Monthly Archives: April 2016

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Franks Ice Cream wins contract to supply around 120 Co-op food stores across Wales

MANCHESTER, UK, 2016-Apr-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — An Ammanford-based ice cream maker has seen its expansion plans boosted by scooping a contract to supply Co-op food stores across Wales.

Franks Ice Cream will supply around 120 Co-op food stores in communities across Wales in a year that sees the award winning ice cream maker mark the centenary of its founder, Francesco Dallavalle, arriving in Wales from Parma, northern Italy.

The move forms part of the Co-op’s commitment to backing local Welsh suppliers and will support Frank’s plans to create a further four permanent positions at its purpose-built manufacturing facility this year.

Giulio Dallavalle, grandson of the founder of Frank’s Ice Cream, said:

“We are very excited, it is fantastic news. This will enable our ice cream to reach new and important markets in communities across Wales. It is our largest contract with a community retailer. The Co-op will initially stock our award winning clotted cream vanilla ice cream which we are very proud of, and I am confident it will be a big success with the Co-op’s customers.

“With sales to retailers less seasonal – as ice cream is popular as a dessert all year round – the contract win and volume uplift also comes at the perfect time to support our plans for growth and expansion. We both share a passion and pride in great produce and so we are delighted to be working closely with the Co-op.”

Simon Dryell, Ranging Manager for the Co-op’s food stores in Wales, said:

“Frank’s Ice Cream is a great story of endeavour, with the legacy and traditions of Francesco Dallavalle going from strength-to-strength almost 100 years after he first started selling his ice cream in South Wales. Our convenience stores are located in the heart of Welsh communities and this is a further step in the Co-op’s commitment to offering more locally sourced produce conveniently.”

Giulio Dallavalle is the 3rd generation of ice cream maker at Frank’s. Francesco Dallavalle opened his first café in 1920 after arriving in Wales four years earlier. Almost 100 years later Frank’s still uses traditional recipes and finest Welsh ingredients combined with Italian flair. This year, Frank’s expects to increase its workforce by around 15 percent to around 30 people. For more information about Franks Ice Cream visit www.franksicecream.co.uk

Further information:

Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
07702 505 551
andrew.torr@co-operative.coop

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icecream

Franks Ice Cream wins contract to supply around 120 Co-op food stores across Wales

 

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Bouw van het nieuwe, gemechaniseerde distributiecentrum van Albert Heijn in Zaandam van start gegaan

Zaandam, 2016-Apr-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Vandaag is de bouw van het nieuwe, gemechaniseerde distributiecentrum van Albert Heijn in Zaandam van start gegaan. Cees van Vliet, directeur winkels en distributie, sloeg samen met burgemeester Geke Faber van de gemeente Zaanstad en de bij de bouw betrokken partijen de eerste paal. Het gemechaniseerde distributiecentrum is naar verwachting halverwege 2018 klaar.

Het nieuwe distributiecentrum wordt gerealiseerd door Bouwbedrijf De Vries en Verburg B.V. op het terrein van het bestaande distributiecentrum in Zaandam. Het gebouw van 23.000 m2 krijgt, mede door plaatsing van 6380 zonnepanelen, het BREEAM-NL Excellent duurzaamheidscertificaat. BREEAM-NL is een internationaal erkend keurmerk dat gebouwen beoordeelt op diverse duurzaamheidscategorieën en alleen bovenwettelijke prestaties beloont.

Vanderlande, wereldspeler op het gebied van magazijn automatisering, levert de mechanisatieoplossing. In het gemechaniseerde distributiecentrum wordt straks vrijwel het complete assortiment houdbare producten vanaf ontvangst tot laden gemechaniseerd. Daardoor kunnen meer producten in dezelfde ruimte worden verwerkt en worden transportbewegingen naar winkels beperkt omdat producten efficiënter gestapeld worden. Bijkomend voordeel voor de winkel is dat de producten daarbij volgens de indeling van de winkel worden gestapeld waardoor winkelmedewerkers gemakkelijker de schappen kunnen vullen. Voor medewerkers in het distributiecentrum verbetert de kwaliteit van het werk, omdat machines het zware handmatige werk overnemen. Voor vaste medewerkers binnen Albert Heijn logistiek blijft voldoende werk en geldt een baangarantie.

SOURCE: Albert Heijn

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PT Hero Supermarket Tbk Q1-2016: Gross profit up 2%

South Tangerang, 2016-Apr-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — The following announcement was issued today (April 27, 2016) by the Company’s 83.9%-owned subsidiary, PT Hero Supermarket Tbk.

Highlights

• Net revenue down 3%
• Gross profit up 2%
• Net loss of Rp 35 billion
• Stores rationalization programme
• Positive free cash flow

PRESIDENT DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

Overview

The Group’s 2016 first quarter result was disappointing with the Food operations facing declining sales, which was only partially offset by both Health and Beauty and IKEA achieving double digit like-for-like sales growth.

Profitability in the Food operations was reduced due to the lower sales, higher stock provisions and increasing costs resulting from last year’s wage increases. Significant attention continues to be given to driving sales growth, and several initiatives are underway to mitigate the effects of rising costs through energy savings and improved productivity. Health and Beauty and IKEDespite reporting a loss for the period, operating cash flow was Rp 114 billion. The Company’s financial position is stable with net cash of Rp 47 billion, consistent with the position at 31st December 20A both enjoyed improving profitability.

Financial Performance

Total sales were Rp 3,409 billion in the first quarter of 2016, 3% down compared with prior year. A net loss of Rp 35 billion was recorded for the quarter, compared to a net loss of Rp 33 billion last year.

Despite reporting a loss for the period, operating cash flow was Rp 114 billion. The Company’s financial position is stable with net cash of Rp 47 billion, consistent with the position at 31st December 2015.

Business Activities

In the Food operations, the strategic decision to increase the focus on fresh produce is showing promising results with strong like-for-like sales growth in this category. Disappointing grocery and general merchandise sales, however, impacted negatively the overall Food performance during the quarter, especially in Giant. Action is also being taken to improve the efficiency of the supply chain, with increased centralization through the Group’s distribution centres.

Both Giant Ekstra and Ekspres are taking action to improve their trading and their profitability.

The Group’s upscale format, Hero Supermarket, had stable like-for-like sales. It is continuing to focus on enhancing its offer across the fresh, imported and exclusive ranges to provide a more distinctive choice for customers.

In Health and Beauty, Guardian’s store rationalization programme is progressing well which, together with the introduction of refreshed branding and increasing private label development, is leading to improvements in both sales and profitability.

In Home Furnishings, IKEA has produced a strong performance, exceeding sales and profitability expectations.

The Company is continuing to invest in the technology required to deliver a superior offer and provide a compelling shopping experience for customers.

A total 28 net stores were closed in the first quarter, including 1 Giant Ekspres, 24 Guardian and 5 Starmart. This was offset by the opening of 2 outlets (1 Guardian and 1 Giant Ekstra). As at 31st March 2016, the Company operated 582 stores, comprising 54 Giant Ekstra, 153 Giant Ekspres and Hero Supermarket, 295 Guardian Health and Beauty stores, 1 IKEA and 79 Starmart convenience stores.

Prospects

While there are initial signs of margin improvement, the trading conditions for Food are expected to remain challenging. Various initiatives are underway to improve the profitability of the Food business, and continuing progress is expected in both Health and Beauty and IKEA.

– end –

For further information contact:

Stephane Deutsch, President Director PT Hero Supermarket Tbk Tel: +62-21-8378 8388, Fax: +62-21-831 7764

Dairy Farm Management Services Limited
Neil Galloway (852) 2299 1896

 

 

 

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Defense Commissary Agency’s gift card program enters its 6th year

FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Apr-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gift cards are a great idea. They solve the problem of trying to figure out what to give someone with a simple answer: give them a choice. But then you’re faced with a different question – which card to give? Sure, you could give them one for an online retailer, but then much of the card’s value would probably go toward paying shipping costs and handling fees.

What to do?

Here’s an idea: get them a commissary gift card! Authorized shoppers can then pick out what they want, knowing they’re getting the biggest bang for every dollar spent by shopping at the commissary and taking advantage of the best prices in town. And from meat and potatoes to hanging plants, commissaries sell a surprising variety of everyday needs.

“The cards can be used to purchase anything sold in the commissary,” said Bob Bunch, the Defense Commissary Agency’s gift card program manager. “And we do about $5 million a year in gift card sales.” The program, which enters its 6th year in June, has seen just shy of 660-thousand cards worth more than $22.5 million snapped up by givers. And unlike most gift cards, shoppers actually use the commissary gift cards they receive. “Our redemption rate is really phenomenal,” said Bunch, adding that almost 90 percent of all cards sold have been fully redeemed. “The industry average redemption rate for a gift card is about 75 percent.”

The cards are available to anyone online at commissaries.com and in-store for authorized commissary shoppers.

Here are some commissary gift card quick facts:

  • Gift cards are available at all commissaries worldwide – on a rack at full service, front-end registers – as well as the website. Just use the “Place your order” button on the Gift Cards page.
  • Cards are good for five years from the date of purchase.
  • Only gift cards purchased online incur a shipping and handling fee. There are no fees when the card is purchased in a store.
  • There is no limit to the number of gifts cards that a purchaser can buy. However, DeCA officials recommend organizations and activities consider purchasing their cards online if they plan to purchase more than 50 at a time.
  • The cards can be sent anywhere in the United States. However, cards can only be shipped to APO, FPO or DPO addresses outside the United States.
  • To check card balances, use the “Check Your Balance” button on the Gift Cards page.

Customers who still have unused gift vouchers, the precursor to the gift card, may still redeem them through Aug. 31, regardless of the expiration date printed on it. After that date, DeCA will no longer accept the vouchers as a form of payment.

For customer service questions, please call 877-988-4438, which is also found on the back of the gift card. Customers can also use this number to check the balance on their card.

