Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. host fiscal year 2016 conference call on February 23, 2017

ATLANTA, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLKI), the franchisor and operator of Popeyes® restaurants, today (Feb 8, 2017) announced that its Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year 2016, which ended December 25, 2016, will be filed on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, after market close. The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time to review results and provide guidance for fiscal 2017.

A live listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available on the PLKI website at www.popeyes.com/investors. The conference call can also be accessed live over the phone by dialing (855) 427-4392 or for international callers by dialing (484) 756-4257. A replay will be available after the call and can be accessed by dialing (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406; the conference ID is 59630624. The replay will be available until Thursday, March 9, 2017. A replay of the conference call will also be available for 90 days on the Company’s website.

Corporate Profile

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of Popeyes® restaurants, the world’s second-largest Quick-Service Restaurant (“QSR”) chicken concept based on number of units. As of December 25, 2016, Popeyes had 2,688 operating restaurants in the United States, three territories, and 25 foreign countries. The Company’s primary objective is to deliver sales and profits by offering excellent investment opportunities in its Popeyes brand and providing exceptional franchisee support systems and services to its owners. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. can be found at www.popeyes.com.

Investor Inquiries:
Anita Booe
404-459-4665
Director, Investor Relations
Anita.Booe@popeyes.com

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

Source: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.

Stockmann plc to publish its Financial Statements Bulletin 2016 on 15 February 2017

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Stockmann plc will publish the Financial Statements Bulletin 2016 on Wednesday, 15 February 2017 at 8:00 a.m. EET.

A press and analyst briefing will be held on 15 February 2017 at 9:15 a.m. EET in the Fazer À la Carte restaurant on the 8th floor of Stockmann’s Helsinki city centre department store, Aleksanterinkatu 52 B. At the briefing, the financial statements will be presented by CEO Lauri Veijalainen and the financial performance for the divisions by the directors of the divisions.

Webcast
CEO Lauri Veijalainen will host a webcast in English on 15 February 2017, at 11:00 a.m. EET presenting the financial statements. To participate in the webcast, please dial one of the numbers below 5–10 minutes before the webcast begins. The presentation can be followed by this link or on the address stockmanngroup.com. The recording and presentation material are available on the company’s website after the event.

Finland: +358 9 7479 0361
Sweden: +46 8 5033 6574
United Kingdom: +44 330 336 9105
United States of America: +1 719 457 1036

Confirmation code: 9962578

Further information
Stockmann Media Desk
Mon–Fri 9–16 EET
tel. +358 50 389 0011
info@stockmann.com

Source: Stockmann plc

Dunkin’ Donuts’ new line of bottled, ready-to-drink Iced Coffee beverages available at retailers nationwide

Dunkin’ Donuts’ new line of bottled, ready-to-drink Iced Coffee beverages available at retailers nationwide

 

CANTON, MA, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Beginning now (February 08, 2017), Dunkin’ Donuts’ new line of bottled, ready-to-drink Iced Coffee beverages are becoming  available in the refrigerator cases at grocery, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, and at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants throughout the U.S. Through an agreement announced last September, The Coca-Cola Company and its bottling partners are manufacturing and distributing the pre-packaged Dunkin’ Donuts® branded bottled beverages in four flavors, including Original, Mocha, Espresso and French Vanilla.

The bottled Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee beverages feature the quality and great taste that millions of Dunkin’ Donuts guests have come to expect from the brand’s signature iced coffee served at its restaurants worldwide. The bottled Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee beverages will be made according to Dunkin’ Donuts’ specifications using high-quality Arabica coffee blends with real milk and sugar.

This launch marks Dunkin’ Donuts’ first entry into the ready-to-drink coffee category, which has enjoyed strong growth over the past five years and represents $2.3 billion dollars in annual sales according to Nielsen. The agreement supports Dunkin’ Donuts’ goal of strengthening its position as a coffee authority and further extends the Dunkin’ Donuts brand into new distribution channels.

According to Dunkin’ Brands Chairman and CEO Nigel Travis, “We are proud to partner with The Coca-Cola Company, a world-class organization recognized for building powerful consumer brands, for the launch of bottled Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee. Entry into the ready-to-drink coffee category reinforces our position as one of the world’s leading coffee brands, increases our brand relevance with new and current customers, and creates yet another way for America’s coffee-loving consumers to run on Dunkin’.”

To learn more about bottled Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee, visit www.dunkinanytime.com. To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or subscribe to the Dunkin’ Donuts blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 11 years running. The company has more than 12,000 restaurants in 45 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dunkin’ Brands Media Relations
Email:press@dunkinbrands.com

Source:  Dunkin’ Donuts

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Dunkin’ Donuts celebrates the season of love with full schedule of social programming

Dunkin’ Donuts celebrates the season of love with full schedule of social programming

 

CANTON, MA, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Donuts is helping fans celebrate the season of love with a full schedule of social programming around Valentine’s Day, featuring a chance to win a year’s worth of coffee and donuts with a “Dunkin’ Love” photo contest, a Facebook Live musical performance with Us The Duo, an iMessage custom card builder, the launch of an emoji keyboard and new Snapchat geofilters.

For the chance to win the ultimate Valentine’s Day present, beginning today Dunkin’ Donuts fans can enter the “Dunkin’ Love” photo contest, sharing via Instagram how Dunkin’ Donuts is part of their love story, using hashtag #DunkinLoveContest. One grand prize winner will receive a year’s worth of both coffee and donuts, as well as $2,500 they can perhaps use towards an extra sweet Valentine’s Day gift this year. To kick off the contest, Dunkin’ Donuts partnered with LittleThings to celebrate and surprise Olivia and Rob, a young couple from Missouri whose love story involved Dunkin’ Donuts from their first date to their wedding, their video can be seen here. No purchase necessary, legal U.S. residents, 18+. Void where prohibited. For additional terms and conditions related to Dunkin’ Donuts’ #DunkinLoveContest, visit http://ddsweeps.com.

Dunkin’ Donuts has also paired up with acoustic pop twosome Us The Duo, the husband and wife duo of Michael and Carissa Alvarado followed by millions of fans across their social communities. Us The Duo will join Dunkin’ Donuts for a special Facebook Live on February 13 at 7:00 p.m., performing their original song, “Stop Just Love.” Dunkin’ Donuts chefs will also share creative ways to celebrate the holiday with the brand’s new Valentine’s Day heart-shaped donuts and coffee flavors.

Dunkin’ Donuts has a fun new way to send a Valentine’s Day card, with the launch of a unique iMessage Card Builder. iMessage 10 users can create a custom card, add a Dunkin’ Donuts Valentine’s Day themed sticker and send to their Valentine all through iMessage. Other iMessage users can respond to the card and send back as well. Additionally, fans can show their Dunkin’ love this season with the brand’s new emoji keyboard, available in the Dunkin’ App. Also, on the day before and day of Valentine’s Day, Dunkin’ Donuts will have two Snapchat geofilters, one to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the other to celebrate the new emoji keyboard. More information on all the ways to share Dunkin’ Love can be found on the Dunkin’ Donuts blog here.

For people looking to keep energized with sweet new coffee and donut choices, for Valentine’s Day season Dunkin’ Donuts recently introduced new Fudge Brownie Swirl and Vanilla Cupcake Swirl flavored coffee, available in Dunkin’ Donuts’ hot or iced coffees, lattes and macchiatos. Dunkin’ Donuts has also brought back its beloved heart-shaped donuts in two new Valentine’s Day varieties, the Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Heart Donut and the Brownie Batter Crumble Heart Donut, as well as returning Fudge Croissant Donut. All of Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee and donut menu items for Valentine’s Day season are available for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com, or subscribe to the Dunkin’ Donuts blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 11 years running. The company has more than 12,000 restaurants in 45 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dunkin’ Brands Media Relations
Email: press@dunkinbrands.com

Source: Dunkin’ Donuts

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Baskin-Robbins celebrates Valentine’s Day with Love Potion #31-inspired Cookie and Polar Pizza

Baskin-Robbins celebrates Valentine’s Day with Love Potion #31-inspired Cookie and Polar Pizza

 

CANTON, Mass, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — This year, Baskin-Robbins is helping guests celebrate Valentine’s Day with two new Love Potion #31 treats, inspired by the classic ice cream flavor! Love Potion #31 is a classic Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavor that was originally introduced in 1995. It features white chocolate-flavored and raspberry ice creams, a raspberry ribbon, chocolate chips and raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts.

Our Love Potion #31 ice cream flavor inspired our new Love Potion #31 Cookie and Love Potion #31 Polar Pizza. Our culinary team explained that they wanted to extend this original flavor into more desserts. “What motivated these new desserts is the uniqueness of the ice cream flavor. There really is nothing quite like it,” said Benjamin Stanley, Research and Development Senior Manager for Baskin-Robbins.

Baskin-Robbins launched our new Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches and Sundaes last spring, and with Love Potion #31’s exceptional flavor, we had to make it into a cookie. The Love Potion #31 Cookie is a delicious chocolate raspberry flavored cookie with white chocolate and raspberry flavored chips. This cookie is the perfect complement to our Love Potion #31 ice cream, tasting absolutely delicious when paired in a Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich or Sundae!

