Daily Archives: December 15, 2016

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Taco Bell announces plans for additional 45 restaurants across Spain by 2020

IRVINE, Calif., 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ —Taco Bell continues to accelerate its international growth by expanding further into the Spanish market.

Today (December 13, 2016), Taco Bell – the world’s largest Mexican-inspired restaurant chain – announced that the brand, in collaboration with its franchisee, Casual Brands Group of Madrid, will begin building an additional 45 restaurants across Spain and add more than 900 jobs to the local economy. By 2020, Spain will be home to more than 70 Taco Bell Restaurants and will be the largest market in Europe.

Casual Brands Group, led by CEO Ignacio Mora-Figueroa, began working with Taco Bell in 2008. The Group owns and operates all Taco Bell locations in Spain, as well as Juan Valdez ® Café and Delina’s®. Mora-Figueroa, recognized as Taco Bell’s International Franchisee of the Year in 2015, is a well-respected entrepreneur in Spain and has done an amazing job developing and promoting the brand.

“I am passionate about Taco Bell and what the brand stands for,” said Mora-Figueroa. “My team is committed to providing más flavor, más value, más enjoyment, and más life to all of our fans.”

Casual Brands Group has been integral in building an avid fan base of Taco Lovers across the country. Starting with their first restaurant in Madrid, they have now expanded to Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, and most recently Seville. In 2015 alone, Taco Bell and Casual Brands Group added 10 new locations, and there will be 31 Taco Bells across the country by the end of 2016.

“We are thrilled to continue our restaurant development in Spain alongside Ignacio, who has shown his commitment to investing and growing our brand since day one,” said Melissa Lora, President of Taco Bell International. “We’ve seen immense enthusiasm from our Spanish fans over the past eight years, and know they will continue to celebrate our Live Más spirit as we expand to more communities across the country.”

Taco Bell will continue with its transparent, open kitchen design that allows diners to see their meals being made fresh to order, as well as comfortable lounge seating and free Wi-Fi. In addition to being the first Taco Bell market in the world to serve beer, Spain has pioneered tapas-style happy hour promotions that showcase our ability to leverage local insights to create unique market specials. Spain’s Tuesday Taco Happy Day has now become a regular part of our fans weekly routine and continues to drive increased trial and loyalty for the brand.

There are currently more than 330 Taco Bell restaurants (including military bases) across 26 markets outside of the United States, with the goal of expanding the brand’s international presence to 1,000 restaurants by 2022. Domestically, Taco Bell is the nation’s leading Mexican-style quick service restaurant chain. The Company and its franchisees operate more than 7,000 restaurants, generating more than $9B in sales. By 2022, the brand plans to become a $15B company in global system sales with 9,000 restaurants globally.

For more information about Taco Bell Spain, visit:
Like: Facebook.com/tacobellspain
Follow: @TacoBellSpain (Twitter) and @tacobellspain (Instagram)

ABOUT TACO BELL® CORPORATION

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

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

Contact:

949-863-3915
e-mail: media@tacobell.com

Source: TacoBell

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EROSKI abrirá una nueva gasolinera en Bergara en la primera mitad de 2017

  • Las obras ya han arrancado y además de la construcción de la estación de servicio incluyen la mejora de los accesos de la zona
  • La nueva gasolinera ofrecerá Gasolina 95 y Gasóleo A y combinará la venta asistida y el autoservicio
  • La inversión prevista asciende a 700.000 euros

ELORRIO,España, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI inaugurará una nueva gasolinera en Bergara (Gipuzkoa), cuya construcción ya ha arrancado, en la primera mitad del próximo año. La estación de servicio se ubicará junto al supermercado EROSKI Center de la calle Leizeaga. La nueva gasolinera contará con dos surtidores desde los que ofrecerá Gasolina 95 y Gasóleo A para turismos y combinará la venta asistida y el autoservicio. EROSKI cuenta con una red de 15 gasolineras en el País Vasco.

Con una inversión cercana a los 700.000 euros, la apertura de la nueva gasolinera supondrá la creación de dos puestos de trabajo. Además de la construcción de las instalaciones de la estación de servicio, el proyecto contempla la mejora de los accesos de la zona, así como el reasfaltado del aparcamiento del supermercado.

La previsión es que la futura gasolinera EROSKI en Bergara alcance la venta de 2,5millones de litros de combustible anuales y que por ella pasen alrededor de 83.000 vehículos al año.

EROSKI mantendrá su tradicional política comercial de ofrecer unos precios bajos, los mejores de la zona, en la venta de combustible. “Además, nuestros Socios y Socias Cliente podrán utilizar su tarjeta EROSKI Club en esta gasolinera, y en las del resto de la red, y obtener así nuevos puntos Travel Club y canjear el ahorro acumulado por combustible gratis”,  ha afirmado el responsable de gasolineras de EROSKI, Francisco Javier Fontaneda.

El operador petrolífero BP actúa como proveedor único de todas las gasolineras EROSKI, a las cuales suministra a través del operador logístico CLH, por lo que todo el combustible comercializado por EROSKI procede de refinerías españolas.

Cuarta inauguración, de un plan de 19 nuevas gasolineras EROSKI

La nueva gasolinera de Bergara será la cuarta inauguración del plan de expansión de la red de gasolineras EROSKI que contempla inaugurar 19 estaciones de servicio en dos años en Baleares, Cantabria, Cataluña, Navarra, País Vasco y Galicia tras una inversión prevista de en torno a 7 millones de euros.

