Daily Archives: March 21, 2017

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Kroger’s Michigan division ratifies new labor agreement with Local 876

NOVI, Mich., 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (March 16, 2017) announced that associates working at 103 stores in the company’s Michigan division have ratified a new labor agreement with Local 876.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates. This new contract provides wage increases, affordable health care and ongoing investment in our associates’ pension fund to support their retirement,” said Jayne Homco, president of Kroger’s Michigan division. “This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and the union bargaining committees. I appreciate our associates for supporting the agreement and for the excellent service they provide our customers every day.”

The agreement covers over 15,000 associates working in Southeastern Michigan.

Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Contact:

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

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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LCP appoints West Midlands property agencies Bulleys and Lambert Smith Hampton to jointly market Prime Point

London, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading commercial property investment company LCP has appointed two West Midlands property agencies to help attract businesses to its multi-million pound speculative development.

LCP is building Prime Point, a 130,000 sq ft development of four industrial and warehouse units, on a site at its flagship Pensnett Estate business estate in the Black Country.

With building now well under way, it has appointed West Midlands commercial property specialist Bulleys and national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) to jointly market the development.

Andrew Preston, LCP’s industrial portfolio manager, said: “This is a major investment and we are keen to ensure that businesses from as far afield as possible are made aware of the potential to relocate or open a new base here in the Black Country. Both LSH and Bulleys have exceptional contacts in the UK across a wide range of sectors, which will help yield high-calibre tenants that are looking for first-class premises in an area that has excellent road and motorway links.”

Matt Tilt, director of LSH Birmingham’s industrial and agency team, said: “Prime Point will be a superb addition to the Pensnett Estate and we’re looking forward to working with LCP to help bring businesses here. We’ll be using our extensive networks in the industrial and logistics sectors to market this much-needed facility.”

Noel Muscutt, partner at Bulleys, added: “LCP is bringing Prime Point to the market at an important time when there is an extreme lack of quality industrial units available for occupiers. Bulleys is excited to be working with LCP on this prestigious scheme.”

Potential tenants at Prime Point can take units between 10,000 and 40,000 sq ft. Completion is expected in November 2017.

The Pensnett Estate is one of the largest secure business estates in Europe, and home to 160 businesses in over 2.4 million sq ft of commercial property.  The Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) has been supporting LCP with this latest development.

Contact:

Andrew Preston
01384 400123
apreston@lcpproperties.co.uk

Source: LCP

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ascena underscores the importance of female leadership in business and the need for gender equity on public boards

ascena underscores the importance of female leadership in business and the need for gender equity on public boards

 

NEW YORK, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — After the ascena retail group, inc.’s quarterly Board of Directors meeting, four women members left the Board Room in Times Square to pay tribute to the “Fearless Girl” statue on Wall Street to underscore the importance of female leadership in business and the need for gender equity on public boards.

ascena Board Members Katie Bayne, Senior Vice President, Global Sparkling Brands, The Coca-Cola Company; Kate Buggeln, Senior Advisor, Irving Place Capital; Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Advertising Sales & Client Partnerships at NBCUniversal; and Kay Krill, former President and CEO of ANN INC. stand with the “Fearless Girl” on Wall Street in solidarity and celebration of female leadership in business, gender equality and the progress ascena has made regarding equal representation on its Board. (Photo by Angela Pham, BFA)

Four of the eight ascena Board Members are women, including Katie Bayne, Senior Vice President, Global Sparkling Brands, The Coca-Cola Company; Kate Buggeln, Senior Advisor, Irving Place Capital; Kay Krill, former President and CEO of ANN INC.; and Linda Yaccarino, Chairman of Advertising Sales & Client Partnerships at NBCUniversal.

“Today, we are proud to stand in solidarity with each other and with the “Fearless Girl” to honor the significant impact and growing influence women have on the future of business and society,” Kay Krillsaid on behalf of her colleagues on the ascena Board of Directors. “As female leaders, we believe boards need to make meaningful progress in gender equality NOW for the next generation of women as well as for economic success.”

“Gender parity is an issue we feel strongly about, especially as a family of brands that serves women and girls,” said David Jaffe, President and CEO of ascena retail group, inc. “A few years ago, we made the very intentional decision to completely transform our Board with a greater emphasis on gender balance and are proud to have 50% female representation on our Board today.”

About ascena retail group, inc.

ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) is a leading national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women under the Premium Fashion segment (Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey), Value Fashion segment (maurices and dressbarn), Plus Fashion segment (Lane Bryant and Catherines), and for tween girls under the Kids Fashion segment (Justice). ascena retail group, inc. operates ecommerce websites and approximately 4,900 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more information about ascena retail group, inc. visit: ascenaretail.com, AnnTaylor.com, LOFT.com, louandgrey.com, maurices.com, dressbarn.com, lanebryant.com, cacique.com, Catherines.com, and shopjustice.com.

