Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Teavana introduces new dessert teas

: Teavana introduces new dessert teas

Seattle, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Teavana is offering a collection of new hot teas that taste like dessert in a cup.

Starting today (October 10), customers will find Apple Pie á la Mode Herbal Infusion, Tiramisu Black Tea and Caramel Truffle Herbal Infusion in Teavana specialty retail stores across North America and online at Teavana.com.

“I look at these teas as an alternative to eating dessert,” said Jason Adams, Teavana brand manager. “You get the same flavors, but in a warm, soothing and indulgent tea.”

To create the new dessert teas, Adams and team considered a wide array of ingredients and flavors from more than a dozen popular treats, exploring how they could be combined to create the perfect indulgent tea blends. The team landed on three classic flavors.

Apple Pie à la Mode Herbal Infusion

This tea is a blend of apples, caramel, raisins and rose hips, a touch of rooibos tea and notes of cardamom-dusted hazelnut. Teavana highlights the flavor of apple varieties from Turkey, Austria and Germany, caramel pieces from Switzerland, and Red Rooibos tea that is harvested by hand in the Cederberg Mountains of South Africa.

“We were inspired by the taste of green apple pie, so this tea has a really pleasant balance of tart and sweet apples,” Adams said. “The caramel pieces dissolve in the tea, which offers a delicious taste.”

Tiramisu Black Tea

Inspired by the classic Italian dessert, this tea is a blend of European white and dark chocolate pieces, a touch of real Scotch Whiskey for subtle flavor and a full-bodied Chinese black tea. Teavana used different sizes and types of chocolate because they infuse differently in the tea. Dark chocolate adds more bite and white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness. Cocoa shells add body and rich flavor.

“There’s something about the combination of chocolate, the hint of whiskey as well as vanilla and cream that has a taste similar to espresso,” said Adams. “This allows us to create the rich, complex flavors usually found in a classic Tiramisu.”

Caramel Truffle Herbal Infusion

This tea features chocolate and caramel, complemented by sweet cinnamon and coconut. Teavana used real chocolate flakes and cocoa kernels, apples from Turkey and cinnamon from Southeast Asia to create this blend.

“Surprisingly, the apples contributed to much of the caramel flavor,” said Adams. “The coconut is toasted, which adds to the bold creamy flavor.”

Tea Collections

A Sweet Treat Tea Sampler, which includes two ounces each of Apple Pie á la Mode Herbal Infusion, Tiramisu Black Tea and Caramel Truffle Herbal Infusion, is available exclusively on Teavana.com.

In addition to the sampler, Teavana offers other tea collections that include samples of pure teas and herbal infusions with similar characteristics. This allows customers to taste a wide variety of teas and discover new favorites. Six new collections with samples of multiple teas are now available in Teavana specialty retail stores and online, including:

A Sprig in Your Step – Jade Citrus Mint Green Tea, Blackberry Mojito Green Tea, Moroccan Mint Green Tea and Mint Majesty® Herbal Tea

Get Your Groove On – Passion Tango®, Pineapple Kona Pop® Herbal Tea, Dragonfruit Devotion™ Herbal Tea and Peach Tranquility® Herbal Tea

The Classics – Black Dragon Pearl Black Tea, Earl Grey White Tea, Jeju Island Green Tea and Dragonwell Green Tea

The Jam – Youthberry® White Tea, Strawberry Grapefruit Xue Long Green Tea, Blueberry Bliss® Rooibos Tea and Strawberry Lemonade Herbal Tea

Cozy Up – Maharaja® Chai Oolong Tea, Zingiber Ginger Coconut Rooibos Tea, Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea and Samurai Chai Mate® Tea

Smash Hits – Youthberry® White Tea, Wild Orange Blossom Herbal Tea, Maharaja® Chai Oolong Tea and Samurai Chai Mate® Tea

Media contact:

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

Source: Starbucks

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Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Dior explores colors in photographs and works of art in its new book “Dior: The Art of Color”

: Dior explores colors in photographs and works of art in its new book “Dior: The Art of Color”

Paris, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dior has always believed that color has an innate ability to delight women. In a new book entitled “Dior: The Art of Color”, the Maison showcases inspired makeup in 12 chromatic chapters, each exploring a color captured in photographs and works of art.

In 1949, the first “Rouge Dior” lipstick established the identity of the House with scarlet lips that expressed a triumphant femininity. The mythic journey through the spectrum continued in 1967 when Dior named Serge Lutens Creative Director for Makeup and Image, beginning 13 years of unbounded creativity. In 1980 Tyen took up the bold exploration of colors, followed by Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director of Dior Makeup since 2014. The new book reveals their creative processes and looks in detail at the iconic shades that have made color an integral part of Dior’s destiny.

“Color has extraordinary power to communicate. With color you can express things that you could not put into words. I think color embodies emotions,” says Peter Philips.

The book is divided into 12 chapters – White, Silver, Nude, Pink, Red, Purple, Blue, Green, Yellow, Gold, Gray, and Black. Dior invited greats from the field of makeup to draw inspiration from the 12 shades to share their creative processes and reveal the rich history of Dior Beauty. The book also features a section on Peter Philips and a timeline, becoming a work of art in itself as it evokes the power of color and its almost mystical impact on the eye…as well as the soul.

