the nationwide general retailer one of the Irish Cancer Society’s fastest growing ‘charity-of-the-year’ partnerships to date. The money raised will fund 3,000 nursing hours at the Irish Cancer Society’s hospital-based Daffodil Centres for people affected by cancer in Ireland, providing cancer information, support and advice in local communities. Pic. Robbie Reynolds

No Repro Fee.
Donna Campbell, from Argos (left) with Des Bartnett, Charity Partnership Manager, Argos and Bernie Healy, Daffodil Centre Cancer Nurse at St. James Hospital, pictured at the announcement of €80,000.00 funds raised in the last twelve months by Argos making the nationwide general retailer one of the Irish Cancer Society’s fastest growing ‘charity-of-the-year’ partnerships to date. The money raised will fund 3,000 nursing hours at the Irish Cancer Society’s hospital-based Daffodil Centres for people affected by cancer in Ireland, providing cancer information, support and advice in local communities. Pic. Robbie Reynolds

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Waitrose to operate cashless store in Sky Central this summer; an industry first in UK

LONDON, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Waitrose is to become the UK’s first major supermarket brand to operate a cashless store when it opens in Sky’s new flagship head office building at its campus in Osterley this summer.

It will also be the first Waitrose to open on a workplace campus in almost 20 years and at 1,400 sq ft will become the second smallest store in the retailer’s estate.

The little Waitrose branded shop will be located inside Sky’s new office building – Sky Central – which will be home to more than 3,500 staff when work is completed in the summer.

Sky employees will only be able to pay by card or their mobile devices at one of the five self-service checkouts in the store.

Waitrose opened its only other office based store in 1998 – a 520 sq ft shop at British Airways’ Waterside headquarters in Harmondsworth.

The retailer met with groups of Sky employees to determine what they would like to see in their new store. There will be a focus on evening meals and food to go, including fresh sandwiches, wraps and sushi, as well as a selection of fresh produce and ingredients, celebration cakes, freshly cut flowers and store cupboard staples. Bread and croissants will be baked each day, too.

Travel accessories and mini health and beauty ranges will also be available for those needing to travel at late notice or choosing to take advantage of the on-site gym.

The store will be run by Waitrose employees with 20 jobs created. They will all become Partners in the John Lewis Partnership.

Waitrose Director, Convenience, Jackie Wharton, says: ‘Opening on the Sky campus is an exciting opportunity for us to respond to how customers wish to shop in this flagship workplace setting. Our convenience model is now more flexible than ever, especially as payment methods and ranges continue to evolve, so we’ll look forward to exploring other opportunities like this in the future.’

Nick Green, Director of Property Service Group, Sky, added: ‘We’re thrilled to welcome Waitrose to our campus in Osterley. Our goal is to make Sky a great place to work for all our colleagues and having such easy access to this new shop will be a huge benefit.’

Notes to editors
Sky – Sky’s new HQ building, Sky Central, opens in summer 2016. It will join Sky’s existing buildings – Sky Studios, a fully-equipped Health and Fitness Centre and the Believe in Better Building (one of the largest and tallest sustainably-sourced solid wood structures in commercial office use in the UK and home to the work Sky does for young people through Sky Academy) – on a campus buzzing with over 7250 people.

Waitrose – winner of the Best Supermarket1 and Best Food and Grocery Retailer2 awards- currently has 346 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 60 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations. It combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop – dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced, combined with high standards of customer service.  Waitrose also exports its products to 58 countries worldwide and has seven shops which operate under licence in the Middle East. Waitrose’s omnichannel business includes the online grocery service Waitrose.com, as well as specialist online shops including waitrosecellar.com for wine and waitrosekitchen.com for cookware, utensils and kithchen gadgets.

¹ Which? Customer Survey
² Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards

Enquiries

For further information please contact:

James Armstrong
Property and Development Communications Manager, Waitrose
Telephone: 01344 824657
Email: james.armstrong@waitrose.co.uk

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SSP America awarded 10 year contract to develop and operate Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen & Market at Portland International Airport

  • SSP showcase locally acclaimed Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen plus a marketplace full of regional products

LONDON, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has been awarded a 10 year contract by the Port of Portland Commission to develop and operate Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen & Market at Portland International Airport.  Positioned at the entrance to Concourse C, the unit will occupy over 3,000 square feet of retail space.

Inspired by Portland’s dynamic food culture, SSP America paired local culinary titan, Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen with a bespoke market concept designed specifically for PDX, featuring an abundance of regionally produced artisan food products, wines and craft beers.

Chef/owner, Ken Gordon, commented, “Kenny & Zuke’s is so thrilled to be opening our location at Portland International Airport this coming fall.  We think we can be a tremendous addition to PDX as the Pacific Northwest’s best artisan delicatessen.”

SSP America’s chief executive officer, Michael Svagdis, said, “SSP America is proud to be partnering with Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen and to showcase a taste of the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated food and drink at Portland International. We are always proud to bring exceptional local brands to the airport’s global stage, and the food here is worthy of the world’s attention.  This is a win for all—for Portland International, the Portland Community, these local culinary heroes and the nearly 17 million annual travelers to PDX.”

Kenny & Zuke’s has been the culinary leader of the Northwest’s traditional deli scene since 2007.  Using time-honored methods, faithful to the art of handcrafting authentic deli foods, Chef Ken Gordon has been at the forefront of today’s deli renaissance—serving patrons scratched cooked meals made with fresh, local ingredients.

At their hometown airport, Chef Gordon’s hand-rolled bagels will draw passengers throughout every day part, but his famous pastrami will take center-stage glory—sandwiched solo with mustard on rye, or griddled in The Classic Reuben—this is the meat that started a cult following.

On the merchandise shelves, baskets and in the chill cases, local, Oregon-centric goods will abound.  Featured items include chocolates from Alma & Fran’s, Three Little Figs confits and chutneys and savoury snacks from Oregon Orchard and Portland Fruit & Nut Co., as well as Portland-made condiments, Quin candies, Tillamook cheeses and Misty Meadow jams, jellies and honey.

At the bar, travelers are invited to relax with one of the many locally crafted beers or regional wines—paired with a Kenny & Zuke’s classic deli plate, passengers can enjoy a memorable taste of place with every sip and bite!

The lease is part of a three-phase, multi-year, $19.8 million project to refresh PDX concessions through 2018 and highlight the best of local, regional and popular national brands.  Over the past 20 years, PDX has garnered multiple industry awards from Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) as well as Airport Revenue News (ARN) for their concessions program and concessions management team.

Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen & Market will open in the autumn of 2016.

SOURCE: SSP Group plc

If you have a press enquiry, please call Clare Williams at Templemere Public Relations on +44 (0) 1483 243 546 or press.office@ssp-intl.com

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Taco Bell brings back Beefy Crunch Burrito and Cheesy Double Beef Burrito on April 21

IRVINE, Calif., 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — In celebration of Rebecca logging 5,400 miles on the open road to get her favorite Taco Bell burrito. For Brittany, who recognized Taco Bell as senior photo backdrop gold. And in celebration of Tyler, Justin and the countless others who proudly show off their glorious taco tattoos, this one is for them.

Taco Bell is granting fans’ wishes by bringing back both the Beefy Crunch Burrito and Cheesy Double Beef Burrito to menu boards nationwide on April 21. The two Fan Favorites return to Taco Bell after a three-year absence and a nearly twice as long campaign from impassioned fans like the “Beefy Crunch Movement” to bring them back.

“The fact that we have a brand that inspires its fans to create movements around their favorite products is something we value more than anything,” said Marisa Thalberg, Chief Marketing Officer for Taco Bell Corp. “Our fans always have a “seat at our table”… and in this case, we wanted to honor their fandom for the Beefy Crunch and Cheesy Double Beef Burritos by giving them a piece of the menu. They deserve the credit for bringing them back –- and our little thank you in return is bringing these favorites back for only a dollar.”

Which brings us to Richard Axton, the fearless leader of the Beefy Crunch Movement, a social media campaign dedicated to bringing back Taco Bell’s Beefy Crunch Burrito. Born five years ago when the Beefy Crunch Burrito first disappeared from menus, the movement initially got on Taco Bell’s radar when they published a 14-page document outlining their grievances about the departure of Richard’s (and his now 38,000+ accomplices) beloved Beefy Crunch Burrito.

After literally waving the Beefy Crunch Movement flag for years, Richard today had the honor of announcing to Beefy Crunch Burrito fans that the treasured menu item will make its long-awaited return to menus nationwide. Taco Bell will work with Richard and his community in the weeks leading up to its fabled return on April 21 to share details of the release, build excitement and even provide some surprise and delights for the zealous fans who have shown incredible passion for these products.

In addition, the brand will be re-releasing another fan favorite and cult classic, the Cheesy Double Beef Burrito. These mouthwatering burritos will kick off the return of Fan Favorite menu items, and future menu additions will be decided based on…you guessed it – fan excitement, passion and engagement.

The introduction of Fan Favorite menu items will be supported by a multi-channel marketing campaign with content on TV, radio, digital, mobile, social and PR.

Fans are encouraged to learn more about Fan Favorites by visiting The Feed on Ta.co.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Public relations inquiries please call 949-863-3915 or e-mail at media@tacobell.com

ABOUT TACO BELL® CORPORATION 
Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE: YUM), is the nation’s leading Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant. Taco Bell serves made to order and customizable tacos, burritos, and specialties such as the exclusive Doritos® Locos Tacos, gourmet-inspired Cantina Power® Menu, lower calorie Fresco options and is the first QSR restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA)-certified menu items. Taco Bell Breakfast offers portable, classic items such as the A.M. Crunchwrap, Biscuit Taco and signature breakfast burritos. The company encourages customers to “Live Más,” both through its food and in ways such as its Feed The Beat® music program and its nonprofit organization, the Taco Bell® Foundation™. Taco Bell and its more than 350 franchise organizations have nearly 6,000 restaurants across the United States that proudly serve more than 40 million customers every week.

Like: Facebook.com/tacobell
Follow: @TacoBell (Twitter) and tacobell (Instagram)
Subscribe: YouTube.com/tacobell

Source: Taco Bell

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UK based Mobicode to integrate Piceasoft’s PiceaVolumeEraser™ as a part of its retail ‘ecosystem’

Tampere, Finland, 2016-Mar-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Piceasoft and UK based Mobicode have signed a technology licensing agreement to integrate unique PiceaVolumeEraser™ as a part of Mobicode retail ‘ecosystem’. Mobicode considers PiceaEraser™ the best erasure tool in the market for their business.

Mobicode is a comprehensive set of modular tools that support the key activities a business will follow when handling mobile devices. The customer base consists of independent retail chains, recycling companies and distributors including 5.000 users in the UK alone. Mobicode creates a great channel for Piceasoft products in this segment.

“We have once again proven that we are flexible and can quickly adapt to the market needs. We consider this as the market breakthrough for our new PiceaEraser™ technology,” said Jyri Roselius, Piceasoft CEO.

The winning two-way cooperation is based on Piceasoft white-label technology and proven Mobicode delivery model. PiceaVolumeEraser™ technology is seamlessly integrated to Mobicode offerings and available to consumers in the UK and worldwide.

“PiceaEraser™ represents a business opportunity and creates a significant competitive edge to our Mobicode offering in the demanding service market. Piceasoft provides us with unique technology that is not offered by anyone else in the market,” said Peter Kirby, Mobicode CEO.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

 

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PENNYlive feiert Geburtstag

Köln, Deutschland, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kunden und Mitarbeiter gleichermaßen begeistert / Konzept des live-moderierten Kundenradios mit hohem Musikanteil überzeugt

Täglich zwei Millionen Hörer. 250.000 Sendeminuten. 180.000 Radio-Spots. 1.500 beworbene Artikel. Mit diesen imposanten Zahlen ist PENNYlive schon an seinem ersten Geburtstag den Kinderschuhen entwachsen.

Genau vor einem Jahr (30.03.2015) ging das bundesweit erste nationale, live-moderierte Kunden-Radio on Air. Seitdem sendet das mittlerweile neun-köpfige PENNYlive-Team an Werktagen in sämtlichen rund 2.200 Märkten ab Ladenöffnung bis 20 Uhr abends einen abwechslungsreichen Mix aus Musik, Wortbeiträgen, Interviews, Gewinnspielen, Produktinformationen, Angeboten, News aus Showbiz und Sport oder auch Rezept- und Reisetipps.

