Daily Archives: December 22, 2016

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Garth Brooks’ entire 16-album collection exclusively available on Amazon Music from December 24

  • Beginning at 12:00 a.m. ET on December 24, fans can stream all 16 albums from the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history only on AmazonMusic Unlimited—his entire collection will also be available for purchase and download on Amazon Music
  • Garth has become one of the top-streamed artists on Amazon Music since his debut to streaming exclusively on Amazon
  • Amazon Music is also the official sponsor the 2017 Garth Brooks World Tour

SEATTLE, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today (Dec. 21, 2016) announced that the entire catalog from the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history, Garth Brooks, will be available exclusively on Amazon Music beginning at 12:00 a.m. ET on December 24, 2016. Fans will be able to stream Garth’s entire 16-album collection, including all 10 studio albums like No Fences, The Chase, Man Against Machine and his latest, Gunslinger as well as catalog favorites like The Lost Sessions and his Christmas classics, only on Amazon Music Unlimited. In addition to unlimited streaming for Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers, all Garth Brooks’ albums will be available for purchase and digital download on Amazon Music, starting this Saturday. To find out more or to start listening, visit www.amazon.com/amazonmusicunlimited.

“I hope my fans will enjoy this surprise holiday gift,” stated the 2016 CMA Entertainer of the Year, Garth Brooks. “As we look to 2017, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Amazon Music along for the ride on my upcoming tour as we go worldwide.”

“Garth is an incredible artist that our customers love listening to—in just two months, since his debut to streaming exclusively on Amazon Music, Garth has become one of the top streamed artists and The Ultimate Hits and Double Live have become top streamed albums,” stated Steve Boom, VP of Amazon Music. “We are thrilled today to announce that even more from Garth is coming exclusively to Amazon Music this Saturday, including award-winning and popular albums like No Fences, The Chase and more. We can’t wait for customers to start enjoying the entire Garth catalog.”

In October, for the first time in his career, Garth brought his music to streaming exclusively on Amazon Music with his Diamond-selling albums, The Ultimate Hits and Double Live, and has since become one of the top-streamed artists on Amazon Music.

Here’s more of what Amazon customers have loved about Garth since his debut on Amazon Music:

Most-requested Garth songs on Alexa:

  • “The Thunder Rolls”
  • “Friends in Low Places”
  • “The Dance”
  • “Shameless”
  • “Standing Outside the Fire”

Songs most frequently requested by their lyrics on Alexa:

  • “Standing Outside the Fire”
  • “The Thunder Rolls”
  • “Friends in Low Places”

Most-streamed Garth songs:

  • “Friends in Low Places”
  • “Callin’ Baton Rouge”
  • “Unanswered Prayers”
  • “The Dance”
  • “It’s Your Song”

Garth’s entire album collection that will be available to stream exclusively on Amazon Music Unlimited starting this Saturday includes:

  • In Pieces
  • Garth Brooks
  • The Chase
  • The Ultimate Hits
  • No Fences
  • Ropin’ the Wind
  • Sevens
  • Scarecrow
  • Double Live 25th Anniversary Edition
  • Fresh Horses
  • Christmas Together
  • Gunslinger
  • Man Against Machine
  • Beyond the Season
  • Garth Brooks and the Magic of Christmas
  • The Lost Sessions

Amazon Music is also the official sponsor of Garth Brooks’ 2017 World Tour—previously announced U.S. dates are listed below, with more to come early next year.

  • January 21 – Cincinnati, OH
  • January 22 – Cincinnati, OH
  • January 27 – Cincinnati, OH
  • January 28 – Cincinnati, OH
  • January 29 – Cincinnati, OH
  • February 2 – Memphis, TN
  • February 3 – Memphis, TN
  • February 4 – Memphis, TN (two shows)
  • March 11 – Albany, NY

Amazon Music Unlimited is available on all Amazon Music compatible devices with the following subscriptions:

  • $7.99/month, $79/year for Prime members ($9.99/month for non-Prime customers)
  • $3.99/month on a single Echo, Echo Dot, or Amazon Tap
  • $14.99/month for Prime and non-Prime customers or $149/year Family plan for Prime members

Customers can sign up to begin their free 30-day trial today on Amazon Music Unlimited by visiting www.amazon.com/amazonmusicunlimited.

About Amazon Music

Amazon Music is the destination for customers to have the most choice in how to access and listen to all their favorite music. In addition to streaming with Amazon Music Unlimited and Amazon Prime, Amazon Music offers the world’s largest selection of CD and Vinyl, including AutoRip on more than a hundred thousand albums, and tens of millions of MP3 songs to purchase and own. For more information on Amazon Music visit www.amazon.com/amazonmusic.

About Amazon

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

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

Garth Brooks Press
Nancy Seltzer & Associates, Inc.
6220 Del Valle Drive
Los Angeles, Calif. 90048
Ph: 323-938-3562
Fax: 323-938-0589
nseltzer@nsapr.com

Source: Amazon

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Amazon Original Movie Gleason available on Amazon Prime Video on December 29

Two original songs with Music by Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready and lyrics written by Steve Gleason will also be available exclusively on Amazon Music

SEATTLE, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon Studios today (Dec. 20, 2016) announced that the Amazon Original Movie Gleason will be available through Amazon Prime Video at no additional cost to Prime members on December 29. The acclaimed film is among 15 documentaries shortlisted for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Documentary, was nominated for Five Broadcast Film Critic’s Awards and was included among The National Board of Review’s Top Five Documentaries of the Year. Gleason is directed by Clay Tweel (Finders Keepers) and features New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, his wife Michel Varisco and Steve’s former teammate and best friend Scott Fujita (The Lightkeepers, FOX NFL Kickoff). The film is produced by Fujita, Kimi Culp (Oprah’s Master Class), Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses, Identity Thief), Mary Rohlich (Four Christmases, The Goldbergs) and Kevin Lake (The Singing Detective, Paparazzi).

Gleason made its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically on July 29, 2016 to an overwhelmingly positive critical response. The film is rated 8.3 on IMDB and also “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes where it maintains a 96% Fresh rating. Here’s what critics have to say about Gleason:

  • “Gleason is so powerful in its cumulative effect that it should be accompanied by a consumer advisory-something along the lines of ‘This documentary may cause sudden alterations of mood and attitude.’”– Joe Morgenstern, The Wall Street Journal
  • “If this film portrait stirs deep emotions, they spring from a breathtakingly unsentimental embrace of life at its most challenging.” – Sheri Linden, The Los Angeles Times
  • “A tearjerker of a film but also a joyous one.” – Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com
  • “One of the most powerful, poignant documentaries of the past decade.” – Nick Schager, The Daily Beast.com
  • “You don’t need to know Steve Gleason’s name to be enraptured by his extraordinary story.” – Mara Reinstein, Us Weekly

Shortly after former New Orleans Saints star defensive back Steve Gleason is diagnosed with ALS at the age of 34, he learns that his wife Michel is pregnant with their first child. Determined to live his remaining years to their fullest, Steve goes on an expedition to Alaska, creates a foundation to help others with ALS patients, rebuilds a rocky relationship with his father and embraces new technologies to help compensate for his deteriorating physical abilities—all with Michel’s unwavering support. Brimming with humor and heart, this inspirational documentary follows a man who battles overwhelming adversity to find his true purpose in life.

“We are incredibly excited for our customers to experience Gleason’s inspiring story of strength, grace, love and family on Prime Video,” said Jason Ropell, Worldwide Head of Motion Pictures, Amazon Studios.

The music for Gleason includes numerous songs that have inspired Steve throughout his life, like “Given to Fly” and “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam, as well as two tracks, “Space In Between,” and “Her Again,” written by Steve Gleason himself and performed by his good friend, guitarist Mike McCready along with singer, Kim Virant, which will be available exclusively on Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music beginning December 23. Additionally, Steve created a playlist featuring some of his favorite songs, also streaming exclusively on both Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music.

Not available on any other subscription services, Gleason will be available for Prime members to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/originals, at no additional cost to their membership. Prime members will also be able to download the film to mobile devices for offline viewing. Gleason joins Prime Video’s line-up of award-winning and critically acclaimed Original Series and Movies—to see more originals available exclusively for Prime members, visit www.amazon.com/originals.
Customers who are not already Prime members can sign-up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream.

About Amazon Studios

Amazon Studios launched in 2010 as a new way to develop feature films and episodic series—one that’s open to great ideas from creators and audiences around the world. Anyone can upload a script online for Amazon Studios to review, and those who choose to make their projects public can also receive feedback from the Amazon Studios community. First announced in January 2015, Amazon Original Movies is an initiative by Amazon Studios to produce and acquire original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution exclusively for Prime members. Like Amazon Original Series, Amazon Original Movies focuses on unique stories, voices, and characters from top and up-and-coming creators. In 2015, Amazon Studios released its first film, Chi-Raq from critically acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. Chi-Raq is now available for Prime members to stream exclusively. Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester By The Sea is currently in theaters and up next, Amazon Studios will release Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson on December 28th.

