Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Amazon’s Prime Day orders surpassed Prime Day 2015 by more than 60% worldwide and more than 50% in the U.S

SEATTLE, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The second annual Prime Day was the biggest day ever for Amazon. Amazon today announced customer orders surpassed Prime Day 2015 by more than 60% worldwide and more than 50% in the U.S. It was also the biggest day ever for Amazon devices globally and record Prime Day for each Amazon device category including Fire TV, Fire tablets, Kindle e-readers and Alexa-enabled devices. Prime Day was a great savings day too – members globally saved more than double on deals over Prime Day 2015.

“Prime itself is the best deal in the history of shopping, and Prime Day was created as a special benefit exclusively for our Prime members,” said Greg Greeley, Vice President, Amazon Prime. “We want to thank our tens of millions of members around the world for making this the biggest day in the history of Amazon. We hope you had as much fun as we did. After yesterday’s results, we’ll definitely be doing this again.”

Prime Day 2016 highlights globally:

Sold over 2.5x more Amazon Fire TV devices compared to Prime Day last year – Fire TV Stick was the best-selling Amazon device.
More than two million toys and more than one million pairs of shoes were purchased by customers on Prime Day 2016.
More than 90,000 TVs were purchased on Prime Day 2016.
Hundreds of thousands of Kindle e-readers sold on Prime Day.
Prime member orders on the Amazon app surpassed Prime Day 2015 mobile app orders by more than 2x.
More than a million customers used the Amazon app for the first time on Prime Day to shop and to watch-a-deal.
The Prime Photos sweepstakes had two million submissions worldwide during the lead-up to Prime Day, the winner will be randomly selected on or about July 14.

Prime Day 2016 highlights from the U.S.:

Amazon devices were up over 3x compared to Prime Day last year.
Biggest day ever for Amazon Echo – up over 2.5x compared to previous record day.
The most popular Amazon Dash Button brands purchased on Prime Day were Cascade, Charmin and Tide.
Members purchased over 215,000 Instant Pot 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cookers.
Members purchased over 200,000 headphones.
Members purchased over 24,000 Double Hammocks by Vivere.
Members purchased over 23,000 iRobot Roomba 614 Vacuum Cleaning Robots.
Members purchased over 14,000 Lenovo laptops.
Members purchased on average one Alexa-exclusive deal per second during Prime Day using their voice.
Prime members had exclusive access to deals on top rated TV series and blockbuster movies to rent or purchase and instantly stream on the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online – the top three Prime Day deal titles purchased or rented were: Deadpool, Kung Fu Panda 3 and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.
The most selected Audible audiobook on Prime Day was A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1.

Fire TV Stick was Amazon’s best-selling device globally. Other top sellers around the world, excluding Amazon devices were:

U.S.: Instant Pot 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker
UK: Oral-B Pro 6000 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth Connectivity and Smart Series
Spain: SanDisk USB memory stick
Japan: Calbee Breakfast Cereal 800 grams
Italy: Lexar JumpDrive
Germany and Austria: Tefal Jamie Oliver Frying Pan
France and Belgium: Game of Thrones DVD – season 1 to 4
Canada: Sennheiser HD 598 Special-Edition Over-Ear Headphones

Prime Day was another record-breaking success for the sellers and small businesses worldwide participating in the event. Small businesses and sellers on Amazon offering deals to Prime members saw orders nearly triple year-over-year on Prime Day – both worldwide and in the U.S. Feedback from sellers includes:

“On Prime Day we had one of the largest sales days in our company’s 108 year history. Prime Day is a win for sellers and customers.” – Larry Frankel, Director of Business Development, Huppins/OneCall
“Prime Day was our biggest day of the year! We more than quadrupled the number of sales from our previous biggest sales day.” – Emily Wilcox, Founder, Fayebeline
“We offered customers our best products at great deals and they responded in a big way. Prime Day helped us reach our highest sales day ever.” –Dovi Brafman, CEO of Sharkk
“On Prime Day we offered customers a great deal for the Nikon D3300 camera and the deal sold out within the first hour!” – Elazar Klein, Merchandising Director, Ritz Camera
“We are absolutely thrilled. Gaining access to millions of Prime members on Prime Day was a huge win for us.” – Brian Buccella, Vice President of Marketing at Segway
“Prime Day introduced Cielo to countless new customers and increased my daily sales 1000% in a single day!” – Christine Boerner, Founder, Cielo Pill Holders
“On Prime Day this year Etekcity experienced unprecedented growth not just in the U.S. but globally through Fulfillment by Amazon.” – James Li, Director of Marketing, Etekcity
“Amazon gives small businesses an amazing opportunity to get in front of a new audience with Prime Day. Prime Day was our biggest sales day of the year!” – Bridget Hilton, founder, LSTN Sound Co.

More to Prime
Tens of millions of Prime members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime. In the U.S., that includes unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 30 million items across all categories, unlimited Free Same-Day Delivery on more than a million items in 27 metro areas and one and two-hour delivery with Prime Now on tens of thousands of items available in more than 25 metro areas. In addition to fast, free shipping, members have access to unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, more than one million songs and thousands of curated playlists and stations with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals all year long, free secure unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos and one free pre-released book a month with Kindle First.

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

Media Hotline:

206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Amazon to open Amazon@Illinois staffed pickup location in the Illini Union Bookstore on the UIUC campus

SEATTLE, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today announced an agreement with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to open Amazon@Illinois, a staffed pickup location in the Illini Union Bookstore on the UIUC campus. The first Amazon pickup location in the state of Illinois, Amazon@Illinois offers the campus community a convenient location to pick up and return Amazon orders, including virtually everything one needs for university life, from course materials and everyday essentials to tech devices.

Opening in Fall 2016, this approximately 2,200-square-foot space will be conveniently situated for Illinois students, staff and faculty. Additionally, Amazon Prime members will receive Free Same-Day Pickup for orders placed by noon and Free One-Day Pickup for orders placed by 10PM. Students can sign up for an Amazon Prime Student membership and get a six-month free trial followed by 50% off the regular price of Prime. To learn more about Amazon Prime Student, visit amazon.com/joinstudent.

“We are excited to partner with Amazon and add this level of service for students, faculty, and staff on campus,” said Renée Romano, vice chancellor for Student Affairs at Illinois. “The Illini Union Bookstore location is perfect to offer convenience and security in the heart of campus.”

“Amazon@Illinois will offer students a pickup location centrally located on campus to easily get their merchandise ordered through Amazon,” said Ripley MacDonald, Director of Amazon Student Programs. “We are thrilled to offer the Urbana-Champaign community more opportunities to save on their overall costs along with great customer service, better selection and convenience.”

Since 2015, Amazon has opened staffed pickup locations at the following universities: Purdue University; University of Massachusetts Amherst; University of California, Berkeley; University of Pennsylvania; The University of Texas at Austin; and University of California, Davis; as well as in the college communities of University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Cincinnati; and University of Akron. Amazon will also open more locations in 2016, including: The Georgia Institute of Technology and California State University, Long Beach, and in the college communities of University of Connecticut and Texas Tech University.

About Amazon Prime Student
Amazon Prime members at Illinois will get Free Same-Day Pickup on over three million items when shipped to the Amazon@Illinois location. Amazon Prime Student also gives college students unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 30 million items, and special offers and promotions created just for students as part of the six-month trial. After that it’s just $49 a year—half the price of a regular Amazon Prime membership—and includes unlimited streaming of tens of thousands of movies and TV shows with Prime Video, over a million songs with Prime Music, free unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, and access to the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library. To learn more, visit amazon.com/joinstudent.