“Wir bekommen von unseren Kunden und vor allem von unseren Mitarbeitern ein durchweg positives Feedback. Die Einkaufs- und Arbeitsatmosphäre wird als viel angenehmer empfunden. Dazu trägt sicherlich auch bei, dass wir mit 70 Prozent einen sehr hohen Musikanteil im Programm haben”, erklärte Stefan Magel, Geschäftsführer Vertrieb und Marketing der Erfolg. Einen weiteren Erfolgsfaktor sieht Magel darin, dass im Gegensatz zu ausschließlich vorproduzierten Formaten PENNYlive auf Aktualität setzt. Genauso wie es die Kunden auch von konventionellen Radiosendern gewöhnt sind. Nach 20 Uhr spielt PENNYlive ausschließlich Musik. Ein weiterer Clou: Für alle PENNY-Mitarbeiter läuft eine Stunde vor Marktöffnung die Morningshow. Unter dem Motto “Wir spielen, was ihr wollt” können sich die Mitarbeiter exklusiv zum Start in den Tag ihren Lieblingssong wünschen oder Kollegen grüßen. Gestaltet und moderiert wird das Programm von Radio Max aus Wien, einem Unternehmen der REWE International AG. Die Musik im Kundenprogramm wird eigens für PENNY zusammengestellt. Erfahrene Musikredakteure erstellen die Songlisten je nach Tages- und Jahreszeit, journalistisch geschulte Moderatoren sorgen für Abwechslung im Pro-gramm.

Weiter Informationen unter: www.pennylive.de

PENNY erzielte 2014 allein in Deutschland mit 2.200 Filialen und 26.000 Mitarbeitern einen Umsatz von rund sieben Milliarden Euro. Im Ausland erwirtschaftete PENNY mit 1.370 Filialen und 18.200 Mitarbeitern einen Umsatz von über vier Milliarden Euro.

Ansprechpartner:
Andreas Krämer
Pressesprecher PENNY
Tel: +49 221 149 1050
Mail: presse@rewe-group.com

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PENNYlive feiert Geburtstag

PENNYlive feiert Geburtstag

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NRF’s Retail’s BIG Show named one of the largest trade shows in the country by Trade Show News Network

WASHINGTON, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the sixth year in a row, the National Retail Federation’s annual convention, Retail’s BIG Show, has been named by Trade Show News Network as one of the largest trade shows in the country.

“This is recognition that Retail’s BIG Show is seen as one of the trade show industry’s leading events,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Our show has been growing each year in size and scope and we are very proud to receive this honor.”

The NRF Annual Convention and Expo ranked No. 103 on this year’s Top 250 Trade Shows list, up from No. 112 last year. The list represents the largest trade events held in the United States and is ranked by square footage. The citation is based on the 2015 convention, which drew more than 33,000 attendees from 87 countries and 600 exhibiting companies to New York City’s Javits Convention Center.

Two other NRF shows also made the list – the 2015 Shop.org Summit, which moved up to No. 228 from No. 234, and the 2015 NRF PROTECT loss prevention Conference, which joined the list at No. 247.

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. nrf.com

– See more at: https://nrf.com/media/press-releases/three-nrf-events-make-top-250-trade-shows-list#sthash.CGfdIydG.dpuf

 

Treacy Reynolds
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

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Whole Foods Market East Lansing to celebrate Earth month with “Party for the Planet” on Saturday, April 2, 2016

Local Food Growers and Artisans Join Whole Foods Market to Kick Off Earth Month with Community Gathering

East Lansing, Michigan, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market East Lansing and more than 20 of its local Michigan suppliers will come together to celebrate Earth month with a “Party for the Planet,” Saturday, April 2, 2016 beginning at noon in the parking lot of the future Whole Foods Market East Lansing, 2750 E. Grand River Ave. in East Lansing, Michigan.

Free to the community, the Whole Foods Market Party for the Planet will offer a light lunch to the attendees along with free giveaways and samples (while supplies lasts) of the high-quality products found on the shelves of Whole Foods Market East Lansing. Attendees will also enjoy live music and other entertainment.

“At Whole Foods Market we believe it’s our responsibility to help create a world where our communities and our planet can flourish,” says Sarah Tack, Store Team Leader, Whole Foods Market East Lansing. “This Party for the Planet is our way of doing just that; connecting the amazing local Michigan suppliers you will find on our shelves with the fantastic community that’s welcomed us so warmly all while celebrating the love of food.”

At Whole Foods Market, supporting local farmers, producers and artisans by buying from independent producers near stores is one of the many ways each location provides a unique product mix to the communities it serves. In 1980, Whole Foods Market began as a small grocer operating a single store in Austin, Texas. Shortly after opening, the city experienced a large flood and the new grocer was heavily hit. With a helping hand from the community, Whole Foods Market was able to clean up and reopen. It was this selfless act from the neighborhood that the founders never forgot; which is why supporting small, local businesses in the communities where it does business is an extremely important part of Whole Foods Market’s Core Values.

“In 2014 we held a local supplier fair in East Lansing to find the unique foods and products for the store that represented Michigan,” says Julie Blubaugh, Local Forager, Whole Foods Market Midwest. “We had an incredible turnout and now have 48 new brands including Moo-ville Creamery, Craft and Mason Coffee, and Lush Gourmet Nuts to feature in Whole Foods Market East Lansing.”

The Whole Foods Market Party for the Planet featuring local Michigan suppliers begins at noon, Saturday, April 2 in the parking lot of Whole Foods Market East Lansing 2750 E. Grand River Ave. and will celebrate with the community until 3 p.m. or until supplies run out.

Midwest Press Contacts

Allison Phelps
Allison.Phelps@wholefoods.com
312.799.5600

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Whole Foods Market East Lansing to celebrate Earth month with “Party for the Planet” on Saturday, April 2, 2016

Whole Foods Market East Lansing to celebrate Earth month with “Party for the Planet” on Saturday, April 2, 2016

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Whole Foods Market in collaboration with Newburgh Brewing Co. launches Rhuby Soho

New York, NY, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market is excited to announce its first-ever collaboration with Newburgh Brewing Co. with the exclusive launch of Rhuby Soho. Rhuby Soho is a 7.0% ABV Saison brew featuring some of the best local goods New York has to offer – Hudson Valley Harvest’s own local honey and locally grown rhubarb. Starting March 28th, for a limited time only, shoppers can stop by their local Whole Foods Market (available in Paramus, NJ and all New York stores including Albany) to pick up a bottle and have a cold, refreshing brew.

To celebrate the launch of Rhuby Soho, Whole Foods Market 3rd & Third (Gowanus, Brooklyn) will be hosting a Tap Takeover event on April 1st, featuring Newburgh Brewing Co.’s Brewmasters and Co-Founders Paul Halayko, Chris Basso and Charlie Benedetti. Shoppers can participate in the below:

  • Meet & Greet with Paul, Chris and Charlie
  • Happy Hour Specials
  • FREE Runner & Stone pretzel with any Newburgh draft purchase
  • A chance to sample an array of cheeses and beer at the growler station

The beers are available in 16.9 oz bottles and retail for $8.99 per bottle. 

