Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

RUSSIA: Lenta announces the opening of its second hypermarket in Taganrog

St. Petersburg, Russia, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lenta, (LSE, MOEX: LNTA) one of the largest retail chains in Russia, is pleased to announce the opening of its second hypermarket in Taganrog.

The new store is a Lenta compact format hypermarket located at 74A 2nd Sovetskaya str, Taganrog. The store has a total area of 7,980 sq.m with 5,225 sq.m of selling space and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A broad product assortment of 19,000 SKUs has been selected specifically for residents of Taganrog and includes Lenta’s private labels and federal product ranges alongside local produce. The store has 393 parking spaces and 30 cash registers. The property is owned by Lenta.

The opening in Taganrog is Lenta’s seventeenth hypermarket opening in 2016 and brings the total number of Lenta stores to 156 hypermarkets in 72 cities across Russia and 42 supermarkets in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

About Lenta
Lenta is the largest hypermarket chain in Russia (in terms of selling space) and the country’s fifth largest retail chain (in terms of 2015 sales). The Company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. Lenta operates 156 hypermarkets in 72 cities across Russia and 42 supermarkets in Moscow and St. Petersburg, with a total of approximately 968,595 sq.m of selling space. The average Lenta hypermarket store has selling space of approximately 6,000 sq.m. The average Lenta supermarket store has selling space of approximately 1,000 sq.m. The Company operates six owned hypermarket distribution centres.

The Company’s price-led hypermarket formats are differentiated in terms of their promotion and pricing strategies as well as their local product assortment. The Company employed approximately 34,134 people as of 30 June 2016 1.

The Company’s management team combines a mix of local knowledge and international expertise coupled with extensive operational experience in Russia. Lenta’s largest shareholders include TPG Capital and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, both of which are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Lenta is listed on the London Stock Exchange and on the Moscow Exchange and trades under the ticker: ‘LNTA’.

A brief video summary on Lenta’s business and its Big Data initiative can be seen here.

Contact:

Lenta
Anna Meleshina,
Public Relations & Government Affairs Director
Tel: +7 812 363 28 53
E-mail: anna.meleshina@lenta.com

Anastasia Kuznetsova,
Corporate Communications Manager
Тel:+7 (812) 336 39 97
E-mail: a.kuznetsova@lenta.com

Citigate
International Media:
David Westover and Marina Zakharova
Тel: +44 207 282 2886
E-mail: lentateam@citigatedr.co.uk

FTI Consulting
Russian Media:
Anton Karpov & Victoria Afonina
Тel:+7 495 795 06 23
E-mail: lenta@FTIconsulting.com

Source: Lenta

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

DAVIDsTEA President and CEO Sylvain Toutant to resign

MONTREAL, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — DAVIDsTEA Inc. (“DAVIDsTEA” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq:DTEA) today (Oct. 21, 2016) announced that Sylvain Toutant, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will be leaving the Company to pursue other interests. It is the intention of both the Company and Mr. Toutant that he will serve in his current role until the end of the current fiscal year. Upon the effective date of his departure, Mr. Toutant will also cease his directorship held with the Company.

Maurice Tousson, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, stated, “Sylvain has been instrumental in expanding the DAVIDsTEA brand and executing against our key priorities as well as navigating our transition from private to public ownership. He has assembled a talented and capable team across all functional areas of the organization. We would like to thank him for his many contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors. We will be conducting a North America-wide search for a successor.”

Sylvain Toutant added, “This decision to move on has not been an easy one to make, but it is the right one from a personal standpoint and for my family. DAVIDsTEA is fortunate to have a bench of talent across the company and a team that is so passionate about its purpose and mantra. It has been a privilege to work with each and every one of them to drive growth and awareness of this unique and special brand.”

About DAVIDsTEA

DAVIDsTEA is a fast-growing retailer of specialty tea, offering a differentiated selection of proprietary loose-leaf teas, pre-packaged teas, tea sachets and tea-related gifts, accessories and food and beverages, primarily through 208 company-operated DAVIDsTEA stores throughout Canada and the United States as of July 30, 2016, and its website, davidstea.com. The Company is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project,” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements address various matters including management’s beliefs about the Company’s growth prospects, product offerings and financial guidance for the coming fiscal quarter and fiscal year. The Company cannot assure investors that future developments affecting the Company will be those that it has anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to risks and uncertainties including: the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand image, particularly in new markets; the Company’s ability to compete in the specialty tea and beverage category; the Company’s ability to expand and improve its operations; the Company’s ability to maximize its e-marketing efforts; levels of foot traffic in locations in which the Company’s stores are located; changes in consumer trends and preferences; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; general economic conditions and consumer confidence; minimum wage laws; the importance of the Company’s first fiscal quarter to results of operations for the entire fiscal year; and other risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 12, 2016 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2016. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if any of the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, the Company’s actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by the Company in this release speaks only as of the date on which the Company makes it. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

Investor Contact:

ICR Inc.
Farah Soi/Rachel Schacter
(203)-682-8200
investors@davidstea.com

Source: DAVIDsTEA/globenewswire

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

REI opens its fifth store in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C., 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — REI, the national outdoor co-op, opens its fifth flagship store today (10.21.2016) in Washington, D.C. REI has been running 100 days of outdoor events this summer in D.C. under the banner “United Outside” to bring people across the political spectrum together. The effort culminates this weekend with a block party to celebrate the opening of the 51,000 square-foot store in the NOMA neighborhood, just blocks from the U.S. Capitol. The store will offer the outdoor community a spot to reconnect with one another and discover world-class outdoor gear curated specifically for the region,

“Opening this incredible store in Washington, D.C. in a contentious election year has been fun, if a little challenging given all the noise around the election. It’s important to get past all that, though, and we’ve been working to show that the outdoors brings people together. Thousands of residents have connected this summer through our 100 ‘United Outside’ events. We’ve designed this flagship to be a beautiful convening space where the outdoor community can plan adventures over a great cup of coffee and gear-up,” said Jerry Stritzke, CEO and president of REI.

