Daily Archives: July 19, 2016

Posted on by

Macy’s to help kids kick off the school year in high style

NEW YORK, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — This fall, Macy’s is helping kids kick off the school year in high style. With throwback 90’s looks ruling the runways, Macy’s is offering returning students a nod to old school trends, along with incredible savings on clothing, accessories and dorm items to make this year’s start to school the most anticipated yet.

“The excitement of heading back to school is punctuated by the art of back-to-school shopping,” said Cassandra Jones, Macy’s senior vice president – fashion. “Macy’s aims to make that the ultimate experience, offering the latest styles and trends in everything from the right outfit to the right dorm accessories, ensuring students can head back to class in style.”

Back-to-School Fashion
Junior girls channel the 90’s, sporting casual looks with plenty of attitude, inspired by the grunge style of plaid shirts, distressed denim and overalls. Denim in all silhouettes is bigger than ever this year, from dresses to shirts to wide-legged jeans. Paired with chunky platforms and booties, these iconic 90’s pieces get a fun and fresh update perfect for the classroom.

For young men, the 90’s comeback continues with denim styles from classic to distressed. Cuffed jeans are paired with high-top chukkas, which are given a trendy update with athletic soles. Tees with graphics of classic 90’s video games, TV shows and witty memes give the old school t-shirt and jeans uniform a modern and quirky bent.

The 90’s craze applies to fashion for kids, as well, but in a more scaled down version. Young girls sporting flannel dresses or cuffed denim will rock the halls, while boys in graphic throwback tees with gaming and skateboard images will rule the school in comfort.

Back-to-School Deals
Shoppers will have the best selections to choose from at Macy’s, the back-to-school destination for savings and style. Find all the go-tos they can’t live without—tops and tees, rompers and dresses, pants and jeans—even the true essentials like uniforms. Also, add in all the finishing touches—from hoodies, sweaters and jackets down to underwear, socks and shoes. Brands including Levi’s, Betsey Johnson, Benefit, Martha Stewart Whim, American Rag and Epic Threads have some of the best deals to match every kid’s preferred school day look. Visit your local Macy’s store and macys.com for savings throughout the season.

Dorm
Whether a first year away or packing it up for the last time, college living is cool and trendy with lifestyle essentials from Macy’s. Whim comforter sets in fresh new patterns offer options to fit each student’s personal living space. Studying is stylish with Poppin desk sets and accessories. Colorful letter trays and pencil pouches make organization fun. A Joy Mangano mini steamer is easy to store in a small dorm living space and keeps wrinkles away and helps show off new, flawless threads on campus.

Love Bravery
Macy’s partnered with Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award®-winning legend Sir Elton John, along with Grammy and Golden Globe®-winning icon Lady Gaga to create Love Bravery, a high-spirited, limited-edition line of clothing and accessories that inspire compassion and combat prejudice. Perfect for anyone heading back to school, Love Bravery includes shirts, sweats, outerwear, clutches, backpacks, scarves, beanies, keychains, pins and even speakers, water bottles and skateboards, all rendered in vibrant graphic prints and designs that fuse both artists’ renowned musical talent and revered inimitable style. Love Bravery is sold exclusively at select Macy’s stores and on macys.com/lovebravery, with 25 percent of the purchase price benefitting Born This Way Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and will be available globally later this year. All donations from the limited-edition line, on sale through Aug. 30, 2016, will be made to Born This Way Foundation, which will use 50 percent to support the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

In-Store Celebrations Nationwide
Macy’s is throwing back to the 90’s through in-store themed events nationwide that prove everything old is cool again. On Saturdays from Aug. 6 to 27 at select stores, Macy’s will host throwback-themed shopping parties with awesome activities, including styling tips and fashion must-haves, photo booths with totally 90s props, and a DJ spinning old school beats. Cosmetic outposts with makeup artists will provide 90s-inspired beauty makeovers to show how to flawlessly achieve a throwback look with a modern twist. To add to the excitement, actresses Katie Cassidy and Ashley Rickards will be making several store appearances for a photo-op and meet and greet with customers. For the 4*1*1, visit macys.com/events.

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

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

Contact:
Macy’s Media Relations

Billy Dumé,
646-429-7449
billy.dume@macys.com

Tracy Davis
646-429-7470
tracy.davis@macys.com

###

Get back to school with fashionable finds from Macy’s; Love Bravery Pouch Set-$32 (Photo: Business Wire)
Get back to school with fashionable finds from Macy’s; Love Bravery Pouch Set-$32 (Photo: Business Wire)

 

Source: Macy’s

Posted on by

Pesca local: EROSKI incrementa un 24% sus compras de anchoa del Cantábrico esta campaña

ELORRIO,España, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI ha aumentado un 24% sus compras de anchoa del Cantábrico descargada en puertos vascos al cierre de la campaña pesquera de 2016, superando las 334 toneladas. La cooperativa refuerza así su apuesta por la pesca local para consolidar su liderazgo en frescos y en la comercialización de alimentos originarios del entorno de sus tiendas. La apuesta por la alimentación saludable y los productos frescos locales son pilares básicos del modelo comercial “contigo”.

“EROSKI impulsa el desarrollo económico del sector agroalimentario vasco, en toda su diversidad, para una total libertad de elección de los consumidores. Es el caso de la campaña de anchoa que concluye, en la que apoyándonos en una pesquería que facilita la disponibilidad de producto, eleva nuestras compras a las cofradías vascas a un nuevo récord”, aclara la directora comercial para productos locales de EROSKI, Asun Bastida. De esta manera “avanzamos también en nuestro compromiso con los consumidores para promover la productos frescos locales como base para una alimentación saludable”, afirma Bastida.

La campaña se enmarca dentro del Convenio para el Impulso de los Alimentos del Sector Primario de Euskadi que EROSKI y el Gobierno Vasco mantienen para fortalecer e impulsar la industria agroalimentaria local en toda su diversidad. En este acuerdo, EROSKI se compromete a impulsar en sus tiendas la comercialización de la pesca procedente de las lonjas del País Vasco, en especial de la pesca artesanal, de las campañas de bajura de la anchoa, el verdel y el bonito del norte, que se encuentra actualmente en plena campaña.

EROSKI colabora con más de 2.000 proveedo­res en el País Vasco. Comercializa más de 9.000 productos y realiza unas compras a proveedores vascos superiores a los 600 millones de euros anuales.

Especialistas en frescos
Las tiendas EROSKI de nueva generación, transformadas al modelo comercial “contigo”, profundizan en su especialización en frescos, aumentando hasta las 20.000 referencias comercializadas, siendo muchas de ellas alimentos de temporada, especialmente en fruta, hortalizas y pesca.

La propuesta de frescos de la tienda “contigo” cambia a lo largo del año y se alinea con las temporadas locales de producción. Estas secciones tienen un peso superior al 25% en las ventas en hipermercados y más del 40% en supermercados, con notables crecimientos de dos dígitos en ventas en las tiendas de nueva generación.

Datos de contacto con el Departamento de Comunicación:

944 158 642
comunicacion@eroski.es

Source: Eroski

Posted on by

EROSKI: 25 aniversario de llegada a Tafalla

Tafalla, España, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI inaugurará esta tarde la semana de actos que ha organizado para celebrar el 25 aniversario de su llegada a Tafalla. La celebración arrancará hoy a las siete de la tarde en un acto conmemorativo con los socios consumidores más antiguos de la localidad a los que se ofrecerá una degustación de productos navarros. El evento contará con la presencia del Alcade de Tafalla, Arturo Goldaracena, junto a representantes de la cooperativa y clientes.

EROSKI llegó a Tafalla el 17 de julio de 1991 con la apertura de su primer supermercado en la calle Diputación Foral, 1 donde arrancan hoy los actos de celebración. Tras 25 años de actividad en el municipio la cooperativa cuenta actualmente en Tafalla con dos supermercados, una perfumería iF y una oficina de viajes EROSKI en la que trabajan 77 empleados, de los que el 50% son socios de la cooperativa.

Cena popular en la plaza del Ayuntamiento el martes
Para el martes 19 de julio se ha programado una actuación del Grupo de Dantzaris de Tafalla y de la Escuela de Jotas de Tafalla a las 20:00 horas en la plaza del Ayuntamiento tras la que, a partir de las 21:00 horas, EROSKI invitará a los asistentes a una cena popular de paella con cordero.

Tarta gigante el viernes
Además, de sorteos, regalos y algunas sorpresas más, a lo largo de la semana, EROSKI celebrará las bodas de plata de su llegada a Tafalla con una tarta gigante que repartirá entre los y las tafallesas, el viernes 22 de julio a partir de las ocho y media de la tarde en el supermercado EROSKI en la Avenida Pamplona, en el interior de cuyas porciones podrán encontrar premios de hasta 300 euros. Los más pequeños podrán disfrutar mientras tanto con hinchables y pintacaras.

Los actos de celebración concluirán el sábado 23 de julio con “la gran sorpresa del ahorro”.