“Dior: The Art of Color” juxtaposes different eras and art works to plunge readers into the heart of the bold spectrum that has made Dior a color icon. Painting, literary references, photographs, sketches, sculptures and advertising posters all engage in a rich-hued dialogue, interspersed with interviews with three successive Makeup Creative Directors, Serge Lutens, Tyen and Peter Philips.

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

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Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

PÅTÅR: IKEA launches new IKEA coffee range which is both UTZ certified and EU organic

Conshohocken, PA, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA is introducing PÅTÅR, the new IKEA coffee range which is both UTZ certified and EU organic. PÅTÅR coffee is part of the IKEA food initiative which ensures its food ingredients are from responsible and sustainable sources; this means that the farmers and workers who produce PÅTÅR aim to protect the environment and have good labor conditions. PÅTÅR offers five different coffee products that are available in the Swedish Food Market and are also served in IKEA restaurants and IKEA Bistros. Customers can feel good about all PÅTÅR coffee products because they are responsibly sourced, are high quality, are affordably priced and offer great taste.

About IKEA and Coffee:
Coffee is one of the most valuable commodities in the world. It provides livelihoods for approximately 25 million farmers in Central America, Africa and Asia. IKEA serves over 100 million cups of coffee every year – which corresponds roughly to one cup of coffee for every person involved in the coffee industry globally.

Since 2008, all coffee at IKEA has been UTZ certified. The UTZ program includes farmers who generally gain higher coffee yields, have better incomes and better living conditions, and are concerned about protecting the environment. The organic farming methods that are used prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. These methods also secure good care of natural resources such as water, soil and air, and that the organic agricultural practices support biodiversity on farms and reduce climate impact.

“At IKEA, we decided to go “all in” for sustainable coffee and build on the UTZ certification by developing a coffee range that follows the EU organic certification standards. I’m really happy we can now offer our customers this combination of UTZ and organic throughout our coffee range,” stated Jacqueline Macalister, Health & Sustainability Manager IKEA Food Services.

“The IKEA commitment to UTZ certification and organic coffee is an inspiring example of how different certification schemes can complement and support each other, and jointly strengthen a company’s road towards sustainability. We are proud to work together with companies like IKEA; it is because of them we are able to make a difference for an increasing number of coffee producers ultimately making sustainable farming the norm”, said Han de Groot, Executive Director of UTZ.

By choosing UTZ-certified and organic coffee, IKEA is supporting small-scale coffee producers, such as ones in Central and South America. There, the beans – 100% Arabica – used for the new coffee range PÅTÅR are hand-picked, delivering a high quality product. To underline the Swedish heritage of IKEA, the taste profiles for PÅTÅR are inspired by Scandinavian coffee preferences; a full aroma with notes of fruits and chocolate.

IKEA coffee is fully traceable. Customers can easily check the origin of their IKEA coffee online, using the UTZ/IKEA online tracer www.utz.org/IKEA.

PÅTÅR coffee is a natural part of the new IKEA Food direction which aims to offer a wider range of healthy and sustainable food choices. It follows the introduction of Veggie balls in April 2015, and the September 2016 commitment to source ASC or MSC certified seafood. With over 380 IKEA restaurants in 48 markets, IKEA sees its global reach as an opportunity to make a positive difference for people and the planet.

Note to editors
UTZ is an internationally recognized certification scheme with a vision to create a world where sustainable farming is the norm. Today, UTZ is the largest certification programme for coffee and cocoa; more than 445,000 coffee farmers and workers benefit from the UTZ programme. Other UTZ certification schemes are (herbal) tea, rooibos and hazelnuts. More on www.utz.org

Organic, according to EU standards. Farmers, processors, importers and retailers must follow strict EU rules in order to use the EU organic logo.

PÅTÅR, new UTZ certified and EU organic coffee range, available in the IKEA Swedish Food Market:
PÅTÅR signature coffee, beans, 250g: A medium-dark coffee with a good body, a fruity acidity and notes of cocoa in the aftertaste for a typically Scandinavian coffee experience.

PÅTÅR espresso coffee, beans, 250g: A rich and intense dark coffee with notes of sweet fruits.

PÅTÅR filter coffee, medium roast, 500g: A well-balanced, elegant coffee with a nice acidity and a medium body and notes of fruit in the lingering aftertaste.

PÅTÅR filter coffee, dark roast, 500g: An intense medium to full body coffee with notes of dark chocolate in the lingering aftertaste.

PÅTÅR espresso coffee, 250g: A rich and intense dark coffee with notes of sweet fruits.

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 340 IKEA Group stores in 28 countries, and 40 franchises. There are 42 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 16, IKEA Group had 783 million visitors to the stores and 2.1 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

Contact:
Mona Astra Liss
IKEA Corporate PR Director
610.834.0180, ext. 5852.
Mona.Liss@IKEA.com

Source: IKEA

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

BRC: Toy category boosted online sales in September

London, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM: “As with total sales, online saw an improvement on last month’s performance and fell back in line with the twelve-month average of above 10 per cent. Interestingly, for the first time online was a popular shopping destination for back- to school purchases, testament to retailers successfully ramping up their digital services and making it an integral part of the customer offer. Promotional activity in the toy category, which was September’s top performing category, also boosted online sales as the early birds were enticed to start their Christmas shopping.