About Illini Union Bookstore
The Illini Union Bookstore is the official bookstore of the University of Illinois, serving the 42,000 students and more than 10,000 faculty and staff. Located at the corner of Wright and Daniels Street in Champaign, it offers officially licensed souvenirs and apparel, a wide selection of general books, and the largest selection of textbooks. All purchases at the Illini Union Bookstore support the Illini Union student events and activities.

Media Hotline:

206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Die Migros Ostschweiz: UMBAUSTART FÜR DIE MIGROS DIEPOLDSAU

Gossau, Switzerland, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Die Migros Ostschweiz hat Anfang Juli von der Gemeinde Diepoldsau die Baubewilligung für den Umbau des Einkaufszentrums an der hinteren Kirchstrasse 1 erhalten. Die Bauarbeiten starten Mitte Juli. Die Eröffnung ist für Spätherbst 2016 geplant.

Im Rhyinselhof, wo bis Ende April der Migros-Partner die Rheintaler Kundschaft bediente, entsteht in den nächsten Monaten die neue Migros Diepoldsau. Die Bauverwaltung der Gemeinde Diepoldsau hat grünes Licht für die Modernisierung des Einkaufszentrums gegeben. Nach dem Rückbau der Haustechnikanlagen und der Ausstattungen starten Mitte Juli die Arbeiten für den Innenausbau. Das Carna-Center zieht per 15. Juli aus dem Rhyinselhof aus. Die Migros Ostschweiz setzt gemeinsam mit den beauftragten Unternehmen alles daran, die Immissionen für die Anwohnerinnen und Anwohner zu minimieren und die Arbeiten so rücksichtsvoll wie möglich zu organisieren. Einen planmässigen Verlauf vorausgesetzt, kann der Supermarkt im Spätherbst 2016 eröffnet werden. Die Migros Ostschweiz investiert gut viereinhalb Millionen Franken.

Einkaufsalternative in Widnau
Während der gut viermonatigen Umbauarbeiten kann die Kundschaft von der unmittelbaren Nähe der Filiale Widnau als alternative Einkaufsmöglichkeit profitieren. Nur wenige Kilometer vom Rhyinselhof entfernt, bietet der Migros Markt Widnau ein sehr breites Sortiment für den Tages- und Wocheneinkauf.

Die neue Migros Diepoldsau wird mit einer zeitgemässen Ladeneinrichtung, einer grosszügigen Frischeabteilung und einer stimmungsvollen Farbgebung für ein neues Migros-Einkaufserlebnis sorgen. „Ziel der Modernisierung ist es, die Warenpräsentation zu optimieren und den Einkauf für die Kundinnen und Kunden komfortabler zu gestalten“, sagt Jörg Brühwiler, Verkaufsgruppenleiter der Migros Ostschweiz. Auch die Haustechnik wird im Rahmen des Umbaus auf den neusten Stand gebracht. 15 Aussen- und 29 Parkplätze in der Tiefgarage erleichtern der Kundschaft den Einkauf.

Contact:
Genossenschaft Migros Ostschweiz
Kommunikation/Kulturprozent/Sponsoring

Industriestrasse 47
Postfach
CH-9201 Gossau SG

Direktwahl
+41 (0)71 493 24 92

Zentrale
+41 (0)71 493 21 11

christian.possa@gmos.ch
www.migros.ch

###

: Die Migros Ostschweiz: UMBAUSTART FÜR DIE MIGROS DIEPOLDSAU

Source: Migros

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Shopify Inc. to announce Q2 financial results on Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Ottawa, Canada, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shopify Inc. (NYSE:SHOP)(TSX:SH), the leading cloud-based commerce platform, plans to announce financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2016 before markets open on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.

Shopify’s management team will host a conference call to discuss second-quarter results at 8:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. The conference call is available via webcast on the investor relations section of Shopify’s website at http://investors.shopify.com/events/Events-Presentations/default.aspx.

An archived replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the call.

About Shopify
Shopify is the leading cloud-based commerce platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses. Merchants use the software to design, set up and manage their stores across multiple sales channels, including web, mobile, social media, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations and pop-up shops. The platform also provides a merchant with a powerful back-office and a single view of their business. The Shopify platform was engineered for reliability and scale, making enterprise-level technology available to businesses of all sizes. Shopify currently powers over 275,000 businesses in approximately 150 countries and is trusted by big brands including Tesla Motors, Budweiser, Red Bull, the LA Lakers, the New York Stock Exchange, GoldieBlox, and many more.

Press Inquiries:

press@shopify.com

Source: Shopify

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Italian restaurant Princi to become exclusive food purveyor in all new Starbucks Roastery locations

SEATTLE, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced its role as global licensee and investor in the Italian restaurant Princi, the renowned boutique bakery and café founded by Rocco Princi in 1986. Known for its artisan breads created from traditional family recipes, Princi’s five locations have become beloved experiences for customers across Milan and London.

The investment team, which includes Milan-based Angel Lab and Pekepan Investments, will focus on expanding the number of standalone Princi locations worldwide as well as making Princi the exclusive food purveyor at the new Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Rooms in Shanghai and New York. Announced earlier this year, these immersive coffee experiences bring to life Starbucks line of premium, small-lot Reserve coffees in a retail space that allows the roasting, brewing and craft of coffee to take center stage. The Shanghai and New York Roastery locations are on track to open in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

“We have never baked in our stores in 45 years. But all of that will change with the creation of this unique partnership,” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman and ceo. “Rocco and his team at Princi possess a passion for handcrafted food and artisanal baked goods that mirrors how I feel about our coffee. The attention to detail, the care invested in selecting the ingredients and the artistry of preparation is second only to the service Rocco offers customers inside his Princi stores. I can think of no better pairing for our most premium coffee experience and am excited by the possibilities we envision in Princi food elevating every daypart – breakfast, lunch, and dinner – in Starbucks Roasteries and Reserve Stores.”

Considered by many as the finest example of a modern eatery, every detail is considered in a Princi store — from the minimalist aesthetic designed by architect Claudio Silvestrin to the uniforms created by a renowned Italian designer. In addition, Princi locations are well-known for their twenty four hours of operation, offering customers everything from light breakfast to impressive dinners from an “always-on” beechwood fired oven.

“As a young man, I dreamed of the opportunity to bring traditional Italian baking to customers in my country but when I opened our location in London, I realized how much we could also offer an international clientele,” said Rocco Princi, founder, Princi Restaurant. “I have long admired Starbucks, the values Howard has imbedded into his organization and we are honored to be a part of bringing to life an entirely new retail environment with the Roasteries.”

In addition to the expansion of standalone Princi specialty stores and inclusion of fresh baking in Starbucks Roasteries, the company will also partner with Rocco Princi to bring a premium food experience to its new Reserve only stores starting in 2017. Since the acquisition of La Boulange in 2012, Starbucks reinvented its food portfolio at more than 14,000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and will continue to bring customers authentic French homemade specialties, delivering true culinary artistry on a grand scale. Currently, Starbucks has nearly 24,000 stores worldwide and offers Reserve coffee in nearly 2,000 locations in 30 countries.