EROSKI, 45 años en Navarra
“EROSKI mantiene un vínculo muy fuerte con Navarra desde hace 45 años, vinculado a un compromiso firme de potenciar al máximo el desarrollo de las economías locales para crear riqueza en el entorno. Somos el primer socio comercial del sector agroalimentario de Navarra con una oferta de gama en las tiendas que superan los 3.100 alimentos producidos en la región”, ha declarado Anabel Zariquiegui, directora regional de Hipermercados EROSKI en Navarra.

El próximo noviembre se cumple el 45 aniversario de EROSKI en Navarra. Fue en 1971 cuando la cooperativa abrió su primer supermercado en Alsasua, al que siguió unos meses más tarde su primera tienda en el barrio Chantrea de Pamplona. Además del supermercado de Tafalla también cumplen 25 años los hipermercados EROSKI de Pamplona y Tudela. Desde su llegada a Navarra EROSKI ha crecido hasta convertirse en un socio fundamental para la sostenibilidad del sector agroalimentario de la región, superando los 1.000 millones de euros en compras a proveedores navarros en los últimos 5 años.

EROSKI cuenta en Navarra con 130 establecimientos: 83 supermercados, 2 hipermercados, 17 oficinas de viajes, 4 gasolineras, 1 óptica, 2 tiendas FORUM SPORT y 21 Perfumerías iF, además del supermercado online, con servicio a domicilio en el 100% del territorio. Forman parte de la cooperativa 148.00 Socias y Socios Cliente. EROSKI en Navarra alcanza los 1.922 trabajadores/as, de las que 1.077 son socias/os, lo que otorga a Navarra un peso muy importante dentro de la estructura cooperativa, siendo navarro/a una de cada ocho socias/os de la cooperativa matriz.

La cooperativa mantiene acuerdos de colaboración con 431 proveedores navarros, 50 de los cuales son fabricantes de marcas propias. EROSKI colabora con el Instituto Navarro de Tecnologías e Infraestructuras Agroalimentarias (INTIA) para la promoción de los productos regionales navarros bajo la marca Reyno Gourmet.

Datos de contacto con el Departamento de Comunicación:

944 158 642
comunicacion@eroski.es

Source: Eroski

Posted on by

Das Migros-Kulturprozent: GENERATIONEN-JASS IM MUSEUM am 21. August 2016

Gossau, Switzerland, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Das Migros-Kulturprozent lädt am Sonntagnachmittag, 21. August 2016, im Rahmen des Generationen-Spieltags im Museum zu Allerheiligen zum Generationen-Jassturnier ein. 2er-Teams mit einem Altersunterschied von mindestens 15 Jahren treten im Partnerschieber gegeneinander an.

Das Migros-Kulturprozent hat 2014 das Projekt Generationen-Jass lanciert und bietet seither jeweils im Herbst an acht Standorten in der Ostschweiz Generationen-Jassturniere an. Dieses Jahr geht die beliebte Veranstaltungsreihe in die dritte Saison und ist zu Gast im Museum zu Allerheiligen in Schaffhausen. Am Sonntag, 21. August 2016, findet von 14 bis 15.30 Uhr ein Generationen-Jassturnier im Saal des Museums statt. Gespielt wird dabei ein Partner-Schieber: Die Teilnehmenden erscheinen in fixen Teams mit einem Altersunterschied von mindestens 15 Jahren. Diese Teams ändern während des ganzen Turniers nicht. Dies gibt Kindern und Jugendlichen die Möglichkeit, immer mit einer Bezugsperson zu spielen, die sie kennen. Der Anlass bietet die ideale Möglichkeit, um einmal mit dem Enkelkind, dem Göttibuben oder auch dem Nachbarsmädchen an einem Jassturnier teilzunehmen. Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos. Ganz nach dem Motto „Dabei sein ist alles“ erhalten alle Teilnehmenden ein Erinnerungsgeschenk. Da das Generationen-Jassturnier nur rund eineinhalb Stunden dauert, bleibt genügend Zeit, die Ausstellung „Lust auf ein Spiel?“ im Museum zu Allerheiligen zu besuchen oder die vielen anderen Spielangebote auszuprobieren.

Weitere Informationen und Anmeldung: www.generationen-jass.ch

Generationen-Jass: Gemeinsam auftrumpfen
Generationen-Jass wurde im Jahr 2014 vom Kulturprozent der Migros Ostschweiz lanciert. Wie im Startjahr finden auch 2016 Jasstrainings und Generationen-Jassturniere in Chur, Fehraltorf, Gossau, Rorschach, Schaffhausen, Steckborn, St.Gallen und Winterthur statt. Im Rahmen des Projekts vermittelt das Migros-Kulturprozent zudem erfahrene Jasserinnen und Jasser an Schulen. Sie unterstützen Lehrpersonen dabei, Schülerinnen und Schüler ins Jassen einzuführen. Dabei lernen die Kinder und Jugendlichen nicht nur viel über Trumpf, Stöck, Wys und Stich, sondern es entstehen auch wertvolle Generationenbegegnungen.

Contact:
Natalie Brägger
Communication / Culture Percentage / sponsorship
Industriestrasse 47
9201 Gossau
071 493 24 46
071 493 27 89
natalie.braegger@gmos.ch

###

Das Migros-Kulturprozent: GENERATIONEN-JASS IM MUSEUM am 21. August 2016
Das Migros-Kulturprozent: GENERATIONEN-JASS IM MUSEUM am 21. August 2016

Source: Migros

Posted on by

Die Arbeiten zur Erstellung der Migros Churwalden schreiten wie geplant voran

Gossau, Switzerland, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Die Arbeiten zur Erstellung der Migros Churwalden schreiten wie geplant voran. Der Migros-Supermarkt öffnet seine Türen am 25. Oktober 2016 erstmals für die Kundschaft.

Beim neuen Busterminal im Zentrum von Churwalden nimmt die zukünftige Migros schrittweise Gestalt an. So wird aktuell der Holzbau aufgerichtet. In einem ersten Schritt wird laut Gian Carlo Caviezel, Projektleiter bei Ritter Schumacher Architekten, die Gebäudehülle aus den vorgefertigten Holzelementen zusammengebaut. Danach werden die dreischichtigen Fassadenschwerter montiert, die für das Dach eine tragende Funktion haben. „Die gesamte Konstruktion besteht zu 95 Prozent aus Schweizer Holz, ein Grossteil davon aus Churwalden“, so Caviezel. Der optimale Projektverlauf durch den grossen Einsatz aller Beteiligten freut vor allem den verantwortlichen Projektleiter Baumanagement der Migros Ostschweiz, Moritz Raymann: „Ab August können wir mit dem Innenausbau des Ladens beginnen – einer plangemässen Eröffnung am 25. Oktober steht somit nichts im Wege.“

Attraktives Angebot für Tourismusregion
Der Migros-Supermarkt direkt an der Achse Chur-Lenzerheide wird auf einer Verkaufsfläche von 390 m2 ein attraktives, frisches Sortiment für den Tages- und Wocheneinkauf anbieten. Dank der 21 Parkplätze vor Ort können Kunden auch komfortabel einen grösseren Einkauf für den Ferienaufenthalt erledigen. Gleichzeitig macht die Lage direkt beim Busterminal die Migros Churwalden auch für ÖV-Reisende attraktiv. Der Supermarkt öffnet am 25. Oktober 2016 erstmals seine Türen für die Kundinnen und Kunden. Vom 27. bis 30. Oktober 2016 wird die Neueröffnung mit attraktiven Aktivitäten gefeiert.

Migros-Bauprojekte im Internet
Informationen zu allen laufenden Neu- und Umbauprojekten der Migros Ostschweiz finden Interessierte auf folgender Internetseite: http://www.migros.ch/de/ueber-die-migros/ostschweiz/neubau-umbau.html

Kontakt für Medienanfragen:

Natalie Brägger
Projektleiterin Kommunikation Migros Ostschweiz
071 493 24 46
natalie.braegger@gmos.ch

###

Die Arbeiten zur Erstellung der Migros Churwalden schreiten wie geplant voran
Die Arbeiten zur Erstellung der Migros Churwalden schreiten wie geplant voran

 

Source: MIgros

Posted on by

MANGO’s first campaigns for AW16 launch globally at the end of August

Barcelona, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — MANGO is continuing with its strategy of launching a new print campaign every month in order to reveal the latest trends. The first of the 4 campaigns for AW16, to be launched globally at the end of August, features Roos Abels and Lexi Boling on the streets of New York.

MANGO is committed to continuing to innovate via digital platforms, and this campaign has gone further by putting social networks at its heart. Part of the campaign has already been revealed on the brand’s Snapchat (mango) and Instagram (@mango) platforms with a live broadcast of previously unseen footage from the photo shoot, which also reveals key garments being featured by MANGO during the first month of the upcoming season.

In addition, the brand will launch its official Spotify channel in late August, which will be updated each season with the songs featured in the Mango campaigns and stores, in order to create its own playlists.

MANGO currently has close to 16,500,000 followers across all of its social network platforms, a figure which is rising season after season.