“Online shopping is still the main source of sales growth for UK retailers, but popular services like click & collect and show rooming are significant drivers of online sales meaning physical stores still have a crucial role to play. Shoppers are more and more using a combination of the internet and high-street stores for the whole shopping journey; from browsing to the purchase itself. The result is that shops are increasingly becoming a destination to experience products rather than just to buy them.”

PAUL MARTIN, NEWLY APPOINTED HEAD OF RETAIL, KPMG: “With summer coming to an end and “back to school” the main event in September, online shopping growth accelerated in the month with non-food sales up 10.2 per cent compared to last year and penetration rates rising to 21.1 per cent.

“Children’s toys performed strongest in terms of growth, no doubt spurred on by notable promotions from some of the major retailers in this sector. Likewise, health and beauty, furniture and home accessories all experienced a ringing at e-checkouts, as consumers looked to bag a bargain in the end of season sales.

“Compared to a dreary performance on the high-street, women’s fashion performed well online. However, footwear didn’t stand up to the success observed in-store, notably the only category which saw a decline online this month. Nevertheless, all eyes will be fixed on maintaining online sales momentum between now and Black Friday – the next major e-tail moment in the 2016 calendar.”

Media Contact:

BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

IKEA invites children to help create its next soft toy collection with the launch of its Soft annual Toy Drawing Competition

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA today (10/11/2016) announced the launch of its third annual Soft Toy Drawing Competition, inviting children ages 12 and under* to help create its next soft toy collection. Now through October 30, 2016, children can share drawings of their very own imaginary creatures, with the chance of turning them into real soft toys. Last year, IKEA received more than 52,000 entries from around the globe, and the ten most fantastic creatures, including “Frog/pig/monkey” and “Bacterium/monster,” now make up the limited-edition 2016 SAGOSKATT collection** that will be available in IKEA U.S. stores starting in mid-November 2016.

IKEA FAMILY members can submit drawings from their young artists at info.ikea-usa.com/softtoy or at the Returns Desk at IKEA U.S. stores. Submissions can be in one of three age groups: 4 years or younger, 5 to 8 years old, and 9 to 12 years old. In mid-November, three semifinalists from each local store will be selected through an online consumer vote, each receiving a $25 gift card. The 15 drawings with the most overall votes, along with five “IKEA Picks,” will move on to the global competition. The ten winning drawings from the global competition will be made into real soft toys to make up the next limited-edition SAGOSKATT collection (available in 2017).

“Every year, we’re so inspired to see the uninhibited creativity and fantastic fun in the submissions from kids around the world,” said Diane Zoll, Loyalty Program Manager, IKEA U.S. “We love that kids are designing for other kids – after all, they are the creators of tomorrow!”

The Soft Toy Drawing Competition not only allows children to share their dreams and imagination, but they also contribute to the IKEA Good Cause campaign. A portion of sales of the 2016 SAGOSKATT collection will benefit “Let’s Play for Change,” a campaign highlighting the benefits of play for all children. For every soft toy sold during the campaign period (Nov. 20 – Dec. 24, 2016), the IKEA Foundation will make a donation of $1 to projects around the world that support children’s development & learning, sports, and more.

To see the official rules for the Soft Toy Drawing Competition or to enter, visit https://info.ikea-usa.com/softtoy.

* The competition is open to IKEA FAMILY members with children aged 12 and under. IKEA FAMILY is a benefits program that offers membership perks. Consumers can sign up for the free program online or in-store.
** See SAGOSKATT press kit for product details. The SAGOSKATT collection is a limited-edition collection; Limited collection products are released/available in-store only for a limited amount of time (while supplies last).

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 385 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Media Contact:

Kathy Boerner
646-935-3914
Kathy.Boerner@Ketchum.com

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: IKEA invites children to help create its next soft toy collection with the launch of its Soft annual Toy Drawing Competition

Source: IKEA

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

NRF and University of Phoenix announce Dream BIG Scholarship recipients for 2016

WASHINGTON, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation and University of Phoenix have named the fourth annual Dream BIG Scholarship recipients for 2016, awarding individuals whose dreams to further their education will now become a reality. Since the program started in 2013, 70 recipients have been awarded full-tuition scholarships with an estimated value of $3.4 million.

The 20 recipients of the 2016 Dream BIG Scholarships — all current retail employees — were selected out of hundreds of applicants from more than 90 retailers across the country. These deserving retail employees will soon be able to pursue a master’s or undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix through the University’s collaboration with NRF to provide each recipient with a full-tuition scholarship.

“Each one of these scholarship recipients was chosen because they believe in working hard, getting the job done and helping the retail industry grow,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Although each recipient has already made a positive impact on the industry, the best is yet to come. Furthering their education can help enhance career opportunities for them in retail and we at NRF can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”

“Opportunities in retail continue to grow as technology and consumer demands drive change within the industry,” University of Phoenix Executive Dean for the School of Business Ruth Veloria said. “Education can be an important piece to help pursue career and leadership opportunities in this field — especially given how diverse the career paths are. University of Phoenix is proud to team up with the National Retail Federation to develop the next generation of leaders in retail by providing an industry-aligned education designed to help them succeed.”