About Princi
Princi is a Milanese institution built around baking a range of quality hand-made, wood-fired breads. You can learn more at http://www.princi.com/

About Angel Lab
Founded by Angelo Moratti together with Paolo Gualdani, Angel Lab is a leading private investment firm that focuses on building companies primarily in the consumer sector. Through its international network of partners and advisors, Angel Lab seeks businesses that can become the next generation leaders on a global scale.

About Pekepan Investments
Pekepan Investments is an independent European investment group owned by private investors, which have historically have invested alongside Angel Lab.

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

Media contact:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.co

###

: Italian restaurant Princi to become exclusive food purveyor in all new Starbucks Roastery locations

Source: Starbucks

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Starbucks scores 100 percent on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey

Seattle, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Starbucks is being recognized as a “best place to work” after scoring 100 percent on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey.

The survey is a joint initiative of the American Association of People with Disabilities and the U.S. Business Leadership Network. The index is a national, transparent bench marking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to receive an objective assessment of their overall disability inclusion policies and practices.

In response, Lucy Helm – Starbucks EVP, general counsel and secretary, Law & Corporate Affairs and chair of the Starbucks Inclusion Council – shared the following letter with partners (employees).

Dear partners,

In “Onward,” Howard described one of his trips to Japan where he discovered a handmade Braille Starbucks menu in our store. The menu was created after the team found that a customer who is blind was ordering drip coffee only because he was not aware of the other options available. Howard described rubbing his finger across the Braille and wishing that “everyone at Starbucks could experience this with me.”

This commitment to building a different kind of company, one where everyone is welcome and where inclusion is at the core of what we do, is what makes us proud to be partners. We strive in many ways to extend our commitment to disability inclusion and accessibility throughout the organization, with the recognition that one in five Americans has a disability and all of us will, at some point in our lives, experience changes to our physical or mental health. We all share in the responsibility of creating a culture of warmth and belonging for one another and our customers.

Recognizing the ongoing disability inclusion efforts of many partners, it is my honor to announce that Starbucks received a 100% score on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey, sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities and the US Business Leadership Network. For the second year in a row, Starbucks is being recognized as a “Best Place to Work.”

The DEI survey evaluates our disability inclusion efforts in the areas of culture, leadership, enterprise-wide access, employment practices, and community engagement. One of the efforts that influenced our DEI score is the Starbucks Inclusion Academy at the York Roasting Plant, which provided customized training and hired ten people with disabilities into the distribution center. Our Carson Valley Roasting Plant was the first plant to initiate the Inclusion Academy where 14 people with disabilities were hired last year.

We recognize that our partners are the key to our success and that creating an inclusive environment contributes to our strength as a company. In addition to offering flexible work schedules and comprehensive healthcare benefits, we provide onsite sign language interpreting services, real time captioning, and accessible software such as voice-to-text. This year, we also made iPads available in stores with Deaf partners to provide immediate Video Remote Interpreting as needed. Each of these efforts is being supported through a centralized disability accommodation budget to ensure we are getting our partners the tool and services they need, when they need them.

We are also continuing to make enhancements in the Starbucks Support Center in Seattle. For example, we now provide assistive listening devices in our new Conference Center and are continuing to install more automatic door openers throughout the building.

Our support for partners and their families is also reflected in our comprehensive benefits package. We recently added additional coverage for partners with children with disabilities, including the autism assist program. The age limit for behavioral therapy for children has also been eliminated.

This commitment to creating a culture of belonging extends to our customers and shareholders as well. We proudly welcome service animals into our stores and have developed tools to elevate and enhance service to Deaf customers. We continue to provide Braille and large print menus, and are the only company to offer Braille gift cards in the stores all year round. I am also proud to share that this year we released our first Braille version of the Starbucks Annual Report.

I continue to be humbled by the many ways in which our partners lead and inspire change – for their teams, their customers, and their communities. A store in Canada has seen an increase in new customers because Sam, a partner with autism, is so enthusiastic about sharing his journey and building connections. A Deaf customer and Starbucks barista in St. Augustine, Florida motivated many people to learn more about American Sign Language (ASL) when another customer filmed the two communicating in sign language at the Drive Thru. Just last week, I learned about three Deaf partners at our store at I-10 & Yale in Houston who are engaging with their partner team and local community in a unique way. Through ASL, electronic notepads and common gestures they are demonstrating how hearing and Deaf individuals can work seamlessly together.

I am pleased by the DEI recognition which is based on the contributions and efforts of many people across the company. We know that there is more we can do and we will continue our efforts to cultivate our culture of belonging and inclusion around the world. We want Starbucks to continue to be a place where people with disabilities want to work and visit.

With respect,

Lucy Helm, EVP, general counsel and secretary, Law & Corporate Affairs and chair of the Starbucks Inclusion Council

Media contact:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.co

###

Starbucks scores 100 percent on the Disability Equality Index (DEI) survey

Source: Starbucks

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

The Starbucks Foundation announced $1.3 million in grants to 30 nonprofit organizations

Seattle, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shirley Huang had a difficult time getting by in the most expensive city in America.

Unemployed and without stable housing in San Francisco, the 23-year-old’s life began to change when she met with the staff at YouthJobs+, which is supported by the United Way Bay Area.

“As soon as I got to YouthJobs+, we started working on my resume, did some job searching and the staff made calls to housing programs,” Huang said. “Within a month, I had found an internship and was accepted into a really cool housing program. Later this summer, I will attend the City College of San Francisco and I hope to one day have a job in the medical field.”

Huang was among the estimated 5.5 million young people ages 16-24 who are unemployed and not in school. Many nonprofit organizations across the U.S. are trying to decrease those numbers through programs that create pathways to opportunity.

Making the American Dream Possible for All
The Starbucks Foundation is supporting those efforts through Opportunity for Youth grants. Today the foundation announced $1.3 million in grants to 30 nonprofit organizations, including United Way Bay Area. The grants, which range from $10,000 to $100,000, are expected to impact more than 34,000 young people.

“We believe opportunity youth are the future of America’s workforce and simply need a chance to demonstrate their potential,” said John Kelly, Starbucks senior vice president of Global Responsibility, Community and Public Policy. “Together with our initiative to hire 10,000 young people by 2017, these new partnerships will help create thousands more opportunities through job readiness, training and additional educational programs that create pathways to success. We are proud to work with these local leaders to help make the American dream a possibility for all.”

This is the second year the Starbucks Foundation has awarded Opportunity for Youth grants, which build on the foundation’s legacy of supporting youth and investing in communities for nearly 20 years. The Starbucks Foundation’s work has helped inform and shape Starbucks ongoing commitment to communities across the country. That commitment includes bringing companies and nonprofits together for the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative, investing in new stores with onsite job training for youth in low-income communities, and galvanizing thousands of partners (employees) and youth for its annual Global Month of Service each April.

A New Perspective
Jauhniera Shaw came to STRIVE in late February 2016 because she was unemployed and looking for direction. STRIVE, an Opportunity for Youth grant recipient, is a nonprofit committed to helping individuals acquire the skills they need to overcome challenging circumstances and find sustained employment. Shaw attended STRIVE’S CORE program, which helps young people develop a strong work ethic and maintain a job.

“I needed a bit of fine-tuning,” she said. “By the end of the program, I had a new perspective about the way I should present myself to the world. STRIVE taught me to think about time management, being organized, being responsible, and planning for the future. It helped me pull everything together.”

While enrolled at STRIVE, Shaw attended a mock interview session and met a Starbucks store manager who encouraged her to apply for a job with the company. After an interview, Starbucks hired her and she’s been a barista since April.

