Daily Archives: November 10, 2016

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SpartanNash announces 3Q FY2016 consolidated net sales increased by 1.4% vs. same period previous year

  • Consolidated Net Sales Increased 1.4% Despite Prolonged Deflationary Environment
  • Reported Third Quarter EPS from Continuing Operations Improved $0.05 to $0.45 per Diluted Share; Adjusted Third Quarter EPS from Continuing Operations Improved $0.04 to $0.53 per Diluted Share
  • Announced Definitive Agreement to Acquire Caito Foods Service

Byron Center, MI, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — SpartanNash Company (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPTN) today (Nov 9, 2016) reported financial results for the 12-week third quarter and 40-week period ended October 8, 2016.

Third Quarter Results

Consolidated net sales for the 12-week third quarter increased to $1.80 billion from $1.78 billion in the prior year quarter, driven primarily by increases in the food distribution segment.

Reported operating earnings improved to $29.9 million from $29.2 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to sales growth at food distribution and lower operating expenses due in part to lower depreciation as well as productivity and efficiency initiatives, which offset the negative impact of deflation in all segments. Adjusted operating earnings improved to $35.1 million from $34.8 million in the prior year quarter.

Reported earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter increased to $16.7 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, from $15.2 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Reported earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter include a $0.02 per diluted share benefit associated with tax credits. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations for the third quarter increased to $20.1 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, from $18.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, in the prior year quarter. Current year adjusted earnings from continuing operations exclude net after-tax charges of $0.08 per diluted share primarily related to asset impairment and restructuring charges associated with the Company’s retail store rationalization plan as well as merger integration activities. Prior year adjusted earnings from continuing operations exclude net after-tax charges of $0.09 per diluted share primarily related to merger integration and acquisition expenses, as well as net restructuring and asset impairment charges. Adjusted earnings from continuing operations is a non-GAAP operating financial measure.

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA) was $53.4 million, or 3.0 percent of consolidated net sales, compared to $55.2 million, or 3.1 percent of consolidated net sales in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) financial measure. Please see the financial tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of net earnings to Adjusted EBITDA, and a reconciliation of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable measure prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

“We are pleased with our ability to overcome the continued challenging economic conditions and prolonged deflationary environment to deliver third quarter sales and earnings growth,” stated Dennis Eidson, SpartanNash’s Chief Executive Officer. “These results reflect the strength of our strategy to provide innovative and impactful solutions for our food distribution and retail customers as we benefited from new customer supply agreements and our third consecutive quarter of improved retail comparable store sales trends. During the quarter, we continued to invest in our merchandising, pricing and promotional initiatives, including expanded produce and private brand product offerings, as well as the continued roll out of Open Acres™. We also celebrated the grand re-openings of our newly remodeled Omaha stores with encouraging results. In addition, we realized further benefits from our ongoing investments in our supply chain network.”

Gross profit margin for the third quarter was 14.2 percent compared to 14.6 percent in the prior year quarter primarily due to the mix of business operations and the impact of continued deflation.

Reported operating expenses for the third quarter decreased to $225.4 million, or 12.5 percent of sales, from $229.8 million, or 12.9 percent of sales, in the prior year quarter. Third quarter operating expenses would have been $220.2 million, or 12.2 percent of net sales, compared to $224.3 million, or 12.6 percent of net sales in the prior year quarter, if restructuring, asset impairment, and merger integration charges were excluded from both periods. The decrease as a rate to sales was primarily due to lower depreciation expense associated with fully depreciated assets and lower occupancy costs, as well as improved operating expense leverage resulting from sales growth and ongoing productivity and efficiency initiatives.

Food Distribution Segment

Net sales for the food distribution segment increased to $804.5 million from $762.3 million in the prior year quarter primarily due to new business gains as well as the growth of certain existing accounts, which more than offset the impact of continued deflation.

Reported operating earnings for the food distribution segment increased to $19.0 million from $16.5 million in the prior year quarter. Third quarter adjusted operating earnings increased to $19.8 million from $17.0 million in the prior year quarter. The increases were due to higher sales, supply chain improvements, and lower depreciation expense, partially offset by costs associated with a water main break, transition-related expenses associated with warehouse consolidation efforts, and continued deflation. Third quarter adjusted operating earnings exclude $0.8 million of net pre-tax charges primarily related to merger integration expenses. The prior year third quarter excludes $0.5 million of pre-tax charges related to merger integration and acquisition costs and other charges associated with cost reduction initiatives. Adjusted operating earnings is a non-GAAP operating financial measure. Please see the financial tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of operating earnings to adjusted operating earnings by segment.

Retail Segment

Net sales for the retail segment were $489.0 million in the third quarter compared to $507.2 million for the prior year quarter. Comparable store sales for the quarter, excluding fuel, improved to -1.8 percent from -3.0 percent in the second quarter. Despite the sequential improvements in comparable store sales as well as higher fuel gallons, the ongoing deflationary environment and continued challenging economic conditions, particularly in certain western geographies, contributed to the lower sales at retail. Specifically, the decrease in net sales was attributable to the negative comparable store sales, excluding fuel; $7.9 million in lower sales resulting from retail store closures; and $3.8 million due to lower retail fuel prices compared to the prior year.

Reported operating earnings in the retail segment were $8.0 million compared to $9.2 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted operating earnings were $12.4 million compared to $13.2 million in the prior year quarter. Current year adjusted operating earnings exclude $4.4 million of pre-tax asset impairment and restructuring charges and merger integration expenses. The prior year third quarter excludes $4.0 million of pre-tax merger integration and acquisition costs, and net asset impairment charges. The decrease in adjusted operating earnings was primarily due to lower comparable store sales volumes and the impact of deflation, partially offset by favorable rebate programs, lower occupancy costs, and the impact of store closures.

During the third quarter, the Company opened one new fuel center and closed one store upon lease expiration, ending the quarter with 159 Company-owned retail stores, 79 pharmacies, and 30 fuel centers.

Military Segment

Net sales for the Company’s military segment increased to $506.6 million from $506.0 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was due to new business gains associated with the distribution of fresh products, partially offset by continued lower sales at the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operated commissaries.

Reported operating earnings for the military segment were $2.9 million compared to $3.4 million in the prior year quarter. Third quarter adjusted operating earnings were $2.9 million compared to $4.5 million in the prior year period. In the prior year third quarter, adjusted operating earnings exclude $1.1 million of pre-tax restructuring and asset impairment charges primarily related to a facility closure. The decrease was primarily due to the lack of inflationary gains and a shift in the business mix.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Cash flow provided by operating activities for the year-to-date period was $78.6 million, compared to $129.9 million in the comparable period last year, primarily due to customer advances to support sales growth and the timing of working capital requirements.

Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, including current maturities, were $494.4 million at October 8, 2016 compared to $486.8 million at January 2, 2016. Net long-term debt (including current maturities and capital lease obligations and subtracting cash) for the Company was $468.0 million as of October 8, 2016 compared to $464.1 million at January 2, 2016. The Company’s total net long-term debt-to-capital ratio is 0.4-to-1.0 and net long-term debt to Adjusted EBITDA is 2.0-to-1.0, which approximates the Company’s goal, as of October 8, 2016. Net long-term debt is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the financial tables at the end of this press release for a reconciliation of long-term debt and capital lease obligations to total net long-term debt and capital lease obligations.

Outlook

Mr. Eidson continued, “While we anticipate continued deflationary pressure for the remainder of the year, we are confident that we will continue to improve our top line performance as we deliver value to our food distribution and retail customers through our solutions-focused approach and commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations. We expect our targeted capital investments and enhancements to our merchandising, pricing and promotional strategies will offset some of the deflationary and competitive pressures in the retail segment. In our food distribution and military network, we continue to allocate resources to drive new business development, which will better enable us to pursue opportunities within the alternative channel space.”

The Company is narrowing its previously issued fiscal 2016 guidance of adjusted earnings per diluted share from continuing operations to approximately $2.09 to $2.16, excluding merger integration costs and other adjusted charges and gains, compared to $1.98 in the prior year. The Company anticipates that reported earnings from continuing operations will now be in the range of approximately $1.58 to $1.65 per diluted share, compared to $1.67 in the prior year. The guidance reflects the continuation of negative comparable retail store sales and the variability associated with deflation and its related positive impact on LIFO.

The Company expects capital expenditures for fiscal year 2016 to now approximate $72.0 million, with depreciation and amortization of approximately $76.0 million to $77.0 million, and total interest expense of approximately $18.0 to $19.0 million.

Recent Developments

On November 3, 2016, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets of Caito Foods Service (“Caito”) and Blue Ribbon Transport (“BRT”) for $217.5 million in cash, in addition to reimbursing Caito for certain transaction costs and providing two earn-out opportunities that have the potential to pay the sellers an additional $12.4 million collectively if the business achieves certain performance targets. The purchase price will be funded with proceeds from the Company’s asset-based lending facility.

Founded in Indianapolis in 1965, Caito Foods Service is a leading supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables to grocery retailers and food service distributors across 22 states in the Southeast, Midwest and Eastern United States. Caito and BRT, which generate combined annual revenues in excess of $600 million, currently service customers from facilities in Indiana, Ohio and Florida. Caito also has a central fresh cut fruit and vegetable facility in Indianapolis and is completing construction on its new 118,000 square foot Fresh Kitchen facility, also in Indianapolis. The $32 million Fresh Kitchen will process, cook, and package fresh protein-based foods and complete meals; it is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2017. The company offers temperature-controlled distribution and logistics services throughout North America through its affiliate Blue Ribbon Transport.