The distinct features of the REI DC Flagship include:

A 1,052-square-foot La Colombe café for customers to enjoy a specialty coffee beverage while planning their next outing.
An Adventure Station offered in partnership with the National Park Service and REI outdoor experts, will connect our members with advice on where to go and how to best enjoy the outdoors.
An outdoor courtyard at the store’s core for adventurers to gather, featuring a fireplace and views of the building’s historic structural concrete arches.
Bike, ski and snowboard shop services that will cater to the District’s cycling and snow sports assembly and repair needs.
A community space with a robust schedule of free and low-cost, in-store classes for cycling, paddling, fitness, hiking and camping, climbing, snow sports, photography and wilderness medicine.
A collection of gear shops that will blend into a commons area that creates a communal shopping experience.

“Our employees have been connecting with the outdoor community within the District and beyond since we first announced that we were opening a store nearly two years ago. Our members have been patiently waiting and we’re excited to open our doors. The flagship’s design represents a whole new approach to how REI thinks about the customer experience, presenting the co-op, our services and experience at their best,” said Rebecca Smith, general manager of REI’s DC Flagship.

Creating Access to the Outdoors
The co-op has offered Outdoor School classes throughout the region and events at the Wunder Garten outdoor space for more than a year, reaching more than 75,000 people. So far this year, REI has educated nearly 16,000 participants, and more than 60,000 people joined through 100 days of United Outside events. This includes nearly 42,000 people who participated in REI’s DC Free Weekend, where the co-op partnered with Capital Bikeshare, Key Bridge Boathouse and the National Park Service for free outdoor activities in June.

The co-op invested more than $1 million in local and national nonprofits throughout the region this year to shape outdoor places for the future. This includes:

Investing $240,000 in 14 local nonprofits, including Rock Creek Conservancy and the Shenandoah National Park Trust.
Granting an additional $100,000 in five nonprofits, including C&O Canal Trust, Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), Anacostia Watershed Society and the Outdoor Foundation—where REI helped send every 4th grader in Washington, D.C. to a national park.
Committing a total of $500,000 to WABA over the next three years to support a connected bike system to allow for easier and safer bike commuting.
Supporting national nonprofit organizations based in DC, including IMBA and National Park Foundation.
REI will celebrate the flagship opening with a three-day block party in the Wunder Garten and Storey Park, hosting outdoor classes and activities with a line-up of national and local musicians. The full schedule of events is available at https://www.rei.com/h/dc-block-party.

Honoring History Through Design
The co-op worked closely with its partners Douglas Development, CallisonRTKL and Davis Construction to honor the history of the retail space through smart design and construction. The building, formally known as the Washington Coliseum and Uline Arena, opened in 1941. Additional details about the rich history of the building and how historic elements were woven throughout the store are available at newsroom.rei.com.

“CallisonRTKL has had a long relationship with REI developing their next generation retail concepts, including their flagship in SoHo,” said Alex Shapleigh, CallisonRTKL vice president and the lead designer on the project. “We are honored to have partnered with them on their newest flagship store in one of Washington, D.C.’s most storied buildings.”

The flagship will join eight other REI stores serving nearly 300,000 REI members living in and around the Washington, D.C. area. It is the retailer’s fifth flagship, joining locations in Seattle, Denver, Bloomington, Minn. and the SoHo area of New York City.

About REI
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 6 million active members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 148 stores in 36 states. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI-Garage.com or the free REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. You can take the trip of a lifetime with REI Adventures, a global leader in active adventure travel that runs 170 custom-designed itineraries on every continent. REI’s Outdoor School is run by professionally-trained, expert-instructors who teach beginner- to advanced-level courses about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to–and steward–the outdoor places that inspire us.

About Callison
About CallisonRTKL: For more than five decades, Callison and RTKL have created some of the world’s most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. In 2015, our two practices came together under the Arcadis umbrella, expanding our sphere of influence and the depth and breadth of our resources. Our team is comprised of more than 2,000 creative, innovative professionals throughout the world who are committed to advancing our clients’ businesses and enhancing quality of life.

Contact:
REI Public Affairs
(253) 395-5958
prrequests@rei.com

Source: REI

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

2016 winners of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards announced by ascena Foundation

MAHWAH, N.J., 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — ascena retail group, inc., through their ascena Foundation, is proud to announce the 2016 winners of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards. The Awards Program, now in its third year, aims to empower and provide financial support to everyday heroes who are making a meaningful impact in communities across the United States, specifically in the areas of health, education, social reform and esteem.

The Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards honor the lifelong contributions of Roslyn S. Jaffe, co-founder of dressbarn and Director Emeritus of ascena retail group, inc. “I’m thrilled to announce this year’s Award winners and recognize these exceptional leaders who are making the world a better place for women and children,” says Mrs. Jaffe. “This year, we received a record number of applications for nominations, showcasing the overwhelming number of organizations that are positively contributing to their local communities. It is truly an honor to welcome these women into the Jaffe Awards family and to support and celebrate organizations who are essential to the strength, health and betterment of our communities.”

As a trailblazing entrepreneur, Mrs. Jaffe began her career in 1962. Mrs. Jaffe was a working mother who saw a need for a convenient one-stop-shop that offered value-based and fashion-forward wardrobe solutions for busy women like herself. It was then that Mrs. Jaffe opened the first dressbarn store in Stamford, CT, eventually growing into ascena retail group, inc., a $7.4 billion family of retail brands, including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, Cacique, maurices, dressbarn, and Catherines brands. The Jaffe Awards honors Mrs. Jaffe’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to give back, while also encouraging social entrepreneurs to be heroes in their local communities.

