Shop Direct wins big at the Retail Week Tech and Ecommerce Awards

Liverpool,UK, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shop Direct took home four prizes at the Retail Week Tech and Ecommerce Awards, including the overall prize for excellence.

The event, which was held at the O2 Intercontinental Hotel in London, celebrated the smartest, most creative digital ideas, the most forward-thinking technology initiatives and the teams that are driving innovation.

In handing the overall award to Shop Direct, the judges praised the company’s digital transformation, testing programme and the rapid progress it has made in realizing technology and ecommerce innovation.

The UK’s second largest pureplay online retailer, which recently announced its fourth consecutive year of record sales and profit, also triumphed in the ecommerce team of the year, IT team of the year and delivery or fulfilment innovation of the year awards, winning the latter with its partner Arrow XL.

These latest wins continue a year of awards for Shop Direct, which won three prizes at the Oracle Retail Week Awards, two at the Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards and three at the Drapers Digital Awards.

Alex Baldock, CEO at Shop Direct, commented: “It’s fantastic that our winning streak has continued.  It’s an honour to again be recognized for tech and ecommerce innovation, which is helping us reach our ambition – to become a world class digital retailer.

“And when it comes to innovation, there’s even more to come from us. We believe that artificial intelligence and machine learning, which we’re already using, can help us make huge strides in personalization over the coming years. We’re really backing this technology – so watch this space.”

Contact:
Call our switchboard on 0844 292 1000

Source: Shop Direct

RioCan announced $0.29375 per preferred unit, Series C for the quarter ending September 30, 2016

TORONTO, ONTARIO, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust (“RioCan”) (TSX:REI.PR.C) today (Sept. 16, 2016) announced $0.29375 per preferred unit, Series C (the “Series C Units”) for the quarter ending September 30, 2016. The distribution will be payable on September 30, 201 6 to unit holders of the Series C Units of record as at September 30, 2016 for RioCan’s outstanding preferred trust units.

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

USDA FSIS: Tucson Tamale Wholesale Company recalls beef tamale products that contain meat produced without the benefit of federal inspection

WASHINGTON, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tucson Tamale Wholesale Company, LLC, a Tucson, Ariz. establishment, is recalling approximately 915 pounds of beef tamale products that contain meat produced without the benefit of federal inspection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today (Sept. 16, 2016).

The ready-to-eat beef tamale items were produced on various dates from Aug. 11, 2016 to Sept. 13, 2016. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

  • Bulk boxes containing 10- or 11-oz packages of two “Tucson Tamale Red Chile Beef Tamales,” with packaging dates of 8/11/2016, 8/15/2016, 8/22/2016, 8/31/2016 and 9/13/2016, and with case and package codes 2016224, 2016228, 2016235, 2016244 and 2016257.
  • Bulk boxes containing 10- or 11-oz packages of two “Tucson Tamale Chipotle Beef Tamales,” with packaging dates of 8/16/2016, 9/1/2016 and 9/2/2016, and with case and package codes 2016229, 2016245 and 2016246.
  • Bulk boxes containing 10- or 11-oz packages of two “Tucson Tamale Chipotle Beef & Cheese Tamales,” with packaging dates of 8/16/2016, 8/25/2016, 8/29/2016 and 9/2/2016, and with case and package codes 2016229, 2016238, 2016242 and 2016246.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. M45860” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were distributed to the firm’s restaurants in Arizona. These items were sold to consumers either in restaurants (without packaging), in foil “to-go” containers or with the original packaging intact.

The problem was discovered by FSIS personnel during routine inspection activities.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about a reaction should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

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

Consumers and members of the media with questions about the recall can contact Todd Martin, Owner, Tucson Tamale Wholesale Company, LLC, at (520) 398-6282.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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

Contact:
Congressional and Public Affairs
Sarah R. Lichtman
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Source: USDA

Sheetz one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women according to Great Place to Work® and Fortune

ALTOONA, Pa., 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sheetz is one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune.

Sheetz has been ranked twice 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.

“There’s a strong correlation between being able to talk openly with company executives and feeling like a workplace is fair,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work®. “Traditionally, communication channels with leaders have been less available to women than to men. The Best Workplaces for Women do well at paving the way for those open dialogs, and as a result, women are more likely to feel they get fair consideration in their jobs and careers. Congratulations to these great companies—they are showing everyone how to create a Great Place to Work For ALL.”

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.

“We are a family owned and operated company and that is a factor on how we make decisions as a company. We know to have a company operate 24/7; our employees need to feel engaged and valued. Creating an environment that supports people in and outside of work isn’t just an issue for women, it’s an issue for all employees, and our goal is to make sure that we have created programs at Sheetz to achieve that,” said Joe Sheetz, CEO Sheetz.

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.

To see the full list of the Best Workplaces for Women click here. To see the schedule for all of our workplace lists and more information on how to apply, visit Great Place to Work’s website.

About Sheetz, Inc.

Established in 1952 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Sheetz, Inc. is one of America’s fastest growing family-owned and operated convenience store chains, with more than $6.9 billion in revenue and more than 16,000 employees. The company operates over 500 store locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina. Sheetz provides an award-winning menu of MTO® sandwiches and salads, which are ordered through unique touch-screen order point terminals. All Sheetz convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, 20 Best Workplaces in Retail and 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials, Sheetz is committed to offering employees sustainable careers built on an inspiring culture and community engagement. For more information, visit www.sheetz.com or follow us on Twitter (@sheetz), Facebook (www.facebook.com/sheetz) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/sheetz).

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.

For further information:
Tarah Arnold
Phone: 814. 941.5183
Email: tarnold@sheetz.com

SOURCE: Sheetz, Inc.

Metro to showcase local cheeses in support of Sélection Caseus

Montréal, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third straight year, Metro is proud to support Sélection Caseus, the annual competition intended to showcase the know-how of Quebec cheese makers. As a result, Metro will carry out a major program to showcase local cheeses in its stores throughout the province.

“Our consumers’ interest in Quebec products continues to grow. Our latest survey shows that the availability of local products is important to 66% of Metro customers. We are particularly pleased to highlight local cheese makers and their exceptional products in an original and sustained way” said Marie-Claude Bacon, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at Metro. “We are proud to contribute to their growth and to help our customers discover the fruits of their labour by providing more opportunities to showcase them, which is at the very foundation of our Local Purchasing Program.”

Les Producteurs de lait du Québec (Quebec milk producers) are honoured that they can count on Metro’s loyal support in their efforts to showcase local cheeses. “Metro grocers have always been very unified in promoting our featured products and our 2016 fall partnership enables us to broaden our mutual desire to better identify and select Quebec cheeses at the point of purchase” commented Julie Gélinas, Marketing Director for PLQ. “Our new delicious promotional initiative, developed in concert with the Metro team, is entirely focused on the wonders of our artisan cheese makers and will surely improve the experience of consumers who are always eager for high quality local products”.

A choice spot awaits delicious local cheeses and everything is set up to make it easy for customers to see them. From the very first glance, consumers will be able to pick out Quebec cheeses, thanks to Fromages d’ici stickers on the packaging. Moreover, 23 cheeses will have a card on which customers will be provided with a description and an ideal wine pairing. Ten of chose cheeses were 2016 Sélection Caseus finalists or winners that set themselves apart in a particular category. Four recipe cards will also be offered in-store, to inspire consumers and encourage them to choose local cheeses. One of those is devoted to pairings of local cheeses and local apples, focusing on the harmonies to be discovered between their respective tastes. Finally, the flyer will feature several local cheeses, as well as a few that carved out a spot for themselves at Sélection Caseus.

This initiative is in keeping with Metro’s Local Purchasing Program, launched in May of 2013, intended to promote local products and increase access to them, and of which one of the three guiding principles is to make Metro a privileged partner of Aliments du Québec and of the sectorial agri-food associations that promote Quebec products.

You can view Metro’s Local Purchasing Policy and the 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report at metro.ca/responsibility

METRO INC.
With annual sales of over $12 billion, METRO INC. (TSX: MRU), founded in 1947, is the only major Canadian food distribution company to have its head office in Quebec. Along with its affiliates and franchisees, METRO INC. employs in Quebec and Ontario over 65,000 people, whose mission is to exceed their customers’ expectations every day to earn their-long term loyalty. METRO INC. operates a network of almost 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.

Become one of our Facebook fans www.facebook.com/metromonepicier

Visit metro.ca

Media Information:
Geneviève Grégoire
Communication Advisor
(514) 643-1000 ext. 2055

Source: METRO INC.