Note: To watch a video about commissary gift cards on DeCA’s YouTube page, go tohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM2pdI9z06Y.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

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Hy-Vee statement on fraudulent grocery giveaway on social media

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, 2016-Apr-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — A fraudulent grocery giveaway is circulating on social media. We want you to know that this giveaway is not affiliated with or supported by Hy-Vee. We urge our customers to not engage with the website or provide personal information.

We are diligently working to get the website taken down. In the meantime, we recommend that you ignore the post and not share it. We want your personal information to stay safe. Thanks for your help.

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Harris Teeter will launch its fifth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign

Company Contributes Over $2.8 Million Since 2012

MATTHEWS, NC, 2016-Apr-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sunday, May 1, Harris Teeter will launch its fifth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign. This campaign, which benefits the USO, helps support active duty military and their families, as well as wounded service members, those transitioning back to civilian life, and families of the fallen.

During the month of May, Harris Teeter shoppers and associates will be invited to make $1, $3 or $5 donations to Support Our Troops at checkout, or during their expresslane online order. The company gives 100 percent of these donations directly to the USO to help connect America’s service members and their families to their family, home and country throughout their journey in the military. The USO acts as an extended family for our nation’s military by delivering valuable programs, morale-boosting services, engaging entertainment and a touch of home through more than 180 locations worldwide.

“This Military Appreciation Month, we are thrilled Harris Teeter associates and shoppers will be able to show our men and women in uniform that we appreciate the sacrifices they make for our country,” said Michael Hoar, USO Vice President of Corporate Alliances. “Partnerships like this are paramount for the USO to support our nation’s military, as we have for the past 75 years.”

“Harris Teeter is proud to partner with the USO to show support of our brave servicemen and women, as well as their families,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. “We are thankful for the involvement of our valued associates and loyal shoppers who continuously support the good works of the USO.”

In 2015, the Support Our Troops campaign raised over $759,000 to benefit our service men and women; bringing the total donated to more than $2.8 million since 2012.

Click here for more information.

About the USO
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

SOURCE: Harris Teeter, Inc.

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Harris Teeter will launch its fifth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign

Harris Teeter will launch its fifth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign

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365 by Whole Foods Market opens 2nd location in Lake Oswego, Oregon

Portland-based Next Level Burger and Canteen to be next ‘Friends of 365’

AUSTIN, Texas, 2016-Apr-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — 365 by Whole Foods Market™, the new evolution of grocery stores by Whole Foods Market, announced today that its second location, in Lake Oswego, Oregon, will open July 14.

The store will host two new Friends of 365 partners that both originate from Portland, Oregon: Next Level Burger, a plant-based take on the classic American burger joint and Canteen, a fresh and healthy café and juice bar. Both ‘friends’ will establish shops within the new 365 by Whole Foods Market location and will feature specially curated menus that will further enhance the store experience. Next Level Burger will be serving up plant-based burgers, fries, shakes, hot dogs and organic salads alongside craft soda, local beer and kombucha. Canteen will feature design elements from its flagship store in Portland and will serve an innovative menu of organic juices and smoothies as well as a few other select items.

“Oregon is known throughout the country for an extremely creative and diverse food scene and we wanted to find partners that would be reflective of those qualities. We’ve made it a point to keep an open mind during the selection process, considering anything and everything. This time it was the team in the Pacific Northwest that helped us discover friends for this new store,” said Jeff Turnas, president of 365 by Whole Foods Market. “They were huge fans of Next Level Burger and Canteen and suggested they would be a great fit. We’re really excited to welcome both and anticipate this 365 by Whole Foods Market location will become a Portland-area destination for healthy, fast casual eating as well as convenient grocery shopping.”

The Lake Oswego store will also offer shoppers the convenience of online ordering and delivery with Instacart, through its longstanding relationship with Whole Foods Market.

365 by Whole Foods Market stores are designed to complement the Whole Foods Market brand by bringing fresh, healthy foods to a broader audience with a streamlined, quality-meets-value shopping experience. Stores feature thoughtfully selected partners and products that adhere to Whole Foods Market’s industry-leading quality standards in an environment that’s fun and easy for shoppers. The Friends of 365 program is an opportunity for innovative businesses and entrepreneurs that align with the mission and quality standards of Whole Foods Market to transform the traditional grocery shopping experience and expand their reach by establishing independent retail spaces inside of 365 by Whole Foods Market stores. The first 365 by Whole Foods Market store location will open May 25, 2016 in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. A third location will open in Bellevue, Washington, later this fall and up to 10 additional 365 by Whole Foods Market stores are expected to open in 2017.

EXPERTS
Jeff Turnas
President – 365 by Whole Foods Market
Jeff Turnas is president of 365 by Whole Foods Market. He was appointed to lead Whole Foods Market’s new retail store brand in June 2015.

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Former Family Dollar and Giant Eagle Executive Mary Winston joins SUPERVALU Board

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., 2016-Apr-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE:SVU) today announced that experienced financial executive and corporate board member Mary Winston has been appointed to SUPERVALU’s Board of Directors effectiveApril 27, 2016.

Ms. Winston joins the Board having most recently served from 2012 through August 2015 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Family Dollar Stores, Inc., a discount retailer with more than 8,300 stores and nearly $11 billion in revenues prior to its acquisition by Dollar Tree in July 2015. Before joining Family Dollar, from 2008 to 2012, Ms. Winston served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Giant Eagle, Inc., a regional grocery and fuel retailer. In addition to her corporate executive leadership experience, Ms. Winston also has over ten years of experience serving on public company boards and audit committees where she brings extensive financial management and leadership experience. Ms. Winston currently serves on the boards of directors for two public companies, Dover Corporation and Domtar Corporation, and from 2008 throughFebruary 2016 was a director for Plexus Corporation.

Commenting on Ms. Winston’s appointment, SUPERVALU’s Non-Executive Chairman Gerald Storch said, “I’m very pleased that Mary has accepted our offer to join the SUPERVALU Board of Directors. Her experience in senior level financial positions and on executive management teams, along with her many years of service on public company boards, makes her a highly-qualified addition who will help to lead our organization into the future.”

With the addition of Ms. Winston, SUPERVALU’s Board now has twelve members.

About SUPERVALU INC.
SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest grocery wholesalers and retailers in the U.S. with annual sales of approximately $18 billion.SUPERVALU serves customers across the United States through a network of 3,588 stores composed of 1,796 independent stores serviced primarily by the Company’s food distribution business; 1,360 Save-A-Lot stores, of which 897 are operated by licensee owners; and 200 traditional retail grocery stores (store counts as of February 27, 2016). Headquartered in Minnesota,SUPERVALU has approximately 40,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.

Source: SUPERVALU INC.

SUPERVALU INC.
For Investors:
Steve Bloomquist, PH 952-828-4144
Steve.bloomquist@supervalu.com
or
For Media:
Jeff Swanson, PH 952-903-1645
Jeffrey.swanson@supervalu.com

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Apple fiscal 2016-Q2: Our team executed extremely well in the face of strong macroeconomic headwinds

CUPERTINO, California, 2016-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Apple® today announced financial results for its fiscal 2016 second quarter ended March 26, 2016. The Company posted quarterly revenue of $50.6 billion and quarterly net income of $10.5 billion, or $1.90 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $58 billion and net income of $13.6 billion, or $2.33 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 39.4 percent compared to 40.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 67 percent of the quarter’s revenue.

“Our team executed extremely well in the face of strong macroeconomic headwinds,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We are very happy with the continued strong growth in revenue from Services, thanks to the incredible strength of the Apple ecosystem and our growing base of over one billion active devices.”

The Company also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase of $50 billion to the Company’s program to return capital to shareholders. Under the expanded program, Apple plans to spend a cumulative total of $250 billion of cash by the end of March 2018.

“We generated strong operating cash flow of $11.6 billion and returned $10 billion to shareholders through our capital return program during the March quarter,” said Luca Maestri, Apple’s CFO. “Thanks to the strength of our business results, we are happy to be announcing today a further increase of the program to $250 billion.”

As part of the updated program, the Board has increased its share repurchase authorization to $175 billion from the $140 billion level announced last year. The Company also expects to continue to net-share-settle vesting restricted stock units.

The Board has approved an increase of 10 percent to the Company’s quarterly dividend, and has declared a dividend of $.57 per share, payable on May 12, 2016 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 9, 2016.

From the inception of its capital return program in August 2012 through March 2016, Apple has returned over $163 billion to shareholders, including $117 billion in share repurchases.

The Company plans to continue to access the domestic and international debt markets to assist in funding the program. The management team and the Board will continue to review each element of the capital return program regularly and plan to provide an update on the program on an annual basis.

Apple is providing the following guidance for its fiscal 2016 third quarter:

  • revenue between $41 billion and $43 billion
  • gross margin between 37.5 percent and 38 percent
  • operating expenses between $6 billion and $6.1 billion
  • other income/(expense) of $300 million
  • tax rate of 25.5 percent

Apple will provide live streaming of its Q2 2016 financial results conference call beginning at 2:00 p.m. PDT on April 26, 2016 at www.apple.com/investor/earnings-call/. This webcast will also be available for replay for approximately two weeks thereafter.