The 2016 Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards winners all positively impact low-income women and children, both in their local communities and nationwide. The 2016 winners include:

Vanessa Garrison & Morgan Dixon, founders of GirlTrek ($100,000 Grand Prize Recipient)
GirlTrek is a national nonprofit that mobilizes African-American women to live their healthiest, most fulfilled lives through the habit of daily walking. “As an organization that helps improve the health of tens of thousands of black women and their families, this Award will help bring critical resources and attention to GirlTrek’s mission while advancing our goal to inspire 1 million black women and girls across the country to walk every day by 2018,” said co-founder Vanessa Garrison.
Lara Mendel, executive director of The Mosaic Project ($25,000 Grant Recipient)
The Mosaic Project aims to create a peaceful future by uniting children of diverse backgrounds, providing them with essential community-building skills, and empowering them to become peacemakers in their communities.
Shira Greenberg, founder and artistic director of Keshet Dance ($25,000 Grant Recipient)
Keshet Dance’s mission is to inspire and unite communities by fostering unlimited possibilities through dance, mentorship and a creative space for the arts.

An esteemed Selection Committee with expertise in women’s causes, public affairs, health and education selected three Awards winners based on five criteria: Their impact on women and children in the U.S., service of lower-to-middle class beneficiaries, use of innovative approaches, scalability, and overall need and use for funding. In addition to receiving financial grants that can be used to further impact the winners’ causes, these grassroots organizations will benefit from increased exposure, funding opportunities, and often the potential for expanded programming, collaborations and partnerships with other peer organizations.

A luncheon to honor the winners will take place on October 27, 2016 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. Acclaimed journalist and philanthropist, Soledad O’Brien, will emcee the event.

“I’m so honored to be a part of this fantastic initiative,” says Soledad O’Brien, award-winning journalist and proud supporter of the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards. “This is my third year participating in the luncheon, and every year I’m impressed to learn about the wonderful causes and organizations that are further empowering and helping women and children across the country.”

Leading up to the luncheon, ascena retail group, inc. will host the inaugural Alumni Summit that will convene all previous grant recipients, further encouraging collaborations and partnerships amongst peers.

For additional information about the Roslyn S. Jaffe Awards and this year’s winners, please visit www.jaffeawards.com.

About Roslyn S.Jaffe
Roslyn S. Jaffe co-founded the first dressbarn store in 1962; currently she is Director Emeritus of ascena retail group, inc. She is a graduate of Simmons College, and was awarded an honorary Doctorate degree in management from Simmons College in 2011.

In 1962, Roslyn S. Jaffe was a working mother who, with her husband Elliott, saw a need and had a brilliant business idea – a one-stop-shop that offered the convenience of a value-based, yet fashion forward “work” wardrobe solution for busy women.. Roslyn and Elliot seized the opportunity and opened a small store named dressbarn in Stamford, CT and helped transform it into what is now ascena retail group, inc., a $7 billion plus family of brands. A true trailblazer and entrepreneur, Mrs. Jaffe credits her success to strength, determination, and a can-do attitude. But, most of all, she credits the company’s success to a strong team of family, friends, and associates.

Understanding the needs of her co-workers, many of whom were also “working moms,” Roslyn Jaffe encouraged a close-knit community where associates could rely on each other. In addition, Mrs. Jaffe supported like-minded organizations in the community and was an early advocate for Dress for Success®, an organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. This “take care of your own” camaraderie is what inspired the company years later to establish ascena Cares, the company’s philanthropic organization.

About ascena Cares
Within ascena and its family of brands there is a rich history of giving. This is demonstrated through ascena Cares, which embodies the extraordinary philanthropic efforts within the organization. ascena and its brands have contributed over $100 million towards causes that benefit women and children, and the communities where they live. Whether through collective partnerships or individual brand outreach efforts, ascena is a family of brands that respects and serves women and girls and is dedicated to making a positive impact on their lives. And, through ascena Cares, several funds were established to provide support directly to associates, their families and their communities, including: an emergency assistance fund to help associates in challenging times; a scholarship fund to help associates’ children get a higher education; and a crisis relief fund to help associates and their surrounding communities in times of need.

About ascena retail group, inc.
ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) is a leading national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women under the Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, maurices, dressbarn and Catherines brands, and for tween girls under the Justice brand. ascena retail group, inc. operates ecommerce websites and approximately 4,900 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more information about ascena retail group, inc. visit: ascenaretail.com, AnnTaylor.com, LOFT.com, louandgrey.com, lanebryant.com, cacique.com, maurices.com, dressbarn.com, Catherines.com, shopjustice.com

CONTACT:
Diana Hitzig
MSLGROUP
(646) 500-7686
diana.hitzig@mslgroup.com

SOURCE: ascena retail group, inc.

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Diebold to release 2016 3Q financial results on November 15

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Diebold (NYSE:DBD) will release 2016 third quarter financial results Tuesday, November 15 before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange. Andy W. Mattes, chief executive officer, and Christopher A. Chapman, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the results during a conference call scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Information about Diebold’s financial results, including a complete, full-text press release, supplementary financial data and an earnings overview presentation, will be accessible by visiting the Investor Relations section of Diebold’s website located at http://www.dieboldnixdorf.com/earnings on November 15. Live access to the conference call, as well as the replay, will also be available on this website. The conference call will last approximately one hour. Participants should plan to dial in 10 minutes prior to the session. Details on the call are as follows:

	Dial-in number	Passcode	Time/Date
Conference Call	US/Canada: 888-401-4668	4834789	8:30 a.m. ET, Nov 15, 2016
	International: 719-457-2647

For more information, please visit http://www.dieboldnixdorf.com/en-us/dieboldwincor.