Northeast Press Contacts

Michael Sinatra
michael.sinatra@wholefoods.com
551.574.8031 (cell)

Jessica Ventura
jv@sharpthink.com
212.829.0002 ext.104

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Whole Foods Market in collaboration with Newburgh Brewing Co. launches Rhuby Soho

Whole Foods Market in collaboration with Newburgh Brewing Co. launches Rhuby Soho

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Rite Aid welcomes spring with more opportunity to accumulate Plenti points for wellness+ Plenti members

Rite Aid wellness+ with Plenti Members Earn 2,000 Plenti Points for Every $50 Spent on Participating Products Through “Spring for Points” Program

Camp Hill, Pa., 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid is saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring by offering wellness+ with Plenti members an opportunity to accumulate thousands of Plenti points, in addition to regular weekly offers. Now through April 23, for every $50 spent on participating products in stores or online at www.riteaid.com, customers will earn 2,000 Plenti points, worth at least $20 in savings for future purchases.*

To participate, members of the free wellness+ with Plenti program can look for the special “Spring for Points” icon throughout Rite Aid’s weekly circular and sale tags on store shelves. These points can be used for at least two years on future savings at Rite Aid and Plenti partners including AT&T, Exxon, Mobil and Macy’s.

“Due to the overwhelming popularity of our recent Plenti point promotions, we’ve decided to kick-off spring by giving our loyal customers an additional opportunity to earn Plenti points with the ‘Spring for Points’ event,” said John Learish, Rite Aid senior vice president of marketing. “Rite Aid shoppers will have the opportunity to earn $20 in savings every week while shopping for everyday items, including those needed for the inevitable spring cleaning.”

Shoppers can earn points on thousands of items throughout the store including beauty, first aid, vitamins and nutritional supplements, home goods, food and beverages, and more. For a complete list of participating products or promotion details, visit www.riteaid.com/springforpoints.

New and existing wellness+ members can now sign up for wellness+ with Plenti at any Rite Aid store nationwide or online at www.riteaid.com/plenti. Once enrolled, members of wellness+ with Plenti will earn Plenti points on featured items they buy.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

# # #

*Customers can earn up to 16,000 Plenti points during the 4-week promotional period, with a limit of two offers per wellness+ with Plenti card each week. 

Contact:

Media: Kristin Kellum 717-975-5713

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Naloxone opioid antidote now available without prescription at Associated Food Stores retailer’s pharmacies

Naloxone will be available to guests without a prescription

Salt Lake City, UT, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Life saving medication is now available in your local grocery store’s pharmacy. Naloxone, an opioid antidote, will be available without a prescription to guests at participating Associated Food Stores retailer’s pharmacies. The medication is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses including heroin and painkillers through a nasal spray.

“Our pharmacies care for many patients and families who have been devastated by the unintended effects of opioid use. As pharmacists, we are trained to provide Naloxone, along with the necessary education and training that may save a life,” said Denise Kunkel, AFS Pharmacy Operations Manager. “We take this opportunity very seriously and are honored to better serve our communities.”

AFS has developed protocols and procedures to ensure Naloxone is available to guests 18 years old and older as part of a larger Opioid Overdose Rescue program. The program and newly available medication comes at a time when prescription drug abuse continues to be a public health and safety risk. According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 6.5 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 2014. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 47,055 drug overdose deaths, which include prescription and illicit drugs, during the same year, a 6.5 percent increase from 2013. Utah ranks fifth in the nation in opioid related deaths, with 21 deaths each month.

Each pharmacist at participating pharmacies has been trained to provide medication counseling and guidance to patients. Naloxone is currently available at the following pharmacies: A&W, Bowman’s, Cecil’s, Dan’s, Davis Food & Drug, Day’s Market, Dick’s Market Centerville, Ephraim Market Fresh, Fresh Market, Harmon’s, Kamas Foodtown, Kent’s Market Brigham City, Kent’s Market Clearfield, Lee’s Marketplace, Lin’s Market, Macey’s, Payson Market, Peterson’s Fresh Market, Ridley’s, Stewarts Basin Family Pharmacy, and Winegar’s Bountiful.

 

Media Contact:                                                                      
Rachael Wabel
rmwabel@afstores.com
801-978-8913

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CBRE expands presence in Nordics with planned acquisition of affiliate company in Norway, Atrium AS

LOS ANGELES, CA, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire its affiliate company in Norway, Atrium AS, responding to increased demand from clients targeting commercial real estate opportunities across the Nordics.

Upon completion, the acquisition will significantly strengthen CBRE’s presence in the Nordics and enable the company to capitalize on increasing real estate activity in the region. The transaction will also enable CBRE to align its recently expanded occupier outsourcing business, Global Workplace Solutions, with Atrium’s existing capabilities in this area.

Norway has a strong, open economy with abundant natural resources, and enjoys one of the world’s highest living standards with the fourth-highest GDP per capita globally. This has also enabled the country to build the world’s third largest sovereign wealth fund. Norway attracted a record €13.4 billion of commercial real estate investment in 2015, overtaking Sweden at the end of the year to become the largest Nordic property market.

Atrium was founded in 1993 and became a CBRE affiliate in 2000. Today the company is led by Managing Director John Olof Solberg and provides investment, leasing, occupier and valuation services to local and international clients. The companies have had a highly collaborative relationship over the years, particularly with regard to Atrium’s fast-growing occupier outsourcing and capital markets businesses. The companies have worked together across a number of investment mandates, which include one of Europe’s largest single-asset transactions in 2015, the sale and leaseback of Statoil’s 1.1 million sq. ft. global headquarters in Stavanger.

Martin Samworth, CEO, EMEA, CBRE, said:
“This acquisition will consolidate our presence in an important region where both investors and corporate occupiers are increasingly active. Atrium has built an exceptional reputation and client base and this acquisition will allow us to enhance the services we provide to clients, many of whom are targeting Norway for its growth potential. We have an extremely collaborative relationship with Atrium and look forward to expanding our Nordics and Norwegian service offering together.”

John Olof Solberg, Managing Director, Atrium AS, added:
“We have enjoyed a very successful relationship with CBRE over the last 15 years. Now we look forward to being able to leverage the full benefits of the global service offering and brand for our clients particularly in our fast growing capital markets and occupier outsourcing businesses as well as expanding into new areas.”