About Amazon Video

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

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, Love & Friendship and kids series Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership
  • Amazon Channels: Over 80 video subscriptions to networks like SHOWTIME, STARZ and more, available to Amazon Prime members as add-ons to their membership
  • Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new-release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers
  • Instant Access: Instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream
  • Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads for offline viewing

In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalogue with Audible channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more visit: http://www.amazon.com/prime.

Media Hotline:

206-266-7180
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Amazon to open two fulfillment centers in Aurora, Illinois

The company’s presence grows to eight facilities and more than 7,000 full-time jobs in the state

SEATTLE, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Intersect Illinois and the Illinois Department of Commerce today (Dec. 20, 2016) announced that Amazon plans to open two fulfillment centers in Aurora, Illinois. The facilities will add more than 1,000 additional full-time jobs with benefits to the state. The company currently has fulfillment centers operating in Edwardsville, Joliet and Romeoville with another fulfillment center under construction in Monee.

“In just over two years, Illinois has proven itself to be an ideal location from which Amazon can continue offering customers our vast selection and superfast shipping speeds,” said Akash Chauhan, Amazon’s vice president of North American operations. “We’re excited to be growing and creating even more full-time jobs that offer comprehensive benefits on day one as well as generous maternity and parental leave benefits.”

“Intersect Illinois has worked closely with Amazon for months to grow and maximize Amazon’s footprint in Illinois,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Jim Schultz. “Team members like Frank Cho recognized early on that Illinois and Amazon could be tremendous partners and that hard work is paying off. Illinois can offer Amazon exactly what it needs.”

“With a talented workforce, central location in the Unites States and the North American market, and a world-class transportation hub, Illinois is proving it has assets no other state can offer,” Schultz added.

During the past two years, Amazon has announced eight fulfillment centers in Illinois. Once the latest investments complete construction,Amazon will have created more than 7,000 full-time jobs for Illinoisans. Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one, as well as generous maternity and parental leave benefits.

Amazon also has a longstanding commitment of hiring military veterans and spouses for careers across the company, including at its fulfillment centers. The company recently announced a commitment to hire 25,000 military veterans and spouses in the U.S. during the next five years and train 10,000 in cloud computing.

“Today’s announcement further strengthens Illinois’ position as one of the nation’s top states for logistics and distribution,” said DCEO Director Sean McCarthy. “This has been a team effort, with DCEO and Intersect Illinois working together to make possible Amazon’s continued growth in Illinois. We are excited to see Amazon expand and create thousands of good-paying jobs.”

At the nearly 1-million-square-foot facility in Aurora employees will pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and consumer goods. The other facility, spanning 400,000-square-feet, will specialize in handling larger items like big-screen televisions.

“The City of Warrenville is looking forward to welcoming Amazon as its newest corporate neighbor along Route 59 in the City of Aurora,” said City of Warrenville Mayor David Brummel. “This project is yet another great example of municipalities and private entities working together to improve underdeveloped areas, create jobs, and grow the local economy in a responsible and sustainable manner. Warrenville is truly excited to be part of the public/private team that will make the Amazon facilities a reality.”

Illinois competed with several other states for this project, and the Department of Commerce worked tirelessly to bring these new jobs to Illinois. The EDGE program is the State’s primary mechanism to help encourage job creation and capital investment in Illinois.

“Amazon’s investment in Aurora is a testament to our growing economy, streamlined business process and dedicated workforce,” said Aurora Mayor Robert J. O’Connor. “To bring 1,000 new jobs to Aurora at one location is unprecedented and to do so via Amazon, one of the most recognized brands in the world, is monumental. It’s just as exciting to know Amazon’s commitment and care for the communities where they have offices and the potential partnerships that will be developed throughout our city. We are absolutely thrilled with Amazon’s decision to choose Aurora for its newest venture.”

In addition to competitive wages and comprehensive benefits, Amazon also offers employees innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch four years ago, more than 7,000 employees in 10 countries have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, to name a few.

To learn more about working at an Amazon fulfillment center, visit www.amazondelivers.jobs.

About Amazon

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

Media Hotline:

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Amazon Original Kids Series Just Add Magic season two to premiere on January 13 on Prime Video

Based on Cindy Callaghan’s book of the same name, Just Add Magic stars Olivia Sanabia, Abby Donnelly, Aubrey Miller and Judah Bellamy, and is executive produced by Andrew Orenstein and Joe Nussbaum

SEATTLE, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today (Dec. 19, 2016) announced season two of its original live-action kids series aimed at families and children aged 6 through 11, Just Add Magic, is scheduled to premiere on Friday, January 13 on Prime Video in the US and UK. Based on Cindy Callaghan’s book of the same name, Just Add Magic is a single-camera live-action series executive produced by Andrew Orenstein (Malcolm in the Middle) and Joe Nussbaum (George Lucas in Love, Awkward) with Nussbaum also directing several episodes. Starring Olivia Sanabia (Extant), Abby Donnelly (Suburgatory), Aubrey Miller (Austin & Ally), and Judah Bellamy (Home), season two continues with Kelly (Sanabia) and her two best friends Darbie (Donnelly) and Hannah (Miller) as they work together to unravel the mystery surrounding the reappearance of an old enemy threatening to steal the girls’ magical cookbook. The first season of Just Add Magic, the most streamed kids 6-11 Amazon Original Series to date, is now available to stream exclusively for Prime members via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online—Prime members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership.

In season two, the girls’ Last-Ditch Layer Cake breaks every spell in town which miraculously brings Grandma Quinn (Dee Wallace, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) back to her normal self, however it also brings back an old enemy…Chuck Hankins. Chuck disappeared when he was a teenager, but when he returns 50 years later, he hasn’t aged a day. When Chuck begins to meddle with the girls’ lives, they must put aside their summer of fun in order to save the magic from falling into the wrong hands. As the girls begin to investigate, they learn that Chuck isn’t just an ordinary troublemaker. In fact, he’s capable of much more than they could ever imagine. Chuck is creating his own magic cookbook and may be seeking revenge on the people who spelled him years ago. His master plan will eventually put one of the trio in grave danger unless Kelly, Hannah and Darbie can find a way to defeat Chuck once and for all.

“Kids and families have embraced Kelly, Darbie and Hannah and we’re excited to debut another season next month,” said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. “There’s more suspense and magic in the new season as the girls’ mastery of magic will be called upon to protect their bond. The first season led our customers to extend beyond the show with family cooking time and hope the new season will continue that tradition.”

Just Add Magic also stars Catia Ojeda (Grey’s Anatomy) as Mrs. Quinn, Andrew Burlinson (Parks and Recreation) as Mr. Quinn, Amy Hill (50 First Dates) as Mama P, and Ellen Karsten (Camp Takota) as Ms. Silvers. Luisa Leschin (Austin & Ally) serves as co-executive producer, Matt Goldman (Wizards of Waverly Place) serves as consulting producer and Pixie Wespiser (Good Luck Charlie) serves as producer.

Customers can watch the first season and recently released Just Add Magic Halloween special, rated 4.8 stars, today, before the second season debuts on January 13. Below are what customers have said about the first season:

  • “I love that they show smart, compassionate girls and that the friendship among the girls is so strong.”
  • “The morals and life lessons are good as this show is about three stand-up girls with good hearts.”
  • “The Halloween episode is just the recipe for holiday fun and thrills I was looking for and left me wanting more.”
  • “Full of positive messages about friendship and loyalty.”
  • “The fun of cooking/baking along with the magic and the life lessons, makes for a great series!”
  • “Just add Magic provides excitement, magic and a ‘moral teaching lesson’ for each episode.”

The second season of Just Add Magic will be available for Prime members to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Amazon Fire TV, and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/originals, at no additional cost to their membership. Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream. The second season of Just Add Magic will also be available as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, the all-you-can-eat subscription service designed from the ground up for kids. FreeTime Unlimited is available exclusively on Amazon devices including Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets, and a year-long subscription is included with every Fire Kids Edition. Just Add Magic is part of Prime Video’s line-up of award-winning and critically acclaimed Original Series and Movies for kids and adults—to see more originals available exclusively for Prime members visit www.amazon.com/originals.

About Amazon Video

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

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, Love & Friendship and kids series Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Prime Video is also now available to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe at www.primevideo.com
  • Amazon Channels: Over 80 video subscriptions to networks like HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, PBS KIDS, Acorn TV and more, available to Amazon Prime members as add-ons to their membership – to view the full list of channels available, visit www.amazon.com/channels
  • Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new-release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers
  • Instant Access: Instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices visit www.amazon.com/howtostream
  • Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads for offline viewing of select content

In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalogue with Audible Channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more visit: www.amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon

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

Media Hotline:

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Starbucks Red Cup Cheer campaign across Europe to support select nonprofit organizations

Starbucks Red Cup Cheer campaign across Europe to support select nonprofit organizations

 

Seattle, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The holidays are traditionally a time of giving. For Starbucks in Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Austria, they’re also about supporting those who give.