Media Relations:
Mike Jacobsen
APR
+1 330 490 3796
michael.jacobsen@dieboldnixdorf.com

Investor Relations:
Steve Virostek
+1-330-490-6319
stephen.virostek@dieboldnixdorf.com

SOURCE: Diebold

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Diebold Nixdorf and Cybera partner to securely connect store-based payment systems with cloud-based computing operations

North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany / Franklin, Tenn., USA, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Diebold Nixdorf, a world leader in driving connected commerce, and Cybera, an IT leader in software-defined wide-area-networks (SD-WAN), are partnering to securely connect physical systems and digital operations for service stations with a unified, easy-to-manage platform.

Combining the companies’ respective core retail competencies, the new solution securely and conveniently connects store-based payment systems with cloud-based computing operations. The innovative solution dramatically simplifies the growing complexity that gas and service station operators face at remote locations by managing cloud-based solutions, payment networks and other sensitive applications and services. The software-defined nature of the platform enables it to run on any network, preserving existing infrastructure investments while optimizing availability, uptime and speed-to-market for new and next generation services.

“We are excited about working with a global leader like Diebold Nixdorf to bring the market a much needed solution that can quickly and securely scale to meet the customer experience anywhere,” said Andrew Lev, chief executive officer, Cybera.

The Diebold Nixdorf i–SERVICE STATION eco-system is an end-to-end solution portfolio for fuel retailers. This solution platform will be enhanced with Cybera’s secure SD-WAN solution. Cybera’s solution accelerates Diebold Nixdorf’s ability to remotely and securely scale their point-of-sale (POS) suite of applications across a global footprint. To protect against security breaches, Cybera combines a defense-in-depth approach with industry leading micro-segmentation, isolating each application into its own virtual network with custom security and performance policies.

“We work closely with our customers to identify business needs and collaboratively develop solutions that will streamline their operations. We know that any downtime or slow performance can translate into lost sales and unhappy consumers,” said Horst von Wels, Diebold Nixdorf vice president and head of service stations international. “This partnership enables us to offer a solution to the market that will provide a more secure, compliant and reliable way for our customers to optimize cost while enabling a smooth cloud transition of applications and services.”

Experience the live demonstrations of the Diebold Nixdorf i-SERVICE STATION solutions at NACS in Hall B – #4931.

About Cybera
Cybera is a leading provider of secure, software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) solutions to many of the world’s top enterprises. The company provides a simple solution to the growing complexity that distributed enterprises face at remote locations by uniquely automating application centric security and performance in the cloud, providing greater customer choice through best-of-breed partnerships and services that accelerate time-to-market. By virtualizing security functions in the fabric of the network, Cybera offers advanced enterprise-grade security for any location, no matter how remote. The company has been named a Gartner Cool Vendor and recognized 7 times by Inc5000 as one of America’s fastest growing private companies. Investors include Sumeru Equity Partners, a Silicon Valley based spin out of Silver Lake. For more information about Cybera, visit www.cybera.com.

About Diebold Nixdorf
Diebold Nixdorf is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world’s top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an ‘always on’ and changing consumer landscape.

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Shares are traded on the New York and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol ‘DBD’. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

Contacts:

Ulrich Nolte
Media Relations – Germany
Email: ulrich.nolte@dieboldnixdorf.com
Phone: +49 5251 693 5211

Steve Virostek
Investor Relations
Email: steve.virostek@dieboldnixdorf.com
Phone: 330-490-6319

Source: Diebold Nixdorf

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

USDA FSIS: St. Clair Foods recalls chicken and dumplings due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen

WASHINGTON, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — St. Clair Foods, Inc., a Memphis, Tenn. establishment, is recalling approximately 26,800 pounds of chicken and dumplings due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today (Oct. 21, 2016). The products contain milk, a known allergen, which was not declared on the product label.

The chicken and dumplings were produced on various dates from Sept. 13 through Oct. 6, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

5-lb. Plastic sealed packages containing “ST. CLAIR FOODS CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS” bearing package codes 16257, 16264, and 16280.
2-lb. Plastic sealed packages containing “ST. CLAIR FOODS CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS” bearing package codes 16257, 16264, and 16280.
5-lb. Plastic sealed packages containing “RON’S HOMESTYLE FOODS CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS” bearing package codes 16280, 16272, 16264, and 16257.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST-6568” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to food service warehouses and distributed for institutional use in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

The problem was discovered by the establishment on October 20, 2016 during a review of product specifications. The establishment was not notified by their ingredient supplier that there was a change in the dumpling ingredients to include the addition of the milk ingredient. The establishment immediately notified FSIS that the undeclared milk allergen ingredient was incorporated into their products.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury, illness, or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness 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 with questions about the recall can contact Monica Woodruff at (901) 322-7301. Media with questions about the recall can contact Brian Edmonds at (901) 322-7328.

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

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

Contact:
Congressional and Public Affairs
Benjamin Bell
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Source: USDA

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

USDA FSIS: Brookwood Farms, Inc., recalls pulled pork products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens

WASHINGTON, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Brookwood Farms, Inc., a Siler City, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 126,570 pounds of pulled pork products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today (Oct. 21, 2016). The product contains soy, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label.

The fully cooked, pulled pork items were produced between June 12, 2014 and Oct. 21, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

5-lb. plastic bags containing “COOKED PULLED PORK CARNITA STYLE.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 1740” inside the USDA mark of inspection and code 15006 on the label. These items were distributed for institutional use nationwide.