Similarly, Love Potion #31 translated particularly well into our Polar Pizza, which we brought back last summer. The Love Potion #31 Polar Pizza is made with a Double Fudge Brownie crust topped with Love Potion #31 ice cream, OREO cookie pieces, marshmallow topping, hot fudge and heart quins.

“The idea of Polar Pizza is that it is more of an everyday treat – it doesn’t have to be for a celebration like cakes. And Polar Pizza comes pre-cut, making it really easy to enjoy straight out of the box with friends and family,” said Sara Cox, Research and Development Manager. “Our new Love Potion #31 Polar Pizza is a fun extension of our Polar Pizza lineup, and is perfect this season.”

The Love Potion #31 Cookie and Love Potion #31 Polar Pizza are seasonal products and are only available for a limited time. We hope you enjoy them this Valentine’s Day season with your family or that special someone!

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dunkin’ Brands Media Relations
Email: press@dunkinbrands.com

Source: Baskin-Robbins

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NCR Corporation launches the NCR Silver family of point-of-sale (POS) products in the U.K.

London, UK, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a global leader in omni-channel solutions, has launched the NCR Silver family of point-of-sale (POS) products in the U.K.

With NCR Silver, U.K.-based merchants can turn their tablet into a complete POS system. This cloud-based payment, marketing and business management solution operates on iOS and closed Android devices. It is designed for small business retailers, restaurateurs and service providers who need a mobile solution to not only complete transactions but manage business from anywhere.

“U.K.-based merchants will find an innovative and established business partner in NCR, the company that holds the first U.S. patent on the cash register,” said Chris Poelma, president and general manager of NCR Silver. “For any small business with growth on its mind, NCR Silver delivers a rich solution set and intuitive technology that makes it easy to expand.”

Solutions include:

  • NCR Silver core app, which offers mobile payments, intuitive sales reporting, integrated loyalty and more, and is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses
  • NCR Silver Pro Restaurant app, which is designed for food-service merchants who want to serve customers faster, optimize staffing, manage table locations, provide promotional pricing and more
  • An add-on service that delivers advanced reporting and easy-to-use employee- and inventory-management tools
  • Integrated credit with multiple processors for freedom of choice

NCR Silver offers 24/7 customer support and the unique NCR Silver Concierge service, which provides initial remote setup and remote monthly menu maintenance.

NCR Silver launched in the United States in 2012 to tap a small business market looking for new cloud-based POS solutions. Since then, NCR Silver has attracted a loyal following – from “micro” merchants to major multi-location franchises such as Waffle House.

One customer, Curt Campbell, CEO of The Oilerie, a growing artisan olive oil and vinegar retailer, chose NCR Silver for reliability, cloud-based flexibility and customer support.

“With NCR Silver, we’re moving ahead,” said Campbell. “We’re now using the latest tech at The Oilerie. That helps us with franchisee prospects who are looking at us and they see that we are cutting edge.”

Pricing and availability
NCR Silver core and NCR Silver Pro Restaurant are available for download from the Apple App Store® and work on compatible iPhone®, iPad® and iPad touch devices running iOS 7.1. They also work on NCR Silver Register™, a closed all-in-one Android platform.

The subscriptions start at £59 plus VAT for a single location running the app on one device. Additional add-on services are also available for an extra charge.

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

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

Web site: https://www.ncrsilver.co.uk/
Twitter: @NCRCorporation | @NCRSilver
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp | www.facebook.com/NCRSilver/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation | www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-silver
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation | www.youtube.com/user/NCRSilverPOS

Apple, Apple Pay, iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

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

Hayley Myles
H+K Strategies for NCR
+44 20 7413 3092
hayley.myles@hkstrategies.com

Source: NCR Corporation

NCR ENCOR — a complete store management solution for small and medium-sized retailers in North America

Purpose-built solution for the fast-moving consumer goods market to meet omni-channel demands available exclusively through the NCR Interact Partner Program 

DULUTH, Ga., 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), the global leader in omni-channel technologies, introduces NCR ENCOR, a complete store management solution that delivers comprehensive point of sale, front office and back office functionality for small and medium-sized retailers that will be available through the NCR Interact Partner Program in North America. NCR ENCOR is based on an open platform delivering a unified customer experience leveraging the NCR Retail ONE omni-commerce hub. NCR Retail ONE provides real-time access to actionable data across multiple channels, as well as seamless integration to an ever-evolving ecosystem of third party applications.

According to a recent survey by IHL on IT spend among retailers, 86% of the software spending by retailers is made to support unified commerce with investments in store systems, merchandising and supply chain, business intelligence and analytics, or ecommerce systems, amongst others.

NCR addresses this need with NCR ENCOR, a purpose-built solution for the fast-moving consumer goods market, developed to provide an exceptional, consumer experience, from product availability and correct pricing to fluid checkout. It is scalable to cover the needs from a single store to a whole enterprise solution set. For example, a retailer can easily expand the functionality to include Connected Services, an enterprise reporting, electronic journal and cashier analysis solution and Connected Payments, a secure payment gateway designed to deliver data and transmission protection, from PIN pad to payment processor.

Combined with NCR’s newest POS hardware solutions the RealPOS™ XR4 or the RealPOS XR8, retailers get best in class performance, power, security and versatility in two of the smallest form factors available today. The innovative, compact design of these two hardware platforms conserves valuable space while providing the connectivity, storage and configuration options that retailers need to meet today’s omni-channel demands.

“We saw the need in the small- to mid-sized market to develop an end-to-end, future-ready solution that provides complete, best-in-class functionality, while reducing the complexity and cost associated with using multiple products,” said Ron Allnock, Channel Leader, Global Sales at NCR Retail Solutions. “So we converged the best DNA of our industry-leading products, added innovative functionality, and topped it off with an intuitive, modern user interface. The result is a single solution that addresses the current needs of independent grocers, protects their investment as those needs continue to evolve and positions them to not react to—but lead unified commerce initiatives.”

NCR Retail ONE is an innovative commerce hub that unites an open ecosystem of retail applications and data with an omni-channel software platform to help provide frictionless shopping experiences for consumers. NCR Retail ONE allows retailers to mix and match innovative applications from NCR, its partners and third parties.

NCR ENCOR is sold exclusively through the NCR Interact Partner Program; a global marketing, enablement and services program for NCR business partners who sell NCR’s broad portfolio of solutions and services across multiple industries. For more information on the program go to: https://www.ncr.com/company/global-partners/partner-program.

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., USA, with over 30,000 employees and does business in 180 countries.

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:
Ortrud Wenzel
NCR Corporation
+49 821 405 8191
ortrud.wenzel@ncr.com

Source: NCR Corporation

Nine by Savannah Miller launches its first Bridal collection available exclusively at Debenhams

Nine by Savannah Miller launches its first Bridal collection available exclusively at Debenhams

 

London, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Drawing from the success of the Nine by Savannah Miller Womenswear collection, 2017 sees the launch of the designer’s first Nine by Savannah Miller Bridal collection available exclusively at Debenhams. These beautiful bohemian designs celebrate both form and function, taking inspiration from classic British styles, adding Savannah Miller’s elegant style to create a chic bespoke collection perfect for the big day.

Available in four styles; each dress is beautifully adorned with delicate embroidery and flowing luxe sheer fabrications in two classic colour ways. Featuring distinctive detailing with flattering fits and delicate metallic finishes, each dress is lovingly made to create the picture perfect wedding gown. From structured long sleeved floor sweeping styles to free spirited dramatic draping, this collection is sure to make every bride feel a million dollars on her big day, without the designer price tag.

Debuting at Debenhams stores and online from mid-January 2017 this collection is sure to make every bride’s fairy-tale wedding a reality.

About Debenhams

Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades out of more than 240 stores across 27 countries.  Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

In the UK, Debenhams has a top three market position in womenswear and menswear and a top ten share in childrenswear.  It holds the number two market position in premium health and beauty.

Debenhams has been investing in British design for 21 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands.  Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Savannah Miller, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, FrostFrench, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Ben de Lisi, Todd Lynn, Julien Macdonald, Jenny Packham, Preen, Giles Deacon, Aliza Reger, John Rocha, Ashley Thomas and Matthew Williamson.

CONTACTS:

Shona Matthews
Shona.Matthews@debenhams.com

Source: Debenhams

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SPAR to run SPARK kids Athletics Park during 2017 European Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade on 3-5 March

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — As principle sponsor of the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Belgrade on 3-5 March, SPAR will once again be working with the Female Coaching Network (FCN) to run the SPARK kids Athletics Park (SPARK).

SPARK was first launched at the 2010 European Athletics Championships and has since developed into a great platform for demonstrating the key disciplines of athletics: running, jumping and throwing. The partnership with FCN has further expanded SPARK to include training guidelines for young athletes and their parents.