La primera inauguración de este plan de expansión se produjo en Elorrio (Bizkaia) en julio de este año, seguida de otra en Binissalem (Mallorca) el mismo mes. La última inaugurada ha sido en septiembre en Castro Urdiales (Cantabria) junto al hipermercado EROSKI de la localidad.

Con este plan de expansión de su red de gasolineras EROSKI persigue trasladar a su red de supermercados e hipermercados (remodelados o de nueva construcción) la gestión de estaciones de servicio para aumentar el atractivo y la competitividad de las tiendas y ofrecer un servicio más completo a sus clientes.

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

Source: Eroski

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EROSKI comercializa más de 786 toneladas de frutas y hortalizas dentro de la campaña de promoción del consumo de frutas y hortalizas “feas”

  • Las frutas y hortalizas “feas” son aquellas que no cumplen con los estándares de apariencia establecidos, pero que cuentan con la misma calidad en sabor y propiedades nutricionales
  • Naranja, patata, mandarina y calabacín son las referencias que más kilos han vendido
  • La campaña se ha desarrollado durante el mes de noviembre en la red comercial de EROSKI con el objetivo de sensibilizar ante el desperdicio de alimentos

ELORRIO,España, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI ha comercializado más de 786 toneladas de frutas y hortalizas “feas” dentro de la campaña de promoción del consumo de estos alimentos celebrada durante el mes de noviembre en establecimientos EROSKI de todas las regiones de España, salvo Canarias y Baleares. Las frutas y hortalizas “feas” no se corresponden con los estándares de apariencia establecidos pero cuentan con la misma calidad en sabor y propiedades nutricionales.

“Desde EROSKI estamos muy satisfechos con el resultado de la campaña y esto nos anima a repetirla en futuras ocasiones. Su fin era la sensibilización social ante el desperdicio alimentario y la promoción del consumo responsable.Cada año se desperdician en el mundo millones de toneladas de alimentos solo por no cumplir unos niveles de estandarización. Así, entre el 20% y el 40% de las frutas y verduras que se producen en Europa se tiran antes de llegar a las tiendas solo porque son feas”, ha señalado el director de Responsabilidad Social de EROSKI, Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa.

Un total de trece variedades de frutas y hortalizas clasificadas como de segunda categoría por su aspecto o tamaño pero con total calidad nutricional y organoléptica, han sido ofertadas a los consumidores con descuentos de hasta el 50% en el precio. Su origen era variado y procedían mayoritariamente de Almería (calabacín, tomate, pimiento y berenjena) y Levante (naranja, mandarina, lechuga y kaki), a las que se han añadido manzanas de Lleida, zanahorias de Valladolid, ajos de Cuenca, patata de Álava y cebollas de La Mancha. Naranja, patata, mandarina y calabacín son las referencias que más kilos han vendido.

“La campaña de concienciación ha funcionado muy bien también en internet, logrando entre los diferentes canales digitales 1.347.353 impresiones y 148.267 interacciones totales y demostrando que ha sido un contenido de interés para nuestros usuarios”, según ha explicado Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa. EROSKI mantiene activa la página web www.eroski.es/frutas-y-verduras-feas/ en la que ofrece información detallada sobre esta iniciativa.

EROSKI, pionera en el “desperdicio cero” de alimentos

EROSKI mantiene un firme compromiso contra el despilfarro de alimentos, que desarrolla a través del programa ‘Desperdicio Cero’, por el que ningún alimento apto para el consumo es desechado en sus tiendas, sino que es donado a organizaciones solidarias del entorno próximo de cada establecimiento.  Gracias a este programa, EROSKI se convirtió en 2013 en la primera cadena de distribución en España que alcanzaba el ‘Desperdicio Cero’ en toda su red de hipermercados y supermercados.

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

Source: Eroski

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Mercadona introduces new efficient store model and will invest 180 million euros in store renovations across Spain in 2017

  • The New Efficient Store Model improves the experience and optimises shopping times for the “Bosses”, as well as generating energy savings of 40% in comparison to the traditional store.
  • Its design has been fully renovated to include novelties affecting all sections, as well as new electronic devices for a computerised internal management and improved management of the assortment.
  • The company plans to refurbish and renovate 125 stores located throughout Spain in 2017.

Tavernes Blanques, Spain, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (14 december 2016), Mercadona – a 100% Spanish-owned, family-run chain of supermarkets – launched a New Efficient Store Model that will enhance and optimise the shopping experience for its “Bosses”, which is what the company calls its clients internally. To this end, the company plans to invest 180 million euros in refurbishing and renovating 125 stores throughout the country in 2017. The first two supermarkets to include this New Store Model are located in Puerto de Sagunto (Valencia) and in the municipality of Peligros (Granada).

65 suppliers have partaken in the construction of a more efficient, New Store Model, revitalising the atmosphere store design, which was started in 2000, and improving the distribution, decoration and arrangement of the different sections. The company has presented a fully renovated design in terms of new colours and materials, applied both to the outside access to the supermarket and the distribution of the different sections. It has decided on open spaces that favour natural lighting and warm colours separating the different sections, while using eco-efficient installations.

Novelties across all sections

The New Store Model introduces novelties throughout all sections, all of which are designed to benefit the “Bosses”, the employees, the suppliers and society. For instance, a new double-glazed glass entrance that avoids gusts of air, specific shelves for fresh milk and refrigerated juices, a central gondola for specialised cosmetics and a new fish exhibit for shellfish, among others.