The acquisition is subject to customary approval from the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority and is expected to be completed by the end of April 2016.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2015 revenue).  The Company has more than 70,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 400 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide.  CBRE offers strategic advice and execution for property sales and leasing; corporate services; property, facilities and project management; mortgage banking; appraisal and valuation; development services; investment management; and research and consulting.  Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain of the statements in this release regarding the acquisition of Atrium AS that do not concern purely historical data are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the ”safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, CBRE’s ability to consummate the Atrium acquisition (and the timing thereof) and to successfully integrate Atrium with its existing operations in the Nordics and across EMEA, as well as other risks and uncertainties discussed in CBRE’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws, CBRE expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of them to reflect actual results, any changes in expectations or any change in events. If CBRE does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. For additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and risks to CBRE’s business in general, please refer to CBRE’s SEC filings, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. Such filings are available publicly and may be obtained off CBRE’s website at www.cbre.com or upon request from the CBRE Investor Relations Department at investorrelations@cbre.com.

Media Relations
+1 212 9848267
Robert.McGrath@cbre.com

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CarMax and CarMax Auto Finance awarded 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Atlanta Journal Constitution

Company Hiring to Fill More Than 1,600 Positions As Store Growth Continues

RICHMOND, Va., 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax (NYSE: KMX) and its auto finance division, CarMax Auto Finance, have been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Atlanta Journal Constitution and ranked 5th of Atlanta’s top 25 large companies. More than 1,400 companies in the Atlanta area applied for this award and 150 were recognized.

“Being named one of Atlanta’s Top Workplaces is a wonderful achievement for CarMaxand CarMax Auto Finance,” said Jon Daniels, senior vice president of operations at CarMax Auto Finance (CAF). “This award is a credit to the thousands of associates that together have built a culture of integrity, teamwork and transparency we believe is second to none.”

The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution, and connection.

CarMax has nine stores in Georgia, and the Atlanta metro area is home to seven of them as well as to CAF, which has been in operation since 1993 and offers competitive financing solely to CarMax customers. Industry sources have ranked CAF as the country’s 8th largest used auto finance company and 14th largest auto finance company overall, based on market share. CarMax has more than 1,650 associates working in theAtlanta area, including 655 that are located at CAF.

“Behind every CarMax stress-free customer experience is a dedicated, hard-working team of associates,” said Kevin Cox, regional vice president, general manager of theAtlanta region. “We place a strong focus on providing developmental opportunities for everyone in the company, and on taking care of our associates by offering a healthy work-life balance and excellent benefits.”

“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits,” says Doug Claffey, CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day—the employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together.” Claffey adds, “Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

CarMax continues to grow and plans to open between 13 and 16 stores each year for the next two years. The company is currently hiring for more than 1,600 positions across the country including 64 positions in Atlanta store locations and 36 positions at CarMax Auto Finance. Interested candidates should visit jobs.carmax.com to learn more and apply today.

About CarMax
CarMax, a member of the Fortune 500 and the S&P 500, and one of the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” for 12 consecutive years, is the nation’s largest retailer of used vehicles. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, CarMax currently operates 158 superstores in 78 markets. The CarMax consumer offer features low, no-haggle prices, a broad selection of CarMax Quality Certified used vehicles, and superior customer service. During the 12 months ending February 28, 2015, the company retailed 582,282 used cars and sold 376,186 wholesale vehicles at our in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com

 

Source: CarMax, Inc.

Media Contact
Jennifer Bartusiak, CarMax Public Relations, pr@carmax.com
Twitter: @CarMax, Facebook: facebook.com/CarMax

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Best Buy named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for the third time and earned distinction of Sustained Excellence by EPA

Minneapolis, MN, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Best Buy Blue Shirt Jose Florentino is an expert at finding ways to help our customers use new appliances to save money and energy. He is one of the many reasons why this week we were named an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for the third time and earned the distinction of Sustained Excellence by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

An appliance expert at our Millenia Mall store in Orlando, Fla., Jose is a problem solver. When customers come in to look at products, he quizzes them about what they need and want. It’s not just about size and color, he will tell them. It’s about features. For example, some washing machines will spin out most of the water from the clothes before they’re moved to the dryer. High-efficiency dryers, can do a load in less time with technology like moisture sensors that stop the machine when the load is dry. These options are often found in ENERGY STAR certified products.

Jose will also help customers determine if they can save even more money throughutility company rebates from buying qualified products.

Over the past seven years, we have trained more than 100,000 Blue Shirts on the benefits of ENERGY STAR certified products, which are independently verified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. We make those products easy to find in our stores and on BestBuy.com.

The number of ENERGY STAR certified products that we’ve sold since 2009 will, over the product lifetime, help our customers save $616 million on their utility bills while preventing 8.7 billion pounds of CO2 emissions. That’s the equivalent of removing more than 789,000 cars from the road for a year.

This mix of customer education, employee training and product offerings is why the EPA awarded us with this honor.

To talk with a knowledgeable Blue Shirt like Jose, visit a Best Buy store, or learn more about our appliance selection online. For more sustainability news and why we’re #BestBuyProud, follow @BestBuyCSR on Twitter.

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Best Buy named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for the third time and earned distinction of Sustained Excellence by EPA

Best Buy named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for the third time and earned distinction of Sustained Excellence by EPA

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Philippines: SM Foundation donates brand new daycare and health center to the residents of Pasong Kawayan II in General Trias, Cavite

Pasay City, Philippines, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ —
SM Foundation, in partnership Summerhills Home Development Corporation (SHDC), recently turned over a brand new daycare and health center to the residents of Pasong Kawayan II in General Trias, Cavite. The center will mainly cater to the two nearby subdivisions of Heneral Uno and Heneral Dos.

The one-storey building was transformed and equipped by SM Foundation to function as both a day care and health center. The facility aims to help parents from the area prepare their children for entry to formal education through values formation and socialization. Included in the donation are tables and chairs for the children, a blackboard, cabinet with educational materials and toys, as well as a toilet and pantry.

This health center will also function as a sustainable clinic and health facility. As with other SM Foundation health centers, the SM Day Care and Health Center will provide not only medical aid but also cater to the emotional needs of its patients through the creation of a better environment for healing and recuperation.

Included in the facility is a reception area, treatment area, restrooms for abled and differently-abled patients and a Felicidad Sy wellness Center for Children and the Elderly. Additionally, basic health care equipment was also donated. This is SM Foundation’s 115th wellness center to date.