During the course of the Indoor Championships in Belgrade, FCN will hold workshops at the SPARK tent, encouraging all young spectators to participate. Activities will be based around an indoor track and field concept called Sportshall and is aimed at kids aged 4-16. The SPARK area will also include the popular Nutrition Zone tent, which is dedicated to promoting and encouraging healthy eating.

At this year’s Indoor Champs we will also be running a hashtag competition (#sparkfcn) where spectato

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

SPAR Netherlands inaugurates its first SPAR Express store located in Geertruidenberg

Netherlands, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — SPAR Netherlands has achieved another great milestone with the opening of its first SPAR Express forecourt store located in Geertruidenberg, in the province of North Brabant. The launch of additional SPAR Express stores is now in the planning.

To develop its network of SPAR Express forecourt stores, SPAR Netherlands has entered into an agreement with EFR, the operating company of Texaco service stations. The SPAR Express format has been in operation in a number of other SPAR countries for many years now. While suitable for a variety of high-footfall locations like railway stations, airports and city centres, for the time being SPAR Netherlands has chosen to only develop the SPAR Express format at service stations.

Following the launch of the Geertruidenberg forecourt store two additional SPAR Express stores were opened recently in the Netherlands, one in The Hague and another in Amstelveen, close to Amsterdam. Both store openings were celebrated with a festive opening ceremony and promotional campaigns, including discount coupons for residents and local companies. Two more SPAR Express stores will soon be opened in Arnhem and Wateringen.

The new forecourt stores will add to the existing SPAR City store developments in the country, which also focus on the combination of convenient, Food-to-Go products with daily grocery ranges.

The product range for each store will be adapted to the location and needs of local residents. Each store’s range will also feature car related products such as engine oil and washer fluid. “The new SPAR Express stores are going to be grocery stores where you can also fill up the car and not the other way round”, said SPAR Netherlands Commercial Director, Susanne Kroon.

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

SpartanNash Company to announce its 4Q and fiscal year 2016 financial results on February 22, 2017

Byron Center, MI, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — SpartanNash Company (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: SPTN) will announce its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2016 financial results after the stock market close on Wednesday, February 22, 2017.

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results with additional comments and details on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. ET. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet hosted at SpartanNash’s website at www.spartannash.com/webcasts under the “Investor Relations” section and will remain available for replay on the Company’s website for approximately ten days.

About SpartanNash

SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN) is a Fortune 400 company whose core businesses include distributing grocery products to independent grocery retailers, national accounts, its corporate owned retail stores, and U.S. military commissaries. SpartanNash serves customer locations in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 157 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, VG’s Food and Pharmacy, D&W Fresh Market, Sun Mart, and Family Fresh Market. Through its MDV military division, SpartanNash is the leading distributor of grocery products to military commissaries in the United States.

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

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

Source: SpartanNash Company

Tops Friendly Markets teams up with Redland Foods to produce segment of its Tops Brand line of products locally in Western New York

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts recently teamed up with Redland Foods to produce a segment of its Tops Brand line of products right here in Western New York.

Redland, an affiliate of Trophy Foods Inc., expanded into the U.S. from Canada for the first time in 2014, having already created 20 new jobs for the community and investing over $2.5 million into Western New York, with plans for further growth in jobs and capital investment in 2017. This type of commitment to the community and the economic impact that they will have for years to come is just one of the many reasons why Tops decided to partner with them on this product line.

Having recently rebranded and reformulated thousands of items over the past two years, and added or reformulated hundreds of items with an emphasis on cleaner ingredients, Tops was seeking a company that offered flexibility as well as a manufacturer willing to work within its high standards of quality and transparency. Having the product made locally also guarantees the freshest and highest quality products possible for their customers and was something that was important to Tops when seeking a vendor.

“Whether it was producing smaller batches or helping us to develop a blend of flavors that no other national brand offers, Redland helped us to develop a program to meet our needs all within our guidelines,” said Nicky Walsh, director of business development for Daymon. Daymon, a private brand development group, works closely with Tops Markets to develop several of the Tops Brand products.

“Redland Foods is very proud to partner with Tops Markets on their new initiative to provide their customers with innovative healthy snacking nut products,” said Joseph Milando, vice president of sales. “We established very early on a great working relationship with the Tops team in developing and launching a wide assortment of snacking nut items meant to cater and indulge their customers on great tasting snacking nuts! We are extremely excited about our tremendous partnership with the leading full-service grocery retailer.”

“Working with local manufacturers is something Tops takes great pride in so when seeking a vendor to manufacturer its 18 varieties of snack nuts and trail mixes, Tops was pleased to find Redland conveniently located right in our backyard on Sonwil Drive in Cheektowaga, NY, said Frank Curci, chief executive officer and chairman for Tops Friendly Markets.

In the coming months Tops is looking forward to working with Redlands on additional opportunities to expand its snack line including one with a seasonal flare due to hit shelves this fall.

About Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 172 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs more than 15,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company’s website at www.topsmarkets.com.

Trophy Foods Inc. Canadian based Trophy Foods Inc. is a manufacturer of nuts, dried fruits, and confectionery and bulk foods. They work with grocery retailers, mass merchandisers, drug channels, and food service customers across Canada and the U.S. to create and produce a wide variety of private label branded products. With headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario and a second location in Calgary, Alberta, Trophy Foods has been in operation since 1967.

CONTACT: 

Kathy Romanowski
7166355577

Source: Tops Friendly Markets

 

Bartell Drugs to showcase Northwest’s local products during “Loving Local” week from February 12th – 18th

SEATTLE, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Part of the joy of living in the Pacific Northwest is the opportunity to enjoy locally made products. Bartell Drugs is highlighting locally and regionally based companies and their products during “Loving Local” week from February 12th – February 18th.

With our own more than 126-year history in the Northwest, Bartell’s is proud to support other home-grown businesses and products, something larger chains just aren’t able to do.  And to celebrate, we are offering special vendor sampling and in-store events to showcase the more than 150 great local products to our Bartell customers. Some of the vendors will include: Joe Chocolates, Moon Valley Organics, Earth Baby Mama Angel, DRY beverages, Himalayan Dog Treats and Zings bars. In-store events will feature a caricature artist or a face-painter, along with food and drink sampling.

As part of celebrating local and helping our community, we’re also donating to select neighborhood food banks. Representatives from the Ballard Food Bank, Mill Creek Food Bank and the Highline Food Bank will be on-hand at their neighborhood Bartells to highlight their organizations’ programs for store guests at the three in-store events.

Local matters to you and so it matters to us, too! Help us show your love for local!

Vendor Sampling locations and dates:
4th & Jackson store
Tuesday, February 14 from Noon to 3:00 p.m.

4th & Madison store
Wednesday, February 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In-Store events locations and dates:
Burien store
Thursday, February 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Face-painting will be available for store guests. Highline Food Bank will be tabling.

Mill Creek Store
Friday, February 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Caricature artist will be available for store guests. Mill Creek Food Bank will be tabling.

Ballard Commons store
Saturday, February 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Caricature artist will be available for store guests. Ballard Food Bank will be tabling.

For more information, visit www.bartelldrugs.com/services/events/

About Bartell Drugs
Family-owned since 1890, Seattle-based Bartell Drugs is proud of its more than 126-year history based here in the Northwest. Four generations of the Bartell family have continuously focused on the future – and how the drugstore chain could better serve its customers. Operating 65 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, it is the nation’s oldest family-owned drugstore chain.  For more information on Bartell Drugs, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

Media Contacts:

Ric Brewer
Senior Communications Manager
206-933-9416
ric.brewer@bartelldrugs.com

Source: Bartell Drugs

The TJX Companies, Inc. to release its 4Q and full year Fiscal 2017 sales and earnings results on February 22, 2017

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TJX) today (Feb. 8, 2017) announced that it plans to release its fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2017 sales and earnings results on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, before 9:30 a.m. ET.

At 11:00 a.m. ET that day, Ernie Herrman, TJX’s Chief Executive Officer and President, will hold a conference call to discuss the Company’s fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2017 results, operations and business trends, as well as expectations for Fiscal 2018. A real-time webcast of the call will be available to the public at tjx.com. A replay of the call will also be available by dialing (866) 367-5577 through Wednesday, March 1, 2017, or at tjx.com.

About The TJX Companies, Inc.

The TJX Companies, Inc. is the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. As of October 29, 2016, the end of the Company’s third quarter, the Company operated a total of 3,785 stores in nine countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Australia, and three e-commerce sites. These include 1,179 T.J. Maxx, 1,027 Marshalls, 568 HomeGoods and 11 Sierra Trading Post stores, as well as tjmaxx.com and sierratradingpost.com in the United States; 255 Winners, 106 HomeSense, and 57 Marshalls stores in Canada; 503 T.K. Maxx and 44 HomeSense stores, as well as tkmaxx.com, in Europe; and 35 Trade Secret stores in Australia. TJX’s press releases and financial information are also available at tjx.com.