The new design seeks offering a better service to facilitate shopping, by expanding the fruit and vegetable aisles, introducing a new shopping cart model and two basket models that are much lighter and more ergonomic.

With the objective of facilitating the workforce’s daily tasks, the new model includes a number of different measures to improve ergonomics and eliminate over-exertion. Mercadona has collaborated with Valencia’s Institute of Biomechanics in the design of the new till units. In addition, the company has redesigned the common areas in order that the employees may be more comfortable at break time, and it has further included a better-equipped canteen and larger, more comfortable lockers.

Energy savings and fully computerised management: eco-efficient store

Where the environment is concerned, measures have been taken to reduce energy consumption by 40%, including improving thermal and acoustic insulation, optimising materials and thickening walls and ceilings, as well as introducing new freezer cabinets that are more efficient and respectful towards the environment. The new model further boasts a new automated LED lighting system that adapts to the different areas and times of the day, all in aid of a much more efficient power management.

Similarly, the New Store Model integrates a number of electronic devices and collaborative tools with which to share information from any of the store’s sections, facilitating the autonomy of each supermarket, and speeding up the processes throughout the chain. In total in 2016, 45 million euros have been allocated to R&D+i for IT improvements, and more than 130 specialist technicians have collaborated in the development process. A further 5 million euros will be invested in refurbishments in 2017. Among the new devices are the line of tills, the scales and the use of electronic tablet devices in substitution of paper to carry out administrative tasks. All of this allows for optimising the processes and monitoring the store’s management in real time, which facilitates decision-making and contributes towards improved agility, especially where the management of fresh products is concerned.

Mercadona has also redesigned its corporate web page (www.mercadona.es), updating the previous design and improving usage and communication between the users. The new web page, which is simpler, more intuitive and adapted to mobile devices, has come at an investment of 1 million euros, and more than 30 specialised technicians have collaborated in its development.

Source: Mercadona

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DDR Corp. announces the appointment of William T. Ross as COO

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR) today (Dec 14, 2016) announced that it has named William T. Ross as chief operating officer, effective January 3, 2017.

Mr. Ross will oversee Asset Management and Property Management and will focus on improving same-store net operating income and cash flow at the property and portfolio levels. He will work closely with the full leadership team of DDR on all operational initiatives and especially with Vince Corno, executive vice president of leasing and development.  Mr. Ross and Mr. Corno will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Tom August.

Mr. Ross is a seasoned veteran of the retail real estate industry with extensive experience as a senior leader at Forest City Realty Trust as executive vice president of asset management since 2006.  In his role at Forest City, he oversaw 85 properties totaling 22 million square feet, and provided strategic oversight on leasing, operations, capital expenditures, and redevelopments across the portfolio.  While in that role, Mr. Ross also led many broad operational improvement and strategic initiatives across the organization.  Prior to his role in Asset Management, Mr. Ross was vice president of strategy and investment management at Forest City where he evaluated investment decisions and put in place core strategic processes for achieving profitable growth.

Prior to his time at Forest City, Mr. Ross was an executive at General Electric Company where he led M&A for one of GE’s major divisions.  He also spent six years as a consultant for McKinsey & Company, worked in venture capital, and ran a small sporting goods manufacturing company.  Mr. Ross earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University and his MBA from the University of Chicago.

Tom August, chief executive officer of DDR, commented, “We are very pleased to announce the addition of Bill Ross to our executive team.  Bill is a seasoned retail real estate executive who will provide a fresh perspective for how to strategically view our portfolio as well as dive into operations and drive asset-level cash flow growth.  With his experience working with retail leasing, he will be able to work closely with Vince Corno and the leasing and development teams to continue our efforts of driving strong operational performance.  Given Bill and Vince’s significant retail real estate backgrounds, the operational side of the organization is extremely well-prepared to address the rapidly changing retail landscape.”

About DDR Corp.
DDR is an owner and manager of 327 value-oriented shopping centers representing 107 million square feet in 36 states and Puerto Rico. The company’s assets are concentrated in high barrier-to-entry markets with stable populations and high growth potential and its portfolio is actively managed to create long-term shareholder value. DDR is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DDR. Additional information about the company is available at www.ddr.com.

Safe Harbor
DDR Corp. considers portions of the information in this press release to be 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, both as amended, with respect to the Company’s expectation for future periods. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, among other factors, local conditions such as supply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in the area; competition from other available space; dependence on rental income from real property; the loss of, significant downsizing of or bankruptcy of a major tenant; redevelopment and construction activities may not achieve a desired yield on investment; our ability to buy or sell assets on commercially reasonable terms; our ability to complete acquisitions or dispositions of assets under contract; our ability to secure equity or debt financing on commercially acceptable terms or at all; our ability to enter into definitive agreements with regard to our financing and joint venture arrangements or our failure to satisfy conditions to the completion of these arrangements; the success of our capital recycling strategy; and any impact on strategy or results from the transition and leadership. For additional factors that could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

SOURCE: DDR Corp.

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NACS survey: Americans more likely to go out and shop this holiday season compared to previous years

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — The continued economic optimism that is driving the stock market to new highs may have the same effect on holiday shopping and travel, according to the results of a new national consumer survey released by the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS).

A record 60% of U.S. fuel consumers report feeling optimistic about the economy, a 1-point increase over the prior month. Younger consumers ages 18-34 (64%) and consumers in the South (also 64%) report the highest levels of optimism, which is largely consistent across all demographics.