SHDC, the socialized and affordable housing arm of the SM Property Group is the owner and developer of Heneral Uno and Heneral Dos as well as the nearby Rio de Oro and Centro de Oro subdivisions. Heneral Uno, the phase 1 of the housing project, is comprised of 2,365 houses. Currently, there are 300 housing units reported to have already been occupied.

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About SM Foundation
SM Foundation envisions a Philippines where everyone has the opportunity for self-improvement and the environment is sustained for future generations.

For more than three decades, SM Foundation has served as the social development arm of the SM group of companies. Using its vast reach and presence in communities all over the country, SM commits itself to creating a cycle of positive change through strategic and targeted approaches and investments in areas of food security and sustainable agriculture, health and wellness, education, sustainable environment, shelter and care for people with special needs.

SM Foundation will continue to create opportunities wherever it goes as proof that wherever we are, opportunities are sure to follow.

For further information, please contact:

Connie Angeles
Executive Director for Health
SM Foundation, Inc.
Tel. No. 857-0100 loc. 1678
Email: healthandmedical@sm-foundation.org
sm-foundation.org

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Philippines: SM Foundation donates brand new daycare and health center to the residents of Pasong Kawayan II in General Trias, Cavite

Philippines: SM Foundation donates brand new daycare and health center to the residents of Pasong Kawayan II in General Trias, Cavite

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Philippines: Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore visits SM Mall of Asia Solar Carpark

Pasay City, Philippines, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore recently visited the newly-completed SM Mall of Asia Solar Carpark. He was welcomed by Leandro Leviste, President of Solar Philippines; Hans Sy, President of SM Prime; Loren Legarda, Senator and UN Global Champion; and Hans Sy Jr., Vice President of SM Engineering Design and Development.

The visit came as Gore was in Manila for his three-day Climate Reality workshop to educate civic leaders on climate change and its solutions. During the workshop, Gore called on Filipinos to end their dependence on coal, and predicted that the Philippines, due to its abundant sunlight, can become one of the world’s first 100% solar-powered economies.

The Solar Carpark inspection was an opportunity to learn about how the Philippines is leading the way in clean energy adoption. He noted the scale of the project, which has made SM MOA the world’s largest solar-powered mall, and used it during his Climate Reality presentation. Joining the site inspection was a camera crew taking footage of the solar installation for an upcoming documentary on climate change.

The 2.7 MW MOA Solar Carpark is nearly twice the size of the 1.5 MW SM North Edsa Solar Carpark, making it one of the world’s largest on-site solar projects. Comprised of 10,426 solar panels and 40 inverters, it supplies nearly 20% of the mall’s power needs. Over 30 years, it is expected to offset over 80,000 tons of CO2, equivalent to planting over 400,000 trees. Unlike many solar projects, which displace vast farmlands or forests, the rooftop installation occupies previously unused space and provides a “green roof” to shade parked cars.

Also unlike most solar farms, which are dependent on subsidies, this project is notable for relying on zero government incentives, powering the mall at below utility rates. This demonstrates how, owing to high electricity prices and sunlight levels, the Philippines is one of the first markets to reach “grid parity”, where clean energy is also the cheapest form of energy. Solar Philippines constructed and financed the Solar Carpark, which supplies the power to SM Mall of Asia under a long-term agreement at below utility rates. Together with SM North Edsa, this makes SM the largest consumer of solar energy in the Philippines.

SOURCE: SM Investments Corporation

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During his inspection of the SM Mall of Asia Solar Carpark, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was accompanied by (left to right) Hans Sy, President of SM Prime; Senator Loren Legarda, UN Global Champion for Climate and Disaster Resilience; Leandro Leviste, President of Solar Philippines; and Hans Sy Jr., Vice President of SM Prime.

During his inspection of the SM Mall of Asia Solar Carpark, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was accompanied by (left to right) Hans Sy, President of SM Prime; Senator Loren Legarda, UN Global Champion for Climate and Disaster Resilience; Leandro Leviste, President of Solar Philippines; and Hans Sy Jr., Vice President of SM Prime.

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BESTSELLER JOINS THE BRITISH ETHICAL TRADING INITIATIVE

BESTSELLER HAS BECOME A FOUNDATION STAGE MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ETHICAL TRADING INITIATIVE (ETI), WHICH IS A LEADING ALLIANCE OF COMPANIES, TRADE UNIONS AND NGOS THAT PROMOTES RESPECT FOR WORKERS’ RIGHTS AROUND THE GLOBE.

BRANDE, Denmark, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — By becoming a Foundation Stage Member of the ETI, BESTSELLER has committed to adopting the ETI Base Code, a model code of labour practices, as well as following ETI’s Principles of implementation. This means that we will work in close collaboration with the other ETI members to tackle the many complex questions about how to trade ethically and how to make a positive difference to workers’ lives. After two years of being a Foundation Stage Member, BESTSELLER will become a Full Member, taken that the commitment during the trial period has been demonstrated in practice.

Ethical trading is not new to BESTSELLER
Back in 2008, BESTSELLER was one of the founders of the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative (DIEH) which is the Danish sister organisation of ETI consisting of a broad variety of Danish companies. However, after 7 years, BESTSELLER has decided to resign and instead join the ETI to engage with other large international fashion companies that are met with the same expectations and face the same challenges.

“Through our membership of DIEH we have already participated in some of ETI’s working groups, but becoming a member ourselves will leave us with much better opportunities for influencing the work within the groups and help drive positive changes,“ says Mogens Werge, Sustainability Director in BESTSELLER.

BESTSELLER is also engaged in other multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) that works to find a universal approach for measuring sustainable performance.

“As a single company we often have very little leverage to tackle issues that are deeply rooted in country cultures and that require fundamental changes. Therefore, joining forces within the industry and taking a collaborative approach is the most efficient way of making real sustainable improvements when working with complex supply chains as in the apparel and footwear industry,” says Mogens Werge.

Read more about ETI here: http://www.ethicaltrade.org/

Corporate Communication
Phone: +45 99 42 16 62
E-mail: communications@bestseller.com

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FDI in Indian E-commerce will stop price wars and streamline operations: Bhaskar Venkatraman

Chennai, India, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ —  The Indian government’s move to open up E-commerce market place to Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) will, apart from bring in more foreign investments and improve economy, also streamline and regulate the market while arresting the unethical price competitions, says Bhaskar Venkatraman, Founder and Director of JusTransact.com, an exclusive e-commerce market place for Point Of Sale (POS) products and consumables, for both retail and non-retail applications.