Important Information at Website

Archived versions of the Company’s conference calls are available in the Investor Information section of tjx.com after they are no longer available by telephone as are reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures and other financial information. The Company routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the Investor Information section at tjx.com. The Company encourages investors to consult that section of its website regularly.

Media Contact:

Doreen Thompson
Investors: Jeff Botte
(508) 390-2323

Source: The TJX Companies, Inc.

Citycon’s announces plan to (re)develop Lippulaiva shopping centre in Espoonlahti, Helsinki

Citycon’s announces plan to (re)develop Lippulaiva shopping centre in Espoonlahti, Helsinki

 

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Citycon’s extensive (re)development of Lippulaiva located in Espoonlahti, in the Helsinki area, will make a benchmark for the modern, urban shopping centre catering to the everyday needs of local residents.

Citycon’s plan is to demolish the present Lippulaiva and build a completely new shopping centre in its place. The project will double the gross leasable area to around 40,000 square metres and Citycon estimates the investment to be approximately EUR 200 million.

The new metro station of the Länsimetro extension and a feeder line bus terminal will be directly connected to the new Lippulaiva. Over the coming decade, the Espoonlahti area will see the fastest growth and densification in the capital area. By 2030 the population is expected to grow by more than 25 percent. A total of 550 new apartments are planned in connection with Lippulaiva alone.

“The exceptionally strong demand for retail premises is a proof of Lippulaiva’s great location and the attractiveness of its commercial concept. The new shopping centre will open in 2020 and already 60 percent of the spaces have been leased”, says Heikki Alén, Project Director at Citycon.

Lippulaiva will have a strong focus on groceries, with one of the largest concentrations of grocery stores in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. There will be a total of 14,000 square metres of grocery retail space, which is over a third of the total leasable area. This includes three full-service grocery stores: K-supermarket, Prisma, and Lidl. There will also be a smaller express K-market and an Alko liquor store. Other daily services will include a pharmacy, the discount store Tokmanni, and a store from the hardware chain Clas Ohlson.

A second area of emphasis in Lippulaiva will be a broad food and beverage offering, which will account for over ten percent of the gross leasable area. The ground floor will provide convenient and quick options, while the restaurants on the second floor will have a wide range of possibilities for socialising in a pleasant atmosphere.

“A diverse range of restaurants is an increasingly important part of the shopping centre offering. Our goal is to increase the proportion of food and beverage in our shopping centres from the current seven percent to over ten percent. This will be fulfilled in Lippulaiva due to the extremely strong demand from restaurant operators,” says Jurn Hoeksema, Chief Operating Officer at Citycon.

The third focus area in Lippulaiva will be on services, both private and public. Lippulaiva will have a private kindergarten Pilke, health services, and a gym. Lippulaiva is also planned to contain public services provided by the City of Espoo.

Finland’s first pop-up shopping centre 

While the new Lippulaiva is being built, Citycon will construct a temporary pop-up shopping centre, Pikkulaiva. Pikkulaiva will open in the vicinity of Lippulaiva in July-August. Pikkulaiva will have a gross leasable area of 8,500 square metres, and is already completely leased.

“Pikkulaiva will ensure that local residents have access to services for the duration of the construction project. We also want to hold onto our valued tenants and offer them a good place to continue operating while Lippulaiva is being built. Pikkulaiva will be constructed from recyclable elements that can be moved by truck, so it will be easy to relocate once the temporary facilities are no longer needed. This solution executes Citycon’s view of sustainable business,” Heikki Alén says.

Citycon expects that the contracts regarding the project will be signed by early spring. Demolition of the existing shopping centre will begin in late summer, and construction of the new Lippulaiva will begin late this year.

Citycon Oyj (Nasdaq Helsinki: CTY1S) is a leading owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The company manages a property portfolio that totals approximately EUR 5 billion and its shares have a market value of approximately EUR 2 billion. For more information about us, please visit www.citycon.com

Further information:

Heikki Alén
Project Director
Tel. +358 (0)40 567 6619
heikki.alen@citycon.com

Jurn Hoeksema
Chief Operating Officer
Tel. +46 70 385 1059
jurn.hoeksema@citycon.com

Source: CITYCON OYJ

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Citycon Oyj releases Financial Statements for 2016

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Citycon Oyj’s Financial Statements for 2016 have been published today. The Financial Statements include the Report by the Board of Directors, Consolidated Financial Statements, Parent Company Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report for the accounting period 1 January – 31 December 2016.

Citycon Oyj has also published its Corporate Governance Statement 2016. The statement is prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Finnish Corporate Governance Code published by the Finnish Securities Market Association.

The Financial Statements and Corporate Governance Statement are attached to this release and also available on the company’s website at www.citycon.com.

Citycon is an owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic region, managing assets that total approximately EUR 5 billion and with market capitalisation of over EUR 2 billion. Citycon is the No. 1 shopping centre owner in Finland and among the market leaders in Norway, Sweden and Estonia. Citycon has also established a foothold in Denmark. Citycon has investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s (Baa1) and Standard & Poor’s (BBB). Citycon Oyj’s share is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki.

Media contacts:

Eero Sihvonen
Executive Vice President and CFO
Tel. +358 50 557 9137
eero.sihvonen@citycon.com

Anu Tuomola
General Counsel and Head of Legal Affairs
Tel. +358 50 414 3280
anu.tuomola@citycon.com

Source: Citycon

Citycon Oyj to hold Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 22 March 2017

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The shareholders of Citycon Oyj are hereby invited to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday, 22 March 2017 at 12.00 noon at Finlandia Hall (Veranda 4 hall), at the address Mannerheimintie 13, Helsinki, Finland (entrance through doors M4 and K4). The reception of participants who have registered for the meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 11.00 a.m.

A. Matters on the Agenda of the General Meeting

1. Opening of the Meeting

2.Calling the Meeting to Order

3. Election of Persons to Scrutinize the Minutes and to Supervise the Counting of Votes

4. Recording the Legality of the Meeting

5. Recording the Attendance and Adopting the List of Votes

6. Presentation of the Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors for the Year 2016
–  Review by the CEO

7. Presentation of the Auditor’s Report

8. Adoption of the Financial Statements

9. Resolution on the Use of the Profit Shown on the Balance Sheet as well as Authorization of the Board of Directors to Decide on the Distribution of Dividend and Assets from the Invested Unrestricted Equity Fund

The Board of Directors proposes that based on the balance sheet to be adopted for the financial period ended on 31 December 2016 no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the Annual General Meeting.

Nonetheless, the Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide in its discretion on the distribution of dividend and assets from the invested unrestricted equity fund as follows.

Based on this authorization the maximum amount of dividend to be distributed shall not exceed EUR 0.01 per share and the maximum amount of equity repayment distributed from the invested unrestricted equity fund shall not exceed EUR 0.12 per share.

The authorization is valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting.

Unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason, the authorization will be used to distribute dividend and/or equity repayment four times during the period of validity of the authorization. In this case, the Board of Directors will make separate resolutions on each distribution of the dividend and/or equity repayment so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as stated below. Citycon shall make separate announcements of such Board resolutions.

Preliminary payment date Preliminary record date
31 March 2017 24 March 2017
30 June 2017 22 June 2017
29 September 2017 22 September 2017
29 December 2017 14 December 2017

The dividend and/or equity repayment based on a resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date for the dividend and/or equity repayment.

10. Resolution on the Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from Liability

11. Resolution on the Remuneration of Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that the Chairman of the Board of Directors be paid an annual fee of EUR 160,000, the Deputy Chairmen EUR 70,000 and the ordinary members of the Board EUR 50,000. The Chairmen of the Board of Directors’ Committees would be paid an additional annual fee of EUR 5,000.

In addition, it is proposed that the Chairmen of the meetings of the Board’s Committees shall be paid a meeting fee of EUR 800 and other Board and Committee members EUR 600 per meeting. The Chairman of the Board shall be paid no meeting fees.

The members of the Board of Directors shall be compensated accrued travel and lodging expenses as well as other potential costs related to Board and Committee work.

12. Resolution on the Number of Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that the number of members of the Board of Directors shall be ten.

13. Election of Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that of the current members of the Board of Directors Chaim Katzman, Bernd Knobloch, Arnold de Haan, Kirsi Komi, Rachel Lavine, Andrea Orlandi, Claes Ottosson, Per-Anders Ovin and Ariella Zochovitzky be re-elected, and that David R. Lukes be elected as a new member to the Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors will be elected for a term that will continue until the close of the next Annual General Meeting. Of the current Board members, Dor J. Segal will leave the Board of Directors.

All candidates have given their consent to the election.

All candidates have been presented on the company’s website www.citycon.com/agm2017. In addition, information on the proposed new member of the Board of Directors is available at the end of this notice.

14. Resolution on the Remuneration of the Auditor

The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Audit and Governance Committee that the audit fee be paid according to the auditor’s invoice.

15. Election of the Auditor

On the recommendation of the Audit and Governance Committee, the Board of Directors proposes that the company’s present auditor Ernst & Young Oy, a firm of authorized public accountants, be re-elected as the auditor. Ernst & Young Oy has announced that Mikko Rytilahti, APA would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

16. Authorizing the Board of Directors to Decide on the Issuance of Shares as well as the Issuance of Special Rights Entitling to Shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide on the issuance of shares as well as the issuance of special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act by one or several decisions as follows.

The amount of shares to be issued shall not exceed 85 million shares, which corresponds to approximately 9.55 percent of all the current shares in the company. Shares potentially issued by virtue of the special rights entitling to shares are included in the aforesaid maximum number of shares.

The Board of Directors decides on all the conditions of the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares. The authorization concerns both the issuance of new shares as well as the transfer of own shares held by the company. The issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares may be carried out in deviation from the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights by way of a directed issue.

The authorization is valid until the close of next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2018.

17. Authorizing the Board of Directors to Decide on the Repurchase and/or on the Acceptance as Pledge of the Company’s Own Shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide on the repurchase and/or on the acceptance as pledge of the company’s own shares in one or several tranches as follows.

The amount of own shares to be repurchased and/or accepted as pledge shall not exceed 50 million shares, which corresponds to approximately 5.61 per cent of all the current shares in the company. Only the unrestricted equity of the company can be used to repurchase own shares on the basis of the authorization.

Own shares can be repurchased at a price formed in public trading on the date of the repurchase or otherwise at a price formed on the market.

The Board of Directors decides how own shares will be repurchased and/or accepted as pledge. Own shares can be repurchased using, inter alia, derivatives. Own shares can be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholdings of the shareholders (directed repurchase).

The authorization is valid until the close of next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2018.

18.Closing of the Meeting

B. Documents of the General Meeting

Citycon Oyj’s Financial Statements, the Report of the Board of Directors and the Auditor’s Report, the proposals for the decisions on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting, and this notice are available on the company’s website www.citycon.com/agm2017. Said documents will also be available at the venue of the meeting. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the aforementioned website as of 5 April 2017 at the latest.

C. Instructions for the Participants in the General Meeting

1. Shareholders registered in the shareholders’ register
Each shareholder, who is registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on Friday, 10 March 2017 has the right to participate in the general meeting. A shareholder, whose shares are registered on his/her personal Finnish book-entry account, is registered in the company’s shareholders’ register.

A shareholder, who is registered in the company’s shareholders’ register and wants to participate in the general meeting, shall register for the meeting by giving a prior notice of participation not later than 17 March 2017 at 4.00 p.m. The notice has to be received by the company before the end of the registration period. Such notice can be given
– on the company’s website www.citycon.com/agm2017,
– by e-mail to legal@citycon.com,
– by telephone +358 20 766 4400 from Mondays to Fridays between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., or
– by mail addressed to Citycon Oyj, AGM, Korkeavuorenkatu 35, FI-00130 Helsinki, Finland.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder is requested to notify his/her name, personal identification number or business-ID, telephone number as well as the name of a possible assistant or proxy representative, and the personal identification number of the proxy representative. The personal data given to Citycon Oyj is used only in connection with the general meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

The shareholder, his/her authorized representative or proxy representative shall, where necessary, be able to prove his/her identity and/or right of representation.

2. Holders of nominee registered shares
A holder of nominee registered shares has the right to participate in the general meeting by virtue of such shares, based on which (s)he on the record date of the general meeting, i.e. on 10 March 2017, would be entitled to be registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd. In addition, the right to participate in the general meeting requires that the shareholder has, on the basis of such shares, been temporarily registered in the shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd not later than 17 March 2017 at 10.00 a.m. As regards nominee registered shares this constitutes due registration for the general meeting.

A holder of nominee registered shares is advised to request without delay necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the company’s shareholders’ register, the issuing of proxy documents and registration for the general meeting from his/her custodian bank. The account management organization of the custodian bank shall register a holder of nominee registered shares, who wants to participate in the general meeting, to be temporarily entered in the company’s shareholders’ register at the latest by the time stated above. Further information on these matters can also be found on the company’s website www.citycon.com/agm2017.

3. Proxy representative and proxy documents
A shareholder may participate in the general meeting and exercise his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. A proxy representative shall produce a dated proxy document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder at the general meeting. When a shareholder participates in the general meeting by means of several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares at different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the general meeting. Proxy templates are available on the company’s website www.citycon.com/agm2017.

Possible proxy documents are requested to be submitted to the company by the end of the registration period.

4. Further instructions/information
Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the general meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the meeting.

Further information on matters pertaining to general meeting and on shareholder’s rights is available on the company’s website www.citycon.com/general-meeting.

On the date of publication of this notice, 9 February 2017, Citycon Oyj has 889,992,628 shares and votes. The company or its subsidiaries do not own shares in the company.

CITYCON OYJ
Board of Directors

Citycon is an owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic region, managing assets that total approximately EUR 5 billion and with market capitalisation of over EUR 2 billion. Citycon is the No. 1 shopping centre owner in Finland and among the market leaders in Norway, Sweden and Estonia. Citycon has also established a foothold in Denmark. Citycon has investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s (Baa1) and Standard & Poor’s (BBB). Citycon Oyj’s share is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki.

Media contacts:
Henrica Ginström
Vice President, IR and Communications
+358 50 554 4296
henrica.ginstrom (at) citycon.com

Source: Citycon Oyj

Tesco launches sugar collection scheme to help with conservation of the British honey bee

Tesco launches sugar collection scheme to help with conservation of the British honey bee

 

CHESHUNT, England, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Stricken bees struggling to get enough nectar to feed themselves are being given a sweetener thanks to a sugar collection scheme run by Tesco.

Sugar from split bags that is no longer fit for human consumption is collected by the supermarket’s stores in the Cornwall and Devon area and sent to a local bee conservation charity.

Beekeepers then turn the sugar into syrup or fondant which is given to the bees as a replacement for nectar and honey.

Since 2007 the UK’s bee population has dwindled by a third as a result of fewer wildflowers, pests and various diseases, all of which makes it harder for bees to produce enough honey to feed themselves throughout the winter.

Lucy Hughes, Tesco’s Community Manager at Callington store in Cornwall said:

“Bees are not only central to the process of pollinating crops which later become our food but are an iconic part of the Great British countryside.

“I hope this small but important project will go some way to support our local bees and help them through the winter months.”

Lucy came up with the scheme after a conversation with two local beekeeper friends and they were enthused about the idea.

The programme, which is run in partnership with the Bee Improvement Programme for Cornwall (BIPCo) currently involves nearly 10 stores in the West Country.

Nick Bentham-Green, chairman of BIPCo said:

“Recent poor summers have also contributed to bees struggling to get enough stores into the hives to feed their colony throughout the winter.

“The Tesco scheme is a great help, especially at this time of year, and is helping towards the conservation of the native British honey bee.”

Tesco is also helping bees in Cornwall and Devon through its Bags of Help initiative, which donates money raised from the sale of carrier bags to local community projects across the UK.

B4 (Bringing Back the Black Bees) – a sister group to BIPCo – won £10,000 worth of funding through the scheme and will be using it to construct a haven for native black honey bees at Mount Edgcumbe, a stately home/country park in SE Cornwall, just across the river from Plymouth.

The money raised by Tesco customers buying single-use carrier bags has already provided over £25 million to more than 3,000 community projects across the UK so far.

Note to editors:

BIPCo is a group of about 50 beekeepers in Cornwall and some parts of Devon who have set up small breeding colonies across South West England with the aim of increasing the population of Cornish black bees.

Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative sees charities and community groups awarded grants to fund local projects across the UK, with Tesco customers able to choose which receive the most funding by voting in store each time they shop.

Tesco is always calling out for project nominations from community groups and customers – find out more by visiting www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701    

Source: Tesco

###

Carrefour Romania announces upgrading and extension of Carrefour Brasov hypermarket

Carrefour Romania announces upgrading and extension of Carrefour Brasov hypermarket

 

Romania, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — During a press conference held today (02/08/2017), Carrefour Romania and Property Division, the real estate division of the group, announced the extension and the upgrading of the Carrefour Brasov hypermarket, marking the unveiling of a new stage in the commercial life of one of the most successful commercial centres in Carrefour Romania’s portfolio.

Opened in 2004, Carrefour Brasov has benefited of a strong commercial property inside the 45.000 sq. commercial area, and is currently one of Brasov citizens and tourists’ favourite shopping destinations.

The upgrading and the extension of Carrefour Brasov aimed to create a more attractive and modern ambient inside and outside the Commercial Centre and to enrich clients’ shopping experience through a more accessible, innovative and diversified range of services and stores.

As a result, the gallery’s shopping surface was tripled to 6.000 sqm rentable space – to accommodate a total number of 40 stores with great offers and services, complimentary to the 8.000 sqm hypermarket’s offer. The extended format includes brands such as Adidas, Intersport, CCC, Pepco, Noriel, Cărturești, Marionnaud, Flormar, BRD, DIGI Punct, Xpress, Zoo Center, Apollo Beauty centre and the newly redesigned food court, hosting McDonald’s, Pizza Hut Delivery and Carrefour Snacking.

The Food Court concept has a fresh and modern touch, designed and implemented by the HORECA expert Liviu Popescu and designer Mihai Popescu, from Twins Studio, renowned for their successful projects and winners of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in London, 2015. The venue’s offer is completed with the products and the elegant ambiance offered by Chocolada Sweetshop and Vanilla Coffee.

The entire venue was upgraded so that clients can further enjoy easy access area and comfortable walks, both inside and outside the hypermarket and its shops.
The project of extension and modernisation of Carrefour Brasov is part of the group’ strategy to upgrade the properties in its portfolio, creating an attractive and modern shopping destination, while facilitating the progress as well.

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

. By phone:

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

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

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@

Source: Carrefour Group

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Amazon Web Services becomes public cloud infrastructure provider for Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.

SEATTLE, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com company (NASDAQ: AMZN), today (Feb. 8, 2017) announced that Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: LYV), the world’s leading live entertainment and ticketing company, has selected AWS as its public cloud infrastructure provider and is moving its global IT infrastructure to the AWS Cloud. AWS will help Live Nation reliably and securely scale its IT infrastructure for future growth across Ticketmaster and Corporate IT, as well as select parts of its Festival business. Live Nation currently produces more than 26,000 live events per year around the world, including more than 80 festivals, and operates more than 150 venues.

Live Nation’s Ticketmaster division will use AWS to scale with the rapid growth in its global ticketing business, which currently receives 80 million visits per month – 60 percent from mobile devices – and results in 530 million ticket transactions per year. The Ticketmaster websites will be migrated to AWS and will use AWS Lambda, Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), Amazon Aurora, and Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3) to simplify management of large-scale databases and for storage of logs and static content. Additionally, by moving Corporate IT to AWS, Live Nation will reduce costs and gain the flexibility to focus on more strategic initiatives. Live Nation Corporate IT will leverage Amazon S3 for storage of data for disaster recovery, Amazon WorkSpaces for fully managed desktop computing services, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2) and Amazon Redshift for application hosting workloads.

“We have been working closely with the AWS team, and we are impressed with the superior security, performance, and reliability of their products,” said David Huckabay, CIO, Live Nation. “We look forward to the positive impact that going all-in on the AWS Cloud will have on our IT infrastructure across our key business divisions.”

“Increasingly, enterprises around the world are deploying their critical workloads on AWS and going all-in so they can refocus on serving their customers best,” said Mike Clayville, Vice President, Worldwide Commercial Sales at AWS. “We’re truly excited for Live Nation’s adoption of AWS, which will allow them to quickly and easily scale, reduce costs, improve security, and increase agility for even their most critical workloads.”

About Amazon Web Services

For 10 years, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS offers over 90 fully featured services for compute, storage, networking, database, analytics, application services, deployment, management, developer, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), security, hybrid and enterprise applications, from 42 Availability Zones (AZs) across 16 geographic regions in the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the UK. AWS services are trusted by millions of active customers around the world monthly — including the fastest growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies — to power their infrastructure, make them more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit https://aws.amazon.com.

About Amazon

Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company 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.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: LYV), or Live Nation, is the world’s leading live entertainment and ticketing company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management. For additional information, visit www.investors.livenationentertainment.com.

Media Hotline:

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

Source: Amazon Web Services, Inc.

Macy’s announces heartfelt gifts this Valentine’s Day

Macy’s announces heartfelt gifts this Valentine’s Day

 

Loved ones will adore special gifts found at Macy’s stores and on macys.com

NEW YORK, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Show that special someone your love and appreciation this Valentine’s Day with heartfelt gifts from Macy’s. By offering an array of irresistible items from the hottest designers and brands, Macy’s has the perfect gifts to make loved ones swoon. From now through Valentine’s Day, shop Macy’s stores nationwide and online at macys.com for apparel, jewelry, cosmetics and fragrances that are sure to surprise and delight.

“At Macy’s, it’s easy to find unique gifts with a personalized feel this Valentine’s Day,” said Cassandra Jones, senior vice president of Macy’s Fashion. “Shop for a loved one or yourself – our extensive assortment features a variety of items, from luxe and romantic to flirty and fun. Or, if you need a little extra help, find inspiration from our Valentine’s Gift Guide at macys.com/gifts. Once there, you can search for ideas in various categories, including gifts curated by Macy’s Fashion Directors, The Celebrate Shop or even by price point.”

Macy’s makes it easy to shop gifts from the heart for friends and significant others. Find Cupid-approved items from ban.do such as a duffle bag with heart graphics and playful drink tumbler labeled “Love Potion.” Intimates from the Thalia Sodi collection will spark romance in comfort and style. Add a throwback photo to a heart and arrow frame for a thoughtful gift that can be enjoyed for years to come. Michael Korswatches for her and Movado Bold watches for him prove your love together is timeless. Simple and sweet Kate Spade Heart and Arrow ear pins are a treat for your girlfriend or best gal pal. Macy’s is also the ultimate destination for tech gifts such as the Fitbit Flex 2 Fitness Wristband and Polaroid camera and printer.

There are even more ways to gift your love with hot items at every price from Macy’s, including:

  • MICHAEL Michael Kors Mercer Large Convertible Tote, $298
  • ½ ct. t.w. Diamond Bangle in Sterling Silver, $650
  • Godiva Plush Bear with Chocolates, $25
  • Heart Umbrella, $28
  • Kate Spade New York ‘Kiss Me, You Fool’ Hinges Bangle, $78
  • Apple Watch Series 2 Rose Gold-Tone Aluminum Case with Pink Sand Sports Band, $369
  • Anne Klein 4-Piece Boxed Set with Crystal-Accented Rose Gold-Tone Watch and Bangles, $175
  • Ray-Ban Gold-Tone Frames with Gray Mirrored Lenses, $175
  • Needlepoint ‘Swipe Right’ Decorative Pillow, $30
  • Wacoal Embrace Lace Bralette, $38; and Matching Bikini, $27

Visit Macy’s exclusive, new gifting destination, The Celebrate Shop, filled with unique and whimsical gifts for everyone. Shop macys.com/gifts to view a full assortment of loveable items for Valentine’s Day, including picks from Macy’s Fashion Office, “Gifts Under” and all the best “To Me From Me.”

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 670 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $69 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

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

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

Tracy Davis
646-429-7470
tracy.davis@macys.com

Source: Macy’s

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EROSKI entrega 45.500€ a 13 asociaciones de ayuda a la infancia, obtenidos gracias a la solidaridad de sus clientes

EROSKI entrega 45.500€ a 13 asociaciones de ayuda a la infancia, obtenidos gracias a la solidaridad de sus clientes

 

La campaña “Mide sonrisas”, que se ha llevado a cabo por quinto año consecutivo durante el período navideño, ha logrado una gran aceptación por parte de los clientes de EROSKI

ELORRIO,España, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — “Mide sonrisas” es el lema de la campaña de ayuda a la infancia que EROSKI ha emprendido por quinto año consecutivo en todos sus centros de Baleares, enmarcada en su acción global “Nadal Balear Solidari”. La finalidad ha sido obtener recursos económicos para 13 organizaciones benéficas de estas islas, dedicadas a prestar ayuda a niños y niñas con dificultades.

Alfredo Herráez, director de EROSKI en Balears, ha hecho entrega del talón de 45.500€, que se repartirán íntegramente y a partes iguales entre las 13 organizaciones beneficiarias. Herráez ha agradecido la solidaridad mostrada por los clientes de EROSKI y ha elogiado la gran labor que vienen desarrollando estas organizaciones en nuestras islas.

La acción se ha articulado mediante el ofrecimiento a los clientes de EROSKI de una original regla-calendario, que ha estado disponible en todas las cajas de los supermercados de la cooperativa a cambio de un donativo de 1 euro.  Ilustrada con una gran sonrisa, esta regla pretende contribuir a hacer felices a niños y niñas con dificultades de nuestras islas.

El importe recaudado en la pasada edición, según han manifestado los representantes de las organizaciones, fue destinado por éstas a equipamientos, gastos propios, acciones informativas y ampliación o mantenimiento de los servicios que vienen prestando a los niños y niñas, a través de los diferentes programas.

Relación de entidades beneficiarias de la recaudación de esta campaña, las cuales han recibido 3.500€ cada una:

ASSOCIACIO  BALEAR D’INFANTS AMB MALALTIES RARES (ABAIMAR), ASSOCIACIÓ BALEAR D’ESCLEOROSI MÚLTIPLE (ABDEM), ASSOCIACIÓ DE CARDIOPATÍAS CONGÉNITAS DE BALEARES (ACCAB), ASOCIACIÓN DE DIABÉTICOS DE ILLES BALEARS (ADIBA), ASSOCIACIÓ DE PERSONES AMB DISCAPACITATS FÍSIQUES I PSÍQUIQUES DE MARRATXÍ (ADISMA), ASOCIACIÓN SÍNDROME DE DOWN DE BALEARES (ASNIMO), ASOCIACIÓN DE PARÁLISIS CEREBRAL DE BALEARES (ASPACE), ASOCIACIÓN DE PADRES DE NIÑOS ONCOLÓGICOS DE LA COMUNIDAD BALEAR (ASPANOB), ASOCIACION DE PADRES DE NIÑOS AUTISTAS DE BALEARES (APNAP), CENTRO MATER MISERICORDIAE-FRANCISCANAS, FUNDACIÓN RESPIRALIA, ASOC. DISLÈXIA I FAMÍLIA (DISFAM) Y  ASOCIACIÓ DE PARES PRO DESENVOLUPAMENT DE NINS AMB DISCAPACITATS (ASPAPRODE).

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

Source: Eroski

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Sonic’s announces the departure of its president and chief marketing officer Todd Smith

OKLAHOMA CITY, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ:SONC), the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today (Feb 8, 2017) announced that Todd Smith, president and chief marketing officer, will resign from the position effective March 9, 2017. Smith will serve in a transition role through that date and then will pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity outside of the quick-service restaurant industry. A search is underway to fill the chief marketing position and those duties will be allocated among current members of management in the interim.

“In Todd’s nearly five years at SONIC, he shifted our marketing strategy to deploy digital communications both onlot at SONIC and offlot through media channels,” said Cliff Hudson, CEO. “We thank Todd for the numerous contributions he has made to the brand and wish him great success in the future.”

“As a lifelong SONIC fan, leading the marketing function for this brand was an incredible opportunity and experience,” said Smith. “I’m proud of my team and the work we’ve done together over the past five years.”

Smith joined SONIC in 2012 as vice president of national marketing and was promoted to chief marketing officer in 2015, prior to his most recent role.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every day. More than 90 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. For 64 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC’s Limeades for Learning philanthropic campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated $7.4 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in today’s youth. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit http://sonicdrivein.com and please visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit Limeadesforlearning.com.

Contact:
Christi Woodworth
(405) 225-5600
Vice President of Public Relations

Source: Sonic Corp.

British Land received its first ever Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Test of Time Award

British Land received its first ever Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers Test of Time Award

 

London, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Last night (08 FEB 2017), British Land picked up the first ever Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) Test of Time Award. This recognised energy reductions and building performance across our entire portfolio.

John Field, President of CIBSE, said: “We have seen a range of extraordinary achievements over the last ten years at these Awards, but a building can only truly be said to be high performing if it is able to achieve great results consistently over its lifetime. To reach that goal requires constant innovation, intense commitment and an organisational approach to building performance over a number of years – something that has clearly been demonstrated by the British Land team since their first win in 2012. Not only are their results stunning, but their approach has truly benefitted the industry by providing help, advice and inspiration to others looking to become more sustainable.”

Lucinda Bell, Chief Financial Officer at British Land, commented: “We’re delighted to have won the CIBSE Test of Time Award. Our energy efficiency programme has saved occupiers £13m over four years, at the same time as optimising lighting levels, air quality and temperatures for the wellbeing of people in our buildings. Thanks to our team and property management partner Broadgate Estates for helping us create Places People Prefer.”

Read Matt Webster’s blog on Standing the Test of Time

Notes to Editors

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

We own or manage total assets of £19.0 billion (British Land share is £13.9 billion) as valued at 30 September 2016. Our properties are home to over 1,200 different organisations ranging from international brands to local start-ups.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media Enquiries:
Pip Wood
British Land
020 7467 2838

Source British Land

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ALDI announces $1.6 billion investment plan to remodel and expand more than 1,300 US stores by 2020

One of America’s Favorite Grocers* Will Upgrade More Than 1,300 Stores by 2020

Batavia, Ill., 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ —With more people shopping its grocery stores than ever before, ALDI today (February 8, 2017) announced an aggressive $1.6 billion investment in its stores, with an extensive plan to remodel and expand more than 1,300 US stores by 2020.

The new ALDI store look delivers on its customers’ desire for a modern and convenient shopping experience with a focus on fresh items, including more robust produce, dairy and bakery sections. In the last few years, ALDI has added a number of new product lines that have quickly become customer favorites, including the liveGfree brand of gluten-free foods, SimplyNature products featuring many organic items and a full line of premium baby items under the Little Journey brand. Remodeled stores will also feature a modern design, open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials – such as recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting.

“With this significant investment in our stores, what we’re really doing is continuing to invest in ALDI customers,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI. “We’re continuing to expand our fresh offerings, which means we need to provide more space for produce, meat, and bakery items. We’ve also made a number of improvements to our products – such as removing added MSG, certified synthetic colors and partially hydrogenated oils from all of our ALDI exclusive brand foods. But one thing that hasn’t changed is that our customers still save money on the groceries they buy the most.”

More shoppers than ever are making ALDI their grocery destination. Today, ALDI serves more than 40 million customers each month, which is a nearly 60 percent increase since 2013. Customer feedback shows they’re thrilled about the enhancements ALDI has made to its premium-quality products and the additions to its everyday lineup.

“ALDI customers know we stand out from our competitors for a reason: we offer high-quality, affordable food that they can feel good about serving their families,” added Hart. “Our unmatched combination of exceptional quality and everyday low prices is why we’re one of the fastest growing retailers in the US, currently operating in 35 states.”

ALDI offers customers the very best of their weekly must-haves, such as fresh produce, organic foods, fresh dairy and bakery items, gluten-free foods, USDA Choice beef and household products, while saving them up to 50 percent** on their grocery bill. Its simple approach to retailing means ALDI customers only pay for freshness and quality without the hidden costs that other grocery retailers are known for. This approach, coupled with the ALDI exclusive brands that comprise 90 percent of the products, allows customers to save money on premium-quality groceries.

Coast-to-Coast Expansion

ALDI is embarking on this significant remodel program while continuing to implement an accelerated growth plan to open 650 new stores across the US. By the end of 2018, ALDI expects to operate nearly 2,000 stores, bringing the ALDI difference to more than 45 million customers each month. As previously announced, ALDI will invest more than $3 billion to pay for land, facilities and equipment to open these new stores.

As part of its aggressive expansion, ALDI launched its first stores in Southern California, opening 34 stores since March 2016. Today, ALDI reaches customers in more than two-thirds of the country and its footprint continues to grow in both new and existing markets.

“On behalf of the more than 24,000 ALDI employees across the country, we look forward to bringing the ALDI difference to new markets, but we’re just as excited to share a new store experience with our longtime ALDI customers,” said Hart. “We’ve grown so consistently year over year because our loyal customers love to share with their friends and family that shopping at ALDI can save time and money without sacrificing quality. We’re thrilled to provide ALDI fans an even better, more welcoming store in which to shop.”

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates more than 1,600 US stores in 35 states. More than 40 million customers each month save up to 50 percent** on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. ALDI was honored with the 2015 Supermarket News Retail Achievement Award, recognizing the company for its ongoing business expansion and product evolution. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.

*According to a survey of US consumers conducted in 2016 by Market Force Information.

** Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

Contacts:
Kathleen Gilgunn
(312) 988-2038
kgilgunn@webershandwick.com

Shenetta Johnson
(312) 988-2396
sjohnson2@webershandwick.com

Source: ALDI Inc.

The National Retail Federation releases its economic forecast for 2017

WASHINGTON, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Retail Federation today (February 8, 2017) released its economic forecast for 2017, projecting that retail industry sales, which exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants, will grow between 3.7 and 4.2 percent over 2016. Online and other non-store/online sales, which are included in the overall number, are expected to increase between 8 and 12 percent.

“The economy is on firm ground as we head into 2017 and is expected to build on the momentum we saw late last year,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With jobs and income growing and debt relatively low, the fundamentals are in place and the consumer is in the driver’s seat. But this year is unlike any other – while consumers have strength they haven’t had in the past, they will remain hesitant to spend until they have more certainty about policy changes on taxes, trade and other issues being debated in Congress.

“Lawmakers should take note and stand firm against any policies, rules or regulations that would increase the cost of everyday goods for American consumers,” Shay said.

“Prospects for consumer spending are straightforward – more jobs and more income will result in more spending,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Regardless of sentiment, the pace of wage growth and job creation dictate spending. Our forecast represents a baseline for the year, but potential fiscal policy changes could impact consumers and the economy. It seems unlikely that businesses will notably increase investment until tax reform and trade policies are well-defined.”

“It is clear that online sales will continue to expand in 2017 and provide growth for the retail industry,” Kleinhenz said. “But it is important to realize that virtually major retailer sells online and many of those sales will be made by discount stores, department stores and other traditional retailers. Retailers sell to consumers however they want to buy, whether it’s in-store, online or mobile.”

Additional Economic Insights:

  • The economy is expected to gain an average of approximately 160,000 jobs a month. The number is down slightly from 2016 but consistent with labor market growth.
  • Unemployment is expected to drop to 4.6 percent by the end of the year.
  • Economic growth is likely to be in the range of 1.9 to 2.4 percent.
  • The forecast is a baseline, and does not take into account new fiscal measures pending in Washington.

Retail industry sales as defined by NRF include most traditional retail categories including non-store sales, discounters, department stores, grocery stores, specialty stores, and auto parts and accessories stores but exclude sales at automotive dealers, gasoline stations, and restaurants. Non-store/online sales include online sales, kiosks, catalogs, etc. and are a breakout of the overall number.

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

Contact:
Treacy Reynolds
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

Source: NRF

RILA now accepting applications for the 2017 (R)Tech Asset Protection: Innovation Awards

Arlington , VA, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the trade association for the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies, today (2/8/2017) announced it is now accepting applications for the 2017 (R)Tech Asset Protection: Innovation Awards. The Awards showcase game-changing technology that mitigates total retail loss and recognizes visionary companies that are developing these solutions.

Last September, RILA released a research report, which analyzes the challenges with current practices in defining and managing retail loss, and introduces the industry to the broader concept of “total retail loss”. With this in mind, (R)Tech Asset Protection: Innovation Awards applicants are asked to introduce a technology that offers a solution to a type of loss identified in the report.

“The retail industry is going through a major transformation in the way it delivers products, engages customers, and solves problems. Innovation is the name of the game and these awards are an opportunity to showcase those leading the charge,” said Lisa LaBruno, RILA’s senior vice president of retail operations. “We’re excited to see how this new approach to retail loss will inspire new technologies and we look forward to seeing them in action in New Orleans.”

A panel of top executives in retail asset protection will review all submissions and identify the finalists, with the winners to be announced at RILA’s 2017 Retail Asset Protection Conference, April 9-12, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Entries are due by March 3, 2017. For more information, visit the awards homepage.

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

Contact:

Christin Fernandez
Vice President, Communications
Phone: 703-600-2039
Email: christin.fernandez@rila.org

Source: RILA

EuroShop announces subjects and speakers for EuroCIS Forum and Omnichannel Forum now accessible online

Düsseldorf, Germany, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Every three years when EuroShop, the World’s No. 1 Retail Trade Fair, is held in Düsseldorf, EuroCIS (organised as an annual stand-alone trade fair in the years in between) forms one of seven dimensions of EuroShop. This will also be the case again this year from 5 to 9 March. 575 exhibitors (occupying 18,500 m²) out of the altogether 2,400 exhibitors from 61 nations account for the Retail Technology Dimension of EuroShop with 126,000 m² net exhibition space. Here the global range of IT solutions specifically geared to retail will be represented almost completely.

The proven EuroCIS Forum as well as the Omnichannel Forum will also ensure considerable added value for visitors in charge of retail IT at EuroShop, too. In brief talks delivered between 6 and 9 March current practical examples will be presented as well as projects and trends revolving around retail technology. EuroShop trade visitors can attend the presentations at the two forums in Hall 6 free of charge and find out about the latest developments in concise pitches. Exhibitors and their retail partners will jointly introduce visitors to innovative approaches and outstanding solutions that have recently been implemented.

The themes covered at EuroCIS are as diversified as the subjects addressed at the forums. For instance, the EuroCIS Forum addresses the following issues:

  • Managing Digital Outlets Safely and Reliably
  • ‘Me-commerce’ Versus E-commerce: How Retailers are Fighting Back with Experiential In-store Personalisation
  • IT that Employees Endorse!
  • The Future of Connected Products is Here – Are You Ready? Discover how the IoT will change the future of retail.
  • Digital Routing for Shopping Malls – Service and Market Research Tool for the POS
  • How to Get Smart Data from Big Data?

The Omnichannel Forum focuses on the new challenges resulting from changed shoppers’ behaviour. After all, distribution channels today no longer exist side by side from the shopper’s perspective but are discretionally combined during their purchasing decisions. This is why this Forum will discuss:

  • How to Shop for Food Online in 2020
  • Individually Addressing Anonymous Shoppers in Omni-Channel Retailing
  • Media Markt and Saturn – from Digital Followers to Multichannel-Pioneers
  • Staying Relevant in the Digital Age: Beyond “Omni-channel”
  • Get ready for anytime, anywhere shopping. Learn how to create seamless customer journeys to delight today’s shoppers
  • The NEW shopper journey: intelligent pricing in an omni-channel world

The EuroCIS Forum is located in Hall 6, Stand I 75, the Omnichannel Forum in Hall 6, Stand I 09. All subjects and speakers of both the EuroCIS Forum and the Omnichannel Forum can be accessed online at www.euroshop-tradefair.com/forums

EuroShop 2017 is open to trade visitors from Sunday, 5 March 2017 to Thursday, 9 March 2017, daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. 1-day tickets cost EUR 70.- (EUR 50.- purchased online beforehand (e-Ticket)),  2-day tickets cost EUR 90.- (EUR 70.- purchased online beforehand) and season tickets are EUR 150.- (EUR 130.- purchased online beforehand). Admission tickets include a free return trip to EuroShop on public transport marked VRR (Verkehrsverbund-Rhein-Ruhr).

EuroShop Basics:
In 1966 EuroShop was organised for the first time by Messe Düsseldorf and is held every three years. The EHI Retail Institute acts as the event’s conceptual sponsor. The last EuroShop in 2014 registered 2,229 exhibitors from 56 countries on over 116,000 m² of net exhibition space and 109,496 trade visitors, 63% of whom came from abroad.

For further information go to www.euroshop-tradefair.com

Press Contact:

Cornelia Jokisch
(Referent)
Tel.: +49 (0)211 4560-998
Fax: +49 (0)211 4560-87998
JokischC@messe-duesseldorf.de

Tanja Karl
(Assistenz)
Tel.: +49 (0)211 4560-999
Fax: +49 (0)211 4560-87999
KarlT@messe-duesseldorf.de

Source: EuroShop

Chipotle Mexican Grill expands its Chipotle Reading Rewards program

Chipotle motivates young readers with reading rewards, incentivizing book smarts with delicious food

DENVER, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today  (Feb. 8, 2017) the expansion of the Chipotle Reading Rewards program, which rewards young readers with free Chipotle kid’s meals for reaching their reading goals.

“We understand the importance of early literacy, and want to encourage kids of all ages to read,” said Mark Crumpacker, chief marketing and development officer at Chipotle. “Giving back is always a priority for us, and we are pleased to supply teachers and librarians with the motivational resources they need for successful reading programs.”

Chipotle has provided reading rewards for libraries across the country for summer reading programs for close to a decade. As part of the expanded program, Chipotle is making rewards available for application on its website and also opening up this resource to schools. While most schools and libraries have their own reading programs, Chipotle can provide a reading log for approved applicants who do not have an existing program in place.

Participants who reach their reading goals will be rewarded with a free kid’s meal card. The Chipotle kid’s meal consists of the “build your own” option or a cheese quesadilla, both of which are served with a drink and kid’s chips or fruit. Teen reading programs can also be supported if educators specify an older audience in their application. If approved, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) vouchers will be provided for teen readers.

To apply for the Chipotle Reading Rewards program, teachers and librarians can visit chipotle.com/reading. Each school or library may only apply for Chipotle reading rewards once per year. Applicants should be prepared to use a valid school or library email address and request the cards to ship directly to the school or library district.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Steve Ells, Founder, Chairman and CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in an interactive style allowing people to get exactly what they want. Chipotle seeks out extraordinary ingredients that are not only fresh, but that are raised responsibly, with respect for the animals, land, and people who produce them. Chipotle prepares its food using whole, unprocessed ingredients and without the use of added colors, flavors or other additives typically found in fast food. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in Denver in 1993 and now operates more than 2,200 restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.

Contact:
Chris Arnold
303-222-5912
carnold@chipotle.com

Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill

Starway Incorporated recalls Peony Mark Brand Dried Lily Flower that contains undeclared sulfites

Starway Incorporated recalls Peony Mark Brand Dried Lily Flower that contains undeclared sulfites

 

Brooklyn, NY, 2017-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Starway Incorporated, located at 137 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11237, is recalling Peony Mark Brand Dried Lily Flower because the product contains undeclared sulfites.  People who have severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life threatening allergic reactions if they consumer this product.

The recalled Peony Mark Brand Dried Lily flower comes in a 6 oz. (170 gram) clear, un-coded plastic bag.  The UPC number is 686529131632.  The product was distributed nationwide.  It is a product of China.

The recall was initiated after routine sampling by NYS Dept. of Agriculture a& Markets Food Inspectors and subsequent analysis of the product by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of undeclared sulfites in Peony Mark Brand Dried Lily Flower in packages which did not declare sulfites on the label.  The consumption of 10 milligrams of sulfites per serving has been reported to elicit severe reactions in some asthmatics.  Anaphylactic shock could occur in certain sulfite sensitive individuals upon ingesting 10 milligrams or more of sulfites.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Consumers who have purchased the packages of Peony Mark Brand Dried Lily Flower should return it to the place of purchase.  Consumers with questions may contact the company at 718-417-1788.

Consumers Contact:
Chris Lee
718- 417-1788

Source: FDA

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