Posted on September 16, 2016 by EPR Retail News Editors

Int’l Trade: Series of high quality China-Europe block train video stories launched by BON Cloud

BEIJING, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The biggest story coming out of China today is the launching of the Silk Road on Rails: China-Europe block trains that carry goods across the globe. The proposal to establish China-Europe railroads surprised even the most experienced of rail industry players, yet thousands of trains now traverse these tracks annually.

Telefriuli SpA, the Italian broadcaster, exclusively aired the video series across Italy’s northeastern regions of Friuli Venezia and Eastern Veneto during the first week of September 2016. Telefriuli SpA was set up in 1974 in the North East of Italy. With more than 40 years of history it is also the region’s longest-running broadcast channel.

Today, as certified by Auditel, Telefriuli is by far the most-watched broadcaster in Friuli Venezia Giulia and in Eastern Veneto, and offers its viewers a rich schedule ranging from information to entertainment.

Of the videos. Telefruili Director, Daniele Paroni, said “I think it is crucial for Europe and for China to have a “physical” link which allows more and more narrow and intense social and economic relations between these two global players. In the videos there was a brilliant comparison between the silk road and the rail which links China and Europe.”

The China-Europe rail route is the longest in the world covering almost 10,000 kilometres in total.

Referring to BON Cloud, the producer and distributor of the China-Europe block train video series, Ms Paroni continued, “Telefriuli wants to retrace Marco Polo’s steps, showing to our audience the brilliant productions [BON Cloud is] sending us which also helps to connect Central-Southern Europe with China. Now that we have established this important relationship – BON Cloud and Telefriuli – we really want to continue this journey together, to enable us to achieve mutual satisfaction and knowledge.”

The first block train left Zhengzhou for Hamburg on July 18th, 2013, connecting people along the Silk Road and shortening the distance between continents. The 12-day, six-country journey posed challenges: would European companies welcome the new trade route? Would the cargo be secure? Would the project even be practical?

The trans-Eurasia rail trip began as a once-a-month event but China soon realized it required partners to make it successful. With partners on board, Hamburg became the forerunner. The German port city now serves as both a departure and destination point for the China-Europe block trains.

This project has lowered the cost of transportation significantly and commerce is thriving. There is no doubt about the initiative’s acceptance. The service currently transports goods several times a week from China, the Republic of Korea and Japan, as well as European countries such as Germany, Italy, Poland, France and Spain. With the growing success of the initiative, the development of additional European destinations is in the pipeline.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Whole Cities Foundation awards grants to organizations in Englewood increasing access to nutritious food

CHICAGO, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Five organizations with healthy food programs in Chicago’s Greater Englewood neighborhood will be awarded a grant of up to $8,000 from Whole Cities Foundation. Whole Cities Foundation, a nonprofit established by Whole Foods Market, partners with communities nationwide to improve community health through broadening access to fresh food and nutrition information.

“At Whole Cities we have a big vision where fresh, healthy food access and high quality nutrition information are available to everyone, no matter what your zip code,” says Executive Director, Meredith Smith. “We build partnerships with community-based, grassroots organizations that are improving health and food access in their own neighborhoods.”

The foundation teamed up with the Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.), a grassroots organization that strategizes to address community needs and creates tangible solutions, to design a grant program that extended the reach of existing neighborhood food access projects and fully engaged the community throughout the grant making process. Community led organizations presented their food access projects to neighborhood residents, and the Greater Englewood community voted on which projects would be funded.

Asiaha Butler, R.A.G.E. co-Founder and President, says, “Our association truly enjoyed creating this voting process, because the community had the opportunity to make the decision on who would be awarded this grant, which is not the typical process. The residents felt empowered that their voice was heard on what projects should be funded by Whole Cities Foundation. We look forward to future partnerships with this foundation and others who want to fund in an innovative way.”

The grant is one iteration of the Whole Foods Market “Community First” value, where community-led organizations and residents lead the way to build their local food system.

Sixteen groups applied for the grant in July. A Task Force made up of Englewood leaders nominated by R.A.G.E., selected nine groups to move forward as finalists. Finalists were determined by the sustainability of their projects and their alignment with the foundation’s mission. Throughout August, residents of Greater Englewood were able to vote for their favorite neighborhood revitalization project.

On Saturday, August 20th, the groups presented their food access initiatives at “So Fresh Saturday”, the summer park festival hosted by R.A.G.E., and had the opportunity to speak to over 1000 residents about their projects aimed at building community and health. The event marked the last day that residents could cast their ballots. Votes are currently being tallied.

Five of the following projects will be selected for funding:

Ditch the Weight and Guns – aims to place healthy food vending machines in churches, schools, businesses, and libraries throughout Greater Englewood.
I Grow Chicago – has transformed an abandoned lot into a Peace Garden to increase access to fresh, healthy produce in the community and will build a hoop house to enable year-round food production.
Imagine Englewood If – will expand their Community Garden program in order to continue training and equipping youth with gardening and nutritional knowledge and skills.
M.U.R.A.L. (Magnifying Urban Realities & Affecting Lives) – will expand their Mobile Markets to reach more Englewood families and provide fresh produce and recipes in more locations.
Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation – will add a hoop house and refrigeration unit to their community garden, increasing its yield and extending the growing season to serve more of the community.
Southwest Federation Block Clubs of Greater Englewood – will start the Greater Englewood Community Bucket Garden Project, demonstrating how to grow fresh vegetables in small containers residents already have on hand.
The Canaan Community Church – is starting the 5 Loaves Co-op, a fresh, healthy food provider in the heart of Englewood. They aim for 60% of the groceries to be hyper-local fruits and vegetables grown within a 4-block radius of the church.
The Englewood Running Ministry – is starting a community garden to provide more access to healthy food and teach residents how to plant and grow their own herbs and vegetables.
Ujamaa Community Land Trust – has created the African Garden Project (AGP) with a focus on produce based in the culture of Africa and Africans in America. Locally grown produce from Perry Ave Community Farm will continue to be sold based on the “pay what you can afford” model.

Whole Cities Foundation and R.A.G.E. will announce the grant awards at the Whole Foods Market store opening in Englewood on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.

This grant was made possible by the generous donations of the following Whole Cities Foundation sponsors: Annie’s, Grimmway Farms and Stonyfield.

Contact:

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

Jessica Ventura
jv@sharpthink.com
212.829.0002 ext.104

Source: Whole Foods Market

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

PREIT announces the grand opening of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA

: PREIT announces the grand opening of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA

PHILADELPHIA, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — PREIT (NYSE: PEI) today (Sept. 15, 2016) announced the grand opening of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH at Springfield Town Center in Springfield, VA. The luxury-value retailer occupies 30,000 square feet with a grand presence on two levels, marking the retailer’s first mall location in Northern Virginia and a first in PREIT’s portfolio.

Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, a perfect complement to a diverse tenant mix at Springfield Town Center, offers high-quality, on-trend products and exclusives as well as exceptional service at remarkable savings. The retailer, a leader in the value-luxury segment, offers a lineup of more than 800 sought-after brands at up to 70 percent off. With new arrivals shipped to the store nearly every day, customers can discover fresh and on-trend merchandise on every visit.

“The addition of Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH underscores our commitment to strengthening a key Premier property, Springfield Town Center, and also improving quality through the addition of in-demand retailers throughout our portfolio,” said PREIT CEO Joseph F. Coradino. “Premium off-price retailers are growing market share with consumers and the Saks OFF 5TH brand is a leader in this category, offering our shoppers an accessible luxury off-price retail experience.”

“The opening of Saks OFF 5TH at Springfield Town Center is an exciting step as we continue to grow our footprint across the United States,” commented Jonathan Greller, President, Gilt and Saks OFF 5TH. “We look forward to bringing Springfield shoppers the Saks OFF 5TH ‘thrill-of-the-hunt’ experience we are known for, delivering on-trend, premium fashion finds at the best value.”

Since its October 2014 grand re-opening, Springfield Town Center has experienced a revitalization with new, high-quality tenants and increased shopper traffic. The mall offers offers a dynamic retail, dining and entertainment experience including Macy’s, JC Penney, Target, Michael Kors, J. Crew, Forever 21, H&M, Francesca’s Collection, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Yard House Restaurant, LA Fitness, Regal Cinema, Nordstrom RACK, and the Mid-Atlantic’s only Topshop, among other tenants. It is located in Fairfax County, one of the wealthiest and highest income counties in the U.S.

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, Pa., the company owns and operates approximately 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.

ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE OFF 5TH
As part of the Hudson’s Bay Company brand portfolio, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH is a world-class destination for top designer brands at extraordinary value. The retailer’s 106 stores and e-commerce division, saksoff5th.com, combine the two great joys of shopping: the delight of discovering the best in luxury and the thrill of finding a deal. A modern shopping experience of carefully curated off-the-runway trends, exceptional service, and savings on the biggest names in fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH leads the market as the premier luxury-value destination.

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 PREIT’s 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. Important factors that might cause future events, achievements or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by PREIT’s forward-looking statements include those discussed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” PREIT does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

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

Meghan Biango
Senior Manager, Public Relations, Saks OFF 5TH
(646) 802-8806
Meghan_Biango@s5a.com

SOURCE: PREIT

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Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

BESTSELLER FOUNDATION supports small scale farmers in India with Lawrencedale Agro Processing (LEAF) investment

BRANDE, Denmark, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — BESTSELLER FOUNDATION has become shareholder in Lawrencedale Agro Processing (LEAF) that supports small scale farmers at one end and providing top of the range products at the other.

80% of the population in India is involved in farming, but with an average plot size of just under three acres, the farmers as well as the retailers rely on middlemen to buy, transport and process the farm products before they reach the shops.

It is LEAF’s mission to change that. LEAF’s business model is designed to re-engineer the supply chain for farm produce in India – empowering the farmers, the retailers and the consumers.

On average fresh produce in India changes hands seven times which results in loss of and damage to produce as well as a reduction in profit at every step. Ultimately that means low profits for the farmer and mediocre products at relatively high prices for the consumer, with minimum profit for the retailer. LEAF’s business model is based on control of every step of the supply chain – from farm gate to shop shelves.

Active contributor to more efficient value chain
Managing Director of BESTSELLER FOUNDATION Kristian Sloth Petersen has great expectations to the social impact of the investment in LEAF:

‘With this investment BESTSELLER FOUNDATION becomes an active contributor to development of a more efficient value chain to the benefit of producers and customers. We believe that LEAF has the right business model and team in place to be able to scale the business across large parts of India in the coming years. As a consequence, thousands of small scale farmers will increase both their production volumes and income which will impact positively on the livelihoods of their families and communities.’

