Daily Archives: March 2, 2017

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T Galleria by DFS launches exclusive collection “From Venice with Love” celebrating the most romantic city in the world

T Galleria by DFS launches exclusive collection “From Venice with Love” celebrating the most romantic city in the world

 

MACAU, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — T Galleria by DFS, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, is proud to announce the launch of “From Venice with Love”, an exclusive collection of over 50 covetable products celebrating the most romantic city in the world, Venice, and our love of travel. Inspired by the colors of Italy and the opening of T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, DFS partnered with over 30 brands across the retailer’s five pillars of luxury to create the exclusive collection available in T Galleria and DFS stores worldwide beginning March 1. From the best of Italian fashion to fragrance to food, the collection features a range of international and Italian designers with standout pieces from Armani, Aquazzura, Gucci, Longines, Salvatore Ferragamo and Valentino.

“For centuries, Venice has inspired generations of craftsmen with its heritage of luxury. With the opening of our first European location at T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, we wanted to create a collection that epitomizes a sense of place and captures the essence of Italy for travelers visiting DFS locations all over the world,” said Sibylle Scherer, President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing, DFS Group.

Located on the Grand Canal, a few steps away from the famous Rialto Bridge and within walking distance from St. Mark’s Square, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi occupies one of the city’s most venerated buildings, the 800-year old Fondaco dei Tedeschi, which began its life as a place of exchange for northern merchants and was used for centuries to trade spices, silk and other goods between the Orient and Europe. Renowned for its curated collection of over 200 brands, the Alajmo family’s latest restaurant AMO and an Events Pavilion dedicated to showcasing Venice’s arts and culture, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi is a destination unto itself, encapsulating the spirit of Venice within its ancient walls.

The launch of “From Venice with Love” corresponds with the debut of T Galleria’s Spring 2017 campaign –  “Love of Travel” which follows British model Alex Libby and Hong Kong fashion blogger Cindy Ko as they embark on a journey of discovery through the maze of Venice’s streets and canals, all captured by British documentary photographer Tom Craig.

“This season we were inspired by travel and the way a place or experience shapes and changes you. Alex and Cindy bring that journey to life as they share their adventure of exploration, uncovering Venice’s beauty, art, architecture, music and people. Through Tom’s lens, we created a visual love affair with Venice, sharing with our customers that joy of discovering something for the first time and providing a new take on the Floating City,” said John Gerhardt, Senior Vice President Creative Branding Direction, DFS Group.

Throughout March, April and May, customers can immerse themselves in the campaign across DFS’ 17 airport and 18 downtown T Galleria stores as well as online and on DFS’ social media channels. Visitors to DFS.com will encounter a dedicated microsite that utilizes 360-degree video to transport viewers to hotspots around Venice, including the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, Harry’s Bar and T Fondaco dei Tedeschi. In stores, shoppers will discover window displays and photo opportunities that serve as jumping off points to their next journey as well as art installations and in store activations that bring the spirit of Venice to life.

All T Galleria and DFS stores will have dedicated pop-up spaces to showcase the “From Venice with Love” collection, allowing travelers to take home a piece of Italy no matter which DFS location they visit.

“Ultimately, both our campaign and collection speak to a value at the core of the DFS experience – that thrill of discovery and passion for travel,” added Scherer. “We’re confident travelers will love joining us for this new and exciting journey as they continue to make memories with DFS.”

Discover the exclusive “From Venice with Love” collection of great gifts and covetable pieces starting March 1 at T Galleria and DFS stores worldwide.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
press.enquiries@dfs.com

Source DFS

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Auntie Anne’s® celebrates its first-ever Customer Appreciation Week with $1.99 Original Pretzels from March 6 to 12

Auntie Anne’s® celebrates its first-ever Customer Appreciation Week with $1.99 Original Pretzels from March 6 to 12

 

LANCASTER, Pa., 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Auntie Anne’s®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, today announced that from March 6 to 12 guests will be treated to $1.99 Original Pretzels to celebrate the company’s first-ever Customer Appreciation Week. That’s right, the inimitable Auntie Anne’s Original Pretzel will be available nationwide for less than two dollars.

“When ‘Auntie’ Anne Beiler opened a pretzel stand in 1988, she launched a pretzel revolution,” said Carol Pasquariello, Vice President of Marketing for Auntie Anne’s. “The catalyst for that revolution was the Original Pretzel. With legions of loyal fans worldwide, we know our pretzels are loved. The love we have for our guests is just as strong, and we’re showing it by offering everyone’s favorite pretzel for just $1.99 during our first Customer Appreciation Week.”