NACS, which represents the convenience store industry that sells 80% of the gas in the United States, conducts monthly consumer surveys to gauge how gas prices affect broader economic trends.

Americans also say that they are more likely to go out and shop than in previous holiday seasons. One in three (33%) say that they will be spending more money this month on non-fuels purchases, significantly higher than December 2015 (27%) December 2014 (24%). More than two in five younger consumers ages 18-34 (42%) say that they will spend more this month.

Americans also intend to drive more this December: 27% intend to drive more this December, compared to only 22% who said they would drive more last December.

Low gas prices are a major factor driving consumer optimism. Three in four drivers (78%) say that gas prices impact their feelings about the economy, including 84% of consumers age 18-34. Nationally, gas prices peaked for the year in June at $2.38 per gallon.

Though consumer optimism remains strong, there is some concern about gas prices rising in the future. More than one in three (38%) consumers say that gas prices increased over the past month and a majority of fuel consumers (52%) believe that gas prices in 30 days will be higher than they are today. Nationwide, gas prices rose from $2.15 to $2.19 per gallon over the past three weeks. While gas prices are 19 cents per gallon higher than a year ago (December 2015: $2.00), they are significantly lower than they were in December 2014 ($2.70) and December 2013 ($3.29).

“Economic optimism is continuing into the holiday shopping and travel season,” said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. “This continued optimism as we head into 2017 is good news for retailers across the country—and especially for convenience store retailers who will offer food and fuel for holiday shoppers and travelers.”

Average miles per dollar—a calculation that examines gas prices related to vehicle fuel efficiency—remained steady at 11.1 miles per dollar.

The survey was conducted online by Penn Schoen Berland; 1,124 U.S. adults who purchase fuel for a vehicle such as a car, truck or van at least once per month were surveyed December 6-9, 2016. The time period between the November and December monthly survey was compressed compared to typical months; the November survey was conducted one week later than usual (November 15-18) in order to avoid fielding during election. Summary results are available at nacsonline.com/fuelssurvey.

Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 154,000 stores across the country, conducts 160 million transactions a day, sells 80% of the fuel purchased in the country and had total sales of $575 billion in 2015. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,700 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.

Source: NACS

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Meijer surprised 230 customers by “gifting” them their entire shopping cart during its third annual Very Merry Meijer event

Meijer surprised 230 customers by “gifting” them their entire shopping cart during its third annual Very Merry Meijer event

 

Third year retailer collects customer reactions in Very Merry Meijer video of the fun-filled events

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer made Christmas very merry this year when it once again surprised an unsuspecting customer in each of its 230 stores by “gifting” them their entire shopping cart filled with gifts and groceries upon checkout.

During the third annual Very Merry Meijer event, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer randomly selected 230 customers on Dec. 10 to receive their purchases free, and gave a $100 Meijer gift card to the Meijer cashier helping the customer.

In addition, each surprised customer received an additional $100 Meijer gift card to help pass along the generosity.

“Christmas is a time for kindness and joy, and we were so excited to bring back the Very Merry Meijer event once again to share the spirit of the season with those we hold dear: our customers and team members,” Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said. “We are very appreciative of our customers and team members, and wanted to find a special way to wish them a very Merry Christmas.”

The Very Merry Meijer event resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in gifts to Meijer customers – with shopping carts ranging from $400 to upwards of more than $1,000 in value – along with a mixture of emotions that spurred tears, hugs and even speechlessness from very happy customers. For some, the surprise renewed hope in the true meaning of the season; others appreciated the generosity during a time that can be quite stressful.

Meijer released a video today that showcases how the retailer surprised its customers. In most cases, the store director revealed the gift upon checkout, but Hank Meijer, Board Director Doug Meijer, and Meijer President and CEO Rick Keyes also helped spread holiday cheer.

“We strive all year long to put our customers first, and provide them with a great shopping experience through the quality products we sell, the service we provide and the many ways we offer savings,” Keyes said. “The Very Merry Meijer event was an extra special way to show our appreciation and make the season bright. That is what the holidays are all about.”

The impact of this year’s Very Merry Meijer event was far reaching as those customers received a second gift from the retailer – a $100 Meijer gift card – to pay it forward to a charitable organization, or a family or individual in need. Meijer is encouraging those customers to share their pay-it-forward photos and videos on its Facebook page with the hashtag #VeryMerryMeijer for a chance for their charity to receive a $5,000 donation.

“The Very Merry Meijer event began as a simple way to say thank you, but it has grown into so much more because of our thoughtful customers,” Doug Meijer said. “This is truly an event I look forward to all year long because it gives us a chance to show our customers and team members just how much they mean to us.”

To view the Very Merry Meijer video, please visit the Meijer Newsroom: http://newsroom.meijer.com/multimedia.

Editor’s Note: To follow the Very Merry Meijer conversation in the social space, please look for the hashtag #VeryMerryMeijer.

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. As a pioneer of the “one-stop shopping” concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronic offerings. Additional information on Meijer can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Contact:
Frank Guglielmi
616-791-3814
frank.guglielmi@meijer.com

Source: Meijer

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Apple AirPods now available to order online from Apple.com

New Wireless Headphones Available Online Today and in Stores Beginning Next Week

Cupertino, CA, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Apple today (DECEMBER 13, 2016) announced AirPods are available to order online now from Apple.com and will start delivering to customers and arriving at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers next week.