SpartanNash announces the appointment of Yvonne S. Trupiano as SVP, Chief Human Resources Officer

Byron Center, MI, 2016-Sep-18 — /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 companywide 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

Authentic Brands Group, General Growth Properties and Simon Property Group finalizes acquisition of Aéropostale

NEW YORK & CHICAGO & INDIANAPOLIS, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Authentic Brands Group (ABG), General Growth Properties (GGP) and Simon Property Group (SPG) finalizes the acquisition of the global trend-focused apparel and accessories brand, Aéropostale. The consortium includes ABG, the owner of a global portfolio of fashion, sports and entertainment brands, GGP and SPG, two of the largest retail real estate companies in the world.

Aéropostale offers young women, men and kids a focused selection of active-oriented fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values. The brand will continue to be available in over 700 retail doors around the world; more than 400 stores in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 300 doors across Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Through ABG’s proven know-how in brand building and licensing, combined with the expertise of retail real estate specialists, GGP and SPG, there is now a strong foundation in place for long term performance and growth.

“We are pleased to be part of this consortium that has saved thousands of jobs and preserved a legendary American brand,” said David Simon, Chairman and CEO, Simon Property Group. “We are encouraged by the tremendous amount of support we have received from employees, vendors and other landlords.”

“This consortium brings a new approach to brand development and Aéropostale brings another facet to ABG’s fashion portfolio,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO, ABG. “The purchase of Aéropostale propels the retail revenue driven by ABG’s brands to over $4.5 billion USD in retail sales worldwide. We look forward to working closely with our new partners, General Growth Properties and Simon Property Group to continue to grow the Aéropostale brand on a global scale.”

“Aéropostale has significant brand equity and the go-forward portfolio of stores generates more than $1 billion in global retail sales, over $800 million of which is from the U.S.,” said Sandeep Mathrani, CEO, GGP. “The entity is financially secure and well capitalized and we are very pleased that thousands of jobs will be preserved.”

About Authentic Brands Group, LLC

Authentic Brands Group is a brand development company, which builds long-term value through the ownership of intellectual property associated with prominent fashion, sports, celebrity and entertainment brands. Headquartered in New York City, ABG builds brand equity by partnering with best-in-class licensees and retailers. ABG’s global portfolio of world-renowned brands includes Marilyn Monroe®, Mini Marilyn®, Elvis Presley®, Muhammad Ali®, Shaquille O’Neal®, Michael Jackson® *managed brand*, Juicy Couture®, Aéropostale®, Jones New York®, Judith Leiber®, Frederick’s of Hollywood®, Adrienne Vittadini®, Taryn Rose®, Misook®, Hickey Freeman®, Hart Schaffner Marx®, Bobby Jones®, Spyder®, Tretorn®, Tapout®, Prince®, Airwalk®, Vision Street Wear®, and Hind®. www.abg-nyc.com

About General Growth Properties, Inc.

General Growth Properties, Inc. is an S&P 500 company focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping high-quality retail properties throughout the United States. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.

About Simon Property Group

Simon is a global leader in retail real estate ownership, management and development and an S&P100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE:SPG). Our industry-leading retail properties and investments across North America, Europe and Asia provide shopping experiences for millions of consumers every day and generate billions in annual retail sales. For more information, visit simon.com.

CONTACT:

Authentic Brands Group
Haley Steinberg
PR and Communications
(646) 612-7439
hsteinberg@abg-nyc.com

General Growth Properties
Kevin Berry
SVP Investor & Public Relations
(312) 960-5529
kevin.berry@ggp.com

Simon Property Group
Tom Ward
SVP Investor Relations
(317) 685-7330
tom.ward@simon.com

Source: General Growth Properties

Weis Markets kick starts its ninth annual Fight Hunger Program throughout Hunger Action Month in September

SUNBURY, PA, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Weis Markets today (September 16, 2016) embarks on its ninth annual Fight Hunger Program that will run throughout Hunger Action Month TM in September. The program provides food and monetary donations to hundreds of local food banks and emergency food providers across five states in Weis Markets’ 166-store service area. Since the program’s inception in 2008, the program has raised nearly $1.5 million for hunger relief organizations.

“Weis Markets is deeply committed to fighting hunger, and certainly within our own communities,” said Richard Gunn, Weis Markets’ Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing.Hunger Action Month is the perfect time for all of us to join together and support those families who may not know when and from where the next meal is coming. Each year, our customers show their incredible generosity through donations at our stores and online. We hope our customers will consider donating this month when they visit their local Weis Markets.”

Starting September 8, 2016 through October 5, 2016, customers are encouraged to visit their local Weis Markets and consider making a small donation of $1 or $5 vouchers at checkout to help support families in need in the community.  They can choose to round up their grocery order to the nearest dollar.  Customers will also have the opportunity to donate shelf stable items such as canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, apple sauce or soup by simply adding these items to their cart throughout their trip and then place them in a donation bin at checkout. Donations will also be accepted online at WeisMarkets.com/FightHunger.

Weis Markets’ Fight Hunger Campaign benefits local food banks and pantries throughout the five state market area. Regional food banks, who help coordinate local pick-ups, also participate in the program including: The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast, PA; The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (Harrisburg and Williamsport);The Maryland Food Bank; The Commission on Economic Opportunity/The Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton); Greater Berks Food Bank (Reading); Philabundance (Montgomery County, PA); Community Hunger Outreach Warehouse (CHOW)/Broome County Council of Churches; Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira);  Food Bank Network of Somerset County; Philabundance; Northwest Community Action Program NORWESCAP Food Bank (Phillipsburg, NJ); and Mountaineer Food Bank (West Virginia).

Please visit Facebook.com/WeisMarkets or WeisMarkets.com for more information on Fight Hunger.

About Weis Markets
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 171  stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. For more information, please visit: WeisMarkets.com or Facebook.com/WeisMarkets

Contact:

1000 South Second Street
PO Box 471
Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801
1-866-999-9347

Source: Weis Markets, Inc.

Weis Markets converts three former Mars locations in Baltimore County into full-service pharmacies

Sunbury, PA, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Weis Markets today (September 16, 2016) announced it has opened full-service pharmacies in three former Mars locations which now operate as Weis Markets’ stores. The pharmacies are located in its Essex, Wise Avenue and Holabird Avenue stores in Dundalk.

In late July, Weis Markets converted five Mars locations to Weis Markets stores, including units in Carney and Arbutus and opened them on August 4. The pharmacies are open Monday-Friday 9AM-9PM, Saturday 9AM-6PM and Sunday 10AM-4PM

Weis Markets is currently finalizing the conversion and reopening of 38 Food Lion stores, which it acquired in August. Three former Baltimore County Food Lion units located in Owings Mill, Eldersburg and Reisterstown reopened earlier today as Weis Markets stores while locations in Columbia, Elkridge, Gaithersburg (2) and Mitchellville will reopen on Friday, September 23.

Once they reopen as Weis locations, the Company will operate 15 stores in the Baltimore region, essentially tripling its store count in the community within a few months’ time.

For more information, please visit www.WeisMarkets.com.

About Weis Markets

Founded in 1912, Weis Markets, Inc. is a Mid Atlantic food retailer operating 171 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. In these stores, it operates 137 in-store pharmacies. For more information, please visit: WeisMarkets.com or Facebook.com/WeisMarkets.

Contact:

1000 South Second Street
PO Box 471
Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801
1-866-999-9347

Source: Weis Markets, Inc.

 

The TJX Companies, Inc. declares quarterly dividend on its common stock of $.26 per share

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) today (Sep. 16, 2016) announced the declaration of a quarterly dividend on its common stock of $.26 per share payable December 1, 2016, to shareholders of record on November 10, 2016.

About The TJX Companies, Inc.

The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. As of July 30, 2016, the end of the Company’s second quarter, the Company operated a total of 3,675 stores in nine countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Australia, and three e-commerce sites. These include 1,165 T.J. Maxx, 1,013 Marshalls, 538 HomeGoods and 9 Sierra Trading Post stores, as well as tjmaxx.com and sierratradingpost.com in the United States; 250 Winners, 104 HomeSense, and 45 Marshalls stores in Canada; 473 T.K. Maxx and 43 HomeSense stores, as well as tkmaxx.com, in Europe; and 35 Trade Secret stores in Australia. TJX’s press releases and financial information are also available at tjx.com.

Important Information at Website

The Company routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the Investor Information section at tjx.com. The Company encourages investors to consult that section of its website regularly.

Contact:
Debra McConnell
Global Communications
(508) 390-2323

Source: The TJX Companies, Inc.

Raley’s Family of Fine Stores nominated as Wine Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Raley’s Family of Fine Stores nominated as Wine Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Raley’s Family of Fine Stores nominated as Wine Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine

 

Fair Oaks, CA, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is honored to share we’ve been nominated as Wine Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The publication’s  annual “Wine Star Award”recognizes individuals and organizations whose visions have impacted the wine and spirits industries. This prestigious honor is particularly highly regarded because the nominees are determined by an impartial panel of experts from the industry.