Adding to the fun, Auntie Anne’s is on a quest to find its ultimate fan. Fans who think they have what it takes to earn the title can go to Auntie Anne’s Facebook page now through March 5 and say why they deserve to be crowned the ultimate Auntie Anne’s fan. The winner will receive free pretzels for a year and the opportunity to take over the Auntie Anne’s Snapchat account (@AuntieAnnesSnap) for a day.

Customer Appreciation Week and $1.99 Original Pretzels will be available at participating Auntie Anne’s locations nationwide.

About Auntie Anne’s®:

With more than 1,600 locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries, Auntie Anne’s mixes, twists and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection all day long in full view of guests. Auntie Anne’s can be found in malls and outlet centers, as well as in non-traditional spaces including universities, airports, Walmarts, travel plazas, military bases, and food trucks. For more information, visit www.auntieannes.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To receive the latest offers – including a free pretzel for your birthday – download the My Pretzel Perks app.

Source: Auntie Anne’s

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PHILIPPINES: SM Investments Corporation announces an 8% growth in net income to PHP31.2 billion in 2016

Pasay City, Philippines, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — SM Investments Corporation (SM) reported an 8% growth in net income to PHP31.2 billion in 2016. Property accounted for 39% of total earnings, with banks comprising 37% and retail 24%.

“Our core businesses performed well and continue to grow in line with the country’s strong economic development. We are optimistic about continued development and that government plans for infrastructure, agriculture and tourism in particular will enable broader regional growth. SM continues to prioritize regional investment and our nationwide expansion plans are focused on effective execution,” SM President Harley T. Sy said.

SM’s consolidated revenues grew 9% to PHP362.8 billion for the period, up from PHP332.8 billion in 2015. This was driven by an 8% increase in retail revenues and a 12% growth in property revenues.

Retail

Operations under SM Retail Inc., which consist of non-food (THE SM STORE and specialty stores) and food stores (SM Markets), reported sustained growth in total revenues of 8% to PHP276.5 billion, while net income grew 7% to PHP10.6 billion from PHP9.9 billion the previous year.

Early in 2016, SM announced the merger of SM Retail with several leading specialty retail stores with over 1,400 outlets. The merger received final approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission on 7 July 2016. The specialty stores added 153 stores nationwide last year.

“Following the retail merger last year, the performance of our specialty retail has been boosted by discretionary spending, especially in areas such as home furnishings and do-it-yourself goods, tracking the strong consumption and overall growth of the economy,” Mr. Sy added.

For its part, THE SM STORE opened four stores in SM San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan, SM Trece Martires and SM Molino in Cavite and SM East Ortigas in Pasig. Total gross selling areas of all 57 department stores stood at 0.75 million square meters.

The food group, which includes SM Markets (SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore) and WalterMart, continued to expand mostly in provincial areas in 2016. The group added 33 new stores, most of which are stand-alone Savemore stores. SM’s food group continues to expand in various regions of the country with a multi-format growth strategy to address the lack of organized retail.

At end-December 2016, SM Retail had a total of 2,110 outlets, comprising 57 THE SM STORES, 1,556 specialty retail outlets, 48 SM Supermarkets, 44 SM Hypermarkets, and 156 Savemore, 39 WalterMart and 210 Alfamart stores.

Property

SM Prime Holdings, Inc., SM’s property holding firm, said its recurring net income grew 14% in 2016 to PHP23.8 billion. Consolidated revenues grew 12% to PHP79.8 billion in 2016.  Revenues of its mall business, which includes rentals, cinema and event ticket sales and other revenues, grew 9% to PHP48.6 billion due to added retail spaces in the last two years.

To date, SM Prime has 60 shopping malls in the Philippines (7.7 million sqm GFA) and seven in China (1.3 million sqm GFA) with the recent addition of the Tianjin mall.

The residential group, which consists of SM Development Corporation (SMDC), Highlands Prime and Costa del Hamilo among others, posted consolidated revenues of PHP25.4 billion, up 13%. The growth was largely due to higher sales take-up on ready for occupancy (RFO) units from projects such as Princeton, M Place and Mezza II in Quezon City and Jazz Residences in Makati. SMDC’s reservation sales grew 18% to PHP46.7 billion in 2016, translating to a 15% improvement in unit sales to 16,320 units.

Consolidated revenues of SM Prime’s Commercial Properties Group rose 32% to PHP2.7 billion mainly from the rental revenues from the newly opened FiveEcomCenter that is almost 100% occupied.