The recipients of the 2016 Dream BIG Scholarship are:

Pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree

Kina Albritton – Merchandiser at Journeys in Nashville, TN
Consuelo Belton – Administrative Assistant at Walgreens in Jacksonville, FL
Danielle Davidson – Assistant Manager at maurices in Nashville, TN
Nicole Heiden – Store Sales Director at The Kroger Co. (Fred Meyer Division) in Vancouver, WA
Heather Hilton – Regional Human Resources Manager at bebe Stores inc. in Charlotte, NC
Frankie Israel – Sales and Service Manager at West Elm in Charlotte, NC
Kevin Jackson – Procurement Coordinator at The Container Store in Dallas, TX
Rebecca Kittle – Executive Assistant at dressbarn in Mahwah, NJ
Shandace Lerma – Recruiting Analyst at Nordstrom in Seattle, WA
Kristi Malicoat – Associate Store Team Leader at Whole Foods Market in Chicago, IL
Brandi McKinney – Recruiting Supervisor at The Kroger Co. in Cincinnati, OH
Michelle Miranda – Lease Administrator at H&M in New York City, NY
Lori Savage – Item Setup Specialist at The Kroger Co. in Cincinnati, OH
Shelley Warden – Business Analyst at Pier 1 Imports® in Fort Worth, TX

Pursuing a Master’s Degree

Rosa Bazan – Assistant Buyer at Burlington Stores in Burlington, NJ
Amber Grace – Associate Buyer at Beall’s Inc in Bradenton, FL
Rachael Kuchar – Assistant Store Manager at vineyard vines in Oak Brook, IL
Elizabeth Murphy – Senior Training Lead, Stores at Crate and Barrel in Pleasantville, NY
Brittany Pfleuger – Store Manager at EXPRESS, LLC in Rochester, NY
Rosa Williams Oyeneye – Recruiter at MyEyeDr. in Raleigh, NC

Nordstrom, Whole Foods Market, West Elm, dressbarn, The Container Store and The Kroger Co., surprised their Dream BIG scholarship recipients in their workplaces to give them the big news. Watch the video for each surprise here.

Retail executives from some of the industry’s most well-known companies such as Brooks Brothers, Target, and Trunk Club served as members of the executive judging committee that chose the recipients.

The Dream BIG Scholarship program is made possible through a collaboration between NRF’s nonprofit arm, the NRF Foundation, and University of Phoenix. This is the fourth year the NRF Foundation and University of Phoenix have offered the Dream BIG Scholarship for current retail employees.

*The actual value of any scholarship awarded will depend on many different variables including but not limited to transferability of credits, campus location, modality and degree program.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group Inc. (Nasdaq: APOL), University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.

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

Contact:
Ana Serafin Smith
(202) 626-8189
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

Source: NRF

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

BRC: total Food sales increased 1.6% on three-month basis, its best level since November 2013 excluding Easter distortions

LONDON, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM: “Today’s figures show a return to sales growth, primarily driven by stronger food sales which saw their highest increase since November 2013. On the flipside, sales growth of non-food items remained sluggish. Despite a flurry of back- to- school purchases, clothing sales in particular had a more challenging month.

“September saw the consumer confidence index restored to levels seen before the EU referendum in June which did translate into a willingness to spend on bigger ticket items. However, the monthly out turn continues to highlight ongoing volatility in retail spending and to reflect longer- term economic headwinds as retailers begin to seek to mitigate the impact of higher import costs due to the fall in the value of the pound.

“Against the current backdrop of intense competition and transformational change in the industry, it’s crucial that retailers are able to continue their excellent track record of keeping prices low for their customers and offering great choice and value. With that in mind the BRC will be ensuring that in the forthcoming Brexit talks, Government negotiators have their sights set firmly lowering import costs as well as avoiding any increase in tariff costs as the UK leaves the EU.”

PAUL MARTIN, NEWLY APPOINTED HEAD OF RETAIL, KPMG: “After a fairly disappointing August, the ‘back to school’ rush resulted in a much needed uplift for retailers in September with total sales up 1.3 per cent in the month.

“The shoe was truly on the right foot for children’s footwear, with the category leading the way in the month. No doubt timely in-store promotions helped to capture the attention of shoppers, whilst the August bank holiday that fell into this month’s figures also helped to boost sales. Sadly this success wasn’t mirrored for women’s clothes and footwear, with consumers seemingly uninspired by autumn collections due to warmer weather in September.

“Elsewhere, it was yet another month of positive growth for the grocers. Late summer temperatures combined with shoppers continuing to benefit from the ongoing price war has meant food and drink sales have been in the black for a full quarter – undoubtedly welcome news for the sector.
“As we move into the all-important golden quarter at the end of the year, retailers will be looking to make the run up to Christmas, including Black Friday, a success.”

FOOD & DRINK SECTOR PERFORMANCE, JOANNE DENNEY-FINCH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, IGD: “In encouraging news for food and grocery companies, the growth seen through the summer months continued into September. Shoppers are feeling generally upbeat, with three-quarters (76 per cent) expecting their personal financial situation either to improve or stay the same in the coming year, up from 69 per cent in August”

“Although the sales growth remains modest, grocery retailers and manufacturers have reason to feel optimistic as Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas come on to the horizon.”