Starbucks Red Cup Cheer campaign is currently taking place across Europe through December 24. During this period, a portion of Starbucks holiday beverage sales in Great Britain, the Netherlands and France will be directed to select nonprofit organizations. Starbucks in Switzerland and Austria will be making donations and contributing volunteers to charitable organizations.

In Great Britain, 250 charities nominated by Starbucks partners (employees) and customers will receive Red Cup grants of up to 1,000 pounds. The charities are asking customers to “Cheer” for them on Twitter by following, tweeting and posting their support using the hashtag #RedCupCheer. The nonprofits with the most social media activity – or cheers – will receive a larger share of the funds raised by Starbucks, which will donate 5 pence for every holiday beverage sold between December 1-24. All participating organizations will receive at least 500 pounds.

“Red Cup Cheer is all about celebrating the local charities that mean most to our customers and partners,” said Simon Redfern, vice president of Communications for Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa Region. “We’ve seen fantastic support for Red Cup Cheer and we hope the charities involved enjoy taking part and receiving recognition for the wonderful work they do in our communities.”

Spreading Cheer Throughout the Continent

Starbucks, collaborates with Neighbourly, which connects charities and causes with companies and people. Last year, Starbucks and Neighbourly made donations to 200 nonprofits through the Red Cup campaign. Over the three-year history of the campaign, 350,000 pounds have been donated to 520 UK charities. The following organizations are supported by the Red Cup Cheer in additional countries across the EMEA region:

The Netherlands – The Starbucks Red Cup Cheer beneficiary in the Netherlands is VluchtelingenWerk, which provides support to refugees and asylum seekers. Starbucks partners will help the organization volunteering and raising awareness, while Starbucks donates 5 cents from the purchase of any holiday drink served through December 24.

France – La Protection Civile, which provides support for people affected by emergencies and natural disasters in Europe and North Africa, will receive 5 cents from the purchase of any holiday drink purchased in France.

Switzerland – Wunderlampe, the Red Cup Cheer charity partner in Switzerland, makes wishes come true for chronically ill and disabled children. In addition to a charitable donation, Starbucks partners will hold a celebration with Wunderlampe personnel and help raise awareness and funds for their work.

Austria – Starbucks partners in Austria are supporting Caritas Gruft, a nonprofit that provides care for homeless people in Vienna. Their support ranges from warm food, hot showers, clean clothes and a safe place to sleep to long-term assistance from the charity’s team of social workers, psychiatrists, psychotherapists and civilian volunteers. In addition to a charitable donation, Starbucks partners will volunteer at Caritas Gruft, cooking dinner on December 21 and collecting clothes for beneficiaries.

Media contact:

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

Source: Starbucks

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Walgreens announces new strategic partnership with health care incubator and innovation community, MATTER

DEERFIELD & CHICAGO, Ill., 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — As Walgreens focuses on new ways to help support the development of next-generation health care technology, products and services, today (Dec. 20, 2016) the company joins Chicago-based health care incubator and innovation community, MATTER, in announcing a new strategic relationship.

Walgreens will collaborate with health care innovators across MATTER’s network of early-stage industry entrepreneurs and partners, who are focused on accelerating the development and growth of solutions that address industry challenges and improve care.

“We’re looking forward to working with MATTER and uncovering new innovation that can help shape the future of health care, technology and pharmacy,” said Brad Fluegel, senior vice president and chief healthcare commercial market development officer at Walgreens.

As part of the collaboration, Walgreens will actively contribute to MATTER’s knowledge network, providing expertise to MATTER’s curriculum, participating in mentorship, and supporting other initiatives designed to provide the incubator’s 150+ startups with the resources they need to further their businesses and connect to the broader health care ecosystem in the region.

Walgreens is also working closely with MATTER as a founding member of the recently launched Healthcare Council of Chicago (HC3) – an organization co-created by MATTER and Leavitt Partners. HC3’s charter is to convene Chicagoland health care companies to expand the intellectual, technical, human and financial capital required to succeed in a value-based health care economy while concurrently raising Chicago’s profile as an American health care epicenter.

“Walgreens has been a retail pharmacy pioneer for more than a century,” said Steven Collens, MATTER CEO. “The opportunities, insights, and perspectives that Walgreens provides will prove invaluable to the innovators at MATTER and to the Healthcare Council of Chicago.”

“We look forward to supporting MATTER’s community efforts to help push the status quo of health care forward through innovation and technology,” said Nimesh Jhaveri, Walgreens divisional vice president, health services development. “Collectively, with MATTER and its members and partners, we will focus on helping to address some of the pressing health care challenges the industry is facing today, to better serve patients and our communities.”

MATTER acts as a community hub for stakeholders across the health care industry, from executives of established companies, to entrepreneurs building their own innovative solutions to real health care problems. By convening these various players together, MATTER believes the future of health care innovation can and will be reached more quickly and efficiently.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About MATTER
MATTER is a community of entrepreneurs, innovators and industry leaders working together to harness technology to improve health and healthcare. More than 150 healthcare technology startups operate at MATTER, and the company partners with 11 hospitals and health systems, five universities and more than 40 industry-leading companies. By equipping, empowering and emboldening healthcare innovators, MATTER accelerates the development of technologies that solve the right healthcare problems in the right ways. For more information, visit www.matterchicago.com and follow @matterchicago.

Contacts:
Walgreens
Scott Goldberg
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

MATTER
Melissa Lederer
312-543-9537
melissa@matterchicago.com

Source: Walgreens

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METRO GROUP presents its achievements in sustainability at its Corporate Responsibility Report 2015/16

  • METRO GROUP shows with Corporate Responsibility Report 2015/16 improvements in sustainability
  • Stakeholder survey and materiality analysis bases for the report
  • Independent auditing of the report to emphasize transparency and credibility

Düsseldorf/Berlin, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Since 2010, METRO GROUP has subscribed to the principles of the UN Global Compact, a United Nations-led global initiative that aims to encourage businesses to adopt universal sustainability principles. By subscribing to the United Nations Global Compact, METRO GROUP has committed itself to continuous improvements in the areas of human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption measures. With the Corporate Responsibility Report 2015/16 at hand, METRO GROUP informs about measures and improvements that have been reached in the field of sustainability during the latest financial year. Besides METRO GROUP’s and its sales lines’ sustainability guidelines, numerous examples can be found for how the theme of sustainability is anchored in the daily business. That’s how METRO GROUP is today already acting for tomorrow.

We have set clear priorities in the last several years and are happy to see the progress and success we’ve already reached. Together with our employees, customers and partners, we continue to focus on the issues that make a real difference in sustainability. „Materiality“ is therefore also the guiding theme of this year’s Corporate Responsibility Report – because we want to engage most intensively in the topics that are most essential to all stakeholders.“ states Heiko Hutmacher, as member of the management board responsible for sustainability. The focus on the essential is also what ultimately unites the protagonists featured in this report. METRO GROUP introduces people who not only develop sustainable ideas, but who, through their dedication, also motivate others to contribute to sustainability.

This Corporate Responsibility Report 2015/16 was prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI G4) and fulfils the “Core” option. To emphasize the credibility and transparency of the sustainability reporting, all contents of the Corporate Responsibility Report 2015/16 have undergone an audit by KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft in accordance with ISAE 3000.

METRO GROUP is one of the most important international retailing companies. It generated sales of some €58 billion in financial year 2015/16. The company operates at more than 2,000 locations in 29 countries and employs some 220,000 people. The performance of METRO GROUP is based on the strength of its sales brands, which act independently on the market: METRO/MAKRO Cash & Carry, the international leader in the self-service wholesale trade; Media Markt and Saturn, the European market leader in consumer electronics retailing; and Real hypermarkets.

More information is available at www.metrogroup.de

Contact:
METRO AG
Corporate Communications
Metro-Straße 1
40235 Düsseldorf

Phone +49 (0) 211 68 86-42 52
Fax +49 (0) 211 68 86-20 01

www.metrogroup.de
presse@metro.de
@Metro_Comms

Source: METRO GROUP

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Carrefour extends its new ultra-fast delivery service to Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine

Boulogne-Billancourt, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour has just launched a new ultra-fast delivery service for Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine. The service has been trialled since October in around 10 Paris districts.

A new solution to meet consumers’ needs
With this innovative new service, customers can now have around 2000 daily-use products delivered to them within the hour, and they can select a 30-minute delivery slot.  Delivery costs €4.90. There’s no minimum purchase amount and customers don’t need to subscribe in order to use the service.

The product mix available is similar to what customers will find in a town-centre supermarket. There’s a wide selection of fresh produce (more than 80 fruit and vegetables available), grocery products and a few daily-use non-food products (health and beauty, household, etc.).

Customers can purchase their items at livraisonexpress.carrefour.fr, and will soon be able to use the “Express delivery” app – with the option to track their deliveries in real time.  They can have their shopping delivered 9 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday by French start-up “Stuart” – a delivery service that specialises in deliveries by bike and cargo bike.
By offering short half-hour delivery slots for its express delivery service, Carrefour is meeting the needs of city-dwelling customers who want more specific information about when they can expect their shopping.