The problem was discovered by FSIS inspection personnel while conducting routine label verification activities.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury, illness, or adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness 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.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Craig Wood, Vice President, at (919) 663-3612 ext.226. Media with questions about the recall can contact Twig Wood, President, at (919) 663-3612 ext.224.

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
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

###

: USDA FSIS: Brookwood Farms, Inc., recalls pulled pork products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens

Source: USDA

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Zippy launches new Autumn/Winter 2016/2017 collection

: Zippy launches new Autumn/Winter 2016/2017 collection

Porto, Portugal, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — With the arrival of the colder time of year, Zippy is warming up its stores with the new Autumn/Winter 2016/2017 collection. Bold, original, colourful, fun, noble fabrics, chosen thinking about children’s daily comfort and welfare, domestic fashion and design are just some of the main features in Zippy’s proposals for the coming months.

Zippy has an autumn range inspired by the College look for boys, with the images and the wardrobe solutions conferring a more preppy look. Mustard yellow, burgundy, olive green and deep blue blend together with the typical autumn colours making this collection a ‘must have’ for the boys’ first days of autumn. Polo shirts, sweaters, knitwear are the high points of this collection.

The Zippy winter collection has taken inspiration from mountain life to create its Outdoor collection. The collection is built with character and authenticity, the colour palette came from the forest, with earth and timber tones, dry greens and stone hues that blend with the dark reds and blues.

Zippy is launching a preppy and college inspired collection, with classical, elegant solutions for girl aged between 2 and 14. Checked patterns, traditional stripes blended with “liberty” floral prints ensure the classical line of the entire collection, with a touch of hand-made details such as embroidery, labels or prints, creating a folk inspiration.

The girls outdoor mixes warm earth and wood colours with warm pink and orange again mixed with the classical Zippy colours such as sea blue and sand colour. Specially designed for the colder rainier days of the year, this collection keeps the knitted sweaters made in Portugal and premium manufacturing, the warmest sweaters in vayela, the jackets and the corduroy items, with a mixture of cotton and elastane for greater comfort and mobility.

This winter, babies are going to be wearing the Woodland collection, inspired by the forest environment, based on a colour palette that blends earthy tones with blue and greenish shades. Representing the contrast of the earth with the winter cold, this collection has fur-lined or padded coats and fake suede. In the Winter, the baby girls are showered with the Snow Dreams collection that is defined as a predominantly traditional and nostalgic preppy style. Inspired by nature on a winter mountain, the snowflake blue and dusty pinks, combined with greys and dark blue, offer a loving, delicate, warm collection, always in line with the fashion trends. The thick knitwear, premium manufacturing and “made in Portugal”, the fur textures and the textiles are the high points of this collection.

In this collection, we can see a refresh of the Wholegarment line that offers premium items without seams, “made in Portugal”, that are more elastic and allow for complete freedom of movement. Softness, lightness, comfort and adaptability are the characteristics that define this delicate collection of clothes for newborn babies.

For any press request please contact with:

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

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

Source: Inditex

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Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Raley’s Family of Fine Stores named “Retailer of the Year” at the Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 Wine Star Awards

: Raley’s Family of Fine Stores named “Retailer of the Year” at the Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 Wine Star Awards

Fair Oaks, CA, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Raley’s Family of Fine Stores is honored to be named Wine Enthusiast’s 2016 Wine Star Award Winner for the “Retailer of the Year” in the United States. Wine Enthusiast cited the grocery chain’s courage to reimagine its wine and spirits category and turn it into a thriving business. The honor is particularly highly regarded because the nominees are determined by an impartial panel of experts from the industry.

“Through our education efforts, we seek to broaden customers’ options for eclectic and affordable wines,” said Curtis Mann, Raley’s Director of Wine, Beer, and Spirits. “The team at Raley’s has been working hard over the last three years to develop a premiere department and greatly appreciate Wine Enthusiast’s recognition of these efforts.” Mann completed the distinguished Wine and Spirits Education Trust diploma and is sitting for the theory portion of the highly respected Masters of Wine Examination in June 2017.

In 2013, Raley’s began a transformation of its Wine, Beer & Spirits department to match its already best in class meat, seafood and fresh service deli offerings. The improvements included inroads into classic regions of the wine world as well as diverse offerings from California, Oregon and Washington at all price points, expanding Raley’s selection significantly.

The following year, the chain began hiring in-store wine stewards who help customers understand the exciting but complex world of wine. Now, more than 30 Raley’s Wine Stewards have completed extensive training in the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and have passed the WSET level 2 exam. Many of the Wine Stewards host a weekly educational tasting centered around a wine region or varietal, offering customers exposure to new regions, varieties and brands.

“We are curating a relationship with customers by offering an even more extensive selection of wine,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s Chief Operating Officer. “The wine department will continue to be a meaningful and significant part of how we serve our customers and differentiate ourselves from the competition.”

Raley’s continues to commit resources to the wine department with the installation of temperature controlled Borgon cases for high-end Wine Shop stores, as well as the creation of wine and beer bars in several stores. As the department has expanded, Raley’s has been able to secure allocations of highly sought after wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscany and California, as well as developing programs with small producers and importers who typically sell only to restaurants.

Raley’s moves into the future promising to become an even more eclectic and innovative Wine, Beer & Spirits retailer.

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

Source: Raleys

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Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Colruyt Group CEO Jef Colruyt awarded the first Joule Prize for Renewable Energy by Organisation for Renewable Energy

Halle, Belgium, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Colruyt Group CEO Jef Colruyt received the first Joule Prize for Renewable Energy from Flemish Energy Minister Bart Tommelein at the Flemish Parliament. The prize was presented by the Organisation for Renewable Energy (ODE), the sector federation for renewable energy in Flanders. The ODE awards the prize to reward an individual, organisation, authority or company for having made a difference with actual realisations in the field of renewable energy in Flanders between 2011 and 2016.