AirPods introduce an effortless wireless listening experience packed with high-quality audio and long battery life. These magical wireless headphones use advanced technology to reinvent how we listen to music, make phone calls, enjoy TV shows and movies, play games and interact with Siri, providing a wireless audio experience not possible before.

With AirPods, setting up and using wireless headphones has never been easier. Just open the charging case near your iPhone and with a simple tap, AirPods are immediately set up with all the devices signed into your iCloud account, including your Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. Advanced sensors detect when AirPods are in your ear and can automatically play and pause your music. Double tapping on AirPods activates Siri, allowing you to access your favorite personal assistant to select and control your music, get directions, make and receive calls or perform any other Siri task.

This revolutionary experience is enabled by the new ultra-low power Apple W1 chip, which enables AirPods to deliver high-quality audio and industry-leading battery life in a completely wireless design. AirPods deliver up to five hours of listening time on one charge while the custom-designed charging case holds additional charges for an industry-leading total of more than 24 hours of listening time, ensuring AirPods are charged and ready to go whenever you are.

Pricing and Availability

Apple-Designed Wireless AirPods
Including charging case for $159 (US).
Available today from Apple.com and will start delivering to customers and arriving at Apple Stores, Apple Authorized Resellers and select carriers next week.

AirPods will be shipping in limited quantities at launch and customers are encouraged to check online for updates on availability and estimated delivery dates. Stores will receive regular AirPod shipments.

AirPods are available in more than 100 countries and territories including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Netherlands, Japan, UAE, the UK and the US.

AirPods require Apple devices running the latest version of iOS 10, watchOS 3 or macOS Sierra.

Press Contacts:

Alex Kirschner
Apple
alexkirschner@apple.com
(408) 974-2479

Trudy Muller
Apple
tmuller@apple.com
(408) 862-7426

Apple Media Helpline
media.help@apple.com
(408) 974-2042

Source: Apple Inc.

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Auchan Retail, Russia’s largest foreign investor opens its 100th hypermarket in Moscow

Croix Cedex, France, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — With a surface area of 5,970 sqm, the new store proposes 23,400 food and non-food product assortments as well as the entire offering available on auchan.ru at a Click&Collect pick-up point.

Having opened its first Russian hypermarket in Mytischi in 2002, the Auchan Retail network now operates in more than 85 cities via its 3 formats (hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores), and via e-shopping.

Since the beginning of its adventure in the country, Auchan Retail invested around 200 billion roubles (€3 billion). Auchan Retail is thus the country’s largest foreign investor and a major player in its economic and social development.
Indeed, it is an active supporter of the state agricultural development programme through its own “Sector Project” that offers farmers co-financing, training and long-term partnerships. Auchan Retail Russia has 43,000 employees, making it the country’s largest foreign employer.

This inauguration in Moscow comes in the footsteps of the opening last week of Auchan’s 99th hypermarket in Tyumen in the Siberian Urals, and in advance of around ten new stores, all formats included, to be opened between now and the end of the year.

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Auchan Retail, Russia’s largest foreign investor opens its 100th hypermarket in Moscow

 

Source: Auchan Holdings

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JACK & JONES and SELECTED Brand Director Morten Mortensen to leave the company

JACK & JONES and SELECTED Brand Director Morten Mortensen to leave the company

 

BRANDE, Denmark, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — After 27 years, JACK & JONES and SELECTED Brand Director Morten Mortensen hands over the torch to his management team.

“Morten has been a large part of BESTSELLER for more than 27 years, where he has been responsible for our men’s wear department since the start-up of JACK & JONES. Since then, we have seen SELECTED emerge and together, these two businesses make up a considerable share of our company and our results”, says Anders Holch Povlsen.
Through the past many years, Morten has been a driving force behind creating successful brands. His approach to building a strong brand through the ultimate menswear store ‘Men’s Comfort Zone’, his approach to collaboration with wholesale customers, his respect for the end consumers and not least his passion for management, training and the continuous development of talents has been impressive, and of great significance for BESTSELLER.

“On our company’s, my family’s and my own behalf, I would like to express our deep gratitude and respect for Morten and the cooperation that has always meant a lot to us,” Anders Holch Povlsen finishes.

Throughout the years, Morten has built a strong management team in JACK & JONES and SELECTED, and the plan is for this team to take over where Morten left and continue building strong healthy brands in BESTSELLER.

Morten Mortensen says:  “I’d like to give a big thank you to Merete, Troels and Anders Holch Povlsen for giving me the opportunity to start, develop and lead JACK & JONES and SELECTED on this long journey. It has been the most joyful trip, and I owe a big thank you to all the dedicated colleagues that have travelled with me along the way. BESTSELLER has been a big part of my life so far, but I feel it is time to try something else. I have no concrete plans for the future, but I have thousands of ideas, and I look very much forward to be spending more time with my family,” says Morten Mortensen.

Contact:

contact@bestseller.com
+45 99 42 32 00

Source: Bestseller

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PetSmart shares advice for keeping pets safe, healthy and happy this holiday season

PHOENIX, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — The holiday season is synonymous with family gatherings, dinner parties, gift openings and plenty of festive food, which can pose some challenges for pets.

Lisa Darling, DVM, PetSmart’s resident veterinarian and pet care expert, shares advice for keeping pets safe, healthy and happy this holiday season and throughout the cold winter months.