Carrefour has a wide range of delivery services
This new service sits alongside a wide range of other multi-channel delivery services:
–    1994: home delivery from Carrefour hypermarkets and Market supermarkets located in large towns and cities
–    1999: launch of Ooshop, Carrefour’s e-commerce food subsidiary
–    Since 2011: Carrefour Drive offers on-site delivery (561 Drives in France, 78 of which are in the Ile-de-France region).

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

. By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@

Source: Carrefour Group

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Kmart offers the perfect assortment of holiday gift ideas for last-minute shoppers

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Attention Kmart (last-minute) Shoppers, the holidays are right around the corner, but there is still time to find the most ridiculously awesome gifts for everyone on your list. Kmart, the retailer with fabulous finds and savings, makes shopping for gifts easy and fun. Kmart has curated the perfect assortment of gift ideas – whether you need a present for the sports fan, foodie or trendsetter, Kmart has the right gift to make everyone go elfin’ wild. Gifts for Family Fun*

  • $2.99 Cannon fleece throw, reg. $7.99
  • $7.99 board games, reg. $10.99-11.99
  • BOGO 50% off team sports apparel and merchandise, reg. $2.99-109.99
  • 50% off 27″ Billiards or air hockey tabletop games, reg. $39.99

Gifts for Marvelous Mom*

  • BOGO for $1 women’s and kids’ fashion boots, reg. $14.99-69.99
  • Up to 75% off all fashion diamond jewelry, reg. $79.99-5,999.99
  • $19.99 Jaclyn Smith, Attention and Surface watches and watch gift sets, reg. $29.99-34.99
  • $99.99 Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0″ 8GB w/ Android 5.1 Lollipop – Black, reg. $149.99

Gifts for Dear Dad*

  • Men’s denim starting at $10.98, reg. $10.98-27.99
  • $9.99 assorted great gifts for him: X-Men Right Guard shower and style, Dial for Men tool kit, Star Wars Gillette shave holiday sets or assorted Axe gift sets
  • $99.99 Mongoose 26″ Spectra bike, reg. $149.99
  • $17.49 pebblebee Honey Key and Phone Finder, reg. $24.99

Gifts for Playful Kids*

  • $19.99 Crayola 105-pc. blocks in giant crayon, reg. $29.99
  • $34.99 Fisher-Price Little People Sit ‘n Stand skyway, reg. $44.99
  • $69.99 Disney 16″ Princess, Frozen or Spider-Man bike, reg. $89.99
  • Everyday low price on Secret Life of Pets – DVD: $17.99& Blu-ray™: $19.99

Gifts for Foodie Friends*

  • $9.99 Crock-Pot 3 qt. slow cooker, reg. $15.99
  • $19.99 Farberware open stock cookware, reg. $24.99-29.99
  • $49.99 Oster .7-cu. Ft. microwave, reg. $74.99

Gifts for the Happy Home*

  • $49.99 Dirt Devil Upright Vacuum, reg. $59.99
  • $69.99 Kenmore Stick Vacuum, reg. $99.99
  • $79.99 Kenmore Canister Vacuum, reg. $99.99
  • $94.99 Hoover Upright Vacuum, reg. $129.99

SPARKLE WITH A LUXURIOUS BEAUTY ESCAPE
A perfect gift for a gal pal, wife, family member or even yourself, the Kmart Exclusive be bath escapes Holiday Beauty Bag*** is only $10.00 with a qualifying in-store or online purchase of $40.00 or more. The ‘Never Lose Your Sparkle’ tote – a $40.00 value – is packed with amazing bath products, including body lotion, bubble babble, shimmer mist, sponge, and even a rubber duck. All products are in Kmart’s exclusive ‘Sparkling Peppermint Kiss’ scent to get you or a loved one primped or pampered for the holidays!

GIVE THANKS WHILE YOU SHOP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
You may have someone left on your list because you may not know the perfect gift to get them. Transform your holiday gift giving this year and give something that means something. Join Kmart and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in helping kids fight cancer this holiday season. Shop Kmart’s exclusive holiday products like The Giving Hat™, a Glow Green for St. Jude bulb, 2016 Holiday Bear Ornaments or St. Jude Bear Necklace and Earrings. $1 from each sale is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.**

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE ELFIN’ AWESOME FEATURES FROM KMART

  • We say YES to Everyone! YES to Everyone Layaway is a service available to anyone no matter their credit status. Any dollar amount can be used to start a layaway. Leasing is available to persons at least 18 years of age, a verified monthly income, and with an eligible item costing $69 or more. Lease payments are based off monthly income. For more information, visit Kmart.com/leasing.
  • Free Store Pickup: This holiday season, Kmart is offering free store pickup on qualifying products when you shop Kmart.com. Shoppers can purchase online and pickup gifts in-store on Dec. 24, just in time Christmas.
  • Extended Store Hours: Kmart will have extended store hours at all stores through Dec. 23. Stores will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight. On Dec. 24, Kmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Select stores will also remain open until 2 a.m. on Dec. 23 and 24, giving last-minute shoppers extra time to hunt for the perfect gift!

Kmart and Kmart.com are the go-to destinations for last-minute shopping where members can count on a budget-friendly and convenient experience. For more information, visit your local Kmart store, Kmart.com or use the Kmart Mobile App.

*Offer valid through December 24, 2016.

**Through December 31, 2016, Kmart is donating $1.00 from the in­ store or online purchase of each qualifying hat to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with a minimum donation of $50,000.

***Offer valid thru December 24, 2016 while supplies last. No rain checks. Exclusions apply. See website for details.

About Kmart
Kmart is making shopping fun again. The retailer, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is bringing back the iconic Bluelight Specials, hosting Freebie Saturdays and in-store family events for its Shop Your Way members and customers. Kmart offers customers thrilling deals and amazing finds on quality products and exclusive brands including Jaclyn Smith, Joe Boxer, Route 66 and Smart Sense.

Media Contacts:

Hallie Herrmann
Zeno for Kmart
312-527-2SHC (2742)
Hallie.Herrmann@zenogroup.com

Tricia Perrotti
Kmart
551-226-0488
Tricia.Perrotti@searshc.com

SOURCE: Kmart

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Macy’s, Inc. announces the appointment of Cheryl Heinonen as EVP of corporate communications

CINCINNATI, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) announced today (Dec. 19, 2016) that Cheryl Heinonenhas been named executive vice president of corporate communications for Macy’s, Inc., effective Jan. 9, 2017.

Heinonen, a leading communications and public affairs professional, will be responsible for corporate communications (both internal and external), corporate giving, corporate social responsibility, diversity, and associate giving and volunteerism. She will report to Macy’s, Inc. President Jeff Gennette who becomes chief executive officer early next year. Heinonen will be based in New York City. In this new role, she will drive the strategic narrative of the company and integrate all internal communication into one cohesive strategy.

Heinonen is currently senior vice president, corporate relations and chief communications officer at Avon Products, Inc. where she is responsible for corporate communications, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability, responsibilities she has held since joining the company in 2012.

In November 2014, Heinonen also assumed the presidency of the Avon Foundation for Women, a public 501c3 charity dedicated to improving the lives of women and their families globally with a focus on breast cancer and domestic violence.

Heinonen will step down from her Avon Products, Inc. and Avon Foundation for Women roles effective Jan. 1, 2017. She will remain on the Avon Foundation board when she begins her career at Macy’s.

“Cheryl brings valuable expertise to the Macy’s executive team. She is a strategic communicator with an outstanding track record of connecting companies in a powerful way to employees, customers and a broad range of stakeholders,” Gennette said.

Prior to joining Avon, Heinonen was managing director at Burson-Marsteller, a leading global communications agency, where she advised some of the world’s top consumer brands on communications and reputation management. Her areas of focus included corporate social responsibility, organizational communications, and consumer branding and international public affairs. Before assuming her role at Burson-Marsteller, Heinonen worked at Visa, most recently as senior vice president of global corporate relations.

Heinonen earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

Macy’s, Inc., with corporate offices in Cincinnati and New York, is one of the nation’s premier retailers, with fiscal 2015 sales of $27.079 billion. The company operates about 880 stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico under the names of Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, Macy’s Backstage and Bluemercury, as well as the macys.com, bloomingdales.com and bluemercury.com websites. Bloomingdale’s in Dubai is operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under a license agreement.

All statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Macy’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this release because of a variety of factors, including conditions to, or changes in the timing of, proposed real estate and other transactions, prevailing interest rates and non-recurring charges, store closings, competitive pressures from specialty stores, general merchandise stores, off-price and discount stores, manufacturers’ outlets, the Internet, mail-order catalogs and television shopping and general consumer spending levels, including the impact of the availability and level of consumer debt, the effect of weather and other factors identified in documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(NOTE: Additional information on Macy’s, Inc., including past news releases, is available at www.macysinc.com/pressroom.)

Contact:
Media:
Holly Thomas
646-429-5250

Investors:
Matt Stautberg
513-579-7780

Source: Macy’s, Inc.