The acquisition will strengthen the Company’s product offerings to its existing customer base by expanding into the fast-growing freshly-prepared centerplate and side dish categories. The Company expects to close the acquisition by early January 2017, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Conference Call

A telephone conference call to discuss the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2016 financial results is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, November 10, 2016. A live webcast of this conference call will be available on the Company’s website, www.spartannash.com/webcasts. Simply click on “For Investors” and follow the links to the live webcast. The webcast will remain available for replay on the Company’s website for approximately ten days.

About SpartanNash

SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is a Fortune 400 company whose core businesses include distributing grocery products to independent grocery retailers, national accounts, its corporate owned retail stores, and U.S. military commissaries. SpartanNash serves customer locations in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 159 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, Family Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market and Sun Mart. Through its MDV military division, SpartanNash is the leading distributor of grocery products to military commissaries in the United States.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These include statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “outlook,” “pipeline,” “optimistic,” “committed,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “expects,” “look forward,” “guidance,” “opportunities,” “position,” “focus,” or “plan” or similar expressions or that an event or trend “will” occur, or is “beginning.” Forward-looking statements relating to expectations about future results or events are based upon information available to SpartanNash as of today’s date, and are not guarantees of the future performance of the company, and actual results may vary materially from the results and expectations discussed. Additional risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the company’s ability to compete in the highly competitive grocery distribution, retail grocery, and military distribution industries. Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in SpartanNash’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K and other SEC filings. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning SpartanNash, or other matters and attributable to SpartanNash or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. SpartanNash does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof.

Investor Contact:
Chris Meyers
Executive Vice President & CFO
(616) 878-8023

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

Source: SpartanNash Company

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Harris Teeter to present $183,873 check to The American Red Cross for its Hurricane Matthew disaster relief efforts

Matthews, N.C., 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Company to Present Check to Aid Disaster Relief

Date: Friday, Nov. 11, 2016

Time: 9 a.m.

Location:  Ballantyne Commons Harris Teeter
15007 John J. Delaney Dr.
Charlotte, NC28277

Live shots & interviews are welcomed!

Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, Harris Teeter will present The American Red Cross with a check for $183,873 to assist disaster relief efforts throughout our local communities affected by Hurricane Matthew, which made land-fall in early October.

This donation is made possible by the success of Harris Teeter’s Emergency Support Campaign which the company hosted to benefit its neighbors who were displaced or affected by the storm. The campaign launched Oct. 13, 2016 and ran through Oct. 28, 2016. During this time, Harris Teeter invited its shoppers and associates at all locations to donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout.

One-hundred percent of proceeds from the in-store campaign will be given to American Red Cross and will be allocated specifically to efforts directly related to Hurricane Matthew domestic relief.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our loyal shoppers and valued associates. Without them, this donation would not be possible,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter.  “In addition to the funds collected in our stores, Harris Teeter donated 17 truckloads of bottled water, seven truckloads of ice and nearly $30,000 in food donations to community members throughout North & South Carolina immediately following the storm.”

The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need and responds to disasters ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions.

Source: Harris Teeter

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Harris Teeter initiatives raised $802,820 to support United Way

Matthews, N.C., 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today, Harris Teeter announced a $802,820 donation to United Way, an organization that utilizes strategic community philanthropy to create long-lasting change for those most in need. The funds were collected through three major initiatives – an in-store donation card campaign; associate pledges committed during the company’s annual Community Cares Associate Giving Program; and a golf tournament hosted by Harris Teeter’s corporate headquarters.

From August 10, 2016– September 11, 2016, shoppers at every Harris Teeter location were invited to make a $1, $3 or $5 donation to United Way at checkout.  This effort to create change in the local community raised more than $458,000.

In conjunction with the donation card campaign, the Company hosted its annual Community Cares Associate Giving Program which offered associates the opportunity to donate to six local nonprofits, including United Way and its partner agencies. Harris Teeter associates rose to the occasion and pledged $174,703 to United Way and its partner agencies which include Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Salvation Army, Goodwill, American Red Cross, YMCA and YWCA.

Harris Teeter’s corporate headquarters also hosted a golf tournament to benefit United Way chapters throughout the Company’s markets. This tournament collected $170,000, bringing Harris Teeter’s total donation to United Way to $802,820.

“Harris Teeter is proud to continue our support of the United Way by providing our shoppers and associates convenient ways to donate,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. “Our campaigns are intended to not only raise money for United Way, but also to increase awareness of the nonprofit’s role in raising funds for its local nonprofit partner agencies. We appreciate the participation of our shoppers and associates, and are thankful for their extreme generosity.”

“Harris Teeter is a wonderful partner to United Way in every community where they do business,” said Sean Garrett, executive director of United Way of Central Carolinas.  “We’re particularly thankful that their associates took additional time this year to share more details about what United Way is achieving in education, income and health, so their loyal customers better understand the impact of their generosity.”

Source: Harris Teeter

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ISB Food Group, LLC recalls select L.A. Creamery Honeycomb ice cream and L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel ice cream

ISB Food Group, LLC recalls select L.A. Creamery Honeycomb ice cream and L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel ice cream
ISB Food Group, LLC recalls select L.A. Creamery Honeycomb ice cream and L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel ice cream

 

Los Angeles, CA, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — ISB Food Group, LLC is recalling L.A. Creamery Honeycomb ice cream and L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel ice cream with expiration dates of March 18, 2017, because they were produced in a co-packing facility that has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

L.A. Creamery Honeycomb and L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel with expiration dates of March 18, 2017, were distributed from March to October 2016 in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Massachusetts.

The product is in paper 14 oz. ice cream containers with the L.A. Creamery brand name, Salted Caramel flavor and Honeycomb flavors, specifically stamped on the bottom of the container with the expiration date of March 18, 2017.

No illnesses have been reported to date, and no L.A. Creamery product has been found to be contaminated.

The recall is the result of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finding samples positive for Listeria monocytogenes in the facility of the contract manufacturer, Dr. Bob’s of Upland, LLC, and in finished product of an unrelated company’s brand that was manufactured at the Dr. Bob’s facility, leading the contract manufacturer to recall all ice cream products produced this year at its facility. The continuous production line at Dr. Bob’s that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes was used to produce L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel and L.A. Creamery Honeycomb flavors in March of 2016.  ISB Food Group has only used the Dr. Bob’s facility for co-packing once in 2016, in March, and will not produce in the Dr. Bob’s facility going forward.

Consumers who have purchased L.A. Creamery Salted Caramel flavor or L.A. Creamery Honeycomb flavor with expiration dates of March 18, 2017 are urged to contact us for a full refund or any questions at (818) 405-0022, extension 103, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am Pacific Time to 3:00 pm Pacific Time.

Consumers Contact:

Antonella Loiacano
(818) 405-0022, ext. 103

Source: FDA

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Product recall: Select Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino Gelato and Nancy’s Fancy Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts Gelato

Product recall: Select Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino Gelato and Nancy’s Fancy Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts Gelato
Product recall: Select Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino Gelato and Nancy’s Fancy Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts Gelato

 

Los Angeles, California, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — ISB Food Group, LLC of Los Angeles, California is recalling Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino Gelato and Nancy’s Fancy Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts Gelato with expiration dates of March 18, 2017, because they were produced in a co-packing facility that has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino Gelato and Nancy’s Fancy Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts Gelato with expiration dates of March 18, 2017,were distributed from March to October 2016 in California, Oregon and Texas.

The product is in plastic pint-sized containers with the Nancy’s Fancy brand name, Butterscotch Budino flavor and Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts flavor, specifically stamped on the bottom with the expiration date of March 18, 2017.

No illnesses have been reported to date, and no Nancy’s Fancy product has been found to be contaminated.

The recall is the result of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finding samples positive for Listeria monocytogenes in the facility of the contract manufacturer, Dr. Bob’s of Upland, LLC, and in finished product of an unrelated company’s brand that was manufactured at the Dr. Bob’s facility, leading the contract manufacturer to recall all ice cream products produced this year at its facility.   The continuous production line at Dr. Bob’s that tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes was used to produce Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino and Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts flavors in March of 2016.  ISB Food Group has only used the Dr. Bob’s facility for co-packing once in 2016, in March, and will not produce in the Dr. Bob’s facility going forward.

Consumers who have purchased Nancy’s Fancy Butterscotch Budino flavor or Nancy’s Fancy Peanut Butter with Crunchy Peanuts flavor with expiration dates of March 18, 2017 are urged to contact us for a full refund or any questions at (818) 405-0022, extension 103, Monday through Friday, 7:00 am Pacific Time to 3:00 pm Pacific Time.

Consumers Contact:

Antonella Loiacano
(818) 405-0022, ext. 103

Source: FDA

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SUPERVALU selected by America’s Food Basket (AFB) as grocery wholesaler and supplier

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. & LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ —SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE:SVU) and America’s Food Basket (AFB) today (Nov. 9, 2016) announced that SUPERVALU has been selected by AFB as a grocery wholesaler and supplier. The parties have entered into a long-term agreement for SUPERVALU to supply the AFB member stores with traditional grocery products across a range of categories including meat, deli, bakery, grocery, fresh produce, frozen foods and dairy. SUPERVALU will distribute AFB’s “Ideal Brands” as well as provide AFB stores with the ability to offer SUPERVALU’s private brand products including Essential Everyday®, Wild Harvest®, and Culinary Circle®.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Lake Success, New York, AFB is a regional cooperative serving 47 neighborhood stores located primarily in New York and parts of New England. AFB stores range in size from 5,000 to almost 20,000 square feet and deliver a diverse set of products to meet the needs of their local communities and customers. AFB stores operate under three primary banners: America’s Food Basket, Ideal Food Basket and Superfi Emporium.