Media Contact:

BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Chipotle Mexican Grill announces the return of its annual Halloween celebration, Boorito on October 31st

DENVER, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Go to any Chipotle in costume from 3 p.m. to close on Halloween and get a burrito, bowl, salad, or order of tacos for only $3. Proceeds will help raised $1 million for the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation.

“Boorito is a tradition that we started in 2000, to simply give a treat to our customers while celebrating Halloween. It’s gotten to the point that for our long-term customers, we don’t even need to mention Boorito anymore, as they’re coming in anyway knowing they’re going to have a great time enjoying the food they love, all while supporting a good cause.” said Mark Crumpacker, chief creative and development officer at Chipotle.

What started as just a fun way to celebrate Halloween has turned into a very effective fundraiser. Over the last four years, through Boorito Chipotle customers have helped raise $4 million for theChipotle Cultivate Foundation simply by coming in dressed in costume. Proceeds from this year’s event, up to $1 million, will benefit the foundation established in 2011 to allow Chipotle to extend its commitment to creating a more sustainable food future.

This is one event that really does put the “fun” in “fundraiser” — where Chipotle customers can have good fun and good food, for a good cause. For more information about this year’s Boorito celebration, and the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, please visit www.chipotle.com/boorito.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere. Through our vision of Food With Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better food from using ingredients that are not only fresh, but that — where possible — are sustainably grown and raised responsibly, with respect for the animals, the land and the farmers who produce the food. In order to achieve this vision, we focus on building a special people culture that is centered on creating teams of top performers empowered to achieve high standards. This people culture not only leads to a better dining experience for our customers, it also allows us to develop future leaders from within. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in 1993 and operates more than 2,000 restaurants, including 20 Chipotle restaurants outside the U.S. and 15 ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen restaurants, and is an investor in an entity that owns and operates three Pizzeria Locale restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.

Contact:
Chris Arnold
303-222-5912
carnold@chipotle.com

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: Chipotle Mexican Grill announces the return of its annual Halloween celebration, Boorito on October 31st

Source: Chipotle

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Whole Foods Market to welcome shoppers to its new store in Philadelphia on Oct. 14

PHILADELPHIA, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Philadelphia’s new flagship Whole Foods Market location, at 2101 Pennsylvania Ave., opens on Friday, Oct. 14, with a bread-breaking ceremony and opening day festivities. The community is invited to join Whole Foods Market team members and civic leaders for the bread-breaking ceremony at 8:45 a.m., before doors open at 9 a.m.

“We are so proud to be relocating our Callowhill store in the heart of historic Philadelphia and cannot wait to share our new city vista with shoppers,” said Laurent Dallot, the store’s team leader. “We know customers will love the huge variety of in-store dining options and local products, but we’re just as proud of our everyday staples that meet the industry’s highest quality standards and offer options for every budget.”

The 62,000-square-foot store includes:

An open style food hall with seating for 140 guests.
Extensive hot and cold prepared foods bars, featuring seasonal dishes made in-house with local produce and the highest quality natural and organic ingredients.
An in-store pub serving specialty cocktails, 16 local beers on tap, wine by the glass and Neapolitan pizzas and seasonal salads.
An Allegro coffee bar, offering a full espresso, coffee and tea menu, using state-of-the-art technology—a low-profile Modbar espresso machine, the Poursteady motion control pour-over machine, and a reverse atmospheric infusion Bkon extractor for premium teas. The coffee bar is open all day and will feature unique tea and coffee inspired cocktails.
Four in-store “luncheonette” venues run by locally based chefs/restaurateurs: Cheu Noodle Bar, Dizengoff, Severino Cucina Rustica, and Wiz Kid (the latest offering from Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby of Vedge and V Street).
A roving cocktail cart that offers a curated selection of signature cocktails, beer by the can/bottle and wine by the glass.

The elevated and expanded grocery shopping experience at the relocated store highlights local suppliers, organic products and unique Philadelphia-inspired offerings.

Local exclusives to Whole Foods Market’s Philly Center City Store include:

Phillthy Chai, from Golden Valley Roasters, a sustainably sourced, organic cold-brewed coffee with chai
Local Rock the Roll’s exclusive pumpkin flavored barbecue sauce
Brine Street Picklery’s exclusive batch “Pickled Peps,” with local banana peppers sourced through John Vena Produce and originating on Sparacio Farms in New Jersey
A “Pilsendelphia” brew collaboration with Yards Brewing
“Philly Pherno,” locally made provola cheese from Caputo Brothers, aged at Crown Finish Caves in Brooklyn
High Street on Market breads, including Buckwheat Cherry and Ancient Grains varieties

Additionally, Beyond Meat’s plant-based Beyond Burger will be available for the first time to Pennsylvania shoppers.

Among the store’s more than 350 team members, shoppers will find knowledgeable experts, including trained butchers, fishmongers, scratch bakers and a team of chefs.

Giving back to the community is one of Whole Foods Market’s core values, and on opening day, Philadelphia-based Urban Tree Connection, a longtime community partner, will receive a $5,000 contribution.