MANGO was founded in 1984 and is today one of the leading fashion groups in the world. Based in its city of origin, Barcelona, the company has an extensive store network of 800,000 m2 in 110 countries.From its “El Hangar” Design Centre in Palau-solità i Plegamans, every year it designs 18,000 garments and accessories for wearing the season’s trends. The company, which owns the MANGO Woman, Man, Kids and Violeta lines, closed 2015 with sales of 2.327 billion euros, representing a 15% increase on 2014 and an EBITDA of 170 million euros. More information at www.mango.com

Contact:
press@mango.com
T. +34 938 602 222

###

MANGO's first campaigns for AW16 launch globally at the end of August
MANGO’s first campaigns for AW16 launch globally at the end of August

 

Source: Mango

Posted on by

British Land Q1 2016/17: We had a good quarter of activity in the lead up to the referendum

London, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chris Grigg, Chief Executive said: “We had a good quarter of activity in the lead up to the referendum. In the short period since, we are pleased to have exchanged on the sale of Debenhams, Oxford Street and completed further lettings across the Office and Retail portfolios. It is too early to properly assess the impact of the referendum result on the markets in which we operate but we do expect some occupiers and investors to take a more cautious approach. British Land has entered this period of post-referendum uncertainty in a robust position. We have a strong, resilient business with a clear strategy.”

Activity since EU referendum

  • Exchanged contracts for the sale of Debenhams flagship store on Oxford Street for a price of £400 million.
  • 17 long term Retail leases totalling 58,000 sq ft have exchanged on terms agreed prior to the referendum at 9.5% ahead of ERV.
  • The Leadenhall Building is now fully let with Kames Capital and MS Amlin completing on a further 20,000 sq ft.

A robust quarter of letting activity leading up to the referendum

  • 256,000 sq ft of Retail lettings and renewals, 14.8% ahead of ERV; a further 240,000 sq ft under offer.
  • Retail footfall is flat for the quarter, outperforming the benchmark by 260 bps; retailer sales up 0.2%, outperforming the benchmark by 50 bps.
  • 25,000 sq ft of Office lettings and renewals, 3.8% ahead of ERV, including letting of the final floor at Marble Arch House at £100 psf; a further 51,000 sq ft under offer.

Retail focus on multi-let portfolio

  • £499 million non-core disposals exchanged since year end including Debenhams, Oxford Street.
  • £99 million Retail disposals during the quarter, including £79 million of superstores, 3% ahead of March 2016 valuations.

Continued progress on modest committed development programme

  • Speculative development commitments represent 4% of the portfolio.
  • Achieved practical completion of 48,000 sq ft of office space at Clarges Mayfair in June.
  • At Paddington Central, 4 Kingdom Street topped out with 147,000 sq ft of office space scheduled for practical completion in April 2017; phase two of public realm improvements is now underway

Resilient business, strong financial position

  • Modern portfolio with wide range of quality occupiers.
  • 99% occupancy and weighted average lease term of 9 years to first break.
  • Pro-forma for exchanged disposals, proportionately consolidated LTV reduces to 29.7% (March 2016: 32.1%) with weighted average interest rate of 3.5% (March 2016: 3.3%).
  • Based on current commitments, the Group has no requirement to refinance for four years.
  • First quarter dividend confirmed at 7.30 pence, 3.0% ahead of prior year.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain “forward-looking” statements reflecting, among other things, current views on our markets, activities and prospects. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances that may or may not occur and which may be beyond British Land’s ability to control or predict (such as changing political, economic or market circumstances).  Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from any outcomes or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of British Land speak only as of the date they are made and no representation or warranty is given in relation to them, including as to their completeness or accuracy or the basis on which they were prepared.  Except to the extent required by law, British Land does not undertake to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in British Land’s expectations with regard thereto or any changes in information, events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Notes to Editors:

About British Land – all figures as at last valuation date of 31 March 2016
We are one of Europe’s largest publicly listed real estate companies. We own, manage, develop and finance a portfolio of high quality commercial property, focused on retail locations around the UK and London offices. We have total assets in the UK, owned or managed, of £20.0 billion (of which British Land share is £14.6 billion) as valued at 31 March 2016. Our properties are home to over 1,200 different organisations ranging from international brands to local start-ups. Our objective is to deliver long term and sustainable total returns to our shareholders and we do this by focusing on Places People Prefer. People have a choice where they work, shop and live and we aim to create outstanding places which make a positive difference to people’s everyday lives. Our customer orientation enables us to develop a deep understanding of the people who use our places. We employ a lean team of experts, who have the skills to translate this understanding into creating the right places, and we have an efficient capital structure which is able to finance these places effectively.

Retail assets account for 50% of our portfolio. As the UK’s largest listed owner and manager of retail space, our portfolio is well matched to the different ways people shop today. We are focused on being the destination of choice for retailers and their customers by being the best provider of spaces and services. Comprising over 20 million sq ft of retail space across multi-lets, superstores, department stores and leisure assets, the Retail portfolio is modern, flexible and adaptable to a wide range of formats.

Our Office and Residential portfolio, which accounts for 48% of our portfolio, is focused on London.  We have an attractive mix of high quality buildings in well managed environments and a pipeline of development projects which will add significantly to our portfolio. Increasingly, our Offices are in mixed-use environments which include retail and residential elements. Our 7.5 million sq ft of high quality office space includes Regent’s Place and Paddington Central in the West End and Broadgate, the premier City office campus (50% share).

The remaining 2% of our portfolio is at Canada Water where we have a 46 acre redevelopment opportunity in our medium term pipeline.

Our industry-leading sustainability strategy is a powerful tool to deliver lasting value for all our stakeholders. By supporting communities, improving environments and growing economies, we create Places People Prefer and enhance long term returns.

In April 2016 British Land received the 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday honours. The Award is the UK’s highest accolade for business success and is given to companies which bring major economic, social and environmental benefits through their own business success.  It was awarded to British Land for continuous achievement in all these areas over the last five years.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com.

For Information Contact:

Investor Relations
Jonathan Rae, British Land
020 7467 2938

Media
Pip Wood, British Land
020 7467 2838

Gordon Simpson, Finsbury
020 7251 3801

Guy Lamming, Finsbury

Source: British Land

 

 

Posted on by

Verdict and British Land: True Value of Stores goes beyond physical

LONDON, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ —

New research by Verdict and British Land shows:

  • 89% of all UK retail sales touch a physical store
  • True Value of Stores includes click & collect and online sales browsed in store
  • Under 35 year olds use stores the most
  • Londoners are more likely to visit a store as part of their shopper journey
  • Click & collect and online sales browsed in store boost UK physical sales by +5%
  • Boost rises to +9% when excluding Food & Grocery
  • Electricals show a boost of +32% as online sales rely heavily on stores

Beyond the True Value of Stores, there is a ‘halo effect’:

  • Stores improve brand awareness, customer service and trust
  • Hence physical also contributes to online sales that do not directly touch the store

Looking forward:

  • Click & collect spend is set to double by 2021, driving growth in the True Value of Stores
  • Retailers that can offer a seamless omnichannel experience for shoppers are likely to outperform

The True Value of Stores formula and the potential ‘halo effect’ – Source: Verdict

Charles Maudsley, Head of Retail for British Land, said: “This research demonstrates the continued value of the physical store and the important role it plays in the lives of consumers.

“It builds on our knowledge of why people shop, to better understand how they shop across channels. We see retailers responding to this through their flagship and local stores. British Land’s strategy reflects this approach. Our lifestyle-oriented Regional and Local centres deliver a mix of retail, food & beverage and leisure to meet a range of shopper needs.

We see retailers responding to this through their flagship and local stores. British Land’s strategy reflects this approach. Our lifestyle-oriented Regional and Local centres deliver a mix of retail, food & beverage and leisure to meet a range of shopper needs.

Leading retailers and landlords need to continue to embrace omnichannel to future-proof physical stores and meet the needs of consumers today and tomorrow. We are investing in our portfolio to support a variety of shopper journeys, enhance and broaden the appeal of our assets, and create Places People Prefer.”

Ben Dimson, Head of Retail Business Development for British Land, said: “The True Value of Stores research reveals a number of thought-provoking insights, such as the importance of stores for under 35s, and the varied role of the store across sectors.

“Data is integral to the way we run our business. Understanding how physical stores influence online sales helps us ensure our retail strategy is deep rooted in the mindset of the consumer. We expect to see continued demand for physical stores from a variety of operators, and this research helps to cement their place within retailers’ plans in an omnichannel age. Even online pure-plays are dipping their toe into the world of physical, taking pop-up space or temporary units. In doing so, they benefit from the ‘halo effect’ that stores offer – generating online sales and strengthening customer relationships.”

Notes to Editors

About British Land
We are one of Europe’s largest publicly listed real estate companies. We own, manage, develop and finance a portfolio of high quality commercial property, focused on retail locations around the UK and London offices. We have total assets in the UK, owned or managed, of £20.0 billion (of which British Land share is £14.6 billion) as valued at 31 March 2016. Our properties are home to over 1,200 different organisations ranging from international brands to local start-ups. Our objective is to deliver long term and sustainable total returns to our shareholders and we do this by focusing on Places People Prefer. People have a choice where they work, shop and live and we aim to create outstanding places which make a positive difference to people’s everyday lives. Our customer orientation enables us to develop a deep understanding of the people who use our places. We employ a lean team of experts, who have the skills to translate this understanding into creating the right places, and we have an efficient capital structure which is able to finance these places effectively.