“A lot of my friends wanted to work at Starbucks, so when I got the job, I really felt that I had accomplished something great,” Shaw said. “Starbucks saw something in me and I’m proud of that and thankful for the opportunity.”

Shaw has decided to pursue her education at Medgar Evers College while continuing to work at Starbucks.

2016 Starbucks Opportunity for Youth grantees include: United Way Bay Area; City Year Orlando; City Year Miami; Mile High Youth Corps; Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada; After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles; Mexican American Opportunity Foundation; Community Action Partnership of Kern; Honolulu Community Action Program; Inc.; STRIVE International; City Year New York; Chicanos Por La Causa; Arizona Call-A-Teen Youth Resources; Public Allies Indianapolis; Seeding Success; YouthBuild Boston; Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania; United Way of the Greater Atlanta Region; Liberty’s Kitchen; Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans; United Way of Metropolitan Dallas; Boys and Girls Club of King County; City Year Seattle; City Year Philadelphia; The Choice Program; Juma Ventures, Public Allies Chicago; Chicago Urban League; Public Allies Milwaukee.

Media contact:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.co

###

: The Starbucks Foundation announced $1.3 million in grants to 30 nonprofit organizations

Source: Starbucks

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Starbucks to play special “Unity” collection of music overhead in more than 7,500 Starbucks stores in U.S.

Seattle, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — For decades, music has been both a mirror that reflects society and culture, and a magnet that unifies people and helps them express common emotions. In the wake of current events, Starbucks Entertainment Team has curated music to foster togetherness through songs that transcend generations and genres.

Starbucks will begin playing a special “Unity” collection of music overhead in more than 7,500 Starbucks company-operated stores in the U.S. beginning today (July 13). The playlist will also be available for partners (employees) and customers through the Starbucks Profile on Spotify.

“I am deeply troubled by the events of not only the past week, but the last few years as we face the dysfunction and discord present in our great nation,” said Howard Schultz, chairman and CEO, Starbucks. “With stores in nearly every community across America, Starbucks has long served as a place for connection. And while ours is but a small role to play, I am humbled and honored to share this curated music selection during a time when our country needs to heal and demonstrate empathy for one another more than at any recent time in our history.”

“Music has a profound impact on human connection, and this curated list from Starbucks represents many of the artists who value love and acceptance,” Schultz added.

The in-house Starbucks Entertainment team is responsible for programming the music heard daily in Starbucks® stores, which includes thousands of songs across all genres, reaching nearly 90 million customers globally each week.

Media contact:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.co

###

: Starbucks to play special “Unity” collection of music overhead in more than 7,500 Starbucks stores in U.S.

Source: Starbucks

Posted on July 16, 2016 by EPR Retail News Editors

Citycon CEO KOKKEEL on 1H2016: stable financial results driven by the good performance in Sweden and Norway

HELSINKI, FINLAND, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ —

APRIL-JUNE 2016
– Gross rental income increased to EUR 62.2 million (Q2/2015: 46.6) mainly due to the acquisition of Norwegian shopping centre company Sektor Gruppen AS (Sektor) in July 2015. Gross rental income of Citycon’s Norwegian operations amounted to EUR 20.9 million. The acquisition also increased net rental income by EUR 18.1 million.
– EPRA Earnings increased by EUR 8.4 million, or 27.9%, to EUR 38.7 million especially due to the acquisition of the Norwegian operations. EPRA Earnings per share (basic) was EUR 0.043 (EUR 0.047).
– Earnings per share was EUR 0.04 (EUR 0.06). The decrease resulted mainly from higher net financing expenses, deferred taxes and higher number of shares.
– The company specifies its guidance relating to EPRA Operating profit, EPRA Earnings and EPRA Earnings per share.

JANUARY-JUNE 2016
– Gross rental income increased to EUR 125.4 million (Q1-Q2/2015: 92.6) mainly due to the acquisition of Sektor. Gross rental income of Citycon’s Norwegian operations amounted to EUR 41.6 million. The acquisition also increased net rental income by EUR 36.4 million.
– EPRA Earnings increased by EUR 17.2 million, or 29.9%, to EUR 74.6 million especially due to the Norwegian acquisition. EPRA Earnings per share (basic) decreased slightly to EUR 0.084 (0.090) due to the substantially higher number of shares.
– Earnings per share (basic) increased to EUR 0.11 (0.10). The increase was mainly a result of higher fair value gains.

KEY FIGURES

		Q2/ 2016	Q2/ 2015	%2)	Q1–Q2/ 2016	Q1–Q2/ 2015	%2)	2015
Net rental income	MEUR	57.0	42.6	33.9	112.2	82.3	36.3	199.6
Direct Operating profit3)	MEUR	50.5	37.6	34.3	98.4	72.5	35.8	175.4
Earnings per share (basic)1)	EUR	0.04	0.06	-24.1	0.11	0.10	9.0	0.14
Fair value of investment properties	MEUR	4,110.0	2,819.6	45.8	4,110.0	2,819.6	45.8	4,091.6
Loan to Value (LTV)3)	%	45.4	41.5	9.5	45.4	41.5	9.5	45.7
EPRA based key figures3)
EPRA Earnings	MEUR	38.7	30.2	27.9	74.6	57.5	29.9	130.8
EPRA Earnings per share (basic)1)	EUR	0.043	0.047	-8.5	0.084	0.090	-7.0	0.173
EPRA NAV per share	EUR	2.80	2.99	-6.3	2.80	2.99	-6.3	2.74

1) Calculated with the issue-adjusted number of shares resulting from the rights issue completed in July 2015.
2) Change from previous year. Change-% is calculated from exact figures.
3) New ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) guidelines on alternative performance measures are effective for the financial year 2016. Citycon presents alternative performance measures, such as EPRA performance measures and loan to value, to reflect the underlying business performance and to enhance comparability between financial periods. Alternative performance measures presented in this report should not be considered as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with the IFRS.

CEO, MARCEL KOKKEEL:
The first half of 2016 showed stable financial results driven by the good performance in Sweden and Norway. Despite the weaker economic environment in Finland we still see good tenant demand for high quality properties. Our like-for-like net rental income including Norway and Kista Galleria was 0.9%.

The solid demand for prime properties is reflected in our leasing success in Iso Omena where we signed an agreement with Zara, the first and only one in the western Helsinki area. We have been successful in attracting appealing fashion, design and restaurant brands to Iso Omena that, so far, have exclusively been featured in central Helsinki. The first phase of Iso Omena, to be opened in mid-August, is now 95% pre-let.

The integration of the Norwegian operations has proceeded well and is completed. We have been able to achieve much better results than initially targeted. During the quarter, we completed a cost savings programme of EUR 5 million through further reorganisation measures and synergies. The savings, to be achieved in 2017, are in addition to the already materialised administrative cost savings in Norway of approximately EUR 1.5 million.

We successfully continued the recycling of capital in line with our strategy to focus on urban, grocery-anchored shopping centres. During 2016, we have divested a shopping centre in Tallinn and a portfolio of five assets in Finland for a total value of EUR 100 million, both above their IFRS fair value. Citycon aims to divest an additional EUR 200-250 million of non-core assets, mainly in Finland, within the coming 1-2 years.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
The macroeconomic environment in Citycon’s operating countries remained unchanged during the second quarter of 2016. The countries are still on diverging macroeconomic courses: the business environment in Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Denmark remains strong or relatively strong, while the Finnish economy is showing weaker growth.