This press release contains forward-looking statements including without limitation those about the Company’s estimated revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, other income/(expense), tax rate, and plans for dividends, share repurchases and public debt issuance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive and economic factors, and the Company’s reaction to those factors, on consumer and business buying decisions with respect to the Company’s products; continued competitive pressures in the marketplace; the ability of the Company to deliver to the marketplace and stimulate customer demand for new programs, products, and technological innovations on a timely basis; the effect that product introductions and transitions, changes in product pricing or mix, and/or increases in component costs could have on the Company’s gross margin; the inventory risk associated with the Company’s need to order or commit to order product components in advance of customer orders; the continued availability on acceptable terms, or at all, of certain components and services essential to the Company’s business currently obtained by the Company from sole or limited sources; the effect that the Company’s dependency on manufacturing and logistics services provided by third parties may have on the quality, quantity or cost of products manufactured or services rendered; risks associated with the Company’s international operations; the Company’s reliance on third-party intellectual property and digital content; the potential impact of a finding that the Company has infringed on the intellectual property rights of others; the Company’s dependency on the performance of distributors, carriers and other resellers of the Company’s products; the effect that product and service quality problems could have on the Company’s sales and operating profits; the continued service and availability of key executives and employees; war, terrorism, public health issues, natural disasters, and other circumstances that could disrupt supply, delivery, or demand of products; and unfavorable results of legal proceedings. More information on potential factors that could affect the Company’s financial results is included from time to time in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s public reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 26, 2015, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 26, 2015, and its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 26, 2016 to be filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which speak as of their respective dates.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Apple’s four software platforms — iOS, OS X, watchOS and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay and iCloud. Apple’s 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

Press Contact:
Kristin Huguet
Apple
khuguet@apple.com
(408) 974-2414

Investor Relations Contacts:
Nancy Paxton
Apple
paxton1@apple.com
(408) 974-5420

Joan Hoover
Apple
hoover1@apple.com
(408) 974-4570

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple Media Helpline (408) 974-2042

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Meijer LPGA Classic: Carla Hall, Dean Fearing and Marcus Samuelsson to host Celebrity Chef Nights

Carla Hall, Dean Fearing and Marcus Samuelsson to host Celebrity Chef Nights

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2016-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give continues to enhance its inaugural Grand Taste at the Meijer LPGA Classic event with the addition of three celebrity chef experiences. Celebrity Chefs Dean Fearing, Carla Hall and Marcus Samuelsson will host individual culinary experiences June 17-19 at Blythefield Country Club.

“One of the best things about this event is that it’s not just a golf event – there is literally something for everyone,” Meijer Co-Chairman Doug Meijer said. “We are thrilled to bring three culinary experts to the table and combine some of West Michigan’s finest cuisine with an unforgettable experience for our guests.”

Each iconic chef will host their own exclusive experience that will include live cooking demonstrations, food tastings and local restaurant partners.

A Night with Dean Fearing

Friday, June 17 – Blythefield Country Club

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Creator of Fearing’s Restaurant and author of “The Texas Food Bible,” Chef Dean Fearing is renowned for the “Elevated American Cuisine – Bold Flavors, No Borders” of his award-winning Fearing’s Restaurant in Dallas. Long known as the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine,” Fearing spent his life cooking for people who love good food.

An Evening with Carla Hall

Saturday, June 18 – Blythefield Country Club

6:30-9:30 p.m.

Carla Hall is a co-host of ABC’s popular lifestyle series “The Chew;” although she is best known as a competitor onBravo’s “Top Chef,” where she won over audiences with her fun catch phrase, “Hootie Hoo,” and her philosophy to always cook with love. Hall’s Southern Kitchen — the chef’s first restaurant — open in NYC in late 2015. A fast-casual love letter to Nashville, the restaurant features iconic Nashville Hot Chicken and southern sides, anchored by Hall’s family recipes and perfected with her personal touches.

Father’s Day Brunch with Marcus Samuelsson

Sunday, June 19 – Blythefield Country Club

10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Marcus Samuelsson is the acclaimed chef behind Red Rooster Harlem, Ginny’s Supper Club, and Streetbird Rotisserie. A committed philanthropist, and the youngest person to ever receive a three-star review from The New York Times, Samuelsson has won multiple James Beard Foundation Awards, including Best Chef: New York City, and was tasked with planning and executing the Obama Administration’s first State dinner. Samuelsson was also crowned champion of television shows “Top Chef Masters” and “Chopped All Stars,” and served as a mentor on ABC’s “The Taste.”

Tickets to each event cost $50 per person, and are available to purchase online at meijerLPGAclassic.com. Tickets are limited.

The 2016 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give will host a full field of 144 players, playing 72 holes of stroke play over four days of competition. The driving mission of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is to focus on feeding the hungry, and improving the quality of life within the region. The tournament coincides with the retailer’s Simply Giveprogram, which has generated more than $21 million since 2008 for food pantries in the communities it serves.

Similar to last year, proceeds from the tournament – and each of the week’s festivities – will benefit the Meijer Simply Give program that restocks the shelves of food pantries throughout the Midwest. The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give has raised more than $1.3 million for the Simply Give program.

About Meijer Simply Give:
Meijer is a family-owned retailer based in Grand Rapids, Mich. with a fundamental philosophy aimed at strengthening the communities it serves. Meijer operates 223 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin, and proudly donates more than 6 percent of its net profit each year to charities throughout the Midwest. With hunger as a corporate philanthropic focus, Meijer partners with hundreds of food banks and pantries through its Simply Give and food rescue programs. Meijer also supports education, disaster relief, and health and wellness initiatives. For additional information on Meijer philanthropy, please visit www.meijercommunity.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

About Blythefield Country Club:
Located just north of Grand Rapids, Blythefield has been providing families the best golf and social experience in West Michigan since 1928. With the Rogue River flowing through, Blythefield boasts one of the most beautiful championship layouts in Michigan. Previously, Blythefield has hosted the 1953 Western Amateur, the 1961 Western Open, won by Arnold Palmer, and the 2005 Western Junior won by Rickie Fowler. Beginning in 2014 Blythefield is honored to host the Meijer LPGA Classic. Learn more about Blythefield Country Club at www.blythefieldcc.org.

About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association):
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing more than 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/LPGA, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Octagon Global Events:
Octagon Global Events is a division of Octagon, the world’s largest sports and entertainment representation and marketing agency. Octagon Global Events focuses on premium event/property management, providing strategic corporate solutions. The division currently manages two Champions Tour events, two LPGA Tour events and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic. For more information, visit http://www.octagonglobalevents.com.

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Contact: Lesley Baker, Tournament Director, Octagon, Lesley.Baker@octagon.com, 616-426-6225 or Christina Fecher, Public Relations Manager, Meijer, Christina.Fecher@meijer.com, 616-735-7968

 

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Meijer LPGA Classic: Carla Hall, Dean Fearing and Marcus Samuelsson to host Celebrity Chef Nights

Meijer LPGA Classic: Carla Hall, Dean Fearing and Marcus Samuelsson to host Celebrity Chef Nights

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Magnit FY 2015 Results: Revenue increased by 24.50% YoY

Krasnodar, RUSSIA, 2016-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — “Magnit”, Russia’s largest retailer (the “Company”; MOEX and LSE: MGNT) announces its audited FY 2015 results prepared in accordance with IFRS.

During 2015 the Company added (net) 2,378 stores (1,250 convenience stores, 29 hypermarkets, 58 “Magnit Family” stores and 1,041 drogerie stores) and increased its selling space by 22.92% in comparison to 2014 from 3,590.64 thousand sq. m. to 4,413.72 thousand sq. m. The total store base as of December 31, 2015 reached 12,089 stores (9,594 convenience stores, 219 hypermarkets, 155 “Magnit Family” stores and 2,121 drogerie stores).

Revenue increased by 24.50% YoY from 763,527.25 million RUR in 2014 to 950,613.34 million RUR in 2015. The top line growth was due to an increase in selling space as well as to a 6.21% increase in like-for-like sales.

Gross profit increased by 22.81% from 220,520.56 million RUR to 270,820.81 million RUR. Gross margin in 2015 amounted to 28.49%.

EBITDA increased by 21.03% from 85,909.67 million RUR in 2014 to 103,972.93 million RUR in 2015. EBITDA margin in 2015 amounted to 10.94%. EBITDA margin in the 4Q of 2015 was 11.09%. Net Debt / EBITDA ratio (in ruble terms) for 2015 amounted to 0.92.

2015 net income increased by 23.85% and amounted to 59,061.20 million RUR vs. 47,685.84 million RUR in 2014. Net income margin for 2015 was 6.21%.

Key figures presented in this press release are immaterially higher compared to numbers under management accounts announced by the Company on January 27, 2016. Thus, according to the audited FY 2015 results EBITDA and EBIT margins are higher by 1 b. p., while Net Income margin is higher 2 b.p.

For further information, please contact:

Timothy Post Head of Investor Relations
Email: post@magnit.ru
Office: +7-861-277-4554 x 17600
Mobile: +7-961-511-7678
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562

Investor Relations Office MagnitIR@magnit.ru
Direct Line: +7-861-277-4562
Website: http://ir.magnit.com/

Media Inquiries Media Relations Department
press@magnit.ru

 

Company description: Magnit is Russia’s largest food retailer. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in the southern Russian city of Krasnodar. As of December 31, 2015, Magnit operated 33 distribution centers and about 12,089 stores (9,594 convenience, 374 hypermarkets, and 2,121 drogerie stores) in 2,361 cities and towns throughout 7 federal regions of the Russian Federation.

In accordance with the audited IFRS results for 2015, Magnit had revenues of RUB 951 billion and an EBITDA of RUB 104 billion. Magnit’s local shares are traded on the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX: MGNT) and its GDRs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: MGNT) and it has a credit rating from Standard & Poor’s of BB+. Measured by market capitalization, Magnit is one of the largest retailers in Europe.

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Lawson will offer full support to disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto

TOKYO, JAPAN, 2016-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lawson, Inc. would like to extend its deepest sympathies to those who suffered terrible loss in the devastating 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. We sincerely hope for the speedy recovery of the affected regions and will offer our full support to disaster relief and reconstruction efforts in Kumamoto.

Lawson is keen to do all that it can to help, and fulfil its responsibility as a part of the social infrastructure that serves our communities. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry lists convenience stores as key infrastructure along with electricity and gas supply on its earthquake recovery homepage. The government has urged all convenience store chains to reopen their stores to help ensure a stable supply of food products to quake-damaged areas. We have also noted that more people are taking refuge in convenience store parking areas because they feel safer there when aftershocks come.

Convenience stores were first recognized as Japan’s “fourth infrastructure arm” after gas, water and electricity following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeast Japan since convenience stores not only sell food and drink, but a broad range of daily conveniences including batteries, toilet paper, underwear, and other essential daily items. While many stores are unable to open for business in emergency situations, convenience store franchise owners do their utmost to stay open, regardless of any damage they have themselves incurred, and, together with the headquarters, do everything possible to use their unique manufacturing and distribution systems to ensure a stable supply of products. Another key role for Japanese convenience stores is to utilize their manufacturing and distribution systems to deliver emergency supplies to areas affected by natural disaster as soon as possible.