In April 2016 British Land received the 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development as part of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday honours. The Award is the UK’s highest accolade for business success and is given to companies which bring major economic, social and environmental benefits through their own business success. It was awarded to British Land for continuous achievement in all these areas over the last five years.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com.

About Verdict Retail
Verdict Retail is a retail research agency and consulting firm. Our work focuses on all aspects of retailing and consumer behaviour, which we deliver through bespoke reports, projects and presentations and through our leading edge Intelligence Centre platform. We work with many of the world’s leading retailers, property firms and those in the financial sector to help them maximize success by developing a thorough understanding of the sector and its likely future performance. We also work with many retail suppliers, from manufacturers to professional services firms.

For updates, please follow us on Twitter or visit www.verdictretail.com.

About the Research
Verdict conducts regular surveys of UK online shoppers to gauge their interaction and spending across a variety of retail sectors, channels and fulfillment methods. Each March and October, a sample of 10,000 consumers representative of the UK online shopping population are asked about their shopping habits over the previous 12 months. This research is based on the March 2015, October 2015 and March 2016 surveys. Participants were asked about how their order was delivered or collected, and how they interacted with the retailer’s store prior to making the online purchase.

Enquiries:

Emma Hammond
FTI Consulting
020 3727 1227

###

Verdict and British Land: True Value of Stores goes beyond physical
Verdict and British Land: True Value of Stores goes beyond physical

 

Source: British Land

Posted on by

BRC-SPRINGBOARD: DEEPEST DECLINE OF FOOTFALL IN JUNE 2016 SINCE FEBRUARY 2014

LONDON, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ —

UK Summary
– Footfall in June was 2.8% down on a year ago, worse than the 0.3% rise in May and the sharpest decline since February 2014
– All three locations reported a decline in footfall for the first time since December 2013
– High Streets reported a 3.7% fall in footfall in June, followed by shopping centres, which recorded a 2.3% decline. Footfall in Retail Parks fell 1.0% after rising 1.0% in May, its worst performance since November 2013
– The best performing Nation/Region was Wales reporting a 0.9% rise in footfall, improving on the 0.8% increase in May. All other countries and regions reported a decline in June
– The West Midlands, Greater London and Scotland witnessed the sharpest footfall declines

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium, said:
“Despite today’s figures showing the deepest decline in footfall since February 2014, the same period has seen UK retail sales rise. June has seen many distractions from Euro 2016 to Wimbledon so heading out to the shops seems to have slipped down the priority list for many. In the coming months we all must redouble our efforts to remind customers that now is a great time to get out into their local communities.

“Retailers continue to focus relentlessly on delivering for shoppers day in, day out, and they know that providing a great in-store experience is key to driving up footfall. Although there is a level of uncertainty, it is important that this doesn’t deter us from the shopping and leisure activities we all enjoy. The EU referendum will not have changed the in-store experience for customers and, crucially, the price of goods on the shelves. Now is a great time for shoppers as the summer sales begin in earnest following on from a record 38 months of falling shop prices.”

Diane Wehrle, Marketing and Insights Director, Springboard, said:
“With such major political and economic news in June, it is unsurprising that there was drop in footfall of 2.8 per cent across the UK in June, the poorest monthly result for more than two years and a marked worsening of performance since May when footfall rose slightly by 0.3 per cent. The results are shaped by a political and economic storm against a backdrop of rain downpours and generally inclement weather throughout the whole month. Footfall deteriorated from a 0.4 per cent rise in the first week of June to a 4.6 per cent drop during the week of the referendum and a 3.4 per cent drop in the weeks following, as consumer confidence was hit, despite retailers discounting throughout the period in early season sales.

“In the last three weeks of the month the drop in footfall averaged 4.1 per cent compared with just -0.9 per cent in the same weeks last year. Whilst the cooler more rainy weather than last year will explain some of this degradation in performance, it is unlikely that it will have accounted for all the 5 per cent drop in footfall of across UK destinations in the seven days post the referendum. Most significant is the out-of-town footfall decline; the first drop since December 2013. It is more likely that consumers’ attention was diverted in the immediate aftermath – the issue for retailers is how quickly shoppers will return to their usual patterns of behaviour.”

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

Source: BRC

 

Posted on by

Grupo Inditex: Pull&Bear se convierte en patrocinador principal del equipo Aspar Team en el Gran Premio de Alemania de Moto GP

Arteixo, Spain, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — El Aspar Team, equipo del Campeonato del Mundo de motociclismo, estrena traje de competición en el Gran Premio de Alemania. Pull&Bear, la marca de moda joven del Grupo Inditex, será por primera vez el patrocinador principal del conjunto valenciano en la prueba de MotoGP que se disputa este fin de semana en el circuito de Sachsenring, al este del país. Con este patrocinio especial, un hito en los cinco años de relación entre Pull&Bear y Aspar Team, los pilotos de MotoGP –el irlandés Eugene Laverty y el colombiano Yonny Hernández– y sus motos lucirán este fin de semana un aspecto totalmente renovado. Las monturas y los monos de ambos corredores se presentan con un diseño en colores plata y blanco y con el logotipo de Pull&Bear ocupando un lugar preferente.

Así, las motos de Laverty y Hernández multiplicarán a lo largo de todo el fin de semana la visibilidad de la marca. No solo en Alemania, donde la firma tiene presencia comercial desde 2013 y cuenta ya con 11 tiendas en 10 ciudades, sino en todo el mundo, a través de una competición que llega por televisión a cerca de 300 millones de hogares. Además, el piloto vencedor del gran premio de los Países Bajos de Moto3, Pecco Bagnaia, y su compañero de equipo Jorge Martín también portarán este fin de semana el logo de Pull&Bear en el carenado de su moto. La marca joven del Grupo Inditex ha rediseñado la moto y el uniforme de la categoría reina para esta ocasión especial.

Jorge Martínez, manager del Aspar Team, ha subrayado que “esta colaboración supone una gran satisfacción para el equipo. Que den el paso de ser el patrocinador principal en el Gran Premio de Alemania nos llena de orgullo”. “Esta competición conecta a la perfección con público joven de Pull&Bear. Nos enorgullece, a la vez que lo sentimos como una responsabilidad mayor, pero esperamos poder ofrecer buenos resultados deportivos”, ha añadido.

Sobre Pull&Bear
Pull&Bear arranca en el año 1991 con clara vocación internacional y con la intención de vestir a jóvenes comprometidos con su entorno que huyen de los estereotipos, viven en comunidad y se relacionan entre sí. Para ellos, Pull&Bear recoge las últimas tendencias internacionales, las mezcla con las influencias que marcan el streetstyle y los clubs de moda, y las reinterpreta a su estilo para transformarlas en prendas cómodas y fáciles de llevar, siempre al mejor precio. Pull&Bear evoluciona de forma paralela a su cliente, siempre atento a las nuevas tecnologías, los movimientos sociales y las últimas tendencias artísticas o musicales. Todo ello se ve reflejado ya no sólo en sus diseños, sino también en sus tiendas.

Actualmente, Pull&Bear cuenta con una red de más de 940 tiendas físicas en todo el mundo. La firma tiene presencia comercial en 74 mercados, en dos de ellos exclusivamente online a través de www.pullandbear.com

Sobre Aspar Team
El Aspar Team nace en 1992 de la inquietud de Jorge Martínez, cuatro veces campeón del mundo y el piloto español en activo con más títulos en aquel momento. Después de haber sido el mejor piloto del mundo en su categoría cuatro veces y el mejor de España en doce ocasiones, y tras convertirse en uno de los máximos exponentes del motociclismo nacional e internacional, decidió en 1992 continuar en competición y fundar el equipo que lleva su nombre. Desde entonces, los esfuerzos han dado sus frutos y el equipo atesora una larga historia jalonada actualmente con cuatro títulos mundiales en la categoría de 125cc, dos títulos de CRT, dos campeonatos de Europa y seis campeonatos nacionales.

Media Contact:
Communication and Corporate Affairs Division
Edificio Inditex
Avda. de la Diputación s/n
15143 – Arteixo
A Coruña – ESPAÑA

Tlf: +34 981 185 400
Fax: +34 981 185 544
comunicacion@inditex.com

###

Grupo Inditex: Pull&Bear se convierte en patrocinador principal del equipo Aspar Team en el Gran Premio de Alemania de Moto GP
Grupo Inditex: Pull&Bear se convierte en patrocinador principal del equipo Aspar Team en el Gran Premio de Alemania de Moto GP

 

Source: Inditex

Posted on by

Dollar General welcomed hundreds of visitors to Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN for its 2nd annual Day of Beauty

Goodlettsville, Tennessee , 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollar General welcomed hundreds of visitors to Music City Center in downtown Nashville, Tennessee this afternoon for its second annual Day of Beauty, a free community event focused on multi-cultural health and beauty. Participants enjoyed a panel discussion with beauty bloggers and celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble, a performance by renowned R&B artist KeKe Wyatt, beauty tips, a nail bar and free samples from leading brands available at Dollar General stores.