“It truly is an honor to be nominated for Retailer of the Year by Wine Enthusiast,” said Curtis Mann, Raley’s Director of  Wine, Beer and Spirits. “At Raley’s, we strive to source the best wines for our customers both locally and also by traveling the world. It’s great to be recognized for our efforts.”

Raley’s wine department has become one of the most innovative in California and Nevada, showcasing small, eclectic producers from California and around the world at all price points.  Additionally, Raley’s has hired and trained Wine Stewards in select stores to provide weekly educational tastings and suggested food pairings to help direct customers to find their perfect wine.

The winners will be announced in Wine Enthusiast’s special December 31st “Best of Year” Wine Star Awards issue.

For information about our stores, please contact:
Chelsea Minor
Director of PR and Public Affairs
CMinor1@raleys.com.

Source: Raleys

###

Taco Bell kicks off PlayStation® VR sweepstakes with virtual reality pop-up experience in New York City

Irvine, Calif., 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Virtual reality is one of the hottest gifts this holiday season — and Taco Bell knows hot. That’s why Taco Bell is teaming up with Sony Interactive Entertainment to give away PlayStation®VR before it’s available in stores.

Beginning September 15, each Taco Bell® Big Box will provide a unique code for consumers to text in for a chance to be one of the first to win a PlayStation®VR headset. The Taco Bell Big Box includes the new Cheddar Habanero Quesarito, a Doritos® Locos Taco, a Crunchy Taco and a medium fountain drink. Boxes will be available during the promotion from Sept. 15 to Oct. 19 at participating Taco Bell locations while supplies last.

What better way to kick off the virtual reality promotion of the season than with a real life Taco Bell pop-up in New York City, the Taco Bell VR Arcade? The pop-up, located at 79 Greene Street in New York’s SoHo neighborhood, will run Thursday, Sept. 15 and Friday, Sept. 16. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Taco Bell and VR fans can demo PlayStation®VR, several launch games and, of course, enjoy delicious Taco Bell food.

“Taco Bell is a brand that lives at the intersection of food and culture, and that is why we’re particularly excited to give people the chance to be among the first to access the hottest tech this season with PlayStation®VR — along with our limited edition spicy Quesarito $5 box. It’s two exclusives brought together,” said Marisa Thalberg, chief marketing officer at Taco Bell. “For those in the New York City area, we invite you to visit our Taco Bell VR Arcade to get a taste of the experience.”

Taco Bell’s PlayStation VR partnership with Sony marks the fourth promotion between the brands. Since 2012, giveaways have included PlayStation®Vita and limited edition White and Gold PS4® Bundles.

“We’re thrilled with the early response to PlayStation®VR and can’t wait for more people to experience the future of gaming,” said Eric Lempel, senior vice president, marketing at Sony Interactive Entertainment America. “After the success of our past Taco Bell giveaways, we’re excited to partner with them to reward fans with an opportunity to win PlayStation®VR before it’s available in stores on October 13.”

Winners will begin receiving their prize bundles on October 11, 2016, two days before PlayStation®VR is available in stores. Prize bundles will include a PlayStation®VR headset, a PlayStation Camera, two PlayStation Move motion controllers and a $40 PlayStation Store gift card that can be used towards a game of the winner’s choice. Prize requires PS4 system, sold separately.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Promotion begins at 12:01 AM (ET) on Sept. 15, 2016, and ends at 11:59:59 PM (ET) on Oct. 19, 2016. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. (excluding Hawaii) who are at least 18 years of age. See Official Rules at www.tacobell.com/winpsvr for details on how to enter, free method of entry, prize details, restrictions and terms and conditions of participation. Message and data rates may apply for each text message sent and received. Check wireless plans for details.

*A potential winner will be notified on an average of every 15 minutes during the promotion.

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

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

Source: TacoBell

MEHR DEMETER IN DER MIGROS ZÜRICH

MEHR DEMETER IN DER MIGROS ZÜRICH
MEHR DEMETER IN DER MIGROS ZÜRICH

 

Gossau, Switzerland, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — In ausgewählten Supermärkten der Migros Zürich finden sich ab dem 18. Oktober die wichtigsten Lebensmittel neu auch in Demeter-Qualität. Damit wird das Bio-Sortiment weiter ausgebaut.

In ausgewählten Supermärkten der Migros Zürich finden sich ab dem 18. Oktober die wichtigsten Lebensmittel neu auch in Demeter-Qualität. Im Rahmen eines Pilotprojektes testet die GMZ während sechs Monaten die Nachfrage und das Potenzial eines erweiterten Demeter-Angebots mit Schwerpunkt Frische. Hierzu zählen Brot, Molkerei/Eier sowie Früchte und Gemüse. Die Produkte werden an insgesamt neun Standorten erhältlich sein: Migros City, ShopVilleMärt, Rüschlikon, Thalwil, Zumikon, Egg, Stäfa, Zollikon und Limmatplatz.

Ziel der Zusammenarbeit zwischen der Migros Zürich und Demeter Schweiz ist es, Kundinnen und Kunden den Zugang zu Lebensmitteln aus biologisch-dynamischer Landwirtschaft zu ermöglichen. Damit kommt die Migros Zürich der starken Nachfrage nach einem breiten Angebot an biologisch hergestellten Produkten nach.

Contact:
Genossenschaft Migros Zürich
Mediensprecher
Herr Francesco Laratta
Pfingstweidstrasse 101
8021 Zürich
058 561 64 62
francesco.laratta@gmz.migros.ch

Source: Migros

###

Rx90: EnvisionRx and Walgreens launch new 90-day pharmacy program to improve medication adherence and patient Outcomes

TWINSBURG, Ohio & DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — EnvisionRx, the pharmacy benefit management (PBM) division of EnvisionRxOptions, and Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, today announced a new 90-day pharmacy program focused on changing behaviors and improving health outcomes for the growing numbers of patients with chronic conditions.

Rx90, now available for EnvisionRx clients, gives patients the option to fill 90-day prescriptions at any of the nearly 8,200 Walgreens pharmacies nationwide, for the same price as home delivery through EnvisionPharmacies’ mail service. In addition to Walgreens, Rx90 offers access to 4,000 other retail pharmacies, making it the largest 90-day retail maintenance medication network in the country.

To help change behaviors and improve medication adherence, patients will also receive:

  • Integrated care and clinical support from EnvisionRx and Walgreens pharmacists
  • Targeted, disease-specific communications

Using client-specific data and its own research, EnvisionRx is also able to provide health plans and employers with recommendations on customizing their benefit design, communications and clinical strategies to meet their individual needs. Rx90 will help plan sponsors better control drug spend and reduce costly medical expenses associated with increased visits to physicians and emergency rooms, as well as extended hospitalizations.

“We’re pleased to work with EnvisionRx to create a pharmacy solution that can benefit patients, health plans and employers, and reflects our commitment to provide greater care and service to our customers and patients,” said Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer, Walgreens Boots Alliance. “Stronger collaboration with PBMs and health plans is critical in today’s healthcare environment, to help ensure our patients can continue to get the medications they need at prices they can afford, and with the pharmacy support they depend upon.”

By providing consumers with improved pricing, more convenient options on how to fill their 90-day maintenance medications, and the support they need, EnvisionRx and Walgreens are working together, as well as with plan sponsors, to address rising healthcare costs.

“In today’s market, plan sponsors need a partner that can truly provide transparency around performance and provide more options for their business and their members,” said Frank Sheehy, chief executive officer of EnvisionRxOptions. “Through Rx90, plan sponsors are able to design the prescription drug benefit plan that’s right for them. Coupled with our proprietary technology platform, we can provide better visibility on results and make adjustments faster than other PBM’s, which helps Envision deliver real value.”

About EnvisionRx

EnvisionRx is a division of EnvisionRxOptions, a health care company with a visibly different approach to managing pharmacy benefits. As a full service provider, Envision leverages its core PBM services including Mail, Specialty and Compounding Pharmacies; Part D Medicare insurance plans; and cash savings programs, to help employers and health plans of all sizes provide more affordable and effective prescription drug coverage for their members. Headquartered in Twinsburg, Ohio, EnvisionRxOptions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rite Aid. For more information, visit envisionrx.com.