This time, 80 of Lawson’s 141 stores in Kumamoto prefecture were forced to close on the day of the first earthquake on April 16, 2016 due to power cuts and severe damage to store shelves. However, all stores felt a strong sense of responsibility to reopen as soon as possible so they could be of service to local communities. As a result, nearly all stores were back in operation within two days on April 18, 2016. Our local stores used all means at their disposal to ensure as many different products reached their shelves as possible, alleviating product shortages in areas where the earthquakes had disrupted 　traffic networks and cut off regular distribution routes and channels.

Lawson’s Kumamoto earthquake aid measures
Personnel support:

  • After April 16, a total of 200 Lawson headquarter staff from across Japan are being dispatched to the quake-hit areas to offer wide ranging support to local stores; from clearing up debris in damaged stores to delivering products safely to stores that can operate and helping to run the stores themselves.
  • Lawson’s top management went immediately to Kumamoto to provide support and encourage local store owners and staff.

Supply of products to stores:

  • Lawson employees used passenger cars to deliver products to local stores after problems occurred at the Kumamoto delivery center.
  • Delivered alternative products from the Fukuoka and Saga delivery centers.
  • Supplied stores in Kumamoto prefecture with rice balls made in Yamaguchi prefecture.
  • Transported 18,000 bakery items manufactured in factories in Chiba and Saitama by air from Tokyo’s domestic Haneda Airport. Lawson’s dispatched personnel then delivered the bakery items directly to stores.

Emergency food aid:
Between April 15-18, Lawson delivered the following products to the areas affected by the Kumamoto earthquake. The goods were distributed through local municipal organizations.

Water 1,200 bottles
Pot noodles 11,000 meals
Rice balls 1,900 items
Lunchboxes 100 items
Sushi 100 packs
Drinks 3,500 bottles/cans
Bananas 600 items
Oranges 1,000 items
Disposable chopsticks 11,000 pairs
Plastic bags 1,000 items

Financial donation:
Lawson began collecting donations on April 16 via in-store collection boxes, the Loppi multi-media terminals, and the company website. The donated money is being put to good use in the quake-affected areas through the Japan Red Cross Society.

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CBRE Group included in Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 2016 100 Best Corporate Citizens List

Los Angeles, CA, 2016-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced that the company has been included inCorporate Responsibility Magazine’s 2016 100 Best Corporate Citizens List.

Corporate Responsibility documents more than 260 data points of disclosure and performance measures obtained from publicly available information in developing its 100 Best Corporate Citizens list. Companies are ranked in seven categories: environment, climate change, employee relations, human rights, governance, finance, and philanthropy & community support.

“Sustainable success is built on a foundation of responsible business practices,” said Bob Sulentic, president and chief executive officer of CBRE. “Around the globe and in every business line, we are committed to supporting top talent, caring for our communities and minimizing our environmental impact. We are proud to be recognized in this year’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens List.“

Earlier this year, CBRE was ranked 15th on the list of 500 U.S.-based companies in Forbes magazine’s 2016 “America’s Best Employers” list. Additional recognition in 2016 includes being named as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies for the fourth year in a row, selection as a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company® for the third straight year and receiving an EPA 2016 ENERGY STAR® Partner of The Year Sustained Excellence Award, marking the ninth consecutive year that CBRE has been recognized for ENERGY STAR performance.

The full 100 Best Corporate Citizens List can be found at www.thecro.com. More information about CBRE’s corporate responsibility programs can be found at www.cbre.com/responsibility.

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.

Media Relations
Robert McGrath
Senior Director, Global Media Relations
Robert.McGrath@cbre.com

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Hy-Vee, Pinky Swear Foundation to host six kids triathlon fundraising events across the Midwest this summer

Hy-Vee to sponsor fundraising events to help children with cancer and their families

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, 2016-Apr-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced it is once again partnering with the Pinky Swear Foundation, a national charitable organization that supports children with cancer and their families, to host six kids triathlon fundraising events across the Midwest this summer. For the second year in a row, this unique partnership will bring Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons to Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City, Minneapolis and the Quad Cities.

Instead of focusing on competition, children at all fitness levels are encouraged to participate in the swim, bike and run events to help raise money for kids with cancer and their families. In many cases, the money raised provides basic needs, such as mortgage and rent, transportation, utilities, gas cards and food, to impacted families. According to the Pinky Swear Foundation, a child is diagnosed with cancer every 45 minutes in the United States and 1 out of 11 families given that news will file for bankruptcy.

“We are proud to once again partner with the Pinky Swear Foundation to highlight our commitment to health and wellness while also giving back to our communities,” said Ryan Grant, director of sports marketing for Hy-Vee. “The dedication that Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon participants put into their fundraising and athletic efforts is truly inspiring.”

In 2015, more than 1,900 athletes participated in five events, raising more than $330,000 to help 110 families in need. This year, a sixth event has been added to accommodate increased participation in the Minneapolis area.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Hy-Vee to bring fun and accessible triathlons to cities in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota,” said Brian Nelson, executive director of the Pinky Swear Foundation. “I am proud of the work we’ve done so far and will be doing in engaging kids in these communities to help other kids. We look forward to working with Hy-Vee to serve hundreds of additional children with cancer and their families.”

2016 Event Schedule:

July 9 — University of Nebraska – Omaha, Omaha, NE
July 23 — Raccoon River Park, Des Moines, IA
July 31 — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Aug. 6 — Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 13 — Bettendorf YMCA, Bettendorf, IA
Aug. 20 — Lake Ann, Chanhassen, MN

Register now to participate in one of the Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons atwww.pinkyswear.org/hy-vee.

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Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating 240 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $9.3 billion annually. Hy-Vee ranks among the top 25 supermarket chains and the top 50 private companies in the United States. Supermarket News, the authoritative voice of the food industry, has honored the company with a Whole Health Enterprise Award for its leadership in providing services and programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. For more information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

The Pinky Swear Foundation was founded on a pinky swear promise as a dying wish between a nine-year old boy and his father to help children with cancer and their families by providing immediate basic needs support and unique family programs. That pinky swear, the most solemn of oaths between two people, lives on today in the Pinky Swear Foundation. The Pinky Swear Foundation is passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families by being fanatically responsive to the immediate crisis facing families with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include the world’s largest kids fundraising triathlon series, National Pinky Swear Day, and other community engagement opportunities. Visit us at PinkySwear.org or follow us at @PinkySwearFndtn.

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Harris Teeter donates $549,488 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

  • Company Thanks Generous Associates and Shoppers for their Support

Matthews, N.C., 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (April 22, 2016), Harris Teeter is donating $549,488 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to help MDA continue its mission of finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases, including ALS and other related life-threatening diseases. The donation was made possible thanks to generous contributions from valued Harris Teeter associates and shoppers.

Harris Teeter hosted the “Be Their Strength” donation card campaign in March, during which time Harris Teeter associates and shoppers were invited to make a $1, $3 and $5 donation to MDA at checkout. MDA representatives visited stores throughout the campaign, sharing information about MDA and capturing images of Harris Teeter associates and customers ‘being the strength’ for the organization.

“Through these donations, Harris Teeter associates and shoppers continue to show us how important MDA is to them,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter.  “We are proud to strengthen our commitment in the fight against neuromuscular disease with this donation.”

The money raised during Harris Teeter’s donation card campaign will help MDA provide comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy, and education for individuals and families affected by these diseases.  This includes MDA Summer Camps for children ages 6-17, MDA-funded clinics, local support groups and educational seminars, and assistance with equipment repairs.

“Thanks to the generosity of Harris Teeter associates and shoppers, we can help MDA invest in lifesaving research and support programs for these individuals so they can live the life they’ve always imagined and experience the world without any limits,” said MDA Divisional Director Leanne Greco. “Every dollar makes a difference and we are so thankful for these contributions.”

Shoppers who would like more information about MDA can visit www.mda.org

SOURCE: Harris Teeter, Inc.

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Harris Teeter donates $549,488 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

Harris Teeter donates $549,488 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA)

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Klépierre: NYX to open store in e Nový Smíchov shopping center in Czech Republic

  • Klépierre has just signed a lease with NYX, a makeup retailer acquired by L’Oréal in 2015. The first store, located in the Nový Smíchov shopping center in Czech Republic, will open in May.

Paris, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — A European specialist in shopping centers, Klépierre supports the growth of the best brands and retailers, as most recently illustrated with NYX. The trendy and connected makeup brand which, buoyed by its success, is now opening shops via the Klépierre shopping center platform in order to deploy across Europe and conquer new territories while getting closer to its customers.

The first NYX stores in Czech Republic will open the doors to its 65sq.m. GLA store next month at Novy Smíchov. “NYX is creating a buzz and is a young brand with fast growth ambitions. Klépierre offers unique locations that will allow it to develop quickly and in the right places. With its feminine and dynamic clientele, the Nový Smíchov center is a promising location for this first cooperation. Other stores are planned, including one at Campania, north of Naples, covering 88 sq.m. in early May.” said Jean-Marc Jestin, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Klépierre Executive Board.

These signings are part of the ambitious and active retail mix strategy implemented by the Group to attract the best brands and identify new high potential retail brands. With centers in areas of high population growth, Klépierre offers retailers the resources needed to accelerate European development.

NYX – professional quality at affordable prices Appreciated for its affordable prices and its 1,500 professional quality products, NYX Professional Makeup has already established itself in the United States as a key player in the cosmetics segment. With more than 6.5 million followers on Instagram, the brand has built its success in the very promising connected consumer market. Today, NYX Professional Makeup intends to deploy its palettes and colors in new geographies and attract “beauty junkies” across Europe. NYX Professional Makeup was elected in 2015 Brand of the Year at the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty Inc. Awards.*

1 st location in Central Europe, in the Nový Smíchov center in Prague With its 169 stores located in the heart of the city and its 20 million annual visitors, Nový Smíchov is the leading center of the Czech capital and the most popular with people of Prague. The remarkable results in 2015 and the recent renovation naturally enhance the center’s appeal and attract new retailers.

