Daily Archives: January 26, 2017

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Lenta Ltd announces consolidated sales and operating results for 4Q and full year 2016

St-Petersburg, Russia, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lenta Ltd, (LSE, MOEX: LNTA / “Lenta” or the “Company”) one of the largest retail chains in Russia, is pleased to announce the Company’s consolidated sales and operating results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended 31 December 2016.

4Q 2016 Operating Highlights:

• Total sales grew 20.9% in 4Q 2016 to Rub 90.8bn (4Q 2015: Rub 75.1bn);
• Like-for-like (“LFL”) 1 sales growth of 1.7% vs. 4Q 2015;
• LFL traffic growth of (3.9%) combined with a 5.9% increase in LFL ticket;
• 36 hypermarkets and seven supermarkets opened during the fourth quarter of 2016;
• Total store count reached 240 stores as at 31 December 2016, comprising 191 hypermarkets and 49 supermarkets;
• Total selling space increased to 1,146,148 sq.m. as at 31 December 2016 2 (+29.9% vs. 31 December 2015); and
• Number of active loyalty cardholders 3 increased to 10.5m (+25% y-o-y) with approximately 93% of transactions in the fourth quarter made using the loyalty card.

FY 2016 Operating Highlights:
• Total sales grew 21.2% in FY 2016 to Rub 306.4bn (FY 2015: Rub 252.8bn);
• LFL sales growth of 3.9% vs. FY 2015;
• LFL traffic growth of (0.1%) combined with a 4.0% increase in LFL ticket;
• 51 hypermarket and 17 supermarket net openings 4 during FY 2016.

Material events in 4Q 2016 and after the reported period:
• Lenta exceeded its goal to double total selling space in three years, achieving one of the most important strategic targets established at its IPO in March 2014;
• Lenta achieved the milestone of 10 million active loyalty cardholders;
• The company completed acquisition of the Kesko food retail business in Russia, consisting of 11 hypermarkets;
• Lenta opened its seventh own distribution centre in Moscow, dedicated to its supermarket format;
• The Company signed lease contracts with the ADG Group real estate development company to open 36 supermarkets (approx. 47,000 sq.m of total space and 30,300 sq.m of selling space) in Moscow shopping and entertainment centers in 2018-2019;
• Lenta signed an agreement to acquire eight properties in Novosibirsk which are planned for use as Lenta supermarkets; and
• Lenta entered a partnership with Eurotorg, a leading Belarus retailer, to explore the potential for joint procurement opportunities for both food and non-food categories.

Lenta’s Chief Executive Officer, Jan Dunning commented:

“We are very pleased with the results of the fourth quarter – Lenta sales growth increased to 21% while we also opened a record number of new stores, completed the acquisition of Kesko’s food retail business and exceeded our strategic goal of doubling selling space in the 3 years to December 2016.

Lenta opened a record of 36 hypermarkets in the fourth quarter alone – more than we opened in the full year of 2015. The company completed 51 net hypermarket openings and entered eight new cities during the year. A key focus of our strategy is to strengthen our position in Russia’s largest cities and in existing cities of presence – we opened 35 new stores in cities with over 1 million inhabitants and are now present in all 15 of these cities. Almost 80% of new selling space was opened in cities where Lenta is already present – while this leads to pressure on traffic in nearby existing stores, this effect is far outweighed by the long term advantages of being closer to customers with a stronger market position. We will continue to focus most new hypermarket openings on existing cities of presence in 2017.

In December, Lenta successfully completed the largest acquisition in the Company’s history – the purchase of the Kesko food retail business in Russia comprising 11 hypermarkets in Saint-Petersburg. The Kesko stores were integrated then reopened as Lenta stores in only six days, and initial trading results have exceeded our expectations.

Our stores continued rapidly gaining new unique customers from competitors, with customer numbers running ahead of sales growth. The share of loyal customers in both new and LFL stores remained stable, proving the attractiveness of our commercial offer. As expected, cannibalization effects increased due to our rapid expansion in cities with existing Lenta presence – this was especially noticeable in the fourth quarter when we opened two-thirds of the total space added during 2016. For the first time since 2014, customers traded up and bought higher volumes per visit than in the previous year. Like-for-like sales growth of 2% was the net result of growth in the number of customers and a 6% increase in average like-for-like ticket compensating for lower visit frequency, which declined across much of the food retail sector. The consumer environment remains volatile – we already see some trends changing again in January 2017, with same-store traffic returning to positive growth.

We continue rolling-out new supermarkets in Moscow, St.Petersburg and the Central region and in the last year we doubled the number of store openings in these regions. We plan to significantly accelerate expansion of this format in existing and new regions in 2017. The agreement recently signed with ADG will allow us to reach well over 100 supermarkets in Moscow within the next three years or so.”

About Lenta
• Lenta is the largest hypermarket chain in Russia (in terms of selling space) and the country’s fifth largest retail chain (in terms of 2015 sales). The Company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. Lenta operates 191 hypermarkets in 77 cities across Russia and 49 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Central region with a total of approximately 1,146,148 sq.m of selling space. The average Lenta hypermarket store has selling space of approximately 5,800 sq.m. The average Lenta supermarket store has selling space of approximately 900 sq.m. The Company operates seven owned distribution centres.
• The Company’s price-led hypermarket formats are differentiated in terms of their promotion and pricing strategies as well as their local product assortment. The Company employed approximately 45,689 people as of 31 December 2016 9.
• The Company’s management team combines a mix of local knowledge and international expertise coupled with extensive operational experience in Russia. Lenta’s largest shareholders include TPG Capital and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, both of which are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Lenta is listed on the London Stock Exchange and on the Moscow Exchange and trades under the ticker: ‘LNTA’.

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

Forward looking statements:

This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not only relate to historical or current events. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “anticipate”, “target”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “expected”, “plan”, “goal”, “believe”, or other words of similar meaning.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to future events and circumstances, a number of which are beyond Lenta’s control. As a result, actual future results may differ materially from the plans, goals and expectations set out in these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Lenta speak only as at the date of this announcement. Save as required by any applicable laws or regulations, Lenta undertakes no obligation publicly to release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements in this document that may occur due to any change in its expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document.

To view the full press release, please click here

1 Lenta’s stores are included in the LFL store base starting 12 months after the end of the month in which they are opened

2 After the adjustments to reported selling space and store network described below

3 Cardholders who made at least 2 purchases at Lenta during the 12 months to 31 December 2016 are considered active

4 In March 2016 the Company closed one leased standard hypermarket in Novokuznetsk with selling space of 7,700 sq.m. The company has reclassified one of the purchased Kesko stores in Saint-Petersburg with a selling space of 1,520 sq.m from supermarket to hypermarket

9 FTE (full-time equivalent). Average FTE for 2016 was 35,677 employees

For further information please visit www.lentainvestor.com/en/

Contact:

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

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

FTI Consulting
Leonid Fink
+44 7497 783 705
Leonid.Fink@fticonsulting.com

Jenny Payne
+44 20 3727 1000
Jenny.Payne@fticonsulting.com

Source: Lenta

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IRI® and FMI highlight 2017’s top trends in fresh foods at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference, Jan. 29, 2017

ARLINGTON, VA, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ —

WHO: 
Steve Ramsey, Executive Vice President, Practice Leader, IRI
Sally Lyons-Wyatt, Executive Vice President, Practice Leader, IRI
Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI

WHAT: 
The food retail landscape continues to change as consumers’ shopping and eating habits evolve to fit their modern, on-the-go lifestyles. The CPG industry has experienced more changes in the past five years than over the previous 50 — and this trend is expected to endure in the years to come.

IRI® is teaming up with FMI and the FMI Fresh Executive Committee for the second year in a row to highlight 2017’s top trends in fresh foods at the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference, the premier industry event for food retail leaders. FMI’s Rick Stein and IRI’s Steve Ramsey and Sally Lyons-Wyatt will unveil the latest research in fresh food during a special presentation titled “Top Trends in Fresh.” The session will present the top five fresh food trends that will guide food retail sales in 2017.
IRI and FMI will further expand on each trend through a series of free monthly webinars, kicking off in February and extending through June. The first webinar will focus on Holistic Health and will be held Feb. 23, with registration beginning in early February.

WHY:
Food retailers know the retail landscape is changing, particularly as the store perimeter plays a bigger role in grocery trips, but do they know how to respond to those changes? IRI and FMI have analyzed substantial data and carried out extensive research, sponsored by Burris Logistics, to focus on the trends that will have the biggest impact on perimeter sales, including fresh meat, deli, produce, bakery, seafood and prepared foods. Retailers that can implement strategies in response to the following trends will succeed in driving growth in 2017 and beyond:

• Holistic Health: Growth in fresh foods will continue to increase as consumers continue to evolve their holistic health practices to enhance their lifestyles.
• Social and Cultural Alignment: Understanding and alignment with key claims, attributes and insights can help increase sales more quickly than competition and improve brand equity.
• Atomization of Personalization: There will be continued rise of specialty departments and customized services as well as an explosion of assortment demands driving the need for personalization.
• Hyperlocalization: As consumers refine their definition of local, new business models are being created that challenge established ones and are forming a new landscape of competition.
• Customization to the New Consumerism: Retailers are experimenting with radical new formats and assortments to meet new consumer needs. Item management is transforming to preparation management.