About Walgreens

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

Media Inquiries:
EnvisionRxOptions
Bobby Creek
bcreek@envisionrx.com
813.690.8503

Walgreens
Jim Cohn
jim.cohn@walgreens.com
847 315 2950

Source: Walgreens

Amazon Wind Farm Texas: Amazon announces its largest renewable energy project to date

SEATTLE, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today (Sep. 15, 2016) announced “Amazon Wind Farm Texas,” a new 253-megawatt (MW) wind farm in Scurry County, Texas, that will generate 1,000,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of wind energy annually – enough energy to power almost 90,000 U.S. homes1. Amazon Wind Farm Texas will include more than 100 turbines, each with a rotor diameter twice as long as the wingspan of a Boeing 747. Scheduled to open in late 2017, Amazon Wind Farm Texas will be the company’s largest renewable energy project to date. Amazon previously announced wind and solar farms in Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia that deliver energy to the electrical grids supplying both current and future Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud data centers. The five projects together will generate more than 2.6 million MWh of renewable energy each year, enough to power more than 240,000 U.S. homes.

“We’re excited to work with the community in Scurry County and Lincoln Clean Energy to generate 1,000,000 MWh of renewable energy each year from West Texas,” said Kara Hurst, director of sustainability, Amazon. “Amazon Wind Farm Texas is our largest renewable energy project to date and the newest milestone in our long-term sustainability efforts across the company.”

Amazon contracted with Lincoln Clean Energy (LCE), who will construct, own and operate the new wind farm. Amazon will purchase about 90% of the power generated by the wind farm. LCE is a leading developer of wind and solar projects across the United States and is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, a global infrastructure fund.

“We applaud Amazon’s leadership in directly purchasing renewable power,” said Declan Flanagan, founder and CEO of Lincoln Clean Energy. “Direct purchasing by large, long-term thinking customers like Amazon has quickly become a key driver of the transition to renewable power across the U.S.”

Amazon Wind Farm Texas is one of several clean energy initiatives Amazon is undertaking. Examples of other projects include wind and solar farms to add renewable energy to the electrical grids that supply AWS Cloud data centers, green rooftops, and the District Energy Project that uses recycled energy for heating offices in Seattle. For more information on Amazon’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.amazon.com/sustainability.

About Amazon

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

About Lincoln Clean Energy

Lincoln Clean Energy (LCE) is a leading developer of U.S. wind and solar projects with offices in Chicago, IL and Austin, TX. Since 2011, LCE has developed over 1,000 megawatts of renewable power projects in California, New Jersey and Texas. In December 2015, LCE was acquired by and became a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, through its ISQ Global Infrastructure Fund, and announced plans to deploy $250 million in equity investments through 2018. I Squared Capital is an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities, and transport inNorth America, Europe, and select high growth economies.

1 In 2012, the average annual electricity consumption for a U.S. residential utility customer was 10,837 kWh, an average of 903 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon adds Merz Apothecary to Prime Now one-hour delivery service in Chicago

SEATTLE, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today (Sep. 15, 2016) announced Prime Now has added its first beauty brand to the one-hour delivery service with Chicago-based store, Merz Apothecary. Starting today, Prime members in Chicago can now shop all their favorite Merz Apothecary items such as personal care, beauty and natural health products and have those items conveniently delivered right to their door in as little as an hour.

“Merz Apothecary is a family-owned, iconic destination in the Windy City and we think customers will love the convenience of superfast delivery of thousands of beauty items,” said Simoina Vasen, director of Prime Now. “We are excited to launch this new product offering in Chicago with such a beloved local brand.”

“We have thrived in business for 141 years by focusing on our customer needs, and we believe Prime Now is a natural extension of this customer-centric approach,” said Anthony Qaiyum, owner of Merz Apothecary. “As the owner of an independent, family-run business, I am especially excited for us to be able to combine our unique products and our expertise in our field with Amazon’s unrivaled delivery operations. I think it is a recipe for customer satisfaction and business growth.”

In Chicago, Prime Now offers tens of thousands of items from Amazon in addition to local restaurant and grocery delivery. There are more than 180 local restaurants available through the service in Chicago and Amazon also offers delivery from local grocery stores Eataly and Plum Market. Through Prime Now, one-hour delivery is $7.99 and two-hour delivery is free. Prime Now is available from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week in the Chicago area.

Learn more about Amazon Prime Now at www.amazon.com/primenow.

About Amazon

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

About Merz Apothecary

Established in Chicago in 1875, Merz Apothecary is a pharmacy dedicated to offering the world’s best selection of unique and natural products for health, beauty and personal care along with knowledgeable and caring service. After three generations of ownership by the Merz family, the store was purchased by the Qaiyum family in 1972. Ten years later, Abdul Qaiyum moved Merz to its current flagship location in Lincoln Square where it has become a cornerstone of the community. In 1998, Smallflower was launched as Merz’s ecommerce and catalog brand, to serve its rapidly growing national customer base. Merz Downtown, the company’s second store, was opened in 2003 in Chicago’s Loop, currently located at the main entrance of the historic Palmer House Hotel. In late 2014, Merz debuted Q Brothers, the men’s shop at Merz Apothecary, adjoining the flagship store in Lincoln Square, quickly becoming the country’s premier destination for traditional wet shaving, men’s grooming, and independent fine fragrance. With more than 14,000 products and over 140 years of experience, Merz Apothecary is a veritable Chicago landmark and must-shop destination for locals and travelers alike.

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon to release new original series The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video beginning November 18

Amazon to release new original series The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video beginning November 18
Amazon to release new original series The Grand Tour on Amazon Prime Video beginning November 18

 

SEATTLE, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Sep. 16, 2016), Amazon has announced the highly anticipated launch date of the new Amazon Original series The Grand Tour with Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. New episodes will be released weekly on Amazon Prime Video, every Friday beginning November 18, exclusively for Prime members.

The first episode of The Grand Tour will feature Jeremy, James and Richard in their first studio tent recording in California, which is being filmed later this month.

“Customers have been desperate to find out when they can watch their favorite team back on screen, so we are very excited to announce the launch date of one of the most globally anticipated shows of 2016,” said Jay Marine, Vice President of Amazon Prime Video EU. “The guys have been having a blast filming the show around the world and we can’t wait for fans to see it weekly beginning November 18, only on Amazon Prime Video.”

Prime members can watch The Grand Tour via the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online at www.amazon.com/thegrandtour. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream.

Jeremy, Richard and James have committed to three series of The Grand Tour as part of a landmark global TV deal and for the last year, the team have been traveling the world filming this first series in exciting locations across the globe. Their Grand Tour also includes studio audience recordings filmed in front of a live audience in their giant traveling tent. The team has already brought the tent to Johannesburg and will be heading to California later this month. Stay tuned for more worldwide tent locations, coming soon.

Fans can follow The Grand Tour on Facebook(www.facebook.com/thegrandtour) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/thegrandtour) and at www.amazon.com/thegrandtour to be the first to get news about the show and future locations.

The Grand Tour joins Prime Video’s lineup of award-winning and critically-acclaimed TV shows and movies, which includes series like Mr. Robot, Downton Abbey, The Americans, Orphan Black, and Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle and kid series Tumble Leaf, and Chi-Raq. Prime members can choose to stream or download from Prime Video, to make keeping up with their new favorite shows effortless, whether on the move or at home.

About Amazon Video

Amazon Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service that offers customers the greatest choice in what to watch, and how to watch it. Amazon Video is the only service that provides all of the following:

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV episodes, including popular licensed content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, Chi-Raq and kids series Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership
  • Add-on Subscriptions: Dozens of subscriptions to networks like SHOWTIME, STARZ and more, available to Amazon Prime members as add-ons to their membership
  • Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new-release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers
  • Instant Access: Instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream
  • Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads for offline viewing of certain content

In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items across all categories, more than one million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, early access to select Lightning Deals all year long, free secure, unlimited photo storage in Amazon Cloud Drive with Prime Photos, one free pre-released book a month with Kindle First, and more. To sign up for Prime or to find out more, visit: www.amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon

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

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

###

John Lewis Partnership plc releases Interim Financial Statements for half year ended 30 July 2016

London, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Unaudited condensed Interim Financial Statements for the half year ended 30 July 2016 Strict Stock Exchange Embargo, 7.00am.

Taking charge of our future

Financial Summary

Waitrose John Lewis Partnership
£m YoY
Change
£m YoY
Change
£m YoY
Change
Gross sales(1) 3,250.6 2.2% 2,023.7 4.5% 5,274.3 3.1%
LFL sales(2) (1.0)% 3.1%
Revenue 3,064.4 2.2% 1,607.0 3.8% 4,671.4 2.7%
Operating profit before exceptional items(3) 121.3 (10.5)% 32.4 (31.2)% 138.7 (4.3)%
Operating profit(3) 96.3 (28.9)% 32.4 (31.2)% 113.7 (58.3)%
PBT before exceptional items(3) 81.9 (14.7)%
PBT(3) 56.9 74.6%
Net debt 549.3 17.3%

(1) Gross sales includes sale or return sales and VAT
(2) Waitrose like-for-like sales excludes petrol
(3) Includes property profits of £0.5m in Waitrose (2014/15: £nil)
(4) Kantar 12 week Grocery data for Waitrose / BRC for John Lewis

Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of John Lewis Partnership, commented:‘We have grown gross sales and market share across both Waitrose and John Lewis, but our profits are down. This reflects market conditions and, in particular, steps we are taking to adapt the Partnership for the future. These are not as a consequence of the EU referendum result, which has had little quantifiable impact on sales so far. Instead there are far reaching changes taking place in society, in retail and in the workplace that have much greater implications.