* This honor (2015 Brand of the Year at the Women’s Wear Daily Beauty Inc. Awards), awarded on December 10 in New York City by WWD, an American monthly fashion magazine, recognizes NYX in the mass market category for its consistent success on social media and its expansion into traditional distribution channels.

ABOUT KLEPIERRE
A leading shopping center property company in Europe, Klépierre combines development, rental, property, and asset management skills. Its portfolio is valued at 22.1 billion euros on December 31, 2015. It comprises large shopping centers in 16 countries of Continental Europe. Klépierre holds a controlling stake in Steen & Strøm (56.1%), Scandinavia’s number one shopping center owner and manager. Klépierre’s largest shareholders are Simon Property Group (20.3%), world leader in the shopping center industry and APG (13.1%), a Netherlands-based pension fund firm. Klépierre is a French REIT (SIIC) listed on Euronext ParisTM and Euronext Amsterdam included the CAC 40, EPRA Euro Zone and the GPR 250 indexes. Klépierre is also included in several ethical indexes – DJSI World and Europe, Euronext Vigeo France 20 and World 120, Euronext Low Carbon 100 Europe – and is also ranked as a Green Star by GRESB (Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark). These distinctions mark the Group’s commitment to a voluntary sustainable development policy. For more information, visit our website: www.klepierre.com

MEDIA CONTACTS:

L’Agence Marie-Antoinette Delphine Sacleux – Julie Haget – 01 55 04 86 40 – klepierre@marie-antoinette.fr

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Alnatura Bio-Supermärkte eröffnet in Oerlikon

  • Oerlikon – Das Filialnetz der Alnatura Bio-Supermärkte wächst: Am 28. April 2016 eröffnet in Oerlikon der siebte und grösste Standort der Deutschschweiz. Zur Eröffnung locken Aktionen und Attraktionen.

Zürich, Switzerland, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hier kommt nur Bio in die Tüte: Im Alnatura Bio-Supermarkt findet sich mit 5000 Produkten alles für den täglichen Bedarf. Ob knackiges Gemüse aus der Region, Babybrei oder Dinkelkekse – am neuen Standort in Oerlikon, wenige Gehminuten vom Bahnhof entfernt, kann man bequem den gesamten Wocheneinkauf erledigen. Auch Naturkosmetik und Hygieneartikel stehen im Angebot. Für die schnelle Verpflegung lädt eine Theke mit Sandwiches, Salaten und Snacks ein, während gleich nebenan die Brotkreationen des Stadtzürcher Betriebs „Vier Linden“ den Duft von ofenfrischem Gebäck verströmen.

Neu im Angebot: Babykleidung und Tierfutter in Bioqualität

Im 514 Quadratmeter grossen Supermarkt kommen kleine und grosse Biofans voll auf ihre Kosten. Neu auch die ganz Kleinen, denn in Oerlikon gibt es erstmals Babykleider in Bioqualität. Die flauschigen Strampler bestehen aus biologisch angebauter Baumwolle und sind entsprechend nicht nur süss, sondern auch nachhaltig. Eine zusätzliche Neuheit, die weitere Familienangehörige freut, ist Biofutter für Katzen und Hunde. Doch ist das Angebot für Stubentiger und Co. tatsächlich ein Mehrwert? „Das glaube ich“, sagt Filialleiterin Valdete Koqi, „wer für sich und seine Familie auf Bioprodukte achtet, der möchte auch seinem treuen Vierbeiner Gutes tun. Schliesslich geht Liebe durch den Magen.“ Selber, gesteht Koqi lachend, sei sie erst in den letzten Wochen zur erklärten Bioanhängerin geworden. Ganz im Gegensatz zu ihrem Ehemann, dieser entscheide sich beim Einkauf seit eh und je für die Biovariante. Heute stellt sich die Frage nicht mehr: „Mittlerweile kaufe ich praktisch nur noch biologisch ein.“

Grösster Alnatura Bio-Supermarkt der Deutschschweiz

Modern und grosszügig präsentiert sich der neue Standort an der Baumackerstrasse. Valdete Koqi und ihr achtköpfiges Team freuen sich auf die Kundschaft im grössten Alnatura Bio-Supermarkt der Deutschschweiz. Besonders stolz sind sie auf das tagesfrische Angebot an Fleisch, Früchten und Gemüse sowie Molkereiprodukten. Dank der Kühlregale mit Türen spart man zudem Strom. Und wer selber unter Strom steht beziehungsweise in Eile ist, kann seinen Einkauf an den zwei Subito-Kassen einfach und rasch einscannen.

Aktionen und Attraktionen zur Feier

Etwas mehr Zeit sollte man sich hingegen für die Eröffnungsfeier nehmen. Vom 28. bis 30. April locken nämlich zehn Prozent Rabatt und Naturkosmetik-Vorführungen. Einen Tag lang, am 28. April, steht ferner der gemeinnützige Velo-Lieferservice „Rikscha“ kostenfrei zu Diensten. Bio, frei Haus.

Adresse Alnatura Bio-Supermarkt, Baumackerstrasse 35, 8050 Oerlikon
Öffnungszeiten Mo bis Fr 08:00 – 20:00 / Sa 08:00 – 18:00

Internet www.alnatura.ch

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Filialleiterin Valdete Koqi freut sich auf die Kunden im Alnatura Bio-Supermarkt in Oerlikon


Filialleiterin Valdete Koqi freut sich auf die Kunden im Alnatura Bio-Supermarkt in Oerlikon

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QVC and Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) join forces for the 4th consecutive year for “QVC and CEW Present Beauty with Benefits”

WEST CHESTER, Pa. , 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — QVC and Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) are joining forces for the fourth consecutive year for “QVC and CEW Present Beauty with Benefits.” During the two-hour live charitable broadcast on QVC Thursday, April 28 at 7 PM (ET), beauty buffs have the opportunity to shop for a cause and find the beauty in making a difference.

The broadcast offers prestige beauty brands including skin care, color cosmetics, fragrance and hair care with 80 percent of the purchase price* of donated merchandise benefitting Cancer and Careers, a charitable program of the CEW Foundation. This year’s lineup includes products from NARS, Bobbi Brown, Clinique, Givenchy, Shiseido, bareMinerals®, Algenist, philosophy and many more. As an added bonus, each shopper will receive a gift with purchase,** which includes one full-size product and four deluxe samples from participating brands in a Sonia Kashuk-designed cosmetic bag created especially for “Beauty with Benefits.”

The broadcast will benefit Cancer and Careers, which empowers, educates and provides essential tools to people with cancer so they can thrive in the workplace. Viewers will be shown the impact that each purchase can make to the lives of those affected by cancer and industry experts will share beauty tips and tricks that will leave everyone feeling beautiful. Inspiring segments will also be showcased throughout the broadcast to highlight survivor stories and those who have benefitted from the valuable resources provided by Cancers and Careers.

“Teaming up with CEW once again gives viewers the opportunity to shop for a cause, while also inspiring them to positively impact lives across the country through Cancer and Careers,” said Rachel Ungaro, vice president, fashion and beauty merchandising, QVC. “This initiative aligns with our charitable mission to support the success and wellness of women through the power of relationships. By working with CEW and their strong network, we aim to bring together the beauty industry to build more awareness and support for Cancer and Careers.”

To help raise awareness for this year’s broadcast, longtime friends Cindy Crawford, model and entrepreneur, and Sonia Kashuk, founder of Sonia Kashuk Beauty, teamed up for the second year in a row as the Public Service Announcements spokeswomen. Cindy Crawford’s sister, Chris Bohnsak, and Sonia Kashuk’s daughter, Sadye Kaner, lent their support to enforce the social campaign “Better Together.” This simple but powerful phrase reinforces the collective goal of “Beauty with Benefits,” which is to bring people, products and expertise together to make life better for cancer survivors on the job. QVC viewers, with or without a direct connection to cancer, will be encouraged to post about someone who makes life better for them, whether it is a friend, family member, colleague, teacher or doctor using the hashtag #BeautywithBenefits.

This year, viewers are also invited to participate in a sweepstakes, running now through April 28. The sweepstakes will give one lucky shopper the chance to win every product in the broadcast for themselves and a friend of their choice. Visit qvc.com/BeautyWithBenefits to sign up and for additional information on “QVC and CEW Present Beauty with Benefits.” Beginning April 28, the entire “Beauty with Benefits” product assortment will be available, while supplies last, through QVC.com, the QVC apps or by calling 800.345.1515.

About QVC
QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation (NASDAQ: QVCA, QVCB), is the world’s leading video and ecommerce retailer. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 340 million homes worldwide through operations in the U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France and a joint venture in China. Based in West Chester, Pa. and founded in 1986, QVC has evolved from a TV shopping company to a leading ecommerce and mobile commerce retailer. The company’s website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:XELB) is a brand development and media company engaged in the design, production, licensing, marketing and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded by Robert W. D’Loren in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment and social as one. Xcel owns and manages the Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka, H Halston, and C. Wonder brands, pioneering an omnichannel sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through direct-response television, internet, brick and mortar retail, and e-commerce channels. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant retailing, licensing, design, and marketing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. With a team of over 70 designers and social media focused marketing executives, Xcel maintains control of product quality and promotion across all of its product categories and distribution channels. Xcel differentiates by design. www.xcelbrands.com

Media Inquiries:
484.701.1647
media.relations@qvc.com

Source: QVC

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Commissaries to offer special savings in May

FORT LEE, Va. ,2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Commissaries are offering special savings in May with case lot events and promotions celebrating Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Military Appreciation Month, Memorial Day and more.

“We can’t thank our service members and military family members enough for all they do to preserve our rights to freedom and maintaining the security of our nation,” said Tracie Russ, director of sales for the Defense Commissary Agency. “We encourage them to take advantage of all the special sales events we’re offering this month. They have earned it!”