Pioneer
The ODE jury unanimously selected the winner from a list of strong candidates and calls Colruyt Group “a positive trendsetter who opens up new horizons for the whole business world in Flanders. What makes them special is and remains the intensive day-to-day care for energy.”

CEO Jef Colruyt accepts the prize as a recognition of the group’s many years’ pursuit of a more sustainable environment. “Caring for base materials and energy has always been in our genes. In 1999, it was a logical step to build a first wind turbine next to our distribution centre in Halle. Today we have the deep-rooted conviction that renewable energy is the future and we want to be a pioneer in the fight against global warming. We are determined to reduce our relative greenhouse gas emission by 20 % as compared with 2008, by 2020.”

Transition to a more sustainable energy supply
Over the past 5 years, Colruyt Group has considerably raised its investments in a more sustainable energy supply. At the end of 2016, the internal energy producer and supplier Eoly expanded its wind park to 11 turbines, producing 50,000 megawatt hours per year. This corresponds with the annual consumption of 18,000 households and a CO2 reduction of 14,500 tonnes. The energy expert recently obtained permits for 3 new wind turbines and keeps investing in renewable energy using the sun, cogeneration and biomass. Eoly’s green power production already covers a quarter of the group’s energy needs; in time this should become 100 %. At the beginning of this year, the Eoly Cooperation was founded, thus allowing private persons to invest in future onshore wind farms.

Ever since 2012, Colruyt Group has been pioneering with the production of green hydrogen, generated from wind and sun. This year the group doubled the capacity of its hydrogen station and started to use 200 new fuel cells for hydrogen-powered forklift trucks. The group is also testing hydrogen as a temporary storage buffer for superfluous green power, in an effort to gear supply and demand to each other.

Finally, through the Parkwind holding Colruyt Group participates in the operational offshore wind farms Belwind and Northwind and in the future Nobelwind.

With its investments in a more sustainable energy supply, Colruyt Group contributes to the realisation of the following Sustainable Development goals of the United Nations: (7) Affordable and clean energy, (13) Climate action.

More information: www.simplysustainable.com

Contact:

Patti Verdoodt
press@colruytgroup.com
+32 (0)2 363 55 45
+32 (0)473 92 45 10

Source: Colruyt Group

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Coop ruft Manchego Käse zurück

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Betroffen vom Rückruf ist der Qualité&Prix Manchego Käse ca 200g sowie Manchego Käse aus dem Offenverkauf. Der Käse ist unter anderem Namen auch bei anderen Händlern im Verkauf. Der Käse weist Listerien auf, welche möglicherweise zu Erkrankungen führen können. Betroffen sind nur Käse mit dem Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum 05.12.2016 / 07.12.2016 / 11.12.2016 sowie Käse aus dem Offenverkauf, der seit 10.09.2016 verkauft worden ist. Alle anderen Käse sind nicht betroffen. Die betroffene Ware ist nicht mehr im Verkauf. Kunden, welche dieses Produkt gekauft haben, sind gebeten, es nicht zu konsumieren und es in eine Verkaufsstelle zurückzubringen. Der Verkaufspreis wird zurückerstattet.

Betroffen ist der Artikel Coop Qualité&Prix Manchego ca. 200g:
– EAN-Nummern: 7610846685724
– Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum: 05.12.2016 / 07.12.2016 / 11.12.2016.

Manchego Offenverkauf:
– Verkauft seit: 10.09.2016

Die betroffene Ware ist nicht mehr im Verkauf – der Verkaufspreis wird zurückerstattet
Der betroffene Artikel war bei Coop@home, in den Coop-Supermärkten und Coop-City-Warenhäusern mit Lebensmittelabteilungen im Verkauf. In sämtlichen Verkaufsstellen wurde der Verkauf eingestellt. Die Kundschaft wird gebeten, den betroffenen Artikel in die Verkaufsstellen zurückzubringen, der Verkaufspreis wird zurückerstattet.

Weitere Informationen
Für weitere Auskünfte können sich die Kundinnen und Kunden an den Coop Konsumentendienst wenden unter der Tel. Nr. 0848 888 444.

Das kantonale Labor Basel-Stadt wurde von Coop informiert.

Kontaktpersonen:

Urs Meier
Leiter Medienstelle
Tel. +41 61 336 71 10

Ramón Gander
Mediensprecher
Tel. +41 61 336 71 67

Andrea Bergmann
Mediensprecherin
Tel. +41 61 336 67 37

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: Coop ruft Manchego Käse zurück

Source: Coop

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

NEUERÖFFNUNG: MIGROS FITNESSPARK SIHLCITY

: NEUERÖFFNUNG: MIGROS FITNESSPARK SIHLCITY

Gossau, Switzerland, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Am Montag, 31. Oktober, eröffnet in Sihlcity der siebte Fitnesspark der Genossenschaft Migros Zürich. Dieser bietet neben einer Fitnessarena und einem breiten Angebot an Gruppenkursen auch eine einladende Saunalandschaft.

Auf dem ehemaligen Areal der Papierfabrik beleben Shopping, Multiplexkino, Hotel, diverse Restaurants und Wohnungen das Zentrum Sihlcity. Am 31. Oktober kommt ein Migros Fitnesspark inklusive grosser Saunalandschaft hinzu. Der siebte Fitnesspark der Migros Zürich erstreckt sich über zwei Etagen auf 1900 Quadratmeter und bietet alles für ein erfolgreiches Training.