Our ownership structure makes it especially important that we manage the Partnership carefully and thoughtfully for the long term and our plans anticipate the impact of these bigger changes. Evidence of that is already showing within these results and will become increasingly evident as we implement our long-term strategy.’

Key points

  • Solid gross sales growth of 3.1% with increased market shares (4) and rising customer numbers in challenging markets
  • PBT before exceptional items down 14.7% to £81.9m as we respond to the deep structural changes in the retail market. Our commitment to competitive pricing, excellent service, maintaining pay differentials and investing for the long term have held back profits. We expect these pressures to continue through this year and next
  • Exceptional charge of £25.0m for the write-down of property assets no longer intended to be developed and related costs, following a strategic review (2015/16: income of £128.0m following the sale of the Clearings building)
  • Net debt of £549.3m, £115.3m (17.3%) lower than 1 August 2015 and consistent with our strategy of strengthening our balance sheet. Increase in net debt since January 2016 of £176.8m (47.5%)
  • Accounting pension deficit of £1,453.7m, £512.1m (54.4%) higher than January 2016, reflecting a significant decrease in the real discount rate used to value the liabilities due to historically low bond yields. Net of deferred tax, the deficit was £1,209.1m

Chairman’s overview

In the first half of the year, the Partnership’s gross sales grew 3.1% to £5.27bn. Waitrose gross sales grew 2.2% and John Lewis gross sales by 4.5%, with both brands growing market share and customer numbers. PBT before exceptionals was down by 14.7% with lower operating profits in Waitrose and John Lewis and higher financing costs for our long leave scheme, partly offset by reduced pension operating costs.

Our first half profits are always lower and often more volatile than in the second half which typically accounts for at least two-thirds of our annual profits. We have also decided to prioritize a number of key areas of investment including in IT, our distribution network and in pay, as well as making a shift towards our existing stores in Waitrose which has resulted in exceptional property asset write-downs. These decisions form part of our strategy to get ahead of the significant changes that are affecting the wider retail market and we are confident they will position us well for the future.

Our focus further into the future is reflected in every aspect of the Partnership’s strategy, which was launched internally last year and described in detail in our Annual Report. It has three main themes.

The first is to strengthen our financial position, both to increase the resilience of our balance sheet to market shocks and to build our financial firepower to invest in new growth in the future. In the last six months we have taken a number of steps in this direction. In April 2016 we implemented changes to our pension benefit, agreed in 2015, which will reduce the Partnership’s future risk exposure. We will also reduce capital expenditure to approximately £460m this year, 7% lower than last year, as part of our planned reduction in net debt, which has improved by 17% since last year. We also continue to make progress with the priority we have placed on improving productivity.

Secondly, we have anticipated the significant changes in how customers are choosing to shop and we are renewing our focus on strengthening the appeal of our two well-loved brands. This includes continuing with a greater proportion of investment in IT and our supply chain – both are critical to improving service and convenience. We are also increasing our focus on innovation. Examples this half include the launch of the Waitrose 1 premium range and a new own-brand luxury womenswear label, Modern Rarity, in John Lewis. We are also developing a series of initiatives to explore new growth opportunities and will make further announcements on these in due course.

Thirdly, we are committed to creating better jobs, for better performing Partners, on better pay. We intend to ensure Partners’ pay remains well above the National Living Wage on average, and in this year’s pay review in March, rates increased by 5.1% on average for our lowest paid Partners. Additional annualised pay costs for our lowest paid Partners will be £33m greater as a result, whereas had we simply complied with the National Living Wage, costs would have been only £3m higher than last year. However, higher pay depends on better productivity and greater contribution and we anticipate that this will mean we will have fewer Partners over time as compared to today. We are developing comprehensive plans to enhance job design, progression pathways and development support.

Outlook 2016/17

For the first six weeks of the second half, Partnership gross sales are up 3.8%. Waitrose gross sales have increased by 5.0% (1.4% like-for-like, excluding petrol) and John Lewis gross sales are 2.0% higher than last year (0.7% like-for-like). While we expect to trade well compared to the market, the structural changes in retail will not ease.

Our PBT before exceptional items is down 14.7% in the first half as we respond to the changes in the retail market. Our commitment to competitive pricing, excellent service, increasing pay and investing for the long term have held back profits. We expect the trading pressures to continue through this year and next. The EU referendum result has had little quantifiable impact on sales in the first half, but the uncertainty of leaving the EU will remain and the full impact of this change is yet to become clear.

Financial Results

In the first six months of the year, the Partnership delivered solid gross sales growth with both Waitrose and John Lewis increasing their market shares and customer numbers. Partnership gross sales (inc VAT) were £5.27bn, an increase of £157.7m, or 3.1%, on last year. Revenue, which is adjusted for sale or return sales and excludes VAT, was £4.67bn, up by £124.2m or 2.7%.

Partnership operating profit was £113.7m, down £159.2m, or 58.3% on last year. This includes an exceptional charge of £25.0m in Waitrose for the write-down of property assets no longer intended to be developed and related costs, following a strategic review re-prioritising future investment spend towards existing stores (2015/16: income of £128.0m following the sale of the Clearings building). Excluding the exceptional items, operating profit was £138.7m, down £6.2m or 4.3% on last year.

Profit before tax was £56.9m, down by £167.1m, or 74.6% on last year. Excluding the exceptional items it was £81.9m, down by £14.1m or 14.7%.

Waitrose

In a market that remains challenging, we grew gross sales, market share and customer numbers. Gross sales increased by 2.2% to £3.25bn, while like-for-like sales decreased by 1.0%. Online grocery sales grew by 4.3%. Our share of the market(5)was up to 5.2% and we had, on average, 250,000 more customer transactions a week compared to last year.

Operating profit before exceptional items was down 10.5% to £121.3m, impacted not only by the market conditions but also increases in pay to maintain differentials, investment in IT and higher supply chain costs following the transition to our new National Distribution Centre operation.

Including the exceptional item of £25.0m for the write-down of property assets that we now no longer intend to develop and related costs, operating profit was down 28.9% to £96.3m.

We opened seven new branches in the first half of the year, five core supermarkets and two convenience branches, and we closed one convenience branch. In the second half and beyond our Modern Waitrose strategy continues as we plan to increase both the depth and pace of investment in our existing stores. This will enable us to get the best value from our estate and to put even greater focus on what sets Waitrose apart: high quality and high service. As we shift the focus of our investment towards our existing branches the rate of new space growth will slow.

Hospitality sales grew by 7.1% and we now have 121 cafes, 81 bakery grazing areas, seven wine bars and nine juice bars in our branches. As customers’ shopping and eating patterns change hospitality will play a big part in our branch programme; our next step will be to trial new concepts in our shops at Barbican, Chandlers Ford and Twyford during the second half.

We will continue to innovate with high quality, high provenance products. A highlight of the first half of this year was the launch of the Waitrose 1 premium range which underlines our leadership in this area and brings together in one brand the very best of Waitrose. The sales uplift in products in this range has been encouraging, up 19.4% on last year.

We now have 6.4 million myWaitrose cardholders, an increase of 7.5% in the last six months, with customers continuing to respond positively to the range of offers and rewards.

Overseas, we already export Waitrose products to 58 countries. A new export deal with Alibaba Group has given us the opportunity to export to China for the first time; and a partnership with online retailer, British Corner Shop, means that people in more than 100 countries are now able to buy over 2,000 Waitrose product lines.

(5) Kantar 12 week Grocery data

John Lewis

In a retail industry under pressure in the face of transformational change, John Lewis has continued to outperform, delivering solid gross sales of £2.02bn, up 4.5%, with strong like-for-like sales growth of 3.1% as we prepare for the critical sales and profit driving second half.

Despite growing sales, operating profit fell by 31.2% to £32.4m, with more than half of this decline due to transitioning costs in our distribution network as we temporarily maintain legacy sites to smooth the transition to Magna Park, and increases in pay to maintain differentials. The balance of the reduction reflects the continued shift to online and a market dynamic of competitive pricing, both of which we expect to continue into the second half.