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De Beers Diamond Jewellers presents complete collection of its timeless creations at its new home on Madison Avenue in New York

De Beers Diamond Jewellers presents complete collection of its timeless creations at its new home on Madison Avenue in New York

 

Paris, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — De Beers Diamond Jewellers has unveiled its new home on Madison Avenue in New York. Expertise and emotion meet in a space that showcases the House’s collections, inviting visitors to discover “the home of diamonds since 1888”.

De Beers Diamond Jewellers recently inaugurated its new home on Madison Avenue, one of the most desirable addresses in New York. Located in a townhouse in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the new 200-square-meter space creates a warm, elegant and luminous atmosphere. The décor features etched glass, noble materials and specially designed statement furnishings, echoing the heritage of the House and inviting visitors to discover a truly exceptional experience.

The store presents the complete collection of timeless creations by De Beers Diamond Jewellers. The ground floor is dedicated to high jewellery and exceptional solitaires, while bridal and wedding creations are found in a cozy salon on the first floor. Private rooms have been included to ensure a highly personalized shopping experience in an intimate setting. The bespoke “For you, Forever” service takes the client experience even further, letting clients choose their diamond, select the desired setting and have a diamond engagement ring individually crafted.

At this exquisite address dedicated to the art of jewelry, De Beers Diamond Jewellers shares its passion and expertise with its clients, giving them a chance to look at diamonds with the eyes of an expert. Thanks to exclusive technology, De Beers Iris lets visitors discover the unique beauty of each diamond and fully appreciate the Fire, Life and Brilliance. Expertise meets emotion in this new destination for the most beautiful diamond jewelry.

Contact:

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

Source: LVMH

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Louis Vuitton City Guide included on the Apple App Store’s “Best of 2016” list

Louis Vuitton City Guide included on the Apple App Store’s “Best of 2016” list

 

Paris, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Louis Vuitton City Guide, which brings travelers an interactive experience as they explore the world’s most fascinating cities, has been included on the Apple App Store’s “Best of 2016” list. This prestigious recognition honors the innovative mobile app as Louis Vuitton continues to reinvent the art of travel, proposing unique addresses that capture the spirit and soul of the 29 destinations now available.

Louis Vuitton has been sharing its unique take on the world since 1998, when the Maison published its first City Guides, meticulously curated selections that span luxury hotels and charming guesthouses, gourmet restaurants and neighborhood bistros, fine foods stores and bustling street markets, must-see monuments and little-known sites…

Introduced a year ago, the Louis Vuitton City Guide mobile app brings alive the 29 cities around the world in its digital catalogue with thousands of regularly updated addresses. The vibrant City Guide spirit is captured through photographs, insights from writers, an arts and culture agenda and more, all enriching the experience for travelers as they discover the city.

The art of travel is resolutely interactive with the City Guide app, proposing even more little-known places for visitors to enjoy. This intuitive and very user-friendly app has been included on Apple’s “Best of 2016” list of the most innovative apps. Finding an address is easier than ever with the City Guides app thanks to a geolocation feature that shows nearby spots, plus filters for targeted search results. The app can send digital post cards too, or share addresses by email, text message and social network posts.

Contact:

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

Source: LVMH

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Kesko to sell its Yamarin boat business to Inha Works Ltd

Helsinki, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Konekesko Ltd, part of Kesko Group, has made an agreement to sell its Yamarin boat business to Inha Works Ltd, a subsidiary owned by Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.  The representation of Yamaha’s recreational machinery in Finland transfers From Konekesko Ltd to Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.

Kesko’s strategic objective is growth in the Finnish grocery trade, the building and technical trade and the car trade.

Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. will establish a country office of its own in Finland to be responsible for the sales and marketing and after sales services of Yamaha products and selected boat brands.

“I’m very pleased that the manufacture of Yamarin boats and the import of Yamaha’s recreational machinery will continue in the ownership of our long-standing partner Yamaha Motor Europe. We see that this transaction provides the Finnish Yamarin with the best possible opportunities to progress and grow in both the national and the export market,” says Antti Meriläinen, Senior Vice President, agricultural and machinery trade.

The sale includes Konekesko Ltd’s Yamarin boat business, the import of Yamaha products and the representations of certain other brands. In 2015, the aggregate pro forma net sales of the operations being sold were €65 million. The parties have agreed that the transaction price is not disclosed. The people working in the businesses being disposed of will transfer to the employment of the new operators under their existing contracts in connection with the transaction.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) and the fulfilment of the other terms and conditions of the transaction. The transaction is expected to be completed during the first half of 2017.

Kesko and K-retailers form the K-Group, whose sales total over €13 billion. The K-Group is the third largest retail operator in northern Europe and it employs approximately 45,000 people. Kesko operates in the grocery trade, the building and technical trade and the car trade. Its divisions and chains act in close cooperation with retailer entrepreneurs and other partners. Kesko’s net sales are €10 billion and it employs approximately 30,000 people. Kesko has over 1,500 stores engaged in chain operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus and Poland. Kesko is a listed company and its shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. The company’s domicile and main premises are in Helsinki. Kesko is the world’s most sustainable trading sector company (The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World). www.kesko.fi

Yamaha Motor Europe (www.yamaha-motor.eu) based in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) is a full subsidiary of Yamaha Motor Company Limited, Japan, a global leader in the manufacturing and sales of Outboard Motors, Personal Water Craft and other recreational craft (Power Two Wheelers, Golf cars and All-terrain vehicles). In Europe, Yamaha is market leader for Outboard Motors, providing a wide range of models from 2.5 to 350 Horsepower.

Buster Boats, Inha Works Ltd, (www.busterboats.fi) is the largest aluminum boats manufacturer in Europe and one of the leading companies in the Nordic recreational boats market. The Company has a product offering consisting of Buster branded, multi-purpose aluminum boats. Buster key markets consist of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. Inha Works’ factory is located in Ähtäri and its head office and product development are in Raisio.

Contact:
Antti Meriläinen
SVP
Kesko’s agricultural and machinery trade
antti.jo.merilainen@kesko.fi
tel. +358 105 320 492

Riikka Toivonen
Head of Financial Communications
riikka.toivonen@kesko.fi
tel. +358 105 323 495

Juha Lehtola
President, Buster Boats – Inha Works Ltd.
Juha.Lehtola@busterboats.com
tel. +358 40 550 0624

Remko Visser
Department Manager Sales & Marketing, Marine Division, Yamaha Motor Europe N.V.
remko.visser@yamaha-motor.nl
tel. +31 653 527 241

Source: Kesko Group

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Sainsbury’s predicts Friday 23rd December to be its busiest day as shoppers stock up for Christmas

Sainsbury’s predicts Friday 23rd December to be its busiest day as shoppers stock up for Christmas

 

London, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — A bumper trading day is predicted this Friday, as shoppers head in-store to stock up on Christmas essentials – in particular, sparkling wine. On what the retailer is dubbing “Fizz Friday”, Sainsbury’s expects to sell over half a million bottles as customers get set for celebrations, with one in four planning to enjoy bubbly with their breakfast on Christmas Day.

  • Friday 23rd December predicted to be Sainsbury’s busiest day, particularly for sparkling wines
  • Sainsbury’s fresh turkeys the best value by 39p/kilo
  • Customers spreading the ‘big Christmas shop’ across different days, weeks and even months
  • Luxurious ingredients are on the rise, with lobster, truffle and Champagne on the menu

Sainsbury’s customers are set to get the best value birds this Christmas, with the retailer’s fresh turkeys 39p/kilo less than the cheapest on the market. Sainsbury’s turkeys start at just £9 for a bird weighing up to 2.99kg, priced at £3.50/kil [1], which is enough to serve four to six people. In fact, the supermarket has never been more competitive on price: customers can expect to pay 14% less for their Christmas shop this year than two years ago.[2]

Sainsbury’s has also noticed a trend this year in customers staggering their shop, with some spreading their shop across the days, weeks and months leading up to the big event. One third of customers stock up on mince pies and Christmas pudding from as early as September to spread the cost of their Christmas treats.

Sainsbury’s has again invested in the quality of its food range and this Christmas, 25% of the retailer’s products are new or improved. Luxurious ingredients from lobster to truffle are proving popular this year, with customers choosing to treat themselves and their guests to premium products from Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Truffled Macaroni and Cheese Bites to an 18-month matured Christmas pudding, laced with cognac.

Convenience and flexibility has never been more important for customers and a record number will choose to order part of their Christmas shop online for home delivery – particularly the heavier items, like sparkling wine.  But even the most devoted online shoppers like to head in-store to choose their own Christmas centrepiece to wow their guests – Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Noel Belgian Chocolate Tiffin has proved particularly popular so far.

Mike Coupe, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s Group said: “Christmas is that time of year when people want to treat themselves and their friends and family and feel really proud of the food they are serving.

We’re giving our customers a truly luxurious experience this year, with premium ingredients like lobster and truffle making an appearance across our Christmas range. But, like me, lots of people like the old classics too and focus on buying the best quality turkeys – and we’re offering them at the best value.  Thanks to the dedication of our colleagues we’re well-prepared for the final week of Christmas. Our shelves are stocked with turkeys and trimmings and we’re all set for sparkling sales of wines and champagne on Friday.”