Be one of the first people to join Whole Foods Market on opening day to get doorbuster savings opportunities, meet local suppliers who are on site providing samples and demos, and dine in the new food hall. Follow news about this store through social media: Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Contact:

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

Jessica Ventura
jv@sharpthink.com
212.829.0002 ext.104

Source: Whole Foods Market

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Bol.com announces same-day delivery service

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bol.com has announced the largest expansion in its delivery options since the introduction of “next day delivery” in 2011. Starting October 6, bol.com customers can opt for same-day delivery to their homes. Orders placed on weekday mornings before noon can be delivered the same day, between 6 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. This new delivery option, “Delivered Today,” is available for 300,000 articles across all product categories. This is a global first: never before has it been possible to choose from such large number of items for as quick and low-cost delivery throughout the country. In addition, bol.com has expanded the availability of home delivery for regular orders to seven days a week, including Sundays.

Daniel Ropers, Managing Director at bol.com said, “Since our launch more than 17 years ago, we have focused on one thing: making the benefits of online shopping bigger and the disadvantages – like waiting for your delivery – smaller. After making free next-day delivery the standard in the Netherlands in 2012, we took another big step today with a global first: 300,000 articles available for delivery to our customers within a few hours. Nowhere in the world is a greater supply of products available more quickly or less expensively. Coupled with the introduction of Sunday delivery, we are making the benefits of online shopping – low prices, a wide range of information and 24/7 shopping – more accessible.”

Bol.com has launched these new delivery options in the Netherlands and, together with its logistics partners, is exploring the opportunity to make the same services available in Belgium.

Ambition: same-day delivery for one million articles
Over a year ago, bol.com launched Pickup Today, allowing customers to order online and pick up their orders within a few hours at one of 200 Albert Heijn stores. This was a successful experiment, enabling the bol.com team to gain experience with same-day delivery and be ready to respond to customers’ needs for faster fulfillment. The bol.com team has the ambition to expand even further, to provide same-day delivery for one million items within the next few years.

Media Contacts:

Email: media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
Phone: +31 88 659 9111

Source: Ahold Delhaize Group

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

CBRE: Vacant space in the U.S. office market held steady during the third quarter of 2016

Los Angeles, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Vacant space in the U.S. office market held steady during the third quarter of 2016 (Q3 2016), at 13.1 percent, according to the latest analysis from CBRE Group, Inc. The national office vacancy rate remained at the lowest level since 2008, with a 30 basis points (bps) decline over the past year.

The office market is being helped by steady demand for space and limited new construction. ”Firms are adding space, but at a more modest pace than in recent years, reflecting slower overall job creation,“ said Jeffrey Havsy, Americas’ chief economist for CBRE. “With supply and demand relatively in balance, vacancy has plateaued for the moment, but the office market should remain healthy as new construction deliveries slow over the next 6-8 quarters.”

Continuing a recent pattern, the suburbs outperformed downtowns, with vacancy falling 10 bps, to 14.3 percent in the suburbs, but increasing 20 bps, to 10.7 percent in downtowns. After lagging downtowns for much of the recovery, the suburbs have now performed better than downtowns for four straight quarters.

“Despite their rumored demise, the suburbs continue to perform soundly. This is especially true of those locations that offer, a live, work, play dynamic and have good transportation access,“ noted Mr. Havsy. “The suburbs have been painted with a negative brushstroke, but that labeling masks the diversity among the various submarkets. Those locations that offer appropriate amenities, have good access and offer modern facilities continue to lease well.”

A majority of U.S. markets saw improved conditions during Q3 2016, with vacancy declining in 37 of 63 office markets, rising in 22, and remaining unchanged in four. The largest quarterly declines in vacancy were recorded in Tucson (170 bps), Cincinnati (130 bps) and Raleigh (120 bps). West Palm Beach, Newark, Las Vegas, Albany, Riverside and Sacramento each declined by 90 bps or more.

Mid-sized markets have been the best performers over the past year. Compared with Q3 2015, Tucson, St. Louis, Raleigh, Riverside, Oakland, Sacramento, Cincinnati and Tampa have experienced the sharpest declines in vacancy.

The nation’s lowest vacancy rates in Q3 2016 were in Nashville (5.5 percent), San Francisco (6.7 percent), Raleigh (8 percent), Austin (8.1percent), Seattle (8.6 percent), Oakland (8.7 percent), San Jose (8.9 percent) and Pittsburgh (9.2 percent).

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2015 revenue). The Company has more than 70,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through more than 400 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robert McGrath
Senior Director, Global Media Relations
+1 212 9848267

Source: CBRE Group, Inc.

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

NUS extra cardholders get extra discount by signing up to Co-op membership

MANCHESTER, England, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Thousands of NUS extra cardholders are bagging an extra boost to their budget by signing up to Co-op membership, a move that could provide combined savings for students of approaching £7.5M while earning £300,000 for good causes.

In addition to the 10 per cent discount available in-store for NUS extra cardholders, students – who are also a Member of the Co-op – receive a further 5 per cent reward into their membership account when purchasing own-branded products and services. Students are also sold on the concept of a further 1% directly benefitting local good causes, community groups and charities.

Jemima Bird, Customer Director at the Co-op, said: “With many students living away from home for the first time our partnership with NUS extra aims to support young people trying to balance their budget – eating the right food is not only affordable, but can also bring about a boost to health, wellbeing and even educational achievement.”