Against this backdrop we remain committed to delivering our strategy and the first half saw record capital investment in the essentials of omnichannel trading as we go into our most important peak trading period.

The role of fulfilment is underscored by the state-of-the-art, industry-leading campus at Magna Park we will open in September, part of a £150 million investment which will streamline our network to become more productive and deliver better service to our customers.

Across our product areas, we increased gross sales and market share and invested in our in-house design capability to build our unique combination of own-brand collections and the best brands on the high street.

  • EHT was up 8.4%, driven by our computing and tablet category, up 8.7%, mobile phones and our industry-first Smart Home concept in Oxford Street.
  • Fashion performed well in a declining market with sales up 2.8%, with womenswear up 4.0% and menswear up 4.9%, boosted by our collaboration with vlogger Jim Chapman. Beauty was up 4.0%, and we are investing in refurbishments of our beauty halls. We were the first high street outlet to sell online brands Finery and Selfish Mother.
  • Sales in Home were up 3.7%, as we continue to build towards a £1bn own brand business in the category. Sales were driven by furniture, up 6.8%, with beds up 13.7%. Outdoor living had a record half, up 14.0%. Our roll-out of West Elm continued and is now in 7 shops.

Our strategy for shops continues to be anchored in convenience and experience – giving our customers a reason to visit shops and inspiring them when they are there. While sales through this channel were down 1.0%, 65.5% of our merchandise sales come from branches and three-quarters of our customers buy in shops.

This year we will open in two new locations; in Leeds, our most services and experience led branch to date, and in Chelmsford, our first shop in Essex. Both will feature new concepts as well as our full in-store service offer across interior design, personal styling and technical advice.

Online sales represented 34.5% of total merchandise sales, up from 30.6% last year. Because our customers continue to value the convenience of digital and mobile shopping to complete their purchases, we have fully integrated our desktop, mobile and app, and have introduced services such as the Personal Style Edit and ‘Find Similar’.

Overseas we are continuing to roll out our wholesale model with shop-in-shops in Australia and Ireland opening next year, taking our total international locations to 29, and we have increased the number of countries where johnlewis.com delivers to 40.

Despite unpredictable customer sentiment and long-term structural challenges faced by the retail industry, we are confident that our ongoing investments and our omnichannel strategy will position us to outperform the market in the critical second half where the majority of our sales and profit are delivered.

Partnership Services Group

Partnership Services and Group includes the operating costs for our Group offices and shared services, the costs for pan-Partnership initiatives and transformation programmes, and certain pension operating costs. Partnership Services and Group net operating costs increased by £3.2m or 19.6%, principally reflecting additional costs supporting initiatives to either drive sales growth through new business opportunities or to reduce costs through increased productivity. However, overall costs decreased by £22.7m to £15.0m, due to the decrease in pension operating costs.

Investment in the future

Capital investment in the first half of the year was £200.5m, a decrease of £37.4m (15.7%) on the previous year. Investment in Waitrose was £76.1m, down £38.7m (33.7%) on the previous year, and in John Lewis investment was £115.7m, up £6.5m (6.0%).

We have continued to focus our investment in IT and distribution, which now represents 55% of our total capital investment, up from 48% last year. In addition, we have decided to prioritize future investment in Waitrose in our existing shops ahead of new space.

Pensions

The pension operating cost was £96.4m, a decrease of £26.0m or 21.2% on the prior year costs, reflecting the impact of our move to a hybrid pension scheme combining defined benefit and defined contribution pensions from April 2016, as well as an increase in the real discount rate used to determine the cost to 0.70% at the beginning of the year from 0.35% at the beginning of the previous year. Pension finance costs were £14.8m, a decrease of £3.7m or 20.0% on the prior year, reflecting a reduction due to a lower accounting pension deficit at the beginning of the year than at the beginning of the previous year. As a result, total pension costs were £111.2m, a decrease of £29.7m or 21.1% on the prior year.

In February 2016, given the Partnership’s strong liquidity position, we made a cash contribution of £137.0m to the pension scheme to prepay approximately 10 months of contributions. As a result, in the first half of the year, total cash contributions to the pension scheme totalled £139.3m, an increase of £56.5m or 68.2%. We are currently undertaking a triennial actuarial valuation as at 31 March 2016, our first since the changes to our pension benefit, which will determine our ongoing contribution rate. The valuation should conclude by December 2016.

The total accounting pension deficit at 30 July 2016 was £1,453.7m, an increase of £512.1m (54.4%) since 30 January 2016. Net of deferred tax, the deficit was £1,209.1m. Pension fund assets increased by £551.9m (13.1%) to £4,750.3m. However, the accounting valuation of pension fund liabilities increased by £1,064.0m (20.7%) to £6,204.0m, mainly reflecting a decrease in the real discount rate used to value the liabilities to -0.25% at July 2016 compared to 0.70% at January 2016, due to historically low bond yields. If this market driven rate persists at these levels to the end of January 2017, it will result in a significant increase in our pension operating costs for the next financial year, the year ending 27 January 2018.

Our deficit has increased by £512.1m over the last 6 months, driven by the steep reduction in interest rates. We are unusual in having an open defined benefit scheme, which means that it is a long term liability – our average duration is around 20 years – and that allows us to target higher returns than the average pension fund. We agree cash funding with the Trustee based on that long term funding commitment. Our open defined benefit pension scheme is an important part of the total reward that Partners receive, and as a co-owned business we have more flexibility in the balance between pay, pension and distribution of profits than many other organisations.

Financing

At 30 July 2016, net debt was £549.3m, £115.3m (17.3%) lower than 1 August 2015, reflecting our focus on cash generation and the reduction in capital investment. Net debt is £176.8m (47.5%) higher than January 2016.

Net finance costs on borrowings and investments decreased by £1.9m (6.1%) to £29.2m, mainly reflecting reduced finance costs following the repayment of the Partnership Bond in April 2016. After including the financing elements of pensions and long service leave and non-cash fair value adjustments, net finance costs increased by £7.9m (16.2%) to £56.8m, impacted by higher long leave financing costs arising from volatility in market driven assumptions.

Sustainability

We continue to embed sustainability in our business, understanding that being a responsible business has wide-reaching implications and underpins our long-term success. This year, Waitrose became the first retailer to announce a deadline to switch all branded canned tuna to more sustainable fishing methods. Recognising the threat from plastics to marine ecosystems, Waitrose is phasing out microbeads from all cosmetics, and cotton bud stems will soon be replaced with biodegradable paper. John Lewis is providing training to suppliers in the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act and has launched a supply chain mapping-tool in order to help suppliers identify sustainable sources of wood and paper.

Notes to editors

The John Lewis Partnership – operates 46 John Lewis shops across the UK, johnlewis.com, 349 Waitrose shops,waitrose.com and business to business contracts in the UK and abroad. The business has annual gross sales of over £11bn. It is the UK’s largest example of an employee-owned business where all 88,900 staff are Partners in the business.

Waitrose – winner of the Best Supermarket1 and Best Food Retailer2 awards- currently has 349 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 60 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations. It combines the convenience of a supermarket with the expertise and service of a specialist shop – dedicated to offering quality food that has been responsibly sourced, combined with high standards of customer service.  Waitrose also exports its products to 58 countries worldwide and has eight shops which operate under licence in the Middle East. Waitrose’s omnichannel business includes the online grocery service Waitrose.com, as well as specialist online shops including waitrosecellar.com for wine and waitrosekitchen.com for cookware, utensils and kithchen gadgets.

¹ Which? Customer Survey
² Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards

John Lewis – John Lewis operates 46 John Lewis shops across the UK (32 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. John Lewis  ‘Best In-Store Experience 2016’, ‘Best Clothing Retailer 2016,’ ‘Best Electricals Retailer 2016,’ ‘Best Furniture Retailer 2016,’ ‘Best Homewares Retailer 2016’ and ‘Best Click & Collect Retailer 2016’1, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280.000 products and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

1Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2016

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

General information:

For further information please contact:

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Simon Rigby / Jos Bieneman
Telephone: 020 7638 9571

John Lewis Partnership
Simon Fowler
Director of Communications
Mobile: 07710 398460

Katie Robson
Group Senior External Communications Manager
Mobile: 07764 675608

John Lewis
Peter Cross
Director, Communications
Mobile: 07764 697674

Gillian Taylor
Head of External Communications
Mobile: 07919 057931

Waitrose
Christine Watts
Communications Director
Mobile: 07764 676414

Graeme Buck
Head of Communications
Mobile: 07703 379561

Debt investors
Alan Drew
Group Head of Treasury
Mobile: 07525 582955

Lynn Lochhead
Assistant Group Treasurer
Mobile: 07834 770684

Source:  John Lewis

Macy’s celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special in store events featuring celebrity guest Jencarlos Canela

Macy’s celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special in store events featuring celebrity guest Jencarlos Canela
Macy’s celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with special in store events featuring celebrity guest Jencarlos Canela

 

NEW YORK, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 16 – October 16), Macy’s celebrates Hispanic and Latino culture and accomplishments with celebrity guest Jencarlos Canela who has influenced pop culture through his music and entertainment expertise. During exciting special events across the country, Macy’s will host panel discussions with Canela as he shares inspiring stories with customers in live candid conversations.