Wohltuende Saunawelt
Herzstück des Fitnessparks ist die grosse Saunalandschaft mit einem exklusiv für Frauen reservierten und einem gemischten Bereich. In der Trockensauna, Salzsauna und der mit speziellen Aufgüssen aromatisierten Sauna ist Entspannung garantiert. «Das Aufgusskonzept wurde intern entwickelt und soll die Gäste entspannen. So tanken sie Energie», sagt Christian Feustle, Leiter Fitnesspark Sihlcity. Die Aufgüsse beleben die Sinne und pflegen die Haut. Ein Ruhebereich mit Wasserbetten und eine Aussicht über Sihlcity laden überdies zum Verweilen ein. Und auch die Saunawelt nur für Frauen lässt sich sehen: auf 100 Quadratmeter stehen eine Sauna, die weniger heisse Variante das Sanarium und eine Wohlfühloase zur Verfügung.

Fit an der Sihl
In der 700 Quadratmeter grossen Fitnessanlage trainieren Sportbegeisterte an Geräten der neusten Generation verschiedener Hersteller. Wie die anderen Fitnessparks der Migros Zürich ist auch dieser Park mit dem eGym-Kraft-Zirkel ausgestattet: einem elektronisch gesteuerten und geführten Zirkel-Training mit Nutzererkennung. «Der Kraft-Zirkel von eGym basiert auf den wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnissen, dass nicht die Dauer, sondern die Intensität für ein effektives Training ausschlaggebend sind», erklärt Christian Feustle und fügt an, «durch die vollautomatische Geräteeinstellung spart man zusätzlich Zeit». Unterstützend dazu lassen sich die Trainingsabläufe und -erfolge in einer App mitverfolgen.

Daneben finden sich in der Fitnessarena modernste Kraft- und Ausdauergeräte für das klassische Training. In der «Functional Training Zone» bietet sich Besucherinnen und Besucher zudem die Möglichkeit, unterschiedliche Trainingsformen auszuführen, sich aufzuwärmen oder zu dehnen. So stehen diverse Hilfsmittel wie Freihanteln, Medizinbälle und weitere zur Nutzung bereit.

A wie Aerobic bis Z wie Zumba
Von Montag bis Sonntag wartet im Fitnesspark eine grosse Kursvielfalt auf Einsteiger wie auch Fortgeschrittene. Im Power-Workout Muscle Pump formt und definiert man den Körper mit einer Langhantel, während man dies im FunTone anhand von 45-Sekunden-Intervallen tut. Zur Kräftigung von Bauch, Beine und Po eignet sich besonders das Herzkreislauf-Training Body Sculpt oder Bodytoning, in dem man die Muskelgruppen mit Hilfe von Zusatzgewichten kräftigt. Schwitzen mit Spassfaktor bietet Zumba, das lateinamerikanischen Rhythmen und Fitness vereint. Und auch Kurse für Körper und Geist stehen im Angebot. Im Yoga und Pilates helfen gezielte Übungen, die Beweglichkeit und das Gleichgewicht zu verbessern und sich zu entspannen.
Der Migros Fitnesspark Sihlcity ist Qualitop anerkannt, bestens mit dem öffentlichen Verkehr erreichbar und verfügt über 850 Parkplätze in Sihlcity. Eine Jahreskarte im Migros Fitnesspark Sihlcity lohnt sich: Denn mit einer Jahreskarte profitiert man nicht nur von der grossen Saunalandschaft und Fitnessarena in Sihlcity, sondern trainiert auch in allen anderen sechs Fitnessparks der Migros Zürich. Sportausrüstung einpacken, Saunatuch nicht vergessen und ab in die City an der Sihl.

Adresse:
Migros Fitnesspark Sihlcity
Kalanderplatz 1
8045 Zürich

www.fitnesspark.ch/sihlcity

Öffnungszeiten:
Mo bis Fr 6.30–22 Uhr
Sa und So 9–20 Uhr

Contact:

Genossenschaft Migros Zürich
Francesco Laratta
Genossenschaft Migros Zürich
Mediensprecher Migros
Postfach
8021 Zürich
Tel: 058 561 64 62
Email: francesco.laratta@gmz.migros.ch

Source: Migros

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Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

SSP acquires 49% stake in Indian travel food and beverage operator, Travel Food Services Private Limited

United States, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP Group plc1, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has agreed to create a joint venture, whereby SSP will own a 49% stake in Travel Food Services Private Limited (“TFS”), a leading operator of food and beverage concessions in travel locations in India. SSP will acquire shares from the Kapur Family Trust, SNVK Properties Private Limited and KAPCO Caterers, part of the K Hospitality Group2 and subscribe for new shares in TFS3. K Hospitality operates a broad range of food and beverage outlets across India.

If you are a journalist and have a press enquiry, please call:
Templemere Public Relations
+44 (0) 1306 735574
press.office@ssp-intl.com

Source: SSP America

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Walgreens Boots Alliance and RIte Aid extend merger agreement end date from 27 October 2016 to 27 January 2017

DEERFIELD, Ill. & CAMP HILL, Pa., 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) and Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) today (20 October 2016) announced that, in accordance with the terms of their merger agreement dated 27 October 2015, they have mutually agreed to extend the end date of their merger agreement from 27 October 2016 to 27 January 2017. The companies now expect the transaction will close in early calendar 2017.

On 27 October 2015, the companies entered into a definitive agreement under which Walgreens Boots Alliance agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Rite Aid for $9.00 per share in cash. Under the terms of the merger agreement, either party has the right to extend the end date from 27 October 2016 to 27 January 2017 by delivery of notice to the other.

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.