Christmas Eve is traditionally the biggest day for the retailer’s convenience stores and this year will be no exception. The most popular lines on Christmas Eve in convenience stores tend to be breakfast items, with customers forgetting the most important meal of the day until the last minute. Croissants sales are set to soar by 300%[3] with customers treating themselves to a luxury breakfast to go with their glass of Buck’s Fizz on Christmas Day.

[1] Based on midpoint of weight band. Full breakdown of turkey prices in Notes to Editors

[2] Based on Sainsbury’s internal data

[3] Sales of croissants on Christmas Eve in 2015 were three times that of the same day the previous week

Press Enquiries:
press_office@sainsburys.co.uk
020 7695 7295.

Source: Sainsbury

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CVS Health Charity Classic reaches $20 million in philanthropic support to Southeastern New England nonprofits since 1999

CVS Health Charity Classic reaches $20 million in philanthropic support to Southeastern New England nonprofits since 1999

 

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — At a celebration today (December 20, 2016) at the corporate headquarters of CVS Health, President and CEO Larry Merlo announced that the CVS Health Charity Classic has reached an important milestone a total of $20 million dollars in philanthropic support to hundreds of nonprofits in Southeastern New England since the event series’ inception in 1999. This year, the CVS Health Charity Classic donated more than $1 million dollars to nearly 100 area charities.

“The CVS Health Charity Classic has an 18-year history of supporting the meaningful work being done by nonprofits in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” Merlo said. “We are proud to reach this major milestone in donations made that enables us to give back to those who need it most in the areas of health care, education and social services.”

Merlo along with tournament chairperson Eileen Howard Boone and PGA Tour professionals and CVS Health Charity Classic co-chairs Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon unveiled this year’s donation to the nonprofit recipients and working charities that volunteered their time during the tournament in front of CVS Health colleagues and CVS Health Charity Classic sponsors.

Tim Wakefield, former Boston Red Sox pitcher, was on-hand to discuss how the tournament has supported the Boston Red Sox Foundation over the years.

“Support from the CVS Health Charity Classic has been instrumental in allowing us to fulfill our mission of serving the health, education, recreation and social service needs of children and families across New England,” Wakefield said. “We are grateful for our partnership and look forward to continuing to work together in the future.”

In addition to the Boston Red Sox Foundation, 90 nonprofits from Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts will also benefit from the CVS Health Charity Classic, including:

  1. Adopt-a-Family
  2. After Prom Barrington, Barrington High School Parents’ Association
  3. Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
  4. American Diabetes Association of New England
  5. American Heart Association
  6. American Lung Association of the Northeast
  7. American National Red Cross
  8. Amos House
  9. Arthritis Foundation, New England Region, Inc.
  10. Autism Project
  11. Barrington Arts Alive!
  12. Barrington Community School
  13. Barrington Education Foundation
  14. Barrington Public Library
  15. Bayside YMCA
  16. Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy
  17. BOKS, Build Our Kids Success
  18. Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
  19. Boys & Girls Club of Taunton
  20. Boys & Girls Club of Woonsocket
  21. Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence
  22. Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island
  23. Children’s Friend
  24. Children’s Wish Group of Rhode Island
  25. Citizens Scholarship Foundation of Barrington
  26. City Year Providence
  27. College Visions
  28. Community Preparatory School
  29. Confetti Foundation
  30. Crossroads Rhode Island
  31. Day One
  32. Economic Progress Institute
  33. Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital
  34. Farm Fresh Rhode Island (Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition)
  35. Friends of Barrington Senior Center, Inc
  36. Gaits of Harmony
  37. Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England
  38. Girls on the Run
  39. Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
  40. Golf Fights Cancer
  41. Golf Foundation of RI Button Hole
  42. Hasbro Children’s Hospital
  43. Highlander Charter School
  44. Hockomock Area YMCA
  45. Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
  46. Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island
  47. Inspiring Minds
  48. Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of RI
  49. Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island
  50. Learning Center for the Deaf Inc
  51. March of Dimes
  52. Meeting Street
  53. Morgan Pressel Foundation
  54. Museum of Work and Culture
  55. Narragansett Council, Boys Scouts of America
  56. Ocean Conservancy
  57. Old Colony Habitat for Humanity
  58. Our Sisters’ School
  59. PeaceLove Foundation
  60. Plan RI
  61. Project Undercover, Inc.
  62. Providence After School Alliance (PASA)
  63. Providence Children’s Museum
  64. Resilient Kids
  65. Rhode Island Community Food Bank
  66. Rhode Island Hospital Foundation/Richard Browning Center Research Fund
  67. Rhode Island Parent Information Network
  68. Rhode Island Public Radio
  69. Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education
  70. Ronald McDonald House of Providence
  71. Salute Military Golf Association
  72. Salvation Army
  73. San Miguel Education Center
  74. Save the Bay
  75. Serve Rhode Island
  76. Sojourner House
  77. Special Olympics Rhode Island
  78. Spurwink | RI
  79. Stadium Theatre Foundation
  80. Tap In
  81. The Learning Community Charter School
  82. The Providence Center
  83. Tides Family Services
  84. URI Foundation – Golf Team
  85. Wolf School
  86. Women’s Center of Rhode Island
  87. Woonsocket Rotary Charities Foundation Inc.
  88. Woonsocket Schools
  89. Year Up
  90. Youth Pride Inc.

“Over the past 18 years, Brad and I have witnessed firsthand how much of an impact the CVS Health Charity Classic has made on hundreds of nonprofits in this region,” said Andrade. “We are incredibly thankful for the role the tournament’s success has played in improving the lives of those in our hometown community.”

The 2017 CVS Health Charity Classic, which attracts world-class golfers each year and is the largest charitable sporting event in Rhode Island, will kick off on June 18, 2017 at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, R.I.

For photos and videos from today’s event and updates throughout the year, follow @CVSClassicGolf on Twitter and like CVS Health Charity Classic on Facebook.

About the CVS Health Charity Classic
The CVS Health Charity Classic is Rhode Island’s largest charitable sporting event and hosts some of the best PGA and LPGA professional golfers in the world. Funds generated by the tournament, launched in 1999, are distributed to area nonprofit organizations that provide vital funding to a range of programs serving children, families and people in transition throughout Southeastern New England.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 80 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contacts:
Mary Alfieri
CVS Health Corporate Communications
Mary.Alfieri@CVSHealth.com
401-770-9811 (O)

SOURCE: CVS Health Charity Classic

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CVS Pharmacy offers variety of last minute gift ideas and stocking stuffers

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Pharmacy is helping customers celebrate this holiday season with less stress by offering a variety of last minute gift ideas, stocking stuffers and better-for-you food and snack options for a healthier holiday this year. CVS Pharmacy is the go-to destination to find quality gift ideas, including name brand beauty products, premium chocolates and seasonal snacks, as well as unexpected finds such as LED Bluetooth speakers and signature toy brands.

Through the ExtraCare Rewards program, CVS Pharmacy customers can easily get what’s needed for the holidays while saving money and earning rewards on every purchase. ExtraCare members receive exclusive benefits through the program such as personalized savings offers and always earn two percent back on most purchases (excluding prescriptions) in the form of Quarterly ExtraBucks Rewards that are paid out on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Additionally, CVS customers who utilize the CVS Pharmacy app can conveniently access their ExtraCare cards, redeem app-only deals and more.

“Whether it’s designer fragrance sets that save a trip to a busy department store or thoughtful personalized photo gifts, our seasonal selections help create a convenient and less stressful shopping experience for CVS Pharmacy customers,” said Judy Sansone, Senior Vice President of Front Store Business, CVS Pharmacy and Chief Merchant of CVS Health.

CVS Pharmacy offers a variety of seasonal products to help customers give the perfect gift, even at the last minute, including:

  • Surprising Stocking Stuffers: Light-Up Micro Cable ($14.99), Light-Up Micro USB Cable ($14.99), Light-Up 8 Pin/Lightning Cable ($19.99), Light-Up Earbuds ($14.99), Light-Up Powerbank ($24.99), Stay-Fit Bluetooth Earbuds ($19.99), Harry & David Holiday Sweets Gift Box ($19.99), Ghirardelli Squares Gift Box ($9.99), Santa Slippers ($14.99), Shimmering Shower Gel ($3.99)
  • Gifts for Kids: Star Wars Mr. Potato Head ($16.99), Trolls Gingerbread House Kit ($11.99), Trolls Ball Pit ($19.99), Disney Mickey Toaster ($19.99), Disney Mickey Waffle Maker ($19.99), Disney Mickey Grilled Cheese Maker ($19.99), Disney Classic Deluxe Dancing Mickey and Minnie ($19.99), Air Hockey Tabletop Game ($19.99), Foosball Tabletop Game ($19.99)
  • Gifts for Him: Nautica Voyage for Men Gift Set ($19.99), Calvin Klein for Men Gift Set ($29.99), Polo Club for Men Fragrance Set ($39.99), HD Wireless Bluetooth with Built-In Microphone Headphones ($19.99), Medium Drone ($49.99), Wireless Rave Bluetooth LED Speaker ($39.99)
  • Gifts for Her: eos Lip Balm & Lotion Gift Set ($9.99), Vera Wang Embrace Gift Set ($19.99), Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance ($64.99), Viva La Juicy Fragrance ($47.79), Women’s Holiday Boxed PJ Set ($16.99), Natural Aromatic Bath Gift Set ($19.99), Baylis and Harding Midnight Fig & Pomegranate Bath & Body Gift Set with Evening Clutch Bag ($14.99)
  • Personalized Photo Gifts: Whether in-store, online, or on the go, customers can order unique, high quality gifts at CVS Photo. Personalized photo cards, prints, and calendars are available for same-day pickup, while travel mugs, keepsake boxes and desk sets are available within seven to 11 business days. With the CVS Pharmacy app, printing photos with free, same day pickup is a breeze.
  • Gift Cards: CVS Pharmacy offers more than 200 branded gift cards to popular retailers and restaurants including Cheesecake Factory, Starbucks, Nike, as well as major credit card companies American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Gift cards make great standalone gifts and stocking stuffers, and shoppers may select the value desired to fit any budget.