As shoppers prepare to hit their commissary for discounted items, they can also check out www.commissaries.com for Rewards Card coupons, the commissary’s sales flyer and a list of Value Brand items designed to offer savings lower than or equal to commercial stores’ private label products. Also, the Exclusive Savings link, http://www.commissaries.com/partners.cfm, has more coupons, specials, promotions, sales and healthy recipes.

DeCA’s industry partners – vendors, suppliers and brokers – are collaborating with commissaries in May to offer discounts beyond everyday savings.

Overseas stores may have substitute events for certain promotional programs. Customers are asked to check their local commissary for details on dates and times for the following promotions:

    • Customer Appreciation Case Lot Sale. Stateside commissary patrons can save up to 50 percent on products sold in case formats similar to commercial club stores. Dates and locations are now available online at https://www.commissaries.com/case_lot_sale.cfm. This year the case lot sale is expanded into June. Commissaries in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also participating. Commissaries in Europe and the Pacific, while not officially participating, may have substitute events such as sidewalk sales.
    • So many tacos, so little time. Old El Paso offers savings worldwide from April 25 to May 8 on products from tortilla cups to grilled steak fajitas.
    • Summer grilling savings. Beginning May 1, stateside commissaries (to include Alaska and Hawaii) will offer a Memorial Day weekend grilling coupon booklet worth over $17. The coupons, effective May 1 – June 30, offer commissary patrons extra savings on their weekend holiday essentials when purchasing fresh, store-processed beef and fresh pork. The booklet is sponsored by Kraft, Heinz, Kellogg’s, Frito Lay, Johnsonville and Rice-A-Roni/Pasta Roni. Limited quantities will be available.
    • “Celebrating Our Heroes.” Acosta Military will donate to the Fisher House a portion of the proceeds from the sale of participating brands from May 9 to June 5. Coupon flyers in commissaries worldwide will describe the program. A Fisher House offers temporary, free lodging for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available.
    • “Honoring Our Heroes.” Gatorade is honoring military members during this worldwide contest from May 1 to Aug. 28.Here’s how: Commissary patrons can go to www.gatorademilitary.com and explain in 200 words who they feel deserves to win this contest. Potential honorees can include active and veteran military patrons, spouses, their families, friends, neighbors or organizations that benefit the military community. There are eight grand prize levels featuring cash and Commissary Gift Cards. Each participant who submits an essay online will get a free Gatorade product commissary coupon as a special thank you. In addition, all winners will be recognized at their commissary and on www.gatorademilitary.com. Check out displays in commissaries for more details.
    • The Summer S’mores event is hosted from May through September by Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Honey Maid Grahams and Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallows. Military-specific instant redeemable coupons and in-store displays will be available.
    • Dr Pepper and Mott’s participating brands are sponsoring a special“Summer Grilling Giveaway” promotion worldwide from May 9 to 22. Commissary patrons can enter to win a Weber Kettle charcoal grill. Dr Pepper and Mott’s displays will have contest entry forms and product discounts.
    • “Outnumber Hunger” is a partnership event between Feeding America®, Big Machine Label Group and General Mills dedicated to the fight against hunger. From May 9 to 22, commissary patrons can participate by entering a code listed on specially marked packages of General Mills items. For each code entered General Mills will direct five meals to a local food bank. See General Mills displays in your store for more information.
    • Race with Royalty Sweepstakes! From April 24 to June 18, Smithfield is promoting a sweepstakes awarding a grand prize of two tickets to the NASCAR race of the winner’s choice, transportation costs, VIP experience at track (driver meet and greet; garage tours) and 15 secondary prize winners ($50 Commissary Gift Cards). Look for displays in select stateside stores featuring Smithfield franks, bologna, bacon and smoked sausage. Commissary patrons are automatically entered to win after purchasing three qualifying items and using their Commissary Rewards Card.

Note: For a video about May promotions, visit DeCA’s YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Ay5i7lszM&feature=youtu.be.

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil

Source: Commissary

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Chick-fil-A kicks off Michigan expansion

LANSING, Mich,. 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. today formally kicked off its Michigan expansion with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its first free-standing restaurant in the state’s capital city, Lansing.

The Lansing Chick-fil-A restaurant is one of two projected to open this fall – the other is located inside Troy’s Somerset Collection Mall. The restaurant company is committed to growth in Michigan and plans to build three to four new restaurants per year on average, totaling to 15 to 20 locations in various parts of the state over the next five years. Chick-fil-A’s expansion in Michigan comes at a time when 25 percent of the company’s new restaurant openings in 2016 will take place in the Midwest, which attests to the growth in that region.

In addition, Chick-fil-A has continued its national growth by entering several other new markets across the country.  In 2015, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurants in Seattle and New York City, and so far this year, Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in Portland and a second location in New York City near Rockefeller Center. The company will also continue growing its footprint in various parts of the West and Northeast in the years to come.

Local Ownership of a Responsible Business

Every Chick-fil-A restaurant is a locally owned and operated small business, creating approximately 80 full- and part-time jobs each with employment and tax benefits going back to the local community. Chick-fil-A franchise owners live and work in the community in which their restaurants are located and are highly involved in the day-to-day operations at the restaurant. Seeking to become highly involved in their local communities, the franchise owners frequently work to support local schools and organizations.

Great food and great service are hallmarks of the Chick-fil-A experience, and each franchise owner aims to run a responsible and sustainable business. For example, all of Chick-fil-A’s napkins, tray liners and Kid’s Meal bags are made from 100 percent recycled content, and every restaurant nationwide recycles. Responsible business decisions extend down to even the coffee served at Chick-fil-A restaurants – the restaurant company chose its specialty-grade coffee partner, THRIVE Farmers coffee, in part because of their farmer-direct model that creates up to 10 times more income for their farmers than traditional coffee models.

Fresh Food with High-Quality Ingredients

Chick-fil-A is known for its menu of fresh, hand-crafted food that offers a variety of options for guests. Signature items include a hand-breaded, pressure-cooked, boneless chicken breast sandwich, Waffle Potato Fries and hand-spun milkshakes. Chick-fil-A’s Michigan restaurants will use only premium ingredients and make many of their menu items from scratch in the restaurant daily, including fresh-squeezed lemonade and salads.

At all Chick-fil-A restaurants, the chicken served is 100 percent whole breast meat, without any fillers, hormones or additives. Each chicken breast is hand-breaded to order and pressure cooked in 100 percent refined peanut oil, which is naturally trans-fat- and cholesterol-free. By the end of 2019, every Chick-fil-A restaurant will serve chicken raised without antibiotics.

Supportive Workplace

Known for developing and retaining young talent, Chick-fil-A offers a supportive workplace with competitive wages and respect for work-life balance (with Sundays off), as well as opportunities for leadership development and promotions that lead to management roles. To help its team members pay for college, the restaurant will also offer the opportunity for college scholarships through the restaurant company’s national program, which has provided more than $30 million to help its team members pay for college since its inception.

Commitment to Customer Service

With a long-standing tradition in the restaurant industry for setting the highest standards in customer service, Chick-fil-A ranked first for customer satisfaction in the Limited Service Restaurants Industry by the American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2015. The company has also earned recognition as one of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies” byForbes Magazine, one of America’s “Top 20 Most Admired Brands” by The Harris Poll, “Top Fast Food Chicken Chain” – for best chicken sandwich, customer service and cleanliness – by Consumer Reports, among other honors.

For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the company’s food, people and customers across the country, visit Inside.Chick-fil-A.com.

# # #

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,000 restaurants in 43 states and Washington, D.C.

Chick-fil-A system sales exceeded $6 billion in 2015, which marks 48 consecutive years of sales growth. Chick-fil-A ranked first for customer satisfaction in the Limited Service Restaurants industry according to the 2015 American Customer Satisfaction Index and received the highest ACSI score ever in the industry. The company was also recognized in 2015 as America’s “Top Chicken Restaurant Brand” by The Harris Poll and the only restaurant brand named to the Top 10 “Best Companies to Work For” by 24/7 Wall Street. More information on Chick-fil-A is available on the chain’s website located at www.chick-fil-a.com.

Corporate Media Hotline: (800) 404-7196 Email: cfapressroom@chick-fil-a.com Twitter:@ChickfilANews

Source: Chick-fil-A

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Morrisons to launch UK’s first ever potted ‘Ketchup and Chips’ plant

  • 47 per cent of gardeners plant on patios and balconies, as living in apartments overtakes houses [i]
  • 58 per cent of gardeners want to grow own crops

Bradford, England, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Morrisons is looking to transform the face of Britain’s gardens with the launch of the UK’s first ever potted ‘Ketchup and Chips’ plant, which will feature in stores from 25th April.

Answering the prayers of chips fans across the country, the incredible multi-tasker grows fresh tomatoes and potatoes in one pot at the same time. Above the ground the plant will produce an abundance of cherry tomatoes, while white potatoes will grow below.

The move comes as Britain’s gardens are getting smaller as an increasing number of people in the UK are living in flats and apartments. Research has revealed that 47 per cent of households now only have access to a small balcony and 11 per cent have no garden area at all.

However, green fingered Brits aren’t letting a lack of space prevent them from growing their own food and plants. People are adapting their gardening habits to suit their living space, with demand for compact potted plants soaring (10% up year-on-year). The growing popularity of organic produce has also led 58 per cent of people to want to ‘grow their own’.

The innovative ‘veg plot in a pot’ can be grown inside and out – in a large patio pot or 40 litre bag. Ketchup & Chips is entirely natural, expertly crafted together by hand with no genetic modification involved. When planted in late April, each plant can yield hundreds of sweet tomatoes from July to October, whilst simultaneously harvesting a hearty crop of potatoes – which can be boiled, mashed, roasted or made into chips, until late in the season.

Morrisons gardens expert, Glen Cooper said: “Many of our customers are green fingered. But over recent years we’ve witnessed the frustration of shoppers who have less and less space to grow their own. This new plant is just the solution for our shrinking gardens – and will enable everyone to follow their produce from plant pot to plate!”