“Seeing the impact the second annual Day of Beauty had on participants is powerful,” said Makia Embrey, Dollar General’s brand ambassador. “The day provided a comprehensive look at improving emotional wellness, beauty trends and money-saving tips.  Enjoyment and excitement were expressed for KeKe’s concert, as well as empowering attendees with knowledge and information from blogger guests and Kim Kimble.”

Representatives from LA Colors, Black Radiance, Maybelline, CoverGirl Queen Collection, Shea Moisture, Creme of Nature, Cantu, Softee, Ampro, Smooth n Shine, Bronner Brothers, Dark n Lovely, Let’s Jam, Palmers, Africa’s Best, KISS, Broadway, Luster’s, Organic Root Stimulator, Curls Unleashed, Bella Curls and African Pride attended the event, provided samples and expert advice.

“I am excited to be attending Dollar General’s Day of Beauty and to meet all of the guests who will be there,” said celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble. “I love to talk hair education and believe that style and healthy hair should co-exist.”

The third issue of BEAUTYCENTS magazine also debuted today, providing readers with fall 2016 coupons, advice for the upcoming back to school and fall seasons, apparel trends and more.  Copies will be available in all Dollar General stores in the coming weeks.

Celebrity Biographies
Kim Kimble: Kim Kimble is a third-generation hair stylist and owner of Kimble Hair Studio in West Hollywood, CA.  She also serves as Beyoncé’s primary hair stylist and stylist to celebrities including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, Iggy Azalea and more. She is also the creator of Kimble Beauty™ hair care, which caters to all hair types.  Kim’s hairstyles and innovative techniques have been featured in Vanity Fair, Allure, Vogue and more and in addition to starring in WeTV’s hit television show LA Hair, now in its fifth season, she has also appeared on national shows including Oprah, Steve Harvey, Ricki Lake, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, Shear Genius and others as a hair expert.

KeKe Wyatt: R&B singer and Aratek powerhouse recording artist KeKe Wyatt recently released her fourth studio album entitled Rated Love, furthering her successful and chart-topping singing career.  She earned national attention 15 years ago with work with Avant in 2001 and her rendition of Nothing in This World earned her a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award nomination for best new R&B/soul/rap artist in 2002.  KeKe appeared inR&B Divas television series and recently performed at the Essence Musical Festival.

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years through its mission of Serving Others . Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. With 12,719 stores in 43 states as of April 29, 2016, Dollar General is among the largest discount retailers in the United States. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com

For additional information, photographs or items to supplement a story, please visit the: DG Newsroom
contact the Media Relations Department at: 1-877-944-DGPR (3477)
email: dgpr@dg.com.

###

Dollar General welcomed hundreds of visitors to Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN for its 2nd annual Day of Beauty
Dollar General welcomed hundreds of visitors to Music City Center in downtown Nashville, TN for its 2nd annual Day of Beauty

 

Source: Dollar General Corporation

Posted on by

PREIT: Beaver Valley Mall up for sale; Washington Crown Center in Washington, PA and office building at Voorhees Town Center sold

PHILADELPHIA, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — PREIT (NYSE: PEI) announced that it continues to drive the quality of its portfolio to new heights having executed agreements of sale and received non-refundable deposits for the sale of Washington Crown Center in Washington, PA and the office building it retained at Voorhees Town Center.  Details including pricing and proceeds will be made available upon closing.  The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions and are expected to close before the end of the third quarter of 2016.

The Company also continues to press forward with optimizing its property portfolio and has decided to market Beaver Valley Mall for sale.   In addition to this, PREIT continues its focus on remerchandising and redevelopment opportunities that maximize the appeal to shoppers.  This effort includes introducing sought after and new-to-portfolio tenants, proactively replacing department stores and capitalizing on opportunities to redevelop high quality assets to drive future growth.

“We are looking toward our future with optimism as we continue to transform our platform with our fourteenth lower-productivity mall now under contract,” said Joseph F. Coradino, CEO of PREIT. “It has been a top priority for PREIT to improve our portfolio so we can deliver strong operating results and allocate capital into our higher-quality assets that are expected to translate into superior risk-adjusted returns for our shareholders.”

Washington Crown Center, located in Washington, PA, is anchored by Bon-Ton, Macy’s, Gander Mountain and Sears.  As of March 31, 2016, the property generated sales per square foot of $318 and non-anchor occupancy of 87.9%.

The decision to market Beaver Valley Mall was made following the pivotal announcement from Shell Chemical that it is moving forward with development of a multi-billion dollar petrochemical complex just a mile and a half from the mall, which will bring several thousand jobs to the region.   This development presents an opportunity to maximize the value of the property upon sale while preserving capital for other investments.

PREIT, through continued execution of its robust transformation agenda, has generated proceeds in excess of $645 million and has driven over 20% sales growth since June 2012.

About PREIT
PREIT (NYSE:PEI) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership and management of differentiated shopping malls.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company owns and operates over 25 million square feet of retail space in the eastern half of the United States with concentration in the Mid-Atlantic region’s top MSAs. Since 2012, the company has driven a transformation guided by an emphasis on balance sheet strength, high-quality merchandising and disciplined capital expenditures. Additional information is available at www.preit.com, on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans, strategies, anticipated events, trends and other matters that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events, achievements or results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that might cause future events, achievements or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In particular, our business might be materially and adversely affected by uncertainties affecting real estate businesses generally as well as the following, among other factors: our substantial debt, stated value of preferred shares and our high leverage ratio; constraining leverage, interest and tangible net worth covenants under our 2013 Revolving Facility, our 2014 Term Loans and our 2015 Term Loan; potential losses on impairment of certain long-lived assets, such as real estate, or of intangible assets, such as goodwill, including such losses that we might be required to record in connection with any dispositions of assets; changes to our corporate management team and any resulting modifications to our business strategies; our ability to refinance our existing indebtedness when it matures, on favorable terms or at all; our ability to raise capital, including through the issuance of equity or equity-related securities if market conditions are favorable, through joint ventures or other partnerships, through sales of properties or interests in properties, or through other actions; our ability to identify and execute on suitable acquisition opportunities and to integrate acquired properties into our portfolio; our partnerships and joint ventures with third parties to acquire or develop properties; our short- and long-term liquidity position; current economic conditions and their effect on employment, consumer confidence and spending and the corresponding effects on tenant business performance, prospects, solvency and leasing decisions and on our cash flows, and the value and potential impairment of our properties;  general economic, financial and political conditions, including credit market conditions, changes in interest rates or unemployment; changes in the retail industry, including consolidation and store closings, particularly among anchor tenants; the effects of online shopping and other uses of technology on our retail tenants;  our ability to sell properties that we seek to dispose of or our ability to obtain estimated sale prices; our ability to maintain and increase property occupancy, sales and rental rates, in light of the relatively high number of leases that have expired or are expiring in the next two years; acts of violence at malls, including our properties, or at other similar spaces, and the potential effect on traffic and sales;  increases in operating costs that cannot be passed on to tenants; risks relating to development and redevelopment activities which could be subject to delays or other risks and might not yield the returns we anticipate; concentration of our properties in the Mid-Atlantic region; changes in local market conditions, such as the supply of or demand for retail space, or other competitive factors; and potential dilution from any capital raising transactions.  Additional factors that might cause future events, achievements or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements include those discussed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in any subsequent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” We do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:
Heather Crowell
SVP, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations
(215) 454-1241
heather.crowell@preit.com

SOURCE: PREIT

Posted on by

NRF applauded Representative Kurt Schrader’s legislation that would phase in Labor Department’s drastic new overtime regulations

WASHINGTON, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation applauded legislation introduced today by Representative Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., that would phase in the Labor Department’s drastic new overtime regulations, saying the measure would mitigate the substantial damage the requirements will inflict on millions of workplaces across the country.

“Representative Schrader’s legislation will help blunt the damage to America’s job creators that the reckless new overtime rules will cause unless Congress takes action by December,” NRF Senior Vice President for Government Relations David French said. “The Labor Department’s changes to the overtime threshold are too much, too fast for both employers and employees to adjust to without serious negative consequences for both. The Schrader bill addresses the ‘too fast’ part of the problem and we support it.”

Under regulations scheduled to take effect December 1, employers would be required to pay overtime to most workers who make up to $47,476 per year when they work more than 40 hours a week. That level is more than double the current threshold of $23,660, and the regulations include unprecedented automatic increases to the salary level every three years thereafter.

The Overtime Reform and Enhancement Act introduced today by Schrader would ease the impact of the regulations by allowing the threshold to rise to just under $36,000 this year, with the remainder phased in over the next three years.

NRF continues to support the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act, introduced in March by Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., and House Workforce Protections Subcommittee Chairman Tim Walberg, R-Mich. The measure would pause implementation of the regulations and require the Labor Department to complete a comprehensive analysis of the impact the changes would have on small businesses and lower-wage regions of the country. In addition, the bill would block the regulations’ automatic increases to the wage threshold.