Better-for-You Holiday Celebrations & Festive Treats

As part of its ongoing commitment to health, CVS Pharmacy offers convenient, wholesome foods for holiday entertaining, as well as festive indulgences. Customers will find better-for-you food options from popular brands including Kashi, Annie’s, and Amy’s Kitchen and exclusive Gold Emblem and Gold Emblem abound product lines.

Seasonal indulgences and better-for-you snacks exclusively available at CVS Pharmacy include:

  • Gold Emblem Select Peppermint Hot Cocoa Single-Serve Cups, $6.99, 12 ct.
  • Gold Emblem Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies, $3.49, 10.6 oz.
  • Gold Emblem Yogurt Covered Pretzels with Candy Cane Bits, $3.99, 8 oz.
  • Gold Emblem abound Jalapeno Cheddar Quinoa Puffs, $2.99, 5 oz.
  • Gold Emblem abound Dark Chocolate, Fruit & Nut Trail Mix, $4.29, 6 oz.

With extended hours at select locations, shoppers can visit their local CVS Pharmacy when it’s most convenient for them this holiday season. To find specific store locations and hours, please visit CVS.com/stores.

About CVS Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), is America’s leading retail pharmacy with over 9,600 locations. It is the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco and the first pharmacy in the nation to receive the Community Pharmacy accreditation from URAC, the leading health care accreditation organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. CVS Pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on their path to better health by providing the most accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS Pharmacy and CVS Health is available at www.cvshealth.com.

Press Contact:
Stephanie Cunha
CVS Pharmacy
Tel: 401-770-9354
Email: Stephanie.Cunha@CVSHealth.com

SOURCE: CVS Pharmacy

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British Land announces the appointment of Lord Nick Macpherson as a Non-Executive Director

London, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Board of The British Land Company PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Nick Macpherson, formerly Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury, as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 19 December 2016.

Commenting on this appointment, John Gildersleeve, Chairman of British Land, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick to the Board. He brings strong experience in financial and economic policy having worked in HM Treasury for more than 30 years, leading the department through the financial and economic crisis that began in 2007. His experience will further strengthen the diverse mix of expertise and experience on the Board. We very much look forward to him joining us.”

Nick is Chairman of C. Hoare & Co and a Director of the Scottish American Investment Trust.

Nick has no other disclosures to make pursuant to LR 9.6.13 R.

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments at the Cabinet Office has approved this appointment.

Notes to Editors:

About British Land

We are one of Europe’s largest publicly listed real estate companies. We own, manage, develop and finance a portfolio of high quality UK commercial property, focused on Retail and London Offices and Residential. We own or manage total assets of £19.0 billion (British Land share is £13.9 billion) as valued at 30 September 2016. Our properties are home to over 1,200 different organisations ranging from international brands to local start-ups.

Our strategy is to create Places People Prefer. It is based on long term trends and creates a portfolio suited to current and future needs which are aligned to modern lifestyles. We employ our placemaking skills, and increasingly our mixed-use expertise to expand the appeal to a broader range of occupiers and drive long term performance.

Retail accounts for 49% of our portfolio. We create outstanding places for modern consumer lifestyles, places to shop eat and be entertained. Comprising over 20 million sq ft of Retail and Leisure space across regional and local multi-let destinations, superstores, department stores and leisure assets, the Retail portfolio is modern, flexible and adaptable to a wide range of formats.

Office and Residential accounts for 49% of our portfolio. It comprises 7.6 million sq ft of well-connected office-led campuses and ‘campus-lite’ clusters of high quality buildings. Office campuses include Regent’s Place and Paddington Central in the West End and Broadgate (50% share) in the City. Other assets include The Leadenhall Building, York House, 10 Portman Square and Marble Arch House and our residential assets are at Clarges Mayfair, The Hempel Collection and Aldgate Place.

Two per cent of our portfolio is at Canada Water – a 46 acre redevelopment opportunity in our medium term pipeline to create a new mixed-use urban centre for London.

Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places become part of their local communities and promote health, improve productivity and increase enjoyment. We protect asset value and generate income from energy generation and efficiency, materials innovation and flood risk reduction, and develop skills and opportunities to help local people and businesses grow.

In April 2016 British Land received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK’s highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental benefits achievements over the last five years.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com

Enquiries:
Investor Relations:
Jonathan Rae
British Land
020 7467 2938

Media Relations:
Pip Wood
British Land
020 7467 2838

Gordon Simpson
Finsbury
020 7251 3801

Source: British Land

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National Retail Federation to name Nike Chairman, President and CEO Mark Parker The Visionary 2017

Washington, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation today (December 19, 2016) announced that it will name Nike Chairman, President and CEO Mark Parker “The Visionary,” a new honor intended to recognize outstanding retail industry leaders, during the 2017 NRF Foundation Gala January 15 in New York City.

“There aren’t many trailblazers like Mark Parker in the retail industry or the entire business world,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Here’s a guy who took his love for running and footwear design and turned it into a successful career with one of the most iconic brands of our time. He is a leader, an innovator and a designer, and he epitomizes everything The Visionary stands for.”

NRF this year consolidated its former Gold Medal, Innovator of the Year and International Retailer of theYear — the most prestigious honors in the retail industry —  into The Visionary award. The Visionary will be awarded annually to an inspiring leader with a long record of spearheading change in the industry. Each year, prominent retail executives will identify an individual who is a disruptor, dreamer, giver, influencer and power player who has changed and continues to transform the landscape of retail in a monumental way.

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this special recognition from NRF, and I’m proud to be part of the team that is leading the transformation of sport retail,” Nike Chairman, President and CEO Mark Parker said. “With innovative retail experiences around the globe, we want consumers to get the very best of Nike in both our own stores and from our wholesale partners. Being a better retailer makes us a better partner, company and Brand, and allows us to deliver on our promise to personalize performance for every athlete, everywhere.”

Parker joined Nike as a footwear designer in 1979 and has been at the center of Nike’s innovation ever since. In his more than 30 years with the company, Parker has served as vice president of consumer product marketing, vice president of global footwear Parker has more than doubled Nike’s revenue.

During Parker’s tenure, he has developed several industry breakthroughs — including Nike Air, Nike Lunarlon, Nike Flyknit and Dri-FIT. This year, Parker played a key design role on the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, the first-ever self-lacing shoe.

At the same time, Parker has accelerated innovation and growth across the entire company. Nike has formed partnerships with the NFL, MLB and U.S. Olympic Committee, and next year, will become the official apparel provider of the NBA. Through the Nike+ ecosystem, Parker has overseen Nike’s digital investments from the Apple Watch Nike+ to the expansion of Nike.com to more than 40 countries. And, despite the company’s global growth, Parker has committed to a bold sustainability goal: to double Nike’s business while halving its environmental impact.

Parker will be recognized during the NRF Foundation Gala, an annual event where retail leaders unite to celebrate the industry, support the next generation of talent and recognize the achievements of the people shaping retail today and who invest in tomorrow by giving back. Parker will be one of many retail leaders present at the event, including 2017 honorees on The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future.

The second annual NRF Foundation Gala in January 2016 raised $1.65 million for scholarships, programs and initiatives. Those seeking to participate in the Gala can find more information at nrf.com/gala. Media interested in covering the event should contact NRF’s media team at press@nrf.com.

About NRF
NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, representing discount and department stores, home goods and specialty stores, Main Street merchants, grocers, wholesalers, chain restaurants and Internet retailers from the United States and more than 45 countries. Retail is the nation’s largest private sector employer, supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.6 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy.

About NIKE, Inc.
NIKE Inc., based near Beaverton, Ore., is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned NIKE Inc. subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, Nike’s earnings releases and other financial information are available at http://investors.nike.com. Individuals can also visit http://news.nike.com and follow @Nike.

Contact:

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

Source: NRF

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NACS appoints Alicia Personne as accounting manager

ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alicia Personne has joined NACS as an accounting manager.

Personne comes to NACS from Tate & Tryon CPAs and Consultants, where she served as an audit supervisor.  She also spent time at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Citigroup Inc.  She comes to NACS with many years of public accounting experience, working with for-profit and non-profit clients on financial and control audits, as well as M&A analyses and complex business consolidation/divestiture transactions.

Personne obtained her undergraduate degree in and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Virginia.

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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NACS conducted toy and food collection drives for Volunteer Alexandria’s Community Toy Drive (Virginia) and DC Central Kitchen

​ALEXANDRIA, Va., 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) conducted toy and food collection drives to help two local community groups: Volunteer Alexandria’s Community Toy Drive (Virginia) and DC Central Kitchen.

NACS staff purchased 120 toys for the Alexandria Community Toy Drive, which will be distributed to children in Alexandria who are below the poverty lines. Families have applied for assistance and have been vetted, meaning that each child who receives a toy through the drive wouldn’t be receiving anything this year if not for these donations. The NACS donations mean that 60 children in the area will receive at least two presents on Christmas Day.

“It is truly amazing to see our community together to help those in need, and NACS is a wonderful example of it. Their contribution was a significant factor in helping us to continue to aid local families and children, and we couldn’t have done it without their support,” said Executive Director of Volunteer Alexandria Marion Brunken.

NACS staff also donated more than 300 pounds of dry beans to DC Central Kitchen (DCCK). Every day DCCK volunteers transform 3,000 pounds of food into 5,000 healthy meals for the community. The group also has a Healthy Corners initiative to provide healthy food access in Washington, DC’s neighborhoods. It distributes fresh produce and healthy snacks to corner stores in DC’s low-income communities, offering produce to corner stores at wholesale prices and in smaller quantities than a conventional distributor. In 2015, DCCK worked with 67 corner stores to help them sell 184,878 units of healthy snacks.

The NACS donations mirror what convenience stores contribute to communities across the country. Convenience stores contributed or collected nearly $990 million to charities over the past year, according to a national survey of retailers released by NACS in October 2016.

Overall, 64% of convenience retailers responding to the survey said they support five or more charities in their communities. And 83% said they’ve have been engaged in community giving for more than a decade.

Nearly nine in 10 (88%) donate to local charities such as church groups, shelters, health-related organizations and other non-sports groups. More than three in four (76%) contribute to youth sports and activities and more than two-thirds (69%) contribute to local schools via the PTAs and other fundraising activities. The median charitable contribution per store was $4,100 in direct contributions and $2,500 in donations collected.

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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NGA appointments: Corinne Routhier as VP of Business Development and Member Services; Michael Gleeson as Director of Government Relations

Arlington, VA, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Grocers Association (NGA), the national trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, today (Dec 20, 2016) announced the addition of two new staff members to its member services and government relations departments.

Corinne Routhier has been named NGA Vice President of Business Development and Member Services. In her new role for NGA, Routhier will be responsible for the member services department and will lead all member recruitment and retention efforts. Routhier has an extensive career in the hospitality industry, where she previously held the position of Director of Sales for Associated Luxury Hotels International. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Loyola University Maryland.

Michael Gleeson will join NGA as Director of Government Relations, focusing primarily on tax policy. Gleeson most recently served as director of legislative affairs for the Association of Advanced Life Underwriting, where he played a role in developing and implementing the organization’s lobbying strategy. In addition to his lobbying background, Gleeson served as tax counsel for Congressman Jim McDermott (WA-7) for nearly three years, where he worked on a broad range of tax policy issues. He has also held positions as a tax reporter for Tax Notes and The Hill. Gleeson holds a master’s degree in taxation from American University and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Washington.

“I am extremely pleased to welcome both Michael and Corinne to NGA. Corinne brings a strong skill set for building relationships and a keen understanding of the importance for superior customer service,” said Peter J. Larkin, NGA President and CEO. “Michael’s broad tax experience will be a great asset to NGA, especially as Congress begins to consider tax reform. I look forward to working with them as NGA continues enhance our programs and member benefits to better serve the independent supermarket industry.”

Gleeson and Routhier will begin with NGA on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

Contact:

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

Source: NGA

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Krispy Kreme Doughnuts introduces new doughnut inspired by Nutella hazelnut spread

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts introduces new doughnut inspired by Nutella hazelnut spread

 

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts today (December 16, 2016) announced a new doughnut inspired by Nutella hazelnut spread. The Nutty Cocoa Ring Doughnut is available now at participating shops in the U.S.

Pairing a classic Krispy Kreme doughnut with creamy Nutella makes this doughnut a one-of-a-kind product.

“Both Nutella and Krispy Kreme products are adored around the world, and we are thrilled to bring a product featuring the classic taste of Krispy Kreme and the nutty flavor of Nutella to our shops domestically,” said Jackie Woodward, Chief Marketing Officer of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. “Krispy Kreme has a wide variety of doughnuts, but this indulgent combination will allow for a flavor experience unlike any other.”

The Nutty Cocoa Ring is dipped in Nutella hazelnut spread, topped off with crunchy hazelnut pieces, and drizzled with chocolate icing.

This is the first time a Krispy Kreme product featuring Nutella has been offered in the United States. To find a participating shop near you, visit www.KrispyKreme.com/Nutella.

Show your friends how you enjoy these rich and delectable delights using #KrispyKreme.

About Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Krispy Kreme doughnuts can be found in approximately 12,000 grocery, convenience and mass merchant stores in the U.S. The Company has more than 1,100 retail shops in 29 countries. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one of its many social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme, and www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme.

Contact:

Sarah Roof
336-726-8878
Corporate Communications Coordinator
sroof@krispykreme.com

Source: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

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VanLaw Food Products recalls WinCo Brand Ranch Dressing due to mislabeling

VanLaw Food Products recalls WinCo Brand Ranch Dressing due to mislabeling

 

Fullerton, CA, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — VanLaw Food Products, Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of WinCo Brand Ranch Dressing with code date of Best By 08/23/17. The back label was mislabeled with WinCo Fat Free Ranch Dressing label, and in particular the label is missing an egg allergen declaration. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The products were distributed to a limited numbers of WinCo stores in Arizona, Idaho, California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington. There are approximately 460 cases that may have been purchased by consumers with this particular code date of 08/23/17. The code can be found above the back label on the bottle. No other WinCo Foods products and/or code dates are involved by this voluntary recall.

VanLaw Food Products, Inc. initiated the recall after it was discovered that a limited amount of WinCo Ranch Dressing were mislabeled with the back label of WinCo Fat Free Ranch Dressing. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this mislabeling.

We are working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on this voluntary recall. Providing safe, high quality products to our consumers is our number one priority. Consumers who have purchased the specific recalled products are advised not to consume them and to return the product to their point of purchase for refund. Consumers with questions may contact Suzanne Gibson at (714) 870-9091 (8:00 am – 5:00 pm PST).

Consumers Contact:

Suzanne Gibson
(714) 870-9091 (8:00 am – 5:00 pm PST)

Source: FDA

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Toys“R”Us® announces 39 straight hours of shopping from 6am on Friday, December 23 through 9pm Christmas Eve

Wayne, NJ, 2016-Dec-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — As Santa is preparing his workshop, and many gift-givers are checking wish lists twice, Toys“R”Us® announced that its stores nationwide will open their doors for 39 straight hours of shopping. Beginning at 6 am on Friday, December 23, continuing through 9 pm Christmas Eve* ensuring that all shoppers’ loved ones will find that perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning.

With only a few days left until children tear off the bows and rip off the wrapping paper to reveal their gifts, customers can take advantage of the toy store’s extended hours to make their last minute purchases when it’s most convenient for them. To help guarantee smiles on the faces of little ones, Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will continue to receive shipments of the most sought-after toys of the year, through Christmas and into the New Year.

Toys“R”Us is also celebrating the holiday season with its 12 Days of Hatchimals giveaway. Toys“R”Us rewards members who shop in-store each day, now through Thursday, December 22, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Toys“R”Us gift card PLUS one of the hottest toys this holiday season, a Hatchimal. A new winner is drawn every day through 12/22, and each day a customer makes a purchase with their Rewards“R”Us number, they’re given a new chance to win** .

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

*Toys“R”Us stores in Paramus, NJ, as well as Toys“R”Us Express and Outlet stores, will not be open 24 hours. All store hours can be found online at Toysrus.com/StoreLocator.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. To enter without purchase, click here. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older that are Rewards“R”Us members. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 12/11/16 and ends 12/22/16; final winner is drawn 12/23/16. Your Rewards“R”Us member number must be entered for your entry to be valid. Sponsor: Toys“R”Us – Delaware Inc., One Geoffrey Way, Wayne, New Jersey 07470.

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. Since 1992, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with Toys“R”Us, Inc., has donated more than $125 million in grants to children’s charities. 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.

Contact:

Tel: 1(973) 617-5900
Email: press@toysrus.com

Source: Toys“R”Us, Inc.