Richard Brooks Vice-President (Union Development) at NUS, said: “The cost of living is a concern for students and this move which further helps to reduce the burden on their budgets is very welcome. As a community retailer the Co-op’s stores are conveniently placed and its new membership proposition not only provides a 5% personal reward, but gives 1% to good causes to make a difference in local communities – something that this generation of student cares deeply about. With food provenance a concern its commitment to backing British farming should be applauded and at the same time, its investment in lowering prices has seen over 1,000 everyday essentials reduced.”

The NUS extra card offers over 200 UK student discounts and comes with one year FREE ISIC – un-locking over 42,000 international discounts. The card costs on average less than £11 per year when purchasing a three year card. For further information visit http://www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra/discounts/

For further information about Co-op membership visit coop.co.uk/membership

Further information:

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

Source: Coop

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Giant Food: MARS Petcare recalls Cesar Classics Variety Pack

Landover, Md., 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Following a recall by MARS Petcare, Giant Food, LLC announced it removed from sale Cesar Classics Variety Pack due to a potential choking risk from hard white pieces of plastic which entered the food during the production process.

The following products are included in this recall:

Cesar Classics Variety Pack 24 pk., UPC 23100010257, Item #: 143949, All Date Codes

Giant has received no reports of injuries or illnesses to date.

Customers who have purchased these products should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to Giant for a full refund.

Pet owners who have questions about the recall should call MARS Petcare at 800-421-6456 between the hours of Saturday, October 8, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm CST and Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm CST or visit https://www.cesar.com/notice. In addition, customers may call Giant Food Customer Service at 888-469-4426 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information. Customers can also visit the Giant Food website at www.giantfood.com.

About Giant Food, LLC

Giant Food, LLC, headquartered in Landover, Md., operates 169 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, and employs approximately 20,000 associates. Included within the 169 stores are 160 full-service pharmacies. Giant is owned by Ahold USA, Inc. For more information on Giant visit www.giantfood.com.

Contact:
Jamie Miller
(301) 341-8776
jmiller@giantfood.com

Source: Giant Food

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Product recall: Giant Food removed from sale select Turkey Hill Dutch Chocolate Premium Ice Cream due to misbranding

Landover, Md., 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Following a recall by Turkey Hill Dairy, Giant Food, LLC announced it removed from sale select 48 oz. containers of Turkey Hill Dutch Chocolate Premium Ice Cream because the package may contain Rocky Road Premium Ice Cream instead of Dutch Chocolate Premium Ice Cream.

These packages may contain almonds and eggs, allergens not listed on the ingredient label. The lid of affected products may be labeled as Rocky Road Premium Ice Cream.

This product is safe to consume for individuals who do not suffer from an almond or egg allergy.

The following product is included in this recall:

Turkey Hill Dutch Chocolate Premium Ice Cream, 48 oz. (1.5 QTS – 1.42L), UPC 20735-42095, sell-by date: 05/23/17 (found printed on the bottom of the package)

Giant has received no reports of illnesses to date.

People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs or almonds may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. Symptoms of food allergies typically appear from within a few minutes to two hours after a person has eaten the food to which he or she is allergic. Allergic reactions can include: hives; flushed skin or rash; tingling or itchy sensation in the mouth; face, tongue, or lip swelling; vomiting and/or diarrhea; abdominal cramps; coughing or wheezing; dizziness and/or lightheadedness; swelling of the throat and vocal cords; difficulty breathing; loss of consciousness.

Customers who have purchased these products should discard any unused portions and bring their purchase receipt to Giant for a full refund.

Consumers looking for additional information on the recall may call Turkey Hill Dairy at 1-800-693-2479. In addition, customers may call Giant Food Customer Service at 888-469-4426 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information. Customers can also visit the Giant Food website at www.giantfood.com.

About Giant Food, LLC

Contact:
Jamie Miller
(301) 341-8776
jmiller@giantfood.com

Source: Giant Food

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

New Zealand: Foodstuffs’ supplier Coastal Spring Lamb named finalist in four categories of the 2016 NZ Food Awards

Auckland, New Zealand, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meat-lovers have long known that the choicest cuts are served at New World and PAK’nSAVE – and now there’s proof their spring lamb is a cut above the rest.

Coastal Spring Lamb, which is sold exclusively in supermarkets by Foodstuffs, has just been named a finalist in not one but four categories of the 2016 NZ Food Awards.

The company, which sells lamb grown by family farms on the east and west coasts of the lower North Island, is a finalist in the Primary Sector Product Award, which is open to all primary sector food and beverage producers; the Chilled Short Shelf Life Award, for food produced by companies with at least $3 million turnover; the Business Innovation Award, and the Export Innovation Award.

Coastal Spring Lamb founder Richard Redmayne says to be a finalist in all of the four categories they entered is very exciting for their family business.

“We’re particularly happy for our farmers, who are out in all weather, weeks on end, producing the best lamb in the world – usually without recognition. This gives them that recognition.”

“We’re also delighted because our fellow finalists include much larger companies, and it proves that it is possible for a niche business to produce some of the best food in New Zealand.”

Coastal Spring Lamb first started selling lamb to the New Zealand market in 2010, initially just to four New World supermarkets in the lower North Island.