Bhaskar Venkatraman, Director, JusTransact.com

Bhaskar Venkatraman, Director, JusTransact.com

Reacting the government move to allow 100% FDI in India’s e-commerce sector, Bhaskar, who is one of the pioneers in introducing POS technology to Indian retail market, says,  “This is a good step with a long term vision and a step towards bring in regulations and healthy competition among e-commerce companies. The move will arrest un-ethical price competitions vis-à-vis brick-and-mortar counterparts which will ultimately benefit end users. This will also change consumers’ perspective towards online shopping as they give more weightage to convenience rather than the price factors.”

On the flip side, the entry of international biggies into Indian e-commerce sector will lead to realignments of local companies, which is unavoidable in the present scenario. This will trigger healthy competition and improve products’ standards in the market, a win-win situation for consumers.

About JusTransact.com

Justransact.com is an e-commerce venture of Millennium Retech Ventures India Pvt. Ltd promoted by Millennium Group. JusTrasact.com was launched with a sole motive of providing reliable, affordable and scalable POS solutions to the fast growing retail sector in India. POS technology facilitates small, medium and large businesses automate their activities, enhance customer experience and also make them competitive with established players. The portal has made world-class cutting-edge POS Hardware, Software and Knowledge accessible to retailers. Headquartered in Chennai and having branches in major cities in India, Justransact.com offers one-stop solution for all kinds of POS needs to both retail and non-retail business applications. The portal currently sells 1000+ POS products of 15+ categories from 40+ world’s leading brands.

Media contact: 

K Ramanathan,

ram(at)justransact(dot)com

G-19,2nd Floor, Block-16, 2nd Main Road,

Ambattur Industrial Estate,

Chennai-600 058.

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Save-On-Foods store in Saskatchewan marks grand opening with special Regina gala on March 31

Regina, Saskatchewan, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The first Save-On-Foods store in Saskatchewan is celebrating its grand opening this weekend with a special invite-only gala on Thursday, March 31.

Joining Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones in making remarks at the gala are special guests Jim Pattison, owner of Save-On-Foods; Regina city councillor Bob Hawkins; and Regina Food Bank CEO Steve Compton.

Admission to this private event is by donation to the Regina Food Bank.

Special presentations and entertainment by Saskatchewan’s own Cody Prevost will also play an exclusive concert during the event.

The store officially opens its doors to the public on Friday, April 1, and will hold grand opening promotions and events starting April 2.

To attend the Gala with a guest or to arrange for an in-store photo opportunity or one-on-one interview in the afternoon on March 31 or morning of April 1, please contact Julie Dickson at (604) 992-2538 or julie_dickson@owfg.com.

What: Save-On-Foods Regina South grand opening sneak preview gala

When: Thursday, March 31, 2016, 6 p.m.

Who: Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones, Save-On-Foods owner Jim Pattison, Regina Food Bank CEO Steve Compton, City Councillor Bob Hawkins

Where: Save-On-Foods, 4520 Albert Street South, Regina, Saskatchewan

Source: Save-On-Foods

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Save-On-Foods opens store in Yukon

Whitehorse, Yukon, 2016-Mar-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Save-On-Foods is officially announcing its entry to the Yukon with a ground-breaking event in Yukon’s capital city on March 30.

The store will include a 42,000-square-foot Save-On-Foods store with the full Save-On-Foods offering, and an adjacent 12,000-square-foot wholesale store on the property.

Wednesday’s event will feature remarks by Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones and Mayor Dan Curtis.

The Vancouver-based company is known for customizing each of its stores to meet the needs of the local community, for going the extra mile for its customers, and for its commitment to supporting local producers.

Construction is expected to commence later this year, with an anticipated opening in the summer of 2017.

What: Save-On-Foods Whitehorse Announcement

When: Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 4:15pm

Who: Save-On-Foods president Darrell Jones
City of Whitehorse Mayor Dan Curtis
Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce President Rick Karp

Where: Chilkoot Way & Quartz Road
Whitehorse, Yukon

Source: Save-On-Foods

For more information please contact:

Julie Dickson Olmstead, Save-On-Foods
(604) 992-2538
julie_dickson@owfg.com

Jessica Apolloni, City of Whitehorse
867- 689-2848

 

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El Paso, TX tops Walgreens Top Ten DMAs with Flu Activity for the Week of 3/20/2016

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Mar-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Walgreens Flu Index™ is a weekly report developed to provide state- and market-specific information regarding flu activity, and ranking of those experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country.

The Walgreens Flu Index does not provide data measuring actual levels or severity of flu activity, but rather, illustrates which populations are experiencing the most incidences each week based on Index methodology.

With the ability to generate hyper-local data across most U.S. markets, the Flu Index is an online, interactive resource allowing anyone to search and find information regarding the most current state of influenza in their community.

To view this week’s Walgreens Flu Index, maps and other online features, click here.

Top Ten DMAs with Flu Activity
Week of 3/20/2016

  1. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.)
  2. Louisville, Ky.
  3. Beaumont – Port Arthur, Texas
  4. Columbus – Tupelo – West Point – Houston, Miss.
  5. Memphis, Tenn.
  6. Chattanooga, Tenn.
  7. Duluth, Minn.-Superior, Wis.
  8. Harlingen – Weslaco – Brownsville – McAllen, Texas
  9. Charleston, S.C.
  10. Phoenix (Prescott), Ariz.

Top Ten States with Flu Activity
Week of 3/20/2016

  1. Kentucky
  2. Wyoming
  3. New Mexico
  4. Tennessee
  5. Arizona
  6. Texas
  7. Mississippi
  8. New Jersey
  9. Hawaii
  10. South Carolina

Top Ten DMAs Flu Activity Gains
Week of 3/20/2016

  1. Duluth, Minn.-Superior, Wis.
  2. Wausau-Rhinelander, Wis.
  3. Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, Mich.
  4. Springfield-Holyoke, Mass.
  5. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, N.Y.
  6. Colorado Springs-Pueblo, Colo.
  7. Rochester, N.Y.
  8. Lafayette, La.
  9. Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
  10. Albuquerque-Santa Fe, N.M.

Top Ten States Flu Activity Gains
Week of 3/20/2016

  1. Montana
  2. Wyoming
  3. West Virginia
  4. Colorado
  5. Washington
  6. South Dakota
  7. Massachusetts
  8. Pennsylvania
  9. Maryland
  10. Rhode Island

Methodology

The Walgreens Flu Index™ is compiled using weekly retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations nationwide. The data is analyzed at state and geographic market levels to measure absolute impact and incremental change of antiviral medications on a per store average basis, and does not include markets in which Walgreens has fewer than 10 retail locations.