“To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to recognize the rich and diverse culture of the Latino community in the United States,” said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice president of Diversity Strategies. “Macy’s is proud to be a part of this celebration with special in-store events from coast-to-coast, where we honor and recognize the achievements and contributions Hispanics have made to our nation in all aspects of society.”

Jencarlos Canela is an international, platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter and television actor. Canela most recently appeared in the lead role of ‘Jesus Christ’ in “The Passion” on FOX. He starred as heartthrob, ‘Xavier Castillo’ in the high-profile comedy series “Telenovela,” opposite Eva Longoria. On the music front, Canela recently finished his latest Spanish single “Pa Que Me Invitan” to be released later this fall and is currently in the studio working on his English-language album debut for Republic Records.

“I am grateful to Macy’s for giving me a chance to celebrate with my people and for bringing us together,” Canela said. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a tribute to our diversity, unity, rich cultures, our passion, our strive for excellence that makes us who we are all across the board from the arts, sports, medicine, and science. Proud to be 100 percent American and 100 percent Latino. There are no obstacles, just opportunities!”

Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month events will take place at stores across the country including Miami; New York City;Chicago; Houston; Santa Clara, CA; and Los Angeles. Customers will have the opportunity to be part of a casual conversation with Canela about his cultural heritage and the role it has played in his lifestyle and career. With any Young Men’s or Impulse purchase of $25 or more on the day of the event, customers will have the opportunity to meet Canela, take a picture with him, and receive an autographed headshot*. Additionally, the first 200 customers to RSVP will receive a free copy of Canela’s latest single, “Pa Que Me Invitan.”

*While supplies last

Event Celebrations
Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month events will take place at the following locations:

Macy’s Dadeland – Miami – Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Herald Square – New York City – Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s State Street – Chicago – Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Macy’s Memorial City – Houston – Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Valley Fair – Santa Clara, CA – Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 p.m.
Macy’s Downey – Los Angeles – Saturday, Oct. 15 at 3 p.m.

For complete details on Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month Events, please visit www.macys.com/celebrate.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 775 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

Contact:
Martha Gil de Montes
O: 626-737-6455
C: 323-333-3938
Martha.Gildemontes@macys.com

Source: Macy’s

###

Les Fontaines Parfumées: LVMH Group inaugurated a site dedicated to perfume creation shared by Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior

Les Fontaines Parfumées: LVMH Group inaugurated a site dedicated to perfume creation shared by Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior
Les Fontaines Parfumées: LVMH Group inaugurated a site dedicated to perfume creation shared by Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior

 

Paris, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — On September 15 the LVMH Group inaugurated Les Fontaines Parfumées, a site dedicated to perfume creation shared by Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. Situated in the heart of Grasse, the cradle of the global perfume industry, this estate will bring the best of French know-how in haute parfumerie to the entire world.

Dedicated entirely to perfume creation, Les Fontaines Parfumées was inaugurated by Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH, along with Maisons Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. The two LVMH houses come together for the first time in a unique ecosystem that integrates every aspect of perfume-making savoir-faire, from flowers to flacons. The Master Perfumers of the two houses – François Demachy for Christian Dior and Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud for Louis Vuitton – return to their native region, where both grew up and learned the unique skills of an expert “nose”.

In establishing their creative atelier in Grasse, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior are helping preserve the local flowers used to make perfume, ensuring exceptional fragrances while carrying on four centuries of Grasse heritage, inspired by both history and innovation. Grasse has always been synonymous with perfume excellence and is the only place in the world that brings together the singular expertise of flower growers, artisans and perfumers, who continually work together at each step in the creation of a perfume.

Nestled in a lush setting in the heart of the town, Les Fontaines Parfumées resonates with the identity of Grasse and its legacy as a hub of leather tanning that became the world’s perfume capital. The 300-hundred-year-old Bastide, which had fallen into disrepair since the 1970s, has been infused with a new life. This restoration has been anchored in authenticity, scrupulously respecting local savoir-faire, while resolutely connecting with 21st century modernity and innovation.

After four years of meticulous heritage research and a year of renovation work by local craftsmen and master artisans, Les Fontaines Parfumées has experienced a stunning renaissance. In addition to a state-of-the-art perfume laboratory and a former mill transformed into an olfactory training center, the Bastide boasts gardens with an unparalleled array of vegetation. There are over 350 different species of plants, including exceptional roses, thousands of tuberoses and 20 different kinds of mint, all potential sources of inspiration for François Demachy and Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud.

Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior have committed to long-term support for Grasse flower growers thanks to exclusive partnership agreements. Les Fontaines Parfumées will also be dedicated to passing on time-honored skills as the Master Perfumers welcome apprentices and train them.

“The inauguration of Les Fontaines Parfumées reflects our commitment to perpetuating our unique savoir-faire. By establishing this new maison dedicated to perfume in Grasse, LVMH is once again helping preserve and transmit exceptional skills, enabling them to resonate from their native regions,” said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LVMH.

Contact:

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton
22, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris – France
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 22
Fax: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 23

Source: LVMH

###

EROSKI Baleares reafirma en Menorca su compromiso con el sector lácteo local

Eroski Baleares Menorca reaffirms its commitment to the local dairy sector
EROSKI Baleares reafirma en Menorca su compromiso con el sector lácteo local

 

ELORRIO,España, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI Baleares ha presentado hoy en el EROSKI Center de Sant Lluís de Menorca los resultados alcanzados con las acciones de apoyo al sector lácteo de las Islas Baleares.

El acto ha contado con la presencia del Conseller de Medio Ambiente, Agricultura y Pesca, Vicenç Vidal y Matas, el director de EROSKI Baleares, Alfredo Herráez, y Manolo Rodríguez, Director Regional de Ventas.

Entre los datos expuestos destaca el crecimiento del 220% del consumo de leche fresca (más de 190 mil litros) desde el acuerdo firmado en abril. De igual manera, y fruto del convenio que se estableció con la Conselleria, a través de la Asociación de Cadenas de Alimentación (ACAIB), el pasado mes de junio, se han vendido más de 88 mil kilos de queso producido con leche de las Baleares y más de 250 mil litros de leche local, lo que se traduce en un aumento del 162%.

EROSKI, quien ha desarrollado su marca propia de leche con productores locales en diferentes Comunidades Autónomas como Galicia, País Vasco, Navarra o Cataluña, mantiene un acuerdo estable con productores lácteos de las Islas para envasar más de 570 mil litros de leche. Los acuerdos con sus proveedores lácteos aportan estabilidad en los volúmenes comercializados a los ganaderos, en base a un precio que garantiza la sostenibilidad de toda la cadena de valor láctea. Además, EROSKI Baleares impulsa, asimismo, y junto a sus proveedores lácteos, el desarrollo de nuevas líneas de negocio de mayor valor añadido como la leche fresca o la producción de quesos.

De igual forma, la Fundación EROSKI también se suma a este objetivo por la sostenibilidad del sector lácteo local impulsando acciones formativas sobre la importancia de los productos lácteos para una alimentación saludable.

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

Source: Eroski

###

Media invitation: Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. to hold its Shareholders’ Annual Meeting on September 20, 2016

Laval (Québec) Canada, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX: ATD.A ATD.B) is pleased to invite representatives of the media to its Shareholders’ Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Laval hotel (Room Laval 2) located at 2440, Autoroute des Laurentides, Laval.

Journalists who wish to attend are asked to go to the press table, before proceeding to the room for the meeting.

Please note that the use of photographic, recording or television equipment will not be allowed, except for a five-minute period before the meeting.

After the meeting, members of Couche-Tard’s senior management will meet with the media.

About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Couche-Tard is the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. In the United States, it is the largest independent convenience store operator in terms of number of company-operated stores. In Europe, Couche-Tard is a leader in convenience store and road transportation fuel retail in the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden and Denmark), in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and in Ireland with an important presence in Poland.

As of July 17, 2016, Couche-Tard’s network comprised 7,863 convenience stores throughout North America, including 6,474 stores with road transportation fuel dispensing. Its North American network consists of 15 business units, including 11 in the United States covering 41 states and 4 in Canada covering all 10 provinces. Approximately 80,000 people are employed throughout its network and at its service offices in North America.