In 2016, the European Commission forecasts Euro area GDP growth to reach 1.6%. Sweden and Estonia are showing stronger growth figures than the Euro area average while Norway and Denmark are predicted to grow slightly below the Euro area forecast. The GDP growth for Finland is still expected to remain modest, although the trend is positive also in Finland. Finland’s GDP growth is dependent on domestic demand, structural reforms and recovery of the country’s stagnating export markets.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT KEY FIGURES

%	Finland	Norway	Sweden	Estonia	Denmark	Euro area
GDP growth forecast for 2016	0.7	1.2	3.4	1.9	1.2	1.6
Unemployment, May 2016	9.0	4.6	7.2	6.4	6.1	10.1
Retail sales growth, Jan–May 2016	0.4	3.0	4.5	6.0	-1.0	1.6

Sources: European Commission, Eurostat, Statistics Finland/ Norway/Sweden/ Estonia/ Denmark

The unemployment rates in all Citycon’s operating countries remain below the Euro area average (10.1%). During the first half of 2016 consumer confidence levels have stayed stable in Citycon’s operating countries, however, with a positive trend in Finland. The consumer confidence levels in Finland, Sweden and Denmark remain positive, while the consumer confidence in Norway, Estonia and on average in Euro area is still slightly negative. (Source: Eurostat) Consumer prices have remained relatively unchanged compared to the previous year in all Citycon’s operating countries apart from Norway where prices have increased. (Source: Statistics Finland/Norway/Sweden/Estonia/Denmark)

Retail sales growth for the first five months of 2016 has been strong in Estonia, Sweden and Norway, mildly positive in Finland, but negative in Denmark. (Source: Statistics Finland/Norway/Sweden/Estonia/Denmark)

In Finland and in Norway prime rents are forecasted to remain unchanged in 2016. In Sweden, prime shopping centre rents are forecasted to increase during the year while in Estonia downwards pressure on rents has increased due to intensifying competition. (Source: JLL)

In Finland the demand for prime properties is strong and the demand for secondary properties has increased. In Norway the investment market is expected to remain active and yields to remain stable in the short-term. In Sweden the investors’ risk-taking has changed to more opportunistic direction and besides prime shopping centres, also yields for secondary shopping centres have decreased. Prime yields are also expected to continue decreasing in Estonia. (Source: JLL)

RISKS
The company’s core risks and uncertainties, along with its main risk management actions and principles, are described in detail in the Annual and Sustainability Report 2015 and in the Financial Statements 2015.

Citycon’s Board of Directors believes there have been no material changes to the key risk areas outlined in the Annual and Sustainability Report 2015. The main risks are associated with property values, leasing, development projects, operations, environment and people and the availability and cost of financing.

DIVIDEND AND EQUITY REPAYMENT
Citycon’s dividend paid in 2016 for the financial year 2015 and equity repayment in 2016:

Dividends and equity repayments paid on 30 June 2016
Dividend
(record date 18 March 2016, payment date 29 March 2016) 1	EUR / share	0.01
Equity repayment
(record date 18 March 2016, payment date 29 March 2016) 1	EUR / share	0.0275
Equity repayment Q2
(record date 22 June 2016, payment date 30 June 2016) 2	EUR / share	0.0375
Board’s authorisation remaining for equity repayments 3
Equity repayments Q3 and Q4 in total maximum	EUR / share	0.0750
– equity repayment Q3 (possible payment date 30 September 2016)
– equity repayment Q4 (possible payment date 30 December 2016)

1) AGM 2016 decision.
2) AGM 2016 authorised the Board to decide on the distribution of assets from the invested unrestricted equity fund. The amount to be distributed based on the authorisation shall not exceed EUR 0.1125 per share.
3) Unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason, the authorisation granted by AGM 2016 can be used to distribute equity repayment three times. Following equity repayment of 30 June 2016 the payment dates of the possible further equity repayments in 2016 will be on 30 September 2016 and 30 December 2016. The equity repayment will be paid to a shareholder registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date for the equity repayment. The Board of Directors will decide on the record date in connection with each equity repayment decision. Citycon shall make separate announcements of such Board resolutions.
OUTLOOK
The company specifies its outlook. Citycon forecasts the 2016 Direct Operating profit to change by EUR 17 to 26 million (previously 16–30) and EPRA Earnings to change by EUR 11 to 20 million (previously 9–23) from previous year. Additionally, the company expects EPRA EPS (basic) to be EUR 0.1575–0.1725 (previously 0.155–0.175).

The specified outlook acknowledges the impact of the completed non-core portfolio divestment in Finland as well as the weaker Norwegian krone and the impact of the metro delay in Iso Omena. These estimates are also based on the existing property portfolio as well as on the prevailing level of inflation, the EUR-SEK and EUR-NOK exchange rates, and current interest rates. Premises taken offline for planned or ongoing (re)development projects reduce net rental income during the year.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Interim report Jan–Sept 2016 20 October around 9 a.m.

Helsinki, 13 July 2016
Citycon Oyj
Board of Directors

For further information, please contact:
Eero Sihvonen, Executive VP and CFO
Tel. +358 50 557 9137
eero.sihvonen@citycon.com

Henrica Ginström, VP, IR and Communications
Tel. +358 50 554 4296
henrica.ginstrom@citycon.com

Citycon is an owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic region, managing assets that total EUR 4.7 billion and with market capitalisation of close to EUR 2 billion. Citycon is the No. 1 shopping centre owner in Finland and Estonia and among the market leaders in Norway and Sweden. Citycon has also established a foothold in Denmark.

Citycon has investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s (Baa1) and Standard & Poor’s (BBB). Citycon Oyj’s share is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki.

www.citycon.com

SOURCE: Citycon

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Tesco to discontinue sourcing eggs from caged hens by 2025

CHESHUNT, England, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco has today announced that it is to stop sourcing eggs from caged hens by 2025. This comes after the retailer conducted a detailed review of its egg sourcing strategy, which included consultation with suppliers, industry experts and other key stakeholders.

The move is the latest initiative designed to ensure Tesco sources products in a sustainable way. Tesco recently launched its Fair For Farmers Guarantee for fresh milk which demonstrates how every own label pint of milk helps support British dairy farmers. Tesco has also introduced guaranteed high value contracts for British potato growers, and sustainable farming programmes for lamb farmers and producers of cheese.

Earlier this year the supermarket launched new fresh produce ranges, including a number of Farm Brands and its Perfectly Imperfect range, which allows Tesco to take more fresh produce from British growers – up to 95 per cent of their crop. Tesco has also pledged to source more of the seafood it offers customers in a sustainable way, in partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council.

Working with supplier partners, Tesco will transition to 100% cage-free eggs, moving to alternative sourcing methods, such as barns, free range and organic.

At present, some 43% of the 1.4 billion eggs sold by Tesco each year come from caged eggs, also known as enriched colonies. Some 57% of eggs sold by Tesco in the UK come from Free Range or Organic methods.

Matt Simister, Tesco’s Commercial Director for Fresh Food said:

“Our decision on caged hens is one of a number of Tesco initiatives designed to ensure sustainable sourcing, and improve animal welfare.

“We carried out an extensive and collaborative review with our suppliers and key industry experts to help us work through how best we can move to 100% cage-free eggs. This will ensure we give our supplier partners the certainty they require, to make the significant and necessary investments needed for the new farming systems.”

