Daily Archives: February 14, 2017

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B2B ECOMMERCE SOLUTION — Seamless 2-way ordering for brands & retailers

Meggen, Switzerland, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — MDM GROUP AG’s IPO will now take place in the second quarter of 2017 and not at the end of the year. The company aims to generate fresh capital by going public, which will allow it to invest additional funds in merchandise trading.

Retail investors will also be able to easily benefit from the company’s business model.

High revenues are generated in the retail sector in Germany every year.

Gross profit margins are particularly interesting for investors.

They often average 30 percent.

MDM GROUP AG works in this market segment. Specifically, the group mostly trades in textiles, remainders, specialty items, and merchandise from insolvency proceedings.

MDM GROUP AG has already recorded high profits in this segment.

In the international retail segment, the company’s revenues have grown by around 400 percent in the last two years alone.

The company can already record profits when making purchases. The merchandise, such as textiles, remainders, specialty items, and goods from insolvency proceedings from many top manufacturers are bought in at very favorable conditions.

The high purchasing volumes mean that savings of up to 90 percent compared to the regular wholesale price are standard.

In addition to low purchase prices for goods, in 2017 the company is also planning to purchase two top textile brands which will extend its product offering even further and will also allow the group to directly impact prices.

Thanks to its unique distribution network, the company can resell the purchased goods in a short period.

In this regard, the group works together with a large number of online distribution partners and can thus always select the most efficient marketing channel for the products.

This allows the company to not only turn over the goods quickly, but also to realize the maximum income from their sale.

The MDM GROUP purchases and sells goods every month, thus turning over the invested amounts several times.
Profits can be realized with every transaction.

The company does not receive investments from bank loans, but via subordinated loans.

Private individuals can lend the company money and receive interest in return.

The interest is fixed and agreed in advance and currently totals nine percent according to the company’s information.

Interest of up to 20 percent is even possible for special programs.

About MDM GROUP AG
MDM GROUP is a Swiss company which invests in all types of products.

The company has specialized in trading with textiles, remaining stock and special items, as well as goods from insolvency proceedings.

The business principle is to acquire the goods at substantially reduced prices of up to 90 percent less than the regular wholesale price.

As a result, the company records high profit margins.

Private individuals can invest in this business via subordinated loans.

Remuneration with fixed interest rates is agreed in this regard.

In addition, in future the MDM Group will participate in the luxury car segment.
Extensive negotiations in this regard are already being held with one of the best known car dealers and the head of sales in Germany.

Details of this will be published soon.

Contact-Details: MDM Group AG
Frau Ozlem Utanc
Rütliweg 3
6045 Meggen
Schweiz
ozlem@mdmgroup.ch

SOURCE: EPR Network

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Retail 2020 Dashboard: BRC provides baseline measurement of progress to more productive, more rewarding and better paid jobs

Retail 2020 Dashboard: BRC provides baseline measurement of progress to more productive, more rewarding and better paid jobs

 

London, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The BRC and our members are committed to understanding how developments in retail business can achieve positive change; we anticipate playing a strong partnership role with Government in the development of an Industrial Strategy to make this change happen.

Our work has shown that it is imperative to improve industry productivity, to harness and develop new and different skills for the digital age as well as a clear need to deliver better on the things that people who work in the industry say are most important to them. Working with members, we have defined a shared industry vision of what better jobs look like in the future. (Retail 2020- The Journey to Better Jobs.)

The Retail 2020 Dashboard, launched on 13 February 2017, takes this project further by providing a baseline measurement of progress towards this trajectory of more productive, more rewarding and better paid jobs. The Dashboard will monitor how the retail workplace landscape is responding to these structural changes by tracking progress on four key industry metrics: productivity, pay, engagement and employment.

HELEN DICKINSON OBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM SAID:

“Structural change in the industry has significant implications for its workforce. The technological revolution is fundamentally altering the way retail businesses operate and the skills needed for future success. We have a choice between improved productivity driven by better jobs, innovation and new skills for the digital age and improved productivity driven primarily by a shrinking UK retail workforce.

“The Retail 2020 Dashboard will shine a light on the retail industry’s progress in becoming more productive and developing more engaged employees. As our industry co-operates to share data and developments, we will be able to provide Government with valuable information about what transforms productivity.

“At a time when UK retail is having to find 20 per cent of its current profitability to mitigate the impact of uncontrollable increases in its cost base and against a backdrop of inflation and slow growth, the industry’s commitment to improving productivity will require the support of Government policies that allow room to invest in skills and technology for the digital age. This is where we see a retail opportunity in the Government’s recently published Industrial Strategy”

Contact:

TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk

Source: BRC

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Fast Retailing to accept interns worldwide starting April

Berlin, Germany, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Fast Retailing today (2017.02.10) announces that in April this year it will launch a program to accept long-term interns for offices in 16 countries and territories, including in Japan, China, and the United States. The company plans to offer more than 100 internships in the initial year.

The internships will be in information technology, supply chain, research and development, marketing, public relations, and other areas that interest interns. These individuals will join employees in discussing business challenges to come up with creative and innovative ideas that enable Fast Retailing to become the world’s top apparel company.

The company will begin the program in Japan, accepting interns from April. Depending on the company unit and the nature of the tasks, internships will be one to three months, and individuals will be remunerated for their service. Applicants for the program in Japan must be Japanese or foreign nationals attending tertiary institutions in Japan as undergraduate or graduate students, or have finished the programs in the past three years. Fast Retailing will start accepting applications from Friday, February 10. The company will select successful candidates based on written submissions, interviews, and other evaluation means.

Application times, program starting dates, and business units accepting interns will differ among countries and territories.

More details will be available in the Careers section of the Fast Retailing website.

Source: FAST RETAILING CO., LTD.

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Two Taylor Farms recalls chicken and pork salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes

WASHINGTON, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Two Taylor Farms establishments, located in Dallas, Texas and in Tracy, California, and headquartered in Salinas, California, are recalling approximately 6,630 pounds of chicken and pork salad products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today (Feb. 11, 2017).

The firms produced and packaged the products from Feb. 6-9, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: 

  • 10.5 oz. plastic trays of “Signature Cafe Southwest Chicken Premade Salad” with the following “USE BY” dates: “2/13/17, 2/14/17 or 2/15/17.”
  • 10.5 oz. plastic trays of “Signature Café Southwest Style Salad with Chicken” with the following “USE BY” dates: “2/14/17, 2/15/17 or 2/16/17.”
  • 8.25 oz. plastic trays of “H-E-B Shake Rattle & Bowl Rowdy Ranch Hand (contains pork)” with the following “USE BY” dates: “2/17/17, 2/18/17 or 2/19/17.”

The products subject to recall bear either establishment number M/P-34013 or M/P-34733 inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distribution centers in Los Angeles and Tracy, Calif.; Portland, Ore; and Houston, Roanoke and San Antonio, Texas.

The problem was discovered on Feb. 10, 2017, when both establishments were notified by Sargento Foods, Inc., which supplies Bevel Shred Pepperjack cheese products to the Taylor Farms establishments. The cheese products are being recalled by Sargento Foods, Inc. out an abundance of caution due to potential Lm contamination.

FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators.

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

Consumption of food contaminated with Lm can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

FSIS advises all consumers to reheat ready-to-eat product until steaming hot.

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

Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall from the M/P-34013 establishment can contact National Accounts Manager Vince Ramos at (510) 378-3132. Media questions regarding the recall from M/P-34733A establishment can contact Corporate Counsel John Mazzei at (559) 809-5445, and consumers can contact Mark Clement at (214) 565-4848.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

PREPARING PRODUCT FOR SAFE CONSUMPTION

USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
1-888-MPHOTLINE or visit www.fsis.usda.gov

  • Wash hands with warm, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and poultry for at least 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water. Immediately clean spills.
  • Do not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, bologna or other deli meats unless reheated until steaming hot.
  • Do not eat refrigerated paté, meat spreads from a meat counter or smoked seafood found in the refrigerated section of the store. Foods that do not need refrigeration, like canned tuna and canned salmon, are safe to eat. Refrigerate after opening.
  • Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk and do not eat foods that have unpasteurized milk in them.
  • Do not eat salads made in the store, such as ham salad, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad or seafood salad.
  • Do not eat soft cheeses, such as Feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, Brie, Camembert cheeses, blue-veined cheeses and Panela, unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk.
  • Use precooked or ready-to-eat food as soon as you can. L. monocytogenes can grow in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be 40º F or cooler and the freezer 0º F or colder Use an appliance thermometer to check the temperature of your refrigerator.

 

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

Contact:

Congressional and Public Affairs
Felicia Thompson
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Source: USDA

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Accenture announces the appointment of Laura Gurski as Senior Managing Director, Products

Accenture announces the appointment of Laura Gurski as Senior Managing Director, Products

 

CHICAGO, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Accenture today (Feb. 9, 2017 ) announced the appointment of Laura Gurski as Senior Managing Director, Products – effective immediately. As the head of Accenture’s Customer and Channels Consulting Practice for Products, Ms. Gurski will oversee the development and delivery of marketing, customer service, commerce and sales transformation services.

Her key focus will be to help clients define their digital strategies, make insight-driven decisions and deliver the right experience, the right content, the right brand and the right products to their customers, in a new era of hyper-personalization.

Ms. Gurski joins Accenture from A.T. Kearney and brings more than 20 years’ consulting experience at the firm. In her most recent role, she led its services and industry practices, overseeing 3,500 consultants. Previously, she was head of the company’s global Consumer Products & Retail practice, where she focused on driving profitability through growth strategy and organization transformation.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Gurski held senior positions in brand management, merchant and product marketing.

“We continue to focus on hiring and nurturing the very best talent to help our clients compete in today’s digital world,” said Sander van’t Noordende, Group Chief Executive – Products. “Laura brings vast industry knowledge and experience to Accenture and I am thrilled to welcome her to our senior leadership team, helping us deliver a compelling customer experience for automotive, consumer goods, industrial, life sciences, retail and travel clients.”

Commenting on her new role, Gurski said: “Digital technologies have disrupted our clients’ businesses. As their customers move throughout their day, their needs and behaviors are driving a new set of expectations. This is shaping a whole new ecosystem for companies and how they meet the needs of their customers. I have long admired Accenture and am looking forward to helping clients transform their marketing and sales function, achieve consumer intimacy through digital, and develop innovative solutions for the digital world.”

In 2011, Ms. Gurski was recognized by Consulting magazine as one of the Top 25 industry Consultants for her service to clients. She is a member of the Chicago Network, Executives’ Club of Chicago and Women’s Leadership program.

About Accenture
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With approximately 394,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

Contact:

Aleks Vujanic
Accenture
+ 44 7500 974 814
aleks.vujanic@accenture.com

Source: Accenture

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The Craft Beer and Ale Event from 2 – 22 February at SPAR stores across England, Scotland and Wales

United Kingdom, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — 2017 is set to become an even better year for beer drinkers with SPAR stores in the UK running an instore Craft Beer and Ale Event in February to showcase a range of craft ales and beers from around the world.

“The craft beer & ale market has experienced huge growth and this is forecast to continue, as shoppers look for alternative specialist brands. As part of SPAR’s commitment to supporting regional and local suppliers, the event will provide shoppers with a glimpse of its increased presence in the craft beer and ale category,” said Laura McNally, SPAR UK Senior Marketing Manager.

To support this selling opportunity there will be substantial social media and digital activity to highlight some of the great deals on offer.

“We are thrilled to be running this event to showcase the extensive range of craft beers and ales we have on offer for our customers. This category will continue to dominate in 2017and the instore event will allow our retailers to maximise the extra sales opportunity and make their stores a destination point for beer buyers,” added McNally.

The Craft Beer and Ale Event will be running in SPAR stores across England, Scotland and Wales from 2 – 22 February.

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

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Tops Friendly Markets announces the return of Double Give Back days as part of the Tops in Education program

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts is pleased to bring back Double Give Back days as part of the Tops in Education program for the entire month of February.

Now through February 28, those registered for the Tops in Education program will earn double the points when TOPS brand products including Full Circle, TopCare, Tippy Toes, Paws, Value Time or Best Yet are purchased using their registered Tops BonusPlus card. What’s more –during the month of February shoppers will now earn twice the reward every time they purchase single-serve or multi packs of TOPS brand water (that’s now four times the reward)!

To date the schools taking the lead in raising funds through the Tops in Education program for the 2016-2017 school year are:

1) Lake Shore Senior High School 2) Warsaw Elementary 3) Newfane Elementary School 4) Newfane Early Childhood Center 5) Holland Elementary School

It’s never too late to enroll in the Tops in Education program for the 2016-2017 school year. Simply register your Tops BonusPlus card at www.topsmarkets.com/education to start earning points today. Shoppers can designate up to three schools in grades K-12 to receive funds from the program. -more- Shoppers previously enrolled in the program MUST re-enroll for this school year in order to continue participating in this beneficial program. Schools interested in registering or learning more about how to promote the program at their school can also find helpful tools on the website.

Participation in the program is easy. When shoppers purchase TOPS brand, Full CircleTM, TopCare®, Tippy Toes, Valu Time®, PAWS, and Best Yet® products, a percentage of the proceeds is donated to the schools the shopper has selected. The percentage donated is proportionate to the customer’s spending on any of a variety of these private brands that Tops offers and is up to five percent of the total purchase. Participants can also earn double rewards every time they purchase single-serve or multi packs of TOPS brand water throughout the year.

“Tops in Education’ helps our shoppers support the youth of their communities,” said Kathleen Allen, Tops’ senior manager community relations. “This program fulfills a promise to our shoppers, a promise that helps them receive a fantastic value while helping provide funding to educational programs in the towns that we serve.”

Currently midway through its fifth school year, the Tops in Education program is pleased to assist over 1,065 schools throughout its service area. Since 2012 the program has raised more than $540,000.

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.

CONTACT:
Kathy Romanowski
7166355577

Source: Tops Friendly Markets

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Coop lanciert Kulinarik-Plattform FOOBY

BASEL, SWITZERLAND, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — FOOBY ist die neue kostenlose Inspirationsquelle, für alle die es lieben, frisch, fein und ohne unnötigen Zeitaufwand zu kochen und zu geniessen. Diese völlig neuartige Kulinarik-Plattform verbindet erstmals Food-Services von A bis Z: von der App mit personalisierbarem Kochbuch und How-to-Videos über Magazine mit Trend-Stories und Rezeptkarten in den Supermärkten bis hin zur interaktiven Website mit automatisierten Einkaufslisten und direkter Bestellfunktion bei Coop@home. FOOBY eröffnet den Kunden eine neue Welt des Kochens ohne Grenzen zwischen Supermarkt, Online und Zuhause.

«Mit FOOBY wollen wir die Freude und Lust am Kochen, Essen und Geniessen noch stärker in den Mittelpunkt stellen», erklärt Philipp Wyss, Stv. Vorsitzender der Geschäftsleitung und Leiter Direktion Marketing/Beschaffung. «Kochen ist für viele längst nicht mehr eine lästige Verpflichtung, sondern ein sinnlicher Akt und entspannender Ausgleich zur Arbeit. FOOBY nimmt den Menschen nicht das Kochen ab, sondern macht es bequemer und lustvoller».

Rezeptinspirationen und Food-Wissen direkt am Regal
Mit der Lancierung von FOOBY Mitte Februar finden die Kundinnen und Kunden in den Coop-Läden direkt bei den Produkten passende Einkaufs- und Kochhilfen. Zwei von vielen Beispielen: Rezeptflyer schlagen Gerichte vor, die aus wenigen Zutaten innerhalb von 20 Minuten gekocht werden können. Diese Rezepte befinden sich gleich bei den Lebensmitteln, so dass schon der Einkauf einfach und praktisch ist. Regalstecker mit überraschenden Food Facts am Regal machen den Einkauf zu einer kurzweiligen Wikipedia-Reise im Alltag.

Direkte Verbindung von Supermarkt mit Website & Co.
fooby.ch ist neu die erste Adresse im Web für inspirierende Rezepte, die auch visuell ansprechend daher kommen. «Auf fooby.ch finde ich dank der Filterfunktion Vorspeisen und Desserts passend zu meinem Blitzrezept, das ich unter der Woche aus meinem Coop-Supermarkt mitgenommen habe», erklärt Philipp Wyss, wie er neu das Menü für seine Samstagseinladung zusammenstellt. «Ich gebe beim Rezept noch die Anzahl Gäste ein und weiss dann genau, in welchen Mengen ich die Zutaten einkaufen muss. Oder ich kann die benötigten Zutaten einfach bei Coop@home in den Warenkorb legen. Die professionelle Weinempfehlung von Mondovino bekomme ich zum Rezept automatisch dazu.»

Website mit How-to- und Rezeptvideos
fooby.ch bietet How-to- sowie Rezeptvideos mit Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitungen auch für Koch-Anfänger. Neben diesen ganz praktischen Kochhilfen erzählen bekannte Foodies und Bloggers auf der Website über ihre neusten Entdeckungen und kulinarischen Erlebnisse in Text, Bild und Video.

Die FOOBY App – Die persönliche Koch- und Einkaufshilfe
Auch die App von FOOBY offeriert viele Vorteile für ein einfaches, genussvolles Einkaufen und Kochen – im Kochschürzentaschen-Format. Alle Lieblingsrezepte und Tipps lassen sich im persönlichen Kochbuch jederzeit einfach abspeichern. Wichtig: Auch Rezepte von anderen Websites sowie aus anderen Kochbüchern und Zeitschriften können die User mit ihrem Smartphone fotografieren und schon sind sie im elektronischen FOOBY-Kochbuch erfasst. Alles an einem Ort. Die App hat eine praktische Kochansicht fürs Nachkochen, in der die Rezepte Schritte für Schritt angezeigt werden. Und der Timer ist auch gleich integriert. Damit das Einkaufen besonders leicht fällt, sortiert die App die Zutaten in der Einkaufliste nach den Abteilungen im Supermarkt.

Tägliche Inspirationen via Social ab Mitte Februar
Mit den Social Media Kanälen von Fooby – Facebook, Instagram, Youtube und Pinterest – sind die Kunden jeden Tag kulinarisch inspiriert. Der FOOBY-Newsletter informiert regelmässig über neuste Food-Events und -Stories.

Mit FOOBY stellt Coop unter Beweis, dass Kulinarik auch im normalen Alltag Platz hat. Kulinarik bedeutet nicht nur Gourmet-Diner, sondern auch ein liebevoll zubereiteter Salat aus frischen Zutaten mit feinem Dressing.

Bilder zum Download

Kontakt:

Urs Meier
Leiter Medienstelle
Tel. +41 61 336 71 10

Ramón Gander
Mediensprecher
Tel. +41 61 336 71 67

Andrea Bergmann
Mediensprecherin
Tel. +41 61 336 67 37

Angela Wimmer
Mediensprecherin
Tel. +41 61 336 71 87

Source: coop.ch

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Loewe Craft Prize finalists announced

Loewe Craft Prize finalists announced

 

Paris, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Loewe has announced the 26 finalists participating in the Loewe Craft Prize. Created in April 2016 at the initiative of the Loewe Foundation and Jonathan Anderson, the prize celebrates the myriad forms of culture and craftsmanship, two pillars of the Madrid-based house.

Under Creative Director Jonathan Anderson, Loewe has begun a new chapter, reflected in the creation of the Loewe Craft Prize. With this initiative, Loewe reasserts its longstanding commitment to creativity in all forms and disciplines.

The prize acknowledges the importance of craft in today’s culture and recognizes the skills of artisans whose talent, vision and will to innovate set a standard for the future, as Creative Director Jonathan Anderson explains: “Craft is the essence of Loewe. As a house, we are about craft in the purest sense of the word. That is where our modernity lies, and it will always be relevant.”

The 26 finalists, spanning all ages, were selected by a jury of experts comprising textile, jewelry and ceramics designers, as well as journalists. During its deliberations the jury selected creations for their technical accomplishment, innovation and artistic vision.

The winner of the Loewe Craft Prize will be announced on April 10 in Madrid, the historic home of the House.  The winner receives 50,000 euros and the winning work will be exhibited alongside all shortlisted entries in Madrid, Tokyo and New York.

Contact:

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

Source: LVMH

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Adore by Abbey Clancy Spring/Summer 2017 jewellery collection launches exclusively at Argos

Milton Keynes, UK, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Abbey Clancy has launched her Spring/Summer 17 jewellery range, Adore by Abbey Clancy, in collaboration with leading retailer, Argos.

Taking the glamorous world of high-end fashion into eye-catching statement jewellery at high street prices, the collection features beautiful earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces that incorporate dazzling stones into distinctive designs.  Prices range from €44.99 – €89.99.

Collection highlights include:

  • Abbey Clancy Adore rose gold heart twist ring (€31.99): An elegant rose gold colour twisted heart design ring with cubic zirconia stones, it is beautifully detailed and will add glamour to any outfit. Presented in a signature Abbey Clancy box.
  • Abbey Clancy Adore crystal earring set (€54.99): This lovely set of three pairs of cubic zirconia earrings are classy and elegant. A perfect gift idea, the set comes beautifully presented in an Abbey Clancy signature box.
  • Abbey Clancy Adore circle bangle (€54.99): A beautiful, silver colour circle bangle featuring cubic zirconia stones, it will add extra glam to any outfit. Presented in a signature Abbey Clancy box

· Abbey Clancy Adore ball-drop earrings (€64.99): These glamorous silver colour ball-drop design earrings feature cubic zirconia stones, adding extra shine to any outfit. Presented in a signature Abbey Clancy box.

· Abbey Clancy Adore Rose Gold Double Heart Necklace (€37.99): This lovely rose gold colour heart drop necklace features a delicate cubic zirconia design. The necklace itself is a cable chain of 44cm (17.32″) with a 5cm (1.96″) extender. Beautifully presented in an Abbey Clancy signature box.

Abbey Clancy said: “I’ve always loved jewellery so it’s really exciting to have my own range. It was important for me to have a collection that really reflects my style and personality, and it’s been great fun. With jewellery that can take you from day to night, or something a little more eye-catching for an occasion, these pieces really are the perfect treat for yourself or someone special. I hope everyone enjoys wearing them as much as I do!”

Sarah Filippardos, Head of Jewellery at Argos, said: “We’re so excited to launch the latest Adore by Abbey Clancy collection. As a model and mum who is known for her style and personality, Abbey’s designs really bring these elements to life across the range. They’re also perfect for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day gifts – and with availability in store and online, you won’t have to wait long at all to get your hands on them!”

The ‘Adore by Abbey Clancy’ collection, exclusive to Argos, is now available in-store or online at www.argos.ie

For news, images and information, visit our online media centre at:
http://homeretailgroup.pressarea.com/

Follow the press office team on Twitter – @ArgosIreland_PR

For further information and any imagery, please contact aoife.sweeney@argos.co.uk

Source: Argos

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EROSKI y la Universidad del País Vasco desarrollan un optimizador de ajuste de potencias eléctricas

EROSKI y la Universidad del País Vasco desarrollan un optimizador de ajuste de potencias eléctricas

 

Un innovador desarrollo de software permite estimar la potencia a contratar en cada periodo tarifario, para que al cabo de un año se haya abonado por este concepto el importe menor posible

ELORRIO,España, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — EROSKI y la UPV/EHU han desarrollado de forma conjunta un optimizador de ajuste de potencias eléctricas. La herramienta es empleada actualmente por EROSKI para ajustar las potencias eléctricas de su red de tiendas. Su desarrollo ha sido posible gracias al método creado por el Departamento de Matemática Aplicada y Estadística e Investigación Operativa de la Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) en colaboración con el área de Energía del Departamento de Desarrollo de Grupo EROSKI, integrado para este proyecto por Javier Uriarte y Alaitz Mitxelena. Este método permite calcular la potencia eléctrica óptima a contratar en cada centro.

La tarifación eléctrica está basada en un sistema de “suscripciones”, en el que el usuario de la red contrata con su proveedor unas potencias de suministro de acuerdo con sus previsiones de consumo. “Estas suscripciones constituyen la base de la facturación por potencia contratada. El usuario necesita afinar al máximo el cálculo de las potencias a contratar, ya que cuanto más se acerquen sus previsiones a las potencias reales requeridas, menos deberá pagar”, ha señalado Mikel Lezaun, catedrático del Departamento de Matemática Aplicada, Estadística e Investigación Operativa de la Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología de la UPV/EHU, responsable del proyecto realizado junto con Carlos Gorria Y Eduardo Sainz de la Maza.

El método, desarrollado en un proyecto de investigación que ha durado dos años, permite optimizar la potencia a contratar en tarifas de baja y alta tensión españolas, a partir de potencias reales suministradas a lo largo de un año. A partir de este método, se ha creado un software que permite estimar la potencia que debe contratarse en cada periodo tarifario, para que al cabo de un año se haya abonado por este concepto el importe menor posible.

“El programa es de gran ayuda a la hora de tomar decisiones sobre las potencias a contratar en el año venidero. Los algoritmos son programados y su ejecución es prácticamente instantánea. Supone, por tanto, un notable ahorro de tiempo en una labor que antes podía llevarnos varias jornadas, que se suma al ahorro en el importe de la tarifa”, ha señalado el director de Desarrollo de EROSKI, Javier España.

Mikel Lezaun destaca que “revisando la literatura científica, no hemos encontrado trabajos en los que se presenten algoritmos de optimización del término de potencia de la tarifa eléctrica y los beneficios económicos que supone su aplicación. Este ha sido el primer proyecto riguroso de investigación en este campo.”

EROSKI ahorra más de 7 millones de euros en electricidad

El Plan de Sostenibilidad Medioambiental de EROSKI para el periodo estratégico 2013-2016 ha otorgado una importante relevancia al capítulo de eficiencia energética, con diversas líneas de actuación entre las que se incluye el desarrollo de este optimizador de ajuste de potencias eléctricas. EROSKI ha logrado un ahorro superior a los siete millones de euros en el capítulo de gastos de electricidad en los últimos cuatro años gracias a este conjunto de medidas por la eficiencia energética.

“El nuevo modelo comercial ‘contigo’ con el que EROSKI está trasformando sus tiendas de nueva generación, incorpora importantes innovaciones tecnológicas que fueron desarrolladas en fase experimental en el supermercado “Cero Emisiones” de EROSKI abierto en 2012 en Oñate (Gipuzkoa) y que ha constituido el epicentro de innovación en tecnología ecoeficiente durante el período estratégico que ahora concluye” señala Javier España, y concluye “el objetivo de este centro de innovación ha sido testar las medidas y la tecnología orientada a mejorar la eficiencia energética y reducir el impacto medioambiental de nuestra actividad, antes de ser extendida al conjunto de la red comercial a través del plan de transformación de las tiendas de nueva generación”. Se trata de nuevos sistemas y equipamientos eficientes de frío, climatización e iluminación para conseguir el máximo ahorro de energía.

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

Source: Eroski

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Marks and Spencer Group Plc announces Quarter 3 2016/17 trading statement

LONDON, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ —

Marks and Spencer Group Plc
Quarter 3 2016/17 Trading Statement
13 Weeks to 31 December 2016*

Third quarter sales   Total Like-for-like1
Food 5.6% 0.6%
Clothing & Home 3.1% 2.3%
Total UK 4.5% 1.3%
International (reported) 18.9%
International (constant currency) 2.9%
Group (reported) 5.9%
Group (constant currency) 4.3%
M&S.com (constant currency, memo only) 9.4%

*Third quarter sales are for 13 weeks to 31 December 2016 compared with 13 weeks to 26 December 2015, owing to last year’s 53 week financial year.  We estimate this had a positive effect of c.1.5% on Clothing & Home sales and c.0.3% on Food sales

Steve Rowe, Chief Executive, said:

“I am pleased with the customer response we have seen to the changes we are making in line with our plan for the business.  I would like to thank the whole team for their hard work over this busy period.

“In Clothing & Home, better ranges, better availability and better prices helped to improve our performance in a difficult marketplace. We also continued to substantially reduce discounting, including over Black Friday.

“Our Food business continues to grow market share with customers recognising our product as special and different.  Our Simply Food store pipeline remains strong.

“As we look forward, our Q4 reported numbers will be adversely affected by sale timing and a later Easter.  Against the background of uncertain consumer confidence the business remains focused on delivering the strategic actions announced last year.”

Group sales were up 5.9% on a reported basis in the 13 weeks to 31 December.

Clothing & Home sales rose by 3.1% of which c.1.5% was due to the shift in reporting period, which led to the inclusion of five additional days of the December sale.  Clothing & Home LFL sales were up by 2.3%.  We substantially reduced sales on promotion in the period, with many fewer category promotions particularly over Black Friday.  Stock into sale during the quarter declined by c.7% with one fewer clearance event than last year.  As a result of these actions, we saw a further improvement in full price sales.

Food sales rose by 5.6%, with LFL sales up by 0.6%. The quarter was characterised by a slightly later build to peak, as a result of Christmas Day falling on a Sunday.  We continue to grow market share, with customers appreciating the quality, innovation and newness that distinguish our food.  New Simply Food stores continue to perform well.

International sales were up 2.9% at constant currency benefiting from earlier shipments of spring ranges to our franchise partners.

Full year guidance remains unchanged. We continue to manage the business for the uncertain consumer outlook.

We will report our Full Year 2016/17 results on 24 May 2017.

1Like-for-like is the movement in sales from stores which have been trading, or where there has been no significant change in footage, for at least 52 weeks; includes online sales

Statements made in this announcement that look forward in time or that express management’s beliefs, expectations or estimates regarding future occurrences and prospects are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements reflect Marks & Spencer’s current expectations concerning future events and actual results may differ materially from current expectations or historical results. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including failure by Marks & Spencer to predict accurately customer preferences; decline in the demand for products offered by Marks & Spencer; competitive influences; changes in levels of store traffic or consumer spending habits; effectiveness of Marks & Spencer’s brand awareness and marketing programmes; general economic conditions or a downturn in the retail or financial services industries; acts of war or terrorism worldwide; work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes; and changes in financial and equity markets.

Investors & Analysts Conference Call:

The call will be hosted by Steve Rowe and Helen Weir at 8.15 am on Thursday 12 January 2017:

Dial in number: +44 (0)330 336 9411

Confirmation Code: 6848912

A recording of this call will be available until 22 January 2017:

Dial in number: +44 (0)20 7984 7568

For further information, please contact: 

Investor Relations:
Fraser Ramzan
+44 (0)20 8718 4625

Helen Cox
+44 (0)20 8718 8491

Corporate Press Office:
+44 (0)20 8718 1919

Out of hours calls:
+44 (0)20 8718 2000

Source: Marks and Spencer Group Plc

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Casino Group to stop selling eggs from caged hens in Franprix, Leader Price and in all stores under Casino banner

Paris, France, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — For several years, the Casino Group has been committed to improving the living standards of egg laying hens. It was the first major retailer to discontinue sales of eggs from caged hens, removing them from its Monoprix stores first across its own-brand products, then across national brand products.

Franprix, Leader Price and stores under the Casino banner have each since made the commitment to stop selling eggs from caged hens in their stores within the next three years.
This commitment is particularly ambitious as it concerns both own-brand products and national brand products, right from 2020.

Through this commitment, the Casino Group seeks to emphasise the special attention it devotes to the production and farming conditions of the products sold in its stores. The goal to change farming methods will be achieved through a process of transition that requires close collaboration with our partners in the poultry industry.

Further information is available : Respect animal welfare

Source:  Casino Group

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DDR Corp. declares its first quarter 2017 common stock dividend of $0.19 per share

BEACHWOOD, Ohio, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — DDR Corp. (NYSE: DDR) declared its first quarter 2017 common stock dividend of $0.19 per share. The common stock dividend is payable on April 4, 2017 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 16, 2017.

About DDR Corp.
DDR is an owner and manager of 319 value-oriented shopping centers representing 106 million square feet in 35 states and Puerto Rico.  The Company’s assets are concentrated in high barrier-to-entry markets with stable population and high growth potential and its portfolio is actively managed to create long-term shareholder value. DDR is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DDR. Additional information about the Company is available at www.ddr.com.

Safe Harbor
DDR Corp. considers portions of the information in this press release to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, with respect to the Company’s expectation for future periods. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including, among other factors, local conditions such as supply of space or a reduction in demand for real estate in the area; competition from other available space; dependence on rental income from real property; the loss of, significant downsizing of or bankruptcy of a major tenant; redevelopment and construction activities may not achieve a desired return on investment; our ability to buy or sell assets on commercially reasonable terms; our ability to complete acquisitions or dispositions of assets under contract; our ability to secure equity or debt financing on commercially acceptable terms or at all; our ability to enter into definitive agreements with regard to our financing and joint venture arrangements or our failure to satisfy conditions to the completion of these arrangements; and the success of our capital recycling strategy. For additional factors that could cause the results of the Company to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

Contact:

Phone: 216-755-5500
Fax: 216-755-1500

SOURCE: DDR Corp.

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NGA announces best ever 2017 NGA Show in its history

Las Vegas, NV, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The 2017 NGA Show opened with over 3,400 registered attendees, making it the seventh consecutive year of record breaking attendance levels. Alongside a sold-out EXPO floor, the National Grocers Association’s (NGA) annual convention also witnessed a record attendance level for retailer and wholesaler participants.

“The NGA Show continues to experience growth, showcasing that this event is truly the event where independents gather. We are excited to continue to build off of the momentum from previous NGA Shows,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA.

Over the next two days, The NGA Show will feature more than 40 education workshops and a sold-out EXPO floor with over 325 exhibitors in various categories such as produce, meat, technology, craft beers, and general merchandise and health, wellness and beauty product sectors.

“Year after year, the NGA team seeks to provide Show attendees with an event that has them leaving with the necessary resources, tools and solutions to address shifting demands and marketplace challenges, and ultimately help them grow their bottom line,” Larkin noted.

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner was featured as the keynote speaker for the opening session, sponsored by The Kraft Heinz Company.  A former small businessman, Boehner served for nearly five years as the 53rd Speaker of the House, where he led efforts for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government.

In addition to today’s NGA Show events, the NGA Board of Directors, by recommendation of its nominating committee and a subsequent vote by the NGA membership, announced the 2017 Board of Directors, Officers and Executive Committee members, as well as the election of eight new Board members.

The 2017 NGA Board of Directors:

Executive Committee Officers
Chairman: Bob Ling – Unified Grocers, Inc.
Immediate Past Chairman: Rich Niemann, Jr. – Niemann Foods, Inc.
Vice Chairman: Cheryl Sommer – Kaune’s Neighborhood Market
Treasurer: Rich McMenamin – McMenamin Family ShopRite
Secretary: Ted Balistreri, Sendik’s Food Markets
President and CEO: Peter J. Larkin, National Grocers Association

Members appointed to the 2017 Executive Committee:
Kim Eskew – Harps Food Stores, Inc.
Roger Lowe, Jr. – Lowe’s Market
Jeff Reagan – Wakefern Food Corp.
David Smith – Associated Wholesale Grocers
Michael Stigers – SUPERVALU, Inc.

Newly elected & appointed to the 2017 NGA Board of Directors:
Jim Badalati – CROSSMARK
Kimberly Brackett – Brackett’s Market IGA
Nancy Chagares – Save-a-lot Food Stores
Jesse Garcia – Post Consumer Brands
Jan Gee – Washington Food Industry Association
Reed Kessler – Kessler’s Inc.
Christopher Miller – Associated Grocers of Florida, Inc.
Zulema Wiscovitch – Associated Supermarket Group

NGA would like to recognize and thank the following outgoing board members for their service and leadership:
Randy Arceneaux – Affiliated Foods, Inc.
Rick Brindle – Mondelēz International
Spencer Coates – Houchens Industries, Inc.
Ron Fong – California Grocers Association
David Maniaci – Nicholas Market
Todd Mitchell – CROSSMARK

Contact:

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

Source: NGA

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NGA Research and Education Foundation announces scholarship recipients for the 2016-2017 academic school year

Las Vegas, NV, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Feb 12, 2017), the NGA Research and Education Foundation (NGA Foundation) recognized scholarship recipients for the 2016-2017 academic school year at a brunch in support of the NGA Foundation, sponsored by Chobani. The NGA Foundation brunch was held at the National Grocers Association’s annual convention, The NGA Show.

“The NGA Research and Education Foundation has accomplished a lot in its twenty-five years of service, but I know we can do more,” said Elizabeth Crocker, vice president and executive director of the NGA Research and Education Foundation. “I look forward to refocusing our energy and putting more resources toward serving the Foundation’s mission of recruiting, training, and retaining new talent for our industry.”

“It’s critically important to give back and invest in our industry’s next generation of leaders,” said Peter J. Larkin, NGA president and CEO.  “These impressive students are our leaders of tomorrow, and we must do what we can to encourage them to enter and thrive in the independent supermarket industry.”

The mission of the NGA Foundation is to help the independent grocer attract and retail top talent, develop future leaders and become an employer of choice for college graduates. The Foundation’s scholarship program would not be possible without the support and generous contributions from various partners within the independent supermarket industry. Scholarship recipients for the 2016-2017 academic school year are listed below:

2016/2017 NGA Research and Education Foundation Scholarships:

The Charlie and Becky Bray Scholarship was awarded to Jacob Crowell, a current student at Western Michigan University. He is pursuing a degree in Food and Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing.

The Roger Collins Scholarship was awarded to Michael Navarro, who is currently working on his degree in Business/Food Management from Arizona State University.

The First Data Technology Scholarship recipients are Jennifer Bell and David Rosen. Bell is currently attending the University of North Texas, where she is pursuing a degree in Learning Technologies, and Rosen is working on his MBA at the University of La Verne.

The Kimberly-Clark Corp. Scholarship was awarded to Antonio Scelfo, who is currently pursuing his degree in Finance from Notre Dame University.

The Peter and Jody Larkin Scholarship was awarded to Dusty Longoria, who is working on a degree in Business Management from the University of North Texas.

The Mondelēz International Scholarship was awarded to Michael Standeven, a current student at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he is working on a degree in Computer Science.

The Bob Richardson Scholarship was awarded to Sadie Brumfield, who is attending East Tennessee State University, pursing a degree in Business.

Asparagus Scholarships Recipients:

Victoria Conlon is pursuing her degree in Marketing Analytics at Vanderbilt University.

Jason Forrester is currently attending Colorado Technical University, where he is working on his MBA.

Kevin Halcomb is studying Business Administration at the King University.

Crystal Siemers-Peterman is attending the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities for her degree in Agriculture and Food Business Management.

Michelle Turner is attending the University of Missouri – Kansas City, where she is working on her MBA.

Thomas K. Zaucha Asparagus Club Recipient:

Dusty Longoria is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management at the University of North Texas.

The Thomas K. Zaucha scholarship is given each year to an outstanding applicant who is pursuing a career in the grocery industry particularly focused on the independent retailer and wholesaler sector.

Women Grocers of America (WGA) Mary Macey Scholarship Recipients:

Jensen Lewis is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at William Jessup University.

Dusty Longoria is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management at the University of North Texas.

Adam Peterson is attending Western Michigan University, where he is pursuing his degree in Food and Consumer Packaged Goods Marketing.

Contact:

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

Source: NGA

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NGA recognized Niemann Foods, Inc. CEO and Harps Food Stores Chairman with top awards during the 2017 NGA Show

Las Vegas, NV, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized two industry leaders with top awards during the 2017 NGA Show. The following individuals were honored with the below industry awards:

The Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award was presented to Rich Niemann, Jr., President and CEO of Niemann Foods, Inc. Niemann began his career with Niemann Foods, Inc. in 1977, following his graduation from the University of Illinois. He has been the President and CEO of the company since 2005. Niemann serves on the NGA Board of Directors as the Immediate Past Chairman and has held positions on numerous boards, including the Illinois Food Retailers Association.

“A passionate leader, who has his eye always to the future, Rich is continuously inspiring others in the independent supermarket industry to find new and innovative ways to better serve their communities. NGA is proud to honor such a distinguished individual for his service and dedication to his stores, his community, and our industry,” said NGA President and CEO Peter Larkin.

Since 2009, the Thomas K. Zaucha Award, presented by Mondelēz International and named after NGA’s first President and CEO, has been presented annually to recognize an independent grocer that exemplifies persistence, vision, and creative entrepreneurship. This award is one of the most prestigious honors awarded to independent grocers.

The Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award was presented to Roger Collins, Chairman of Harps Food Stores. Collins started with Harps in 1986 as the Vice President of Finance and CFO. He was promoted to Executive Vice President in 1995 and CEO in 2000. Collins stepped down as CEO in 2016 but remains as Chairman. He has served on both the board and executive committee of NGA, the National Cooperative Bank, and Associated Wholesale Grocers, as well as the Board of Regents for the NGA Research and Education Foundation. In 2015, Collins was awarded the Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award by NGA.

“As a supporter of the Grocers PAC and NGA’s government relations efforts, Roger understands the importance of cultivating relationships with policymakers who will be champions for the independent supermarket industry. He has been a strong advocate for the independent grocer on all levels of government,” said Greg Ferrara, senior vice president of government relations and public affairs, NGA.

The Thomas F. Wenning Pinnacle PAC Award was established in 2014 to honor Tom Wenning for his 40 years of service to NGA and the independent supermarket industry and is presented to an NGA member who helps advance the role and presence of the independent grocer and NGA in government and political affairs.

Contact:

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

Source: NGA

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Dunkin’ Donuts opens its newest hotel location at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado in Colorado Springs

CANTON, Mass., 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Donuts, America’s all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods, today (FEBRUARY 10, 2017) announced that it has opened its newest hotel location at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado in Colorado Springs, making its eighth restaurant to open under a franchise agreement between Dunkin’ Donuts and Great Wolf Resorts. Dunkin’ Donuts has existing restaurants at Great Wolf Lodge resorts in Concord, N.C; Williamsburg, Va.; Traverse City, Mich.; Sandusky, Ohio; Fitchburg, Mass.; Mason, Ohio and Garden Grove, Calif. with additional locations planned to open in 2017.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. owns and operates all eight of these locations, which serve Dunkin’ Donuts’ menu of delicious food and beverages that can be enjoyed all throughout the day. These items include a range of hot and iced coffee and espresso beverages; hot and iced teas; a variety of donuts, muffins and croissants; and oven-toasted breakfast sandwiches available any time of day.

“With the opening of this eighth location, we’re excited to continue to expand our partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts to include our newest Colorado Springs resort,” said Chris Hammond, corporate director of food and beverage, Great Wolf Resorts. “Great Wolf Lodge is known for our superior guest services, so we’re thrilled that we will be providing our guests with Dunkin’s freshly-brewed coffee and other delicious menu items.”

Opportunities exist to grow with Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, Dunkin’ Donuts’ sister brand, individually or as multi-brand units in the hotel sector. Flexible design options are available to suit any lodging facility, including full retail restaurants, kiosks and self-serve hot coffee stations perfect for gift shops and general stores. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins locations can also be designed to suit specific areas such as snack bars and convention registration areas.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ bakery products can be prepared in the property’s own kitchen, with the addition of some simple equipment, giving the food and beverage team flexibility to manage product inventory in accordance with guest traffic. Multi-brand restaurants that combine Dunkin’ Donuts with Baskin-Robbins under one roof offer even more opportunity to drive traffic during various day parts – from early morning breakfast and coffee all the way to after-dinner ice cream cones and ice cream cakes.

“In addition to the hotel sector, Dunkin’ Donuts will continue to expand its presence at non-traditional locations across the country and build relationships with franchisees who are a good fit for the brand,” said Chris Burr, director of non-traditional development, Dunkin’ Brands. “Great Wolf Lodge continues to be an excellent franchisee to work with, and I am confident that guests visiting the Colorado Springs resort will enjoy our offerings as so many other Great Wolf Lodge guests across the country already do.”

For more information about Dunkin’ Donuts, please visit www.DunkinDonuts.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/DunkinDonuts) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DunkinDonuts).

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 the No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 10 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.

About Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.
Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.® Madison, Wis., is North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts, and, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, owns and operates its family resorts under the Great Wolf Lodge® brand. Great Wolf Resorts is a fully integrated resort company with Great Wolf Lodge locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; the Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; Fitchburg, Mass; Concord, N.C.; Garden Grove, Calif. and Colorado Springs, CO. Additional information may be found on the company website at http://www.greatwolf.com.

Contact:

Name: Jenna Kantrowitz
Phone: 954-893-9150
Email: jkantrowitz@fish-consulting.com

Name: Rachel Tabacnic
Phone: 954-893-9150
Email: rtabacnic@fish-consulting.com

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Dunkin’ Donuts opens its newest hotel location at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado in Colorado Springs

 

Source:  Dunkin Donuts

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Meijer recalls Meijer Brand Colby Cheese and Colby Jack Cheese due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes

Walker, Michigan, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer is announcing a recall of its Meijer Brand Colby Cheese and Colby Jack Cheese sold exclusively through its deli counters due to a potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The Meijer Brand Colby Cheese and Colby Jack Cheese were sold in Meijer stores from Nov. 10, 2016 to Feb. 9, 2017. There have been no known illnesses reported to Meijer from the product affected by this recall.

Meijer received notice of a possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination from MDS Foods, a Meijer supplier that sources the Meijer branded cheeses from Deutsch Kase Haus, a cheese manufacturer based in Middlebury, Indiana. MDS Foods informed Meijer that evidence of potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination had been identified by the manufacturer.

The recalled product will be in plastic deli packaging with printed labels that have the UPCs 215927xxxxxx or 215938xxxxxx – the last 6 digits will vary, and are determined by weight since the product was purchased at the deli counter.

Customers should stop using the product and either dispose of it or return it to the customer service desk at any Meijer store for a full refund. For additional information, please contact Meijer at (800) 543-3704, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Consumers Contact:

(800) 543-3704

Media Contact:

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

Source: FDA

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2017 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient® study: Wegmans Food Markets ranked #2 for corporate reputation among 100 most visible companies

Rochester, NY, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wegmans Food Markets, a family-owned supermarket chain with 92 stores in the northeast and mid-Atlantic region, was ranked #2 for corporate reputation among the 100 most visible companies, according to the 2017 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient® (RQ) study.

“This only happens because our 47,000 employees are committed to helping our customers and giving their best every day,” said Colleen Wegman.  “We are so proud and grateful to our people for earning our customers’ trust.”

The reputations of the 100 most visible companies range from excellent (scores of 80+) to critical (scores below 50).  Including Wegmans, a total of 17 companies earned excellent scores. Conversely, near the bottom of the list, a total of 12 companies earned scores from poor to critical.

Study respondents are asked to rate a company’s reputation on 20 attributes that fall into six key reputation dimensions:   Social Responsibility, Emotional Appeal, Products and Services, Vision and Leadership, Financial Performance and Workplace Environment.

“The way we treat one another matters,” added Colleen Wegman.  “There are five values that guide us:  caring, high standards, make a difference, respect, empowerment.”

Methodology
The 2017 Harris Poll Reputation Quotient was conducted online in English, among 23,633 U.S. respondents from November 29 – December 16, 2016, with preliminary nominating waves of research conducted among 4,092 respondents from September 13 -15 and October 4 – 6, 2016. The Annual RQ study begins with a Nomination Phase, which is used to identify the companies with the most “visible” reputations. All respondents are asked, unaided, to name companies that stand out as having the best and worst reputations. Online nominations are summed to create a total number of nominations for each company. The final list of the 100 most visible companies in the U.S. is measured in the RQ Ratings Phase. In the ratings phase, respondents are randomly assigned to rate two of the companies with which they are “very” or “somewhat” familiar.  After the first company rating is completed, the respondent is given the option to rate the second company. Companies are rated on their reputation on 20 different attributes that comprise the Reputation Quotient instrument. The attributes are grouped into six different reputation dimensions: Emotional Appeal, Financial Performance, Products and Services, Social Responsibility, Vision and Leadership, and Workplace Environment.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll and sample partner surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in an online panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About the Reputation Quotient
The Harris Poll Reputation Quotient (RQ), an established annual measure of the understanding of corporate reputation in America since 1999, identifies movement, trends and insights in a changing corporate reputation landscape. It quantifies reputation ratings for the 100 most visible companies in the U.S., as perceived by the general public.

About The Harris Poll
Over the last five decades, Harris Polls have become media staples. With comprehensive experience and precise technique in public opinion polling, along with a proven track record of uncovering consumers’ motivations and behaviors, The Harris Poll has gained strong brand recognition around the world. The Harris Poll offers a diverse portfolio of proprietary client solutions to transform relevant insights into actionable foresight for a wide range of industries including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer packaged goods.

About Wegmans
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 92-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.  The family-owned company, founded in 1916, is recognized as an industry leader and innovator.  Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for nineteen consecutive years.  In 2016, Wegmans ranked #4 on the list.

Press Contact:
Jo Natale
Vice President of Media Relations
585-301-8009

Evelyn Carter
Syracuse Consumer Affairs Manager
315-546-1110

Michele Mehaffy
Buffalo Consumer Affairs Manager
716-685-8170

Source: Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

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Dollar General opens its newest store in Hankinson, North Dakota

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollar General (NYSE: DG) expanded its presence into its 44th state this morning (February 11, 2017) as doors opened for business at the company’s newest store in Hankinson, North Dakota. The company is also planning official grand opening celebrations for six additional stores in the state through spring 2017.

“Celebrating today’s grand opening in North Dakota is very exciting for Dollar General,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “This is an important milestone for Dollar General as we expand into our 44th state and build our presence in the upper Midwest. We look forward to serving additional communities with value and convenience as we grow our footprint throughout the state and welcoming new North Dakotan employees to the Dollar General family.”

Beginning at 8 a.m. this morning, the first 100 adult customers received complimentary Dollar General gift cards and totes filled with product samples. Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by providing a focused selection of items including food, cleaning supplies, apparel, paper products, health and beauty items, pet needs, home décor and toys from America’s most trusted brands, as well as Dollar General’s private brands. The company further demonstrates its commitment to everyday low prices by pricing more than 80 percent of items at $5 or less.

Dollar General plans to identify additional areas for new store growth in the state. These stores are scheduled to be supported by items from one of its newest distribution centers in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Dollar General most recently expanded from stores in 40 states to 43 states with the grand opening of stores in Maine, Rhode Island and Oregon in March 2015.

With over 13,200 retail locations and 120,000 employees, Dollar General offers its employees opportunities to start and/or grow their careers. Anyone interested in joining one of America’s fastest-growing retailers may apply online at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

Dollar General gives its customers more than everyday low prices on basic merchandise as part of its mission of Serving Others. Dollar General is deeply involved in the communities it serves and is an ardent supporter of literacy and education through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, which awards grants each year to nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center to support adult, family, summer and youth literacy programs. Since its inception in 1993, the DGLF has awarded more than $127 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 7.9 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit www.dgliteracy.com.

For additional information, photographs or items to supplement a story, please visit the Dollar General Newsroom or contact the Media Relations Department at 1-877-944-DGPR (3477) or via email at dgpr@dg.com.

About Dollar General Corporation

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years through its mission of Serving Others. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, clothing for the family, housewares and seasonal items at low everyday prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 13,205 stores in 43 states as of October 28, 2016. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted brands such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Nabisco, Hanes, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com.

Follow Dollar General:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

Contact:

Media Hotline:
1-877-944-DGPR (3477)
dgpr@dg.com

Dan MacDonald
615-855-5209

Crystal Ghassemi
615-855-5210

Source: Dollar General Corporation

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CBRE Group, Inc. announces 20% increase in revenue for full-year 2016

2016 Full Year Highlights
Revenue of $13.1 billion, up 20% (23% local currency)
Fee Revenue of $8.7 billion, up 13% (15% local currency)
GAAP EPS of $1.69, up 4%; Adjusted EPS of $2.30, up 12%

2016 Fourth Quarter Highlights
Revenue of $3.8 billion, up 3% (6% local currency)
Fee Revenue of $2.7 billion, up 4% (6% local currency)
GAAP EPS of $0.78, up 47%; Adjusted EPS of $0.93, up 15%

Los Angeles, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today (February 10, 2017) reported strong financial results for the year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2016.

“We ended 2016 on a high note,” said Bob Sulentic, CBRE’s president and chief executive officer. “CBRE recorded double-digit adjusted earnings growth for the fourth quarter and the year, with excellent performance in all three regional services businesses.”

Mr. Sulentic added: “In addition to achieving record financial performance, we continued to advance our strategy centered around creating exceptional outcomes for our clients. Our people and the operating platform that supports them are the key elements to delivering these outcomes. Both advanced materially in 2016 and the impact is showing up in our results.”

Full-Year 2016 Results

  • Revenue for full-year 2016 totaled $13.1 billion, an increase of 20% (23% local currency1). Fee revenue2 increased 13% (15% local currency) to $8.7 billion. Organic fee revenue, which excludes contributions from all acquisitions including Global Workplace Solutions, increased 3% (5% local currency). Revenue contribution from the acquired Global Workplace Solutions business totaled approximately $2.75 billion for full-year 2016.
  • On a GAAP basis, net income for 2016 increased 5% to $572.0 million and earnings per diluted share rose 4% to $1.69 per share. GAAP net income was reduced by $125.7 million (pre-tax) of integration costs associated with the Global Workplace Solutions acquisition; $111.1 million (pre-tax) of acquisition-related non-cash amortization; and $78.5 million (pre-tax) incurred in the cost-elimination program that ended in the third quarter of 2016. These costs were partially offset by a $15.6 million (pre-tax) reversal of carried interest incentive compensation and a tax benefit associated with all noted adjustments of $93.2 million.
  • Adjusted net income3 increased 13% to $778.5 million and adjusted earnings per share increased 12% to $2.30 per share.
  • Foreign currency movement, primarily the impact of currency translation and the marking-to-market of currency hedges, caused a net decrease to earnings per share of $0.06 in 2016 compared with last year. This reflected a reduction of earnings per share in 2016 by approximately $0.03 per share, as compared to an increase of approximately $0.03 in 2015. Adjusted earnings per share would have increased by approximately 15% without the currency impact.
  • EBITDA4 increased 6% (7% local currency) to $1.4 billion while adjusted EBITDA4 increased 10% (12% local currency) to $1.6 billion. In 2016, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were negatively impacted by $17.4 million of currency movement, including the marking-to-market of currency hedges, as compared to 2015, which was positively impacted by $15.3 million. Adjusted EBITDA would have increased by approximately 13%, without the currency impact.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin on fee revenue was 17.9%.
  • For the year, CBRE’s more than $13 billion of revenue and nearly $1.6 billion of adjusted EBITDA set new records for the company.
  • The company’s business mix continued to shift toward more recurring revenue in 2016 with contractual fee revenue5 comprising approximately 42% of total fee revenue, up from 37% in 2015.

Fourth-Quarter 2016 Results

  • Revenue for the fourth quarter totaled $3.8 billion, an increase of 3% (6% local currency).  Fee revenue increased 4% (6% local currency) to $2.7 billion.  Organic fee revenue, which excludes contributions from all acquisitions, increased 3% (5% local currency).
  • On a GAAP basis, net income and earnings per diluted share both increased 47% to $264.0 million and $0.78 per share, respectively.  GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2016 was reduced by $52.2 million (pre-tax) of integration costs associated with the Global Workplace Solutions acquisition and $29.3 million (pre-tax) of acquisition-related non-cash amortization.  These costs were partially offset by a $9.0 million (pre-tax) reversal of carried interest incentive compensation and a tax benefit associated with all noted adjustments of $21.8 million.
  • Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter of 2016 rose 16% to $314.7 million, while adjusted earnings per share improved 15% to $0.93 per share.
  • Foreign currency movement, primarily the impact of currency translation and the marking-to-market of currency hedges, caused a net decrease to earnings per share of $0.03 in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared with the same quarter last year.  This reflected a reduction of earnings per share in the fourth quarter of 2016 of approximately $0.01 per share, as compared to an increase of approximately $0.02 per share in the fourth quarter of 2015.  Adjusted earnings per share would have increased by approximately 19% without the currency impact.
  • EBITDA increased 23% (24% local currency) to $525.3 million and adjusted EBITDA increased 10% (12% local currency) to $568.5 million.  In the fourth quarter of 2016, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were negatively impacted by $7.0 million of currency movement, including the marking to market of currency hedges, as compared to the fourth quarter of 2015, which was positively impacted by $8.8 million.  Adjusted EBITDA would have increased by approximately 13% without the currency impact.
  • Adjusted EBITDA margin on fee revenue was 21.4%.

Fourth-Quarter 2016 Review

The Americas, the company’s largest business segment, posted a revenue increase of 6% (same in local currency) for the quarter.  Asia Pacific (APAC) was the company’s fastest-growing region for the quarter, as revenue rose 22% (19% local currency), with strong growth across the region.  The company’s revenue growth in Europe, the Middle East & Africa (EMEA) was adversely affected by foreign currency movement, principally the depreciation of the British pound sterling.  In local currency, EMEA revenue rose 6%, but fell 3% when converted to U.S. dollars.

In the United Kingdom, overall revenue grew by 8% in local currency, led by the occupier outsourcing business line.  This solid performance in the wake of the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union (Brexit) attests to the strength and diversity of CBRE’s service offering in this country.

Among the company’s business lines, occupier outsourcing continued to produce strong growth, before the effects of currency movement.  In this line of business, global revenue rose 3% (8% local currency), while fee revenue increased 4% (10% local currency).  CBRE signed 110 outsourcing contracts in the fourth quarter, highlighted by continued strong gains in the health care sector.

Global property sales revenue increased 8% (same local currency).  APAC sales revenue rose 42% (35% local currency) reflecting strength in Australia, Greater China and Singapore as well as an especially large transaction in Japan.  Sales revenue also rose solidly in EMEA before currency effects, paced by robust growth in France as well as in Belgium and Germany.  This more than offset a modest decline in the United Kingdom, where investors continue to adjust to the post-Brexit vote environment.  U.S. property sales revenue was largely unchanged compared with the 2015 fourth quarter. CBRE outperformed the market for U.S. investment sales with a 140 basis-point increase in market share in the fourth quarter, according to Real Capital Analytics.

The commercial mortgage services business continued to perform very well, with revenue rising 31% (32% in local currency).  This growth was driven by strong gains from mortgage servicing rights as well as increased loan originations with U.S. Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) and life insurance companies. CBRE’s loan servicing portfolio stood at approximately $145 billion at year-end 2016, up nearly $10 billion from 2015.

Global leasing revenue increased 4% (6% local currency).  APAC posted double-digit growth, with revenue gains in nearly all countries, most notably in Greater China, Japan and Singapore.  EMEA saw solid growth before currency effects, led by Germany, Italy and Poland.  U.S. leasing revenue rose 4%.

Valuation revenue increased 4% (6% local currency) for the fourth quarter.  Revenue from property management services was up 2% (4% local currency), while fee revenue from property management services rose 3% (4% local currency).

In the Global Investment Management segment, assets under management (AUM) totaled $86.6 billion at year-end 2016.  In local currency, AUM for the year was up $2.1 billion, down $2.4 billion when measured in U.S dollars.  Approximately 60% of AUM, excluding securities, is in Europe and denominated in euro or British pound sterling.  In the Development Services segment, projects in process totaled $6.6 billion, down $100 million from year-end of 2015.

The company’s balance sheet remains highly flexible, with no required debt repayments until 2019.  The company ended 2016 with more than $3.5 billion of available liquidity, including nearly $700 million of cash available for company use and $2.8 billion of undrawn capacity on its revolving credit facility.  Net debt6 stood at 1.2 times adjusted EBITDA, as of December 31, 2016.

In early 2017, CBRE acquired Floored, Inc., a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that produces scalable interactive visualization technologies for commercial real estate. The acquisition is emblematic of the company’s investments in digital and technology tools.

Fourth-Quarter 2016 Segment Results

Fourth-quarter 2016 results were adjusted for select items including acquisition-related integration expenses in our regional segments and a reversal of carried interest incentive compensation in our Global Investment Management segment. The company does not adjust for foreign currency movements, including currency translation and gains or losses from currency hedging.  Accordingly, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA were both impacted by foreign currency movements.  The current quarter segment impact of foreign currency movements, including currency translation and the marking-to-market of currency hedges, is shown below.

Business Outlook

“CBRE enters 2017 in a great position following very strong performance in 2016,” Mr. Sulentic said.  “Our business has positive underlying momentum, as the global economy continues to grow – albeit at a modest pace – and commercial real estate fundamentals remain sound.  Our outlook is bolstered by the many advantages CBRE holds as the sector leader.  Our talent base is deep and our people are aligned with and energized by our strategy.  Our operating platform is becoming stronger, as we continue to invest in technology, data analytics and other strategic initiatives.”

Overall, CBRE expects to achieve adjusted earnings per share for 2017 in the range of $2.35 to $2.45. The company anticipates growth to be constrained by a 6-cent per share headwind from adverse foreign currency movement.  At the midpoint of the range, the growth rate for adjusted earnings per share would be 4% in U.S. dollars, or 7% in local currency – almost entirely from organic growth.

Conference Call Details

The company’s fourth-quarter earnings conference call will be held today (Friday, February 10, 2017) at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.  A webcast, along with an associated slide presentation, will be accessible through the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at www.cbre.com/investorrelations.

The direct dial-in number for the conference call is 877-407-8037 for U.S. callers and 201-689-8037 for international callers.  A replay of the call will be available starting at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 10, 2017, and ending at midnight Eastern Time on February 17, 2017.  The dial-in number for the replay is 877 660 6853 for U.S. callers and 201-612-7415 for international callers.  The access code for the replay is 13651462.  A transcript of the call will be available on the company’s Investor Relations website at www.cbre.com/investorrelations.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2016 revenue).  The company has more than 75,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide.  CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services.  Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

The information contained in, or accessible through, the company’s website is not incorporated into this press release.

Note: This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our future growth momentum, operations, financial performance (including adjusted earnings per share expectations), currency movement, market share, and business outlook.  These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the company’s actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested in forward-looking statements in this release.  Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws, the company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of them to reflect actual results, any changes in expectations or any change in events.  If the company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: disruptions in general economic and business conditions, particularly in geographies where our business may be concentrated; volatility and disruption of the securities, capital and credit markets; interest rate increases; the cost and availability of capital for investment in real estate; clients’ willingness to make real estate or long-term contractual commitments and other factors affecting the value of real estate assets, inside and outside the United States; foreign currency fluctuations; increases in unemployment and general slowdowns in commercial activity; trends in pricing and risk assumption for commercial real estate services; the effect of significant movements in average cap rates across different property types; a reduction by companies in their reliance on outsourcing for their commercial real estate needs, which would affect our revenues and operating performance; client actions to restrain project spending and reduce outsourced staffing levels; declines in lending activity of Government Sponsored Enterprises, regulatory oversight of such activity and our mortgage servicing revenue from the U.S. commercial real estate mortgage market; our ability to diversify our revenue model to offset cyclical economic trends in the commercial real estate industry; our ability to attract new user and investor clients; our ability to retain major clients and renew related contracts; our ability to leverage our global services platform to maximize and sustain long-term cash flow; our ability to maintain EBITDA margins that enable us to continue investing in our platform and client service offerings; our ability to control costs relative to revenue growth; variations in historically customary seasonal patterns that cause our business not to perform as expected; changes in domestic and international law and regulatory environments (including relating to anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, trade sanctions, currency controls and other trade control laws), particularly in Russia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East, due to the rising level of political instability in those regions; economic volatility and market uncertainty globally related to uncertainty surrounding the implementation and effect of the United Kingdom’s referendum to leave the European Union, including uncertainty in relation to the legal and regulatory framework that would apply to the United Kingdom and its relationship with remaining members of the European Union; our ability to identify, acquire and integrate synergistic and accretive businesses; costs and potential future capital requirements relating to businesses we may acquire; integration challenges arising out of companies we may acquire; our ability to retain and incentivize key personnel; the ability of our Global Investment Management business to maintain and grow assets under management and achieve desired investment returns for our investors, and any potential related litigation, liabilities or reputational harm possible if we fail to do so; our ability to manage fluctuations in net earnings and cash flow, which could result from poor performance in our investment programs, including our participation as a principal in real estate investments; our leverage under our debt instruments as well as the limited restrictions therein on our ability to incur additional debt, and the potential increased borrowing costs to us from a credit-ratings downgrade; litigation and its financial and reputational risks to us; the ability of CBRE Capital Markets to periodically amend, or replace, on satisfactory terms, the agreements for its warehouse lines of credit; our exposure to liabilities in connection with real estate advisory and property management activities and our ability to procure sufficient insurance coverage on acceptable terms; liabilities under guarantees, or for construction defects, that we incur in our Development Services business; our ability to compete globally, or in specific geographic markets or business segments that are material to us; our and our employees’ ability to execute on, and adapt to, information technology strategies and trends; our ability to comply with laws and regulations related to our global operations, including real estate licensure, tax, labor and employment laws and regulations, as well as the anti-corruption laws and trade sanctions of the U.S. and other countries; our ability to maintain our effective tax rate at or below current levels; and the effect of implementation of new accounting rules and standards.

Additional information concerning factors that may influence the company’s financial information is discussed under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” and “Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements” in both our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016 and September 30, 2016, as well as in the company’s press releases and other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  Such filings are available publicly and may be obtained on the company’s website at www.cbre.com or upon written request from CBRE’s Investor Relations Department at investorrelations@cbre.com.

Note – CBRE has not reconciled the (non-GAAP) adjusted earnings per share forward-looking guidance included in this release to the most directly comparable GAAP measure because this cannot be done without unreasonable effort due to the variability and low visibility with respect to costs related to acquisitions, carried interest incentive compensation, financing costs and future tax rates, which are potential adjustments to future earnings.  We expect the variability of these items to have a potentially unpredictable, and a potentially significant, impact on our future GAAP financial results.

The terms “fee revenue,” “adjusted net income,” “adjusted earnings per share” (or adjusted EPS), “EBITDA,” “adjusted EBITDA” and “contractual fee revenue” all of which CBRE uses in this press release, are non-GAAP financial measures under SEC guidelines, and you should refer to the footnotes below as well as the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section in this press release for a further explanation of these measures.  We have also included in that section reconciliations of these measures in specific periods to their most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP for those periods.

1 Local currency percentage change is calculated by comparing current-period results at prior-period exchange rates versus prior-period results.

2 Fee revenue is gross revenue less both client reimbursed costs largely associated with employees that are dedicated to client facilities and subcontracted vendor work performed for clients.

3 Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share (or adjusted EPS) exclude the effect of select charges from GAAP net income and GAAP earnings per diluted share as well as adjust the provision for income taxes for such charges.  Adjustments during the periods presented included the write-off of financing costs on extinguished debt, amortization expense related to certain intangible assets attributable to acquisitions, integration and other costs related to acquisitions, cost-elimination expenses and certain carried interest incentive compensation (reversal) expense to align with the timing of associated revenue.

4 EBITDA represents earnings before net interest expense, write-off of financing costs on extinguished debt, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.  Amounts shown for adjusted EBITDA further remove (from EBITDA) the impact of certain cash and non-cash charges related to acquisitions, cost-elimination expenses and certain carried interest incentive compensation (reversal) expense to align with the timing of associated revenue.

5 Contractual fee revenue refers to revenue derived from our Occupier Outsourcing, Property Management, Investment Management and Valuation businesses.

6 Net debt amounted to $1,858.0 million at December 31, 2016 and includes total debt, excluding amounts that are non-recourse to the Company, less cash available for general corporate use.  Total debt excludes $1,254.7 million of warehouse facilities for loans originated on behalf of the FHA and other government sponsored enterprises outstanding at December 31, 2016, which are non-recourse to the Company.

7 Revenue in the Development services segment does not include equity income from unconsolidated subsidiaries and gain on disposition of real estate, net of non-controlling interest.  EBITDA includes equity income from unconsolidated subsidiaries and gain on disposition of real estate, net of non-controlling interests, and the associated compensation expense.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following measures are considered “non-GAAP financial measures” under SEC guidelines:

(i)      Fee revenue
(ii)     Contractual fee revenue
(iii)    Net income attributable to CBRE Group, Inc., as adjusted (which we also refer to as “adjusted net income”)
(iv)    Diluted income per share attributable to CBRE Group, Inc. shareholders, as adjusted (which we also refer to as “adjusted earnings per share” or “adjusted  EPS”)
(v)     EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA

None of these measures is a recognized measurement under United States generally accepted accounting principles, or “GAAP,” and when analyzing our operating performance, readers should use them in addition to, and not as an alternative for, their most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.  Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Our management generally uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate operating performance and for other discretionary purposes, and the company believes that these measures provide a more complete understanding of ongoing operations, enhance comparability of current results to prior periods and may be useful for investors to analyze our financial performance because they eliminate the impact of selected charges that may obscure trends in the underlying performance of our business.  The company further uses certain of these measures, and believes that they are useful to investors, for purposes described below.

With respect to fee revenue:  the company believes that investors may find this measure useful to analyze the financial performance of our Occupier Outsourcing and Property Management business lines and our business generally because it excludes costs reimbursable by clients, and as such provides greater visibility into the underlying performance of our business.

With respect to contractual fee revenue: the company believes investors may find this measure useful to analyze the company’s overall financial performance because it identifies revenue streams that are typically more stable over time.

With respect to adjusted net income, adjusted EPS, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:  the company believes that investors may find these measures useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry because their calculations generally eliminate the accounting effects of acquisitions, which would include impairment charges of goodwill and intangibles created from acquisitions—and in the case of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA—the effects of financings and income tax and the accounting effects of capital spending.  All of these measures may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.  In the case of EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, these measures are not intended to be measures of free cash flow for our management’s discretionary use because they do not consider cash requirements such as tax and debt service payments.  The EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA measures calculated herein may also differ from the amounts calculated under similarly titled definitions in our credit facilities and debt instruments, which amounts are further adjusted to reflect certain other cash and non-cash charges and are used by us to determine compliance with financial covenants therein and our ability to engage in certain activities, such as incurring additional debt and making certain restricted payments.  The company also uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS as significant components when measuring our operating performance under our employee incentive compensation programs.

A reconciliation of contractual fee revenue to fee revenue to revenue is shown below (dollars in thousands). Revenue includes client reimbursed pass through costs largely associated with employees that are dedicated to client facilities and subcontracted vendor work performed for clients, both of which are excluded from fee revenue.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Robert McGrath
Senior Director, Global Media Relations
+1 212 9848267

Source:  CBRE Group, Inc.

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Longines boutique opens at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau

MACAU, 2017-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Swiss watch brand Longines and the world’s leading luxury travel retailer DFS Group celebrated the grand opening of the Longines boutique today at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau and the launch of the Longines Master Collection DFS Special Edition with special guest, Longines Ambassador of Elegance Lin Chi-Ling.

The Longines boutique, which spans more than 500 square feet and hosts watches from across Longines’ signature collections, augments the 29 watch and jewelry brands in T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams’ in the newly expanded Watches and Jewelry Hall.  Longines President Walter von Känel and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Lin Chi-Ling, along with Sibylle Scherer, President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing, DFS Group and Benjamin Vuchot, Region President, Asia North, DFS Group commemorated the occasion with a ribbon cutting and celebratory toast.

Over the past few years, Lin Chi-Ling has become one of the best known faces in Asia. As Longines Ambassador of Elegance, Lin Chi-Ling has lent her charm and freshness to Longines since 2005. A regular on the cat-walk, Chi Ling soon became a favorite in the world of show business. Today, apart from modeling, she is a successful television presenter, acting as a star presenter of ceremonies such as the Golden Horse Awards, the Golden Melody Award and many others. Chi Ling will soon be crossing the final barrier between her and the world of cinema: she was asked to take a role in the legendary John Woo’s film The Battle of Red Cliff and is now making her début on the silver screen opposite Tony Leung, one of Asia’s most renowned actors.

“For over 45 years, Longines and DFS have delivered exceptional experiences to watch lovers and travelers  and we could not be more thrilled to celebrate this milestone moment with the opening of our latest boutique at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams,” said Walter von Känel, President, Longines.

The grand opening also marked the launch of The Longines Master Collection DFS Special Edition. This watch  displays a special dial with a pattern inspired by the unique architecture of Venice’s iconic landmark, The Doge’s Palace. The charming canal city is the home of the first DFS store in Europe. Created especially for DFS and cased in steel, the Longines Master Collection DFS Special Edition arrives in Longines boutiques at DFS and T Galleria by DFS locations globally starting March 1.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Longines to build exciting new experiences for our customers here at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams,” said Sibylle Scherer, DFS Group’s President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing. “With this new boutique and the launch of The Longines Master Collection DFS Special Edition, we are confident travelers will love all there is to discover in the world of watches and jewelry at DFS.”

The new Longines boutique is located in DFS’ largest luxury shopping offering in Macau. Throughout 2016 DFS embarked on a landmark expansion of T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams, adding over 120,000 square feet and 230 brands.

www.dfsgroup.com

MEDIA CONTACTS:
press.enquiries@dfs.com

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Longines boutique opens at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau

 

Source: DFS Group