The Ketchup and Chips Plant will be available in Morrisons 101 Garden Centres UK-wide from 25th April, for a limited time only and will cost £5. Also available during this time will be the Egg and Chips Plant, another unique hybrid plant that grows aubergines and potatoes, costing £5. For more information or to find your local store please visit morrisons.com

Morrisons Perfect Chips
Ingredients:

  • 1 kg potatoes from your Ketchup and Chips plant
  • 1 litre vegetable oil, for deep-frying
  • Coarse salt
  • Vinegar

Method:

  1. Peel and rinse 1kg Maris Piper potatoes from your Ketchup and Chips plant and cut into 1.5cm chips. Soak for 5 mins in cold water, drain, then add to a deep pan of cold salted water.
  2. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 4 mins, until just tender. Drain, allow to cool completely, then chill in the fridge for 1 hr.
  3. Heat 1 litre vegetable oil in a fryer to 120ºC. Add the chips to the basket, being careful not to overcrowd (you will need to do more than one batch). Blanch for 10 mins, or until cooked through but not coloured. Remove, drain and pat dry on kitchen paper. Chill in the fridge for 1 hr.
  4. Heat the oil to 160ºC. Cook the chips in the basket for 3-5 mins or until crisp and golden brown. Drain onto kitchen paper. Sprinkle with salt and vinegar if you wish and serve.

Morrisons Fresh Tomato Salsa
Ingredients:

  • 4 large vine tomatoes from your Ketchup and Chips plant, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1 small bunch coriander, chopped
  • Discovery Foods Red or Green Jalapeños, to taste
  • Salt and black pepper

Method:

  1. Mix together all ingredients and serve as an accompaniment to all your favourite Mexican dishes or as a fresh dip with tortilla chips.

Source: Morrisons

Media contact
For all media enquiries call 0845 611 5111Available 24 hours

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Morrisons to launch UK’s first ever potted ‘Ketchup and Chips’ plant

Morrisons to launch UK’s first ever potted ‘Ketchup and Chips’ plant

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SASCO to pay cash dividends for the financial year 2015

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Reference to SASCO Ordinary General Assembly Meeting (35th) held at 3:30 pm of Wednesday April 20th 2016 at SASCO Head office (Al-Ehsa Street Malaz – Riyadh) which was decided to release cash dividends for the financial year 2015 with a lump sum of 27 million Saudi Riyals equivalent to 5% of the share par value as (0.50) SR for each share taking into consideration that the profit distribution is eligible for shareholders registers in company’s record at the end of the general assembly day (20th April 2016).

SASCO would like to announce the date of releasing the cash dividends will start on Tuesday 10th May 2016 through National Commercial Bank, where the dividends will be deposited in current accounts related to investors portfolio for eligible shareholders. Other shareholders don’t have investment portfolio, SASCO would like to request them to open an investment portfolio or review any branch of National Commercial Bank to receive their dues.

For any inquiry, please call the shareholders affairs department in the company on (011 2068855) Ext. 1112.

Source: Sasco

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Foodstuffs won gold for New World at the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards

Auckland,New Zealand, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Foodstuffs’ has triumphed at the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards winning gold once again for New World and silver for PAK’nSAVE in the Supermarket category.

The independent survey asked more than 1,500 New Zealanders to vote in an online questionnaire to decide the winners. Companies were rated on their ability to deliver a personalised, reliable service, to understand their customers, meet (or exceed) expectations, and make the whole shopping experience quick and easy.

Steve Anderson, Managing Director, Foodstuffs New Zealand, says that winning the service medals for a second time is a fantastic accolade. “The New World team has been working hard to ensure customers feel welcome and enjoy their shopping experience whilst in our stores. This award is direct recognition from our customers that we are meeting, and hopefully exceeding, their expectations on a daily basis,” he says.
“And PAK’nSAVE consistently offers New Zealand’s the lowest prices for their groceries and customers also appreciate the can-do attitude of our friendly staff.”

“Our stores are committed to putting our customer’s needs first. We pride ourselves on having fantastic staff with the knowledge, passion and expertise in food to ensure we are meeting all the needs of our customers,” says Anderson.

Anderson says, “Thank you to our customers for letting us know that we are doing a great job. We are truly delighted to have won these awards once again and this result will continue to encourage our team across the country, to reach for even higher standards of service excellence next year.”

New World and PAK’nSAVE stores are 100 per cent owned and operated by New Zealanders and we continue to strive to be a positive part of the communities in which we operate. This includes employing local staff, supporting schools and community groups wherever possible, as well as supporting home-grown products and suppliers.

Foodstuffs North Island Support Centre (Auckland)
Address:
60 Roma Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1041
PO Box 27-480, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1440
DX Box CX 15021, Mt Roskill, Auckland 1440
Phone: +64 9 621 0600
Fax: +64 9 621 0601

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BRC Helen Dickinson: EU is an increasingly important market for UK retailers

  • Total retail search volumes grew 52% in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the same quarter a year ago.
  • Search volumes on mobile devices increased 50% in the first quarter of 2016 compared with the same quarter a year ago.
  • Beauty was the most searched sector by EU consumers on mobile devices, reporting growth of 91% in Q1 2016.
  • Department Stores was also a popular sector for EU consumers on mobile devices, increasing 75% in Q1 2016.
  • The Czech Republic demonstrated the strongest appetite for UK retailers, reporting a 256% increase on mobile devices in the first quarter of 2016.

London, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Helen Dickinson OBE, BRC Chief Executive, said: “Today’s figures provide further evidence that the EU is an increasingly important market for UK retailers. With 14 EU countries reporting over 100% growth in searches on mobile devices, not only is interest in UK retail growing steadily on the continent, EU consumers are also far more likely to be experiencing the British retail offer through their smartphones.This impressive mobile interest sits alongside a healthy double-digit increase in total searches across all devices in all but one EU Member State (Estonia). The desire for UK retail products is especially strong in the beauty sector and searches for British department stores are also very high – likely due to the UK being the home to some of the most recognisable department store brands in the world. In all, the strength and popularity of UK retail beyond our own borders shows little sign of diminishing.”

Martijn Bertisen, Retail Director, Google, said: “UK brands continue to drive interest from the rest of Europe: particularly our department stores and our beauty retailers. Some of the largest major European markets like Germany are driving much of that growth. This report also demonstrates the huge growth of mobile across Europe, as Eastern countries, like the Czech Republic, are growing at over 250 per cent year-over-year, and mobile is powering the overall market growth. Q1 signaled the start of wedding season with top apparel searches relating to weddings, and we also saw a lot of searches for health-related products like the Nutribullet and Fitbit as people prepare for summer.”

For Media Enquiries:
Zoe Maddison
British Retail Consortium
T 0207 854 8924
E Zoe.Maddison@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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H&M opens online shop for Greece

Stockholm,Sweden, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — H&M’s Shop Online will offer the same collections online as in-store giving customers access to a wide range of clothing and accessories including ladies, men’s, teens and a full children’s line. There will also be exclusive “online-only” items available all year-round.

The Shop Online launch will also include H&M Home. H&M Home brings fashion and fun to interiors with a seasonal selection of products for every room in your home.

Besides great fashion collections for the entire family, H&M Home will let our customers access the trendiest decorative items for their home with a very good quality and always for the very good H&M prices. Online shopping at hm.com completes the H&M experience.

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

Source: H&M

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H&M opens online shop for Greece

H&M opens online shop for Greece

 

 

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Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra hosted the grand opening of H&M’s 4,000th store at Mall of India, Noida

Stockholm, Sweden, 2016-Apr-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — With the first few lining up almost a day in advance, the first 10 fashionistas in queue received 10 gift cards worth Rs. 4000 to celebrate the big 4000, along with goodie bags and gift cards worth Rs. 500 for the next 200 in queue.

“The opening of H&M’s 4,000th store at DLF Mall of India was incredibly fun! I’ve always liked H&M’s exciting and affordable fashion- there is plenty of inspiration in store to create your personal style.” said Parineeti Chopra.

Kick starting the launch day were DJ spin offs and exciting on-the spot dance offs and fashion contests for those in queue. The energy took to another level when the store staff and customers got to shake a leg with the celebrity.

Country Manager Janne Einola, Area Manager Mikko Alatalo and Store Manager Varun Pratap Singh, cut the red ribbon to welcome customers in the new store.

Spread over 37,000 sq. ft, the new location has 4 floors, with each floor dedicated to apparel and accessories for ladies, men, teenagers and children respectively.

GLOBAL MEDIA ENQUIRIES

Only press enquiries

Phone: +46 8 796 53 00
Email: mediarelations@hm.com

Source:H&M

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Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra hosted the grand opening of H&M's 4,000th store at Mall of India, Noida

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra hosted the grand opening of H&M’s 4,000th store at Mall of India, Noida

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Milaneo in Stuttgart received the ICSC Resource Award for sustainability

Milan, Italy, 2016-Apr-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Milaneo in Stuttgart has received yet another prestigious real estate award. During the European Shopping Awards presentation gala of the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) in Milan yesterday evening, the center, which was developed by the project partners ECE und STRABAG Real Estate (SRE), received a special award for sustainability: the ICSC Resource Award. Milaneo was thus honored for complying formidably with environmental, social, and economic sustainability aspects.

The ICSC European Shopping Center Awards have been presented every year since 1977 as an accolade for outstanding new or refurbished shopping centers in Europe. In addition, since 2007, the ICSC jury has been awarding the Resource Award in rare instances to projects which have demonstrated a particular long-term sustainable development and thus have proved eligible to receive this honor.

“We are pleased that Milaneo has received yet another award”, said Alexander Otto, CEO of ECE, during the awards celebration in Milan. “Together we developed a modern and future-proof shopping center that is an outstanding example for complying with various sustainability aspects.”

“At Milaneo, sustainability aspects are not limited to the building equipment. The center brings vitalization and its mixed-use character to the quarter. It is the driver of the sustainable development of an entire city district. Being awarded for this role is a great accolade,” said Uwe Jaggy, member of the Management at SRE, during the gala.