For more on the Walgreens Flu Index visit http://arcg.is/1HA3vGp.

© Copyright Walgreen Co. 2016. All rights reserved

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

Contact(s)

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

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Bulgari one of the few houses today with a Manufacture that allows control over the entire creative process

PARIS, 2016-Mar-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Since its founding in Rome in 1884, Bulgari has always known how to surprise, innovate and reinvent itself. These high standards have contributed to its ascent in watchmaking, making Bulgari one of the few houses today with a Manufacture that allows control over the entire creative process, end to end. Here’s a close-up look at Bulgari’s high-precision production mechanism.

Divided among four sites located in Switzerland’s Jura region, the Bulgari Manufacture covers all the stages in the creation of the most outstanding contemporary watches. From horological mechanisms and casings to metal watchbands and high-end dials, all watch components are produced in-house. Some 350 employees meticulously execute the design and development processes, from the initial design sketch to final quality control. Several dozen métiers are represented, spanning both traditional expertise and state-of-the-art technologies.

The Sentier facility produces and assembles the Solotempo self-winding watch, the collection of grand complications, and the Finissimo extra-thin watches. Advanced technologies and highly qualified technicians ensure flawless design of miniature functional components, demanding incredible technical dexterity.

At the Saignelégier facility, production focuses on casings and gold and steel bands for some of Bulgari’s most high-profile models. This unit brings together an array of highly-specialized métiers to ensure the various production stages, including numerical control milling machines that shape blocks of gold or steel, lubricated by oil sprays, and an imposing polishing chamber where all components are processed by hand, down to the smallest links in a watchband.

The Chaux-de-Fonds facility makes high-end dials, whose elaborate design requires a wealth of expertise, as well as extensive experience. Impeccable quality is imperative at each stage in the manufacturing process to ensure that the product complies with the highest standards of excellence.

Neuchâtel, Bulgari’s fourth production site, is the operational nerve center, where final assembly, mechanism casings and the ultimate quality controls are carried out. This is also where jewelry and watchmaking come together to finalize high jewelry watches designed in close cooperation with Bulgari Jewelry teams. For each piece, the precious components are crafted at one of two Bulgari facilities, either the Valenza Manufacture or the Haute Joaillerie workshop in Rome. Watches are made using a traditional technique called lost-wax casting. Specialized goldsmiths clean, assembly and finish all precious metal parts to give shape to bands and casings set with precious gems, following the natural movement of the wrist.

Bulgari’s watchmaking operations take advantage of natural synergies, making the Italian House a benchmark in terms of quality and precision in the demanding world of high-end watch manufacturers.

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Bulgari one of the few houses today with a Manufacture that allows control over the entire creative process

© Bulgari

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Unibail-Rodamco SE: The rights of holders of ORNANE will be adjusted as of March 29

Paris, Amsterdam, 2016-Mar-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Following the distribution on March 29, 2016 of an interim dividend of €4.85 per share, the rights of holders of ORNANE will be adjusted as of March 29, 2016 as follows:

ORNANE 2012 bonds (ISIN code FR0011321330, Article 4.16.7(a)(11) of the prospectus reviewed by the “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” on September 11, 2012 under number 12-440): the new Conversion Rate is 1.15.

ORNANE 2014 bonds (ISIN code FR0011521673, Article 4.16.7(a)(11) of the prospectus reviewed by the “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” on June 17, 2014 under number 14-296): the new Conversion Rate is 1.04.

In accordance with contractual rules, the new Conversion Rates are calculated on the basis of the Unibail-Rodamco SE volume-weighted average share price  over the three trading days preceding the ex-date on Euronext (i.e. on March 18, 21 and 22, 2016).

As a reminder, the Conversion Rate of the ORNANE 2015 bonds (ISIN code FR0012658094, prospectus reviewed by the “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” on April 8, 2015 under number 15-144) remains unchanged at 1.00.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations
Antoine Onfray
+33 1 76 77 72 87
antoine.onfray@unibail-rodamco.com

Marine Huet
+33 1 76 77 58 02
marine.huet@unibail-rodamco.com

Media Relations
Pauline Duclos-Lenoir
+33 1 76 77 57 94
pauline.duclos-lenoir@unibail-rodamco.com

About Unibail-Rodamco
Created in 1968, Unibail-Rodamco SE is Europe’s largest listed commercial property company, with a presence in 12 EU countries, and a portfolio of assets valued at €37.8 billion as of December 31, 2015. As an integrated operator, investor and developer, the Group aims to cover the whole of the real estate value creation chain. With the support of its 1,996 professionals, Unibail-Rodamco applies those skills to highly specialised market segments such as large shopping centres in major European cities and large offices and convention & exhibition centres in the Paris region.

The Group distinguishes itself through its focus on the highest architectural, city planning and environmental standards. Its long term approach and sustainable vision focuses on the development or redevelopment of outstanding places to shop, work and relax. Its commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability has been recognised by inclusion in the DJSI (World and Europe), FTSE4Good and STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes.

The Group is a member of the CAC 40, AEX 25 and EuroSTOXX 50 indices. It benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. For more information, please visit our website: www.unibail-rodamco.com

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NRF David French: New Union Organizing Rules Will Lead To Confusion For America’s Employers

WASHINGTON, 2016-Mar-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation issued the following statement in response to today’s release from the Department of Labor of final rules significantly narrowing the advice exemption for employers under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.

“Once again, the Obama administration is bowing to labor unions and eliminating a well-established, clear test in favor of an ambiguous and open-ended standard that will lead to confusion for America’s employers,” NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said. “For more than 50 years, the Department of Labor has maintained a clear definition of the advice exemption so that employers could seek and receive legal counsel and protect employer free speech. Now, DOL is rewriting the law without any involvement from Congress and without any proof a change is needed.

“DOL’s new rules would trigger reporting requirements for any communications that could even indirectly persuade workers regarding collective bargaining. NRF is concerned that the new standard will discourage employers from seeking advice of counsel in a broad swath of areas that have nothing to do with traditional persuader activities.

“The end result will be a chilling effect on simple legal advice regarding employee or collective bargaining issues. Small retailers will be the first to suffer, and Big Labor will profit from this muzzling of free speech.”

NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. nrf.com

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Robin Roberts
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press