Create a Safe Home for Pets

This time of year, home holiday décor can include seasonal plants, ornaments and candles, which means plenty of intriguing and dangerous new sights and smells for pets. For example, extra electrical cords can be tempting new “chew toys” for pets. Darling recommends pet parents take special care to ensure extra electrical cords for festive indoor lighting are not accessible to pets by taping them down or covering them to help prevent injuries.

Christmas trees can also pique the interest of curious cats and playful pups. Darling urges pet parents to firmly anchor trees so they can take any potential playful swatting and to keep breakable glass ornaments higher up on the tree, out of pets’ reach, along with temptations like tinsel and ribbons.

Candles can also be problematic, so it’s best to avoid burning them or put them far out of pets’ reach. Seasonal plants like holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are poisonous to dogs and cats, so if you plan to decorate your home with them place them in an area your pet cannot reach.

Savor the Season – Safely

The holidays are filled with festive food, treats and candy, and although it can be tempting to share human foods with our beloved pets, resist the urge.

“Table scraps such as turkey, gravy and stuffing may look harmless, but even small amounts can lead to serious health issues,” said Darling.

Instead, include pets in your festive feasting by offering them pet-friendly treats that look and taste like the real thing. Simply Nourish® Merry Meals™, in flavors like Turkey, Sweet Potato and Cranberry, are healthy alternatives to the human food on our holiday table. PetSmart’s meat and cheese tray, pie slice and turkey leg made of rawhide are fun takes on holiday feasting, but are specifically formulated for pets.

Keep Them Calm

The holidays can be a hectic time for people and pets. Extra visitors to the house, travel and commotion can leave pets feeling anxious.

“Before company arrives, try putting your dog or cat in a Thundershirt®, which is designed to provide a calming effect when they experience fear or discomfort,” Darling said. “Many pet parents also find that supplements like LICKS® Zen Calming Remedy also work by promoting calmness and behavior which may help stabilize pets’ moods.”

Keep Them Feeling Cozy and Warm

During especially cold winter days and nights, look to your pet to gauge comfort levels and plan time to dress them accordingly. Generally, if your pet is small and short-haired, it’s likely he or she is sensitive to the cold. The same goes for older pets and those that may be frail or ill.

Darling says that sweaters, coats and booties to protect their paws are all smart (and comfortable) solutions. Booties are particularly important for icy areas that may be salted and can help guard pup’s paws from the harmful solution.

A safe home is a happy and festive home this holiday season. Keeping these tips in mind can help avoid emergency trips to the vet, which means the whole family can enjoy a joyful holiday season. Find more pet-friendly tips for the holidays at Petsmart.com/learning-center.

About PetSmart®

PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart’s passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities. We employ approximately 55,000 associates, operate approximately 1,500 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico and 204 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities.

PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and pet products and offers dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart Doggie Day Camp day care services and pet adoption services in-store. Our portfolio of digital resources for pet parents – including PetSmart.com, PetFoodDirect.com, Pet360.com and petMD.com – offers the most comprehensive online pet supplies and pet care information in the U.S. Through our in-store pet adoption partnership with independent nonprofit organizations, PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities™ of Canada, PetSmart helps to save the lives of more than 500,000 homeless pets each year.

Follow PetSmart on Twitter: @PetSmart
Find PetSmart on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PetSmart
See PetSmart on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmart

Contacts: 
Golin for PetSmart Inc.
Danielle Bickelmann
dbickelmann@golin.com
469.680.2503

PetSmart Media Line:
623-587-2177

Source: PetSmart Inc.

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Big Lots raised $3.6 million for Nationwide Children’s Hospital through its 2016 “Give Big for Kids” campaign

Customers Continue to Make a BIG Difference for Sick Children

Columbus, Ohio, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) announced today (Dec. 13, 2016) that its 2016 “Give Big for Kids” campaign raised $3.6 million for lifesaving pediatric research and care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a $1.4 million increase over last year’s campaign donation to the hospital of $2.2 million.

The six-week-long campaign offered customers and associates the opportunity to donate in-store and online to support Nationwide Children’s, which is based in Columbus, Ohio, but cares for patients from all 50 U.S. States and 41 countries. Funds raised will help benefit state-of-the-art facilities, revolutionary research and available lifesaving treatments.

The campaign also included shopping sprees for hospital patient champions representing Big Lots in seven markets across the country, including California, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas. Patient champions are children who are being treated or have been treated at Nationwide Children’s and this year’s Big Lots patient champions had an opportunity to shop at their local Big Lots store for gifts to send back to patients at Nationwide Children’s to enjoy.

In addition to spearheading the Give Big for Kids campaign, on August 31, 2016, Big Lots together with the Big Lots Foundation announced a $50 million transformational gift to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This gift will support the construction of the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion. The 250,000-square-foot pavilion on the hospital’s main campus will foster collaboration with Nationwide Children’s research teams, as well as community partner agencies to help care for children and teens with mental illness and behavioral health conditions.

“On behalf of Big Lots, I want to express sincere thanks to our customers and associates and their generosity for making a tremendous difference in the lives of the many patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital through their kind donations,” said David Campisi Big Lots CEO and President. “Our patient champions continue to inspire the Big Lots community, and we are so thrilled to have exceeded our goal of $3 million for this year’s Give Big for Kids program. We look forward to continuing our support for the hospital through similar donation programs in the future and our commitment to the Behavioral Health expansion.”

To learn more about Big Lots, speak with a company representative or arrange a store visit, contact the Big Lots media hotline at 877-251-0243 or visit BigLotsMedia.com.