Veli Moluluo, Managing Director – Noble Foods Ltd, Tesco’s largest supplier of eggs, said:

“We have already started investigating new methods of egg production, and the commitment from Tesco to move away from enriched colony production in a manageable time frame gives us the confidence and ability to invest for the long term”.

During the transition from enriched colony production, Tesco and its supplier partners will continue to maintain established and stringent standards for all its egg producers. Tesco’s producers are required to meet high welfare specifications and must comply with the British Lion Code of Practice to ensure that all Tesco eggs have been sourced responsibly.

Notes to Editors:

Tesco sells approximately 1.4 billion eggs per year in the UK
Tesco continues to be the UK’s largest retailer of free range eggs with 57% of Eggs sold in the UK from Free Range or Organic methods

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on
01707 918 701

###

: Tesco to discontinue sourcing eggs from caged hens by 2025

Source: Tesco

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Carrefour at the first edition of the Consumer Goods Summer Camp

The meeting, organised by AECOC* as part of its Employability Project, will bring together 15 leading companies and 100 university students from around the country.

Madrid, Spain, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour is present at the first edition of the Consumer Goods Summer Camp, on 12 July in Madrid. It is a day that aspires to put 100 university students and recent graduates in contact with the leading consumer goods companies in the country. The young people were selected from among 34 different universities throughout Spain and have brilliant profiles, whether for their academic career or their personal abilities.

The Consumer Goods Summer Camp is an employability event designed to accelerate its participants’ professional opportunities and aims to be the reference meeting point between the talent of young Spaniards and the principal economic and job-generating players of the sector. The young people selected to participate are last year or masters university students or recent graduates aged under 30 years from around Spain.

The young people participating in the Summer Camp will work together with directors and top Human Resources managers of leading companies, amongst whom will be Lorena Sánchez Calzas, Director of Selection, Development and Head Offices of Carrefour Shopping Centres , giving fresh impetus to a challenge which the students must approach in a multidisciplinary work team and offer proposals which will be shared with all the participating companies.

The Consumer Goods Summer Camp will bring closer together the academic and corporate sectors, helping the young people to improve their social skills and strengthening those which are particularly useful in the first years of a professional career.

Carrefour supports this initiative in its bid to combat youth unemployment, which last year reached 46.2% among under 25- year-olds, according to data of the National Institute of Statistics.

The first edition of the Summer Camp will be held at the School of Industrial Organisation in Madrid, and will take place at annual intervals at no fixed venue. The latest news can be followed on#trabajoengranconsumo.

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

. By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

###

: Carrefour at the first edition of the Consumer Goods Summer Camp

Source: Carrefour

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Carrefour Poland the official partner of the UCI World Tour “Tour de Pologne”

POLAND, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour Poland has become the official partner of the UCI World Tour “Tour de Pologne”. The most famous cycling race in Poland will run from 12 to 18 July 2016. Carrefour’s involvement falls within the framework of its policy to promote good health and healthy lifestyles among Polish people.

The Tour de Pologne, one of the most important races in the world, is part of the prestigious UCI World Tour calendar. The best cyclists from Poland and the rest of the world are required to tackle a course of around 1200 km, providing supporters from several countries with seven days of sporting excitement of the highest level.

Carrefour Poland has become the official partner of the stage winners of the UCI World Tour “Tour de Pologne”. This means that the company will be handing out prizes to the best cyclists – those who win each of the seven stages that make up the race.

In order to meet the needs of Polish people who attach more and more importance to a healthy diet, in 2015 Carrefour launched its Polish “For the love of good health” campaign, the main aims of which are to provide a wide and varied range of healthy products in its stores, educate Polish people about the benefits of a healthy diet and encourage them to take up physical activity. As well as promoting cycling, the company supports a whole series of sports events, such as marathons and other running races in various Polish towns and cities. The network supports cyclists and its own employees who take part in competitions, as well as fans who congregate in large numbers to support the cyclists along the route.

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

. By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

###

: Carrefour Poland the official partner of the UCI World Tour “Tour de Pologne”

Source: Carrefour

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

USDA’s FSIS: U.S. Cado Holdings, Inc. Recalls 1,650 pounds of imported, frozen Swai fillets products

WASHINGTON, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — U.S. Cado Holdings, Inc., a Santa Ana, Calif. establishment, is recalling approximately 1,650 pounds of imported, frozen Swai fillets products that were distributed into U.S. commerce without meeting federal importation requirements, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. [View Labels(PDF Only)]

The Deep Water Sea Food brand Frozen Swai fillets were produced on April 5, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

15-lb. boxes containing bulk pieces of “Frozen Swai Fillets” with the label DEEP WATER SEA FOOD, “Production Date: 04/05/2016,” and “Best Before Date: 10/05/2017.” The products subject to recall bear the Factory Number UCH001 on the box and bear the lot number 1683475. These items were shipped to institutional locations in Puerto Rico. The boxes are marked as “9/11 oz.”

The problem was discovered when the customer and import establishment notified FSIS personnel of Swai products entering U.S. commerce without meeting FSIS regulatory requirements for imported Siluriformes. The products were imported from Vietnam and failed to comply with FSIS requirements concerning residue sampling and testing prior to entry into United States commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Details of the first expansion are: June 25, 2016— U.S. Cado Holdings, Inc., a Santa Ana, Calif. establishment recalled approximately 2,235 pounds of imported, frozen Swai fillets produced and packed on March 1, 9, and 16, 2016 in Vietnam by Golden Quality Seafood Corporation. The following products are subject to recall:

15-lb. boxes containing individually wrapped pieces of “Skinless and Boneless Swai Fillets” with the label DELTA’S BEST BASA BRAND and the lot number 023015 and 023021, and best by dates of 03-01-2018, 03-09-2018, and 03-16-2018.

The products subject to recall bear no plant number on the box, but do bear the lot number 023015 and 023021, and best by dates of 03-01-2018, 03-09-2018, and 03-16-2018. These items were shipped to retail locations in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The problem was discovered when the customer and imported establishment notified FSIS personnel of Swai products entering U.S. commerce without meeting FSIS regulatory requirements for imported Siluriformes. The products were imported from Vietnam and failed to comply with FSIS requirements concerning residue sampling and testing prior to entry into United States commerce. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Details of the first recall are: June 20, 2016– U.S. Cado Holdings, Inc., a Santa Ana, Calif. establishment, recalled approximately 25,760 pounds of imported, frozen Swai fillets products that were distributed into U.S. commerce without meeting federal requirements.

The skinless and boneless Sea Queen brand Swai Fillet items were produced and packed on March 30, 2016, in Vietnam by Golden Quality Seafood Corporation. The following products are subject to recall:

2-lb. (32-oz.) packages containing individually wrapped pieces of “Skinless and Boneless Swai Fillets.”

The products subject to recall bear plant number FN1158, lot number SW1601-02-16090, and have a “best by” date of March 30, 2018. These items were shipped to Aldi distribution centers in Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers and Media with questions about the recall can contact Paul Nguyen, U.S. Cado Holdings Inc., Manager, at (714) 973-2272.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act and implementing regulations, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that Siluriformes fish and fish products in foreign and domestic commerce are safe, wholesome, and not adulterated or misbranded. FSIS samples imported product for drug, pesticide, and other chemical residues. For more information, please visit: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/inspection/siluriformes/operations-inspection under Hold-and-Test Sampling Protocol for Shipments of Siluriformes Fish/Fish Products from Foreign Establishments that Export Product that Contains a Violative Chemical Residue(s) as Identified by FSIS Border Sampling and Testing.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

USDA Recall Classifications
Class I	This is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.
Class II	This is a health hazard situation where there is a remote probability of adverse health consequences from the use of the product.
Class III	This is a situation where the use of the product will not cause adverse health consequences.

EDITORS NOTE:
This release is being reissued as an expansion of the June 20, 2016 and June 25, 2016 recalls to include additional products, production dates, and distribution area. The first recall 052-2016 on June 20, 2016 involved 25,760 pounds of frozen swai fillet products. The recall expansion on June 25, 2016 involved an additional 2,235 pounds of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) Swai fillet products. The second recall expansion on July 14, 2016 involved an additional 1,650 pounds of frozen Swai Fillets. The combined number of recalled product from June 20, 2016 to July 14, 2016 is 29,645 pounds of frozen Swai imported from Vietnam.

Contact:
Congressional and Public Affairs
Nina A. Anand
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Source: USDA

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

EROSKI prevé abrir 19 gasolineras en de Baleares, Cantabria, Cataluña, Navarra, País Vasco y Galicia

Mallorca España, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI prevé abrir 19 gasolineras durante los próximos dos años. Con una inversión total aproximada de más de 7 millones de euros, las gasolineras se pondrán en funcionamiento en Baleares, Cantabria, Cataluña, Navarra, País Vasco y Galicia y la mayoría de ellas estarán situadas junto a supermercados EROSKI remodelados o de nueva construcción. Las inaguraciones combinarán gasolineras de venta asistida durante el horario comercial y el autoservicio durante las 24 horas del día.

Con este plan de expansión de su red de gasolineras la cooperativa pretende trasladar a su red de supermercados la gestión de estaciones de servicio para aumentar el atractivo y la competitividad de sus tiendas. “La apertura de una gasolinera en uno de nuestros supermercados aporta un crecimiento de ventas adicional del 4% en alimentación. Queremos extender esta experiencia a los supermercados de nueva generación como una apuesta por la mejora continua de los servicios que ofrecemos a los consumidores”, ha declarado la directora general de red comercial de EROSKI, Rosa Carabel.

Para finales de este verano, EROSKI contará con tres nuevas gasolineras en funcionamiento en Bizkaia, Cantabria y Mallorca. El calendario del resto de aperturas está sujeto de momento a la tramitación de los permisos, muchos de ellos ya en curso.

El mejor precio de la zona
EROSKI ofrece tradicionalmente unos bajos precios en la venta de combustible y continuará con esta política comercial, ofreciendo el mejor precio de la zona.

“Nuestro modelo comercial `contigo´ nos diferencia, entre otras cosas, por el ahorro que generamos a nuestros Socios y Socias Cliente a través de su tarjeta EROSKI Club que también puede ser utilizada en las gasolineras EROSKI para obtener nuevos puntos Travel Club y canjear el ahorro acumulado por combustible gratis” ha declarado Carabel.

El operador petrolífero BP actúa como proveedor único de todas las gasolineras EROSKI, a las cuales suministra a través del operador logístico CLH, por lo que todo el combustible comercializado por EROSKI procede de refinerías españolas.

La gasolineras de la cooperativa ofrecen hasta cuatro tipos de combustibles diferentes: Gasolina 95, Gasolina 98, Gasóleo A y Gasóleo A+ aditivado que ha sido recientemente incorporado el pasado mes de mayo. El gasóleo A+ presenta mejoras con respecto al biodiesel en la calidad de ignición, la limpieza de inyectores, la protección de la corrosión al sistema de alimentación del motor y la buena conservación de las bombas de inyección, lo que induce efectos positivos en la economía del carburante, en la reducción de ruido y de contaminantes, en la facilidad de arranque y en el arranque en frío, entre otras ventajas.

Nuevas aperturas de supermercados
Además de este plan de expansión de su red de gasolineras, EROSKI ha anunciado ya la apertura de nuevos supermercados para el primer semestre del próximo año, dos en San Sebastian además de otros en Aretxabaleta y Azpeitia (ambos en Gipuzkoa) y un quinto en Amorebieta-Etxano (Bizkaia)

Datos de contacto con el Departamento de Comunicación:
944 158 642 comunicacion@eroski.es

###

: EROSKI prevé abrir 19 gasolineras en de Baleares, Cantabria, Cataluña, Navarra, País Vasco y Galicia

Source: Eroski

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

EROSKI: una nueva edición de la campaña solidaria “Yo amo la vida”

Mallorca España, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — “Yo amo la vida” es una campaña solidaria que consiste en ofrecer a los clientes de los supermercados EROSKI un objeto de verano con un mensaje impreso, que este año vuelve a ser una pelota de playa, ya que este “gadget” tuvo una gran aceptación hace dos años.

El cliente de EROSKI ya puede encontrar este objeto solidario en las cajas de todos los supermercados que la cooperativa tiene en Baleares y se pueden llevar a cambio de 1 euro.

Alfredo Herráez ha agradecido la labor que realiza Proyecto Hombre Baleares, así como la solidaridad de los clientes de esta cooperativa, explicando que la campaña se mantendrá durante los meses de verano, esperando agotar las existencias.

Tomeu Catalán ha agradecido la colaboración de EROSKI y ha afirmado que el dinero obtenido se destinará a los equipamientos de la nueva sede de esta ONG.

Datos de contacto con el Departamento de Comunicación:
944 158 642 comunicacion@eroski.es

###

: EROSKI: una nueva edición de la campaña solidaria “Yo amo la vida”

Source: Eroski

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

EROSKI ha inaugurado una nueva gasolinera en Elorrio (Bizkaia) con una inversión cercana a los 800.000 euros

Elorrio España, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI ha inaugurado una nueva gasolinera en Elorrio (Bizkaia) que combina la venta asistida durante el horario comercial y el autoservicio durante las 24 horas del día. La nueva estación de servicio ofrece Gasolina 95 y Gasóleo A para turismos, y cuenta además con un tercer surtidor con Gasoleo A para camiones y la posibilidad de que éstos se suministren también Adblue. EROSKI cuenta con una red de 15 gasolineras en el País Vasco.

Con una inversión cercana a los 800.000 euros, la apertura de la nueva gasolinera en la localidad ha supuesto la creación de tres nuevos puestos de trabajo. Se encuentra ubicada en el barrio de San Agustín, cerca del acceso de la nueva variante que se abrirá próximamente y que unirá Elorrio con la autopista A-8 en 5 minutos. EROSKI prevé que la nueva estación alcance la venta de 3 millones de litros de combustible anuales.

EROSKI oferta tradicionalmente unos bajos precios en la venta de combustible y, en esta ocasión, también ofrecerá el mejor precio de la zona. “Nos diferenciamos, entre otras cosas, por el ahorro que generamos a nuestros Socios y Socias Cliente a través de su tarjeta EROSKI Club que también puede ser utilizada en las gasolineras EROSKI para obtener nuevos puntos Travel Club y canjear el ahorro acumulado por combustible gratis” ha declarado el responsable de gasolineras de EROSKI, Francisco Javier Fontaneda.

Datos de contacto con el Departamento de Comunicación:
944 158 642 comunicacion@eroski.es

###

: EROSKI ha inaugurado una nueva gasolinera en Elorrio (Bizkaia) con una inversión cercana a los 800.000 euros

Source: Eroski

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

S Group’s retail sales increased by 1.7% in January–June

Helsinki, Finland, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — S Group’s sales excluding taxes increased by 1.7% in January–June and stood at EUR 5,336 million. Deregulated opening hours and price reductions attracted more customers to supermarkets, and S Group’s total sales increased as well.