WHEN:  
Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, 1:30-2:15 p.m. MST

WHERE:  
FMI Midwinter Executive Conference
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Dr.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.

Contact:

Tel: 202-452-8444
Fax: 202-429-4519

Source: FMI

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FMI supports legislation Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017

ARLINGTON, VA, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Food Marketing Institute (FMI) issued the following statement in support of legislation, Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017, introduced by Sen. John Thune (R-SD) and Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) that would repeal the death tax once and for all.

”The death tax represents the most pernicious form of double taxation in the U.S. tax code – one that hits survivors again in their time of grief. It threatens the very existence of many family-owned grocers.” said Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer & senior vice president of government relations. “The death tax forces business owners to spend any profits they make on hiring lawyers to design a plan to keep the business running in the event of their untimely death, rather than expanding their businesses and creating new jobs. FMI fully supports the legislation introduced and looks forward to working with Congress to see that it is passed.”

“Sen. Thune and Rep. Noem are strong advocates for keeping family-owned supermarkets in business and creating more jobs,” Hatcher said. We want to thank them for their leadership on this issue.”

The death tax poses a unique threat to America’s family-owned businesses. Although designed to impact only the very wealthy, it has just as frequently been applied to the kind of small and medium-sized businesses that are at the core of the U.S. economy. Long considered the most confiscatory tax imposed by the U.S. government, the rate has risen in the past to as high as 55 percent, and it is imposed following an owner’s death, at a time when businesses are most in need of all available resources.

Food Marketing Institute proudly advocates on behalf of the food retail industry. FMI’s U.S. members operate nearly 40,000 retail food stores and 25,000 pharmacies, representing a combined annual sales volume of almost $770 billion. Through programs in public affairs, food safety, research, education and industry relations, FMI offers resources and provides valuable benefits to more than 1,225 food retail and wholesale member companies in the United States and around the world. FMI membership covers the spectrum of diverse venues where food is sold, including single owner grocery stores, large multi-store supermarket chains and mixed retail stores. For more information, visit www.fmi.org and for information regarding the FMI foundation, visit www.fmifoundation.org.

Contact:

Tel: 202-452-8444
Fax: 202-429-4519

Source: FMI

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Kornit Digital’s live demonstration of Allegro gained high customer interest and system orders at Heimtextil 2017

ROSH-HA`AYIN, Israel, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kornit Digital, (NASDAQ:KRNT), a global market leader in digital textile printing technology, has received new system orders at Heimtextil 2017, the world’s leading exhibition for home textile design and manufacturing, which took place in Frankfurt, January 10-13.

The Company’s booth showcased a live demonstration of the Allegro, utilizing its unique single step, dry process, which led to high customer interest and system orders. The Allegro, which utilizes Kornit’s proprietary NeoPigmentTM printing process, is the only industrial solution that can print with high quality on multiple fabric types, with no separate pre or post treatment required.

At only seven meters in length, the Allegro offers a unique proposition with an impressive seven-colors, photorealistic print quality, an ability to print on multiple fabric types without changing inks, minimal infrastructure requirements and practically no water consumption. These benefits are ideal for online printers with a high degree of automation, as well as for home textile and fashion producers with a focus on short turnarounds and small production runs. In fact, the entire Kornit Booth, designed as a baby room, was fully ordered and fulfilled by one of Kornit’s Allegro customers.

One of the new members of the Allegro user community is Flyeralarm, a leading online printer based out of Wuerzburg, Germany. The company achieves an annual turnover of more than €300 million, and employs nearly 2,000 people across six company sites. While the company has offered polyester-based printed textile products before, they will now be able to print on different fabric types and to offer printed cotton fabrics in addition, such as chair covers, sunbeds and fabrics by the meter.

With these latest additions to the global install base of Allegro systems, the company will now serve more than 20 customer sites, ranging from North America, Central Europe, Latin America, Turkey and South East Asia.

Based on Kornit’s approach of offering a completely dry single step solution, digital fabric printing is returning to western countries as former challenges, such as end-to-end costs, pollution, regulations, health and safety, and space can be addressed.

“Given the significant trend towards online purchases of apparel and customized home decoration, Kornit is uniquely positioned to offer the only multi-fabric solution that does not require the existence of old school textile preparation and finishing processes which consume significant space and energy and require industrial settings,” stated Guy Zimmerman, Kornit Digital’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “The leading quality and versatility, micro runs capability, and seamless web to print support, makes Kornit technology a perfect enabler for this emerging mega trend.”

About Kornit Digital

Kornit Digital (NASDAQ:KRNT) develops, manufactures and markets industrial digital printing technologies for the garment, apparel and textile industries. Kornit delivers complete solutions, including digital printing systems, inks, consumables, software and after-sales support. Leading the digital direct-to-garment printing market with its exclusive eco-friendly NeoPigment printing process, Kornit caters directly to the changing needs of the textile printing value chain. Kornit’s technology enables innovative business models based on web-to-print, on-demand and mass customization concepts. With its immense experience in the direct-to-garment market, Kornit also offers a revolutionary approach to the roll-to-roll textile printing industry: Digitally printing with a single ink set onto multiple types of fabric with no additional finishing processes. Founded in 2003, Kornit Digital is a global company, headquartered in Israel with offices in the USA, Europe and Asia Pacific, and serves customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit Kornit Digital at www.kornit.com.

Investor Contact:
Michael Callahan
ICR
(203) 682-8311
Michael.Callahan@icrinc.com

Source: Kornit Digital Ltd/globenewswire

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SPAR Switzerland further expands with two new store openings: SPAR express Zurich Theatre and SPAR supermarket in Eschen

Zurich, Switzerland, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Two recent store openings reflect a strong focus on tailored fresh offerings meeting the customer requirements of each location.

Opening SPAR express Zurich Theatre

At the end of December, a new SPAR express store was opened adjacent to the famous Zurich Theatre. The store, with a sales area of 120m², offers everything needed on a daily basis for the very varied customer types including commuters, passers-by, businessmen, students, residents, early birds, visitors of the theatre, tourists and night owls! This focus on the customer is also reflected in the opening hours which are from Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

A highlight of this new SPAR express store is the large take-away fresh food department with crispy salads, fruit cups, muesli and an extensive choice of sandwiches located in the centre of the store. Additionally, there is a focus on the changing needs of customers throughout the day: Cappuccino and croissants for commuters and passers-by in the morning; a changing lunch offer for students in a take-away-box; and snacks and champagne to be enjoyed during breaks by visitors to the Zurich Theatre in the evening.

The store manager of the new SPAR express is Pia Jehli – a long-time SPAR retailer who previously ran the SPAR Supermarket Regensdorf with great success. In 2012, she received the SPAR Switzerland award – SPAR Store Manager of the Year – for her outstanding performance.

SPAR opens supermarket in Eschen

Within only one week, a full conversion was made to a former supermarket in Eschen ensuring it re-opened at the beginning of January as a new concept and with new managers. Store Managers Markus and Petra Bühler are delighted to be able to operate under the SPAR Brand and also that they could retain the original store team.

This SPAR offers a competitively-priced, fresh and healthy food range; has an extensive choice of regional and organic products and a large selection of fruit and vegetables. Unique within SPAR Switzerland is the offer of homemade stone oven bread and pastries sourced from the well-known bakery Georg AG, enabling customers to purchase fresh bread all day right through to closing.

The full team of 10 employees and the two managers are proud of the extensive fresh offer and the new concept.

Contact:

SPAR International
Email: info@spar-international.com
Tel: +3120 626 6749

Source: Spar International

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Belk announces multi-year renewal of Synchrony Financial’s consumer financing program

Private label Belk Rewards credit card program to continue under multi-year agreement

STAMFORD, Conn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Synchrony Financial (NYSE:SYF), a premier consumer financial services company, and Belk, a private department store company, today (January 25, 2017 ) announced they have agreed to a multi-year renewal of Synchrony Financial’s consumer financing program.

Belk operates department stores in 16 Southern states as well as belk.com and offers a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories.

Synchrony Financial has provided a consumer financing program for Belk through the Belk Rewards program for more than a decade. Qualifying cardholders can continue to access discounts, loyalty rewards, mobile account management, receipt-free returns and other exclusive benefits* with a Belk Rewards, Belk Premier or Belk Elite credit card for use in stores and online.

Cardholders earn 1 point for every $1 spent on qualifying merchandise purchases, and receive $10 in rewards certificates for every 400 points earned. Elite members also receive free shipping, quarterly 20% off personal sale days and a 20% off birthday coupon.

“The Belk Rewards credit program has been instrumental in increasing our store and online traffic,” said Lisa Harper, CEO of Belk. “We value Synchrony Financial’s industry expertise, commitment to innovation and knowledgeable insights that provide added value to our customers.”

“We look forward to continue working with Belk to ensure that their customers have the payment flexibility, loyalty rewards and superior customer experience that they expect,” said Tom Quindlen, executive vice president and CEO, Retail Card, Synchrony Financial. “Providing a successful consumer financing program is critical to driving sales and maintaining an edge in today’s competitive retail landscape and we’re pleased to be able to continue our partnership with Belk.”

*Subject to terms and conditions.

About Synchrony Financial

Synchrony Financial (NYSE: SYF) is one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies. Our roots in consumer finance trace back to 1932, and today we are the largest provider of private label credit cards in the United States based on purchase volume and receivables.** We provide a range of credit products through programs we have established with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers to help generate growth for our partners and offer financial flexibility to our customers. Through our partners’ over 350,000 locations across the United States and Canada, and their websites and mobile applications, we offer our customers a variety of credit products to finance the purchase of goods and services. Synchrony Financial offers private label and co-branded Dual Card™ credit cards, promotional financing and installment lending, loyalty programs and FDIC-insured savings products through Synchrony Bank. More information can be found at www.synchronyfinancial.com, facebook.com/SynchronyFinancial, www.linkedin.com/company/synchrony-financial and twitter.com/SYFNews.

About Belk, Inc.

Belk, Inc., a private department store company based in Charlotte, N.C., is the home of Modern. Southern. Style. with stores located in 16 Southern states and has a rapidly growing digital presence. Belk is a portfolio company of Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm based in New York. Belk and www.belk.com offer a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.

Belk offers many ways to connect via digital and social media, including Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Google Plus, and provides exclusive offers, fashion updates, sales notifications and coupons via email or mobile phone text messages. Customers can also download the latest Belk mobile apps for the iPad, iPhone or Android.

Contact:

For Synchrony Financial:
(855) 791-8007
media.relations@synchronyfinancial.com

For Belk:
Jessica Graham
(704) 426-8333
Jessica_graham@belk.com

Source: Belk

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Taco Bell’s latest food innovation Naked Chicken Chalupa debuts on menus nationwide

Taco Bell’s latest food innovation Naked Chicken Chalupa debuts on menus nationwide

 

Irvine, Calif., 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Taco Bell’s latest food innovation makes its highly-anticipated debut on menus nationwide today. The Naked Chicken Chalupa is the first shell made entirely of marinated all-white meat chicken.

The innovation didn’t come without ruffling a few feathers, however. Opposition from The Council For Eating Fried Chicken The Same Way You Always Have left some wondering if it was too innovative, but now people across the nation can experience the mouthwatering combination of all-white meat, antibiotic-free* chicken, fresh shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, cheddar cheese and creamy avocado ranch.

Taco Bell took its celebrations for the Naked Chicken Chalupa underground to escape the watchful eyes of The Council, with a Taco Bell Speakeasy in New York City. New Yorkers made reservations via a chalupa hotline to gain access to the Speakeasy and a chance to preview the deliciousness of the Naked Chicken Chalupa before its nationwide launch. The two-day pop-up reached maximum capacity with over 1,000 reservations.

Those unable to join Taco Bell for the Speakeasy can now get the Naked Chicken Chalupa for just $2.99 or in a $5 Box including a Naked Chicken Chalupa, Doritos® Locos Taco, Crunchy Taco and Medium Drink. The crisp crunch and kick of spice bring a flavor to the menu like never before.

* Chicken raised without antibiotics important to human-medicine

ABOUT TACO BELL® CORPORATION

Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), is the nation’s leading Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant (QSR) brand. From breakfast to late night, Taco Bell serves made-to-order and customizable tacos and burritos, among other craveable choices, and is the first QSR restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA)-certified menu items. Taco Bell and its more than 350 franchise organizations proudly serve over 42 million customers each week through 7,000 restaurants across the nation, as well as through its mobile, desktop and delivery ordering services. Overseas, Taco Bell has over 250 restaurants, with plans to add 2,000 more restaurants internationally within the next decade. The brand encourages its fans to “Live Mas” and connects with them through sports, gaming and new music via its Feed The Beat® music program. Taco Bell also provides education opportunities and serves the community through its nonprofit organization, the Taco Bell® Foundation™, and connects fans with their passions through programs such as the Live Mas Scholarship program. In 2016, Taco Bell was named as one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the World.

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

MEDIA RELATIONS:
Public relations inquiries
949-863-3915
e-mail: media@tacobell.com

Source: Taco Bell Corp.

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MIGROS AACHTAL WIRD ERÖFFNET

Gossau, Switzerland, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Am 2. Februar 2017 öffnet in Amriswil die Migros Aachtal erstmals ihre Türen. Während der zehnmonatigen Bauzeit ist ein moderner Supermarkt entstanden, der die Kundschaft mit viel Frische und einer angenehmen Atmosphäre empfängt.

Auf einer Fläche von rund 700 m2 finden die Kundinnen und Kunden in der Migros Aachtal ein attraktives und frisches Angebot für den täglichen Bedarf. Für hohen Einkaufskomfort sorgen auch die 56 ebenerdigen, teilweise gedeckten Parkplätze vor dem Gebäude. Mit dem öffentlichen Verkehr ist die Migros Aachtal ebenfalls gut erreichbar: Die Bushaltestelle Schrofen ist nur wenige Meter entfernt. Die Migros Aachtal beschäftigt insgesamt 19 Mitarbeitende, darunter auch 2 Lernende. Das benachbarte Chickeria-Restaurant, das Poulet-Spezialitäten aus Schweizer Fleisch anbietet, begrüsst seine Gäste bereits seit dem 2. Dezember 2016 mit grossem Erfolg. Mit der Eröffnung des Supermarkts passt die Chickeria ihre Öffnungszeiten an: Das Restaurant öffnet ab 2. Februar 2017 von Montag bis Samstag bereits um 7.30 Uhr für seine Gäste.

Erfahrener Filialleiter

Filialleiter der Migros Aachtal ist Hans-Peter Wetter. Der 48-jährige arbeitet seit 13 Jahren bei der Migros Ostschweiz. Er startete 2004 als Trainee in der Migros Teufen. Bereits 2005 wurde er zum stellvertretenden Filialleiter ernannt, 2008 übernahm er dann die Funktion des Filialleiters in der Migros Teufen. 2009 folgte der Wechsel als stellvertretender Geschäftsführer in den Rheinpark nach St. Margrethen, 2011 übernahm er als Filialleiter die Migros Trischliplatz in Rorschach. Seit 2014 ist Hans-Peter Wetter Filialleiter in der Migros Amriswil. Während der Bauzeit leitet er parallel zur Verantwortung für die Migros Aachtal auch das Provisorium im Zentrum. Hans-Peter Wetter freut sich darauf, die Kundinnen und Kunden gemeinsam mit seinem Team in der Migros Aachtal zu begrüssen. „Wir freuen uns sehr, dass wir unseren Amriswiler Kundinnen und Kunden mit dem Supermarkt Aachtal zusätzlich zum Provisorium im Zentrum ein attraktives Einkaufsangebot bieten können.“

Nachhaltigkeit – ein zentrales Thema

Ein besonderer Fokus lag beim Bau der Migros wie der Chickeria darauf, materialökologisch sinnvolle Produkte zu verwenden. So wurde die Beleuchtung beispielsweise mit LED-Leuchten realisiert. Die Vorteile liegen auf der Hand: Eine höhere Lebensdauer bei gleichzeitig kleinerem Energieverbrauch und weniger Abwärme. Die Kühlmöbel gehören der neusten Generation an und sorgen dank mehr Effizienz für weitere Energieeinsparungen. Mit der Abwärme der Kälteanlagen wird der Supermarkt beheizt. Auf dem Dach des Supermarkts wurde ausserdem eine Photovoltaikanlage realisiert, welche den gesamten Energiebedarf des Supermarkts abdeckt und einen Grossteil des für den Betrieb der Chickeria notwenigen Stroms liefert.

Attraktive Angebote für Kundschaft

Vom Donnerstag bis Samstag, 2. bis 4. Februar 2017, erhalten alle Kundinnen und Kunden am Morgen von 8 bis 10 Uhr einen Kaffee mit Gipfeli gratis, für nur 2.50 Franken gibt es vor dem Supermarkt jeweils ab 10.30 Uhr eine Bratwurst vom Grill mit Bürli, dazu kostenlos ein Aproz-Mineralwasser. Bei einem Gewinnspiel können attraktive Preise gewonnen werden. Am Samstag sorgt um 16.30 Uhr die Guggenmusik  „Marktplatzpfuuser“ für musikalische Unterhaltung. Zudem darf sich die Kundschaft auf eine süsse Überraschung und Degustationsangebote der Käserei Studer freuen – es het solang’s het. In der Chickeria gibt es an allen drei Tagen ein Grill-Poulet zum Sonderpreis von 12 Franken.

Öffnungszeiten Migros Aachtal, Schrofenstrasse 19, Amriswil:

Montag bis Freitag:    8 bis 20 Uhr
Samstag:                    8 bis 18 Uhr

Öffnungszeiten Chickeria Aachtal, Schrofenstrasse 17, Amriswil:

Montag bis Donnerstag:         7.30 bis 22 Uhr
Freitag und Samstag:            7.30 bis 24 Uhr
Sonntag:                                 10 bis 22 Uhr

Kommunikation:
Silke Seichter
Genossenschaft Migros Ostschweiz
Industriestrasse 47
9201 Gossau
TEL: 071 493 24 50
FAX: 071 493 27 89
E-MAIL: silke.seichter@gmos.ch

Source: Migros

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AmRest Holdings SE to acquire Pizza Hut Delivery business in France from Top Brands NV

AmRest Holdings SE to acquire Pizza Hut Delivery business in France from Top Brands NV

 

Wroclaw, Poland, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — AmRest Holdings SE („AmRest”, “the Company”) (WSE: EAT), the largest publicly listed restaurant operator in Central Europe, announces signing on January 24th , 2017 a Share Purchase Agreement with Top Brands NV aimed at the acquisition of Pizza Hut Delivery business in France.