SM Prime’s Hotels and Convention Centers posted 32% growth in revenues to PHP3.2 billion largely due to improved occupancy rates and the opening of Park Inn Clark in December 2015 and Conrad Manila in June 2016.

Banking

BDO Unibank, Inc. posted a net income of PHP26.1 billion in 2016. Net interest income grew by 15% to PHP65.6 billion, driven by the 16% growth in gross customer loans to PHP1.5 trillion. Deposits grew 15% to PHP1.9 trillion, primarily in the form of low-cost CASA deposits. Fee-based income was up 15% to PHP22.2 billion while insurance premiums contributed P8.0 billion, compensating for the decline in trading gains to PHP4.8 billion last year.

In January 2017, the Bank successfully completed its rights offer, raising a total of PHP60 billion (USD1.2 billion) in fresh capital. This will allow the Bank to sustain its medium-term growth targets and recent strategic initiatives that include ONB’s expansion and coverage of  underserved markets, refocusing efforts on the insurance business through BDO Life, and creating an online stock trading platform to serve a fast-growing market through BDO Nomura.  The new capital will also provide a comfortable buffer over higher minimum capital requirements with the staggered implementation of the Domestic Systemically Important Bank (DSIB) surcharge.

China Banking Corporation (China Bank), meanwhile, reported net income growth of 15% to PHP6.4 bilion in 2016 on the back of sustained growth in core and fee-based businesses. Net interest income was up 11% to PHP16.7 billion while gross loans expanded 24% to PHP393.7 billion. Fee-based revenues improved 14% to PHP5.1 billion. Total deposits grew 23% to PHP541.6 billion underpinned by growth in checking and savings accounts by 21% to PHP276.4 billion.

China Bank issued the first tranche (PHP9.6 billion) of its PHP20 billion long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits (LTNCD) in 2016 to support its strategic initiatives and business expansion. Its investment house, China Banking Capital Corporation also put up a stock brokerage house, China Bank Securities Corporation and a special purpose company CBC Assets One (SPC), inc.

Balance Sheet

As of end 2016, total assets of SM grew 10% to PHP861.5 billion. SM maintains a healthy balance sheet with a conservative gearing ratio of 37% net debt to 63% equity.

In 2016, the parent firm raised PHP20 billion from its 7-year Series G retail bonds due in 2023.  The bond proceeds will be used to finance future investments and strategic acquisitions in SM’s core business segments, namely property, retail and financial services.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is one of the leading conglomerates in the Philippines with highly synergistic businesses in retail, banking and property development. SM is one of the more responsible companies in the country due to its progressive approach in business and its comprehensive sustainability programs for its host communities through SM Foundation and SM Cares.

SM’s retail operations enjoy a strong brand franchise consisting of THE SM STORE; a strong portfolio of leading specialty retailers including Ace Hardware, SM Appliances, Homeworld, Our Home, Toy Kingdom, Watsons and others; and its food retail chains, namely SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Savemore and WalterMart stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is one of the largest integrated property developers in the Philippines with interests in mall, residential, commercial and tourism development. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO), the country’s leading bank and in China Banking Corporation (China Bank), the sixth largest private bank. Combined, these two banks have a network of over 1,600 branches nationwide.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Corazon P. Guidote
Senior Vice President for Investor Relations
SM Investments Corporation
E-mail: cora.guidote@sminvestments.com
Tel. No. (632) 857-0117
www.sminvestments.com

Source: SM Investments Corporation

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Advance Auto Parts announces the appointment of Jeffrey Shepherd as SVP, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer

Proven Executive with Extensive Finance and Auto Industry Expertise to Lead Accounting Function

ROANOKE, Va., 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP), a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers, announced that Jeffrey (Jeff) Shepherd has been appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, effective today, March 1, 2017.

Mr. Shepherd, 44, brings more than 23 years of experience in accounting and finance to Advance Auto Parts. Mr. Shepherd joins Advance from General Motors (GM), where he served as Controller for General Motors Europe since 2015. Prior to that role, he served as Director – Consolidation and SEC Reporting, and Director – Analysis and Reporting with GM. Before joining GM, Mr. Shepherd served in a variety of leadership roles with Ernst & Young.

“I am excited to have Jeff join Advance. His extensive accounting experience and financial acumen, particularly within the automotive industry, will be valuable assets to the Company as we move forward with executing our strategic business plan,” said Tom Okray, Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Shepherd said, “I look forward to joining the Advance team and contributing to the Company’s strategic objectives. I am excited to be part of a great team of finance professionals and to lead the accounting function as we execute a well-defined roadmap.”

Jeff Shepherd Biography

Mr. Shepherd joins Advance Auto Parts from General Motors, which he joined in 2010 as Director, Analysis and Reporting. In June 2013, Mr. Shepherd became Director, Consolidation and SEC Reporting, where he implemented process improvement measures to reduce time to close and report results internally and externally. In July 2015, he became Controller – General Motors Europe, where he led a team of over 100 professionals and improved the structure of the regional Controllership function, improving processes and responsibility over the accounting, reporting and controls functions. Prior to joining General Motors in 2010, Mr. Shepherd held various leadership positions at Ernst & Young, including Advisory Services Partner and Assurance and Advisory Services Senior Manager in San Francisco, Zurich, Switzerland, and Detroit. Mr. Shepherd earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with accounting emphasis from Central Michigan University.

About Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of December 31, 2016, Advance operated 5,062 stores and 127 WORLDPAC branches and employed 74,000 Team Members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also serves approximately 1,250 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, British Virgin Islands and Pacific Islands. Additional information about the Company, employment opportunities, customer services, and on-line shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found on the Company’s website at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address future events or developments, and typically use words such as believe, anticipate, expect, intend, plan, forecast, outlook or estimate. These forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, key assumptions for 2017 financial performance including adjusted operating income; statements regarding expected growth and future performance of Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (AAP), including store growth, capital expenditures, comparable store sales, gross profit rate, SG&A, adjusted operating income, free cash flow, income tax rate, General Parts integration costs and adjusted operating income rate targets; expectations regarding leadership changes and their impact on the company’s strategies, opportunities and results; statements regarding enhancements to shareholder value; statements regarding strategic plans or initiatives, growth or profitability; and all other statements that are not statements of historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and actual future events or results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such differences may result from, among other things, AAP’s ability to implement its business and growth strategy; ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other employees; changes in regulatory, social and political conditions, as well as general economic conditions; competitive pressures; demand for AAP’s products; the market for auto parts; the economy in general; inflation; consumer debt levels; the weather; business interruptions; information technology security; availability of suitable real estate; dependence on foreign suppliers; and other factors disclosed in AAP’s 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and other filings made by AAP with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. AAP intends these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of this communication and does not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available.

Media Contact:
Laurie Stacy
540-561-1206
laurie.stacy@advanceautoparts.com

Investor Contact:
Zaheed Mawani
919-573-3848
zaheed.mawani@advanceautoparts.com

Source: Advance Auto Parts, Inc.

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DICK’S Sporting Goods to open new stores in Norwalk, CT and Sunnyvale, CA; Grand Opening celebrations on March 17-19

The retailer will celebrate the opening of new locations in Norwalk, CT and Sunnyvale, CA during events that will run March 17 through March 19

PITTSBURGH, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS), the largest U.S.-based, full-line omni-channel sporting goods retailer, will be opening two new stores – one in Connecticut and one in California. Grand Opening celebrations for new stores in Norwalk, CT and Sunnyvale, CA will occur March 17 through March 19.

The new stores will bring the retailer’s total to 682 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations in the country. The Norwalk location will be the  DICK’S 12th Connecticut, while the Sunnyvale location will be the first for that community and 47th store in California.

“We look forward to celebrating the grand opening of new stores in two different states,” said Lauren Hobart, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, DICK’S Sporting Goods. “The rich history of sports and outdoor traditions in these markets provide us with a great opportunity to serve the community in a way only we can. The new stores will carry a wide range of apparel, equipment and accessories, including offerings from exclusive brands such as CALIA by Carrie Underwood, Field & Stream and Walter Hagen.”

DICK’S has brought more than 175 total jobs to these communities through the hiring of full-time, part-time and temporary associates for the two stores.

Throughout the Grand Opening weekend, customers will receive the chance to win great prizes and meet special guests such as New York Running Back Paul Perkins** in Norwalk and Running Back Latavius Murray** in Sunnyvale.

Visit dicks.com/Norwalk or dicks.com/Sunnyvale for full details on the Grand Opening celebration, including giveaways, promotions, special guests and brand activations.

**WRISTBAND REQUIRED!  Wristbands are distributed on a first-come, first served basis beginning at store open on the day of event only. Limited Quantity. Limit one wristband per person.  Must be present to receive wristband.  Must have a wristband and must be in the Special Appearance line prior to the start of the appearance to receive an autograph.  Times and appearances are subject to change without notice. See store for details.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.

Founded in 1948, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories. As of January 28, 2017, the Company operated more than 675 DICK’S Sporting Goods locations, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops.  Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy and Field & Stream specialty stores, as well as DICK’S Team Sports HQ, an all-in-one youth sports digital platform offering free league management services, mobile apps for communications and live scorekeeping, custom uniforms and FanWear and access to donations and sponsorships. For more information, visit the Press Room or Investor Relations pages at dicks.com.

CONTACT:

PRESS@DCSG.COM
724-273-5552

Source: DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.

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Apranga Group announces 2.4% increase in February 2017 retail turnover vs. same period in 2016

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — The retail turnover (including VAT) of Apranga Group amounted to EUR 13.8 million in February 2017, and increased by 2.4% compared to February 2016.

In January through February 2017, the retail turnover of Apranga Group (including VAT) totalled EUR 31.8 million, and increased by 6.9% year-to-year.

In January-February 2017, the retail turnover of Apranga Group in Lithuania increased by 4.3% year-to-year, in Latvia increased by 3.1% and in Estonia by 23.9%.

Currently Apranga Group operates the chain of 183 stores covering the gross area of 83.6 thousand sq. m., or by 6.8% more than a year ago.

Shares of Apranga are listed on Baltic equity list on Nasdaq Vilnius Stock Exchange. Majority shareholder of Apranga Group is concern MG Baltic.

Rimantas Perveneckas
Apranga Group Director General
+370 5 2390801

CONTACT FOR INVESTORS:
Saulius Bačauskas
APB Apranga Finance and Economics Director
Tel. +370 5 2390 808, +370 5 2390 843
Fax. +370 5 2390 800
E-mail: s.bacauskas@apranga.lt

Source: Apranga/globenewswire

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Sports Direct purchased 534,015 of its ordinary shares from Citigroup Global Markets Limited on 28 February 2017

Shirebrook, UK, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sports Direct announces that on 28 February 2017 it purchased 534,015 of its ordinary shares from Citigroup Global Markets Limited (acting as the Company’s broker) on the London Stock Exchange at a price of 297.0 pence per share. The purchased shares will all be held as treasury shares.

Following the above purchase, the Company holds 67,001,767 ordinary shares as treasury shares. The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding shares held as treasury shares) is 573,600,602.

In accordance with DTR 5.6.1 of the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Company is required to notify the market of the total number of voting rights and capital in the Company as at the end of each calendar month in which an increase or decrease has occurred.

The issued share capital of the Company is comprised of 640,602,369 ordinary shares of 10p each. As 67,001,767 of these ordinary shares are held as treasury shares, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 573,600,602. This figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation), detailed information about the individual purchases made by Citigroup Global Markets Limited is set out below.

Contact:
Sports Direct International plc
Cameron Olsen
Company Secretary
T. 0344 245 9200
E. investor.relations@sportsdirect.com

KBA PR
Keith Bishop
T. 0207 734 9995
E. sd@kbapr.com

Source: Sports Direct International plc

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Citycon Oyj announces the appointment of Tom Lisiecki as CDO and member of the Corporate Management Committee

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tom Lisiecki has been appointed Citycon Oyj’s Chief Development Officer (CDO) and member of the Corporate Management Committee. Mr. Lisiecki (b. 1979) is a Canadian and Polish citizen and has a Bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Toronto, Canada, and an executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Chicago, USA. He will start in his position in summer.

Tom Lisiecki will be responsible for the property developments and transactions in all Citycon countries.

Tom Lisiecki has served in various roles at TriGranit Development Corporation, most recently as the Chief Investment Officer, and has over ten years of experience in the real estate investments and developments. TriGranit is one of the largest privately owned regional real estate investment, development and management companies operating in Central and Eastern Europe.

Citycon Oyj (Nasdaq Helsinki: CTY1S) is a leading owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic regions, managing assets that total approximately EUR 5 billion and with market capitalisation of over EUR 2 billion. For more information about Citycon, please visit www.citycon.com

Contact:
Marcel Kokkeel
CEO
Tel. +358 40 154 6760
marcel.kokkeel@citycon.com

Source: Citycon Oyj

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Zalando provides financial guidance for 2017

  • 2017 guidance in line with multi-year strategy: revenue growth of 20-25%, adjusted EBIT margin of 5.0-6.0%
  • 2016 results: revenues of EUR 3,639 million (23.0% growth), adjusted EBIT of EUR 216.3 million (5.9% margin)
  • Zalando to acquire multi-channel basketball retailer KICKZ
  • Zalando to create more than 2,000 jobs in 2017

BERLIN, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Zalando expects to continue outperforming the fashion retail market again in 2017 and grow revenues in a range of 20-25%, following a strong 2016 performance when Europe’s leading online fashion platform gained market share in every single quarter. Driven by a systematic focus on consumers and suppliers, as well as further investments into the company’s infrastructure, 2016 revenues grew by 23.0% to  EUR 3,639 million (2015: EUR 2,958 million). The adjusted EBIT margin increased to 5.9%, which corresponds to an adjusted EBIT of EUR 216.3 million (2015: EUR 107.5 million, 3.6%). For 2017, Zalando expects an adjusted EBIT margin in the range of 5.0-6.0%.

“Strong growth requires nonstop investment. We are proud to have significantly progressed in expanding our business profitably,” said co-CEO Rubin Ritter. “As we build the technology and operating system to transform the European fashion industry, we will further invest into a unique and flawless consumer experience and a stronger supplier proposition to continue to drive growth ahead of the market. At the same time, we plan to expand our team by creating more than 2,000 new jobs this year.”

In 2016, about 20 million customers (+11%) shopped at Zalando, increasingly using mobile devices, enjoying a wider and deeper assortment and an even better service proposition for delivery and returns. Zalando has become a fashion destination for consumers and an increasing number of brand partners alike. Zalando enables brand partners to scale their businesses via its wholesale services, the partner program as well as Zalando’s fulfillment and digital services, such as Zalando Media Solutions.

Zalando’s growth is enabled by its technology and operations infrastructure. The number of employees in Zalando’s technology team has increased from 1,000 in 2015 to more than 1,600. Its pan-European logistics network will expand into 20,000-30,000 m² warehouses in France and Sweden as well as a 130,000 m² logistics center in Poland.

The development in Zalando’s profitability was due to improved operating costs, which reflected strong cost management and general efficiency improvements.

Capital expenditure in 2016 was at EUR 181.7 million, excluding M&A, reflecting investments primarily into infrastructure, increased automation and in-house developed software. Zalando expects capital expenditure of EUR 200 million also in 2017, primarily in the same areas.

Earlier this week Zalando has agreed to acquire the retail business of Munich-based KICKZ AG (“KICKZ”), the leading multi-channel basketball retailer. With the addition of KICKZ, Zalando will further strengthen its sports and lifestyle segment, especially in the area of basketball. The transaction is subject to merger control clearance by German and Austrian competition authorities, and is expected to close in the first half of 2017. All parties have agreed not to disclose financial details.

Zalando’s fully digital annual report Zalando City Guide is now available online. iOS and Android users can discover Zalando City in virtual reality via app on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The app will be available as “Zalando City Guide”.

The earnings presentation for analysts and investors is available on the Zalando Investor Relations website. Zalando will report results for the first quarter 2017 on May 9, 2017, and publish a trading update prior to that. The publication date of the trading update will be announced ahead of time.

ABOUT ZALANDO
Zalando (https://corporate.zalando.com) is Europe’s leading online fashion platform for women, men and children. We offer our customers a one-stop, convenient shopping experience with an extensive selection of fashion articles including shoes, apparel and accessories, with free delivery and returns. Our assortment of over 1,500 international brands ranges from popular global brands, fast fashion and local brands, and is complemented by our private label products. Our localized offering addresses the distinct preferences of our customers in each of the 15 European markets we serve: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland and the United Kingdom. Our logistics network with four centrally located fulfillment centers in Germany allows us to efficiently serve our customers throughout Europe, supported by a warehouse in Northern Italy with a focus on local customer needs. We believe that our integration of fashion, operations and online technology give us the capability to deliver a compelling value proposition to both our customers and fashion brand partners. Zalando’s shops attract over 160 million visits per month. In the fourth quarter of 2016, more than 68 percent of traffic came from mobile devices, resulting in 19.9 million active customers by the end of the quarter.

CONTACT:
René Gribnitz
Vice President Communications
rene.gribnitz@zalando.de

Alexander Styles
Financial Communications
alexander.styles@zalando.de
+49 30 20968 2022

Source: Zalando

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Rexall launches its annual #MyRexallPharmacist campaign to mark Pharmacist Awareness Month

  • From March 1st through to March 31st, #MyRexallPharmacist invites Canadians to share a positive experience with their Rexall pharmacist for a chance to win a daily $100 Rexall gift card and the Grand Prize of 5,000 AIR MILES ®™ Reward Miles 
  • Canadians can share their story on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #MyRexallPharmacist or by visiting myrexallpharmacist.ca 
  • Rexall pharmacists play a vital role in improving the health and wellness of Canadians by delivering a variety of important services that go beyond dispensing prescriptions 

TORONTO, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — To mark Pharmacist Awareness Month, Rexall is launching its third annual #MyRexallPharmacist campaign. Beginning today (March 1) through to March 31st, Canadians are invited to share a positive experience with their Rexall pharmacist on Facebook*, Instagram* or Twitter* using #MyRexallPharmacist or by visiting myrexallpharmacist.ca. Bysharing their story, Canadians will have a chance to win a daily $100 Rexall gift card and the Grand Prize of 5,000 AIR MILES®™ Reward Miles (complete rules and regulations are available here).

Rexall pharmacists play a vital role in improving the health and wellness of Canadians by delivering a variety of important services that go beyond dispensing prescriptions. Rexall pharmacists offer an expanded scope of practice that includes adjusting or adapting prescriptions, prescribing for certain minor ailments, prescribing in emergency situations, smoking cessation counselling, administering immunizations, conducting medication reviews, creating care plans, and more.

“Rexall has some of the best pharmacists in the world, and this campaign recognizes the high quality and personalized care they deliver every day in communities around the country,” said Mary Kelly, Executive Vice President and Chief Pharmacy, Information Technology Officer. “It also underscores that Rexall pharmacists do much more than just fill prescriptions – they offer a variety of accessible and impactful services that benefit the health and well-being of Canadians.”

How to Participate:
Throughout the month of March, Canadians are invited to share a positive experience with their Rexall pharmacist:

  • By sharing a public* post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using #MyRexallPharmacist
  • By visiting myrexallpharmacist.ca

By sharing a #MyRexallPharmacist story, Canadians will have a chance to win:

  • A daily $100 Rexall gift card
  • The Grand Prize of 5,000 AIR MILES®™ Reward Miles

*Social entries must be set to public viewing on Facebook or posted on a public Instagram or Twitter account. Complete rules and regulations are available here.

About Rexall
With a heritage dating back over a century, Rexall/Pharma Plus is a leading drugstore operator with a dynamic history of innovation and growth. Our focus is helping Canadians improve their overall health and wellness with a wide assortment of products and easily accessible, more convenient services. Operating 471 pharmacies across Canada, Rexall’s 7,300 employees are dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and customer service. Rexall is a member of the Rexall Pharmacy Group Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of McKesson Corporation. For more information, visit rexall.ca.

Contact:
Derek Tupling
(w) 905.501.7894
(c) 647.282.1689
dtupling@rexall.ca

Renee Rouse
(w) 905.501.7903
(c) 416.254.4758
rrouse@rexall.ca

Source:  Rexall/Pharma Plus

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MIGROS KOMMT NACH BÜTSCHWIL

MIGROS KOMMT NACH BÜTSCHWIL

 

Gossau, Switzerland, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Die Migros Ostschweiz plant, an der Landstrasse in Bütschwil im Frühsommer 2018 einen Supermarkt zu eröffnen.

Die Migros Ostschweiz zieht als Mieterin in das Wohn- und Geschäftshaus ein, welches auf dem Areal der Bauunternehmung Fust AG an der Landstrasse in Bütschwil entsteht. Bauherrin ist die Wecowa AG aus Wattwil. Der Supermarkt wird auf einer Fläche von 500 m2 ein breites Sortiment für den Tages- und Wocheneinkauf anbieten. Dazu zählen eine grosszügige Frischeabteilung mit einem reichhaltigen Angebot an Früchten und Gemüse sowie eine Aufbackstation für frisches Brot bis Ladenschluss. In den oberen Stockwerken des Neubaus erstellt die Wecowa AG elf moderne Wohnungen mit zweieinhalb bis viereinhalb Zimmern.

Einkaufen mit Komfort

Für den Standort auf dem Fust-Areal spricht dessen zentrale Lage. So ist die künftige Migros-Filiale für die Kundinnen und Kunden aus Bütschwil und Umgebung bequem zu erreichen. Mit 30 Parkplätzen direkt vor dem Supermarkt sowie acht weiteren in der Tiefgarage darf sich die Kundschaft auf einen zeitgemässen Einkaufskomfort freuen. Eine Bushaltestelle befindet sich direkt neben der geplanten Migros-Filiale. Insgesamt investiert die Migros Ostschweiz rund 2,1 Millionen Franken in den Standort.

Eröffnung im Frühsommer 2018 geplant

Die Wecowa AG hat die Bewilligung für den Grundausbau im Januar erhalten und im Februar mit den Ausbauarbeiten begonnen. Die Migros Ostschweiz hat das Baugesuch für den Mieterausbau in diesen Tagen bei der Bauverwaltung der Gemeinde Bütschwil-Ganterschwil eingereicht. Die Eröffnung des Supermarktes ist im Frühsommer 2018 geplant. Die Migros Ostschweiz informiert nach Erhalt der Baubewilligung zum detaillierten zeitlichen Ablauf des Bauprojektes.

Contact:

Genossenschaft Migros Ostschweiz
Herr Christian Possa
Kommunikation/Kulturprozent/Sponsoring
Industriestrasse 47
9201 Gossau
TEL: 071 493 24 92
FAX: 071 493 27 89
E-MAIL: christian.possa@gmos.ch

Source: Migros

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REWE Group bietet bundesweit kontaktloses Zahlen mit der Girocard an

REWE Group bietet bundesweit kontaktloses Zahlen mit der Girocard an

 

Koln, Deutschland, 2017-Mar-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Im stationären Lebensmittelhandel ist Bargeld immer noch das beliebteste Zahlungsmittel. In mehr als 50 Prozent zahlen Kunden mit Scheinen und Münzen. Danach folgt die Nutzung sogenannter Debitkarten, jeder vierte Kunde nutzt diese an der Kasse als Zahlungsmittel. Die REWE Group bietet ab Montag (06.03.) den bislang etwa 14 Millionen Inhabern einer „Girocard kontaktlos“ der Sparkassen sowie Volksbanken und Raiffeisenbanken den Service, berührungslos zu zahlen. Kunden können an den rund 26.000 Kassen der REWE-, PENNY- und toom Baumarkt-Filialen Einkäufe von bis zu 25 Euro bequem und schnell durch das bloße Vorhalten der Karte bezahlen. Erst ab einer Einkaufssumme von 25 Euro müssen sich die Kunden mittels PIN-Eingabe legitimieren. Technische Basis des Services ist die sehr sichere und erprobte Near Field Communication-Technologie (NFC), bei der Daten nur über wenige Zentimeter übermittelt werden können.

„Wir sind nicht nur im Hinblick auf Sortimente und Vertriebsformen innovativ, wir bieten unseren Kunden auch an der Kasse zeitgemäße Alternativen. Kontaktloses Zahlen mit der Girocard ist für die Kunden einfach, sicher und zuverlässig. Sollten unsere Kunden noch andere Formen des Bezahlens – zum Beispiel mobile – wünschen, so sind wir technisch bereits darauf vorbereitet“, beschreibt Paul Monzel, Geschäftsführer REWE Group Card Service GmbH bei der REWE Group, die Vorteile des kontaktlosen Zahlens mit Girocard.

Die genossenschaftliche REWE Group ist einer der führenden Handels- und Touristikkonzerne in Deutschland und Europa. Im Jahr 2015 erzielte das Unternehmen einen Gesamtaußenumsatz von über 52,4 Milliarden Euro. Die 1927 gegründete REWE Group ist mit ihren 330.000 Beschäftigten und 15.000 Märkten in 20 europäischen Ländern präsent. In Deutschland erwirtschafteten im Jahr 2015 rund 232.000 Mitarbeiter in rund 10.000 Märkten einen Umsatz von 38,2 Milliarden Euro. Zu den Vertriebslinien zählen Super- und Verbrauchermärkte der Marken REWE, REWE CENTER, REWE CITY und BILLA, der Discounter PENNY sowie die Baumärkte von toom und B1 Discount Baumarkt. Hinzu kommen die Bio-Supermärkte (TEMMA), innovative Convenience-Märkte (REWE To Go), das Gastrokonzept „Oh Angie!“ und E-Commerce-Aktivitäten REWE Lieferservice sowie Zooroyal, Weinfreunde und Kölner Weinkeller. Zur Touristik gehören unter dem Dach der DER Touristik Group die Veranstalter ITS, Jahn Reisen und Travelix sowie Dertour, Meier’s Weltreisen, ADAC Reisen, Kuoni, Helvetic Tours, Apollo und Exim Tours sowie die Geschäftsreisesparte FCM Travel Solutions und über 2.400 Reisebüros (u.a. DER Reisebüro, DERPART, Kuoni), die Hotelmarken lti, Club Calimera, Cooee und PrimaSol und der Direktveranstalter clevertours.com.

Für Rückfragen:
REWE Group-Unternehmenskommunikation
Tel: +49 221 149 1050
Fax: +49 221 138898
Mail: presse@rewe-group.com

Source: REWE Group

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