“If left unchecked, these overtime rules will hobble the careers of millions of workers in the retail, nonprofit and higher education communities,” French said. “We appreciate the bipartisan efforts of lawmakers in both chambers to come to their aid and are pursuing all options to correct these misguided regulations.”

Research conducted for NRF shows that the overtime regulations will force employers to limit hours or cut base pay in order to make up for the added payroll costs, leaving most workers with no increase in take-home pay despite added administrative costs. A separate survey found that the majority of retail managers and assistant managers the regulations are supposed to help oppose the plan.

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

Contact:

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

Source: NRF

Posted on by

MIGROS VERLOST EXKLUSIV 500 X 2 TICKETS FÜR DAS ESAF

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Als Goldsponsor des Eidgenössischen Schwing- und Älperfests (ESAF) 2016 in Estavayer verlost die Migros 1000 Tickets. Vom 19. Juli bis 1. August erhalten Migros-Kundinnen und -Kunden bis maximal 10 Rubbellose pro Einkauf. Mit etwas Glück versteckt sich im Los der Gewinncode für zwei Tagestickets oder ein Sofortgewinn in Form einer Geschenkkarte. Rubbellose gibt es in allen Migros-Filialen der Deutschschweiz und der Romandie.

Das eidgenössische Schwing- und Älplerfest findet nur alle drei Jahre statt. 2016 ist die Migros zum vierten Mal Hauptsponsorin dieses traditionellen Grossanlasses. Für dieses Engagement erhält sie 1000 Tickets, die sie während den letzten zwei Juli-Wochen anlässlich der ESAF-Promotion verlosen möchte.  Kunden erhalten in den Migros-Filialen  bei einem Einkauf ab 20 Franken ein Rubbellos, in welchem sich entweder ein Glückscode für die Verlosung von zwei Tickets befindet oder ein Sofortgewinn. Insgesamt stehen über 7000 Sofortgewinne in Form von Geschenkkarten zur Verfügung. Der Wert aller Gewinne zusammen beträgt  250‘000 Franken.

Wer einen Glückscode erhalten hat, muss sich auf www.migros.ch/schwingen oder via Migros App registrieren um  automatisch an der Verlosung für je zwei Tageskarten teilnehmen zu können. Aus allen Registrierungen werden 500 Codes per Zufallsprinzip ausgewählt. Gratisteilnahmen sind ebenfalls möglich.

Während der Promotion absolvieren die beiden Schwingerkönige Jörg Abderhalden und Kilian Wenger einen Kasseneinsatz in den Genossenschaften Migros Aare und Migros Ostschweiz. Wann und wo genau die Könige an der Kasse anpacken, erfährt man auf www.migros.ch/schwingen.

Für weitere Informationen:
Monika Weibel
Mediensprecherin MGB
Tel. 044 277 20 63
monika.weibel@mgb,ch

###

MIGROS VERLOST EXKLUSIV 500 X 2 TICKETS FÜR DAS ESAF
MIGROS VERLOST EXKLUSIV 500 X 2 TICKETS FÜR DAS ESAF

Source: Migros Cooperatives

Posted on by

Argos launches its new Autumn / Winter 2016 offering

Milton Keynes, UK, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading retailer Argos launches its new AW16 range to shoppers on Saturday 16 July, offering over 60,000 products in catalogue and online, and featuring must-have gifts from top brands including Apple Watch, Fitbit Blaze and Alta, virtual reality gaming with Playstation VR plus great deals including Canon SX420 bridge cameras and TomTom Sat Nav.

Argos is also offering customers new products from a wide range of exclusive brands within furniture and homewares. Heart of House, now with over 1,100 lines, goes from strength to strength with stunning new collections including the solid oak Kent range and a re-assuring 3 year guarantee on all furniture. New to launch this year, The Collection offers superior quality and great design, much of which has been developed by Argos’ own in house product development team.

The new range offers around 8,000 new lines and is available at www.argos.co.uk. where customers can check stock availability at their local store and reserve items for free, pre-pay and collect in store in as little as 60 seconds or for ultimate convenience have delivered to home or work the same day across 95% of the UK.

As we head into the Christmas season, shoppers are expected to go online to ensure they bag a perfect gift for their loved ones. Online shopping at Argos represents almost 50% of sales, and mobile commerce continues to grow, now representing around 30% of Argos’ total sales¹.

Stephen Vowles, Marketing Director, Argos said: “The retail revolution shows no signs of slowing down and we anticipate customers’ expectations for choice and convenience will be greater than ever this year. Our mission is to ensure customers can get hold all of the brands they love, as quickly and easily as possible.  Over 95 per cent of the UK population has access to up to 20,000 items for same day delivery via Fast Track, which offers four convenient slots seven days a week right to their doorstep – something no one else can offer.

“For larger items, we have the option of next day delivery on many lines. I am more excited than ever by what we have on offer this Autumn / Winter.”

Key highlights from the new AW16 range include:

TECHNOLOGY
The wearable technology market has rocketed in recent years, as Brits continue to enjoy tracking and improving their activity levels. New this season is the Fitbit Blaze, with built in work out routines and GPS function, and the Fitbit Alta which has new interface and movement functions.

The Summer of Sport has increased demand for larger televisions and new ranges are available for Autumn / Winter, as more Smart TVs and Ultra HD content become available. The LG range of TVs have up to four times the number of pixels of Full HD, for stunning colour depth and picture quality, and are available up to 75”. Sony’s X83 4K Ultra HD Android TV which analyses multiple frames so that images can be sharpened and refined in real time and is available from only £619.

Video gaming systems are embracing Virtual Reality. October 2016 sees the launch of Playstation VR, compatible with the PS4 console, with new VR only games becoming available. Gaming systems that also incorporate ‘toys to life’ will be popular, including Amiibo, Lego Dimensions, Disney Infinity and Skylanders Superchargers.

A new report from consulting firm Strategy Analytics said that for the first time ever, more smart watches have been shipped worldwide than Swiss watches (Source: Fortune: Feb 2016). Apple Watch is a real customer favourite offering fantastic design with instant notifications that helps you measure your workouts, track activity and encourages healthy routines.

Finally, the Retro Revival audio market is exciting, as we embrace cassette players, record players and boom-boxes and revive the sounds of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, all available within the Bush and Alba ranges. The Classic radio from Bush is available exclusively at Argos in various colours. Advances in technology make products such as these highly desirable as they embrace vintage design whilst delivering a premium sound quality.

TOYS
Toys this year have truly moved on, with more sophisticated tech, realistic life-like functions and up-to-date pop culture references. Argos has a great range of top toys for Christmas this year, including the Fisher Price Codeapillar, which will inspire a new generation of super-coders, to the SelfieMic, where wannabe pop stars and lip synch-ers can create their own music videos. Also expected to be popular is the Tiny Treasures Baby Doll, which smells as sweet as a newborn, Zoomer Chimp, who performs over 100 tricks and BB-8, part of the extensive Star Wars range.

Chad Valley’s DesignaFriend doll range, exclusive to Argos, continues to prove popular and new friend Tiffany comes with dazzling evening dress, sparkly glitter sandals and pretty clutch bag. She even has an extra outfit and a catwalk.

Nerf continues to be popular. In a recent survey conducted for Argos, a quarter or adults said they enjoyed playing with their kids blasters! New this season is the Battlescout, with a mounted ‘action cam’ that records battles, exclusive to Argos.

Lego continues to prove popular, and this year is no exception. Expect the Lego City Volcano to be popular with scientists big and small, alongside ranges from Lego Friends, Lego Marvel Super Heroes and Lego Star Wars.

HOME
Homewares and furniture brand, Heart of House, available at Argos, offers more than 1,100 stylish products to choose from, are perfectly in keeping with the trends of the season. In time for Christmas, there will also be a Heart of House range of luxury Christmas decorations.

Hero lines include a stylish drinks trolley for £54.99, the Oakington coffee and dining tables from £129.99 and the Darcy floral chair for £249.99, which is available with matching footstool.

Exclusive to Argos, the ColourMatch range offers more than 800 affordable homeware and accessories in 18 colourways and designs. Highlights include the two tone 12-piece dinner set for only £17.99 and the Iso cushion, just £7.99.

Newly introduced for Autumn/Winter 2016, The Collection by Argos has launched with a two year guarantee on all Furniture, with many products designed in house. Look out for the Twyford floor and table lamps from £24.99, the Aurelie rose gold 4’6” bedframe for £229.99, and the stylish nest of three tables in bamboo for £69.99.

Retro for the home includes the Bush Classic Fridge-Freezer in a range of colours including cream, red, black and blue.

OTHER MUST-HAVES FOR AUTUMN/WINTER
Flicking through the new range, there are some other products that will excite customers as the temperatures get colder. Heated fur throws from Relaxwell by Dreamland will ensure you stay cozy while maintaining the glamour with new ranges in hair care from Nicky Clarke, Lee Stafford and Glamoriser.

For the home, don’t forget to select from a range of cordless vacuum cleaners including Animal from Dyson and a range from Bosch – vital for keeping control of those needles under the Christmas tree.

To keep the fun alive, there are some great new gift ideas including virtual reality glasses, the next big thing in immersive entertainment, making you feel you are part of the game. In photography, instants from Polariod Snap and Fujifilm Instax are perfect for capturing and sharing special moments – and then sharing them again on Instagram!

Argos is a top jewellery retailer, and our new in-house collection, Enchanted, is sure to delight, while Accents is a new selection of sterling silver jewellery launched by Hot Diamonds.

TOP VALUE DEALS

Canon Powershot SX420 (black) 413/3571 Save £70 £129.99

Vax Cordless Slim Pet Vacuum Cleaner 554/6112 Save £100 £149.99

HP 15.6” Intel Pentium 4GB 1TB Laptop (red) 544/1482 Save £50 £299.99

Raxor E100S Electric Scooter with seat (blue) 390/9957 Save £20 £139.99

Barbie Complete Playset 425/2579 Half Price £49.99

Philips 4K Ultra HD Smart Ambilight TV (49”) 528/8906 Save £200 £499.99

Bush Wooden DAB Radio 553/5927 Save £20 £29.99

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Watch 538/5878 Under Half Price £129.99

¹Home Retail Groups’ latest trading statement covering the 13 weeks from 28 February to 28 May 2016

About Argos
Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 60,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with around 120 M customer transactions a year through its stores and over 975 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2016.  Customers can take advantage of Argos’ convenient Check & Reserve service available through its network of 842 stores and concessions across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

In the financial year to February 2016, Argos sales were £4.1 billion and it employed some 30,000 people across the business.

For more information, please contact the Argos Press Office on:

0845 120 4365
email: media.relations@argos.co.uk.
Follow us on Twitter at @argos_PR.

###

Argos launches its new Autumn / Winter 16 offering
Argos launches its new Autumn / Winter 16 offering

Source: Argos

Posted on by

Amazon plans to open new fulfillment center in Sacramento

SEATTLE, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced plans to open its tenth California fulfillment center in Sacramento. The new facility, the fourth California fulfillment center Amazon has announced within a span of four months, will create over 1,000 full-time hourly roles.

In addition to the recently announced fulfillment centers in north Sacramento, Tracy and Eastvale, Amazon currently fulfills customer orders at its seven Golden State facilities in Moreno Valley, Patterson, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Tracy. The company also operates sortation centers in Newarkand San Bernardino.

“Our ongoing expansion in California, which started just four short years ago, is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce in this state,” said Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s Vice President of North American Operations. “Customers are seeing on a regular basis Amazon’s customer obsession, innovative culture, and operational excellence – all of which is driven by the 14,000-plus Californians who work in Amazon fulfillment centers across the state. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished in California.”

Amazon employees at the 855,000-plus-square-foot Sacramento fulfillment center will pick, pack, and ship smaller customer items, such as books, electronics and toys.

Roberta MacGlashan, Chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors, said Amazon’s announcement was “welcomed news for the County.” She continued, “Amazon coming to Sacramento represents a big step forward as our community continues to grow. We have seen Amazon be a positive influence elsewhere in the state, and we are pleased that Amazon has chosen to invest in this region as well.”

“Amazon’s ongoing expansion is creating even more jobs and economic growth for California,” said Board of Equalization Member George Runner. “This new Amazon facility will provide exciting new employment opportunities for Sacramento-area residents and even speedier service for customers.”

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

To learn more about working at an Amazon fulfillment center, visit www.amazondelivers.jobs.

The project is being developed by Seefried Industrial Properties and USAA Real Estate Company.

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 www.amazon.com/about.

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

 

Posted on by

Tesco to source all cocoa for its own label chocolate products from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ sources by the end of 2018

CHESHUNT, England, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco has today announced all the cocoa required for its own label chocolate products sold in the UK will be from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ sources by the end of 2018.

The retailer will also ensure the cocoa used in other Tesco UK products, such as biscuits, cakes, desserts and cereals, will be responsibly sourced by the same date.

The news follows a series of measures by Tesco designed to help build trusted and transparent partnerships with its suppliers and ensure more of its products are sourced sustainably.

Steps include guaranteed high value contracts for British potato growers, sustainable farming programmes for lamb farmers and producers of cheese, a Fair For Farmers Guarantee for fresh milk, and an extension of its partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council, resulting in the retailer offering 80 MSC-certified products to customers.

Tesco’s collaboration the Rainforest Alliance and other sustainability programmes will support cocoa-growing communities, help increase farmer income, safeguard soils and conserve wildlife. Customers will be able to recognise Rainforest Alliance Certified™ products by the inclusion of its frog seal on packaging.

Jason Tarry, Chief Product Officer at Tesco said:
“Our customers want to be reassured that we treat farmers and growers well and that the foods they buy are sourced responsibly. Our collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance will help to support cocoa farmers improve their livelihoods and ensure we are offering great sustainable and affordable products. This is just one of a number of initiatives which will help us build trusted partnerships with our suppliers and enable us to serve shoppers a little better every day.”

Nigel Sizer, President of the Rainforest Alliance:
“We are delighted Tesco has made such a deep commitment to sourcing Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa. Tesco’s commitment will have a significant impact on improving the social, economic, and environmental well-being of cocoa farming communities.”

By the end of 2018, all cocoa sourced for Tesco that goes into other products, including biscuits, cakes, desserts and cereals, will also be responsibly sourced. Cocoa will be sourced in accordance with a number of sustainability programmes including the Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Cocoa Horizons and Fairtrade.

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: 
01707 918 701

###

Tesco to source all cocoa for its own label chocolate products from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ sources by the end of 2018
Tesco to source all cocoa for its own label chocolate products from Rainforest Alliance Certified™ sources by the end of 2018

Source: Tesco

Posted on by

Tesco raises 2.8 million meals during the eighth Neighbourhood Food Collection to feed people in need

CHESHUNT, England, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Generous Tesco customers have donated 2.8 million meals to feed people in need during the eighth Neighbourhood Food Collection, which took place in all stores from 30 June – 2 July 2016.

The collection, now in its fifth year, gives Tesco customers the opportunity to donate vital store cupboard staple foods to food redistribution charity FareShare and foodbank charity The Trussell Trust. This summer’s collection brings the total number of meals collected to more than 36 million since the Neighbourhood Food Collection began in 2012.

Tesco has topped up donations made by 20% to enable the charities to expand their networks and reach even more people in need.

Caroline Silke, Head of Community at Tesco, said:
“We are truly appreciative of the continued generosity our customers have shown for the Neighbourhood Food Collection in their communities. We believe that no one should go hungry and the food donated will play a vital role in helping feed many people in need. We want to thank our colleagues and all the fantastic volunteers whose support and dedication made the collection possible.”

Lindsay Boswell, CEO of FareShare, said:
“This summer’s Neighbourhood Food Collection clearly captured the hearts of generous public shoppers and it has also helped to raise awareness of the hunger affecting millions of vulnerable people across the UK. The 2.8 million  meals donated by the public means that FareShare can provide much-valued store cupboard essentials to nearly 2,500 charities and community groups, helping them to feed even more people in need, this summer and beyond”.

David McAuley, Trussell Trust Chief Executive, said:
“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who participated in this summer’s Neighbourhood Food Collection. Unavoidable circumstances such as illness, redundancy or an unexpected bill can all leave people facing hunger and needing help from a foodbank.  In communities up and down the country parents are skipping meals to feed their children, which is why the incredible generosity shown by Tesco customers, store staff and volunteers is so valuable; it enables Trussell Trust foodbanks across the UK to be there to provide emergency food and support when anyone is hit by crisis”.

For more information about the Neighbourhood Food Collection, please visit www.tesco.com/food-collection.

Notes to editors:

The Trussell Trust:

  • The Trussell Trust runs a network of over 420 foodbanks in the UK, that work with churches and communities to provide three days emergency food and support to people in crisis.
  • In 2015-16, 1,109,309 three day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by Trussell Trust foodbanks across the UK. Of this number, 415,866 went to children.
  • Over 90% of food given out by foodbanks is donated by the public and everyone who comes to a foodbank is referred by a frontline professional or agency, such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, healthcare workers and children’s centres.
  • The 20% top up is redistributed by The Trussell Trust to participating foodbanks and then used by them to: develop additional beneficiary support services e.g. counselling and housing advice, provide volunteering/training opportunities, help cover running costs, set up social enterprises and purchase food.
  • Find out more: trusselltrust.org

FareShare:
FareShare is a UK-wide charity that tackles food waste and food poverty by redistributing in date, good food from the food & drink industry, that would otherwise go to waste, to frontline charities and community groups that support vulnerable people, including homeless shelters, children’s breakfast clubs, and domestic violence refuges. These organisations transform the food into nutritious meals, which they provide alongside life-changing support. In 2015/16, FareShare redistributed 9,070 tonnes of food to 2,489 charities and community groups, enough to provide 18.3 million meals for people in need with an estimated value to the charity sector of £19.6 million. To find out more, please visit www.fareshare.org.uk

For media enquiries on the Neighbourhood Food Collection please contact the Tesco press office: Press.Office@uk.tesco.com or call 01707 918 701

###

Tesco raises 2.8 million meals during the eighth Neighbourhood Food Collection to feed people in need
Tesco raises 2.8 million meals during the eighth Neighbourhood Food Collection to feed people in need

Source: Tesco

Posted on by

Sainsbury’s speeds-up its initiative to remove multi-buy promotions

LONDON, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s has fast-tracked its programme to remove multi-buy promotions on food whilst lowering regular prices on everyday items in response to positive feedback. The retailer has been gradually removing multi-buys from its stores over two years and has sped-up the project in recent months due to customer appetite for simpler, clearer prices.