“We are pleased with the deregulation of opening hours. More flexible shopping hours have been well received by our customers. Sales increased in our large and small stores alike, with the total number of customers growing by 8 per cent,” says Taavi Heikkilä, CEO of SOK. S Group’s grocery sales in Finland increased by 4.2% and stood at EUR 3,315 million, with the growth rate clearly outpacing that of the other operators in the sector. In addition, considering the general economic situation, sales in S Group’s other business operations developed favourably. However, sales in grocery stores located at ABC service stations decreased slightly due to the deregulation of opening hours.

S Group’s result for January–June 2016 will be announced on Monday 8 August 2016.

S Group’s retail sales excluding taxes, Jan–Jun 2016

Business area	Sales (EUR million, entire S Group)	Change in comparison to Jan–Jun 2015 (%)
Supermarket trade	3,764	+3.8
Service station store and fuel sales	735	-6.6
Travel industry and hospitality business	376	-1.5
Department store and speciality store trade	136	-1.1
Hardware trade	93	-3.2
Other	232	+5.5
S-Group total	5,336	+1.7

Contact:

Taavi Heikkilä
CEO
SOK
tel.: +358 10 76 80200

Jari Annala
Senior Vice President
CFO
SOK Finance and Administration
tel. +358 10 76 82040

###

: S Group’s retail sales increased by 1.7% in January–June

Source: S Group

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

John Lewis to open its Chelmsford shop on Thursday 29 September

London, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — John Lewis today announces its shop in Chelmsford, alongside the wider Bond Street development, will open its doors to customers for the first time at 9.30 am on Thursday 29 September.

John Lewis Chelmsford’s 90,000 sq ft shop represents an £18 M investment in Chelmsford by the retailer. As well as offering more than 65,000 fashion, beauty, home and electrical products, the shop will bring together the retailer’s best services, including a beauty treatment room, a Foreign Exchange bureau and a Nursery Advice service. Customers will also be able to take advantage of John Lewis’s click & collect facility and benefit from 20 minutes free parking in the Bond Street car parks.

Laura Rawstron, branch manager, John Lewis Chelmsford said: ‘I’m thrilled to be able to confirm that John Lewis Chelmsford will open on Thursday 29 September. The business has had ambition to open a shop in Essex for some time now, and the Bond Street development couldn’t be a better proposition for us.

‘I am delighted to be welcoming a team who I know will deliver the exceptional levels of customer service that John Lewis is renowned for to the people of Chelmsford and Essex, and look forward to meeting our very first customers in just over two months time.’

Tony Chambers, Chairman, Aquila, commented: ‘The opening of the new John Lewis store, along with a fantastic range of other shops and restaurants, will transform the shopping experience in Chelmsford. This has been a long time coming but I am confident it will prove to be worth waiting for.’

Other retailers opening on the same day as part of the wider Bond Street development include White Company, Foyles, Joules and Jack Wills. Located at the heart of the city centre, the development will feature a range of riverside restaurants and an Everyman cinema.

The opening date announcement comes as John Lewis Chelmsford launches its search for local charities to support as part of its Community Matters programme. Anyone can nominate a charity which sees £3,000 split between three important local charities every 12 weeks.

Nominations for Essex’s first Community Matters programme can be made by sending a 100-200 word nomination to CommunityMattersEssex@johnlewis.co.uk. Emails should highlight the charity’s cause and why it’s important to Chelmsford residents.

Notes to editors
John Lewis – operates 46 John Lewis shops across the UK (32 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership and all 30,000 John Lewis staff are Partners in the business.

John Lewis typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology, and was named ‘Best In-Store Experience’, ‘Best Clothing Retailer,’ ‘Best Electricals Retailer,’ ‘Best Furniture Retailer,’ ‘Best Homewares Retailer’ and ‘Best Click & Collect Retailer’ in the 2016 Verdict Customers Satisfaction awards.

Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

You can follow John Lewis on the following social media channels:
www.johnlewis.com/twitter
www.johnlewis.com/facebook
www.johnlewis.com/youtube

General enquires:

For further information please contact:

Vikki Speed
Senior Communications Officer Corporate & Brand
Telephone: 0207 931 4921
Email: vikki.speed@johnlewis.co.uk

Source: John Lewis Partnership

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. to pay quarterly dividend of 37.5 cents per share; 4.2 percent increase

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) today announced that its board of directors has declared a quarterly dividend of 37.5 cents per share, an increase of 4.2 percent. The increased dividend is payable 12 September 2016 to stockholders of record 19 August 2016, and raises the annual rate from $1.44 per share to $1.50 per share.

This marks the 41st consecutive year Walgreens Boots Alliance and its predecessor company, Walgreen Co., have raised the dividend.

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance
Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. The company was created through the combination of Walgreens and Alliance Boots in December 2014, bringing together two leading companies with iconic brands, complementary geographic footprints, shared values and a heritage of trusted health care services through pharmaceutical wholesaling and community pharmacy care, dating back more than 100 years.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest retail pharmacy, health and daily living destination in the USA and Europe and, together with its equity method investments*, employs more than 370,000* people and has a presence in more than 25* countries. Walgreens Boots Alliance is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail with over 13,100* stores in 11* countries. The company includes one of the largest global pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution networks with over 350* distribution centers delivering to more than 200,000** pharmacies, doctors, health centers and hospitals each year in 19* countries. In addition, Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the world’s largest purchasers of prescription drugs and many other health and wellbeing products.

The company’s portfolio of retail and business brands includes Walgreens, Duane Reade, Boots and Alliance Healthcare, as well as increasingly global health and beauty product brands, such as No7, Botanics, Liz Earle and Soap & Glory. More company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

* As at 31 August 2015 (without subsequent adjustment for business acquisitions or dispositions), including equity method investments

** For 12 months ended 31 August 2015 (without subsequent adjustment for business acquisitions or dispositions), including equity method investments

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
All statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including those described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending 31 August 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference, and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Contact(s)

Media Relations
USA
Michael Polzin
+1 847 315 2935

International
Laura Vergani
+44 (0)207 980 8585

Investor Relations
Gerald Gradwell and Ashish Kohli
+1 847 315 2922

Source: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Monogram Appetizers of Plover, Wisconsin recalls 5000 cases of Poppers Brand Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

WASHINGTON, 2016-Jul-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Monogram Appetizers of Plover, Wisconsin is recalling approximately 5000 cases of Poppers Brand Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, because it may contain undeclared egg. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to egg run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled Poppers Brand Mozzarella Cheese Sticks were distributed nationwide in retail stores. The product comes in a 32 ounce, clear plastic package marked with UPC 4670488920 and code numbers.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of egg. The problem was discovered during a routine quality check, which revealed that egg was inadvertently omitted during a recent graphics change.

The use of this product packaging has been suspended and placed on Hold.

Consumers who have purchased 32 ounce packages of Poppers Mozzarella Cheese Sticks with code numbers as referenced above are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Monogram Foods at 1 (855) 556-1351 Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm CST.

Contact:

Consumers
Monogram Foods
1-855-556-1351

Media
DeWayne McVey
901-259-6642

###

: Monogram Appetizers of Plover, Wisconsin recalls 5000 cases of Poppers Brand Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Source: USDA