Milaneo, which was  opened in October 2014, complied exceptionally well with various sustainability aspects including its eco balance, its land use, its life cycle costs, and its family friendliness. Together with the apartments, offices, and the hotel, which were developed by the project companies of Bayerische Hausbau as part of the quarter of the same name, Milaneo offers an attractive mix of shopping, working, leisure, and living. This way a new, vivid quarter was created with vibrant squares that combines important features such as retail, dining, offices, and living. Milaneo brought new life to an inner-city area that had been out of use for a long time. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to the sustainable development of the quarter.

In the past years, the Milaneo quarter has received several renowned awards including, for the shopping center, the MAPIC Award in the category “Best new Shopping Center” and the platinum certificate of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) as well as the MIPIM Award in the category “Best Futura Mega Project” for the entire quarter. The shopping center was developed by the project partners ECE and SRE; the apartments, the offices, and the hotel were realized by the project companies of Bayerische Hausbau. Ed. Züblin AG was responsible for the building construction. Hamburg Trust is the equity capital partner for the shopping center and the underground parking garage. ECE handles the long-term management and leasing of Milaneo shopping center.


  • Award ceremony (f.l.t.r.): Stephen Lebovitz (ICSC), Tom McGee (ICSC), Uwe Jaggy (STRABAG Real Estate), Alexander Otto (ECE), Josip Kardun (ICSC), João Correia de Sampaio (Chairman of the jury); photo by ICSC/RowanO’Duff
Milaneo, photo by ECE

Press Release ICSC Award Milaneo,
04/20/2016

PRESS CONTACT

+49 40 60606-6898

press@ece.com

Source: ECE

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The Alegro Setúbal shopping centre in Portugal running for ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards

Setúbal, Portugal, 2016-Apr-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Alegro Setúbal shopping centre in Portugal grabbed the attention of global property experts twice in 2015. Will it attract the jurors again this year?

The ICSC is holding its big annual European conference on 18 and 19 April 2016 in Milan, Italy. Two days of meetings under the theme “Authenticity: diffrentiating retail”. The 40th awards ceremony ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards closes the event. Alegro Setúbal competes in the refurbishments/expansion (medium) category.

The shopping centre, whose redevelopment work was completed in November 2014, gathers together all the company’s expertise, from site design to promotion and customer knowledge. A year after its re-opening, Alegro Setúbal is already crowned by success with its 8 million visitors per year.

Alegro Setúbal won a silver medal for its “Art everywhere” campaign at the 2015 Solal Marketing Awards organised by the ICSC, and then won the award for the best redeveloped shopping centre during the 2015 Mapic Awards.

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The Alegro Setúbal shopping centre in Portugal running for ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards

The Alegro Setúbal shopping centre in Portugal running for ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards

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Citycon will publish its Q1 2016 Interim Report on Thursday, 28 April

HELSINKI, 2016-Apr-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Citycon will publish its Interim Report for 1 January – 31 March 2016 on Thursday, 28 April approximately at 9 am Helsinki time (Helsinki time is EET, which is CET +1). The report will be available on Citycon’s website immediately after publication.

Citycon’s investor, analyst and press conference call and live audiocasting will begin one hour later at 10 am Helsinki time. The audiocasting can be participated by calling in and followed live on the following website: http://cloud.magneetto.com/citycon/2016_0428_q1/view

Conference call numbers are:
Participants from Europe +44 203 194 0552
Participants from the US +1 855 716 1597

The audiocasting will be recorded and it will be available afterwards on Citycon’s website.

CITYCON OYJ

For further information, please contact:
Henrica Ginström
Vice President, Investor Relations and Communications
Tel. +358 50 554 4296
henrica.ginstrom@citycon.com

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Al Meera Consumer Goods Company announces distinctive offers for Ramadan for the year 1437 AH

  • In addition to 850 offers on consumer goods and 300 for household products
  • Preparations being  undertaken for the selected items by the ministry of economy and commerce

QATAR, 2016-Apr-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — In the framework of its annual commitment to present generous offers that satisfy customers during the holy month of Ramadan, Al Meera Consumer Goods Company (QSC), yesterday, announced its distinctive offers for Ramadan for the year 1437 AH, which is based on selling 1437 consumer goods at cost price, in honor of the Islamic Year 1437. The offer’s coming into effect will be announced within days and will continue until the end of the holy month at all of Al Meera branches in the country through various shelf tags that indicated the products at cost – in the context of Al Meera’s pursuit to provide the best and highest quality and most attractive products to all customers according to the highest standards in shopping and food safety.

Exceptional Offers

Al Meera has also begun, in coordination with its local suppliers, working on providing the largest possible number of offers on consumer products, which will reach around 850 items, in addition to approximately 300 deals on household  and kitchenware items.

Working with the company’s overseas suppliers is also underway, to import the best products and to provide imported items from the company’s various sources, prior to the holy month, such as Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States and the United Kingdom, among others.

In order to facilitate the shopping experience during the offers month, Al Meera will also put shelf tags on items to be determined by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, with the aim of making shopping a pleasant trip characterized by the convenience and speed, with appropriate arrangements made for an attractive presentation of the items, per category.

In an effort to translate its motto of being everyone’s “Favourite Neighbourhood Retailer”, Al Meera will work on providing adequate quantities of “Tamween” items for Qatari nationals at 31 branches of the company’s shopping centers in the country’s various regions.

Commenting on the special offers during the holy month, Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Qahtani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Al Meera, said during a press meeting at the company’s headquarters:

“The strategy followed in Al Meera is based on a constant search for ways to boost our engagement with consumers and providing the best for them and for society as a whole. This year, as every year, we are keen to provide the consumer with the best offers during the holy month of Ramadan. And this year, we wanted the offer to have a different taste, as we are pleased to allocate 1437 products at cost price, in honor of the year 1437 AH, which is the least we can provide to all segments of society that continue to grant Al Meera their confidence in all that it offers.”

He added:

“The holy month of Ramadan is a time best suited for standing together and strengthening ties with members of the community through the provision of huge deals, exceptional prices and careful planning in every branch of our branches, and are keen to continue gaining customers satisfaction and strive to provide the finest products at competitive prices in all seasons and circumstances.”

Social initiatives

In parallel with its open handed initiative at branches and sales operations, Al Meera continues to support strides aiming to help achieve food and health safety. Al Meera has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Public Health (MPH) and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q to implement a public health awareness campaign, through the provision of a wide range of nutrition information to aid in selecting a healthy and balanced diet, via posters displayed in a number of Al Meera branches. The company is working hard with its partners to launch the project before the holy month.

Moreover, Al Meera will not hesitate to support campaigns that introduce some chronic diseases or ones that require raising awareness about, such as “diabetes,” “obesity” and others, through the provision of suitable spaces to host such events to educate Al Meera patrons about healthy lifestyles that must be adopted on a daily basis, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

In the same context, and pursuant to the achievement of the principle of social solidarity, Al Meera, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Administrative Development’s Family Development Department, will support Productive Families cooperating with the ministry, to create marketing opportunities for productive families at some of the company’s branches prior to the holy month, in support of the marketing and sale of their products. Al Meera is working on studying a project that would install kiosks in some of its shopping centers, to be managed by productive families.

Supporting charitable organizations

Honoring the company’s annual traditions, Al Meera will support Ramadan projects and programs carried out by associations and charitable organizations in the country, along the lines of “Eid Charity”, “Qatar Charity”, and the “Qatar Red Crescent,” according to the resources available. In this context, it is worth mentioning that Al Meera will coordinate with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs for the distribution of water and paper tissue during the “Tarawih” prayers at the major mosques in the country during the holy month.

Special offers with partners

Regarding providing more reward options for customers, Al Meera will announce within days, the campaigns and special offers with its partners such as Ooredoo and QNB during Ramadan.

Expansion

In the framework of its commitment to the Qatar National Vision 2030, Al Meera has developed a strategic plan to expand in the Qatari market, where it is currently working on the completion of its plan to establish 14 new branches in various regions of the country. In addition to beginning works at five shopping centers last year in each of North Sailiya (Al Miarad), Leabaib 2, Al Wakra (West), Umm Salal Ali, and Bu Sidra, which are expected to be delivered within the next three months.

Construction agreement with Al Muftah Contracting Company and Al Khayarin Group Contracting and Trading

Recently, the company announced that it has signed contracts with with Al Khayarin Group Contracting and Trading and Al Muftah Contracting Company, to build six new stores in the coming period with a total contract value of QR 238,730,146 – These agreements were made in accordance with the company’s procedures through the tender and auction committee’s recommendation being lead by Dr. Saif Said Al Sowaidi and of course the board of director’s approval.

Al Muftah Contracting Company will handle executive works at each of the branches located in Rawdat Aba El Heran, Azghawa, Leabaib and Umm Qarn, that will be built on a land area of 10,805 m2, 6,311 m2, 17,390 m2 and 10,230 m2 respectively.

On the other hand, Al Khayarin Group Contracting and Trading, will work on establishing two new Al Meera shopping stores in Al Khor and Saileya, on a land area of 15,000 m2 each.

Emanating from its cooperation with national companies and in line with the country’s vision of the development of areas outside of Doha, Al Meera has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the operation and management of two shopping centers, in Fox Hills North and North Residential Villas districts in Lusail City.

Al Meera’s expansion plans also include the opening of new branches that serves students at Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, where negotiations are currently underway to sign contracts for the operation of two spaces at student housings (around 80 square meters each), and a space at the Students Center in Education City (approximately 150 square meters).

The company is also negotiating with the “Doha Institute For Graduate Studies”, to operate a supermarket which is approximately 150 sqm to serve the Institute’s students. Not to forget that negotiations are also being undertaken with Qatar Arm forces and Ahmed Bin Mohammed Military College for the inauguration of a branch there.

SOURCE: Al Meera Consumer Goods Company

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Al Meera Consumer Goods Company announces distinctive offers for Ramadan for the year 1437 AH

Al Meera Consumer Goods Company announces distinctive offers for Ramadan for the year 1437 AH