“America’s Food Basket is a terrific regional co-op that delivers a great neighborhood grocery experience for its customers,” said Mike Stigers, Executive Vice President of SUPERVALU’s Wholesale business. “Our plans to continue to grow SUPERVALU’s wholesale business took another step forward today with the addition of America’s Food Basket.”

SUPERVALU and AFB expect that a few of the 47 AFB member stores will have transitioned to SUPERVALU supply before the end of December 2016 with the balance of the remaining stores likely to transition to SUPERVALU supply during the first quarter of calendar 2017.

“America’s Food Basket is moving into our fourth year of growth while at the same time seeking opportunities to build our business by exploring new avenues for operational excellence,” said Dan Cabassa, CEO, America’s Food Basket. “We’re pleased to announce this relationship with SUPERVALU as we believe it will help us deliver a great offering for our shoppers.”

About America’s Food Basket

America’s Food Basket, LLC. is a cooperative which supports and unifies independent retail stores across the Northeast United States operating in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The Company leverages the size of its purchases and merchandising operations to deliver the best cost and efficiencies for its member stores. The stores operating under three principle banners, America’s Food Basket, Ideal Food Basket, and Superfi Emporium sell groceries and provide payment services at its independent member retail locations. The company also provides a line of grocery, dairy, and fresh products under its private label brand, Ideal Brands, which can be viewed on its webpage www.afbasket.com.

About SUPERVALU INC.

SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest grocery wholesalers and retailers in the U.S. with annual sales of approximately $18 billion. SUPERVALU serves customers across the United States through a network of 3,382 stores composed of 1,815 stores operated by wholesale customers serviced primarily by the Company’s food distribution business; 1,370 Save-A-Lot stores, of which 888 are operated by licensee owners; and 197 traditional retail grocery stores (store counts as of September 10, 2016). Headquartered in Minnesota, SUPERVALU has approximately 40,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995.

Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, particularly those pertaining to SUPERVALU’s expectations, guidance, or future operating results, and other statements identified by words such as “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends” and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including uncertainties as to the timing of the transition of the America’s Food Basket stores and the resulting business impacts of this new supply agreement. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Unless legally required, SUPERVALU undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:
Steve Bloomquist
952-828-4144
steve.j.bloomquist@supervalu.com

Media Contact:
Jeff Swanson
952-903-1645
jeffrey.s.swanson@supervalu.com

America’s Food Basket:
Dan Cabassa
516-502-2509 ext. 101
dcabassa@afbasket.com

Source: SUPERVALU INC.

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Intershop releases research report “Taking the fast track into the digital future of B2B commerce”

Jena, Germany, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Pursuit of the digitalization agenda is enabling B2B organizations to transform their business models, expand outside their traditional markets and enable operational innovation. These are some of the findings from a new research report, “Taking the fast track into the digital future of B2B commerce” from Intershop, published today.

In the answers of the 400 B2B organizations surveyed across Benelux, France, Germany, the Nordics, UK and US the impressive impact of the digital transformation becomes apparent:

  • Four in 10 claim that digitalization has completely changed their business models
  • Three quarters (76%) currently have their own B2B commerce site
  • Just 42% currently have bricks and mortar outlets
  • 46% say their sector is more global now than ever before
  • 43% are selling to customers that would not buy from them before
  • 44% are generating more total sales – and more sales per sales representative
  • 40% leverage their digital sales channels to persuade customers to purchase more items across more product categories.

The digitalization of B2B organisations is not only affecting their day-to-day operations. It is changing the whole business landscape. In fact, a third (37%) of survey respondents report an increase in “stealth” practices; where new and competing products and services come to market with little warning and not always from traditionally competitive suppliers.

These new offerings can often disrupt a sector and/or render incumbent offerings redundant. Indeed, only three in 10 (30%) B2B organisations feel confident enough in their product or services that they would be able to innovate in the face of stealth competition and keep up.

“Organizations need to set up the right technological infrastructure today in order to fully leverage the potential of digitalization and to prepare for a successful future”, explains Dr. Jochen Wiechen, CEO, Intershop Communications AG. “Order management systems have proved to have a particularly high relevancy in that respect. However, they are just one part of a truly synaptic commerce landscape, which ensures the necessary flexibility required by the market´s dynamics.”

The report also examines the digital mega trends, big data alongside the Internet of Things (IoT). An impressive 95% expect to benefit from IoT and smart automation. Already, organizations are noticing the impact in areas such as better marketing and targeting, cost savings, supply chain management efficiency and greater efficiencies across their business. Yet despite this, relatively few (37%) say they plan to invest in the IoT over the next 12 months. When it comes to the big data story, despite less than half (42%) claiming their organization uses big data effectively, 54% say it will be their organization´s next big investment.

To read the complete findings, download a complimentary copy of the full Intershop E-Commerce Report, “Taking the fast track into the digital future of B2B commerce” here.

Infographics are available at http://www.intershop.com/press-resources.

Research Methodology

The research was conducted on behalf of Intershop by Vanson Bourne, an independent specialist in market research for the technology sector. 400 decision makers in the UK, France, Germany, the US, Benelux and Nordic regions were surveyed across the construction materials, tools, construction machinery, wholesale and other machinery equipment sectors.

About Intershop

Intershop Communications AG (founded in Germany 1992; Prime Standard: ISH2) is the leading independent provider of omni-channel commerce solutions. Intershop offers high-performance packaged software for internet sales, complemented by all necessary services. Intershop also acts as a business process outsourcing provider, covering all aspects of online retailing up to fulfillment. Around the globe more than 300 enterprise customers, including HP, BMW, Würth, and Deutsche Telekom run Intershop solutions. Intershop is headquartered in Jena, Germany, and has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China. More information about Intershop can be found online at www.intershop.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such difference could include, among other things: Intershop’s limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues and expenses and potential fluctuations in revenues and operating results, significant dependence on large single customer deals, consumer trends, the level of competition, seasonality, risks related to electronic security, possible governmental regulation, and general economic conditions.

Contact:

Intershop Public Relations
HEIDE RAUSCH
Head of Corporate Communication
Phone: +49 3641 50-1000
Fax: +49 3641 50-1309

Source: Intershop Communications AG

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L Brands to host live webcast of its 3Q2016 earnings conference call on Thursday, Nov. 17

COLUMBUS, Ohio, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — In conjunction with L Brands (NYSE: LB) third quarter 2016 earnings release, which will cross the wire after market close on Wednesday, Nov. 16, you are invited to listen to a live webcast of the conference call on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 9:00 a.m. ET with L Brands executives.

What: L Brands Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call Webcast

When: 9:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016

Where: http://www.LB.com

How: Log on to www.LB.com or call:

Domestic Dial-In Number: 1-866-363-4673
Domestic Replay Number: 1-855-859-2056 (Conference ID 24962196)

International Dial-In Number: 1-973-200-3978
International Replay Number: 1-404-537-3406 (Conference ID 24962196)

If you are unable to participate during the live webcast, the call will be also archived and made available on www.LB.com.

ABOUT L BRANDS:

L Brands, through Victoria’s Secret, PINK, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel, is an international company.  The company operates 3,073 company-owned specialty stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and China, and its brands are sold in more than 700 additional franchised locations worldwide.  The company’s products are also available online at www.VictoriasSecret.com, www.BathandBodyWorks.com, www.HenriBendel.com and www.LaSenza.com.

For further information please contact:

Tammy Roberts Myers
L Brands Communications
(614) 415-7072
Communications@LB.com

Amie Preston
L Brands Investor Relations
(614) 415-6704
InvestorRelations@LB.com

Source: L Brands

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Toys“R”Us® announces 30 hours of continuous shopping from 5pm on Thursday, November 24 through 11pm on Friday, November 25

Toy Retailer Kicks Off November with a Series of Services as the Destination for Gift-Givers to Check Off Kids’ Holiday Wish Lists

WAYNE, NJ, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shoppers should get their walking shoes ready. Right on the heels of the company’s Great Big Toys“R”Us Book of Awesome catalog, which offers hundreds of deals valid through November 19, Toys“R”Us® today (November 7, 2016) announced it has begun preparations for Thanksgiving Weekend. Its stores nationwide will open at 5 pm (local time) on Thursday, November 24 and remain open through 11 pm on Friday, November 25 for 30 hours of continuous shopping*. Readying the stores to offer doorbuster savings on the season’s must-have toys, Toys“R”Us has hired thousands of helpful elves to begin stocking the shelves.

“Our customers have voted at the doors year after year, and they continue to want the option to get an early start on their holiday shopping lists,” said Joe Venezia, Executive Vice President, Global Store Operations, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “The good news is that we’re not only focused on delivering a Thanksgiving Weekend filled with deals and doorbusters, but we’ll be giving shoppers an entire month of can’t miss sales and services.”

Before the turkeys are purchased, circulars circled and BlackFriday strategies planned, Toys“R”Us is rolling out various in-store services to make for a very merry November.

Front-of-Store G.P.S. Navigators Help Gift-Givers WIN November
Shoppers unsure of the difference between a Hatchimal and a Brightling need look no further than the dedicated “G.P.S. Navigator” – or, Gurus for Play Stuff – stationed at the front of Toys“R”Us stores nationwide on Saturdays and Sundays in November. And beginning Thanksgiving evening, these dedicated toy experts will amp up their presence in-store, continuing on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and during peak traffic periods throughout the holiday season. Donning holly-jolly red shirts, these toy experts boast an in-depth knowledge of top Skylanders® figures, popular licensed properties and must-have baby dolls (yes, the ones that wet themselves), and are ready to help customers navigate the toy aisles with ease.

Mapping Out a Speedy Shopping Strategy
For those moments when time is of the essence, Toys“R”Us is helping ensure shoppers receive quick and precise directions to the aisles and shelves they need. Gift-givers on a mission – with a wish list in-hand (or on their mobile device, at least) – can quickly locate items by referencing the large, dynamic maps located at the front of each store, or by visiting Toysrus.com/Guide, where they can search for a specific product by name and identify its exact location within their local Toys“R”Us store.

Plus, Toys“R”Us stores will offer a dedicated “Express Checkout Lane” for gift-givers purchasing four items or less between Thursday, November 24 and Christmas Eve, to help ensure a speedy and efficient visit from entrance to exit.

Free Services Are Key During the Season of Joy
It’s all about providing value whenever, wherever and however customers choose to shop with Toys“R”Us this holiday season. Those looking to stretch their dollar a little further can enjoy Free Store Pickup when they buy online from home or on the go, Free Layaway to make smaller payments over time with the added benefit of hiding Santa’s gifts elsewhere, and Free Shipping for online purchases of $19 or more**.

Plus, now is the time to take advantage of the company’s recently relaunched Price Match Guarantee. While not available on Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, this program helps remove any doubt for customers that they are getting the products they want at a competitive price***.

To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Toys“R”Us, visit Toysrusinc.com/Press and follow @ToysrusNews.

*Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will open at 5 pm on Thursday, November 24 and remain open until 11 pm on Friday, November 25, except for stores in Paramus, NJ, which will open on Thanksgiving from 5 – 11 pm and will reopen on Friday, November 25 at 7 am, and stores in Watchung, NJ, which will open on Thanksgiving from 5 – 9 pm and will reopen Friday, November 25 from 12 am – 11 pm. Select stores in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico will also have varying store open times. All store hours can be found online at Toysrus.com/BlackFridayStoreHours.

** For more information on these services, please visit www.Toysrus.com/PriceMatch, www.Toysrus.com/Pickup, www.Toysrus.com/FreeShipping or www.toysrus.com/layaway.

***Price Match Guarantee applies to these retailers and their e-commerce websites: Amazon, Baby Depot, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, buybuy BABY, diapers.com, Fred Meyer, GameStop, Hobby Lobby, JCPenney, Kmart, Kohl’s, LEGO, Macy’s, Meijer, Michael’s, Sears, Target, Walmart and YoYo.com. Visit www.Toysrus.com/PriceMatch for more information.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 875 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 765 international stores and over 245 licensed stores in 37 countries and jurisdictions. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, the company provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Toys“R”Us, Inc. is headquartered in Wayne, NJ, and has an annual workforce of approximately 62,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. For more information, visit Toysrusinc.com or follow @ToysRUsNews on Twitter. Follow Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus and Facebook.com/Babiesrus and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

Media Relations:

1 (973) 617-5900
Press@toysrus.com

SOURCE: Toys“R”Us, Inc.

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Tractor Supply Company announces its participation in the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference on November 16, 2016

BRENTWOOD, TN, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today (11/09/16) announced its participation in the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer and Retail Conference on November 16, 2016. Greg Sandfort, Chief Executive Officer; Kurt Barton, Senior Vice President, Controller; and Christine Skold, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, will attend this conference.

The Company’s 30-minute presentation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on November 16, 2016. A webcast will be available on the Company’s website at IR.TractorSupply.com, and an archive of the webcast will be accessible for 30 days.

About Tractor Supply Company
At September 24, 2016, Tractor Supply Company operated 1,575 stores in 49 states. The Company’s stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers and others who enjoy the rural lifestyle, as well as tradesmen and small businesses. Stores are located primarily in towns outlying major metropolitan markets and in rural communities. The Company offers the following comprehensive selection of merchandise: (1) equine, livestock, pet and small animal products, including items necessary for their health, care, growth and containment; (2) hardware, truck, towing and tool products; (3) seasonal products, including heating, lawn and garden items, power equipment, gifts and toys; (4) work/recreational clothing and footwear; and (5) maintenance products for agricultural and rural use.

Contact:

Anthony F. Crudele
Chief Financial Officer

Christine Skold
Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(615) 440-4000

Investors Contact:
John Rouleau/Rachel Schacter
ICR

Media Contact:
Alecia Pulman/Brittany Rae Fraser
ICR
(203) 682-8200

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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RILA congratulates President-elect Trump; ready to work with new Administration and new Congress

RILA issued the following statement in reaction to the outcome of yesterday’s election

Arlington , VA, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — “We congratulate President-elect Trump on his victory and we look forward to working with him, his Administration and the new Congress to address the challenges facing retailers, their employees and their customers,” said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. “Given that the retail industry is the nation’s second largest private employer, we look forward to working together with the new President and Congress to ensure that retailers can grow, create new jobs and provide retail employees with work, opportunity and the skills for career success.”

Among the issues that RILA will focus are comprehensive tax reform, competition and innovation in the payments market, investment in transportation and infrastructure, free trade, and sound labor and workforce policies.

RILA is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

Contact:

Brian Dodge
Executive Vice President, Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Phone: 703-600-2017
Email: brian.dodge@rila.org

Source: RILA

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NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay pledged to work with new President-elect Donald Trump and the new Congress

WASHINGTON, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — National Retail Federation President and CEO Matthew Shay congratulated the winners of Tuesday’s federal elections and pledged to work with President-elect Donald Trump and the new Congress on a pro-growth, pro-jobs agenda:

“With the holiday season upon us, retailers are glad that this unprecedented election is over, along with the divisive rhetoric and the impact it had on consumers concerned about their future. It is time to bring all Americans together, working in a bipartisan fashion to address the pressing needs of the day.

“The next few months will offer many opportunities for us to educate lawmakers on our priorities, such as tax reform and investment in our nation’s infrastructure, as well as pro-growth policies that create jobs and reward capital investment. If this election taught us anything, it is the importance of focusing on policies and programs that not only benefit today’s economy, but the economy of the future and our next generation of workers.

“As President Trump begins staffing his administration, we are hopeful that pragmatism will prevail over ideology so that all branches of government can work together for the benefit of retailers, their associates, the consumers they serve and the communities where they live and work.”

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.

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

Source: NRF

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Lowe’s Companies, Inc. to broadcast its 3Q2016 earnings conference call on Wednesday, November 16, 2016

MOORESVILLE, N.C., 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — In conjunction with the Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) third quarter 2016 earnings press release, you are invited to listen to its conference call to be broadcast live over the internet on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Timewith: Robert A. Niblock, chairman, president and chief executive officer; Rick D. Damron, chief operating officer; and Robert F. Hull, Jr., chief financial officer. Supplemental slides will be available fifteen minutes prior to the start of the conference call.

What: Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call Webcast

When: 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Where: Visit Lowe’s Investor Relations website at http://www.Lowes.com/investor

Click on Webcasts and then on Lowe’s Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call

How: Listen live online and view the supplemental slides by following the directions above

A webcast replay of the call can be accessed from 12:00 p.m. ET on November 16, 2016 through February 28, 2017 by visiting http://www.Lowes.com/investorand clicking on Webcasts and then on Lowe’s Third Quarter 2016 Earnings Conference Call.

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving more than 17 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With fiscal year 2015 sales of $59.1 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,355 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 285,000 employees. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Media Inquiries:

704-758-2917
PublicRelations@Lowes.co

Source: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

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EROSKI lanza una campaña solidaria en colaboración con ACNUR, Amigos de los Mayores y UNICEF

EROSKI lanza una campaña solidaria en colaboración con ACNUR, Amigos de los Mayores y UNICEF
EROSKI lanza una campaña solidaria en colaboración con ACNUR, Amigos de los Mayores y UNICEF

 

  • A partir de mañana se pondrán a la venta estrellas solidarias, decoraciones de Navidad al precio simbólico de 1 euro
  • Los beneficios obtenidos se destinarán íntegramente a la ayuda a refugiados (ACNUR), infancia (UNICEF) y tercera edad (Amigos de los Mayores), causas elegidas mediante votación por los Socios Cliente de EROSKI
  • Las estrellas solidarias, que han sido diseñadas y fabricadas por GUREAK MARKETING, estarán disponibles en la línea de cajas de supermercados e hipermercados y a través del supermercado online de EROSKI

ELORRIO,España, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI pondrá en marcha a partir de mañana, 10 de noviembre, y durante todo el período navideño, una campaña solidaria en colaboración con el Comité vasco de ACNUR (la Agencia de la ONU para los Refugiados), la Fundación Amigos de los Mayores y el Comité Español de UNICEF (Agencia de la ONU para la Infancia). La cooperativa pondrá a disposición de los consumidores estrellas solidarias, adornos navideños que podrán ser adquiridos al precio simbólico de 1 euro.

“EROSKI es diferente, con una identidad cooperativa propia que nos anima a lanzar, coincidiendo con las próximas fechas navideñas, una nueva campaña solidaria. Estamos seguros de que nuestros clientes van a volcarse una vez más y a demostrar su solidaridad, superando el dinero donado las pasadas navidades” ha señalado el director de Responsabilidad Social de EROSKI, Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa, durante la presentación esta mañana de la campaña.

Los Socios Cliente de EROSKI eligen las causas solidarias

Este año la cooperativa ha ampliado a tres las causas beneficiarias de su campaña solidaria navideña. Los propios Socios Cliente de EROSKI han decidido estas causas mediante una votación online en la web www.eroski.es, realizada durante las últimas semanas, y en la que han participado más de 10.000 consumidores. Las causas ganadoras de este proceso han sido la ayuda a la infancia que se canalizará a través de UNICEF Comité Español y la mejora en la calidad de vida de nuestros mayores a través de la labor de acompañamiento que realiza la Fundación Amigos de los Mayores, causas que se unirán a la protección y asistencia a los refugiados que realiza ACNUR y que ya fue destinataria de los fondos recaudados el pasado año.

“Queremos agradecer el permanente compromiso de EROSKI con los refugiados, gracias al cual el año pasado más de 70.000 familias tuvieron alimentos básicos en los campos de refugiados sirios”, ha señalado el responsable de campañas del Comité vasco de ACNUR, Álvaro Pelayo. “Este año, los fondos recaudados se destinarán a proporcionar refugio y productos de primera necesidad a las familias iraquíes que huyen de la ofensiva militar en Mosul (Irak). Estamos seguros de que tal y como ocurrió el año pasado, esta campaña será un éxito gracias a la enorme solidaridad de los clientes de EROSKI”, ha añadido Pelayo.

“El número de personas mayores que viven solas aumenta cada día. Sin duda, vivir en soledad es un indicador de competencia social y un logro de las nuevas generaciones que acceden a la vejez cuando esta situación ha sido elegida. Pero el avance de la edad convierte a la soledad en un importante riesgo personal y social. El peligro del aislamiento aparece con fuerza y la necesidad de buscar respuesta a estas situaciones es reconocida hoy desde todas las instancias, públicas y privadas”, ha señalado María Aristizábal, miembro del Patronato de la Fundación Amigos de los Mayores. La entidad destinará la ayuda de EROSKI a través de la campaña Estrellas Solidarias, al proyecto de acompañamiento afectivo a personas mayores solas. “Con esta ayuda Amigos de los Mayores fortalecerá sus programas de acompañamientos domiciliarios, acompañamientos puntuales a las citas médicas y acompañamientos individuales y grupales en residencias. Además, Amigos de los Mayores organizará actividades de ocio inclusivo con el fin de ampliar la red social de las personas mayores, con actividades como encuentros en los barrios, vacaciones adaptadas en verano, visitas culturales, salidas de un día y organización de fiestas tradicionales y eventos, durante todo el 2017”, ha explicado Aristizábal.

“Desde UNICEF Comité Español, queremos agradecer el apoyo que nos dan empresas aliadas, como EROSKI, por su respuesta inmediata y comprometida con los derechos de la infancia. Actualmente, estamos viviendo en un mundo en emergencias; un momento desgraciadamente histórico por todas las emergencias existentes: la guerra en Siria, el conflicto en Irak, en Yemen, en Nigeria o en Sudán del Sur; Ecuador, Nepal, Haití o la crisis global de migrantes y refugiados. En estos contextos, los niños y niñas son siempre los más vulnerables. Hablamos de 250 millones de niños y niñas en el mundo que viven en países afectados por conflictos armados”, ha señalado la coordinadora de UNICEF País Vasco, Elsa Fuente. “Por este motivo, los fondos recaudados con esta iniciativa irán destinados a apoyar a los millones de niños y niñas que viven en contextos de emergencias, y se podrán convertir en acceso a agua potable y saneamiento, salud, nutrición, protección y educación”.

En la edición 2015 la cooperativa y sus clientes recaudaron 142.000 euros mediante la venta de estos adornos navideños solidarios y la donación adicional aportada por EROSKI, fondos que fueron destinados a proporcionar 71.000 kits de alimentos básicos distribuidos por ACNUR en los campos de refugiados.

Estrella solidaria diseñada y fabricada por GUREAK MARKETING

“La estrella solidaria de este año ha sido diseñada y fabricada por GUREAK MARKETING, empresa focalizada en generar oportunidades laborales para personas con discapacidad. Es por ello que podemos decir que es doblemente solidaria, además de por el destino de los fondos que recauda, también por la forma en que se ha fabricado”, ha explicado el director de Responsabilidad Social de EROSKI.

La campaña Estrellas Solidarias está inspirada en la tradición de una trabajadora de EROSKI de escribir sobre las decoraciones navideñas las mejores experiencias vividas durante ese año. “Animamos a nuestros clientes a crear una nueva tradición, invitándoles a escribir en las estrellas todo lo bueno que tenemos por celebrar durante estas Navidades. Además, este año la estrella podrá ser personalizada con los colores preferidos de cada uno, creando múltiples combinaciones”, ha explicado Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa.

Este año la cooperativa amplía las opciones de adquisición de estrellas solidarias, que estarán disponibles no solo en las líneas de caja de supermercados e hipermercados, sino también a través del supermercado online de EROSKI.

Donación adicional por parte de EROSKI

EROSKI también ha anunciado que por cada producto de la marca EROSKI SeleQtia vendido entre el 1 y el 31 de diciembre, ambos inclusive, aportará 5 céntimos adicionales al importe de los beneficios que genere la compra de la estrella por los clientes. El importe así logrado se repartirá a partes iguales entre las tres organizaciones beneficiarias de esta campaña solidaria.

Sobre EROSKI

La transformación social a través de la actividad empresarial es uno de los fines cooperativos. EROSKI, como cooperativa de consumo, es un proyecto colectivo volcado al consumidor y a la sociedad. Por ello, desarrolla sus actividades de compromiso social en cuatro ámbitos que definen su responsabilidad social: la promoción de una alimentación saludable, la información al consumidor, la sostenibilidad medioambiental y la solidaridad.

Sobre el Comité español de ACNUR

El Comité español de ACNUR recauda fondos para atender las necesidades de las personas refugiadas y desplazadas más vulnerables, apoyando los programas de ayuda humanitaria de ACNUR (nutrición, atención médica, agua potable y saneamiento, educación, refugio e infraestructuras básicas, asistencia legal y protección internacional, etc.).

Sobre Amigos de los Mayores

Amigos de los mayores es una organización que tiene por objetivo mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas mayores con recursos limitados y en situación de aislamiento y/o soledad a través de la acción de voluntarias y voluntarios cualificados.

Sobre UNICEF

UNICEF promueve los derechos y el bienestar de todos los niños y niñas en todo lo que hacemos. Junto a nuestros aliados, trabajamos en 190 países y territorios para transformar este compromiso en acciones prácticas, centrando especialmente nuestros esfuerzos en llegar a los niños y niñas más vulnerables y excluidos para el beneficio de toda la infancia  en todas partes.

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

Source: Eroski

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AmRest announces the opening of its 500th KFC restaurant located at Sankt Petersburg, Russia

AmRest announces the opening of its 500th KFC restaurant located at Sankt Petersburg, Russia
AmRest announces the opening of its 500th KFC restaurant located at Sankt Petersburg, Russia

 

Wrocław, Poland, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — AmRest (WSE: EAT), the largest publicly listed restaurant operator in Central Europe, announces the opening of its 500th KFC unit.

The milestone location was opened on October 27th, 2016 in Sankt Petersburg, Russia. The restaurant is located in northern part of the city, near to popular subway station Grazhdanskaya. This is 64th KFC restaurant operated by AmRest in Sankt Petersburg and 114 th in Russia.

New KFC location was enthusiastically welcomed by local community. This 270 sqm restaurant offers over 50 seats and ‘Express Window’ service which operates 24 hours a day.

– This is another important milestone which has been reached by AmRest this year. Thanks to the accelerated organic growth we are closer to achieving the ambitious goal of 140 openings in 2016. Our guests welcome every new location with great enthusiasm. They appreciate the quality and taste of our meals as well as exceptional service. Despite demanding specifics of the Russian market, our financial results generated in this country confirm that our business is in very good shape. According to our observations there is still a space for development there, which encourage us to open more restaurants soon – said Wojciech Mroczyński, Chief Strategy Officer of AmRest.

The Company will continue to strengthen its leadership position in Europe through increased pace of organic growth and exploring M&A opportunities. Currently, AmRest operates 501 KFC restaurants in 8 countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Spain.

For any further information please contact:
Dorota Surowiec
IR Manager
+48 71 386 1235
dorota.surowiec@amrest.eu

Source: AmRest

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Migros: CHICKERIA OBERTOR FEIERT ERÖFFNUNG

Gossau, Switzerland, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Am 18. November öffnet das „Chickeria restaurant & takeaway“ am unteren Graben 33 in Winterthur seine Türen für die Kundschaft.

Schnelle und unkomplizierte Verpflegung, feine Poulet-Spezialitäten aus Schweizer Fleisch und einen gepflegten Service – all das dürfen die Gäste der Chickeria Winterthur Obertor ab dem 18. November geniessen. Das Chickeria-Restaurant am ehemaligen Standort der Migros Obertor ist zentral gelegen und verwöhnt die Kundschaft an sieben Tagen die Woche mit erstklassigen Chicken-Angeboten sowie vegetarischen Alternativen wie Falafel, frischen Salaten, hausgemachten Sandwichs oder feinen Desserts.

Geniessen mitten in Winterthur

Nach Zürich-Oerlikon ist Winterthur Obertor der zweite innerstädtische Chickeria-Standort an einer gut frequentierten Passanten-Lage. Das Restaurant verfügt auf einer Gastraumfläche von 160 m2 über 81 Sitzplätze. Zudem laden bei schönem Wetter 28 Aussensitzplätze zum Verweilen ein. Die Chickeria Obertor schafft dank hochwertiger Möblierung mit Naturmaterialien sowie modernster Technik eine Wohlfühlatmosphäre, wo sich die Gäste entspannt verpflegen können. Für die hohe Qualität der angebotenen Produkte sorgen die 25 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter. „Wir sind uns dessen bewusst, dass wir unsere Gäste jeden Tag neu gewinnen müssen“, sagt Roland Wehrli, Verkaufsgruppenleiter der Migros Ostschweiz. „Beim Kurzaufenthalt zählen Gastfreundschaft, persönlicher Kontakt und beste Qualität.“

Zehntes Restaurant in Sicht

Gegenwärtig betreibt die Migros Ostschweiz Chickeria-Restaurants in Kreuzlingen TG, Pfungen ZH, Chur-Masans GR, Buchs SG, Oerlikon ZH, Pfäffikon ZH, Wangs SG, Thal SG und neu in Winterthur Obertor. Am 25. November steht das erste Chickeria-Jubiläum vor der Tür: Am Marktplatz Bohl in St. Gallen öffnet das zehnte „Chickeria restaurant & takeaway“. Bereits in Planung oder Realisierung sind unter anderem folgende zukünftige Standorte: Amriswil Aachtal TG, Hinwil ZH und St. Gallen Bahnhof.

Attraktive Eröffnungsaktivitäten

Am Eröffnungswochenende vom 18. bis 20. November 2016 dürfen sich die Gäste in der Chickeria Winterthur Obertor auf tolle Eröffnungsaktivitäten freuen. So gibt es beispielsweise das knusprige Grillpoulet für 12 Franken statt für 16.80 Franken. Beim Wettbewerb locken Preise im Gesamtwert von 2000 Franken.

Contact:
Genossenschaft Migros Ostschweiz
Herr Christian Possa
Kommunikation/Kulturprozent/Sponsoring
Industriestrasse 47
9201 Gossau
TEL: 071 493 24 92
FAX: 071 493 27 89
E-MAIL: christian.possa@gmos.ch

Source: Migros

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Diebold Nixdorf part of Mavis and Tailorit exp37 store project in Düsseldorf

Innovation leader demonstrates connected commerce applications in Düsseldorf

North Canton, Ohio, USA, and Paderborn, Germany, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Pushing the boundaries of the traditional shopping experience, international communications agency Mavis and retail consultancy Tailorit have opened a new experience store, exp37, in Düsseldorf. Exp37 is an innovative, no-line retail concept furnished as a fashion store that focuses on connecting physical and digital consumer experiences to reimagine the traditional shopping experience. Diebold Nixdorf is among several other well-known companies participating in the project. The company’s TP Application software suite serves as the project’s control center for its numerous innovative applications.

Diebold Nixdorf’s TP Application software suite functions as an omnichannel platform, integrating all POS-related online and office touchpoints. The special TP Loyalty application manages all processes related to sales history and customer loyalty. With its BEETLE iPOS plus Advanced and BEETLE moPOS systems, Diebold Nixdorf has contributed state-of-the-art stationary and mobile cash-handling technology to the project.

The exp37 experience store serves as a platform for retailers and solution providers to engage and exchange views on the future of retailing and the intelligent internetworking of online and offline sales channels through innovation workshops and discussion forums. “Connected commerce applications offer retailers enormous potential to generate added value for customers and to create a truly extraordinary shopping experience for them,” says Thomas Fell, Diebold Nixdorf senior vice president, retail.

The exp37 store demonstrates the innovative digital technology of today and tomorrow designed to make retail processes more efficient, increase touchpoint performance and enable cross- and up-selling effects. Among the innovations on display for exp37 visitors to interact with is an app developed by Diebold Nixdorf that bundles a number of services such as a location finder, price and event information, a social media link and the digital administration of customers’ shopping history.

“The exp37 store is an exceptional project that enables retailers to experience first-hand innovative in-store technologies and to find the right individual solution for their future business needs,” adds Fell.

For more information, see www.exp37.de/en

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.

Contact:

Renee Murphy
Media Relations
Email: renee.murphy@dieboldnixdorf.com
Phone: 330-490-5825

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

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Xcel Brands, Inc. announces multiple new licenses across its owned brands

NEW YORK, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ:XELB) is pleased to announce multiple new licenses across its owned brands as licensees look to pursue growth in categories complementary to Xcel’s successful quick time response (QTR) apparel programs at Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay stores.

CEO and Chairman of Xcel Brands, Inc. Robert W. D’Loren remarked, “With the rise of a ‘see-now-buy-now’ consumer shopping mentality and the need to respond to trends as they happen, Xcel created an innovative solution to bring exclusive brands to our department store partners in a quick time response format. The rapid growth of these apparel programs has generated excitement within the licensing community across numerous complementary categories. With these new partnerships we will continue to build meaningful lifestyle brands under the IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi and H Halston labels.”

New licensees under the Isaac Mizrahi brand include tech accessories and luggage, with product set to retail in Spring 2017.  Xcel Brands, Inc. entered into a licensing agreement with Bytech NY Inc. for tech accessories for smartphones, PCs, tablets, and personal audio across the Isaac Mizrahi New York, IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi, and Isaac Mizrahi Live! labels. Xcel also entered into a licensing agreement with Longlat Inc. for a collection of hard and soft luggage under the Isaac Mizrahi New York and Isaac Mizrahi Live! labels.

New licensees under the H Halston brand include sleepwear and intimates, legwear and slippers, and non-optical sunglasses and readers.  Xcel entered into a licensing agreement with Komar for women’s sleepwear and intimate apparel under the H Halston and H by Halston labels, with product expected to launch in Spring 2017.  Xcel entered into a licensing agreement with Gina Group LLC for women’s hosiery, socks, and legwear; men’s socks; children’s hosiery socks, and legwear; and men’s and women’s slippers under the H Halston and H by Halston labels, with product launching beginning in Spring 2017. Xcel entered into a licensing agreement with B. Robinson for a line of non-optical sunglasses and readers under the H Halston and H by Halston labels, with product launching in 2016.

Xcel has also entered into a license under its Judith Ripka jewelry brand for fashion bedding, bath, decorative pillows, window panels, and valences through a license with Bentex Group Inc./ Indecor LLC. The products will be sold at specialty retailers under the Judith Ripka Home label beginning in 2017.

Xcel Brands, Inc. is a brand management and media company engaged in the design, production, licensing, marketing and direct-to-consumer sales of branded apparel, footwear, accessories, jewelry, home goods, and other consumer products, and the acquisition of dynamic consumer lifestyle brands. Xcel was founded by Robert W. D’Loren in 2011 with a vision to reimagine shopping, entertainment, and social as one. Xcel owns and manages the Isaac Mizrahi, Judith Ripka, H Halston, C. Wonder, and Highline Collective brands, pioneering an omnichannel sales strategy which includes the promotion and sale of products under its brands through direct-response television, internet, brick and mortar retail, and e-commerce channels. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant production, merchandising, design, marketing, retailing, and licensing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. With a team of over 100 professionals focused on production and digital marketing, Xcel maintains control of product quality and promotion across all of its product categories and distribution channels. Xcel differentiates by design. www.xcelbrands.com

Isaac Mizrahi has been a leader in the fashion industry for almost 30 years.  Since his first collection in 1987, Mr. Mizrahi’s designs have come to stand for timeless, cosmopolitan, style.  He has been awarded four Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards, including a special award in 1996 for the groundbreaking documentary “Unzipped.”  Mr. Mizrahi is Chief Designer overseeing design and design direction for the IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi, Isaac Mizrahi New York and ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! labels, which are divisions of Xcel Brands, Inc.  In 2016, Mr. Mizrahi launched his new collection IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi exclusively at Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor department stores.  Previously, in 2009, Mr. Mizrahi launched ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! apparel and accessories on QVC.  In addition, television audiences have come to value Isaac’s media presence through his roles on “Project Runway All Stars” for Lifetime, “The Fashion Show” for Bravo and his own series for both Oxygen and the Style Network.

Roy Halston Frowick was the creator of luxury American fashion, whose groundbreaking designs still influence and inspire us today. Founded in the 1960’s, the HALSTON label took the fashion industry by storm. Originally known for his innovation in millinery, Halston used his signature materials of jersey, cashmere and suede to reinvent the jumpsuit, the shirtdress, and the classic caftan, permanently leaving his mark on fashion. The 1970’s and the era of Studio 54 became synonymous with Halston’s designs. Soon after, he was named “the premier fashion designer in America” by Newsweek. His strong connection to pop culture was evident through his friends and clients, which included Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, Elizabeth Taylor and Anjelica Huston. Halston went on to create one of the best-selling fragrances of all time in his signature tear-drop shaped perfume bottle designed by Elsa Peretti. Halston created strong codes that are quintessential to the brand even to this day, as a new team of innovators continue to evolve the HALSTON legacy through the H Halston and H by Halston collections. The H Halston brand, exclusive to Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay, offers true feminine glamour with effortless daywear, footwear, and accessories that easily transitions from work to cocktails.  The H by Halston brand, exclusive to QVC, is made up of versatile, minimalist daywear and accessories in functional fabrics and materials essential for building a chic, contemporary wardrobe. Global celebrity stylist and style authority Cameron Silver is the Fashion Director of the H Halston and H by Halston brands.

Judith Ripka is an American luxury jewelry brand that appeals to women of impeccable taste worldwide. Over the brand’s 37-year history, it has become known for an immediately identifiable design DNA rooted in a timelessness and tradition which will appear forever modern.  Known as the Queen of Hearts, Chief Designer Judith Ripka incorporates a matte finish, texturing, vibrant color, and, of course, hearts into almost every design.  Available in fine jewelry stores around the world and at judithripka.com, Judith Ripka Ltd. 18k Gold and Sterling Silver designs have been worn by notable celebrates such as Cindy Crawford, Kate Hudson and Rose Byrne.  Judith Ripka Ltd. was ranked as one of the top five fine jewelry brands in the US by Women’s Wear Daily in 2013, and is perceived as one of the most desirable and trusted luxury jewelry brands in the world. The brand also designs an accessible luxury line under the Judith Ripka jewelry label which has been exclusive to QVC since 1997.

For further information please contact:

Stephanie Taylor
Public Relations Associate
staylor@xcelbrands.com
347-727-2483

Source: Xcel Brands, Inc./globenewswire

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Kohl’s CFO Wesley S. McDonald to retire in late Spring 2017

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kohl’s Department Stores (NYSE: KSS) today ( November 9, 2016) announced that its chief financial officer, Wesley S. McDonald, intends to retire in late Spring 2017 after 14 years of service with the company.

“Wes has played an important role in the company’s growth and development over the last 14 years. His business knowledge and financial expertise have been critical in our success and his communication with the investment community has always been transparent and consistent,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, chief executive officer and president. “On behalf of the entire executive leadership team, I thank Wes for his significant contributions, and I look forward to his continued contribution during this transition. He will be missed on his departure, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve as Kohl’s CFO,” said McDonald. “I am proud of all that our team has accomplished together and am confident that Kohl’s is well positioned for continued success, creating value for all stakeholders.”

Kohl’s will be conducting a comprehensive search for the CFO position over the next few months to prepare for McDonald’s retirement.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Kohl’s intends forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause Kohl’s actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to those described in Item 1A in Kohl’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, and other factors as may periodically be described in Kohl’s filings with the SEC.

About Kohl’s

Kohl’s (NYSE: KSS) is a leading specialty department store with more than 1,100 stores in 49 states. With a commitment to inspiring and empowering families to lead fulfilled lives, the company offers amazing national and exclusive brands, incredible savings and inspiring shopping experiences in-store, online at Kohls.com and via mobile devices. Committed to its communities, Kohl’s has raised nearly $300 million for children’s initiatives nationwide through its Kohl’s Cares® cause merchandise program, which operates under Kohl’s Cares, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kohl’s Department Stores, Inc. For additional information about Kohl’s philanthropic and environmental initiatives, visit http://www.Kohls.com/Cares. For a list of store locations and information, or for the added convenience of shopping online, visit www.Kohls.com.

Connect with Kohl’s:
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Kohls)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/Kohls)
Google+ (http://plus.google.com/+Kohls)
Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/Kohls)
Instagram (http://instagram.com/Kohls)
YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/kohls)

Contact:

Jen Johnson
262-703-5241
Jen.Johnson@Kohls.com

Source: Kohl’s

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ICA Gruppen releases its 3Q FY2016 sustainability report

Solna, Sweden, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — ICA Gruppen adresses important issues and initiatives regarding the environment, quality, ethical trade, health and community engagement in the sustainability report for the third quarter of 2016.

“Most of what we do in the area of sustainability involves long-term initiatives and continuous improvements. But on top of this we do not hesitate to try novel – and sometimes even unconventional – approaches. These include, without a doubt, our Klimaträtt (“Climate right”) project, which we have been conducting in partnership with WWF, Chalmers University of Technology and Uppsalahem, among others. In September the UN announced that Klimaträtt has been awarded as one of most innovative and scalable examples of what companies can do create digital solutions for reduced environmental impact,” comments Per Strömberg, President and CEO of ICA Gruppen.

Read more about the following and other news in the sustainability report:

  • Continued strong sales of organic products
    Sales of organic products continued to rise during the third quarter. Intotal, sales of organic products from ICA Sweden’s central assortmentgrew 16% (2%) during the quarter compared with the correspondingperiod a year ago. On a rolling 12-month basis, sales growth fororganic products was 19%.
  • ICA Gruppen’s Klimaträtt (“Climate right”) project wins UN award
    In the jury’s citation, Klimaträtt is described as one of most innovative and scalable global examples of what companies can do to address and create solutions for reduced environmental impact.
  • Juice and marmalade from 10,000 kg of fruit
    In partnership with the Helsingborg-based company Rescued Fruits, ICA Sweden has taken care of 10,000 kg of fruit that would otherwise have been discarded from ICA’s warehouses. The left-over fruit has instead been made into fruit drink and marmalade sold under ICA’sprivate label.
  • Stronger sustainability focus in management and board
    To further strengthen ICA’s sustainability work, Kerstin Lindvall wasnamed Chief Corporate Responsibility Officer and as a member of ICA Gruppen’s Management Team. In conjunction with this, a sustainability committee is being formed in ICA Gruppen’s board to increase focus on CR issues.

This information is such that ICA Gruppen AB is obligated to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication at 08:00 CET on Thursday, November 10, 2016.

For more information:
ICA Gruppen press service
Telephone number: +46 10 422 52 52

Source: ICA Gruppen

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Accenture: consumers are more promotion-driven than before; retailers need to deliver enticing offers to win UK shoppers this Christmas

Consumers undeterred by Brexit vote, feeling optimistic about their personal finances, but plan to go the extra mile for a good deal

LONDON, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — UK retailers could enjoy strong festive sales this Christmas, with 85 percent of consumers likely to spend the same or more compared with last year, according to Accenture’s annual holiday shopping survey.

However, consumers are more promotion-driven than before, with eight out of ten shoppers planning to check Amazon.co.uk before looking or buying elsewhere. The research shows that retailers need to be prepared to deliver enticing offers and a seamless multichannel consumer experience if they want to win an increased share of wallet this Christmas.

Festive Spending Plans Appear Unaffected by Brexit Vote
The annual Accenture UK Holiday Shopping Survey found that 57 percent of shoppers say their spending habits have been entirely unaffected by the Brexit vote, and just 11 percent said they are both more cautious on essentials and are not spending anything on non-essentials following the UK referendum result.

Frugal Consumers Want More for their Money
The survey revealed that while shoppers are planning to spend more, they also want more for their money and are willing to put in the extra work to get the best deals:

  • Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of respondents said they will purchase items from different stores or sites to get each at the lowest price, rather than buy all items in one place.
  • Over half (54 percent) will be/can be enticed by promotions to shop in a store they have not shopped at in the past year.
  • On average, a 30 percent discount will persuade consumers to purchase an item
  • Forty-three percent of shoppers are open to sharing personal information and shopping preferences with retailers in order to receive personalized offers (up from 35 percent in 2015).

“While it’s encouraging to see that many consumers are planning to spend more this festive season, the challenge for UK retailers will be to drive profitable sales,” said Matt Prebble, managing director of Accenture’s Retail Practice in the UK. “In a world in which their own costs are under pressure from a weak pound, and consumers are more promotion focused than ever, retailers have a difficult balance to achieve. They will need to adopt an agile approach if they want to successfully target each customer segment by providing enticing services and offers that will persuade consumers to purchase.”

The Multichannel Sales Opportunity
‘Showrooming,’ visiting a store to review a product before purchasing it online, and ‘webrooming,’ shopping for products online before visiting the retail store to make a purchase, will again be prevalent among UK shoppers, with 75 percent and 72 percent of survey respondents planning to participate in each respectively. This represents a 21 percent and 19 percent increase from 2015.

The buy online and pick-up in-store option has also seen a huge rise in popularity among UK shoppers, according to the survey findings. Forty-three percent of survey respondents said they are planning to take advantage of this option (up 12 percent from 2015). Additionally, over half (56 percent) of shoppers are likely to buy additional items during their in-store visit to pick up an online purchase (up 13 percent from 2015).

“Over the last decade, retailers have had to adjust to the explosion of e-commerce,” said Prebble.

“The days of thinking about independent channels are over, with shoppers buying goods online, only to travel to the physical store to collect their items, opening up the prospect of multichannel sales. Retailers need to gather as much data as possible about their customers’ journeys to ensure they convert every possible point of sale opportunity.”

About the survey
The Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey offers insights into consumer buying patterns during the holiday period. It gives an indication of retail performance expectations both on the high street and online at a key time for the sector across a number of markets including the U.S., Canada, the UK and France. For this year’s UK survey, Accenture queried a representative sample of 1,500 U.K. consumers online in September and October 2016.

About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 384,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

Contact:

Aleks Vujanic
Accenture
+ 44 7500 974 814
aleks.vujanic@accenture.com

Source: Accenture

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Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. announces 3Q FY2016 financial results

ATLANTA, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLKI), the franchisor and operator of Popeyes® restaurants, today (November 9, 2016) reported results for its fiscal third quarter of 2016, which ended October 2, 2016. The Company also reaffirmed same-store sales guidance and updated earnings guidance for fiscal 2016.

“We are pleased to report strong progress for the quarter” said Cheryl Bachelder, Popeyes Chief Executive Officer. “We generated global same store sales of 1.8%, opened 25 net new global restaurants and announced the refranchising of the Indianapolis company-operated market. We continue to expand our brand which has led to the achievement of another record high market share of 26.9%. We are firmly on the path of achieving our long term bold growth goals and we are creating value for our franchisees and shareholders.”