About Big Lots, Inc.

Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) is a unique, nontraditional, discount retailer operating 1,445 Big Lots stores in 47 states with product assortments in the merchandise categories of Food, Consumables, Furniture, Seasonal, Soft Home, Hard Home, and Electronics & Accessories. Our vision is to be recognized for providing an outstanding shopping experience for our customers, valuing and developing our associates, and creating growth for our shareholders. Big Lots supports the communities it serves through the Big Lots Foundation, a charitable organization focused on four areas of need: hunger, housing, healthcare and education. For more information about the company, visit www.biglots.com.

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Named to the Top 10 Honor Roll on U.S. News & World Report’s 2016-17 list of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals,” Nationwide Children’s Hospital is America’s largest not-for-profit freestanding pediatric healthcare system providing wellness, preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitative care for infants, children and adolescents, as well as adult patients with congenital disease. Nationwide Children’s has a staff of more than 11,000 providing state-of-the-art pediatric care during more than 1.2 million patient visits annually. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health–funded freestanding pediatric research facilities. Nationwide Children’s remains true to the original mission since its founding in 1892 of providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay. More information is available at NationwideChildrens.org.

Media Contact:

Colleen Cleary
1-631-921-5320
Colleen.Cleary@havas.com

Source: Big Lot’s Inc.

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Kum & Go features its new Marketplace store design at its newest location in Craig, Colorado

New store prototype features fresh food and a variety of fuel options

Craig, CO, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kum & Go opens the doors on Thursday, December 15, at 6 a.m. to its newest store in Craig, Colorado, at 700 Victory Way East. The 6,200+-square-foot store is the first store in Colorado to feature the new Marketplace store design which features a variety of unique offerings.  To encourage customers to try out those offerings, the first 99 customers to arrive on Thursday morning receive a coupon for a 99-cent whole pizza.

To celebrate the grand opening, a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, December 16, beginning at Noon. The public is encouraged to attend! Free samples of pizza and made to order sandwiches will be given out.

The centerpiece of the store is an expanded and open food preparation area that customers can see from the moment they enter. Other location features include:

  • Elevated food experience with Kum & Go’s “Go Fresh Market”
  • Open kitchen layout, clear aisles and easy-to-navigate zones
  • Seating inside with heated patio seating outside
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations for customers
  • Designed for LEED-certified status, using energy efficient and sustainable design practices

“This new footprint represents everything that Kum & Go strives to be for our associates and for our customers,” said Kum & Go president and CEO Kyle J. Krause. “This is the evolution of our brand promise and business approach. Now customers can truly experience the “more” that we provide.”

To celebrate the opening, Kum & Go will present checks for $500 each to local non-profits Moffat County Extension Office – 4H Youth Development and Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Colorado.

The store will be open 24 hours a day. The phone number to the store is 970-824-0377.

Kum & Go operates three stores in the Craig area, and 52 in the state of Colorado. Future locations of this new layout are planned for 2016 in Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and Iowa.

About Kum & Go, L.C.

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

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

Source: Kum & Go

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Kering enhances its parental policy for all its employees globally

London, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — With effect from 1 January 2017, Kering’s parental policy will allow all the Group’s employees, whatever their personal circumstances or location, a minimum of 14 weeks on full pay for maternity and adoption leave and a minimum of five days on full pay for paternity or partner leave.

The luxury Group is thus demonstrating its commitment to professional equality and work-life balance.

From 1 January 2017, Kering’s parental policy will provide a new framework across the Group and its Maisons for more than 38,500 employees, in close to 60 countries.

Every Kering employee with more than a year’s seniority, regardless of their personal circumstances or location, will be entitled to 14 weeks on full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and five days on full pay for paternity and partner leave.

By setting a global minimum standard for maternity and adoption leave, paternity leave and partner leave, Kering is taking an important step forward for the benefit of all its employees. In many countries, aligning adoption leave with maternity leave (14 weeks), whatever the parents’ legal status represents great progress, as does the introduction of five days’ leave for the partner of the mother or adopting parent.

In countries where local legislation provides more favourable parental leave benefits, this will be applied in place of Kering’s parental policy.

The Group’s new parental policy aims to foster a better work-life balance and to promote gender equality, regardless of employees’ personal circumstances, by guaranteeing the same minimum benefits on the birth or adoption of a child, to all Group employees worldwide.

Kering’s managers and human resources teams will be actively involved in implementing this new policy by providing parents with specific support before and after their leave, to ensure that they return to work in the best possible conditions, and benefit from a smooth career progression in the long term.

François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, commented: “Since our employees are at the core of our business and our inspiration, I am proud to launch a policy that represents a major step forward for parenthood in many parts of the world. This initiative, which is particularly close to my heart, reflects our enduring commitment to promoting equality between men and women throughout their careers, whatever their personal circumstances.”

Béatrice Lazat, Kering’s senior vice president of human resources, added: “This ambitious policy will enable employees of the Group and its companies in almost 60 countries to benefit from a standard framework that promotes a healthy work-life balance. By guaranteeing the same minimum benefits to everyone, we are developing a more sustainable and harmonious working environment and contributing to a shared corporate culture within the Group, which is a source of pride and well-being.”

Press kit available on request

About Kering
A global Luxury group, Kering develops an ensemble of luxury houses in fashion, leather goods, jewellery and watches: Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, Pomellato, Qeelin and Ulysse Nardin. Kering is also developing the Sport & Lifestyle brands Puma, Volcom and Cobra. By ‘empowering imagination’, Kering encourages its brands to reach their potential, in the most sustainable manner.