This coming spring lamb season, from October to January, their meat will be available at New Worlds around the country, PAK’nSAVE in the South Island and selected Four Square stores.

New World Wanganui Owner, John Kelly says Coastal Spring Lamb has proven very popular with shoppers.

“Their meat is superb,” says Kelly, “and our customers clearly agree. Last season’s product was quickly snapped up, and I’m sure that will be repeated when we start selling it again in October.”

Redmayne says partnering with Foodstuffs has given his company the confidence to grow.

“Foodstuffs is focused on great service, exceptional food, and enduring relationships with their customers, and these are values that match ours exactly. We’ve been able to meet individual store owners and their in-store master butchers, and share our story with them, which means, together, we can provide a product with real provenance – from our families direct to their shoppers.”

He says his company is also exporting lamb to Belgium, Thailand, Vietnam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore.

“We recently returned from a month in Asia, where we met with 74 executive chefs from 5 and 6-star hotels and resorts. These are chefs who can source the best food in the world, but aren’t used to meeting the actual farmer! The fact they’re choosing to use our meat is very humbling.”

Foodstuffs stores will start selling Coastal Spring Lamb on 10 October, and Coastal Spring Lamb will hold its official launch on 12 October, the day before NZ Food Award winners are announced on 13 October.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Foodstuffs Communications Team Phone: 0800 376 3342

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: New Zealand: Foodstuffs’ supplier Coastal Spring Lamb named finalist in four categories of the 2016 NZ Food Awards

Source: Foodstuffs

Posted on October 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

New World Clubcard: New Zealand’s most active and engaging loyalty programme on the market

Auckland, New Zealand, 2016-Oct-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Since unveiling New World Clubcard in the North Island on Monday the 3rd of October, over 250,000 customers have activated their cards. Membership numbers are exploding and Clubcard qualifies to be New Zealand’s most active and engaging loyalty programme on the market.

The anticipated popularity of Clubcard in the North Island is attributed greatly to the fact that since launching in the South two years ago, almost every household has a New World Clubcard member – that’s over 450,000 active customers benefiting from the loyalty programme in the South Island. With 86% of sales in New World stores in the South associated with a currency earning card, it is clear that shoppers see it as a winning proposition.

Close to one million New World Clubcards have been sent to existing Fly Buys and Airpoints card holders in the North Island, so membership numbers are expected to leap ahead of the South Island in the coming weeks.

The phenomenal customer uptake is due in large part to the fact it brings generous savings and rewards that are tailored to the individual shopper. New World has listened to what its customers want and developed the Clubcard loyalty scheme to reward shoppers in ways that are meaningful to them. Some people want to be rewarded on the spot. Some would like to save up to get rewards. But most want the best of both worlds which is what the New World Clubcard offers.

For those wanting to be rewarded today, Clubcard combines the benefits of everyday and promotional fuel discounts with great in-store Club Deals on a broad range of products. For those wanting to save up for rewards the New World Clubcard offers the consumers the choice of the two leading currency programmes in New Zealand – Fly Buys and Air New Zealand Airpoints. Because both programmes have a broad array of partners including retail and financial services, Clubcard members can combine their earning from New World with other purchases to get rewarded faster than any other programme in the market.

Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd. Head of Customer Marketing and Insights, Emily Blumenthal says she’s pleased to be able to give New World customers the choice of two of the most engaging currencies on the market.

“Clubcard is simply a more rewarding way to shop,” says Blumenthal. “Loyalty NZ and Air New Zealand, have been valued partners for a number years. We are thrilled to be able to offer our customers the choice of what we believe to be the two best loyalty programmes in New Zealand. No other reward scheme offers that level of flexibility.”

“Clubcard members get the best in-store discounts, earn their choice of rewards, get personalized offers and enter great competitions, it is clear that shoppers are quickly realising that having a New World Clubcard in their wallet is valuable.”

As part of the Clubcard launch, 5000 valued New World customers received an exclusive Clubcard Goodie Pack filled with a selection of new to market grocery products to sample and enjoy. The unsuspecting customers have been sharing their delight on social media and we expect this positive sentiment will continue to grow for Clubcard.

Plans to further develop the Clubcard Goodie Pack programme are well underway and the initiative will offer more customers access to product samples, prizes and invites to exclusive in-store events.

Blumenthal says shoppers can expect to hear a lot more about Clubcard’s benefits over the coming months, with a number of impressive prizes up for grabs as the programme rolls out in the North Island.

“We have lots of prizes to give away, thanks to our partners Fly Buys and Air New Zealand. There’s a $15,000 Fly Buys shopping spree, a $10,000 Air New Zealand overseas trip, plus thousands of Fly Buys, Airpoints, and New World Dollars to be won.”

“And that’s just the start of our plans for the New World Clubcard,” she adds. “As more and more shoppers get on board we will continue to innovate and develop exciting ways to reward their ongoing loyalty in a more relevant and personalised way.”

Customers who aren’t currently active members of Fly Buys or Airpoints or haven’t received their New World Clubcard in the mail can visit www.newworld.co.nz/clubcard and request a Clubcard, or simply sign up at their local New World.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Foodstuffs Communications Team Phone: 0800 376 3342

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: New World Clubcard: New Zealand’s most active and engaging loyalty programme on the market

Source: Foodstuffs