LEAF supplies 300 retailers (and counting) all over Southern India with high quality produce, cleaned and packed. The produce is sourced from 1,500 farmers who receive high quality inputs and training on good farming practices. At harvest time the farmers can sell their produce to LEAF and are thereby guaranteed a profit.

From 2014 to 2015 data collected by LEAF shows a 25% increase in average productivity among the farmers. Until 2020/-21 LEAF aims to grow its network of farmers to include over 10,000 farmers.

BESTSELLER FOUNDATION’s investment represents roughly 20% of the value of the company. BESTSELLER FOUNDATION has one seat on the board of LEAF.

Contact information:
Mikkel Rytter Poulsen
Communication Officer
BESTSELLER FOUNDATION
Mikkel.poulsen@bestsellerfoundation.org
+4599424812

Source: BESTSELLER FOUNDATION

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

33rd European Heritage Days: Kering invites the public to explore 40, rue de Sèvres on 17 and 18 September 2016

London, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the 33rd European Heritage Days, Kering is inviting the public to explore 40, rue de Sèvres in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, formerly the Laennec Hospital from 1634 to 2000.

The listed Historic Monument, now Kering’s and Balenciaga’s head offices, will be open on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September 2016. For the occasion, a number of works from the Pinault Collection will be on display, as well as selected haute couture creations from the Balenciaga archives.

After extensive renovation work, 40, rue de Sèvres, known to Parisians as the home of the Laennec Hospital until the year 2000, is now the head office of Kering and Balenciaga. The site, on which building first began in the 17th century, is one of the jewels of the capital’s heritage. For this reason, meticulous studies were carried out prior to commencing the major renovation work in order for it to fulfil its new purpose whilst preserving the building’s architectural and historic integrity.

From 1634, 40, rue de Sèvres was dedicated to caring for the poor of Paris. Known as the hospital ‘for Incurables’, it was renamed Laennec Hospital in 1878 – a name it retained until the year 2000. The building’s architecture, while in keeping with the style of many of the great Parisian hospitals such as the Invalides and the Salpêtrière, stands out for its austerity.

The renovation project, directed by Benjamin Mouton, chief architect for historic monuments, involved rediscovering and highlighting the buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, while fully respecting the integrity of its classified and listed spaces, such as the Chapel built under Louis XIII. The premises could then house new office space that is fully compliant with modern standards and requirements. In addition, Kering’s respect for environmental standards – a core strategic value for the brand – enabled 40, rue de Sèvres to become one of the very first historic monuments to receive the French High Environmental Quality label (HQE Rénovation).

François-Henri Pinault opened 40, rue de Sèvres to the public for the 33rd European Heritage Days. It will house two temporary exhibitions illustrating the creative energy and heritage status of this unique site in the heart of Paris.

A selection of works from the Pinault Collection will be displayed in the Chapel, exploring representations of the sacred and in many cases inviting reflection on the reinterpretation by contemporary artists of iconic masterpieces which have marked the history of religious art.

Entitled Echoes, this exceptional exhibition will include the following works: Décor (2011-2012), by Adel Abdessemed; All (2007), by Maurizio Cattelan; Gelijkenis I & II (2002), by Marlene Dumas; In Jerusalem (2006), by Y.Z. Kami; Black Supper (1991) by Andres Serrano; and The Last Supper (1999), by Hiroshi Sugimoto.

In addition, an unprecedented selection of haute couture dresses by Cristóbal Balenciaga will be presented in the new Balenciaga areas. Twenty-seven original designs by the master from the House archives and representative of his two creative periods (the Spanish period from 1930 to 1937, and the Parisian period from 1937 to 1968), will be on display in the Croix Est at 40, rue de Sèvres.

Here, the public will be able to see the famous ‘Cocoon’ coat of 1966, the 1958 ‘Baby Doll’ dress, the 1964 ‘Sari’ dress and a suit from 1962 worn by Marlène Dietrich.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, explains: ‘From the outset I wanted Kering’s and Balenciaga’s new head offices to reflect our identity and our values. The unusual project to renovate the former Laennec Hospital was an ambitious challenge. This unique place in the centre of Paris, remarkable by its history, its size and its simple beauty, has a soul. The original harmony of the site and the high quality of the renovation work mean that 40, rue de Sèvres will not only a be source of pride for all our employees, but a place of sharing and inspiration. It perfectly reflects our nature as a Luxury Group, a Group in motion that embodies a bold luxury, with the freedom to make its own choices.’

He added: ‘I was keen to give to the public rapid access to this architectural jewel, which is such a part of Parisian history, and which has now been given a new lease of life. The temporary exhibitions we are presenting today fully reflect this two-fold mission of heritage and creativity.’

The original purpose and history of this exceptional historical jewel at 40, rue de Sèvres also firmly establishes the building as an emblem of the people, and thus in perfect harmony with the ‘Heritage and Communities’ theme of this year’s European Heritage Days.

For more information, visit www.kering.com/fr/groupe/33emes-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine

Visuals and press kit available on request
Hashtags: #Kering #40Sevres #JEP2016

VISITOR INFORMATION:
Free admission on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December 2016 from 10 am to 6 pm
Address: 40, rue de Sèvres – Paris 7e
Metro: Vaneau (Line 10), Sévres-Babylone (Line 12 and 10), Duroc (Line 13) or Saint-Placide (Line 4)

About Kering
A world leader in apparel and accessories, Kering develops an ensemble of powerful Luxury and Sport & Lifestyle brands: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Pomellato, Qeelin, Ulysse Nardin, Puma, Volcom and Cobra. By ‘empowering imagination’ in the fullest sense, Kering encourages its brands to reach their potential in the most sustainable manner.

Present in more than 120 countries, the Group generated revenue of more than €11.5 billion in 2015 and had more than 38,000 employees at year end. The Kering (previously PPR) share is listed on Euro next Paris (FR 0000121485, KER.PA, KER.FP).

Press contacts:
Emilie Gargatte
emilie.gargatte@kering.com
+33 (0)1 45 64 61 20

Floriane Geroudet
floriane.geroudet@kering.com
+33 (0)1 45 64 66 00

Social media:
Twitter: @KeringGroup
LinkedIn: Kering
Instagram: @kering_official
YouTube: KeringGroup

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: 33rd European Heritage Days: Kering invites the public to explore 40, rue de Sèvres on 17 and 18 September 2016

Source: Kering

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Kum & Go celebrates E-15 Day with E15 for $1.15 per gallon at its Des Moines-area locations on September 16

Des Moines, IA, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — To celebrate E-15 Day, Kum & Go will offer E15, a fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, for $1.15 per gallon at many Des Moines-area Kum & Go locations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 16. (See below for a complete list of stores and addresses where E-15 is available.)

“The Bachelor” reality-TV star and Iowa farmer Chris Soules will be on hand at Store 129 in Johnston (5225 NW 86th Street) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. talking about the benefits of E-15 with customers.

Iowa Governor Terry E. Branstad will sign the E-15 Day proclamation at 8:15 a.m. on Friday at a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol.

Most gasoline sold in the United States contains at least 10 percent ethanol. Fifteen percent blends were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2011 for vehicles 2001 or newer, and Kum & Go was among the first to offer the new option.

“Our cars are an important part of our everyday lives. As engine technology has evolved, so have the fuel options,” says Jim Pirolli, Vice President – Fuels, Kum & Go. “Kum & Go is excited to provide this opportunity for consumers to learn more about the options that are available, and save money by trying a new fuel like E-15.”

E-15 has a higher octane content, which means more power. It also burns cooler and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions and engine wear. The combination of performance and lower price make E-15 a great value.

“People are often hesitant when it comes to trying something different in their car,” continues Pirolli. “But once they try a new fuel like E-15 and have good results, they switch permanently. Providing several high quality choices AND helping people make informed decisions at the pump is another way that Kum & Go delivers more than customers expect.”

Kum & Go sells E-15 at 90 locations across their network of stores in Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. Kum & Go has made it easy to find E-15 at their stores by always offering it via a distinct blue hose and handle.

E-15 fuel will be sold for $1.15 per gallon from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, September 16, at the following locations:

Ankeny
Store 92 – 1025 E. 1st Street, Ankeny
Store 518 – 3603 NE Otter View Circle
Store 579 – 165 SW Magazine Road

Clive
Store 206 – 1725 NW 86th Street

Des Moines
Store 4110 – 2110 Guthrie Avenue
Store 535 – 4960 E. Broadway Avenue
Store 536 – 1300 Keo Way
Store 573 – 5830 SE 14th Street

De Soto
Store 95– 1203 Guthrie Street

Grimes
Store 141 – 1880 SE Princeton Drive
Store 237 – 801 N 1st Street

Johnston
Store 129 – 5225 NW 86th Street
Store 570 – 5800 Northglenn Drive

Stuart
Store 510 – 629 S Division Street

Urbandale
Store 170 – 6990 Douglas Avenue
Store 542 – 11989 Hickman Road
Store 572 – 4860 NW Urbandale Drive
Store 157 – 4585 156th Street

Waukee
Store 59 – 400 Prairie Bluff Drive
Store 540 – 3105 Grand Prairie Parkway

West Des Moines
Store 8 – 1293 8th Street

Windsor Heights
Store 4098 – 7229 University Avenue

Winterset
Store 246 – 111 E. Jefferson Street

About Kum & Go, L.C.

For nearly 60 years, Kum & Go has been dedicated to the communities it serves, sharing 10 percent of its profits with charitable causes. For four generations the family-owned convenience store chain has focused on providing exceptional service and delivering more than customers expect. Established in Hampton, Iowa, in 1959, the chain has since grown to employ more than 5,000 associates in more than 400 stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming).

Media Contact:

Kristie Bell
Director of Communications
Kum & Go
kristie.bell@kumandgo.com
515-457-6266 (office)

Source: Kum & Go

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women according Great Place to Work® and Fortune

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the second consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (NYSE: BBW) —an interactive destination where guests can make their own personalized furry friends—is one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 3 out of 100 companies on the list, which is based on employees’ assessments of communications with management, options for development and training, and support for work/life balance, among other factors. The ranking also takes into account how well-represented women are within the workforce overall and in management and executive positions. Build-A-Bear was selected among hundreds of companies vying for a spot on the list.

Both women and men at Best Workplaces for Women feel their employers provide ample opportunities to grow and advance in their careers, and provide them with the flexibility they want to balance their work and personal lives.

“Cultivating an environment in which all employees can thrive, in both their work and personal lives, is important to us,” said Sharon Price John, chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “As a company founded by a woman and led by talented men and women, we are thrilled to be named a Best Workplace for Women and honored to be among so many incredible companies on the list.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the 2016 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list by Great Place to Work and Fortune for the eighth consecutive year.

The Best Workplaces for Women ranking is part of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based upon employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About the Best Workplaces for Women
Published together with our partner Fortune, the 100 Best Workplaces for Women rankings are based entirely upon feedback from more than 137,762 women at Great Place to Work–Certified companies. Women completed our anonymous Trust Index© survey, answering questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace, including, for example, their assessment of how fairly they’re treated regardless of gender, the quality and authenticity of communications with managers, and equitable pay and promotion practices. Women’s anonymous responses resulted in a total score for each company, which was compared to the benchmark for organizations of that size, and ranked accordingly.

Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 6% or less. Winning a spot on this list indicates the company has distinguished itself from peers by being a great place to work for women, and has a workplace where women have high representation in the total employee population and in management positions. The 100 companies with the highest employee ratings and female representation were selected for the list.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work® produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and a series of Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies and over a half dozen different industries.

Follow Great Place to Work® online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

Source: Build-A-Bear

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

O’KEY Group announces the appointment of Milina Sevcikova Mikulova as Private Label Commercial Director

MOSCOW, Russia, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — O’KEY Group S.A. (LSE: OKEY), one of the largest food retailers in Russia, announces the appointment of Milina Sevcikova Mikulova as Private Label Commercial Director reporting directly to the Company’s CEO Heigo Kera.

The new Commercial Director will be developing and implementing the Group’s private label strategy for supermarkets and hypermarkets. In her role, Milina will manage assortment, production, supply, pricing, positioning, promotion of the O’KEY private labels and control marginality of this business.

Her top priority is to improve quality of the O’KEY private label products by auditing production facilities and testing samples in independent accredited laboratories.

The Company started the private label relaunch project last year covering mainly the food categories. The first step was to launch the That’s What You Need! brand (November 2015) in the low price tier followed by an O’KEY line-up in the middle price segment (April 2016). Currently there are 1,000+ SKUs under both brands.

Mr. Heigo Kera, the Chairman of the Board and the Group CEO, commented: “Last year we gave a new life to our private label business, which is one of the key elements of our Commercial Policy aimed at growing our margin in this segment and maintaining traffic by offering the best value for money proposition to our customers.

Our plan is to increase the share of private labels to 10% of the total sales in the coming year, including non-food categories. Given the importance of this business and our ambitions, we decided to have this block reporting to a separate Commercial Director.

Milina and her team will work closely with the DA! discounters to enable synergies in design, ordering and promotion of certain products.”

Milina Sevcikova Mikulova has a proven commercial, marketing and project management track record in Russia, Eastern Europe and Africa. Born in Czechoslovakia, she started her career at Carrefour in 1998 when she was involved in the opening of the retailer’s first hypermarket in Eastern Europe. From 2000 to 2004, she worked at AHOLD, the largest retail chain in the Czech Republic, making her way from Buying Manager to Commercial Director for the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. Later she joined Metro Group to support the expansion of the Real chain in Romania as Commercial Director for Food. From 2005 to 2009, Milina served as Commercial Director & Management Board Member at Lenta. In recent years, she held various executive positions at Metrika (DIY), Yoo! Mart Ltd (Ghana, Africa) and 585 Gold.

Milina graduated from the University of Economics in Prague (International Relations) and holds a degree from the Commerce & Management School (l’ECG) in Orleans (France).

COMPANY OVERVIEW
O’KEY is one of the largest retail chains in Russia. Its primary retail format is the modern Western European style hypermarket under the “O’KEY” brand reinforced by O’KEY supermarket. The Group is developing the innovative discounter format under the “DA!” brand. O’KEY is the first among Russian food retailers to launch e-commerce operations in St. Petersburg and Moscow based on hypermarket assortment.

The Group opened its first hypermarket in St. Petersburg in 2002 and has demonstrated continuous growth ever since. As of September 15, 2016, O’KEY operates 159 stores across Russia – 73 hypermarkets, 37 supermarkets and 49 discounters.

For further information please contact:
Investor Relations e-mail: ir@okmarket.ru www.okeyinvestors.ru

Source: O’KEY Group

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards now available free on both iOS and Android devices

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Order up! Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards is now available globally on iOS and Android.

Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards is the only collectible card game featuring five hit Twentieth Century Fox animated comedies: American Dad!,Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, Futurama, and King of the Hill. For the first time ever, players get to assemble their favorite characters and experience iconic show moments in the ultimate deck-building game of domination. Cross-dress with Roger, pimp sweet lady propane in the heart of Texas, stop for a Butterface Burger with the Belchers, and pound a Pawtucket Patriot Ale (or two) without having to leave the comfort of your local New New York suicide booth!

Animation Throwdown is loaded with a hilarious mashup of screwball families, witty dialogue, and absurd card combinations. Get in on the family fracas as the Belchers, Hills, Griffins, Smiths, and Planet Express crew duke it out; have Tina unleash her charm bomb (and erotic friend fiction) when she throws down with Bobby Hill; get in on some “alien-on-alien” action as Roger takes on Kif; or end up on the ropes when Leela steps into the ring with Peter.

Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards will launch with a multiverse of morally-questionable content and game features that fans will love, including more than 460 battle cards with over 300 hilarious combos, as well as new content, campaigns, and PvP experiences more varied than Quagmire’s collection of “art.”

The highly anticipated free-to-play game has been launched by Fox Digital Entertainment and Kongregate, a leading publisher of mobile and web games and a wholly-owned subsidiary of GameStop Corporation. Kongregate co-developed the title with Chicago-based Synapse Games (developer of Tyrant Unleashed, Global Assault, and Spellstone) and San Francisco-based Chinzilla Games (developer of Little Alchemist).

Animation Throwdown: The Quest for Cards is free and now available on both iOS and Android devices. The game will be coming soon to other platforms, including kongregate.com.

About Fox Digital Entertainment
Fox Digital Entertainment (FDE) produces award-winning mobile games and apps based on 20th Century Fox’s globally-recognized film and television properties. FDE’s products delight millions of players every day with games including ANGRY BIRDS™ RIO, THE SIMPSONS™ TAPPED OUT, FAMILY GUY: THE QUEST FOR STUFF, FUTURAMA: GAME OF DRONES, SUGAR SMASH: THE BOOK OF LIFE and many more.

About Kongregate
Kongregate is a leading mobile game publisher and web gaming portal. Kongregate’s mobile publishing focuses on free to play mid- and hard-core titles. Working closely with mobile game developers Kongregate provides consulting, analytics, marketing, launch support, and game features such as cross promotion, guilds, and chat. Kongregate’s mobile games have been downloaded tens of millions of times and have hundreds of millions of gameplays. Kongregate’s web portal features over 100,000 free games played by tens of millions of gamers per month. Kongregate is a wholly-owned subsidiary ofGameStop Corporation (NYSE: GME) and is based in San Francisco. The company was founded in 2006 by brother-and-sister team Jim and Emily Greer.

About American Dad!
AMERICAN DAD! follows staunch GOP supporter and CIA agent STAN SMITH (Seth MacFarlane) and the misadventures of his unconventional family inLangley Falls, Virginia. Stan’s blissfully unaware wife, FRANCINE (Wendy Schaal), has an unfaltering loyalty that allows her to turn a blind eye toward Stan’s unabashed arrogance. Meanwhile, Stan constantly butts heads with his 18-year-old, left-wing activist daughter HAYLEY (Rachael MacFarlane), who knows just how to push her father’s buttons, whether it’s by helping the homeless, demanding women’s rights or advocating gun control. Hayley’s 14-year-old brother is the geeky yet cocky STEVE (Scott Grimes), a kid who spends his time playing video games and obsessing about the opposite sex. The Smith cabinet is rounded out by two rather unconventional members. There’s the sassy and sarcastic space alien ROGER (Seth MacFarlane), who lives in the attic, loves to play dress-up and ran for U.S. President in 2012; and KLAUS (Dee Bradley Baker), an attention-starved goldfish with the brain of a German man who always throws in his two cents regardless of whether anyone is listening. This screwball family full of radically different personalities is just trying to figure out how to love and trust one another in a bi-partisan world. And with a guy like Stan in charge of national security, it’s guaranteed to be one wacky ride. AMERICAN DAD! is a 20th Century Fox Television production. The series was co-created by Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman, and is executive produced by MacFarlane, Matt Weitzman and Brian Boyle. Kara Vallow serves as producer. AMERICAN DAD! is distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

About Bob’s Burgers
BOB’S BURGERS follows BOB (H. Jon Benjamin), who runs Bob’s Burgers with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, but the rest of the clan falls short on service. Despite the greasy counters and lousy location, the Belchers are determined to make every “Grand Re-Re-Re-opening” a success. Bob’s wife LINDA (John Roberts) stands by her man and often does so by bursting into song. Their eldest daughter, 13-year-old TINA (Dan Mintz), has a slight obsession with boys and zombies. Middle child GENE (Eugene Mirman) is an aspiring musician with a thirst for life. LOUISE (Kristen Schaal) is the bunny ears-wearing youngest daughter with an off-kilter sense of humor that makes her somewhat of a liability in the kitchen — and with the public. A 20th Century Fox Television production, BOB’S BURGERS was created by Loren Bouchard (“Home Movies”). Bouchard and Jim Dauterive (“King of the Hill”) serve as executive producers and writers, with animation produced by Bento Box Entertainment. BOB’S BURGERS is distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

About Family Guy
FAMILY GUY follows the adventures of an endearingly ignorant dad, PETER GRIFFIN (Seth MacFarlane), and his hilariously odd family of middle-class New Englanders in Quahog, RI. LOIS (Alex Borstein) is Peter’s wife, a stay-at-home mom with no patience for her family’s antics. Then there are their kids: 18-year-old MEG (Mila Kunis) is an outcast at school and the Griffin family punching bag; 13-year-old CHRIS (Seth Green) is a socially awkward teen who doesn’t have a clue about the opposite sex; and one-year-old STEWIE (MacFarlane) is a diabolically clever baby. Rounding out the Griffin household is BRIAN (MacFarlane), the family dog and a ladies man. FAMILY GUY is a 20th Century Fox Television production. Seth MacFarlane is creator/executive producer. Rich Appel and Steve Callaghan serve as executive producers/co-showrunners, while Danny Smith and Kara Vallow are executive producers. FAMILY GUY is distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

About Futurama
FUTURAMA focuses on the life of PHILIP J. FRY (Billy West), a 25-year-old pizza delivery boy who accidentally freezes himself on December 31, 1999 and wakes up 1,000 years later with a fresh start at life at Planet Express, an intergalactic delivery company. There, he meets a cast of characters, including love interest LEELA (Katey Sagal), a sexy cyclops with anger management issues, best friend BENDER (John DiMaggio), a beer-powered kleptomaniac robot, PROFESSOR FARNSWORTH (Billy West), a brilliant yet forgetful scientist and intrepid inventor, HERMES (Phil LaMarr), the company’s detail-oriented bureaucrat, AMY (Lauren Tom), an intern who is as cute as she is klutzy, and ZOIDBERG (Billy West), a lobster-like, self-proclaimed expert on humans. Throughout their adventures, the team encounters MOM (Tress MacNeille), the foul-mouthed owner of MomCorp, ZAPP BRANNIGAN (Billy West), the vain, self-absorbed captain of the starship Nimbus, and many others. Just as it is today, life in the future is a complex mix of the wonderful and horrible, where things are still laughable no matter how wild and crazy they get. Fry’s introduction to life in New New York includes a visit to The Head Museum, where the heads of humanity’s most renowned and influential people live on. Against a backdrop of pesky aliens, exasperating robots, and malfunctioning gadgets, Fry finds that people still struggle with the same daily anxieties of life and love. FUTURAMA, the Emmy Award-winning series created by Matt Groening, is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television in association with The Curiosity Company, with animation produced by Rough Draft Studios, Inc. Groening,David X. Cohen, and Ken Keeler serve as executive producers. FUTURAMA is distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

About King of the Hill
KING OF THE HILL depicts the life and times of HANK HILL (Mike Judge), his family and their neighbors in the fictional suburb of Arlen, Texas. A hard-working, loyal family man and proud Texan, Hank is assistant manager of Strickland Propane. He’s a blue-collar man of all trades who sees himself as the voice of common sense and reason in a world of incompetent sales clerks, meddling bureaucrats and do-good liberals. Hank’s better half is his wife, PEGGY (Kathy Najimy). Peggy sees herself as a woman of many talents: realtor, substitute Spanish teacher, fast-pitch softball hurler, local Boggle champion and notary public. Hank and Peggy’s pride and joy is their 13-year-old son, BOBBY (Pamela Adlon). The family is completed by Hank’s 18-year-old niece, LUANNE (Brittany Murphy). Hank can often be found around a barbeque with his beer guzzling neighborhood buddies, DALE (Johnny Hardwick), BILL (Stephen Root) and BOOMHAUER (Mike Judge). Dale’s an exterminator who never met a conspiracy he didn’t like, Bill’s a lonely-hearted Army barber with low self-esteem, and Boomhauer is a cool, rockabilly, muscle-car-driving ladies’ man who speaks unintelligible English. Mike Judge and Greg Daniels are co-creators/executive producers and John Altschuler, Dave Krinsky, Jim Dauterive, Garland Testa, Howard Klein and Michael Rotenberg are executive producers for KING OF THE HILL, which is a Twentieth Century Fox Television production in association with Deedle-Dee Productions, Judgemental Films and 3 Arts Entertainment. KING OF THE HILL is distributed by Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.

Embedded Video Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXAK-TNzY1M&feature=youtu.be

Contact:
Joey Mooring
GameStop – Public Relations
817-722-7450
joeymooring@gamestop.com

Source: GameStop Corporation

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Linear Retail announces the appointment of Ken Nolan as Asset Manager

Burlington, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Linear Retail welcomes Ken Nolan as the newest member of the team. In his role as Asset Manager, he manages a portfolio of assets located in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, which includes both suburban and urban retail properties. Ken is responsible for developing a strategy to maximize the value of each asset and putting that strategy into effect, utilizing Linear’s in-house leasing, marketing and construction teams.

Prior to joining Linear Retail Properties, Ken was a Vice President of Real Estate with Capital Crossing Servicing Company, where he was a part of the Asset Management and Acquisition teams. He was responsible for a $200 million portfolio of real estate assets throughout the country, across all property types. He also participated in the acquisitions of distressed real estate loans totaling over $3 billion. Ken earned his law degree at Suffolk University Law School and is admitted to the Massachusetts bar.

Ken is a graduate of Boston College and still enjoys attending BC football, hockey, and basketball games. He has two children, and loves spending time with them and his wife in Boston and Shelter Island.

Contact:
Tel: (781) 273-5665
Fax: (781) 273-5683
Email: info@linearretail.com

###

: Linear Retail announces the appointment of Ken Nolan as Asset Manager

Source: Linear Retail

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Kantar Retail and SMI to present eye tracking virtual shopping experience at Path to Purchase Expo in Chicago, September 20-22

Boston, MA and Teltrow, Germany, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kantar Retail, the global retail and shopper specialist, has teamed up with innovators in eye tracking SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI), to create a virtual shopping experience that provides precise shopper data in a fully controlled environment.

The technology, which utilizes the top-selling Samsung Gear VR head-mounted display (HMD) modified with SMI’s eye tracking platform to give real-time information about a shopper’s visual attention in a virtual store, will be introduced at the Kantar Retail booth, #601, during the Path to Purchase Expo in Chicago, September 20th through the 22nd.

Immersive Eye Tracking reveals new insights as to how consumers react to signage, displays, products and packaging. This behavioural information can be used to optimize marketing campaigns, product launches, category reviews or merchandising solutions.

From the eye-tracking for market research perspective, VR adds a new dimension to shopper studies – total 360° immersion. Such immersive environments are easily manipulated and can be perfectly replicated anywhere in the world. Earlier in 2016 in London, SMI and Kantar trialed the eye tracking HMD using a virtual fast food environment with encouraging results.

Kantar Retail will showcase the technology’s capability through live demos at their booth. Participants will be moved through the virtual store with instructions to find a target product on the shelf display.

At the end of P2PX 2016, SMI will aggregate and process the data accumulated during the event with Kantar Retail analyzing and interpreting the research for publication.

About Kantar Retail
We are the retail and shopper specialists. We are a leading retail and shopper insight, consulting and analytics and technology business and part of Kantar, the data investment management division of WPP. We work with leading brand manufacturers and retailers to help them sell more effectively and profitably. At Kantar Retail, we track and forecast over 1,000 retailers, globally and have purchase data on over 200 million shoppers. Amongst our market leading reports are the annual PoweRanking survey and the Digital Power Study. Kantar Retail works with over 400 clients and has 26 offices in 15 markets around the globe.

For further information, please visit www.kantarretail.com, or find us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About SMI
SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) has been a world leader in eye tracking technology for 25 years, developing and marketing eye & gaze tracking systems for scientists and professionals, as well as OEM and medical solutions for a wide range of applications. Find out more at www.smivision.com. Follow @SMIeyetracking on Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter.

Contact for Kantar Retail media queries in the U.S.:
William Daddi
Daddi Brand Communications
Office: 1-646-370-1341
E-mail: Bill@DaddiBrand.com

Contact for Kantar Retail media queries in Europe:
Victoria Bradshaw
Global Communications Manager
Office: +44 (0) 1372 825 391
E-mail: victoria.bradshaw@kantarretail.com

Contact for SMI:
SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH (SMI)
Tim Stott
+49 (0) 162 271 61 66
tim.stott@smi.de

Source: Kantar Retail

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

PROA CAPITAL ENTRA EN EL ACCIONARIADO DE GRUPO VIPS AL ADQUIRIR EL 30% EN MANOS DE GOLDMAN SACHS

Madrid, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Grupo Vips ha anunciado hoy la entrada en su accionariado del fondo español ProA Capital que adquiere el 30% propiedad de una entidad controlada por Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division desde 2006. La operación, que ha sido comunicada a las autoridades de la competencia, está pendiente de la aprobación de la CNMC (Comisión Nacional del Mercado de la Competencia) y se cerrará en cuanto dicho organismo dé su conformidad.

La positiva evolución de los principales indicadores del Grupo en los últimos años, fruto del profundo Plan de Transformación acometido por la compañía, y el inicio de una etapa de crecimiento y liderazgo en el marco de una mejoría de la coyuntura económica, han facilitado el cierre de este acuerdo. Esta operación contribuirá a consolidar y reforzar esta nueva etapa de crecimiento con sus enseñas actuales como VIPS, VIPSMART, GINOS, STARBUCKS y FRIDAYS, así como con nuevas enseñas como WAGAMAMA, con la que se llegó recientemente a un acuerdo para su desarrollo en España y Portugal. En el pasado ejercicio 2015 todas las cifras del Grupo se situaron en positivo por primera vez desde 2008, completado así el cambio de tendencia iniciado en 2013.

La operación incluye también una ampliación de capital de acciones ordinarias, por importe de 41,5 millones de euros, que será suscrita por los actuales accionistas mayoritarios mediante la conversión de acciones preferentes de la serie B en acciones ordinarias y por el nuevo inversor que aportará fondos adicionales por importe de 12,5 millones de euros. Las participaciones resultantes después de esta ampliación de capital se mantendrán en el 70% para los socios mayoritarios y fundadores del Grupo liderados por la familia Arango y en el 30% para ProA. Esta ampliación de capital permitirá al Grupo contar con mayores recursos financieros para acelerar su crecimiento y sus planes de reforma y mejora de los actuales locales, especialmente de GINOS y VIPS en los que el Grupo invertirá 25 millones de euros entre 2016 y 2017.

El cambio de accionista, que se materializa por la salida de Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division después de haber permanecido en el Grupo diez años, se ha llevado a cabo mediante negociaciones restringidas entre la Compañía, Goldman Sachs y los distintos fondos interesados. Altamar Advisory Partners, Garrigues y Uria han actuado como asesores de Grupo Vips y Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division. Por su parte, ProA ha contado con el asesoramiento de Fidentis, Optima Corporate, Linklaters y EY.

Plácido Arango, presidente de Grupo Vips, ha agradecido a Goldman Sachs “la estrecha colaboración y el valor que ha aportado durante estos años, en los cuales ha sido necesario reinventarse para hacer frente a la caída del consumo y la evolución del consumidor que la crisis económica trajo consigo” y ha manifestado su “ilusión y agrado por la entrada de ProA como socio en esta nueva etapa de crecimiento que se abre”, agradeciendo la confianza depositada en el equipo de gestión y en la trayectoria de Grupo Vips.

Por su parte Fernando Ortiz y Santiago Gómez, socios de ProA y responsables de esta operación, han mostrado su satisfacción por formar parte de una empresa del prestigio de Grupo Vips “que nos ha impresionado tanto por su solidez y potencial de crecimiento futuro como por el enorme esfuerzo realizado en los últimos años y la fortaleza de su cultura corporativa”.

Asimismo, Michele Titi-Cappelli, managing director de Goldman Sachs y responsable de la inversión agradeció “a los accionistas mayoritarios y al equipo de gestión de Grupo Vips la confianza y colaboración demostrada durante estos diez años de alianza” deseándoles éxito a los nuevos accionistas, ProA Capital.

Acerca de Grupo Vips:

Grupo Vips es uno de los grupos multimarca y multiformato líderes del sector de la hostelería y el comercio en España. Integra restaurantes, cafeterías y tiendas. La compañía gestiona en propiedad o bajo el régimen de franquicia un total de seis reconocidas cadenas: VIPS (cafetería-restaurante y tienda), VIPSmart, GINOS, The Wok, TGI Fridays y Starbucks Coffee en España, Portugal y Andorra, a las que próximamente se incorporará Wagamama. Además, el Grupo cuenta con tres restaurantes singulares, Lucca, Rugantino Casa Tua y Tattaglia, y una fábrica premium de sándwiches, ensaladas y productos para llevar, BSF. La empresa suma más de 350 establecimientos que atienden a más de 120.000 clientes diarios. Posee un programa de fidelización pionero y líder en el sector de la restauración, Club VIPS, con más de 1.000.000 socios en toda España y cuya App, única en el mercado y lanzada a finales de abril 2015, cuenta ya con más de 450.000 descargas. Grupo Vips es una compañía de capital privado fundada en 1969. Goldman Sachs Capital Partners adquirió el 30% de la compañía en 2006. El Grupo Vips da empleo a más de 9.300 personas y cerró el ejercicio 2015 con 377,6 millones de euros de facturación.

Más información en: www.grupovips.com

Sala de prensa Grupo Vips http://www.grupovips.com/nuestra-actualidad/sala-de-prensa

Descubre la App Club VIPS en: www.clubvips.com

Acerca de ProA Capital:

Con más de 600 millones de euros bajo gestión, ProA Capital es una de las mayores gestoras de fondos de capital riesgo en España. La inversión en Grupo VIPS se realizará desde su segundo fondo dotado con 350 millones de euros. Entre otras, ProA Capital participa en Ambuibérica, Saba Infraestructuras, Hospital de Llevant, Ibermática, Rotor Componentes Tecnológicos, Avizor y Suanfarma. En 2015 vendió su participación en Palacios a Carlyle y en EUGIN al grupo cotizado con sede en Abu Dhabi NMC Health, con quien mantiene una alianza para la expansión internacional de EUGIN.

Contactos para Prensa:
Grupo Vips
Camille Cochy de Moncan
Tel.: 91.275.8396
ccochy@grupovips.com

Beatriz Ferrin
Tel.: 91.131.9572
beatriz@dedalocomunicacion.com

Source: Grupo Vips

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Barnes & Noble again partners with Make: to host its second annual Mini Maker Faire at stores nationwide, November 5-6

New York, NY, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the nation’s largest retail bookseller and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today (September 15, 2016) announced that it has once again partnered with Make: to host its second annual Mini Maker Faire at stores nationwide, the weekend of November 5-6. Barnes & Noble first renewed its retail partnership with Make:, publisher of Make:magazine and producer of Maker Faire, back in 2015 to build on the huge success of last year’s inaugural retail Mini Maker Faire and continue Mini Maker Faire events in 2016. The renewed retail partnership reinforces both companies ongoing commitment to advancing tech literacy and bringing awareness to the Maker Movement, with special events, educational learning experiences and promotions throughout the year, all culminating in the second annual retail Mini Maker Faire in November.

One such collaboration is Barnes & Noble’s presenting sponsor role in several flagship Maker Faires this year, including the Maker Faire Bay Area in San Mateo, CA, and the National Maker Faire in Washington, DC, in the spring, where Barnes & Noble launched pop-up shops to showcase its vast merchandise collection. Barnes & Noble will be doing the same at World Maker Faire in Queens, NY, the weekend of October 1-2.

The overall partnership between Make: and Barnes & Noble promises to continue to provide an educational platform for teachers, Makers, doers, creators, inventors, and innovators across the country through World Maker Faire in October, the Barnes & Noble Mini Maker Faire in November, and beyond.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to launch our second annual Mini Maker Faire in partnership with Make:, and to react to our customers’ enthusiastic response to the “Call to Make” by giving them more of the authentic Maker Faire experience they enjoyed last year at our inaugural Mini Maker Faire,” said Kathleen Campisano, Vice President of Toys & Games at Barnes & Noble. “Last year, in partnership with Makers, Classrooms and Communities across the country, we worked hard to successfully break down the intimidation barrier when it comes to technology, innovation and creating and this year we plan to take it to a whole new level of engagement as we reinforce our commitment to promoting tech literacy.”

“We are excited to partner with Barnes & Noble as it launches its second annual Mini Maker Faire. This is an excellent way to introduce more communities across the country to the Maker Movement as they meet local and national Makers, participate in key product demonstrations, and enjoy fun Making activities,” said Sherry Huss, co-founder of Maker Faire and Vice President of Maker Media. “We’re pleased that we can introduce Barnes & Noble customers to Make: products that have been carefully selected for this event. Books like Make: Tech DIY and Edible Inventions, Make: magazine, and Make:’special Halloween edition, project kits, and custom do-it-yourself project books about exploring things like electricity and discovering woodworking. Barnes & Noble is a premier partner and we look forward to continuing to work on achieving our common goal of introducing, educating, and engaging others as to what the Maker Movement is all about.”

Barnes & Noble’s second Mini Maker Faire will once again deliver the authentic, credible experiences that Maker Faire attendees have historically come to expect. The fantastic event lineup will give customers the opportunity to “Meet the Makers” by showcasing local and national Makers, participate in interactive product demonstrations and take part in collaborative hands-on experiences designed to stretch their imaginations and creative thinking as they work cooperatively to make something original:

Make Workspace
At all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide during the Mini Maker Faire, there will be a “Make” Workspace, which is a tech-educational expo space, where customers of all ages will be able to participate in content-driven sessions where booksellers and Makers will demo some of the leading products in modern technology. Customers will be able to experience the latest in virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, pen-invent technology, robotics, coding, programming, and more.

Make & Collaborate, then SHARE!
At the Mini Maker Faire, Barnes & Noble customers of all ages will also have the opportunity to get hands-on experiences around the art of designing, handcrafting and constructing, in the spirit of collaboration, cooperative learning and teamwork. “Making Materials” featured in this portion of the event will include products from some of the leading vendors in science and technology such as littleBits, LEGO®, Magformers, Squigz, Strawbees and Brackitz.

Meet the Makers
Throughout the Mini Maker Faire, Makers, educators and authors dedicated to changing the way people learn, ideate, design, create, build and embrace the future will visit stores nationwide to speak about the Maker Movement, present their creations and more. Customers should contact their local store to find out what special guests are participating during the Mini Maker Faire.

Customers can also look forward to an expanded online presence at www.bn.com/makerfaire this year, which serves as a comprehensive “site within a site,” where Making, Learning and Doing can happen year-round. The site will feature rich and relevant articles, video content and Maker projects that will rotate regularly.

More details on Barnes & Noble’s second annual Mini Maker Faire will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Customers should stay tuned and visit their local Barnes & Noble store or go online at www.bn.com/makerfaire for more information.

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is a Fortune 500 company, the nation’s largest retail bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products. The Company operates 638 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com). The Nook Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK® tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4 million digital books in the US (www.nook.com), plus periodicals and comics, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps™ available for Android™, iOS® and Windows®.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained by visiting the Company’s corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Barnes & Noble®, Barnes & Noble Booksellers® and Barnes & Noble.com® are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. or its affiliates. NOOK® and the NOOK logos are trademarks of Nook Digital, LLC or its affiliates.

For more information on Barnes & Noble, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr, and like us on Facebook. For more information on NOOK, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

CONTACTS:
Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

Alan McNamara
Senior Director
Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3379

Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Barnes & Noble declares quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share

New York, NY, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) today (September 14, 2016) announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.15 per share, payable on October 28, 2016, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 7, 2016.

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is a Fortune 500 company, the nation’s largest retail bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products. The Company operates 638 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com). The NOOK Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK (www.nook.com) tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4 million digital books in the US plus periodicals, comics, apps, movies and TV shows, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps™ available for Android™, iOS® and Windows®.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained by visiting the Company’s corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) and information relating to Barnes & Noble that are based on the beliefs of the management of Barnes & Noble as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the management of Barnes & Noble. When used in this communication, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “forecasts,” “projections,” and similar expressions, as they relate to Barnes & Noble or the management of Barnes & Noble, identify forward-looking statements.

Such statements reflect the current views of Barnes & Noble with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others, the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns, decreased consumer demand for Barnes & Noble’s products, low growth or declining sales and net income due to various factors, including store closings, higher-than-anticipated or increasing costs, including with respect to store closings, relocation, occupancy (including in connection with lease renewals) and labor costs, the effects of competition, the risk of insufficient access to financing to implement future business initiatives, risks associated with data privacy and information security, risks associated with Barnes & Noble’s supply chain, including possible delays and disruptions and increases in shipping rates, various risks associated with the digital business, including the possible loss of customers, declines in digital content sales, risks and costs associated with ongoing efforts to rationalize the digital business and the digital business not being able to perform its obligations under the Samsung commercial agreement and the consequences thereof, the risk that financial and operational forecasts and projections are not achieved, the performance of Barnes & Noble’s initiatives including but not limited to its new store concept and e-commerce initiatives, unanticipated adverse litigation results or effects, potential infringement of Barnes & Noble’s intellectual property by third parties or by Barnes & Noble of the intellectual property of third parties, and other factors, including those factors discussed in detail in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in Barnes & Noble’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016, and in Barnes & Noble’s other filings made hereafter from time to time with the SEC.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Barnes & Noble or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. Barnes & Noble undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this communication.

Media Contact:
Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President,
Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

Investor Contact:
Andy Milevoj
Vice President,
Investor Relations
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3489
amilevoj@bn.com

Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Etsy celebrates uniqueness with new marketing campaign: Difference Makes Us

: Etsy celebrates uniqueness with new marketing campaign: Difference Makes Us

Dumbo, Brooklyn, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Etsy market is a celebration of people’s unique tastes and expressions, allowing individuals to find items that cannot be found anywhere else. Today (Sep 14, 2016), to celebrate the differences that make us all unique, we’re excited to announce the launch of a new global brand marketing campaign: Difference Makes Us.

Difference Makes Us speaks to the breadth of the items for sale in the Etsy market, and highlights the people that browse and discover them on Etsy every day. These choices and expressions are what make us all who we are—they’re what make us different, what make us original, and what make us ourselves. Those differences, and how we express them as both buyers and sellers, are also what bring all of us together, on Etsy, every day.

Coming to life today through a series of digital, video, and social placements, in addition to content generated by the Etsy community, the campaign highlights how Etsy fits into the daily routines of people around the world, from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed. That’s why we chose to focus on everyday, relatable items, starting with mugs and bedside tables. Everyone has a favorite mug, and it is such a subtle, but approachable way of expressing personality, with infinite variety. Bedside tables, while practical, have an intimate connection to our daily lives that is unique for each of us.

Through the Difference Makes Us campaign we set out to showcase the breadth of these products and more available on Etsy, and offer a glimpse into the unique lives they inhabit around the globe. As a global company with people buying or selling in nearly every country in the world, we wanted to celebrate Etsy on a global scale. Everyone, regardless of where they call home, can identify with having a favorite item that they love, and with making or buying something that makes them feel like themselves—it’s a universal and unifying concept.

To produce the Difference Makes Us campaign, we partnered with New York City-based creative agency Office of Baby. “When we started collaborating, the idea of Difference Makes Us felt natural, coming right out of the core of what Etsy has always been doing. It was an incredible honor to work with Etsy, a company that’s been celebrating creativity and uniqueness since its inception,” says Paul Caiozzo, Creative Director, Office of Baby.

The Difference Makes Us campaign will run on multiple channels to engage the Etsy community and raise awareness of Etsy’s brand around the globe. We’re excited to invite Etsy’s global community into the campaign, to engage with Difference Makes Us and contribute to an ever-evolving conversation by sharing their favorite items on social media with #DifferenceMakesUs to demonstrate how they express their originality. We’re also calling on Etsy’s passionate community of creative entrepreneurs to recreate and bring the campaign to life by making their own short videos, creatively integrating their unique products. Sellers can learn more about how to participate here.

The campaign will continue through the holiday season and beyond. We’re excited to see how the campaign evolves and celebrate the myriad ways that Difference Makes Us Etsy.

Contact Etsy’s press and media folks: press@etsy.com

Source: Etsy

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Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

RioCan announces distribution of 11.75 cents per unit for the month of September

TORONTO, ONTARIO, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX:REI.UN) today (Sept. 15, 2016) announced a distribution of 11.75 cents per unit for the month of September. The distribution will be payable on October 7, 2016 to unit holders of record as at September 30, 2016.

About RioCan

RioCan is Canada’s largest real estate investment trust with a total enterprise value of approximately $15 billion as at June 30, 2016. RioCan owns and manages Canada’s largest portfolio of shopping centres with ownership interests in a portfolio of 302 Canadian retail and mixed use properties, including 15 properties under development, containing an aggregate net leasable area of 45 million square feet. For further information, please refer to RioCan’s website at www.riocan.com.

Contact Information:
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
Christian Green
Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations & Compliance
416-864-6483
www.riocan.com

Source: RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Staples opens three initial Workbar in the Greater Boston community

: Staples opens three initial Workbar in the Greater Boston community

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & BOSTON, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) and Workbar announced today (Sep. 14, 2016) that three initial Workbar at Staples locations are now open in the Greater Boston community.

Staples and Workbar together are creating more productive workplaces for small business customers, independent professionals, startups and the growing mobile workforce with the Workbar at Staples facilities located within redesigned Staplesstores. The innovative collaboration is driving the workplace of the future where a coworking membership is as common as a gym membership.

Work schedules and environments are changing due to the fact that 30% of Americans are self-employed (Pew Research Center). People need new ways to do their work, yet still have a community interaction with a network of like minded people. Coworking is a next-gen business service now available at three Staples locations.

“We’re always looking for ways to support and enhance productivity for our customers, and teaming up with Workbar allows us to provide a collaborative, convenient environment where business people can make their workdays more productive and enjoyable,” said Peter Scala, executive vice president – merchandising, Staples. “The new Workbar at Staples locations are amazing new venues within our stores that provide our business customers with the creative space, office essentials and support to run their business or launch a new idea.”

The Workbar at Staples locations are in Danvers, Norwood, and Brighton, which are north, south and west of Boston. Each of the 2,500 – 3,500 square-foot custom-designed facilities feature a mix of high-end workspaces, conference rooms, private phone rooms, fast and secure Wi-Fi, printers, natural light, and bottomless coffee and tea to keep the connectivity and productivity flowing for business customers. The vibe is free.

“The new Workbar at Staples locations align so well with our mission to create a network of high quality workspaces with all the amenities of an ideal office coupled with a diverse, vibrant community that enhances our Members’ business and personal lives,” said Bill Jacobson, CEO and co-founder, Workbar.

Workbar at Staples membership costs $130/month and includes use of a single Workbar at Staples location and two days access to the 15 other Workbar Network locations throughout greater Boston. Membership also includes two hours of reservable room access. For an extra $100, members can purchase an additional 10 hours of reservable room access. The Workbar at Staples membership offers unprecedented regional access and value for such a high quality coworking space. A special $100 per month Founding Member Offer, including 10 hours of meeting room time, is ongoing for the first three months, with sign up before Oct. 1, 2016.

Delivering on the value that Workbar offers member in all its locations, Workbar at Staples locations are operated by Workbar with access to its in-person and online community – a network that offers tips and advice, has connected investors and great ideas, and regularly yields partnerships or job offers. To learn even more or to schedule a personal tour, please visit us at www.staples.com/workbar or http://www.workbar.com/staples.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples retail stores and Staples.com help small business customers make more happen by providing a broad assortment of products, expanded business services and easy ways to shop, all backed with a lowest price guarantee. Staples offers businesses the convenience to shop and buy how and when they want – in store, online, via mobile or though social apps. Staples.com customers can either buy online and pick-up in store or ship for free from Staples.com with Staples Rewards minimum purchase. Expanded services also make it easy for businesses to succeed with in-store Business Centers featuring shipping services and products, copying, scanning, faxing and computer work stations, Tech Services, full-service Print & Marketing Services, Staples Merchant Services, small business lending and credit services.

Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer service, competitive pricing and state-of-the art-ecommerce site. StaplesBusiness Advantage is the one-source solution for all things businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology, furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South America,Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Workbar

Workbar’s focus is creating great places to work that bring the ideal office to you – convenient, affordable, and populated by a friendly mix of motivated professionals. Our growing network of high quality coworking office spaces offers independent professionals, small businesses, startups, remote teams, and other mobile professionals a mix of comfortable work and meeting spaces and amenities so you can make the most of your work day.

Workbar’s hub-and-spoke network is connecting urban centers to well-placed suburban locations, making coworking more connected, convenient, and local. Our robust digital presence and active events calendar supports interaction and community both online and in person; members share tips, ideas, and recommendations, identify the right tools and talent, and are inspired to do great work. Find out more at www.workbar.com.

Contact:
Carrie McElwee
508-253-1405
Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com

Source: Staples, Inc.

###

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

National Coffee Day: Staples survey reveals office workers take their reliance on coffee to the extreme

FRAMINGHAM, Mass, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Some office workers take their reliance on coffee to the extreme. In fact, nearly one-third of employees said they would rather streak naked through the main street of their town than give up coffee for a year, according to a Staples survey released in advance of National Coffee Day, celebrated on September 29.

Not only would some shed their clothes for coffee, more than half of those polled also confessed they would give up sweets over coffee forever. Coffee even rivals our reliance on technology, as a quarter of employees said they would go without their smartphone for eternity if that meant they could keep coffee. Not even annual vacation time is safe – as 24 percent would relinquish their yearly time off in favor of access to coffee.

The survey revealed that, on average, employees consume two cups of coffee each day. It makes sense, then, that according to the Staples Business Advantage Workplace Index, three quarters of those polled wished that employers provided free coffee and snacks.

“Drinking coffee is engrained in the daily routine of the U.S. workforce – 59 percent drink at least two cups daily – and many consider it essential for them to do their work at a high level,” said Kerry Anne Carter, vice president, Staples Business Advantage, which offers customers a robust coffee lease program that includes brewers at no extra charge, brewer maintenance and access to a team of field experts. “Taking the initiative to provide free coffee options and a welcoming breakroom can go a long way toward keeping employees happy and productive.”

According to the coffee survey, 35 percent of employees need at least one cup to feel productive or alert during the day; otherwise, it’s not pretty. When employees were asked which tasks they can’t handle before their first cup of the day, top answers included thinking, talking to anyone and commuting to work.

Win Staples Business Advantage Coffee for a Year

Fancy a shot at free coffee? Look no further. From now through 12:00 p.m. ET Wednesday, September 28, all employees in the 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C. are eligible to discover their “coffee personality” by taking a short quiz administered by Staples Business Advantage and MARS Drinks. Completing the quiz yields one entry into a sweepstakes that will award ten lucky businesses a MARS DRINKS™ Flavia Creation® 150 coffee brewer and coffee for their office for one year! To enter and view the Official Rules, please visit staplesadvantagecoffeepersonality.com. There is no purchase necessary to enter. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Mug Shot Social Contest

Still not satisfied? Beginning on Friday, September 23, Staples is bringing back the Office MugShot Sweepstakes – giving all employees in the 50 U.S. and Washington D.C. the chance to share an original photo with their favorite mug used at work to Twitter using #OfficeMugShot, #Sweepstakes and mentioning @Staples, or by entering on Facebook to receive one entry into the sweepstakes. Winners will receive a coffee prize pack, including a Keurig Brewer. More entry details (including Official Rules) can be found here. There is no purchase necessary to enter. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

Staples has the coffee solutions that employees and organizations – no matter the size – need to stay productive, whether through Staples stores, Staples.com or Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. Customers have access to a variety of coffee and coffee supply items including creamers, sweeteners and cups/lids.

Resources:
Follow Staples on Twitter @Staples and Staples Business Advantage @StaplesB2B to learn more.

About the survey
This survey was conducted using SurveyMonkey.com and was live from July 21, 2016 – August 4, 2016.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples Business Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., helps mid-market, commercial and enterprise-sized customers make more happen by offering a curated assortment of products and services combined with deep expertise, best-in-class customer service, competitive pricing and state-of-the art ecommerce site. Staples Business Advantage is the one-source solution for all things businesses need to succeed, including office supplies, facilities cleaning and maintenance, breakroom snacks and beverages, technology, furniture, interior design and Print & Marketing Services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples, Inc. operates throughout North and South America,Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

Contact:
Mark Cautela
508-253-3832
Mark.Cautela@Staples.com

###

: National Coffee Day: Staples survey reveals office workers take their reliance on coffee to the extreme

Source: Staples, Inc.

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Lowes Foods launches new program for Wake Forest Football fans called “From Our Tailgate to Yours”

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lowes Foods, based in Winston-Salem, has created a unique new program for Wake Forest Football fans called “From Our Tailgate to Yours.” The new program is part of the existing Lowes Foods to Go online shopping program and allows fans to go LowesFoods.com/Deacons and place game day orders for tailgate food, beverages and other items and have orders delivered directly to their tailgates by one of Lowes Foods’ vintage trucks.

“Our partnership with Wake Forest Athletics as sponsor of Deacon Tailgate Town has been great for us, the football program and fans alike. Now, we’re taking it to another level with the ability to deliver tailgate orders directly to fans in the BB&T Field parking lot,” Lowes Foods president Tim Lowe said. “Orders need to be placed online by 8 p.m. the night prior to game day, and there is no additional cost to customers. Customers pay the same prices they would pay at a Lowes Foods store with no delivery fee.”

“The new ‘From Our Tailgate to Yours’ program works very similarly to our Lowes Foods to Go ordering process, which allows customers to place grocery orders online, drive up to a Lowes Foods store and pick up their orders with ease,” Lowe added. “Lowes Foods to Go has grown to become a very popular program, especially for parents who are on the run and vacationers around our coastal stores.”

Lowes Foods also will stock a supply of basic tailgate needs at its Deacon Tailgate Town location. The Lowes Foods area will be set up near Bridger Field House three hours prior to kick-off at every Wake Forest home football game this season.

“If someone forgets something like plates, cups, propane or wine openers, we’ll have a good selection of tailgating items available for purchase using cash or credit cards from our convenient location in Deacon Tailgate Town,” he said. “We’ve worked in conjunction with Wake Forest Athletics to make the game day experience better than ever for fans and feel comfortable saying that no other football program in America offers free grocery deliveries to fans that are enjoying pre-game tailgating. All that’s left to say is, ‘Go Deacs!’”

“Since opening Deacon Tower nearly a decade ago, we at Wake Forest Athletics have been on a mission to make ours one of the best game day experiences in America,” Wake Forest Athletics senior associate athletic director Bill Oakes said. “Having Lowes Foods set up a mini store within Deacon Tailgate Town and making deliveries in a vintage truck is just an incredible program for our fans that no other football program offers. I can’t wait to see the smiling faces of fans getting their pictures taken with the vintage truck.”

About Lowes Foods

Founded in 1954, Lowes Foods employs approximately 9,000 people and operates nearly 100 fullservice supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Locally owned and operated, Lowes Foods is truly a homegrown company committed to bringing community back to the table, by providing customers with the freshest and most innovative local products from local suppliers. The company maintains a strong focus on exceptional attention to our guests, with services like Lowes Foods-To-Go personal shopping and gas rewards discounts. To learn more, visit lowesfoods.com or follow Lowes Foods on Facebook or Twitter. Lowes Foods, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alex Lee, Inc.

About Alex Lee, Inc.

Founded in 1931, Alex Lee is a family-owned and operated company that employs approximately 10,000 people. It serves as the parent company of Merchants Distributors, LLC, which provides fullservice, wholesale distribution to supermarkets. In addition, Alex Lee is the parent company of Lowes Foods, which includes nearly 100 full-service grocery stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as Just Save food stores in North Carolina. Alex Lee, Inc. is based in Hickory, NC.

For more information, please visit alexlee.com.

News media contact:
Scott Carpenter
336.722.9660
scott@capturevalue.com

Source: Lowes Food

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Lowes Foods to open Greer store on September 23

GREER, S.C., 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lowes Foods, a Carolinas-based grocer, will celebrate the grand opening of its Greer store, located at the intersection of Suber Road and Hammett Bridge Road, on Friday, September 23.

“We are thrilled to share our new Greer store with the entire Greenville community. It represents the latest addition in our journey to completely reimagine the grocery shopping experience and inspire guests,” Lowes Foods president Tim Lowe said. “Like all of our stores, the Greer store is very focused on supporting all things local while providing exceptional attention to our guests. Our commitment includes offering produce sourced through our partnership with more than 200 local farmers and featuring a wide assortment of unique local products found throughout the store.”

The store will include special concepts called Lowes Foods Originals.
 The Chicken Kitchen includes a variety of prepared chicken, including wings, fried, and rotisserie chicken. When hot chicken comes out of the rotisserie oven, Chicken Kitchen hosts perform a special version of the Chicken Dance and invite guests to join the fun.

 If Willy Wonka had made sausage instead of chocolate, his famous factory would have been SausageWorks at Lowes Foods. You can get anything from a traditional brat to wild and wacky flavors like bourbon and sweet tea or pumpkin.

 Pick & Prep is like having your own personal sous chef. Guests can pick the fruits and vegetables they want, and the trained professionals will slice, dice, or julienne.

 The Beer Den features an extensive craft beer collection, including numerous Carolinas-based beers. Guests can purchase 64 or 32 ounce growlers and then have them filled direct from the tap or purchase bottles to create their own favorite six packs.

 The Cakery features frosting made with real butter and real cream and opportunities to join in The Cakery Walk. A whimsical bakery where being square is incredibly cool, The Cakery features “Scrumptiouslyumptiously” delicious square cakes in a variety of sizes.

 Boxcar Coffee & Chocolates features an in-store roaster where green beans are custom roasted onsite, along with a variety of chocolate barks that are hand poured each day at the store. Guests can also sip on hand crafted coffee and teas while they shop.

 Breadcrumb brings the bakery experience to life by featuring fresh-baked artisanal breads that are hand-crafted, all natural and have no preservatives. Fresh-from-the-oven loaves are available from 4:30 pm-7:30 pm every day – perfect to pick up for dinner.

 Smokehouse will offer daily rotations of wood-smoked meats – including beef, pork, chicken and salmon – using a variety of woods to infuse flavor.

 At Sammy’s the menu includes signature sandwiches that feature ingredients from the Lowes Foods Originals such as SausageWorks, Chicken Kitchen, and Smokehouse. There are also create your own sandwiches, pizzas, and paninis which can be heated and ready to eat in just 90 seconds.

In addition to these new offerings, the Greer store features a wide assortment of organics, Certified Angus beef and Dry Aged beef, and a clip-your-own herb garden.

A focal point of the store is the Lowes Foods Community Table, where shoppers can gather to sample, enjoy and be inspired to prepare new kinds of foods. The Community Table, which is constructed of reclaimed wood, also will offer events such as recipe sampling, crafts for children, and gluten free eating tips.

The store also offers the newly updated Lowes Foods-To-Go online personal shopping service. Guests can select their groceries online and the personal shoppers get to work. For pick up, guests drive through the Lowes Foods to Go pick up lane and the groceries are loaded into the car. Delivery is also available. It’s as easy as click and collect.

Lowe said construction is continuing on Lowes Foods’ second location in the Greenville area at the Village Market-East shopping center on the northwest corner of Woodruff Road and Sunnydale Drive in the Five Forks area of Simpsonville, SC.

About Lowes Foods

Founded in 1954, Lowes Foods employs approximately 9,000 people and operates nearly 100 full-service supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Locally owned and operated, Lowes Foods is truly a homegrown company committed to bringing community back to the table, by providing customers with the freshest and most innovative local products from local suppliers. The company maintains a strong focus on exceptional attention to our guests, with services like Lowes Foods-To-Go personal shopping and gas rewards discounts. To learn more, visit lowesfoods.com or follow Lowes Foods on Facebook or Twitter. Lowes Foods, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alex Lee, Inc.

About Alex Lee, Inc.

Founded in 1931, Alex Lee is a family-owned and operated company that employs approximately 10,000 people. It serves as the parent company of Merchants Distributors, LLC, which provides full-service, wholesale distribution to supermarkets. In addition, Alex Lee is the parent company of Lowes Foods, which includes nearly 100 full-service grocery stores in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as Just Save food stores in North Carolina. Alex Lee, Inc. is based in Hickory, NC.

For more information, please visit alexlee.com.

Source: Lowes Food

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

SPAR Netherlands launches campaign to promote Own Brands

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — During the first three weeks of September, SPAR customers in the Netherlands will receive one free SPAR Own Brand product when purchasing a promotional A-brand product of the same type. Each week, six different products will be promoted. In return, customers are requested to give feedback on whether they prefer the A-brand or the SPAR Own Brand product.

Susanne Kroon, SPAR Netherlands Commercial Director, explains the aim of the campaign: “With this campaign, we would like to highlight that quality does not need to be expensive. Our own brand products are at least as good, if not better, than products of other brands. This is why we think it’s a good moment to promote our SPAR Own Brands.”

On the SPAR Netherlands website, a special page has been created where customers can provide their feedback: www.spar.nl/voordeelweken

Contact:

SPAR International
info@spar-international.com
+3120 626 6749

Source: Spar International

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

SpartanNash welcomes Yvonne S. Trupiano as SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Byron Center, MI, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Yvonne S. Trupiano to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective October 3, 2016. Ms. Trupiano will assume the responsibilities of Jerry Jones, who is retiring from the Company. Mr. Jones has led the Company’s Human Resources function since 2009.

Ms. Trupiano will report directly to Dennis Eidson, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, and will be responsible for developing, communicating and implementing the Company’s human resources strategy. She will have responsibility for all aspects of the human resources function, including: talent development, labor relations, compensation and benefits, payroll, and HR operations, management and development.