The Group generated revenues of more than €11.5 billion in 2015 and had more than 38,000 employees at year end. The Kering share is listed on Euronext Paris (FR 0000121485, KER.PA, KER.FP).

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

Astrid Wernert
astrid.wernert@kering.com
+33 (0)1 45 64 61 57

Website
www.kering.com

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

Source: Kering

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GameStop offers the widest selection of exclusive collectible items perfect to fill all types of stockings this holidays

GameStop offering discounts on various collectibles, games and more

GRAPEVINE, TX , 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — GameStop, a family of specialty retail brands that make the most popular technologies affordable and simple, is preparing gift-givers of gamers, geeks, fanatics and more with the widest selection of exclusive collectible items, as well as a week of discounts and deals, perfect to fill all types of stockings. GameStop offers customers a convenient and affordable holiday shopping experience through its expanded line of collectible products such as Funko POP! Vinyls, t-shirts, figures, and more that can only be found at GameStop.

Customers can visit their local GameStop stores, or shop online at www.GameStop.com between December 11 and December 17 to receive discounts such as 30 percent off of all t-shirts, backpacks, and ornaments as well as buy one get one 50 percent off on select collectibles. Stocking stuffer ideas include:

  • Halo Energy Sword (only at GameStop)
  • Pokémon plushes
  • The Legend of Zelda t-shirt
  • Harley Quinn backpack
  • Various Nintendo Christmas ornaments
  • Star Wars Death Star coffee mug
  • Call of Duty socks
  • Minecraft foam roleplay sword or axe
  • Pokémon booster packs
  • Original Piggy Back phone stand
  • Star Wars Funko POP! Vinyl figures

Each holiday season, gamers of all ages seek the latest and greatest video games with hopes of discovering new worlds within their stockings. GameStop is making it easier and more affordable for last minute shoppers to make these dreams a reality. December 11 through December 17, GameStop is discounting many of the hottest video game titles such as:

  • Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – $39.99 (reg. $59.99)
  • Grand Theft Auto V – $29.99 (reg. $59.99)
  • Titanfall 2 – $39.99 (reg. $59.99)
  • Gears of War 4 – $39.99 (reg. $59.99)
  • Dishonored 2 – $39.99 (reg.$59.99)
  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition – $29.99 (reg.$49.99)
  • Watch Dogs 2 – $49.99 (reg. $59.99)
  • Overwatch Origins Edition – $39.99 (reg. $59.99)
  • Madden NFL 17 – $39.99 (reg. $59.99)

For more information on stocking stuffer gift ideas and discounts, visit a local GameStop store location or online at www.GameStop.com.

About GameStop

GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. GameStop operates more than 7,500 stores across 14 countries. The company’s consumer product network also includes www.gamestop.com; www.Kongregate.com, a leading browser-based game site; Game Informer® magazine, the world’s leading print and digital video game publication; and ThinkGeek, www.thinkgeek.com, the premier retailer for the global geek community featuring exclusive and unique video game and pop culture products. In addition, our Technology Brands segment includes Simply Mac and Spring Mobile stores. Simply Mac, www.simplymac.com, operates 70 stores, selling the full line of Apple products, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones and offering Apple certified warranty and repair services. Spring Mobile, www.springmobile.com, sells all of AT&T’s products and services, including DIRECTV through its 1,429 AT&T branded stores and offers pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories through its 70 Cricket branded stores in select markets in the U.S.

General information about GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company’s corporate website. Follow @GameStop on Twitter and find GameStop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GameStop.

Contacts:
Kyle Stephenson
GameStop Corp.
817-722-7735
KyleStephenson@Gamestop.com

Source: GameStop Corporation

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Barnes & Noble offers the best in class educational toys and games selection for the 2016 holiday season

New York, NY, 2016-Dec-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the nation’s largest retail bookseller and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, today (December 13, 2016) released its top educational toys and games list for the 2016 holiday season (www.bn.com/topholidaytoyslist). Barnes & Noble has all the hottest, must-have, high-quality toys and games of the season, along with a best in class educational toys and games selection arranged by age and interest, making it an unmatched resource for gifts to help children learn and grow.

“At Barnes & Noble, we know what toys and games are at the top of every child’s wish list, and that’s why we are delighted to be featuring the hottest toys of the season.  We also recognize that play is not only fun but an essential part of a child’s development” said Kathleen Campisano, Vice President, Toys & Games. “That is why we have created an expansive, curated selection of educational toys and games, reaching a broad range of ages, interests and play patterns.”

For the 2016 holiday season, Barnes & Noble recommends the following Top Toys of the Season from its leading selection:

Ages 0-2

Ages 3-5

 Ages 6-8

Ages 9-12

 Ages 13 and up

These toys, along with many other great gift ideas, can be found in the Barnes & Noble 2016 Holiday Gift Guide online at bn.com/holiday and at Barnes & Noble stores across the country.

About Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is a Fortune 500 company, the nation’s largest retail bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products.  The Company operates 638 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com).  The Nook Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK® tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4.5 million digital books in the US (www.nook.com), plus periodicals and comics, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps™ available for Android™, iOS® and Windows®.

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

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

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

All Contacts:

Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communication
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

Alan McNamara
Senior Director
Corporate Communications
(212) 633-3379
amcnamara@bn.com

Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc.