Daily Archives: February 8, 2017

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The Wawa Foundation donates $100,000 to Winnie Palmer Hospital for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

The Wawa Foundation Donates $100,000 for New Transport Incubator

Orlando, FL, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Wawa Foundation has awarded Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies a $100,000 grant for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Supporting The Wawa Foundation’s health-focused giving initiative, the grant funds will purchase a new incubator used to transport high-risk and critically-ill neonatal patients to and from Winnie Palmer Hospital.

The Alexander Center for Neonatology at Winnie Palmer Hospital is one of the largest and busiest neonatal intensive care units in the country. In November 2016, Winnie Palmer Hospital added a new NICU transport unit to its fleet, the only vehicle in the region with the capacity for three incubators. “We transport about 200 premature babies each year, and I know firsthand the value our skilled team brings to these babies in desperate need of care. We’re thrilled that The Wawa Foundation not only recognizes this value, but is willing to invest generously in our program to improve the quality and sophistication of the care we provide,” said Dr. Shannon Brown-Work, neonatologist and medical director for the NICU transport team at Winnie Palmer Hospital.

Continuing its long history of supporting children and families, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation committed to support Winnie Palmer Hospital prior to Wawa opening its first Florida store in July 2012.

“The work being done every day at Winnie Palmer is truly incredible, and we are honored to support the tremendous NICU team and help some of Central Florida’s tiniest and most vulnerable patients,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s President and CEO. “Our partnership with Winnie Palmer is a wonderful example of The Wawa Foundation’s core purpose – to fulfill lives every day, by building stronger communities. We are proud to continue to provide meaningful support through our foundation, and thank the team at Winnie Palmer Hospital for the lifesaving work they continue to provide the community.”

Including donations to the annual Walk for Winnie fundraising event over the past several years and the annual in-store campaign for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH), this grant from The Wawa Foundation brings Wawa’s and The Wawa Foundation’s total contributions to Winnie Palmer Hospital to nearly $300,000. The Wawa Foundation has set out to donate $50 million to causes surrounding health, hunger and every day heroes by 2018 and to date, has donated $33 million to causes in these key areas of focus.

Representatives from The Wawa Foundation presented a check to Winnie Palmer Hospital at a small reception in the Walt Disney Grand Atrium at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children on Monday, February 6, 2017.

About Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies

Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, supported by the Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, is a 285-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of women and babies. The hospital includes comprehensive fetal diagnostics and labor and delivery services, a regional center for neonatal intensive care, maternal intensive care and women’s services. Annually, more than 14,000 babies are expected to be born at Winnie Palmer Hospital, making it the busiest labor and delivery unit in the state of Florida. To learn more, visit www.winniepalmerhospital.com.

About The Wawa Foundation

As an extension of Wawa’s commitment to making the world a better place by fulfilling customers’ lives every day, it has launched The Wawa Foundation. The Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded by Wawa, Inc. to support the company’s charitable giving and philanthropic activities – and ultimately to help build stronger communities. The Wawa Foundation focuses its supports on organizations committed to health, hunger and everyday heroes through local, state and national grants and / or in-store fundraising, such as, coin boxes at the counter and point-of-purchase scan materials.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alayna Curry
APR
alayna.curry@orlandohealth.com
(407) 900-1358

Source: The Wawa Foundation

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New Look Retail Group Limited announces results for the 39 weeks and 13 weeks ended 24 December 2016

  • CONTINUED EXECUTION OF DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY
  • CHALLENGING MARKET CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE INTO FY18

London, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ —

Financial headlines

Q3 (YTD) FY17
39 wks
(£m)		 Q3 (YTD) FY16
39 wks
(£m)		 Change Q3 FY17
13 wks
(£m)		 Q3 FY16
13 wks
(£m)		 Change
Revenue 1,140.7 1,175.3 (2.9%) 422.6 419.3 +0.8%
Adjusted EBITDA 153.8 205.0 (25.0%) 66.9 83.3 (19.7%)
Underlying Operating Profit 111.5 165.4 (32.6%) 52.2 70.6 (26.1%)
Profit Before Tax 29.2 (5.5)* – 30.1 48.2 (37.6%)

 

  • Group LFL sales: YTD -7.0%; Q3 -4.6%
  • UK LFL sales: YTD -7.3%; Q3 – 4.7%
  • Own website sales: YTD +12.9%; Q3 +18.2%
  • 3rd Party E-commerce (3PE) sales +36.8%; Q3 +73.0%

Operational headlines

We continue to make progress across all of our strategic initiatives: Brand, International, Multichannel, Product development and Menswear.

  • Continued delivery of positive LFL sales in China despite challenging market conditions. Opened 100th store in line with targeted expansion plan.
  • Encouraging performance in Menswear, a further four standalone stores opened taking total to 19.
  • Good multichannel performance with record Black Friday online sales. Strong 3PE growth benefitting from diversification into growing international markets.
  • Positive customer response to our enhanced Beauty offer launched in November.

Current Trading and Outlook

We expect UK trading conditions to remain challenging through Q4 FY17 and into FY18. We are well hedged for FY18, remain highly cash generative and will continue to focus on improving our business performance and delivering our diversification strategy. We are well positioned and will continue to invest in our key strategic initiatives.

Anders Kristiansen, Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The UK market has continued to be extremely challenging, with reduced footfall and a highly promotional environment on the high street, resulting in a disappointing like-for-like sales performance. Despite this, total sales for the quarter were level as a result of good performances outside the UK, online and in Menswear, proving that our strategy of diversification is the right one for our business. It remains key to our growth to continue to diversify our offer and to invest in our priority international markets. We are therefore particularly delighted to announce that we have surpassed the milestone of 100 stores in China.

“Globally, fast fashion is getting faster. The consumer mindset is shifting, driven by social media, to a ‘buy now, wear now’ mentality. We have responded accordingly by improving our buying processes, working to achieve a faster supply chain, tightening our stock control and strengthening our Buying and Design teams to deliver a stronger product proposition.

“We are clear on the actions needed to capture customer spend, but these will take time to implement. While we expect 2017 to be tough and are setting our plans accordingly, we strongly believe in our ability to continue to execute our strategy.”

* including non-recurring exceptional transaction costs of £93.4m relating to the Brait acquisition and bond refinancing

About New Look

New Look is an international multichannel retail brand, offering exciting, on-trend, value-fashion for women, men and teenage girls, and is the UK’s No. 1 retailer for women under 35*.
Our long term business strategy comprises of initiatives spanning Brand, Multichannel, International Expansion, Product Development and Menswear.

We have 867 stores, comprising 591 in the UK and a further 276 globally. We also have a fast-growing e-commerce offering, serving over 120 countries worldwide, supported by convenient delivery options.

Our flexible fast-fashion business is built on an agile global supply chain with the ability to respond quickly to trends. We focus on delivering value for money and ‘newness’, with hundreds of new lines landing every week. Our ranges of apparel, footwear and accessories are designed with broad age appeal and global relevance. They are delivered by our great people in stores and support centres, who ensure we deliver great service – wherever, whenever and however customers choose to engage with us.

* Based on Kantar Worldpanel data Women U35 published data 24 weeks to 18 December 2016 (by value)

Media enquiries:

Headland
Lucy Legh
Rob Walker
Ewa Lewszyk
+44 (0)20 3805 4822
newlook@headlandconsultancy.com

Source: New Look

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FMI Foundation’s Stir It Up! fundraising event raised a record-setting $1,032,000 for its nutrition and health initiatives

Arlington, VA, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Foundation’s new fundraising event, Stir It Up!,  raised $1,032,000 in support of the Foundation’s programs in food safety, nutrition and health at FMI’s 2017 Midwinter Executive Conference.  This was the highest amount ever raised at a FMI Foundation event.  Stir It Up! offered more than 450 retailers an energizing opportunity to network and connect with their colleagues, while participating in a lively cooking competition.

“FMI Foundation created Stir it Up! to put the ‘fun’ back in fundraising by celebrating and promoting the good grocers do supporting family meal occasions,” said Sue Borra, RD, chief health and wellness officer and executive director of the FMI Foundation. “We’re grateful for the support of our industry executives and all our sponsors. Stir It Up! was an exciting and friendly way to showcase the retail food industry’s culinary talents.”

Retailer and supplier executives competed for the bragging rights of dishing up the best family meal in the kitchen. Conference attendees served as culinary judges and cast their votes for their favorite family meals in the following categories: Easiest Family Meal, Most Affordable Family Meal, Healthiest Family Meal, Best Culinary Adventure Family Meal, and Tastiest Family Meal.

The 2017 winning menus:

Easiest Family Meal and Most Affordable Family Meal

Coca-Cola with its winning menu of carved whole roasted, free-range chicken with winter vegetables, and a classic Coca-Cola Float with a Twist.

Tastiest Family Meal

with Sous-Chef Unilever with its winning menu of Hy-Waiian Beef Sliders, crab cake sliders with Aioli, spiralized Mediterranean Veggie Salad, and The Cheesecake Factory Bites®, topped with Fresh Berries.

Healthiest Family Meal

with its winning menu of sizzling sesame shrimp, chickpea lettuce wraps with chicken, cauliflower fried rice, and broiled mango with honey-lime yogurt.

Best Culinary Adventure Family Meal

with its winning menu of Green Oats and Ham – Quaker Steel Cut Oat Risotto Cake, Naked Cold Pressed Bright Greens Pistou, Pancetta, Rold Gold Parmesan Crisp, Smoked Paprika Grilled Fillet of Beef- Starbuck’s Double Shot Espresso and Port Wine Reduction, Sabra Chickpea Panisse, Stacy’s Gremolata, Grandma’s Soft Cookies Baked Alaska, and Smartfood Kettle Popcorn Brittle

The FMI Foundation would like to thank all the Stir It Up! Sponsors. For more photos from the event, visit FMI’s 2017 Stir It Up! Photo Gallery.

About the FMI Foundation:

Established in 1996, the Food Marketing Institute Foundation seeks to ensure continued quality and efficiency in the food retailing system and is operated for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes.  To help support the role of food retailing, the FMI Foundation focuses on research and education in the areas of food safety, nutrition, and health.

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:

phone: 202-452-8444
fax: 202-429-4519

Source: FMI

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The Container Store Group, Inc. announces financial results for 3Q of fiscal 2016 ended December 31, 2016

  • Earnings Per Share Up 38% over Prior Year Period
  • SG&A Savings and Efficiency Program Drives Financial Results

COPPELL, Texas, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Container Store Group, Inc. (NYSE:TCS) (the “Company”), today(02/07/2017) announced financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 ended December 31, 2016. In light of the Company’s previously announced fiscal year end change, all references to prior year results are based on the recast third quarter of fiscal 2015 ended January 2, 2016.

  • Consolidated net sales were $216.4 million, up 1.7%. Net sales in The Container Store retail business were $199.1 million, up 2.3%. Elfa International AB third-party net sales were $17.3 million, down 5.2%, due to the negative impact of foreign currency translation of 5.8%.
  • Comparable store sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were down 3.9% with holiday department sales contributing notably to the decline. TCS Closets® positively contributed 1.3% to third quarter comparable store sales.
  • Consolidated net income per diluted share (EPS) was $0.11 compared with $0.08, an increase of 38% from the third quarter ended January 2, 2016.
  • The Company opened four new stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 ending the quarter with 86 stores, as compared to 77 as of January 2, 2016.

Melissa Reiff, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We’re pleased that our ongoing discipline on the expense side enabled us to deliver a 38% increase in earnings per share versus the prior year period. Our custom closets business, specifically elfa® and TCS Closets®, drove incremental sales and profit; however, holiday department sales were disappointing during the quarter and, as we expected, Our Annual elfa® Sale was impacted by fewer selling days combined with Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays falling on weekends.”

Reiff continued, “We’re nearing completion of our new long-term strategic plan that outlines our goals and priorities and our roadmap to achieving them. We look forward to sharing its central elements by June. Fundamental to this plan is leveraging our key differentiators and implementing new strategies to achieve top-line sales growth and maximizing the productivity of our stores by aligning our marketing, merchandising, in-store and online experience with the evolving expectations of today’s consumer.”

“Given our top and bottom-line performance for the first nine months of fiscal 2016, we now expect to deliver results at the lower end of our previously provided annual comparable store sales and earnings outlook ranges, and consolidated sales modestly below our previously provided annual outlook range,” Reiff concluded.

New and Existing Stores

In fiscal 2017, the Company plans to open locations in Cleveland, OH, Albuquerque, NM, Livingston, NJ, and Staten Island, NY, as well as relocate its Chestnut Hill, MA store. The Albuquerque store will be the first of the Company’s new mid-size store format as part of its test-and-learn effort to optimize its stores and improve efficiency and productivity.

“Overall, for the seven stores we opened in fiscal 2016, sales results have exceeded our expectations and moving forward we will continue to seek strategic store expansion opportunities,” added Reiff. “While we believe that new stores are important to our future and that our runway for growth remains strong with only 86 stores, for fiscal 2017, we plan to point a significant portion of our capital allocation toward our existing store remodels and enhancements. This will allow us to properly support the expansion of our custom closets business, as well as explore new store formats.”

Third Quarter 2016 Results

For the third quarter (thirteen weeks) ended December 31, 2016:

  • Consolidated net sales were $216.4 million, up 1.7% as compared to the third quarter ended January 2, 2016. Net sales in The Container Store retail business (“TCS”) were $199.1 million, up 2.3% as compared to the third quarter ended January 2, 2016, primarily due to new store sales, partially offset by a 3.9% decrease in comparable store sales. Elfa International AB (“Elfa”) third party net sales were $17.3 million, down 5.2% compared to the third quarter ended January 2, 2016, due to the impact of foreign currency translation during the quarter, which reduced third party net sales by 5.8 percentage points.
  • Consolidated gross margin was 58.1%, a decline of 80 basis points compared to the third quarter ended January 2, 2016. TCS gross margin declined 110 basis points to 57.0%, primarily due to an increased mix of lower-margin product and service sales and, to a lesser extent, increased promotional activities during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Elfa gross margin declined 90 basis points to 37.8% primarily due to increased direct materials costs and higher freight costs associated with changes in customer sales mix, partially offset by improved production efficiencies.
  • Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased by 3.5% to $100.2 million from $103.9 million in the third quarter ended January 2, 2016. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased 250 basis points, primarily due to decreased costs as a result of the Company’s SG&A savings program, as well as lower healthcare costs and a positive impact from foreign currency exchange rates. Additionally, the decrease was a result of the impact of one-time storage costs incurred in connection with a distribution center automation project in the thirteen weeks ended January 2, 2016 that were not incurred in the current fiscal year period. These positive impacts were partially offset by deleveraging of occupancy costs associated with negative comparable store sales growth.
  • Pre-opening costs increased to $2.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to $1.8 million in the third quarter ended January 2, 2016. The Company opened four new stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to two new stores in the third quarter ended January 2, 2016.
  • Consolidated net interest expense decreased slightly to $4.1 million.
  • The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was 39.7%, as compared to 34.0% in the third quarter ended January 2, 2016. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to changes in the mix of projected domestic and foreign earnings, combined with the expensing of certain deferred tax assets due to the expiration of certain stock based compensation awards.
  • Net income was $5.1 million, or $0.11 per share, in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to net income of $3.9 million, or $0.08 per share, in the third quarter ended January 2, 2016.–
  • Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $25.3 million compared to $21.2 million in the third quarter ended January 2, 2016, (see GAAP/Non-GAAP reconciliation table).

For the year-to-date (thirty-nine weeks) ended December 31, 2016:

  • Consolidated net sales were $598.9 million, up 2.0% as compared to the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016. Net sales at TCS were $549.4 million, up 2.6% as compared to the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016, primarily due to new store sales, partially offset by a 3.3% decrease in comparable store sales. Elfa third-party net sales were$49.5 million, down 4.4% compared to the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016, primarily due to lower sales in Russia.
  • Consolidated gross margin was 58.2%, a decline of 20 basis points compared to the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016. TCS gross margin declined 40 basis points to 57.6%, as an increased mix of lower margin products and services was partially offset by the impact of a stronger U.S. dollar. Elfa gross margin improved 60 basis points primarily due to improved production efficiencies, partially offset by higher freight costs associated with changes in customer sales mix. On a consolidated basis, gross margin declined 20 basis points, as the improvement in Elfa gross margin was more than offset by the decline in TCS gross margin.
  • Consolidated selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) decreased by 2.1% to $288.0 million from $294.2 million in the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016. SG&A as a percentage of net sales decreased 200 basis points. This was primarily due to decreased costs as a result of the Company’s SG&A savings program, as well as the reversal of accrued deferred compensation of $3.9 million, which occurred in the first quarter of 2016. The Company also experienced lower healthcare costs and a positive impact from foreign currency exchange rates during the year-to-date ended December 31, 2016. The positive impact of these items was partially offset by deleveraging of occupancy costs associated with negative comparable store sales growth.
  • Consolidated net interest expense decreased to $12.4 million from $12.6 million in the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016.
  • The effective tax rate was 42.5%, as compared to 40.2% in the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the expensing of certain deferred tax assets due to the expiration of certain stock based compensation awards, partially offset by changes in the mix of projected domestic and foreign earnings.
  • Net income was $6.6 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to net income of $1.5 million, or $0.03 per share, in the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016. Net income of $6.6 million in the year-to-date ended December 31, 2016includes a benefit from the impact of amended and restated employment agreements entered into with key executives, net of costs incurred related to management transition and income taxes, of approximately $1.8 million, or $0.04 per share.
  • Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $59.7 million compared to $47.8 million in the year-to-date ended January 2, 2016, (see GAAP/Non-GAAP reconciliation table). The Adjusted EBITDA of $59.7 million in the thirty-nine weeks ended December 31, 2016 includes a benefit from the impact of amended and restated employment agreements entered into with key executives during the first quarter of 2016, net of costs incurred to execute the agreements, of $3.9 million.

Outlook

For fiscal 2016, the Company expects consolidated net sales to be modestly below the previously provided range of $820 to $830 million. Comparable store sales are expected to be at the low end of the previously provided range of -3.0% to -1.5%. Net income for fiscal 2016 is expected to be at the low end of the previously provided range of $0.20 to $0.30 per diluted common share based on estimated diluted common shares outstanding of 49 million. This assumes a tax rate of approximately 39% for the full fiscal year.

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss third quarter fiscal 2016 financial results is scheduled for today, February 7, 2017, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including statements about our expectations regarding our long-term strategic plan for increased sales and productivity; expectations regarding the contribution of our closet business in driving sales and profit growth; expectations regarding our goals, strategies, priorities and initiatives, including the expansion of our Custom Closets section and exploration of new store formats; ; expectations regarding new store openings and relocations and remodeling of existing stores; and statements regarding our anticipated financial performance.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our inability to successfully implement our planned fiscal 2016 and 2017 initiatives in the timeframe we expect or at all; our inability to open or relocate new stores, or remodel existing stores, in the timeframe and at the locations we anticipate; overall decline in the health of the economy, consumer spending, and the housing market; our inability to manage costs and risks relating to new store openings; our inability to source and market new products to meet consumer preferences; our failure to achieve or maintain profitability; our dependence on a single distribution center for all of our stores; effects of a security breach or cyber-attack of our website or information technology systems; our vulnerability to natural disasters and other unexpected events; our reliance upon independent third party transportation providers; our inability to protect our brand; our failure to successfully anticipate consumer preferences and demand; our inability to manage our growth; inability to locate available retail store sites on terms acceptable to us; our inability to maintain sufficient levels of cash flow to meet growth expectations; disruptions in the global financial markets leading to difficulty in borrowing sufficient amounts of capital to finance the carrying costs of inventory to pay for capital expenditures and operating costs; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; our inability to effectively manage our online sales; competition from other stores and internet based competition; our inability to obtain merchandise on a timely basis at competitive prices as a result of changes in vendor relationships; vendors may sell similar or identical products to our competitors; our reliance on key executive management, and the transition in our executive leadership; our inability to find, train and retain key personnel; labor relations difficulties; increases in health care costs and labor costs; our dependence on foreign imports for our merchandise; violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti bribery and anti-kickback laws; our indebtedness may restrict our current and future operations; and increased uncertainty with respect to tax and trade policies, tariffs and government regulations affecting trade between the United States and other countries as a result of the recent presidential and congressional elections in the United States.

These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on May 10, 2016, and our other reports filed with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

About The Container Store

The Container Store (NYSE:TCS) is the nation’s leading retailer of storage and organization products and the only retailer solely devoted to the storage and organization category of retailing. The Company originated the concept of storage and organization retailing when it opened its first store in 1978. Today, the retailer has 86 store locations nationwide that each average 25,000 square feet. The Container Store has over 11,000 products to help customers save space and, ultimately, save them time. As the pace of modern life accelerates and being organized is not a luxury anymore but a necessity, The Container Store is devoted to making customers more productive, relaxed and happier by selling customized, complete solutions. Since its inception, the retailer has nurtured an employee-first culture and couples its one-of-kind product collection with a high level of customer service delivered by its highly trained organization experts. The Company has been named to FORTUNE magazine’s 100 Best Companies To Work For® — 17 years in a row. Visit www.containerstore.com for more information about store locations, the product collection and services offered. To find out more about The Container Store’s unique culture, Foundation Principles® and devotion to Conscious Capitalism®, visit the retailer’s culture blog at www.whatwestandfor.com.

Note Regarding Non-GAAP Information

This press release includes financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, including Adjusted EBITDA. The Company has reconciled these non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures in a table accompanying this release. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss) as a measure of financial performance or cash flows from operations as a measure of liquidity, or any other performance measure derived in accordance with GAAP and they should not be construed as an inference that the Company’s future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. These non-GAAP measures are key metrics used by management, the Company’s board of directors, and Leonard Green and Partners, L.P., its controlling stockholder, to assess its financial performance. The Company presents these non-GAAP measures because it believes they assist investors in comparing the Company’s performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that the Company does not believe are indicative of its core operating performance and because the Company believes it is useful for investors to see the measures that management uses to evaluate the Company. These non-GAAP measures are also frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in the Company’s industry. In evaluating these non-GAAP measures, you should be aware that in the future the Company will incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. The Company’s presentation of these non-GAAP measures should not be construed to imply that its future results will be unaffected by any such adjustments. Management compensates for these limitations by relying on our GAAP results in addition to using non-GAAP measures supplementally. These non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to different methods of calculation.

The Company defines EBITDA as net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated in accordance with its credit facilities and is one of the components for performance evaluation under its executive compensation programs. Adjusted EBITDA reflects further adjustments to EBITDA to eliminate the impact of certain items, including certain non-cash and other items that the Company does not consider in its evaluation of ongoing operating performance from period to period as discussed further below. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA in connection with covenant compliance and executive performance evaluations, and to supplement GAAP measures of performance to evaluate the effectiveness of its business strategies, to make budgeting decisions and to compare its performance against that of other peer companies using similar measures. The Company believes it is useful for investors to see the measures that management uses to evaluate the Company, its executives and its covenant compliance, as applicable. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are also frequently used by analysts, investors and other interested parties to evaluate companies in the Company’s industry.

Contact:
Investors:
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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Diebold Nixdorf’s global software development center in Mumbai, India awarded the ISO 9001:2008 Management System certificate

MUMBAI, India, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Diebold Nixdorf, a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers across the financial and retail industries, today (08 February 2017) announced that its global software development center in Mumbai, India, has recently been awarded the ISO 9001:2008 Management System certificate. This certification is based on quality management principles including sustainable growth, strong customer focus, governance and involvement of top management, process approach, and continual improvement and review for the design, development and support of self-service software products. The audit was conducted by the Bureau Veritas Certification India under accreditation of UKAS.

Diebold Nixdorf’s global development center underwent a comprehensive analysis by independent auditors from Bureau Veritas. The appraisal recognized the center’s innovative global processes for their high level of detail and maturity. The Mumbai center plays a key role in the company’s position as a leading provider of self-service application software. The center now looks forward to enhancing the certification in 2017 by conforming to the ISO 9001:2015 standard.

“We are delighted to receive the ISO 9001:2008 certification. This major achievement demonstrates strong alignment of our quality processes and business objectives, which lead to enhanced experiences for our customers,” said Jayal Lakhani, vice president, global software engineering for Diebold Nixdorf.  “Our commitment to continuous process improvement through engineering excellence enabled this important ISO certification.  We are honored to be among the select few development centers in our industry to receive this level of accreditation.”

About Bureau Veritas
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas is a global leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC), delivering high quality services to help clients meet the growing challenges of quality, safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

As a trusted partner, Bureau Veritas offers innovative solutions that go beyond simple compliance with regulations and standards, reducing risk, improving performance and promoting sustainable development.

Bureau Veritas core values include integrity and ethics, impartial counsel and validation, customer focus and safety at work. Bureau Veritas is recognized and accredited by major national and international organizations.

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.

Contact(s):

Michael Jacobsen, APR
Media Relations
Email: michael.jacobsen@dieboldnixdorf.com
Phone: +1 330.490.3796

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

Source: Diebold Nixdorf

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Turkey’s Ziraat Bank partners with Diebold Nixdorf to enable connected consumer experience on its ATMs

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, and PADERBORN, Germany, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ziraat Bank, the largest financial institution in Turkey, is partnering with Diebold Nixdorf to enable a connected consumer experience with advanced software and professional services on 7,000 of the bank’s automated teller machines (ATMs).

Whether consumers prefer mobile banking, visiting the branch or using ATMs, Ziraat Bank is ensuring its customers experience the same “look and feel” on every channel. Diebold Nixdorf’s software platform will enable the bank to design innovative user interfaces and introduce new functions quickly on all the ATMs in its network.

Additionally, Diebold Nixdorf is providing remote monitoring software and IT services management for Ziraat’s ATM network, which will help the bank improve customer satisfaction through advanced maintenance analytics.

Once installed, the self-service fleet will be monitored for faults and, if detected, status and event messages will be sent and automatically converted into service orders. The solution uses this detailed information to decide whether a technician visit is necessary or whether the fault can be rectified via remote access — helping lower ATM maintenance costs.

“With this project, we are building a foundation for integrating the ATM channel with the overall channel strategy of the bank. This will allow Ziraat Bank to create a unique customer experience that is consistent with customers’ experiences on other bank touchpoints, and allow for technology and talent to be used across bank channels,” said Christian Weisser, Diebold Nixdorf senior vice president and managing director, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “The project will position Ziraat Bank to respond to the market quickly through agile implementation methods and deliver continued innovation to keep up with the behavioral changes of their customers.”

About Ziraat Bank

Ziraat Bank, which was established in 1863 as a modest charity fund and which developed with great strides in time, is among the most valuable assets of Turkey today. The Bank was officially established as a modern financial institution to undertake the functions of the Benefit Funds, and the Benefit Funds operating at that time were converted into bank branches and started their operations. Increasing its support for all sectors, including agriculture, Ziraat Bank continued to be a bank serving a vast audience whose members range from the smallest of businesses to the biggest of firms and from farmers to pensioners. Ziraat Bank also numbers among the banks that supply financing for major investment projects being undertaken in Turkey.

Ziraat Bank now has an operational presence at 98 locations in 18 countries, which gives it a direct international service reach more extensive than that of any other bank in Turkey. Ziraat Bank is playing a leading role in Turkish banking sector with the largest ATM and branch network in the country. Visit www.Ziraat.com.tr for more information.

About Diebold Nixdorf

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

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

Media Relations:
Ulrich Nolte
+49-5251-6935211
ulrich.nolte@dieboldnixdorf.com

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

SOURCE: Diebold Nixdorf

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Smoothie King implements NCR technology solutions for its first store in the Middle East

International smoothie bar rolls out NCR Aloha in its move to the UAE

Duluth, GA, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The first Smoothie King store in the Middle East has opened with franchisee Al Ghurair Group, utilizing technology from global leader in omni-channel solutions, NCR Corporation.

Located at the Burjuman Shopping Centre, which was built by the Al Ghurair Group in 1992, Smoothie King has implemented the NCR Aloha point-of-sale (POS) platform and NCR hardware, as well as its suite of cloud-based business intelligence tools including NCR Insight and NCR Pulse Real-Time.

For the Al Ghurair Group, choosing an IT partner that had the cloud-based infrastructure that would support future growth, alongside a software suite that could provide exceptional levels of data and insight was vitally important. The best-in-class NCR Insight and NCR Pulse Real-Time tools mean that Al Ghurair’s hospitality team can have detailed up-to-the minute performance information at their fingertips – whether via a PC, tablet or smartphone.

“Tracking business performance is very important, so the NCR software was an important choice when launching Smoothie King in Dubai,” says Wael Al Shamy, brand manager for Al Ghurair Group. “As we look to grow the Smoothie King footprint across the UAE and wider Middle East, it is important that we have a partner able to provide a solution that could not only grow with our portfolio but also with new technologies. With NCR’s global hospitality experience, we know that we’ll benefit from the company’s industry insight and product roadmap.”

“In today’s technology-driven world, cash is no longer king – data is. Our innovative POS software, hardware and business management and intelligence solutions provide greater operational efficiency and business insight than ever before. We’re delighted to be working with Al Ghurair Group and continue our long-term international association with Smoothie King,” added Richard Goodall, vice president for NCR Hospitality (EMEA).

Smoothie King provides better-for-you, nutritious smoothies and has recently opened its 800th store in Florida, USA. It was launched in 1973 and has aggressive growth plans – with the aim to hit 1,000 stores by the end of 2017.

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, Ga., 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. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respective owners.

NCR encourages investors to visit its website, which is updated regularly with financial and other important information about NCR.

Web site: www.ncr.com
Twitter: @NCRCorporation
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation

Media Contact:
Tim Henschel
NCR Corporation
770.299.5100
tim.henschel@ncr.com

Source: NCR Corporation

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Product recall: Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods’s beef and chicken chili flavored soup products

WASHINGTON, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, a Richmond, Va. establishment, is recalling approximately 45 pounds of beef and chicken chili flavored soup products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today (Feb. 7, 2017). The product(s) contain milk, wheat and soy, known allergens which are not declared on the product label.

The chili flavored soups with beans and chicken, or beef, were produced on Feb. 2, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: 

  • 6-lbs. of 24 oz. clear plastic containers of “Ukrop’s Chili Flavored Soup with Beans and Chicken” with a sell by date of 02/08/17 on the label.
  • 39-lbs. of 24 oz. clear plastic containers of “Ukrop’s Chili Flavored Soup with Beans and Beef” with a sell by date of 02/08/17 on the label.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 19979” or “P-19979” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations in Virginia.

The problem was discovered on Feb. 3, 2017 when a retail store noticed that the product label did not match the actual product.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Susan Rowe, assistant to the CEO, at (804) 340-3104.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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

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

Source: USDA

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s.Oliver launches its new spring/summer 2017 umbrella brands campaign

Rottendorf, Germany, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — On 1st February 2017, s.Oliver is launching its new spring/summer 2017 umbrella brands campaign. In a studio in the heart of Berlin, photographer Nagi Sakai captured the new spring looks from s.Oliver RED LABEL and s.Oliver BLACK LABEL in a refreshing atmosphere. The internationally-renowned photographer, who had already realised the 2016 autumn/winter campaign for s.Oliver, continues the authentic concept and, with his natural snapshots, emphasises the self-confident look of the brand. The image language puts a special focus on the product and thus provides an effective setting for the brand’s new looks.

The models, Inguna Butane, Vinnie Woolston, Damaris Goodie and Mark Vanderloo present the casual looks of the s.Oliver RED LABEL brand, mixed with clean styles and outfits with a safari character, in the relaxed s.Oliver spirit. Nagi Sakai also captures the joie-de-vivre and easy-going nature of the uncomplicated collections with the children’s models for s.Oliver RED LABEL Junior. In February, it is ‘BACK TO THE ROOTS’. The s.Oliver AUTHENTIC Capsule Collection guides the customers back into the logo-mania times of our youth. With the 90s logo, a bright and colourful retro collection has been developed which features hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts and jogging trousers – a great way to communicate a good mood! Be bold and authentic!

Supermodel Karolina Kurkova, as a new campaign face, together with Will Chalker, presents the sporty and elegant looks of the s.Oliver BLACK LABEL dressed brand. With her positive charisma and special expressiveness, the international model emphasises the modern influences and high-quality materials, and shows how comfortable the summer collections are. In so doing, she perfectly reflects the great style and the sophisticated, self-assured collection statement of the label. Will Chalker, with his dynamic moves and casual, sporty jumps, sets the scene for the special features of the new Jogg-suits.

“With this shoot, we are clearly continuing the valuable branding of the last campaign. The new looks from s.Oliver RED LABEL show the modern, authentic casual fashion with which s.Oliver is synonymous. The AUTHENTIC Capsule takes up the current retro-logo movement and is thus right up-to-date! Be bold and authentic! In Karolina Kurkova, we have the perfect new campaign face for s.Oliver BLACK LABEL – in the images, you can really feel her power and the fun that we all had at the shoot with her. This is exactly what we want to express with the new collection”, says Susanne Schwenger, Managing Director Product & Marketing at s.Oliver.

s.Oliver RED LABEL Accessories, as well as the licensed products, s.Oliver RED LABEL Shoes, s.Oliver RED LABEL Time, s.Oliver RED LABEL Jewel, s.Oliver RED LABEL Eyewear, s.Oliver RED LABEL Umbrellas and s.Oliver RED LABEL Socks were all integrated into the shoot.

From February 2017 onwards, the new campaign motifs will be used internationally in the s.Oliver marketing mix – in a big, classic and digital media campaign, the campaign clips, which were created in parallel with the shoot, are also communicated on soliver.com and stationary at the POSs.

CORPORATE INFORMATION

The s.Oliver Group, which was founded by Bernd Freier in 1969, has developed to become one of the leading European fashion companies, and this in but a few decades. In 2015, the company boasted brand sales of over 1.6 billion euros and now employs about 7,800 people. In addition to the s.Oliver RED LABEL, s.Oliver BLACK LABEL, Q/S designed by, and TRIANGLE labels, comma and LIEBESKIND Berlin are also form part of the company’s portfolio.

Contact:
Stefanie Heeg
Head of Communication
Tel.: +49 (0) 93 02 / 309 – 9387
Fax: +49 (0) 93 02 / 309 – 89387

Julia Stang
S.OLIVER RED LABEL & S.OLIVER BLACK LABEL
Tel.: +49 (0) 93 02 / 309 – 9822
Fax: +49 (0) 93 02 / 309 – 89822

Source: The s.Oliver Group

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The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. invites local makers, artisans and entrepreneurs for the “Close to Home” Online Sourcing Fair, Feb 7-March 24, 2017

CALLING ALL LOCAL MAKERS, ARTISANS AND ENTREPRENEURS TO APPLY ONLINE FOR CONSIDERATION

MILWAUKEE, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT), which operates Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers stores, plans to expand its “Close to Home” initiative by adding in-store shops to at least 100 stores this year after a successful launch in 45 stores in fall 2016. As part of the expansion, the retailer also announced the launch of the new “Close to Home” Online Sourcing Fair that invites local artists and designers, makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs with established businesses and galleries interested in having their products sold in “Close to Home” shops to apply online.

Product submissions for the first “Close to Home” Online Sourcing Fair are being accepted February 7 through March 24, 2017 at closetohome.bonton.com. Interested applicants must reside in one of Bon-Ton’s 25 states to apply for this exclusive opportunity. The company hopes the “Close to Home” Online Sourcing Fair will attract a large number of new and talented artisans and entrepreneurs eager to grow their small businesses and reach new audiences.

Open year round in-store and online, the “Close to Home” shops feature locally-sourced and themed products and were a hit during the 2016 fall and holiday shopping season. From September through December, “Close to Home” shop sales more than doubled projections and the company expects continued growth in 2017.

“Our regional merchandising teams carefully curated these shops to deliver customers a hometown shopping experience that reflects the tastes and buying preferences of our local communities,” said Kathryn Bufano, president and CEO of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. “The ‘Close to Home’ shops have been a great opportunity for us to showcase local artisans and entrepreneurs and demonstrate our commitment to supporting the communities we serve.”

More than 100 small businesses from 16 cities across eight states were featured in the initial launch of the “Close to Home” shops. For many, the opportunity to sell products in a major department store provided significant growth for their business.

“I doubled my yearly revenue in 2016 and had more sales in December than the entire previous 11 months combined,” said Carma Wood, owner of Kiyi Kiyi Cosmetics in Willmar, Minnesota. “Being featured in a ‘Close to Home’ shop has allowed me to reach a wider audience of customers.”

“With our products in the ‘Close to Home’ shop, we have seen not only an increase in sales, but an increase in overall brand awareness,” commented Clint McMahon, owner of MPLS STP Clothing.  “We are very grateful to be included because our business is all about helping people celebrate home and show their hometown pride.”

“We started out selling primarily at craft fairs, farmers markets and a few boutiques, and then Bon-Ton called,” said Kelley Grace Quakkelaar of Wisconsin’s Gracie Designs, which produces hand-crafted wristlets and trucker hats for the ‘Close to Home’ shop. “It’s been a significant ramping up of our business.”

While each “Close to Home” shop is unique to its community, most shops include locally-themed apparel; glassware, pillows, blankets and home décor; handbags, scarves and other accessories; natural candles, bath and body products; and other unique giftable items. Many products are hand-crafted or made with locally-sourced materials.

Through the “Close to Home” Online Sourcing Fair, Bon-Ton plans to expand product offerings to include a broader selection of custom-designed and produced clothing and one-of-a-kind creations such as artwork, paintings, jewelry, décor and art objects crafted by local artists.

Bon-Ton aims to have “Close to Home” shops in at least 150 stores by mid-2017, representing more than half of the company’s stores. As the program expands and rotates featured makers, new items will be added frequently and seasonally. As such, the “Close to Home” shops will always have fresh and unique product assortments. Bon-Ton will hold future online sourcing fairs as part of an ongoing effort to develop more relationships with local makers and curate a broader selection of local product offerings.

About The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 263 stores, which includes 9 furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in 25 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates. The stores offer a broad assortment of national and private brand fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is an active and positive participant in the communities it serves. For store locations and information, visit bonton.com. Join the conversation and be inspired by following Bon-Ton on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and the fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog, #LoveStyle.

SOURCE: The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

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ICA Gruppen announces Q4 2016 financial results

Solna, Sweden, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ —

Fourth quarter of 2016 in summary

  • Consolidated net sales amounted to SEK 26,920 million (26,489), an increase of 1.6%
  • Operating profit excluding non-recurring items totalled SEK 1,180 million (1,024). Operating profit for the comparison period included costs of SEK 76 million associated with the acquisition and integration of Apotek Hjärtat
  • Profit from continuing operations (ICA Gruppen excl. ICA Norway) was SEK 784 million (1,427). Profit includes capital gains on sales of noncurrent assets and impairment losses totalling SEK -151 million net (450)
  • Earnings per share for continuing operations were SEK 3.89 (7.1)
  • Cash flow from operating activities for continuing operations amounted to SEK 2,689 million (1,862). Excluding ICA Bank, cash flow was SEK 2,645 (1,995)
  • ICA Gruppen acquired the Lithuanian grocery retail chain IKI
  • The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 10.50 per share (10.00) for 2016, corresponding to 62% (41%) of profit for the year

After the end of the quarter

  • On 1 February the sale of the Norwegian property holdings was completed

Comment from the CEO of ICA Gruppen, Per Strömberg:

“We ended 2016 with good momentum. Sales for ICA stores performed better than the market during the second half, which means that based on preliminary market data for the full year we grew our market share slightly, and we continue to show good growth for Rimi Baltic and Apotek Hjärtat. In terms of earnings we are in line with our financial targets, and we have a strong cash flow. We have also completed the sale of the Norwegian properties and taken an important step towards increasing our footprint in Lithuania through the acquisition of IKI, which we communicated just before Christmas.”

Press and analyst meeting

ICA Gruppen is arranging a press and analyst meeting at Tändstickspalatset, Stockholm, on Wednesday, 8 February at 10.00 CET. CEO Per Strömberg and CFO Sven Lindskog will present the interim report. The meeting will be webcast and can be followed at  www.icagruppen.se/investerare.

There is also an opportunity to call in on tel.
SE +46856642661
UK +442030089801

Calendar

7 April 2017 Annual General Meeting
9 May 2017 Interim report first quarter
16 August 2017 Interim report second quarter
10 November 2017 Interim report third quarter
7 February 2018 Year-end report 2017

This is information that ICA Gruppen AB (publ.) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 07.00 CET on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.

For further information, please contact:
Frans Benson
Head of Investor Relations
tel. +46 8-561 500 20

ICA Gruppen press service
Tel +46 10 422 52 52

Source: ICA Gruppen

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Swedish ICA stores announces sales increased by 1.6% in January 2017 vs. same month last year

Solna, Sweden, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sales in the Swedish ICA stores increased by 1.6% in January 2017 compared with the corresponding month last year. Sales in like-for-like stores increased by 1.2%.

January 2017 
Store sales
excl. VAT		 SEKm Change all stores Change like-for-like
Maxi ICA Stormarknad  2,656 0.4% 0.4%
ICA Kvantum  2,189 2.1% 0.9%
ICA Supermarket  2,679 1.8% 1.4%
ICA Nära  1,290 2.7% 2.8%
Total  8,815 1.6% 1.2%

In January 2017, sales in the Swedish ICA stores totalled SEK 8,815 million excluding VAT, which is an increase of 1.6% compared with the same month in the previous year.

ICA Gruppen estimates the calendar effect for January to be -0.2 percent

At 31 January 2017, the number of ICA stores in Sweden was 1,296. Store sales for February will be published on 8 March 2017 at 08.45 CET.

To see all publication dates in 2017, please visit ICA Gruppen’s website http://www.icagruppen.se/en/investors/calendar.

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

Source: ICA Gruppen

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SPAR KwaZulu-Natal School Girls Hockey Challenge kicks off this month

South Africa, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The seventh edition of the annual SPAR sponsored KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) School Girls Hockey Challenge kicks off this month.

The tournament, which takes places across South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, sees close on 80 schoolgirls’ first teams competing, with each of the regional finalists travelling through to the Grand Finals in Durban in July.

Sports sponsorship is a large part of SPAR South Africa’s community engagement initiatives and an important part of SPAR’s commitment to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.

Peter Deeb, Marketing Executive for SPAR KZN said: “We are certainly in for an exciting sporting year for SPAR. There are some fabulous events on the horizon, starting with the hockey­ tournament, now in its seventh year. I wish all the teams the best of luck, and hope they enjoy themselves on the turf.

Tournament Director, Les Galloway said: “The KZN tournament certainly has blossomed into a fantastic, fun and fulfilling event. It has expanded across the provincial borders to the other provinces, which is so good for the growth of the game. Being the first tournament, KZN holds a special place in my heart and I am delighted with how it has grown in the seven years, and continues to grow welcoming and encouraging new players to the game.”

Eager young hockey players are gearing up for the seventh SPAR KZN School Girls Hockey Challenge as the annual tournament kicks off this month.

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

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Hudson’s Bay Company closes amendment to its asset-based revolving credit facility to increases total capacity by $350 million

TORONTO & NEW YORK, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hudson’s Bay Company (“HBC” or the “Company”) (TSX: HBC) is pleased to announce the closing of an amendment to its asset-based revolving credit facility (“Global ABL”) that increases its total capacity by $350 million to a total of $2.25 billion. Of this $350 million increase, $100 million is allocated to financing the working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes of the Company’s operations in the Netherlands. All other terms remain substantially the same.

Paul Beesley, Chief Financial Officer, HBC commented, “This amendment to our Global ABL provides additional financial flexibility to HBC. Our solid capital structure is supported by long term mortgages on our 5th Avenue flagships, and we are pleased to strengthen our balance sheet even further with this amendment. As we open our first Hudson’s Bay stores in the Netherlands later this year, we will be able to rely on this facility to help finance our inventory and other working capital requirements associated with the entry into this market.”

The Global ABL allows HBC to use its inventory and accounts receivable as collateral to finance working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The $2.25 billion facility has a maturity date of February 5, 2021 with key terms that are consistent with the initial Global ABL facility closed in February of 2016. Interest rates on this facility range between LIBOR+125 to LIBOR+175. At the end of Fiscal 2016, January 28, 2017, there was a total of $330 million outstanding borrowings on the Global ABL, as compared to $939 million at the end of the third quarter, October 29, 2016.

About Hudson’s Bay Company

Hudson’s Bay Company is one of the fastest-growing department store retailers in the world, based on its successful formula of growing through acquisitions, driving the performance of high quality stores and their all-channel offerings and unlocking the value of real estate holdings. Founded in 1670, HBC is the oldest company in North America. HBC’s portfolio today includes ten banners, in formats ranging from luxury to premium department stores to off price fashion shopping destinations, with more than 480 stores and 66,000 employees around the world.

In North America, HBC’s leading banners include Hudson’s Bay, Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gilt, and Saks OFF 5TH, along with Home Outfitters. In Europe, its banners include GALERIA Kaufhof, the largest department store group in Germany, Belgium’s only department store group Galeria INNO, as well as Sportarena.

HBC has significant investments in real estate joint ventures. It has partnered with Simon Property Group Inc. in the HBS Global Properties Joint Venture, which owns properties in the United States and Germany. In Canada, it has partnered with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust in the RioCan-HBC Joint Venture.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release are forward-looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among others, with respect to the amended Global ABL helping, among

other things, to finance HBC’s working capital requirements, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes as it opens its first Hudson’s Bay stores in the Netherlands, and providing additional financial flexibility and further strengthening HBC’s balance sheet. Often but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “estimate”, “plan”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “outlook”, “forecast”, “anticipate”, “foresee”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

Although HBC believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are based on information and assumptions that are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are by their nature subject to a number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s expectations and plans as set forth in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Some of the factors – many of which are beyond the Company’s control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict – include, among others: ability to execute retailing growth strategies, ability to achieve comparable sales growth, changing consumer preferences, marketing and advertising program success, damage to brands, dependence on vendors, ability to realize synergies and growth from strategic acquisitions, ability to make successful acquisitions and investments, successful inventory management, and other risks inherent to the Company’s business and/or factors beyond the Company’s control which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

HBC cautions that the foregoing list of important factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause HBC’s actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of HBC’s annual information form dated April 28, 2016, as well as HBC’s other public filings, available at www.sedar.com and at www.hbc.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe HBC’s expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable Canadian securities laws, HBC does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Kathleen de Guzman
646-802-7070
kathleen.deguzman@hbc.com

Elliot Grundmanis
646-802 2469
elliot.grundmanis@hbc.com

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Andrew Blecher
646-802-4030
andrew.blecher@hbc.com

Source: Hudson’s Bay Company

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Overstock.com blockchain subsidiary Medici Ventures participates in Series A funding for Factom, Inc.

SALT LAKE CITY, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Medici Ventures, the blockchain-focused subsidiary of retail technology leader Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK), announces its participation in the Series A funding for Factom, Inc., a blockchain-as-a-service technology company based in Austin, TX focusing on mortgage compliance solutions.

“We like what Factom is doing with blockchain technology in the mortgage space,” said Medici Ventures president Jonathan Johnson. “This is the latest in a series of strategic investments to further position Medici Ventures as the global leader in blockchain technology.”Medici Ventures received 2.5% of Factom’s common stock in return for a $750,000 investment. Steven Hopkins, Medici Ventures’ chief operating officer and general counsel, will join Factom’s board of directors.

Medici Ventures joins the Factom Series A round of funding, which was led by noted venture capitalist and blockchain enthusiast Tim Draper.

“We’re thrilled to include Medici Ventures as a strategic investor in Factom. The Medici team impressed us with their deep knowledge and expertise in blockchain technology,” said Factom CEO Peter Kirby. “They bring operational experience running a global business with thousands of employees and practical knowledge of the shifting regulatory environment. We consider them some of the smartest investors in Blockchain.”

Medici Ventures is a leader in advancing blockchain technology, and parent company of t0.com, which recently aided Overstock.com in completing the world’s first blockchain-based stock offering on its proprietary platform.

About Medici Ventures:
Launched in 2014, Medici Ventures is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Overstock.com, Inc. created to manage and oversee investments in firms building solutions leveraging and servicing blockchain technologies. Medici Ventures has several blockchain-focused investments, including t0.com, Peernova, Bitt, SettleMint, Factom, and IdentityMind. The company’s majority-owned financial technology company, t0.com, executed the world’s first blockchain-based stock offering in December 2016.

About Factom, Inc.
Factom, Inc. is an Austin-based blockchain technology company that’s on a mission to make the world’s systems honest. People and institutions today can solve hard problems and change the world for the better when they have a reliable framework to build upon. Honest systems free up dead capital, which allows companies to grow and helps people to lift themselves out of poverty.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact.  Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, which was filed with the SEC on November 3, 2016, and any subsequent filings with the SEC.

Media Contact:
Mark Delcorps
Overstock.com, Inc.
+1 (801) 947-3564
pr@overstock.com

Investor Contact:
Mark Harden
Overstock.com, Inc.
+1 (801) 947-5409
ir@overstock.com

Source:  Overstock.com, Inc./globenewswire

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New York’s most iconic cheese shop purchased by The Kroger Co.

CINCINNATI and NEW YORK, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today  (Feb. 7, 2017) announced it has purchased the equity of Murray’s Cheese, as well as its flagship location on Bleecker Street in New York City, to form a merger of the two companies.

“For cheese lovers and connoisseurs, it doesn’t get more authentic than Murray’s,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Our customers are excited to buy the unique offerings of Murray’s Cheese right in our stores, and we’re excited to ensure this iconic cheese shop will remain a part of the Kroger family for many years to come.”

New York’s most iconic cheese shop, opened in 1940, Murray’s has been delivering the finest selection of cheese, meat and specialty food items to New Yorkers, chefs and cheese lovers nationwide through a robust online business. Since the two companies formed a unique partnership in 2008, Murray’s has offered the same fine foods and cheese expertise to the Kroger family of stores.

“When the Kroger and Murray’s relationship started in 2008, we wanted to figure out how to bring the finest cheese and charcuterie to more people,” said Daniel Hammer, Kroger’s vice president of culinary development and deli/bakery merchandising. “Today, we have more than 350 Murray’s Cheese shops in Kroger locations from coast to coast – and that is thanks to the incredible passion and commitment of the team at Murray’s to empower associates to share their love of cheese with customers. We look forward to learning from the very talented team at Murray’s and working together to grow the business and build the iconic Murray’s brand.”

Murray’s former owner and president, Rob Kaufelt, will remain affiliated with the business as a strategic adviser. Nick Tranchina will continue to lead the Murray’s Cheese team in New York and will report to Daniel Hammer at Kroger.

“Rob’s dedication to his craft has placed Murray’s on the map among the culinary elite while also making specialty cheese more accessible to mainstream consumers,” said Mr. McMullen. “We look forward to Rob’s continued influence on the business, helping to tell the Murray’s Cheese story and building its brand.”

“It has been my honor and privilege to work with so many tremendous, talented people over the course of my 45-year career in food retail, especially the last 25 years at Murray’s here in New York City,” said Mr. Kaufelt.  “When I set out on this journey, my goal was simply to run the best cheese shop in Greenwich Village. I’m proud that we’ve been able to maintain the spirit and service of a mom-and-pop neighborhood shop amidst our growth into the national market. I am pleased to pass the torch to our able staff, who will carry Murray’s into the future.”

Murray’s Cheese shops in Kroger stores replicate the same experience customers enjoy at its Greenwich Village flagship store. Each shop carries hundreds of cheeses, charcuterie, olives, crackers and specialty food items from all over the world. Murray’s is deeply involved with product selection, staff training & development, merchandising and promotions.

Other highlights of the special partnership between Murray’s Cheese and Kroger include:

  • In December 2016, Kroger and Murray’s Cheese opened their 350th store location in Bloomington, IN. At the time, Mr. Kaufelt said: “This is an exciting milestone for Murray’s and the specialty cheese industry. In 2008, we pioneered a store-within-a-store concept at a handful of Kroger stores. Between 2008 and 2012, we opened 38 stores, and in 2016 we opened nearly 100. This partnership has exceeded our wildest expectations.”
  • Murray’s staff has trained thousands of Cheese Mongers and Certified Cheese Professionals through its relationship with Kroger. Between the two companies, the American Cheese Society named as Certified Cheese Professionals 29 team members in 2016, 20 in 2015, and 13 in 2014.

Financial terms of the merger were not disclosed.

About Murray’s Cheese:
Since its founding in 1940, the mission of Murray’s Cheese is to bring the best cheese selection to the United States and to educate customers about cheese. Murray’s Bleecker Street and Grand Central Terminal flagship stores offer hundreds of domestic and imported artisan cheeses, along with a large selection of charcuterie and specialty goods. Follow Murray’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @MurraysCheese. For a list of locations, visit murrayscheese.com/locations.

About Kroger:
Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names 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 2,253 pharmacies, 787 convenience stores, 324 fine jewelry stores, 1,439 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.

Media Contact:
Keith Dailey
Director, Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Cell: 513-257-4955
Email: keith.dailey@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. to release its 4Q and fiscal year 2016 results on Thursday, February 23, 2017

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ:BJRI) today (Feb. 07, 2017) announced that it will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2016 results after the market closes on Thursday, February 23, 2017.  The Company will host an investor conference call at 2:00 p.m. (Pacific) that same day.  The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet.  To listen to the conference call, please visit the “Investors” page of the Company’s website located at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com several minutes prior to the start of the call to register and download any necessary audio software.  An archive of the presentation will be available for 30 days following the call.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. currently owns and operates 187 casual dining restaurants under the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse®, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery®, BJ’s Pizza & Grill® and BJ’s Grill® brand names.  BJ’s Restaurants offer an innovative and broad menu featuring award-winning, signature deep-dish pizza complemented with generously portioned salads, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pastas, entrees and desserts, including the Pizookie® dessert.  Quality, flavor, value, moderate prices and sincere service remain distinct attributes of the BJ’s experience.  All restaurants feature BJ’s critically acclaimed proprietary craft beers, which are produced at several of the Company’s Restaurant & Brewery locations, brewpub locations in Texas and qualified independent third party craft brewers.  The Company’s restaurants are located in the 24 states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Visit BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. on the Web at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com.

Contact:
Greg Levin
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
(714) 500-2400

JCIR
(212) 835-8500
bjri@jcir.com.

Source: BJ’s Restaurants, Inc./globenewswire

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The Home Depot® to hold its 4Q & Fiscal 2016 Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, February 21, 2017

ATLANTA, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, announced today (Feb. 7, 2017) that it will hold its Fourth Quarter & Fiscal 2016 Earnings Conference Call on Tuesday, February 21, at 9 a.m. ET.

A webcast will be available by logging onto http://ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations and selecting the Fourth Quarter Earnings Conference Call icon. The webcast will be archived and available beginning at approximately noon on February 21.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,278 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2015, The Home Depot had sales of $88.5 billion and earnings of $7.0 billion. The Company employs more than 385,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Contact:

Email: investor_relations@homedepot.com
IR Coordinator: 770-384-2871

SOURCE: The Home Depot

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OBERDORF-MÄRIT WIRD AUFGEFRISCHT

OBERDORF-MÄRIT WIRD AUFGEFRISCHT

 

Schönbühl, Switzerland, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Seit September 2016 ist die Migros Aare Besitzerin sämtlicher Stockwerkeinheiten im Verkaufsgeschoss der bestehenden Überbauung Oberdorf-Märit. Nun soll dieser umgebaut werden.

Der Oberdorf-Märit ist in die Jahre gekommen und entspricht nicht mehr den aktuellen Kundenbedürfnissen. Deshalb werden der Supermarkt und die übrigen Räumlichkeiten diesen Sommer umgebaut. Die Flächeneinteilungen wurden neu vorgenommen und der Mietermix wird sich leicht verändern.

So wird sich das Kleidergeschäft Mode Hänsenberger auf seinen Hauptverkaufs-standort im Steffisburger Unterdorf konzentrieren und den Oberdorf-Märit verlassen. Mit der Bäckerei Galli wird derzeit über eine mögliche Flächenverschiebung diskutiert. Der Kiosk und die Sun Store Apotheke werden weiterhin im Oberdorf-Märit bleiben. Auf der frei werdenden Fläche wird voraussichtlich im Herbst 2017 ein Denner einziehen.

Attraktiver und moderner
Ziel des Umbaus ist es, den Oberdorf-Märit für die Kundinnen und Kunden zu einem attraktiven Treffpunkt zu machen und den Migros-Supermarkt punktuell mit den neusten Sortiment-Trends aufzufrischen sowie technische Mängel zu beseitigen.

Medienkontakt:
Andrea Bauer
Mediensprecherin
TEL: +41 58 565 87 08
E-MAIL: andrea.bauer@gmaare.migros.ch

Source: Migros

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Pay with Amazon payment volume nearly doubled in 2016

More than 50 percent of Pay with Amazon customers are Prime Members

SEATTLE, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today (-Feb. 7, 2017) announced that more than 33 million customers have used Amazon Payments to make a purchase. Amazon Payments makes it easy for customers around the world to pay on thousands of merchant websites using the information already stored in their Amazon account. In 2016, Pay with Amazon payment volume nearly doubled, with expansions into France, Italy and Spain and new verticals including government payments, travel, digital goods, insurance, entertainment, non-profits and charities helping fuel this growth. Amazon Payments also introduced new in-store experiences with Moda Operandi and Amazon Books.

“As we have introduced new experiences with merchants, we have seen a significant increase in the number of customers using the information from their Amazon account to make purchases on merchant websites,” said Patrick Gauthier, vice president, Amazon Payments. “Amazon Payments brings the simplicity and familiarity of Amazon’s buying experience to our merchant customers, making it easy for millions of Amazon customers around the world to pay using the information already stored in their Amazon account.”

As consumers shop in more and more ways – online, in store, and on the go – their expectations for speed, convenience and personalization continues to grow. Amazon Payments helps businesses meet these new customer expectations by working together to introduce new experiences and touch points that enrich the shopping journey and better connect customers around the world.

“Amazon Payments connects merchants with customers that are accustomed to making purchases online,” said Gauthier. “By connecting with these customers, merchants are driving higher conversion, increasing sales and ultimately growing their business.”

2016 Amazon Payments Business Highlights

  • Customers from more than 170 countries used Pay with Amazon to make a purchase in 2016
  • Amazon Payments launched for merchants in France, Italy and Spain
  • More than 50 percent of Pay with Amazon customers are Prime Members
  • 32 percent of transactions using Pay with Amazon were made on a mobile device
  • Payment volume nearly doubled in 2016, with peak volume on November 28, as customers in the US and the UK enjoyed Cyber Monday offers
  • The Amazon Global Partner Program launched in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom and Japan, with 50 service providers signing up in the first 8 months
  • Active merchants grew more than 120 percent year over year as Amazon Payments expanded support for new verticals, including government payments, travel, digital goods, insurance, entertainment, non-profits and charities
  • Pay with Amazon was used to collect donations for the victims of earthquakes in Kumatomo (April 2016, Japan) and Amatrice (August 2016,Italy)
  • The average Pay with Amazon purchase was $80 in 2016, with the largest single transaction being $40,000
  • Amazon Payments Introduced new in-store experiences with Moda Operandi and at Amazon Books

To learn more about Amazon Payments, please visit payments.amazon.com.

About Amazon

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

Media Hotline:

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

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Nordstrom announces $719,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Canada through Treasure&Bond

Also names YWCA USA and Canada as the brand’s 2017 nonprofit partners

SEATTLE, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom today (Feb. 6, 2017) announced its latest donation from Treasure&Bond, the company’s give-back brand that donates 2.5% of net sales to nonprofit organizations empowering youth. The $719,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Canada marks the largest gift to-date from Nordstrom through Treasure&Bond, and brings its total donation from sales of the brand to more than $1.4 million since 2014.

“Treasure&Bond has been a great way for us to give back to nonprofits in the communities we support and the brand’s purpose, as well as its laid-back, Americana aesthetic has really resonated with our customers,” said Jennifer Jackson Brown, president of Nordstrom Product Group. “Thanks to our customers, Nordstrom has been able to bring Treasure&Bond into more departments throughout the store, which enables us to give even more to organizations that are doing such important work to support young people.”

“We’ve got a lot of exciting things planned for 2017 that we believe will help us better connect with our customers and further increase the charitable impact of Treasure&Bond,” continued Jackson Brown. Currently found in Women’s, Men’s and Girls’ apparel, Women’s and Girls’ shoes, Soft Accessories, Jewelry and Hosiery departments, in 2017 Treasure&Bond will be expanding to include Boys’ apparel later this year. The spring collection will continue to focus on a classic, all-American aesthetic, but with a reworked, lived-in twist. Customers can expect to find lots of easy-to-wear pieces that can be layered for an effortless, casual look – soft tees, worn-in button-downs, cozy sweaters and must-have denim favorites.

The company also announced that from February 1, 2017 through January 31, 2018, Treasure&Bond will support the efforts of YWCA associations in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., funds will support YWCA USA’s TechGYRLS initiative, which works to raise interest, confidence, and abilities in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) among girls aged nine to 12. Annually, 260,000 girls, children, youth and teens are building their futures at YWCA through programs including girls’ empowerment, TechGYRLS and other STEM programs. Eight-nine percent of TechGYRLS participants reported an increase in their self-esteem and that same percentage identified at least three non-traditional careers they could attain. Seventy-two percent of those served in YWCA girls’ empowerment, children’s, youth and teen programs have incomes at or below the federal poverty level.

“TechGYRLS teaches girls how to use technological tools and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Tycely Williams, vice president of development, YWCA USA. “The program offers girls a supportive environment in which to enhance their curiosity and overall knowledge in the areas of design, animation, programming and robotics. We also know that exposure to this type of programming provides girls with the confidence and skills they need to achieve excellence in any profession they chose to pursue. We are thrilled to have Nordstrom support this effort.”

Treasure&Bond will support various YWCA youth programs in Canada.

Treasure&Bond is available in Nordstrom stores and online at Nordstrom.com. Product images can be found on the Nordstrom Press Room.

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 YWCA USA
YWCA USA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The organization is one of the oldest and largest women’s organizations in the nation, serving over 2 million women, girls, and their families each year. Learn more: www.ywca.org.

Media Contacts:

Nordstrom
Emily Sterken
206.303.3034
emily.sterken@nordstrom.com

YWCA USA
Cindy Hoffman
202.524.5330
choffman@ywca.org

SOURCE: Nordstrom

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Sainsbury’s expands Valentine’s Day offering to addresses growing demand for more diverse greeting cards

Sainsbury’s expands Valentine’s Day offering to addresses growing demand for more diverse greeting cards

 

London, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s is spreading the love this Valentine’s Day as it launches same-sex cards for the first time. The new range addresses growing demand for more diverse greeting cards and provides all of its smitten customers the opportunity to choose the perfect card for their partner.

  • Range meets growing demand for a more diverse selection of greeting cards as 3.1 million Britons now identify as LGBT
  • All lovebirds now have the opportunity to find the perfect card for their partner

A selection of the cards feature illustrations of two men and two women with the words ‘You + Me’. Prices start at £1.99 and the cards will be stocked in nearly 500 stores across the UK.

The UK greeting card industry is worth an estimated £1.7 billion and keeps growing, with Brits buying an average of 31 cards per year. About £40.2 million of that is spent on Valentine’s Day cards, the highest spend among special occasions.[1] Last year, the total UK retail spend for Valentine’s Day reached nearly £1 billion, a £15 million increase from 2015.

James Brown, Director of Commercial, Sainsbury’s Argos: “Choosing the perfect Valentine’s Day card is a personal and sentimental experience, which is why we’re pleased to offer new same-sex cards and give all of our love-stricken customers the ability to choose the card that’s right for them.”

Sainsbury’s has long supported the LGBT community as part of its vision to be the most inclusive retailer where people love to work and shop. Last year, over 2000 Sainsbury’s colleagues attended 28 Pride events across the UK. The supermarket has an active LGBT network of nearly 600 members including colleagues, stakeholders and organisations that come together regularly to share experiences and contribute ideas to further support LGBT colleagues.

Customers will fall in love with Sainsbury’s Valentine’s Day offering this year, which consists of over 300 cards starting from 99p and 12 wrapping papers. Approximately 75 per cent of card sales come in the final week leading up to Valentine’s Day as shoppers scramble to purchase gifts for their loved ones.

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

Source: Sainsbury

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The new H&M Conscious Exclusive collection: dreamy and beautiful pieces in sustainable materials

The new H&M Conscious Exclusive collection: dreamy and beautiful pieces in sustainable materials

 

The new H&M Conscious Exclusive collection pushes forward in both sustainability and style: for 2017 the collection includes the pioneering sustainable material BIONIC® – a recycled polyester made from plastic shoreline waste. The fluid fabric used for an intricate pleated gown shows how it’s natural for the best styles to be conscious of the environment.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ —  In addition to a full collection for women and relaxed formal wear for men, the collection will for the first time include kids’ pieces, as well as a Conscious Exclusive fragrance made from organic oils. The collection will be available in around 160 stores worldwide, and online, from April 20.

Supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova is starring this year’s Conscious Exclusive in her first ever campaign for H&M.

“I am proud to appear in the H&M Conscious Exclusive campaign. It’s amazing to see the advances in sustainable fabrics that are used in the collection, pointing towards a more sustainable future for all fashion,” Natalia Vodianova

Conscious Exclusive is a collection of exquisite pieces perfect to celebrate the new season. Key is the ethereal plissé pleat gown in powder pink made from BIONIC® – recycled polyester made from recovered shoreline waste. It’s a collection of individual pieces with a sense of occasion, each one showing the many different ways that sustainable materials can create the best style.

“For the design team at H&M, this year’s Conscious Exclusive is a chance to dream and create pieces that are both quirky and beautiful. It’s great to be able to show just what is possible with sustainable materials like we have done with the delicate plissé dress made of BIONIC® ,” Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Head of Design and Creative Director.

Conscious Exclusive is a driver in H&M’s move towards a more sustainable fashion future. Across all of H&M’s product ranges, 20% are now made from more sustainable materials (2015), with the aim each year to increase the share. H&M is one of the world’s biggest users of recycled polyester and one of the biggest buyers of organic cotton. The goal for cotton is that it is to be 100% sustainably sourced by 2020. It is part of H&M’s ambition to make sustainable, good-quality fashion accessible to as many people as possible. For more information, please visit about.hm.com/sustainability.

Contact:
Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

Source: H&M

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Ten Drawings Selected from 70,000 Submissions Around the World for IKEA’s third annual Soft Toy Drawing Competition

Ten Drawings Selected from 70,000 Submissions Around the World for IKEA’s third annual Soft Toy Drawing Competition

 

Children 12 and Under Were Invited to Co-Create New Toy Collection; Ten Drawings Have Been Selected from 70,000 Submissions Around the World – Including One from the U.S. – for New Collection Available November 2017

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — IKEA announces today (02/06/2017) the winners of its third annual Soft Toy Drawing Competition, which invites children aged 12 and under* to share drawings of their very own imaginary creatures for the chance of turning them into real soft toys. This year, IKEA received more than 70,000 entries from around the globe and the ten most fantastic drawings – including an entry from the U.S. – have been selected to make up the limited-edition SAGOSKATT soft toy collection which will be available worldwide in IKEA stores starting November 2017.

“Every year, we’re so inspired to see the uninhibited creativity and fantastic fun in the submissions from kids around the world,” said Diane Zoll, Loyalty Program Manager, IKEA U.S. “We love that kids are designing for other kids – after all, they are the creators of tomorrow!”

The chosen drawings were selected based on uniqueness, as children were encouraged to submit ideas from their own fantasy to showcase their own unique expressions. Bodil Fritjofsson, Product Developer for Children’s IKEA, comments on this year’s winning drawings:

•U.S. – Rainbow cloud: Clouds are not usually known to brighten your day but this cloud certainly does! Happy, lovely colours and a happy face – we need happy faces.”
•Australia – Foxy: “It’s so perky and awake! It’s like it is saying – I’m in, whatever you’re up to, I’m in! And we like that it is drawn completely flat – kind of like Picasso.”
•Austria – Blue bird: “This one looks like a bit of ninja! It has a remarkable attitude, looking like it is holding back a fun secret. Its upturned beak and nimble feet will help to protect you.”
•Bulgaria – Unicorn dog: “This dog is magical, he looks like he can both dance ballet and fly. The shape of the head and the expression is just so spot on.”
•Germany – Crocodile: “It is so friendly and huggable, with a suspicious look on its face. You want to know what it has done and what it plans on doing next!”
•Japan – Egg shaped owl: “Kind, soft and lovely to hug, it looks like a great friend. The expression is so funny and the small, odd shaped feet are so cute.”
•Korea – purple monster/dragon/hedgehog: “This is like a super hero – wanting to look a little scary, but is just so sweet, kind of doing the gangman style – a bit funky.”
•Poland – Happy spider: “What is that sound? It is the sound of an energetic, agile and bouncy spider! It has great teeth, but friendly, with only a bit of a bite.”
•Russia –Toucan: “Ready for take-off! Full of action with only one foot on the ground. The large scale of the contrast coloured beak is great.”
•United Arab Emirates – Fluffy lion: “A fluffy, happy cartoonlike lion, looking like he’s saying “I’m on fire :-)”, ready for any adventure, but he won’t eat you. Big soft nice feet.”

”The event creates opportunities for children to be creative – to draw their dream toy – and that opens up their fantasy, which really shows in the art,” says Bodil Fritjofsson. “The ten winning drawings are a lovely mixture of imaginary animals, simply wonderful personal combinations of colors, shapes and expressions that spark my own imagination. The world will not lack potential future artists and designers, as some of the drawings are real pieces of art.”

* The competition was open to IKEA FAMILY members with children aged 12 and under. IKEA FAMILY is a benefits program that offers membership perks. Consumers can sign up for the free program online or in-store.

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 392 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-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.

Press Contact:
Mona Astra Liss
1-610-834-0180 x 5852

Source: IKEA

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University of Phoenix® and NRF continue to support the next generation of retail leaders with Dream BIG Scholarship Program

WASHINGTON, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the fifth consecutive year University of Phoenix® and the National Retail Federation are collaborating to offer the Dream BIG Scholarship Program to support the dreams of the next generation of retail leaders. The program will award 20 full-tuition scholarships to retail industry professionals who want to advance their retail careers through higher education.

“The multifaceted retail industry offers various opportunities for career growth and upward mobility,” said Ruth Veloria, executive dean for University of Phoenix School of Business. “In fact, 44 percent of retail workers today are employed in positions other than sales. An ever-changing technology and consumer landscape makes innovation a top priority for retail leaders, and education is crucial to enhance career outcomes in the industry.”

The Dream BIG Scholarship Program is open to applicants who reside in the U.S., work full or part time for a retail or restaurant company and meet additional eligibility criteria. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2017. Retail executives from some of the industry’s most well-known companies will serve as members of the executive selection committee.

“During the past five years, the NRF Foundation has seen the Dream BIG scholarship change the lives of more than 70 worthy individuals, with recipients’ passion for retail and commitment to hard work culminating in the perfect formula for success in the retail industry,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Ellen Davis said. “We are proud to partner with University of Phoenix once again to recognize 20 more retail professionals for the Dream BIG Scholarship Program and we look forward to reading about the dreams and stories of those looking to advance their retail career through higher education.”

The Dream BIG Scholarship program is made possible through a collaboration between National Retail Federation, the NRF Foundation, and University of Phoenix.

“Receiving the Dream BIG scholarship offered a significant opportunity to support my career goals and helped to make achieving a master’s degree possible,” said Leigh Deal, Custom Closets Designer, The Container Store. “The ability to attend class remotely, work in a collaborative virtual setting and sharpen my writing skills for the digital space not only aided my own professional growth, but helped me to effectively impact employees within our organization by assisting them in making better decisions and establishing more positive customer relationships.”

To learn more about the program, including scholarship terms and conditions and how to apply, visit nrf.com/dreambig.

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

About NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation shapes retail’s future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stories; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail. The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters. NRF.com/Foundation.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. As a subsidiary of Apollo Education Group, Inc., University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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

Source: NRF

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Tractor Supply Company to present at an investment community meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2017

BRENTWOOD, TN, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, today (02/07/17) announced that the Company’s management team will deliver a 90-minute presentation at an investment community meeting on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (11:00 a.m. Central Time) in Nashville, Tennessee.

The presentation will be simultaneously webcast 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 also be available at IR.TractorSupply.com shortly after the conference call concludes.

About Tractor Supply Company

Founded in 1938, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. At December 31, 2016, the Company operated 1,595 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com. Tractor Supply 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.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At December 31, 2016, the Company operated 143 Petsense stores in 26 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.

Contact:

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

Investors: John Rouleau/Rachel Schacter
Media: Alecia Pulman/Brittany Rae Fraser
ICR
(203) 682-8200

Source: Tractor Supply Company

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Immochan marks its 5th year in Romania

Immochan marks its 5th year in Romania

 

Croix Cedex, France, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — 5 years of activity in Romania represent for Immochan an accelerated growth, the company became the market leader based on the number of managed shopping centers – 23 currently.

Immochan has claimed the role of global urban player, attentive to the changing needs of communities in Coresi project initiated in 2013, in Brasov. Coresi Shopping Resort opened in March 2015 (45.000sqm GLA) was the first stage of the project. A second phase followed, Street Coresi, that complements the offer of the shopping center, with ​​14,000sqm GLA and an investment of 10 million euros.

Coresi Avantgarden, the residential complex, represents the third phase, with the stated ambition of creating 3,000 new apartments in Brasov. 570 apartments in 13 buildings are under construction with delivery in 2017 and the first quarter of 2018.

In 2017, Immochan will continue the transformation of 5 shopping centers representing 30,000sqm and a total investment of 10 M Euro.

Contact:
Philippe Roussel
International leasing director
Email: proussel@immochan.com

Source:  Immochan

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Morinda announces results of its first-ever holiday charity event

AMERICAN FORK, Utah, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Throughout the 2016 Holiday season, Morinda ran their first-ever holiday charity event. The event, which included multiple pieces of high-end artisan jewelry, resulted in a donation of 100 percent of the profits of said-pieces to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

“Here at Morinda, we’re extremely passionate about giving back,” said VP of Sales & Marketing Shon Whitney. “This year, we wanted to do more than participate in a corporate humanitarian project–we wanted to extend the opportunity to give back to others to our customers and IPCs.”

Program sales far exceeded expectations, making the first-ever charity program a huge success.

“We’re extremely excited about the outcome of our first holiday charity program,” continued Whitney. “We’ve set a precedent that we look forward to building upon in seasons to come.”

The American Red Cross works to prevent and relieve suffering by donating time, money and blood to those in need. Their Disaster Relief Services specifically focus on responding to disasters from small house fires to multi-state natural disasters. The ARC responds to an emergency every 8 minutes, providing people with clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.

“We chose the American Red Cross because they benefit people all over the nation and beyond,” said Michal Ash, Morinda’s Global Public Relations Manager and the director of the charity event. “This program has helped us to cultivate a relationship with the ARC that we are extremely grateful for. They truly do great work.”

Throughout the program, representatives from the Utah-Nevada chapter of the American Red Cross have assisted with branding and promotion. They’re also continually aiding in facilitating donations from Morinda to the ARC on a national level.

“We appreciate the support of companies like Morinda that embrace and support the mission of the Red Cross” said Heidi Ruster, the ARC Utah and Nevada Region CEO.  “The funds raised in their recent campaign help us respond to disasters big and small.”

Learn more about the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund here.

Learn more about Morinda and our products here.

About Morinda    

Founded in 1996, Morinda is a global, research-driven company with a mission to use the power of nature to help people live healthier, longer lives. Cutting-edge technology and extensive research have allowed Morinda to develop innovative product lines that reflect its passion to help people live younger, longer. Morinda is headquartered in American Fork, Utah, and has a presence in more than 117 countries worldwide. Learn more at www.morinda.com.

Contact:
Michal Ash
Global Public Relations Manager
Michal_Ash@Morinda.com
801-234-3314

Source: Morinda

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Toys“R”Us appoints Cornell Boggs as its EVP and General Counsel

WAYNE, NJ, 2017-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us, Inc., the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, today (February 7, 2017) announced the hiring of Cornell Boggs as its Executive Vice President and General Counsel, effective February 15, 2017. He will report directly to Chairman and CEO Dave Brandon.

Mr. Boggs joins Toys“R”Us from Dow Corning Corporation, a large multinational based in Midland, Michigan, where he served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In that role, he oversaw teams in Asia, Europe and Latin America, in addition to the U.S. and was responsible for Legal, Government Affairs, Compliance and Ethics.

In his new role, Mr. Boggs will be responsible for leading all legal, corporate governance and legislative matters for the company. He will provide advice and counsel to the Leadership Team on a wide-range of issues, including those focused on achieving the company’s growth objectives. Mr. Boggs will be a key advocate for the Toys“R”Us brand, ensuring the company’s interests are represented in the many places around the globe where it does business. He will also work closely with the Board of Directors in his position as Corporate Secretary.

“Cornell’s extensive global experience extends well beyond traditional legal issues,” said Mr. Brandon. “He brings strong leadership skills, business acumen and an appreciation for the unique complexities of our company. I am confident that he will make a significant contribution to our ongoing transformation and plans for growth.”

Before Dow Corning, Mr. Boggs was Chief Responsibility and Ethics Officer for MillerCoors LLC/Coors Brewing Company. He also held senior level roles with major global companies, including Tyco Plastics and Adhesives, Intel Corporation, Anheuser-Busch, and Monsanto and spent two years with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Boggs has a JD and a BA from Valparaiso University in Indiana. He serves on the Boards of his alma mater, where he is Vice Chairman of the Audit Committee, as well as Thrivent Financial, a Fortune 500 financial services company. Mr. Boggs is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the preeminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of black executives in C-Suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises.

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.

Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 885 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 795 international stores and over 259 licensed stores in 37 countries and jurisdictions. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, the company provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Toys“R”Us, Inc. is headquartered in Wayne, NJ, and has an annual workforce of approximately 62,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Since 1992, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with Toys“R”Us, Inc., has donated more than $125 million in grants to children’s charities. For more information, visit Toysrusinc.com or follow @ToysRUsNews on Twitter. Follow Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus and Facebook.com/Babiesrus and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

Media Contact:

Amy von Walter
Executive Vice President
Global Communications and Public Relations
Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Amy.vonWalter@toysrus.com
201-815-9512

Source:Toys“R”Us, Inc.