The company was created through the combination of Walgreens and Alliance Boots in December 2014, bringing together two leading companies with iconic brands, complementary geographic footprints, shared values and a heritage of trusted health care services through pharmaceutical wholesaling and community pharmacy care, dating back more than 100 years.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest retail pharmacy, health and daily living destination across the USA and Europe. Walgreens Boots Alliance and the companies in which it has equity method investments together have a presence in more than 25* countries and employ more than 400,000* people. The company is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail and, together with the companies in which it has equity method investments, has over 13,200* stores in 11* countries as well as one of the largest global pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution networks, with over 390* distribution centers delivering to more than 230,000** pharmacies, doctors, health centers and hospitals each year in more than 20* countries. In addition, Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the world’s largest purchasers of prescription drugs and many other health and wellbeing products.

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

* As of 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

** For 12 months ending 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

About Rite Aid

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2016 annual revenues of $30.7 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All statements in this release that are not historical statements, which include, without limitation, those regarding the pending merger agreement between Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. and Rite Aid Corporation and the transactions contemplated thereby and their possible timing and effects, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “pending,” “potential”, “likely,” “preliminary,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “will,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “continue,” “synergy,” “on track,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “possible,” “assume,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known or unknown, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated. These include, but are not limited to, the outcome of legal and regulatory matters, including with respect to the outcome of discussions with the Federal Trade Commission and otherwise in connection with the pending acquisition of Rite Aid by Walgreens Boots Alliance; the number of stores divested in connection with such pending acquisition and the terms, timing and consummation of such transactions; the risk of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, changes in management’s assumptions, risks associated with acquisitions, including those relating to the ability to satisfy the closing conditions and consummate the pending acquisition of Rite Aid by Walgreens Boots Alliance and related matters on a timely basis or at all; the risks associated with the integration of complex businesses; and the other risks and uncertainties described in the reports that Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Item 1A (Risk Factors) in Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending 31 August 2015 and its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q as well as Rite Aid’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending 27 February 2016 and its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid expressly disclaim any current intention to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the distribution of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Contacts:

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Media Relations:
USA
Michael Polzin
+1 847 315 2935

International
Laura Vergani
+44 (0)207 980 8585

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

Rite Aid Corporation
Media Relations:
Ashley Flower
+1 717 975 5718

Investor Relations:
Matt Schroeder
+1 717 214 8867

Source: Walgreens Boots Alliance

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

John Lewis opens new Leeds store at Hammerson’s Victoria Gate Development

London, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — John Lewis opened its doors to Leeds customers today (20 October 2016), as the anchor to Hammerson’s £150m Victoria Gate Development.

Representing a £37m investment in Leeds, the 255,000 sq ft regional flagship shop has created 550 jobs locally, and is one of the largest John Lewis shops outside of London.

The Leeds shop is the retailer’s most service and experience led to date, offering customers a range of services from in-store beauty spa concepts and travel agents to an innovative coffee experience. As well as a full product assortment across John Lewis’s full fashion, beauty, home and technology ranges.

John Lewis Leeds is also supporting local talent by stocking over 120 products from 11 local Yorkshire suppliers, all of which are based within a 30 mile radius of Leeds as part of the retailer’s new ‘Made Locally’ initiative, in partnership with The Great British Exchange.

In the first hour of opening, the shop saw over two and a half thousand people through its doors, and the very first purchase at John Lewis Leeds was a pair of red leather gloves.

Speaking about the opening, Maggie Porteous, Director Shop Trade, commented:

John Lewis Leeds is our most service led shop to date, as we look to offer our customers experiences that cannot be replicated online. The shop brings all of our best products and services under one roof, and we’re really very excited to be able to open our doors to the shoppers of Leeds today.’

Notes to editors
John Lewis – John Lewis operates 48 John Lewis shops across the UK (34 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership and all 30,000 John Lewis staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology and was named ‘Best In-Store Experience’, ‘Best Clothing Retailer,’ ‘Best Electricals Retailer,’ ‘Best Furniture Retailer,’ ‘Best Homewares Retailer’ and ‘Best Click & Collect Retailer’ in the 2016 Verdict Customers Satisfaction awards. johnlewis.com 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.

Contact:
At Golley Slater
Holly Skelton
Email: hskelton@golleyslater.co.uk
Mobile: 0114 457 0019

Sophie Atkinson
Email: satkinson@golleyslater.co.uk
Mobile: 0113 457 0017

Source: John Lewis

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Boutique by Sainsbury’s launches Boutique Beauty Solutions collection

: Boutique by Sainsbury’s launches Boutique Beauty Solutions collection

London, 2016-Oct-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Boutique by Sainsbury’s launches Boutique Beauty solutions – a collection of seven beauty looks, designed for all women and all occasions. Whether you’re at college or university, starting your career or a busy mum, there’s something for everyone in Boutique’s beauty armoire.

Boutique is a high quality, affordable cosmetics range launched by Sainsbury’s in 2013. The range, developed by makeup artists Jo Saville and Sophia Price, offers long-lasting formulations, high pigmentation and easy application with a wide variety of colours for all skin tones. The selection of stunning looks, created by Jo & Sophia, have been launched in celebration of the range’s third birthday and aim to assist women of all ages, and skin tones, to look well for less.

Jo said: “We’re really excited about the Boutique Beauty Solutions collection. We wanted to pull together seven beauty looks that would be useful for all women out there no matter their age, or skin tone.” Sophia adds: “This is the ultimate make up guide for every day, and every type of occasion.”

The seven looks consist of:

School Run Glam

This look is all about speedy make up essentials that make it easy to be a gorgeous mum at the school gates.

A relaxed and casual look which makes women feel pretty and polished using soft, matte colours.