On the basis of the agreement AmRest will purchase 100% shares of Pizza Topco France, being the exclusive master franchisee of Pizza Hut Delivery restaurants in the French market. Estimated purchase price is ca. 14 million (approx. PLN 61 million) and will be confirmed at the transaction closing. Intention of the SPA parties is to finalize the transaction within next couple of months, which is a subject to closing conditions, including conclusion of a master franchise agreement with Pizza Hut brand owner – Yum! Restaurant Holdings.

Currently Pizza Topco operates 123 Pizza Hut Delivery restaurants. 7 locations are the equity business, the rest are franchisee managed restaurants.

France is not a new market for AmRest. The Company entered that country while acquiring La Tagliatella business in 2011. Management Board is enthusiastic about the opportunity to significantly strengthen AmRest presence in that potential market.

“We are very excited about this huge opportunity of creating and building the future of Pizza Hut brand in France. This is another step in strengthening our presence in Western Europe as well as strategic milestone in building nr. 1 delivery business in Europe. We are honored to welcome so many great people in our AmRest family. I am sure that together we will bring a lot of fun to our customers lives.” – said Monika Czyż, Pizza Hut Delivery&Express President at AmRest.

The transaction is a perfect match for AmRest’s plans of accelerated development of the Pizza Hut brand, initiated by signing in August 2016 the master franchise agreement for Central and Eastern Europe. The expansion plans for France assume development of both the Pizza Hut Delivery and Express concepts.

The Management Board is confident that the addition of Pizza Hut Delivery business in France will result in value creation for the Company’s shareholders.

Contact:
Dorota Surowiec
IR Manager
+48 71 386 1235
dorota.surowiec@amrest.eu

Source: AmRest Holdings SE

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EROSKI y sus clientes donaron 8.200 toneladas de alimentos para familias necesitadas en 2016

EROSKI y sus clientes donaron 8.200 toneladas de alimentos para familias necesitadas en 2016

 

  • 5.600 toneladas corresponden a alimentos donados por EROSKI dentro del programa “Desperdicio Cero”, con el que garantiza que ningún alimento apto para el consumo es desechado en sus tiendas sino donado a organizaciones sociales
  • Las campañas de donaciones solidarias desarrolladas en 2016 a favor de los Bancos de Alimentos consiguieron recaudar más de 2.600 toneladas de alimentos en los establecimientos de EROSKI

ELORRIO,España, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI y sus clientes han donado 8.200 toneladas de alimentos destinados a los colectivos más desfavorecidos durante el año 2016. La cifra equivale al consumo medio de alimentos de 12.386 personas a lo largo de un año. De esta donación, 5.600 toneladas corresponden al programa “Desperdicio Cero” que garantiza que ningún alimento apto para el consumo es desechado en las tiendas EROSKI, sino que es donado a organizaciones sociales del entorno cercano de cada establecimiento.

“Como cooperativa de consumo no podemos dejar de lado nuestro compromiso social, que nos impulsa a combatir el desperdicio alimentario. Las donaciones del programa ‘Desperdicio Cero’ son canalizadas a través de Banco de Alimentos y más de un centenar de pequeñas organizaciones sociales locales”, señala el director de Responsabilidad Social de EROSKI, Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa.

La cooperativa ha desarrollado un protocolo de actuación que vela escrupulosamente por la seguridad alimentaria de los productos donados. En el caso de los alimentos frescos garantiza el mantenimiento adecuado de la cadena de frío también en la entidad receptora de la donación que debe asegurar que cumple con las mismas garantías en su transporte e instalaciones.

Los alimentos donados son productos frescos y de alimentación que EROSKI retira de sus lineales  para cumplir su compromiso de frescura máxima con sus clientes, o simplemente porque su envase presenta una pequeña deficiencia como puede ser una simple abolladura o rotura de embalaje que impide su venta. Todos los alimentos donados por EROSKI están siempre dentro de la fecha de caducidad o de consumo preferente y en perfecto estado para su consumo.

Participación en las campañas solidarias de los Bancos de Alimentos

EROSKI colabora desde hace más de 20 años con los Bancos de Alimentos. “Nuestra colaboración se remonta a 1996 a propuesta del Banco de Alimentos de Bizkaia y de los propios consumidores. Así, nacieron hace ya más de 20 años las campañas de recogida de alimentos en las tiendas EROSKI”, detalla Alejandro Martínez Berriochoa.

Más de 2.600 toneladas de alimentos fueron donadas por los clientes de EROSKI a través de sucesivas campañas de recogida celebradas en 2016 en los establecimientos de la cooperativa a favor de los Bancos de Alimentos. En la última Gran Recogida, organizada a finales de noviembre por la Federación Española de Bancos de Alimentos (Fesbal), se recaudaron 1.700 toneladas de alimentos.

“Desde EROSKI, como es habitual, hemos querido unirnos a este compromiso y sumar un donación adicional sobre el total de kilos donados por los consumidores. Los alimentos más donados han sido productos no perecederos como pasta, arroz, legumbres, azúcar, aceite, conservas de carne y pescado y leche”, explica el director de Responsabilidad Social de EROSKI.

El presidente de FESBAL, Nicolás Palacios, por su parte, señala que “No hay mayor desconsuelo que ir a una casa en la que la nevera está vacía. Si no hay alimentación, no hay salud; tampoco hay educación ni  cultura. La alimentación es la base en la que se asienta todo este entramado”.

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

Source: Eroski

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Sainsbury’s introduces The Changyu Noble Dragon Red, a Chinese Red wine

London, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — This week, Sainsbury’s launched a Chinese Red wine to the range, with a white wine to follow next month. The Changyu Noble Dragon Red comes as the latest addition to the range that continues to expand into new and exciting regions of wine production.

The Noble Dragon Red is a Cabernet Gernischt/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from the Yantai region. It is from the coastal Shandong Peninsula which has a maritime climate and is therefore an elegant expression of Cabernet with an intense, smoky red, packed with blackberries and cassis and a smooth finish. Changyu Pioneer Wine Co. because they are the oldest wine producer in China (founded in 1892) and have a long history of wine making. A Riesling will be joining the range in the coming weeks.

Georgina Haughton, Sainsbury’s wine buyer for South Africa, South America & China says: “We know customers are keen to broaden their repertoire and we’ve been looking to some distinctive regions and countries for new additions to expand our range. China is now the second largest producer of grapes destined for wine production (ahead of France), so it’s great opportunity to do just that. For anyone who usually enjoys traditional Cabernet Sauvignon blends from Bordeaux then this is a good option to broaden your horizons. It will go brilliantly with both Asian meat-based dishes as well as a traditional English roast.”

Customers expect to see more of these unusual wines from Sainsbury’s in the near future, with the supermarket announcing their plans to launch a Uruguayan Albarino into the range next month. Albarino, predominantly from Spain, has really taken off among UK customers in recent years. Like the Spanish styles, this Uruguayan example, called Colinas de Uruguay is a fresh and food-friendly wine from top producer Bodegas Garzon.

Georgina comments: “Until quite recently, I’d say Uruguayan wine was one of the best kept secrets of South American wine production, so I’m excited that we’re able to bring this Albarino to our shelves. Albarino is such a distinctive, food-friendly grape and I think customers will really enjoy it as an introduction to wines from Uruguay.”

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

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Sainsbury’s introduces The Changyu Noble Dragon Red, a Chinese Red wine

 

Source: Sainsbury

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Macy’s expands Ideology activewear line with the launch of ID Ideology

Macy’s expands Ideology activewear line with the launch of ID Ideology

 

The affordable activewear line has been extended with a collection of stylish performance gear for everyday athletes available exclusively at Macy’s stores and on macys.com

NEW YORK, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s (NYSE:M) today (Jan. 25, 2017) announced an expansion of the retailer’s popular Ideology activewear line with the launch of ID Ideology, a men’s collection available exclusively at 250 Macy’s stores and online at macys.com. ID Ideology is a line of performance clothing that embraces all those who are committed to putting in the time, effort and sweat toward reaching their goals, and the marketing campaign features several incredible men who have done just that. Obstacle course junkies, circuit trainers, runners, cyclists, and even those guys just getting back on a gym regimen, all have the dedication to be considered athletes in their own right, and ID Ideology has everything they need to perform at their best.

“It’s not only professional athletes who inhabit fields, courses and tracks,” said Nancy Slavin, senior vice president of Macy’s Private Brands Marketing. “People who work in offices, coffee shops, hospitals, schools, and everywhere in between are committing to their health and wellness, and are working out to reach their goals—that makes them athletes. With ID Ideology, we are getting them out of their old t-shirts and shorts, and into performance gear that will help take them to the next level.”

ID Ideology is about action and motion, and the pieces in the collection are designed to maximize performance under all conditions. The range includes sleeveless, short- and long-sleeved tees, training shorts, running leggings, as well as track jackets and track pants. Select pieces are equipped with technology to facilitate and enhance the execution of dynamic movement—RapiDry technology, 4 Way Stretch, ventilation, water resistance, reflective panels, and body mapping in high sweat rate regions allow every man to be the best athlete he can be, rain or shine, day or night. The assortment also includes tech hoodies and joggers, as well as lightweight shell jackets that are wind and water resistant, as well as breathable and durable. These pieces round out a complete activewear wardrobe that can handle a workout, and easily be incorporated into his everyday attire.

The design of the pieces is modern and calls to mind a city-dwelling warrior. The seaming is architectural and elongates the body, while a sharp and tight color palette of white, grey and black, with jolts of blues and reds tie each piece into a unified collection. Digital camouflage and engineered ombre prints, along with linear embossing gives the line a bold yet urbane aesthetic that projects strength. The days of wearing worn-out clothing to the gym are over; ID Ideology has the pieces to make men look and perform like the athletes they are.

ID Ideology encourages men to tap into their potential to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The marketing campaign “Accepting All Athletes” can be followed on social media and highlights people who have worked hard to reach their goals. One inspiring individual featured in the ID Ideology campaign is Redmond Ramos, a former Navy Corpsman combat medic with the Marines who lost his left leg while serving in Afghanistan. Undeterred by his injury, Ramos took the challenge and turned it into an opportunity, pushing himself to medal at the Warrior Games an astonishing 11 months after losing his leg. Ramos has also won medals at the Invictus Games and Endeavor Games, and was the inaugural champion of CBS Sports’ Triumph Games. Joe Moravsky, a 27-year-old meteorologist from Sherman, CT, is a top athlete of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” and Esquire Network’s “Team Ninja Warrior.” Moravsky’s determination, strength and commitment are hallmarks of ID Ideology, and he represents the everyday athlete in all of us. Working as a weatherman, Moravsky also teaches gymnastics and parkour, all while balancing being a father and husband. Isaiah Rivera is a 19-year-old student at the University of Central Floridawho doubles as a professional basketball dunker. Rivera’s impressive and jaw-dropping dunks are the result of hours of practice and conditioning to fine tune and perfect his skills. All three men have unique backgrounds and are prime examples of ID Ideology’s core belief that everyone has a titan within.

ID Ideology extends the already existing Ideology line of popular women’s, plus-size,and girls’ affordable activewear. Product from the ID Ideology collection is priced from $25 to $70, and available at 250 Macy’s stores and on macys.com.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at 734 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

Media Relations:
Julie Strider-Fukami
646-429-5213
julie.striderfukami@macys.com

Billy Dumé
646-429-7449
billy.dume@macys.com

Source: Macy’s

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Nordstrom Rack at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills, IL to open in fall 2018

SEATTLE, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced today (Jan. 25, 2017 ) plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at Mellody Farm in Vernon Hills, IL. The approximately 30,000-square-foot store is scheduled to open in fall 2018. The property is being developed by Regency Centers.

The new Nordstrom Rack will join Whole Foods and a variety of best-in-class restaurants and retailers at Mellody Farm. The center is located 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, at the heavily trafficked intersection of Milwaukee Avenue and Townline Road.

“We’re fortunate to serve many customers in the Chicagoland area, and we look forward to adding a new location that we hope will provide greater convenience for folks in the Vernon Hills area,” said Karen McKibbin, president of Nordstrom Rack. “We look forward to delivering the great brands our customers have come to expect at great Rack prices.”

This will be the 15th Rack store in Chicagoland following the announcement of new locations in Kildeer, IL and Schererville, IN opening this spring. The company also operates four full-line stores in the greater Chicago area including the downtown flagship store on Michigan Avenue.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nordstrom Rack at Mellody Farm,” said Matt Hendy, Vice President and Regional Officer for Regency Centers. “This will be our second partnership for a ground-up development in the Chicagoland area. Mellody Farm will be a regional retail center that will serve the customers of Lake County, IL. Innovative building design, placemaking and partnerships with outstanding retailers will position Mellody Farm to be the shopping and entertainment destination of choice for the northern suburbs of Chicago.”

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc., offering customers a wide selection of on-trend apparel, accessories and shoes at an everyday savings of 30-70 percent off regular prices. Nordstrom Rack merchandise, available at Rack stores and at Nordstromrack.com, comes from Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com, as well as specially purchased items from many of the top brands available at Nordstrom. The Rack is designed to provide the ultimate treasure hunt to style-savvy customers.

About Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 349 stores in 40 states, including 123 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 215 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and two clearance stores. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its seven clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

About Regency Centers Corporation (NYSE: REG)
With more than 50 years of experience, Regency is the preeminent national owner, operator and developer of high quality, grocery anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers. The Company’s portfolio of 307 retail properties encompasses over 42.1 million square feet located in top markets throughout the United States, including co-investment partnerships. Regency has developed 223 shopping centers since 2000, representing an investment at completion of more than $3 billion. Operating as a fully integrated real estate company, Regency is a qualified real estate investment trust that is self-administered and self-managed.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessica Canfield
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 303-4250
Jessica.Canfield@nordstrom.com

SOURCE: Nordstrom, Inc.

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IKEA launches two collections – IKEA PS 2017 and SPRIDD

New IKEA PS 2017 and SPRIDD* Collections Offer Greater Flexibility and Freedom in Everyday Life in and Around the Home

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — As people in today’s world live more fluid, transient lifestyles, IKEA, the leader in life at home, understands the need is greater than ever for flexibility in the home and everyday life. IKEA U.S. announces the launch of two collections – IKEA PS 2017 and SPRIDD* – designed to provide today’s modern nomads more choices and better solutions for life on the go. Available in U.S. stores starting in February 2017, pieces from these collections – including items like a three-piece self-watering plant pot set, a folding sofa that can hang on the wall, and a duffel bag – offer greater flexibility and freedom in everyday life in and around the home.

“Whether it’s living in a smaller space or moving to new spaces frequently, for these fiercely independent individuals, it’s not about having more – it’s about choosing things to help you make the most out of life,” says Janice Simonsen, IKEA Design Spokesperson. “We are excited to offer these new collections which are designed to free you up without weighing you down!”

About IKEA PS 2017 Collection

IKEA PS (meaning Post Scriptum) is the design statement of IKEA, first launched in 1995, which puts focus on cutting edge modern Scandinavian furniture design without losing sight of what makes IKEA unique – affordable, quality design for the many people. IKEA releases a new IKEA PS collection approximately every three years; IKEA PS 2017 is the ninth collection in the IKEA PS line and includes over 50 products created by 17 IKEA designers around the world.

Each IKEA PS collection has a unique theme. The IKEA PS 2017 collection – designed by free thinkers for free thinkers – focuses on flexibility and freedom in everyday life in and around the home. It is for those who want to push the boundaries of the status quo – that refuse a “workeat-sleep-repeat” lifestyle; those that choose to move around or to live in a smaller space; those who live life on their own terms and that choose freedom and the possibilities that come with it.

From bold and innovative designs like a 3D-knitted armchair and a three-piece self-watering plant pot to highly adaptable pieces like a folding couch and a no-assembly storage unit, IKEA PS 2017 truly embodies the IKEA concept of Democratic Design – delivering beautifully designed, high quality, functional, sustainably-made products, all at an affordable price. Also, for the first time ever, IKEA is including food as part of a collection. The new food offerings in IKEA PS 2017 – including Nordic whole grains, spice mixes and instant beverages – are perfect for a quick and tasty meal when time is of the essence.

About SPRIDD Collection

SPRIDD is the latest fashion collaboration from IKEA with the goal of exploring new territories in creating unique designs. IKEA teamed up with British fashion designer Kit Neale to create SPRIDD – a limited edition collection designed to move, inspired by today’s nomadic youth, created for the “young in spirit.” 2 Music and mobility provided the starting point for designing SPRIDD, a collection that celebrates youth culture and self-expression. With inspiration drawn from music festivals, the SPRIDD collection consists of four different prints motivated by four distinct music styles. Accessories in the collection include items such as bean bags, towels, tote bags, posters and storage boxes.

NOTE FOR PRESS: Please visit our press site at IKEA-USA.com/LIVEIT for downloadable information and assets, including the press kit, images, videos and more. For additional information, product loans or images, please contact us at Kathy.Boerner@Ketchum.com. Join the conversation via the hashtag #LiveItIKEA.

ABOUT IKEA

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 386 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability in today-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube,Instagram and Pinterest.

Media Contact:
Kathy Boerner
646-935-3914
Kathy.Boerner@ketchum.com

Source: IKEA

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NRF Survey: American consumers will spend $14.1 billion to watch the Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots

Washington, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — American consumers will spend an average of $75 for a total of $14.1 billion as an estimated 188.5 million watch the Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI on February 5, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Super Bowl Spending Survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. Viewership is about the same as last year’s 188.9 million but the spending is down from an average of $82 and a total of $15.5 billion.

“With the holidays past us, consumers are looking forward to spending time with friends and family for some good old-fashioned fun to celebrate the big game” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Retailers will help fans prepare by making sure they are well stocked on decorations, party food, accessories and other Super Bowl necessities.”

Of the 76 percent of those surveyed who plan to watch the game, 80 percent say they will purchase food and beverages, 11 percent will buy team apparel or accessories, and 8 percent will splurge on new televisions to watch the game at home.

According to the survey, the 45 million people hosting a Super Bowl party should expect a full house, with 27 percent of those surveyed planning to attend a party to celebrate the big game. Bars and restaurants can also expect a good turnout with 12.4 million people planning to head out to watch at their favorite local spot.

Over 43 percent of viewers say the most important part is the game itself, 24 percent cite the commercials,15 percent want to hang out with friends, and 12 percent of say the half-time show is their top highlight.

The survey also found that 78 percent of viewers watch the commercials for entertainment and 18 percent say they make them more aware of the advertiser’s brand, but only 10 percent say the commercials influence them to purchase products. Sixteen percent say advertisers should save their money and pass the savings along to the consumers, and 10 percent say the commercials make the game last too long.

“As a favorite American past-time, the Super Bowl is a great chance for viewers to reconnect with friends and family after having a nice break after the holiday season,” Prosper Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow said. “Even though the number of viewers is slightly down this year, plenty are still planning to enjoy the day by watching it at their favorite bar or friend’s place, wearing their lucky jerseys and hoping their favorite team wins.”

The survey, which asked 7,591 consumers about their Super Bowl plans, was conducted January 4 -11 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points. Full data results will not be published on NRF.com but news media and analysts who require additional information can contact press@nrf.com.

About Prosper Insights & Analytics
Prosper Insights & Analytics delivers executives timely, consumer-centric insights from multiple sources. As a comprehensive resource of information, Prosper represents the voice of the consumer and provides knowledge to marketers regarding consumer views on the economy, personal finance, retail, lifestyle, media and domestic and world issues. www.ProsperDiscovery.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.

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

Source: NRF

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Tractor Supply Company to release its 4Q and full year 2016 results on February 1, 2017

BRENTWOOD, TN, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, intends to release its fourth quarter and full year 2016 results after the market closes on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. In conjunction with this release, the management of Tractor Supply Company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, which will be simultaneously webcast live over the Internet at IR.TractorSupply.com.

Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site and download the streaming media software required to listen to the Internet broadcast.

A replay of the webcast will be available at IR.TractorSupply.com shortly after the conference call concludes.

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

Contact:

Anthony F. Crudele, Chief Financial Officer
Christine Skold, Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(615) 440-4000

Investors:
John Rouleau/Rachel Schacter
ICR

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

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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Fred Meyer Stores recalls Bakery Fresh Goodness Carrot Cupcakes that may contain undeclared milk and soy

Fred Meyer Stores recalls Bakery Fresh Goodness Carrot Cupcakes that may contain undeclared milk and soy

 

Portland, Oregon, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Fred Meyer Stores has recalled Bakery Fresh Goodness Carrot Cupcakes sold in its retail stores because the product may contain milk and soy not listed on the label.

People who are allergic to milk or soy could have a severe reaction if they consume this product. For consumers who are not allergic to those two allergens, there is no safety issue with the product.

Fred Meyer stores located in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington are included.

Fred Meyer has removed this item from its store bakery departments and initiated its customer recall notification system that alerts customers who may have purchased recalled Class 1 products through register receipt tape messages and phone calls.

Fred Meyer is recalling the following items:

Product UPC Codes Size
Bakery Fresh Goodness
Carrot Cupcakes		 41573-27731 Sell By 1/30/17
OR BEFORE		 6 ct.
Bakery Fresh Goodness
Carrot Cupcakes		 41573-27732 Sell By 1/30/17
OR BEFORE		 12 ct.
Bakery Fresh Goodness
Carrot Cupcakes		 41573-27733 Sell By 1/30/17
OR BEFORE		 25 ct.

Customers allergic to milk or soy who have purchased the above product should not consume it and should return them to a store for a full refund or replacement.

Customers who have questions may contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS.

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner namesdisclaimer icon in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to 2,230 pharmacies, 785 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,400 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Consumers Contact:
Kroger
1-800-KROGERS

Media Contact:
Zach Stratton
+1-971-258-1193

Melinda Merrill
+1-503-708-8890

Source: FDA

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Power Meals now on sale in the Market Café areas of select Wegmans Food Markets

Rochester, NY, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — What’s in a Power Meal? Fresh, whole ingredients packed with amazing flavor served with balanced nutrition. For people looking for the right fuel to lead healthier, better lives through food, Power Meals provide a balance of nutrients that will keep you satisfied and full of energy until the next meal. Great as a lunch or dinner, Power Meals are now available at most Wegmans Food Markets, and priced in the $8-$15 range, depending upon the ingredients.

Wegmans’ Meal Development Team wanted Power Meals to hit a nutritional “bulls-eye,” and they scrambled a few customary steps to get there. This time, instead of having Wegmans’ nutritionists tweak recipes that chefs had already created to make them healthier, the process began with the nutritionists setting the parameters that Power Meals had to meet.

“We’ve learned a lot in recent years about how nutrients like protein and fiber can help people feel satisfied longer, so they’re less tempted to make choices which don’t align with their health goals,” says Wegmans Nutritionist Kirby Branciforte, RDN. “We also know what many people struggle with in terms of putting together well-balanced meals. So we created the guidelines for Power Meals for the chefs to follow in order to make it easier for folks.”

Power Meal guidelines: 600 calories or less; 25 grams or more of protein; at least five grams of fiber; under 1,000 mg of sodium; less than 10 grams of added sugar; at least one cup of vegetables.

Here are the first eight Power Meals developed. They’re now on sale in the Market Café areas of select stores. (Note: stores may carry a selection, rather than all eight varieties):

  • Kung Pao Chicken Power Meal: With Kung Pao Chicken, Happy Rice, yu choy, asparagus, green beans, stir-fried red pepper, and mushrooms. Total calories: 500.
  • Kung Pao Shrimp Power Meal: Shrimp, green beans, asparagus, yu choy, snap sugar peas, red bell pepper, zucchini, Happy Rice, mushrooms, peanuts, scallions, kosher salt, pistachios. Total calories: 440.
  • King Salmon Tataki Power Meal: With King Salmon Tataki, organic super greens, organic red quinoa, edamame, pistachios, green beans, red and yellow peppers, and truffle ponzu dressing. Total calories: 450.
  • Tuna Tataki Power Meal: Tuna, cooked red quinoa, organic super greens, soybeans, green beans, pistachios, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and black truffle spread. Total calories: 330.
  • Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin Power Meal: Beef, green beans, asparagus, yu choy, snap sugar peas, Happy Rice, red bell pepper, mushrooms, scallions, zucchini, sake wine. Total calories: 390.
  • Black Pepper Salmon Power Meal: Salmon, green beans, asparagus, yu choy, snap sugar peas, Happy Rice, red bell pepper, mushrooms, scallions, sake wine, zucchini, sugar. Total calories: 430.
  • Tuna Poke Power Meal: Cooked organic red quinoa, organic super greens, soybeans, green beans, tuna, salmon, pistachios, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, scallions, white sesame seeds, and black sesame seeds. Total calories: 400.
  • Ceviche Power Meal: Cooked organic red quinoa, organic super greens, soybeans, green beans, shrimp, pistachios, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, kampachi, scallops, lime juice, jalapeno peppers, and chili garlic sauce. Total calories: 330.

Already, Power Meals have become a sensation at Wegmans stores.

“We did a pilot launch of Power Meals a few of months ago at our Pittsford, N.Y. store and it’s been incredibly successful,” says Executive Chef John Emerson. “We listened to our customers and they wanted easy meal solutions that pack a nutritional punch without compromising on flavor. Power Meals check all of those boxes at a competitive price point.”

“We know our customers want meals that deliver on both flavor and health” says Nutritionist Branciforte.  “We try to offer many different tools to make it easier for families to eat balanced meals in portions that can keep everyone feeling their best.”

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 92-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 19 consecutive years, ranking #4 in 2016.

Press Contact:
Jo Natale
Vice President of Media Relations
585-429-3627

Source: Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

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Meijer announces Stacy London as style consultant for its women’s clothing line, Massini

Meijer announces Stacy London as style consultant for its women’s clothing line, Massini

 

First time retailer enlists celebrity endorsement for its Massini fashion line

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer announced today (January 25, 2017) that it tapped Stacy London, one of America’s foremost style experts, to help shape the style direction for its on-trend women’s clothing line, Massini. London is best known as the co-host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear” and “Love Lust or Run,” and is a New York Times best-selling author.

“We continue to make strides to enhance our women’s clothing department – from integrating plus-size apparel to infusing more on-trend designs within our Massini line,” said Peter Whitsett, Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for Meijer. “We are thrilled to partner with Stacy because she has a knack for quickly creating an emotional connection, and is committed to helping all women feel beautiful and confident regardless of size. We feel Stacy’s philosophy compliments the fundamental inspiration behind Massini.”

Meijer first introduced the Massini brand in October 1986 as sophisticated sportswear for men and boys. Over time, the brand evolved, and in 2005, included lipstick, nail polish, and fashion accessories like hats, scarves, jewelry and watches. Today, the Massini brand is specific to women’s apparel, which London will influence.

In her role, London will serve as a style consultant to help the Meijer Style team continue its focus to evolve the Massini line with affordable trends for everyday wear.

“I am excited to work with the Massini line because the designs inspire women to create a look all of their own,” London said. “There’s a common misbelief that trends only look good on a specific body type or are limited to youth. This is not true. There are no limits. You can wear a trend regardless of your age or body type. I love helping women connect the dots.”

The partnership is the latest in the retailer’s ongoing efforts to draw customers from the grocery aisles to its upgraded apparel offerings. In 2014, Meijer unveiled its fresh approach with regional advertising in national magazines like InStyle, Cosmopolitan and Elle, and by showcasing its on-trend apparel on MeijerStyle.com. In October 2016, Meijer continued to build upon its investment in apparel by announcing a ground-breaking initiative to integrate the plus-size departments in each of its 230 stores into missy and women’s, with all sizes on one rack at the same price.

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and  electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

About Stacy London:

Stacy London is one of America’s foremost fashion experts. She is best known as the co-host of TLC’s hugely popular show, What Not to Wear for 10 years, and most recently hosted 3 seasons of Love Lust or Run. She’s also a style contributor on Access Hollywood, Access Hollywood Live! and Rachael Ray’s syndicated talk show, Rachael. From 2005-2010, Stacy joined The Today Show on NBC as a style correspondent. Prior to her career in television, she worked at Vogue Magazine as a fashion assistant and later returned to Conde Nast as the senior fashion editor at Mademoiselle. Stacy has styled fashion photo-shoots and fashion shows, as well as dressing many celebrities over the years. She has had many prominent endorsements with brands such as Hanes, Pantene, Dr. Scholl’s, Woolite, Lee Jeans and Westfield Malls. Her first book, which concentrates on style by body type, entitled Dress Your Best, was published to stellar reviews. Her second book, The Truth About Style, a New York Times bestseller, is both a memoir and a style guide. In The Truth About Style, Stacy shares her story and focuses on the healing power of personal style and using that expertise to overcome past problems. Stacy has appeared on numerous national talk and news shows. In addition, she has been an expert contributor in countless magazines, newspapers and websites such as Refinery 29. Stacy speaks at corporate and public events and has appeared at ones such as Starwood Hotels, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Oprah University (O You!), Harvard University, Mount Sinai and the 92nd Street Y. Stacy sits on the National Board of the non-profits for Glam4Good and The Jed Foundation, and is on the Advisory board of The Li.st and Stylinity. She contributes time as well to charities such as Step Up!, The American Cancer Society, and as many Animal Charities as possible.

Contact:

Christina Fecher
christina.fecher@meijer.com
616-540-6108

Source: Meijer

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The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and the PGA of America to bring the game of golf to underprivileged youth

ORLANDO, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and the PGA of America announced today (JANUARY 25, 2017) a partnership to bring the game of golf to thousands of underprivileged youth across the country through scholarships to PGA Junior League Golf.

Over the next three years, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation will commit $500,000 through a Sports Matter grant to the PGA of America to provide thousands of underprivileged kids at Boys & Girls Clubs, The First Tee and other communities across the country the opportunity to learn to play golf. Additionally, participants will receive the benefits of coaching from PGA Professionals and the life lessons the game of golf can provide in a team-based environment.

“The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter grant, combined with additional scholarship funds from the PGA of America, will be used to help offset participation fees for youth golf, introducing thousands of children to the game who may not otherwise have been able to play,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO for the PGA of America.

Since 2014, DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation have pledged over $50 million to support teams and raise awareness of the importance of youth sports across the country through its Sports Matter initiative.

“At DICK’S, we believe that sports make people better, and we feel that all kids should have the chance to play regardless of economic status” said Edward W. Stack, DICK’S Sporting Goods Chairman and CEO. “The game of golf teaches valuable life lessons like humility, respect, focus and patience. It is our hope to positively impact the lives of the kids who participate in this program.”

For more information on Sports Matter, visit SportsMatter.org. For additional details on the PGA Junior League Golf, visit PGAJLG.com.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is an exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation.  It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities.

About The PGA of America

The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, with 28,000 professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGAofAmerica on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

CONTACT:
press@dcsg.com
724-273-5552

Source:  DICK’S Sporting Goods

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Kering announces next phase of its sustainability strategy across its luxury brands

  • Kering defines a new, sustainable luxury that operates within the “planetary boundaries”
  • Kering sets ambitious 2025 Targets and key milestones to meet over this period
  • Kering’s strategy aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals and includes science-based Targets

London, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kering announced the next phase of its sustainability strategy across its luxury brands today (25 January 2017). With a 360° approach within its own operations and across the entire supply chain over 10 years, Kering is dedicated to continue to reduce its environmental impacts, advocate social welfare inside and outside the Group, and create innovative, game-changing platforms. In doing so, Kering will support the drive towards a low-carbon economy and help shape the future of luxury as sustainable and to operate within the “planetary boundaries” [1].

Kering has already made significant sustainability improvements across its business since committing to become a sustainable Group and is outperforming the luxury sector in reducing its footprint. Furthermore, Kering’s environmental impacts are less than 45% of the global average business based on comparative turnover [2]. Following on from its progressive 2016 Sustainability Targets, Kering has stepped up its sustainability ambitions. Kering has built on the Group’s successes and leveraged the lessons learned along the way in order to evolve these original Targets. As such, the next phase of its sustainability strategy further aligns with its business priorities now and in the future. During a year-long exploratory process, the elaboration of the strategy was a joint effort between Kering, the CEOs of its luxury brands, the brands’ creative directors and their teams, to ensure input of operational relevance and to further integrate sustainability into all brand functions and categories.

“More than ever, I am convinced that sustainability can redefine business value and drive future growth. As business leaders, we all have a crucial role to play and I worked with the CEOs of our luxury Maisons to embed sustainability across our activities while developing this next important phase of our sustainability strategy,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and CEO of Kering, “Our strategy outlines how we will redesign our business to continue to thrive and prosper sustainably into the future, while at the same time helping to transform the luxury sector and contributing to meet the significant social and environmental challenges of our generation.”

Underpinning Kering’s vision is the recognition that a company can only become truly sustainable if it goes far beyond the conventional limits of its own direct operations to address the environmental and social impacts across the supply chain. Consequently, the scope of the strategy incorporates the entire supply chain and with a view to embedding sustainability at the very beginning of the design process. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kering has also included quantifiable 2025 Targets in the strategy, under the three themes of CARE, COLLABORATE and CREATE.

Further, key milestones will be aimed at during this period in order to ensure that effective progress is being made. Highlights include:

CARE for the planet:

• Use resources within the “planetary boundaries” with a science-based approach in order to reduce carbon emissions from Kering’s business activities by 50% in Scope 1, 2 and 3 [3] of the GHG protocol by 2025.
• Further address all supply chain environmental impacts with a goal to reduce Kering’s Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L) [4] account by at least 40%, including the remaining carbon emissions [5] and going beyond to also include water use, water and air pollution, waste production and land use changes.
• Create a “Supplier Index of Sustainability” and ensure Kering’s high standards for raw materials and processes are implemented by suppliers at 100% by 2025, which also raises the bar on traceability, animal welfare, chemical use and social welfare.
• Promote sustainable design and minimize the environmental impact of a product at every stage, from sourcing and manufacturing to transportation and consumer use, and create an open-sourced tool to assess products based on Kering’s standards.
• Establish a Materials Innovation Lab (MIL) focused on watches and jewellery, following the success of Kering’s MIL for fabrics and textiles in offering access to sustainable alternatives.
• Expand offsetting commitment to include a new ‘insetting’ approach in order to ensure that actions across the supply chain deliver climate benefits as well as social value.

COLLABORATE with people:

• Support the continuation of craftsmanship traditions and the communities that support them.
• Extend focus across the supply chain and improve community livelihoods where raw materials are sourced.
• Develop an industry-leading performance metric system that will measure achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Leverage current partnerships with leading universities and continue to develop collaborations to identify sustainability solutions.
• Amplify forward-thinking employment practices, including the global parental policy launched on 1 January, a well-being at work policy by 2018, and an employee benefits policy by 2020.
• Achieve gender parity at all levels.
• Aim to be the preferred employer in the luxury sector.

CREATE new business models:

• Invest in disruptive innovations that can transform conventional processes in luxury, and influence the industry.
• Develop new and sustainable solutions for sourcing raw materials, including exploring biotech and promoting a circular economy through turning recycled textiles into new clothing.
• Scale up an internal purchasing platform to have access to high quality, sustainable raw materials.
• Stimulate and enable innovation to translate vision into action through internal governance.
• Establish a Young Leaders Advisory Group for inspired ideas.

“Rethinking luxury is a necessity to adapt to our changing world while responding to the concerns of new generations of luxury clients. We have already made significant improvements over the last years and we will continue to strive for the highest environmental and social standards,” said Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of international institutional affairs of Kering, “It is through catalysing innovation that we will be able to go beyond incremental improvements and implement the transformational changes that are necessary to be truly sustainable in our business and as an industry.  We will continue to open-source our solutions and approaches to support the scaling up of sustainability in the luxury sector, while sharing every 3 years the progress we have made.”

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

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

[1] Planetary Boundaries is the central concept in an Earth system framework proposed by a group of scientists led by the Stockholm Resilience Centre in 2009. The group proposed a framework of 9 “planetary boundaries” designed to define a “safe operating space for humanity” for the international community, including governments at all levels, international organizations, civil society, the scientific community and the private sector, as a precondition for sustainable development

[2] Refer to May 2015 press release on 2013 Group EP&L results: http://www.kering.com/en/press-releases/kering_open-sources_environmenta…

[3] Emissions from upstream transportation and distribution, business air travel and fuel and energy related emissions in Scope 3

[4] An EP&L analyses the total environmental impacts in a company’s own operations, and across its entire supply chain and then estimates the monetary cost to society of the changes in the environment resulting from these activities

[5] All Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services all the way back to raw materials at Tier 4

Press contacts:
Emmanuelle Picard-Deyme
emmanuelle.picard-deyme@kering.com
+33 1 45 64 61 87

Emilie Gargatte
emilie.gargatte@kering.com
+33 1 45 64 61 20

Website
www.kering.com

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

Source: Kering

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The Container Store Group, Inc. to release financial results for the 3Q FY2016 on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

DALLAS, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Container Store Group, Inc. (NYSE:TCS) today (01/24/2017) announced that its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 will be released after market close on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. The Company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results. This call will include both live, prepared remarks as well as a Q&A session.

Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 877-407-3982 (international callers please dial 201-493-6780) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available online at investor.containerstore.com.

A taped replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed both online and by dialing 844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 412-317-6671). The pin number to access the telephone replay is 13654006. The replay will be available until March 7, 2017.

About The Container Store, Inc.

The Container Store (NYSE: TCS) is the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products – a concept they originated in 1978. Today, with 86 locations nationwide, the retailer offers more than 11,000 products designed to save space and time, a suite of custom closet systems and an array of digital shopping services. Visit www.containerstore.com for more information about store locations, the product collection and services offered. Visit www.containerstore.com/blog for real stories from the really organized and www.whatwestandfor.com to learn more about the company’s unique culture.

Investor:
ICR, Inc.
Farah Soi
203-682-8200
Farah.Soi@icrinc.com

Media:
The Container Store
Audrey Robertson
972-538-6623
AudreyR@containerstore.com

Source: The Container Store Group, Inc.

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MCB Islamic Bank Limited in Pakistan deploys new cash dispensing technology and software from Diebold Nixdorf

End-to-end solutions help reach unbanked population in Pakistan

KARACHI, Pakistan, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — According to a World Bank report, more than 50 percent of people in Pakistan remain unbanked—lacking access to critical financial services.1 MCB Islamic Bank Limited, a new bank in Pakistan, is expanding access to financial services and reaching the unbanked population with new cash dispensing technology and software from Diebold Nixdorf.

MCB Islamic Bank is opening new branches across Pakistan and will outfit each branch with Diebold Nixdorf’s latest self-service platform and software.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with the most reliable and advanced technology to ensure they receive positive experiences at our bank every time,” said Sufian Saeed, head of digital banking and alternative delivery channel, MCB Islamic Bank Limited. “Diebold Nixdorf’s superior self-service technology and software enables us to remain at the forefront of retail banking and deliver the best quality services to our customers.”

The new technology, equipped with biometric authentication and powered by Diebold Nixdorf’s dynamic software, will enable the bank to drive connected commerce and enhance the consumer experience with increased security and convenience while providing a seamless experience across their entire network.

“As financial institutions expand their reach within the region, we will continue to serve as a true partner to provide industry-leading technology and services to shape the future of consumer transactions,” said Habib Hanna, Diebold Nixdorf managing director, Middle East. “We are committed to creating collaborative partnerships with financial institutions, such as MCB Islamic Bank, to enable broader access to financial services and provide best-in-class consumer touchpoints for every market.”

In addition, a local distributor, Touchpoint Limited, will provide full maintenance services to ensure the highest level of availability on the new ATMs. “We are excited to partner with MCB Islamic Bank and will continue to work closely with Diebold Nixdorf to bring the most innovative solutions to the market,” said Tabish Sabah, CEO, TouchPoint Pvt. Limited.

About MCB Islamic Bank Limited
MCB Islamic Bank was established on 14 September 2015. We are successfully providing Shari’ah compliant products and services, approved by our Shari’ah Board, to customers interested in Islamic Banking. MCB Islamic Bank Limited obtained its banking license from the State Bank of Pakistan on June 12, 2014 and Commencement of Business on September 14, 2015. This is the first demerger transaction in the banking sector in Pakistan. In this transaction, the existing Islamic banking business of MCB Bank Ltd. in the form of thirty-four (34) branches shall be segregated and demerged from MCB Bank Ltd. and shall transfer to MCB Islamic Bank Ltd. through operation of law.

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

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 25,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

The World Bank. 8 February 2016. What Will It Take For Pakistan To Achieve Financial Inclusion? http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2016/02/08/what-will-it-take-for-pakistan-to-achieve-financial-inclusion

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

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

Source: Diebold Nixdorf

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NCR Silver introduces redesigned tablet-based POS application with optimized user interface and improved customer experience

Improved user interface delivers simpler navigation, reduced transaction times

DULUTH, Ga., 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — NCR Silver has launched a redesigned tablet-based point-of-sale (POS) application, which offers small businesses quicker access to information and faster transaction times via an optimized user interface and improved customer experience.

NCR Silver Version 4 has been redesigned with speed in mind, eliminating 33 taps from the transaction process. Top features include:

  • Vibrant, Easy-to-Use Interface – Version 4 includes a simplified touch-screen navigation menu, new colors, larger buttons and modernized type font to make the system easier to read.
  • Slide-out Menus – The introduction of a slide-out menu gives customers easier access to the main ticket screen.
  • Reduced Pop-Ups –The removal of many pop-up screens provides business owners with faster access to every function.

A beta user of the redesigned app, Darcy Lynn, owner of Roswell, GA-based Cakes by Darcy, has already experienced the positive impact on her business and work day.

“NCR Silver helps my business make better decisions and connect with customers,” Lynn said. “With the new interface, it’s even easier to navigate. The slide-out menu in particular is really nice. It makes everything, even clocking out, faster.”

“NCR is constantly looking for ways to add value and insights to the small business experience,’’ said Chris Poelma, president and general manager of NCR Silver. “With that, we take customer feedback and insights into everything we do – including technology enhancements to our platform.”

A video of the new version is available here. To learn more about NCR Silver features, visit www.ncrsilver.com, or call 1-877-630-9711. NCR Small Business provides live, 24/7 U.S.-based customer support for NCR Silver users. NCR Silver mobile POS runs in the cloud, uses consumer-friendly technology, works on Apple® devices running the latest iOS, and offers a POS solution catered to franchises as well.

About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in omni-channel solutions, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of services, NCR enables more than 550 million transactions daily across retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier.

NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with over 30,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Website: www.ncr.com | www.ncrsilver.com
Twitter: @NCRCorporation; @NCRSilver

Media Contacts:
Aaron Gould
NCR Public Relations
212.589.8556
aaron.gould@ncr.com

Source: NCR Corporation

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‘The Changing Face of Retail’ — a new film project of BRC and ITN Productions on the future of British shopping

London, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The programme will build on the BRC’s recent industry report, ‘Retail 2020’, which predicts fewer but better jobs in the retail industry over the next decade. It will explore what changes in the way people shop will mean for businesses, staff and consumers, and analyse the impact of Brexit on the retail industry in the coming years.

Launching at the BRC’s ‘Retail 2020’ event on the 16th May 2017, the film will be fronted by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky and will be a long-form current affairs-style programme, drawing upon ITN’s 60-year heritage.Currently in pre-production, ITN Productions are inviting those working in the retail industry to share their story and be part of the film by contacting David Ives, Programme Director at ITN Productions on 020 7430 4266 or david.ives@itn.co.uk. The news-style format will include interviews, news items and sponsored editorial profiles.

Commenting on the film, Helen Dickinson OBE, the Chief Executive of the BRC said:

“Retail is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. But the rate of change within the retail industry is set to quicken as the digital revolution advances, more property leases come up for renewal, labour costs go up and technology costs go down. As the voice of the British retail industry, we’re pleased to be partnering with ITN Productions to detail what the future of retail will look like.”

Simon Shelley, Head of Industry News at ITN Productions said:

“ITN Productions is delighted to be partnering with the British Retail Consortium to chart the transformational change that the retail industry is undergoing, exploring the shift in the way people shop, examining the effect this has on the vast number of people who work in the sector, and understanding the support UK retailers require to flourish. We’re excited to embark on this project and engage with key organisations and people dedicated to shaping the future of retail.”

Stay tuned for further details!

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

Source: BRC

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SPAR sponsors the 2017 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, 3-5 March

Belgrade, Serbia, 2017-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The 2017 European Athletics Indoor Championships will be held in Belgrade, Serbia from 3-5 March in the Kombank Arena. Preparations for the event are already underway, with construction work in full swing.

A large part of the construction work includes the laying of the athletics track, which is due to be finished by mid February.Other preparations include the creation of temporary structures necessary for this large sports event, such as the VIP club, press centre, media restaurant, and winners’ podium.

This year’s event will see more than 700 athletes from 48 European countries competing in 26 disciplines. The European Athletics sponsorship delivers a high level of SPAR Brand exposure, associating the brand with energetic, healthy and talented young athletes. By supporting SPAR’s winning sponsorship strategy on a national and local level, SPAR countries ensure that the awareness and reputation of the SPAR Brand is made even stronger. Visit the official webpage for more event details.

Contact:

SPAR International
Email: info@spar-international.com
Tel: +3120 626 6749

Source: Spar International