Ms. Trupiano joins SpartanNash from Avis Budget Group, a global car rental and car sharing supplier, where she most recently held the position of Vice President, Human Resources. She has held a number of leadership positions during her tenure at Avis Budget Group and played key roles in that Company’s integration of new businesses, including the 2013 acquisitions of ZipCar and Payless Car Rental. As Vice President, Human Resources, Ms. Trupiano served as the HR business partner to the President of the Americas region ($7 billion revenue, 22,000 employees) and was the senior HR leader to a team of 85 human resources professionals who supported multiple banners in North and South America.

“Yvonne’s extensive service leading a large, diverse, HR team will be a tremendous asset to SpartanNash,” noted Eidson. “Yvonne’s success with creating and implementing diversity and inclusion strategies to increase female and veteran representation within operations, improving employee satisfaction scores, and positioning the company as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute align with our current initiatives.” Eidson also noted that Yvonne’s extensive merger and acquisition experience integrating teams, systems, and operations is advantageous to SpartanNash, which is poised for growth.

“We are excited to welcome Yvonne on board, but at the same time hate to say good-bye to Jerry,” said Eidson. “His leadership throughout our transformational merger in 2013 was critical to our integration. He also played a key role in our search and selection process. Jerry has led by example, serving on the board of directors of the Heart of West Michigan United Way and serving as a strong proponent of our company wide volunteer program and giving back to the communities we serve. We wish him all the best as he looks forward to returning to his southern roots.”

About SpartanNash

SpartanNash (SPTN) is a Fortune 400 company and the leading distributor serving U.S. military commissaries and exchanges in the world, in terms of revenue. The Company’s core businesses include distributing grocery products to military commissaries and exchanges and independent and Company-owned retail stores located in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 160 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, Family Fresh Markets, D&W Fresh Markets, and Sun Mart.

Contact:
Meredith Gremel
Vice President Corporate Affairs and Communications
616-878-2830

Source SpartanNash

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Kmart kicks off the holiday season with best toys, easy ways to save and inspiring opportunities to give back

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — It’s time to get your holiday on! Today (Sept. 15, 2016), Kmart is rolling out the wrapping paper and showing members and shoppers what they can expect from the retailer this holiday season. Already the destination for epic gifts and ridiculously awesome savings, this year Kmart is ringing in the holiday season with the best toys, easy ways to save and inspiring opportunities to give back.

“Our members are shopping PROS – they’re already in the holiday spirit, so we’re giving them what they need to deck the halls,” said Kelly Cook, chief marketing officer, Kmart. “This season, we’re bringing back No Money Down Layaway in an epic way with a bonus incentive of $10 off your purchase* and continuing our support of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving®campaign. Plus, we launched the Fab 15 Toy List with must-have exclusives that are sure to excite kids of all ages this holiday season! Our shoppers are smart and are starting early, so Kmart is here to make it extra easy to make the list, check it twice, and get back to celebrating.

“Fab 15 Toy List Brings A Whole Lotta Awesome To The Holiday Season:
Kmart’s Fab 15 Toy List names the season’s best toys and games. This year’s list – available in-store and online – is beyond cool and can cover every kid’s wish list:

Collectables for the “can I keep it?” Kid:

Kmart Exclusive! The 2016 Barbie Holiday Doll by Mattel
Disney Tsum Tsum 9-Pack Collectables by JAKKS Pacific
Disney Frozen Northern Lights Elsa by JAKKS Pacific

Cars & Trucks for the “catch me if you can” Kid:

Nintendo Mini RC Racer by JAKKS Pacific
Matchbox Stinky The Garbage Truck by Mattel

Play Sets & Toys for the “I wish it was always recess” Kid:

LEGO Star Wars: Carbon-Freezing Chamber by LEGO
My Little Pony Equestria Crystal Empire Castle by Hasbro
Imaginext DC Comics Super Friends Super Hero Flight City by Fisher Price
Bop It! by Hasbro

Adventure Must-Haves for the “I’m here to save the day” Kid:

Kmart Exclusive! Doc McStuffins: Rosie the Rescuer by Just Play
Kmart Exclusive! Play-Doh Picnic Adventure by Hasbro
Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster by Hasbro
DC Comics Super Hero Girls Action Dolls by Mattel
Paw Patrol Zooming Marshall by Spin Master

Learning for the “little” Kid:

Love2Learn Elmo by Hasbro

“Parents may think they know what is at the top of their kids’ lists to Santa, however, Kmart took the guesswork out and went right to the source, asking kids to get the real insights. Kmart’s Fab 15 Toy List features the hottest toys, and must-have selection that make WOW gifts for kids of all ages,” said Simha Kumar, president, children’s entertainment, Kmart. “The Fab 15 Toy List is carefully curated each year, and our goal is to give parents the ability to cross everything off their toy list at Kmart early, and take advantage of layaway.”

Head to Kmart.com/Fab15 for all of these sure-to-be favorite gifts of the season.

Deck the Halls with No Money Down Layaway and a Bonus $10 Off at Kmart*
According to the National Retail Federation, more than 40 percent of Americans begin shopping for the holidays prior to October and of those, 60 percent shop early in order to spread their budgets*. To help those who get a jump on holiday shopping, Kmart is here to keep them on time and on budget with the return of No Money Down Layaway.

For $0 in-store (and just a penny online) members can take advantage of No Money Down Layaway now through November 26. Plus, with a $50 or more purchase toward layaway, shoppers get an instant $10 discount. Either way, be the first to nab those exclusive Fab 15 toys with a convenient way to hide them from little searching eyes!

To make it even easier, Kmart’s layaway can be done with the touch of a button with ‘Layaway and Go™’ on the mobile app. Simply scan items with a smartphone while shopping in store to add to any layaway order. From there, shoppers can manage payments online and pick up the gifts at the same Kmart store when they are ready – making the holidays extra memorable for the family and leaving Santa a little jealous of how easy it was!

Kmart Gives Thanks with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
In the spirit of the holidays, Kmart also provides an opportunity to give back. For more than a decade, Kmart members, shoppers and associates have rallied together to support the efforts of St. Jude to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Last holiday season, Kmart introduced The Giving Hat™ to support the 2015 St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign. The Giving Hat – a stylish winter knit hat embroidered with positive messages – sparked shopper engagement selling more than 105,000 hats and helping contribute to the $16.1 million in donations from Kmart shoppers and associates. Overwhelmed by the extraordinary outpour of support, this November Kmart will again bring back the famous hat for the 13th annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving Campaign. The new soon-to-be-revealed style inspired by St. Jude’s patients and purpose allows Kmart’s members to celebrate the holiday season with gratitude.

Since 2006, Kmart has raised more than $92.8 million for St. Jude – making Kmart the hospital’s No. 1 supporter. As always, members and Kmart shoppers can donate to help the children and families of St. Jude through a $1, $5 or $10 add-on program at check-out in all Kmart stores, or online via Kmart.com/StJude.

For more information, download the Kmart app or visit Kmart.com.

*Receive $10 off your Layaway with a $50 or more down Layaway commitment

About Kmart
Kmart is making shopping fun again. The retailer, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials, hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store family events for its Shop Your Way members and customers. Kmart offers customers thrilling deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tricia Perrotti
Kmart
212775-2536
Tricia.Perrotti@searshc.com

Andrea Abate
Zeno Group for Kmart
312-527-2SHC (2742)
Andrea.Abate@zenogroup.com

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: Kmart kicks off the holiday season with best toys, easy ways to save and inspiring opportunities to give back

SOURCE: Kmart

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Voice-controlled intelligent shopper Kenmore Alfie now available at Sears.com

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The new Kenmore Alfie is a voice-controlled intelligent shopper that does the research for you to find the right item at the best price, regardless of the retailer. Alfie is an enormous time-saver because it can shop for anything from everyday items like paper towels, printer ink or groceries, to finding the perfect gift by simply saying “Alfie, give me some ideas for a birthday gift for dad.”

Best of all, Alfie not only saves time, it saves money. There is no added fee for the service Alfie provides, and the Kenmore Alfie app* is free in the app store. Once users decide what they want, they simply press a button and Alfie shops the online marketplace to provide a tailored recommendation. This ensures they get the best price available, providing peace of mind that they are always getting a great deal.

“The Kenmore brand is woven into the fabric of the American home by delivering trusted performance with smart and stylish innovations that help our members do things quicker, better and easier,” said Tom Park, president of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands at Sears Holdings. “Alfie is no exception – we are able to provide a best-in-class, concierge-like service at an affordable price so our members can get back to their everyday lives.”

“Alfie uses our Shop Your Way platform combined with experienced associates who serve as intelligent shoppers behind the scenes to find the products that meet our members’ needs,” said Eui Chung, vice president of social commerce at Sears Holdings.

Alfie is able to learn users’ tastes based on previous purchases, and allows users to shop from history, simplifying the task of reordering frequently purchased or favorite items.

Users can maintain contact with Alfie from anywhere using the Alfie app on their smartphones to easily review options and confirm orders on-the-go. Experienced Alfie personal shoppers are available to assist with orders 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Kenmore Alfie can be purchased for $49.99 at AlfieFetch.com, Sears.com or select local Sears stores. For more information about the Kenmore brand, visit Kenmore.com or Cookmore.com.

How to use Alfie:

Download the free Kenmore Alfie app
Follow the prompts to properly complete the setup of Alfie with your Wi-Fi network
Press the ‘talk’ button, voice a request to Alfie and press the ‘talk’ button again
Review recommended options sent via text message through the free Alfie app
Approve the product order via Alfie or the smartphone app and your order is on its way

*In order to use Kenmore Alfie, you will have to install the free Kenmore Alfie app for either iOS (requires iOS 8 and up) or Android™ (Android 4.1 and up) smartphone. In addition, Alfie requires a wireless network connection that is 2.4GHz 802.11 b/g with security OPEN, WEP, WPA, WPA II. Alfie also requires a free Shop Your Way Membership and is subject to its terms and conditions.

About the Kenmore Brand
The Kenmore Brand is an industry leader in delivering trusted performance in the home with smart and stylish appliance innovations that help consumers do things quicker, easier and better. Recognized as a top appliance brand for over 100 years, the Kenmore brand continues to give consumers more time, efficiency and improved results for better living with industry-leading products across small and large appliance categories. For more information, visit www.kenmore.com, www.cookmore.com/press-kit/ or www.facebook.com/kenmore.

Contact:

Larry Costello
PR Director – Kenmore
847-286-9036
Larry.Costello@searshc.com

Andrew Scutt
Zeno Group
312-245-0688
Andrew.Scutt@zenogroup.com

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: Voice-controlled intelligent shopper Kenmore Alfie now available at Sears.com

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.