  • Programme to remove multi-buys delivered two months ahead of plan as customers respond positively*
  • Lower, regular pricing strategy leading to highest-ever customer satisfaction scores**
  • Customers enjoying increased choice and flexibility and are buying a wider variety of products

Sainsbury’s decision to replace multi-buys with lower regular prices is in response to changing shopping habits with customers shopping more frequently, often buying fewer items. Careful management of household budgets, a growing awareness of the cost of food waste and more health-conscious living have also driven a trend away from multiple product purchasing towards more single item purchasing.

Sainsbury’s Food Commercial Director, Paul Mills-Hicks, said: “We’ve worked hard to phase out multi-buys as quickly as we could because our customers tell us they value choice and a simpler shopping experience. It’s very interesting to see people experimenting with new products and pack sizes now that they are not tied in to multi-buys. It’s clear that shoppers are enjoying the freedom to make decisions about what they buy based on what they need, rather than what’s on offer. Customers are also telling us that ultimately they’re saving money because they’re wasting less and only buying what they need.

Our pricing strategy is all about ensuring we are well placed to give our customers what they want, when they want it. Multi-buys are out of step with changing shopping habits and we call on other retailers to follow our lead to remove multi-buys, making shopping easier for customers and food waste easier to manage.”

Read a blog post from Paul Mills-Hicks here.

Notes to editors 

*Removal of multi-buys on Sainsbury’s food completed in June and original plan was for August 2016; Multi-buys may still be found on lunch and Bistro meal deals, seasonal wine promotions and general merchandise products

For corporate press enquiries please contact:

press_office@sainsburys.co.uk
call 020 7695 7295.

Source: JSainsbury

Posted on by

Argos launches its exclusive The sunshine-themed pendant for Macmillan Cancer Support

Milton Keynes, UK, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Let your light shine this Christmas as Argos launches its exclusive pendant for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The sunshine-themed pendant is available in Argos stores and online from 16 July retailing at £27.99. Of this, £5 from every sale will be going to Macmillan to fund vital hours of nursing care, helping to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.

The pendant will add a little sparkle to anyone’s Christmas and features an uplifting message, making it a perfect gift for your loved ones.

Stephanie Wilkes, Jewellery Buyer at Argos, said: “This gorgeous pendant is the perfect way to light up the lives of your loved ones this Christmas, and with £5 from each sale going straight to Macmillan, you’ll be helping to pay for vital hours of care from Macmillan nurses.

“We’re so proud to be supporting Macmillan, and hope the sales of these pendants will help make a real difference to the lives of those affected by cancer.”

Alix Wooding, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many, especially those who have lost loved ones, and we know that lots of people feel lonely as festivities go on around them. The money Argos customers will raise with every pendant sold goes towards funding vital care and support from Macmillan nurses, helping people affected by cancer to feel less alone. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who puts this pendant on their Christmas list, with your support Macmillan can make a real difference.”

Since voting to support Macmillan as their UK charity partner last year, Argos colleagues and customers have raised £1.2 million, funding over 44,000 hours of vital Macmillan nursing care to help Macmillan ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

To buy a pendant for your loved one visit your local Argos store, or buy online at www.argos.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About Macmillan Cancer Support
When you have cancer, you don’t just worry about what will happen to your body, you worry about what will happen to your life. Whether it’s concerns about who you can talk to, planning for the extra costs or what to do about work, at Macmillan we understand how a cancer diagnosis can take over everything.

That’s why we’re here. We provide support that helps people take back control of their lives. But right now, we can’t reach everyone who needs us. We need your help to make sure that people affected by cancer get the support they need to face the toughest fight of their life. No one should face cancer alone, and with your support no one will.

To get involved, call 0300 1000 200 today. And please remember, we’re here for you too. If you’d like support, information or just to chat, call us free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk

About Argos
Argos is a leading UK digital retailer, offering around 60,000 products through www.argos.co.uk, its growing mobile channels, stores and over the telephone.

Argos continues to be the UK’s largest high street retailer online with around 120 M customer transactions a year through its stores and over 975 million website and app visits in the 12 months to February 2016.  Customers can take advantage of Argos’ convenient Check & Reserve service available through its network of 842 stores and concessions across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

In the financial year to February 2016, Argos sales were £4.1 billion and it employed c.30,000 people across the business.

Argos is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.

For high res imagery or further information, please contact:

Laura Williams
Assistant Media & PR Officer
Macmillan Cancer Support
020 7840 3583 (out of hours 07801 307068)
LaWilliams@macmillan.org.uk

The Argos Press Office
0845 120 4365
email: media.relations@argos.co.uk

###

Argos launches its exclusive The sunshine-themed pendant for Macmillan Cancer Support
Argos launches its exclusive The sunshine-themed pendant for Macmillan Cancer Support

Source: Argos

Posted on by

John Lewis to open shop-in-shops within six branches of Myer in Australia

LONDON, 2016-Jul-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — John Lewis has today announced it will have a physical presence in Australia for the first time by opening shop-in-shops within six branches of leading Australian department store Myer.

The first shop-in-shop will open before Christmas 2016 in Myer’s newly refurbished Warringah store in the outskirts of Sydney. This will be followed by additional openings in Melbourne, Perth, Bondi, Chadstone, and Myer’s flagship store in Sydney in February 2017.

The John Lewis departments will be between 600 sq ft and 850 sq ft in size and customers will be able to shop an exclusive assortment incorporating the best of John Lewis’s own brand home and lifestyle products across bed, bath, and living. Once open, John Lewis will have 30 shop-in-shops worldwide.

Today’s announcement is coupled with the news that John Lewis has extended the number of countries it delivers to through johnlewis.com from 33 to 40. For the first time, customers will be able to order the best of John Lewis fashion and homewares delivered via online to countries including; Hong Kong, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Switzerland, The Philippines and Malaysia. Furthermore, customers can now pay in ten additional currencies.

In the past twelve months, John Lewis’s online international traffic has increased by 15% and online international sales grown by 50%.

  • The most popular items for international customers are John Lewis homewares – in particular own brand bed linen which accounts for 21% of own brand international sales. Luxury items are in demand with Egyptian cotton pillowcases one of our best-selling items.
  • British fashion brands such as Joules, Jigsaw and phase 8 are also popular, with women’s fashion brands accounting for 12% of total international sales in the last twelve months.
  • For children, own brand clothes ranges sell well in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, and toys are also high on the shopping list with LEGO a favourite for the little ones.
  • Taste in Christmas decorations vary from country to country – despite their close proximity, Australian customers bought 250% more Christmas tree decorations last year than customers in New Zealand.

Katie Jordan, Head of International Development, John Lewis, said: ‘We’re delighted to be expanding our international presence and bringing John Lewis to new countries around the world, both through physical collaborations and by expanding our online international delivery destinations. There is a real synergy between Myer’s customer base and ours, and we believe they are the perfect partner for our first Australian shop-in-shops.’

Daniel Bracken, Chief Merchandise and Customer Officer, and Deputy CEO, Myer, said: ‘We are excited to exclusively offer Myer customers the first opportunity in Australia to shop the John Lewis brand in a tailor-made lifestyle concept.’

‘The introduction of John Lewis homewares fits very well with our New Myer strategy to offer our customers desirable and wanted brands. John Lewis is widely recognised as the leading destination for homewares in the UK, and its own branded collections, are highly sought after for their stylish and innovative design, quality and accessibility. John Lewis is a trusted brand and their homewares collections have built up a very large and loyal following within the UK and internationally.’

Notes to editors

About John Lewis 

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 stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores and johnlewis.com 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 Customer Satisfaction awards.

Johnlewis.com 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.

About Myer 

Myer is a modern Australian retailer, with more than 100 years of heritage and a dedicated focus to bring the love of shopping to life.

Myer is Australia’s largest full-line departments store group, with more than 60 stores across Australia.

Our stores are visited by customers more than 130 millions times each year, and our loyalty program, MYER one, has more than five million members.

We are a significant employer in Australia, with 12,500 Myer team members, and we have a strong background in philanthropy.

Myer has a proud Australian history and an exciting future supported by our New Myer strategy, which delivers a fresh interpretation of our brand, a re-energised and relevant range, improved services and in-store experiences complemented by a strong omni-channel offer.

Our strategy brings the best of Myer to the customers who love us today, and to future generations.

General enquires:
For further information please contact:

Laura Askew
Communications Manager, Brand & Flagships
Telephone: 0207 798 3396
Email: laura.askew@johnlewis.co.u

Source: John Lewis

Posted on by

John Lewis to open its shop in Chelmsford on Thursday 29 September

LONDON, 2016-Jul-19 — /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 £18m 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