Third Quarter 2016 Highlights

  • Total revenues increased 4.7% to $64.0 million, compared to $61.1 million in the third quarter of 2015. The $2.9 million increase in revenues was primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in franchise royalties, a $0.7 million increase in sales by Company-operated restaurants partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in franchise fees. The increase in franchise royalties was driven by net unit growth and positive same store sales.
  • Reported net income was $10.4 million, or $0.49 per diluted share, compared to $10.6 million, or $0.46 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2015. Reported net income includes $3.7 million of asset impairment expenses related to Company-operated restaurants and restaurants leased to franchisees. Excluding the impacts of the asset impairments and other non-operating items, adjusted earnings per diluted share(1) was $0.59 in the third quarter of 2016 compared to $0.47 in the third quarter of 2015, representing an increase of 25.5%.
  • Total system-wide sales increased by 8.3% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year as a result of net new unit growth and positive same-store sales performance.
  • Global same-store sales increased 1.8% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to a 6.0% increase in the third quarter of 2015, marking the 26th quarter of positive global same-store sales.
  • Total domestic same-store sales increased 1.5%, compared to a 5.6% increase in the third quarter of 2015. Popeyes increased its domestic market share of the chicken-QSR category to a record high 26.9%, compared to 26.0% in the third quarter of 2015.
  • International same-store sales increased 3.7%, compared to a 9.1% increase in the third quarter of 2015, marking the 27th consecutive quarter of positive international same-store sales growth.
  • The Popeyes system opened 40 restaurants, which included 24 domestic and 16 international restaurants, compared to 47 total openings in the same period of last year. Net new restaurant openings were 25, compared to 39 net new restaurant openings in the same period last year.
  • As of the end of the third quarter, the Company operated and franchised 2,631 restaurants, compared to 2,475 at the end of the third quarter in 2015, representing net new unit growth of 6.3% over the last twelve months.
  • Sales by Company-operated restaurants were $26.1 million in the third quarter compared to $25.4 million in the same period last year. Company-operated restaurant operating profit(1) was $5.0 million, or 19.2% of sales, compared to $4.9 million, or 19.3% of sales, in the same period last year. The increase in Company-operated restaurant operating profit was primarily due to higher sales and lower chicken and grocery basket costs partially offset by higher labor costs.
  • Operating EBITDA(1) was $23.8 million, or 37.2% of total revenue, in the third quarter of 2016, compared to $20.3 million, or 33.2% of total revenue, in the same period last year. The $3.5 million increase in Operating EBITDA was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase in franchise royalties and fees, a $1.2 million decrease in general and administrative expenses, and a $0.1 million increase in Company-operated restaurant operating profit.
  • Through the first 40 weeks of fiscal 2016, free cash flow(1) was $43.0 million, compared to $37.0 million in the same period of 2015, a 16.2% increase.
  • The Company repurchased 537,957 shares of its common stock for $30.0 million in the third quarter.

(1) Adjusted earnings per diluted share, operating EBITDA, Company-operated restaurant operating profit, and free cash flow are supplemental non-GAAP measures of performance. See the heading entitled “Management’s Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Fiscal 2016 Guidance:

Based on performance through the third quarter, the Company is making the following adjustments to guidance for the full-year fiscal 2016:

  • Reported earnings per diluted share in the range of $2.00 to $2.05, compared to the previous guidance of $2.10 to $2.15. Excluding the impacts of asset impairments and other non-operating items, the Company maintains its adjusted earnings per diluted share range of $2.10 to $2.15, and now guides to the lower end of the adjusted earnings per share range.
  • General and administrative expenses in the range of $90 million to $92 million, approximately 2.8% of system-wide sales, compared to a previous range of 2.9% to 3.0% of system-wide sales.
  • Capital expenditures to be in the range of $15 million to $17 million from a previous range of $10 million to $15 million.
  • Share repurchases of approximately $100 million in outstanding shares from a previous range of $80 million to $120 million.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call and Internet webcast at 9:00 A.M. ET on November 10, 2016, to review third quarter 2016 results. A live listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available on the Popeyes website at www.popeyes.com/investors. The conference call can also be accessed live over the phone by dialing (855) 427-4392 or for international callers by dialing (484) 756-4257. A replay will be available after the call and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056, or for international callers by dialing (404) 537-3406; the conference ID is 84538166. The replay will be available until Thursday, November 24, 2016. A replay of the conference call will also be available for 90 days at the Company’s website.

Corporate Profile

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of Popeyes® restaurants, the world’s second-largest Quick- Service Restaurant (“QSR”) chicken concept based on number of units. As of October 2, 2016, Popeyes had 2,631 operating restaurants in the United States, the District of Columbia, three territories, and 26 foreign countries. The Company’s primary objective is to deliver sales and profits by offering excellent investment opportunities in its Popeyes brand and providing exceptional franchisee support systems and services to its owners. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.can be found at www.popeyes.com.

Investor inquiries:
Anita Booe
404-459-4665
Director, Investor Relations
anita.booe@popeyes.com

Media inquiries:
Renee Kopkowski
404-459-4630
Vice President, Brand Communications
renee.kopkowski@popeyes.com

Source: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.

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Fullbeauty Brands, the e-commerce and catalog retailer that houses Melissa McCarthy’s “Seven7” collection, partners with Zensar Technologies

San Jose, CA, 2016-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Zensar Technologies, a leading provider of digital solutions, software and infrastructure services, announced that it has secured the project to enable US based FULLBEAUTY Brands to achieve visible transformation in its financial and procurement processes. The scope of the project involves Zensar partnering with the e-commerce and catalog retailer to leverage the benefits of a smarter financial and procurement framework, involving reimplementation of the latest version of Oracle Applications Release 12. FULLBEAUTY Brands is a leading American plus-size women’s and men’s apparel and home goods company on the growth path, having acquired multiple businesses with an umbrella of eight proprietary brands. The key objective of this reimplementation project entails a complete redesign of account charts and streamlining key financial and business processes for increased efficiency.

“The retail industry has been at the forefront of customer centric innovation. In order to ensure seamless and profitable operations, it is critical for FULLBEAUTY Brands to streamline its financial processes. I am confident that our Oracle expertise, along with our demonstrated knowledge across the retail segment, will result in the creation of a more efficient process to meet their business goals,” commented Sandeep Kishore, CEO and Managing Director, Zensar Technologies.

Jeanne Franklin, Senior Vice President, Finance, FULLBEAUTY Brands said, “For the project we chose to do a re-implementation rather than an upgrade. The Zensar team is a great partner. Their working knowledge of Oracle in the retail sector was why we chose them as our Oracle integrator, however, they also bring basic day to day skills to the table as they are working with us to streamline our chart of accounts and purge inactive vendors to improve efficiencies.”

Commenting on the implementation, Robert Evans, CIO, FULLBEAUTY Brands said, “We reviewed a number of strong vendors in the Oracle support arena and Zensar stood out as the most capable and knowledgeable from a business and technology platform perspective. Zensar helped us review our licensing structure with Oracle and suggested several ways to use our existing modules and tools to facilitate the use of new features and functionality in the Oracle Financial Reporting platform. These new protocols utilize existing capabilities within the platform without the use of a lot of special coding and development work. Zensar has also been an excellent resource for helping us to determine and implement best practices from a business viewpoint on the Oracle platform.”

According to Harish Gala, Executive Vice President and Head, Enterprise Application Solutions, “Our understanding of Oracle products and solutions, combined with the proven experience of having worked with leading global retail brands will help us to transform the objectives of FULLBEAUTY Brands into visible outcomes. Our team is geared to implement this project effectively, by ensuring that we keep sight of the company’s growth plans.”

Sumesh Chawla, Head of Retail & Hospitality Business US, Zensar Technologies said, “We are glad to have had the opportunity to partner with FULLBEAUTY Brands in transforming their financial processes, by laying the foundation to support their current and future business growth.”

The scope of this project includes a complete reimplementation of the Oracle ERP Financials R12 including GL, AP, AR, Fixed Assets, Cash Management, iProcurement, PO, Project Accounting and Inter Company.

At the end of the project implementation, the customer is expected to benefit from the following expected key outcomes:

• Complete alignment with Oracle Product / Support Roadmap to leverage maximum benefits
• Visible increase in processing efficiencies, due to the elimination of manual processes
• Provision of transactional security and reporting execution across multiple Operating Units
• Centralized Accounting and Centralized Banking configurations, making it a seamless process
• Business Intelligence Reporting and Analysis more streamlined to generate timely and actionable insights
• Month End Close cycle reductions, resulting in better inventory control
• Opportunities improvement across Data Cleansing, Hardware and Extensions Utilization

The above outcomes will help the company to achieve operational efficiencies, create a platform for business growth, while providing competitive advantage.

About FULLBEAUTY BRANDS
FULLBEAUTY Brands is the most trusted, comprehensive resource for plus-size women and men seeking fashion inspiration, style advice, and clothing tailored to their individual needs. Proprietary brands under the FULLBEAUTY Brands umbrella include: Woman Within® (WomanWithin.com), Roaman’s® (Roamans.com), Jessica London® (JessicaLondon.com), swimsuitsforall (swimsuitsforall.com), KingSize® (KingSizeDirect.com), BrylaneHome® (BrylaneHome.com), and fullbeauty.com®, an online marketplace offering a curated collection of the finest Brands, and thousands of products, the premier fashion and lifestyle destination for women sizes 12+ (fullbeauty.com).

About Zensar Technologies (www.zensar.com)
Zensar is a leading digital solutions and technology services company that specializes in partnering with global organizations across industries on their Digital Transformation journey. A technology partner of choice, backed by strong track-record of innovation; credible investment in Digital solutions; assertion of commitment to client’s success, Zensar’ s comprehensive range of digital and technology services and solutions enable its customers to achieve new thresholds of business performance.

Zensar, with its experience in delivering excellence and superior client satisfaction through myriad technology solutions, is uniquely positioned to help them surpass challenges around running their existing business most efficiently, helping in their legacy transformation, and planning for business expansion and growth through innovative and digital ways. Zensar Technologies is an Oracle Platinum partner and an Oracle services partner.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zensar
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Zennovation

About RPG Enterprises (www.rpggroup.com)
Mumbai headquartered RPG Enterprises is one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates. With over 15 companies in its fold, the group has a strong presence across core business sectors such as Infrastructure, Tyre, IT and Specialty. Established in 1979, RPG is also one of India’s fastest growing business groups with a turnover in excess of USD 3.2 Billion, 20000+ people and a global presence in over 100 countries.