In Europe, Couche-Tard operates a broad retail network across Scandinavia, Ireland, Poland, the Baltics States and Russia through 10 business units. As of July 17, 2016, Couche-Tard’s network is comprised of 2,708 stores, the majority of which offer road transportation fuel and convenience products while the others are unmanned automated fuel sites which only offer road transportation fuel. Couche-Tard also offers other products, including stationary energy, marine fuel, aviation fuel, lubricants and chemicals. Including employees at its branded franchise stores, approximately 25,000 people work in its retail network, terminals and service offices across Europe.

In addition, under licensing agreements, more than 1,500 stores are operated under the Circle K banner in 13 other countries and territories worldwide (China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guam, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam), which brings the total network to over 12,000 stores.

For more information on Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc., please visit: http://corpo.couche-tard.com

Forward-Looking Statements
The statements set forth in this press release, which describe Couche-Tard’s objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or forecasts, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as “will”, “plan”, “evaluate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “expect” and other related expressions are used to identify such statements. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their very nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its results, or the measures it adopts, could differ materially from those indicated or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the degree of realization of a particular projection. Major factors that may lead to a material difference between Couche-Tard’s actual results and the projections or expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements include the effects of the integration of acquired businesses and the ability to achieve projected synergies, fluctuations in margins on motor fuel sales, competition in the convenience store and retail motor fuel industries, exchange rate variations, and such other risks as described in detail from time to time in documents filed by Couche-Tard with securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in this press release is based on information available as of the date of the release.

Contacts:
Investor Relations:

Claude Tessier
Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (450) 662-6632, ext. 4407
investor.relations@couche-tard.com

Media Relations:
Karen Romer
Director Global Communications
Tel: (514) 603-4505 / +47 950 74 950
karen.romer@couche-tard.com

Source: Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.

David Beckham reunited with Kevin Hart for new Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham campaign for H&M

David Beckham reunited with Kevin Hart for new Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham campaign for H&M
David Beckham reunited with Kevin Hart for new Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham campaign for H&M

 

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bringing together one of the world’s biggest icons with the global comedy star, David Beckham has reunited with Kevin Hart for the new Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham campaign for H&M. The commercial is set on a road trip, picking the story up from their first commercial where Kevin prepared to play the role of David in a biopic film. This new campaign, with David and Kevin wearing identical looks from the autumn/winter 16 collection, follows Kevin’s plans to star in “I, Beckham: The Musical”. The full commercial launches on hm.com September 26.

“I loved shooting the first campaign with Kevin for H&M so much; we just had to do a sequel. This time we’ve pushed the story even further. I hope everyone likes it, we certainly enjoyed filming it,” says David Beckham.

“It’s great to have the opportunity once more to show the world what everyone really knows, that I am the true inspiration for David Beckham’s style. He copies everything from me,” says Kevin Hart.

The new campaign follows David and Kevin on a road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, supposedly to meet financiers for a new Vegas musical. Along the way, Kevin’s commitment to his role as David gets even more extreme. For the campaign, David and Kevin wear two looks from the collection: a zip-up flying jacket with fake fur collar worn with a turtleneck, and a block stripe knit sweater.

“David and Kevin look so sharp in the campaign. Modern Essentials is a collection for men to have great personal style no matter where they find themselves. The flying jacket and stripe sweater are new wardrobe essentials for men all round the world,” says Andreas Löwenstam, H&M Head of Design Menswear.

The campaign was once again directed by Fredrik Bond, responsible for the last two David Beckham commercials for H&M. It was filmed outside of Los Angeles in May, with David sharing on an on-set image on Instagram to reveal his new campaign with Kevin.

The autumn/winter 16 Modern Essentials selected by David Beckham collection will be available in every H&M store that carries menswear, as well as online, from September 29.

press enquiries:

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

Source: H&M

###

Auntie Anne’s® announces NEW Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets available now through November 13

Auntie Anne’s® announces NEW Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets available now through November 13
Auntie Anne’s® announces NEW Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets available now through November 13

 

LANCASTER, Pa., 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Auntie Anne’s®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, today (September 15th, 2016) announced the limited time only addition of NEW Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets to its menu. Available now through November 13, Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets are a scrumptious bite-sized option for guests who want a savory treat or a hearty snack to fight off hunger between meals.

Just in time for National Pepperoni Pizza Day on Tuesday, September 20, the new Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets are now available at Auntie Anne’s stores nationwide at a suggested retail price of $4.99. Fans of pretzels and pizza alike are sure to enjoy this fun, portable variation of the brand’s popular, full-sized Pepperoni Pretzel. Topped with the same savory three-cheese blend and full slices of flavorful pepperoni, the new nuggets are easy to eat and pair perfectly with Auntie Anne’s Marinara Dip.

“We think Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets are going to be extremely well received because they are not only a delicious take on classic comfort food, but they also fulfill the evolving needs of our guests,” said Carol Pasquariello, Vice President of Marketing for Auntie Anne’s. “The new Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets are portable, shareable and filling, ideal for today’s on-the-go consumers who crave convenient, high-quality snacking options.”

In addition to the new savory Pepperoni Pretzel Nuggets, pretzel fans can also rejoice in the return of Auntie Anne’s seasonal Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Nuggets. Another limited menu item available through November 13, the freshly baked Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Nuggets are topped with a special blend of autumnal spices, and pair perfectly with Auntie Anne’s Light Cream Cheese or Sweet Glaze Dips. Pumpkin Spice Pretzel Nuggets are available at Auntie Anne’s stores nationwide at a suggested retail price of $3.89.

For the latest information about new Auntie Anne’s products and company news please visit www.AuntieAnnes.com and follow the brand on social media on Twitter @AuntieAnnes, on Instagram @AuntieAnnesPretzels and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/auntieannespretzels. For exclusive offers and information before anyone else, download the Auntie Anne’s My Pretzel Perks app – free in Apple’s App Store and Android’s Google Play Store.

About Auntie Anne’s®:

At its more than 1,600 locations around the world, Auntie Anne’s mixes, twists and bakes pretzels from scratch all day long in full view of guests. Auntie Anne’s can be found in malls, outlet centers, and Walmarts, as well as in non-traditional spaces including universities, airports, travel plazas, amusement parks, and military bases. In addition, it has extended the brand onto retailers’ shelves and also serves as a distributor for fundraising products. Available at select retailers nationwide, pretzel fans can enjoy Auntie Anne’s prepare-at-home products, from frozen Classic and Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels and Pretzel Nuggets, to frozen Pretzel Dogs and Pretzel Pocket Sandwiches, to a versatile Pretzel Baking Kit. For more information, visit www.auntieannes.com, or follow on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Media Contact:

Chas Kurtz
Public Relations Manager
ckurtz@auntieannes.com
(717) 435-1561

Source: Auntie Anne’s

###

NGA’s 2016 Best Bagger National Champion, Candice Lastimado

Arlington, VA, 2016-Sep-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Grocers Association (NGA) held its fifth annual Congressional Best Bagger Showdown yesterday (Sep 14, 2016) at the Library of Congress, located on Capitol Hill. NGA’s 2016 Best Bagger National Champion, Candice Lastimado of Metropolitan Markets, located in Seattle, WA, competed against Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04). Candice was able to fend off a good effort by Congressman Newhouse to keep her Best Bagger Champion title.

“Our NGA members and independent grocers throughout the country are committed to meeting consumer expectations and providing top customer service on a daily basis. Baggers are often the first and last impression on a customer and play a key role in the success of a store,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO, NGA. “NGA would like to thank Congressman Newhouse for joining us in this spirited event. In appreciation for his great effort, we’re pleased to name him an NGA Honorary Best Bagger.”

In addition to being named an Honorary Best Bagger, Congressman Newhouse was presented with the Champion of Independent Grocers Award in recognition of his efforts to advance pro-growth policies and enact legislation that supports the independent supermarket industry.

Earlier that day, Brandon Scholz, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association presented on behalf of NGA the Champion of Independent Grocers Award to Congressman Ron Kind (WI-03).

Larkin commented, “Congressman Kind has been a leader on issues important to the independent supermarket industry, and spent time touring Ptacek’s IGA, located in Prescott, WI, to learn more about these issues. NGA applauds him for his support of policies that allow independent grocers to grow their businesses and better serve the communities.”

The Best Bagger Competition, sponsored by PepsiCo, is a nationwide promotion for supermarket employees, which is intended to highlight notable customer service skills in a friendly competition. Contestants are judged by speed of bagging, proper bag-building technique, weight distribution in the bag, as well as style, attitude and appearance. Finalists for the NGA Best Bagger Championship are chosen through bagging competitions held at the state level.

Contact:

Tel:  (703) 516-0700
Fax:  (703) 516-0115

Source: National Grocers Association