Contact:

For investors:
ICR, Inc.
James Palczynski
203-682-8229
Partner
jp@icrinc.com

For media:
ascena retail group, inc.
Sue Ross
218-491-2110
Corporate Affairs
sue.ross@ascenaretail.com

Source: ascena retail group, inc.

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Kering welcomes Fabrizio Malverdi as the CEO of Brioni

London, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kering announces the appointment of Fabrizio Malverdi as the CEO of Brioni, effective 18 April 2017. Fabrizio Malverdi will report to Jean-François Palus, Kering’s Group managing director.

Fabrizio Malverdi has held management positions in luxury companies including Dior Homme, Givenchy and John Galliano. From 2016, he was CEO of Agent Provocateur.

As CEO of Brioni, his mission will be to accelerate the international expansion of one of the most prestigious houses in the high-end menswear market, which follows in the long tradition of Italian tailors.

Fabrizio Malverdi will replace Gianluca Flore, who left the group in February 2017. Kering is grateful to Gianluca Flore for his achievements at the helm of Brioni over the past two years.

About Fabrizio Malverdi
An Italian national, Fabrizio Malverdi started his career in the advertising industry. Mr. Malverdi became director of Staff International in 1996, in charge of the Vivienne Westwood and Martin Margiela licenses and international subsidiaries. In 2000, he joined the Italian group Mariella Burani, where he was successively managing director of Calvin Klein Collection, CEO of Mila Schon Group and managing director of Antichi Pellettieri, backed by LCapital. Fabrizio Malverdi joined LVMH in 2006 as CEO of John Galliano. He was subsequently appointed president and CEO of Givenchy in 2008, and managing director of Dior Homme in 2011. From 2016 he was CEO of Agent Provocateur. Mr. Malverdi graduated in management from Bologna University.

High resolution photograph available here

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

The Group generated revenue of €12.385 billion in 2016 and had more than 40,000 employees at year end. The Kering share is listed on Euronext Paris (FR 0000121485, KER.PA, KER.FP).

Contacts:
 
Press:
Emilie Gargatte
+33 (0)1 45 64 61 20
emilie.gargatte@kering.com

Renato Martinelli
+33 (0)1 45 64 66 00
renato.martinelli@kering.com

Analysts/investors:
Claire Roblet
+ 33 (0)1 45 64 61 49
claire.roblet@kering.com

Andrea Beneventi
+ 33 (0)1 45 64 63 28
andrea.beneventi@kering.com

www.kering.com
Twitter: @KeringGroup
LinkedIn: Kering 
Instagram: @kering_official 
YouTube: KeringGroup

Source: Kering Group

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BLINGBY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH BRITISH POP DUO OMYO

BLINGBY TURNS BAND’S MUSIC VIDEOS INTO UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCES;
OMYO THE FIRST BAND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ‘BLINGBY LIVE’

NEW YORK, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Blingby has today announced a cutting-edge partnership with emerging British pop act OMYO, which sees its patented advertising technology turn the band’s music videos, concerts and more into unique shopping experiences for consumers around the world.

As part of the deal, the innovative advertising and marketing omnichannel platform will curate a series of unique videos that lets viewers shop the stars’ styles as they see them with its ‘bbstream technology’ – a portable scrolling selection of fashion, products and destinations as seen in the videos. Viewers can watch and purchase the styles or book a flight or hotel inspired by the video with the click or tap of a button.

Oxfordshire-born urban pop act OMYO found fame last year when they provided the soundtrack to New Look’s Autumn/Winter fashion campaign with critically acclaimed single ‘Lady’. They have since gone on to become BBC Introducing favourites and receive plays from the likes of BBC Radio 1 Xtra’s Charlie Sloth.

OMYO’s close links to fashion retailers – ranging from New Look to Ellesse – made the band a natural fit for Blingby’s advertising capabilities. As fans watch their music videos, live performances and more, they can simultaneously watch and shop interactively through the bbstream.

At a recent headline show in New York, OMYO also became the first band to use Blingby’s Live technology – the world’s first real-time consumer shopping experience designed for concerts, fashion shows and more.

OMYO and Blingby will also be collaborating on the duo’s next music video for their upcoming single, ‘Days With You’. The video will be bbTagged by Blingby and will feature items of clothing from fashion retailer River Island.

Founder and CEO of Blingby, Marcia Favale, commented on the partnership: “OMYO is right there fusing the boundaries of music and fashion. They have worked with some absolutely aspirational fashion brands – ASOS, Adidas, Ellesse, Blood Brother and more. They know exactly what their fans want to wear and OMYO is inspiring new trends. Through Blingby, OMYO can promote labels whilst maintaining creative integrity. Blingby is the platform designed to bridge that gap and make a connection between music fans and what the stars are wearing.”

OMYO added: “We are always looking for brand new ways of engaging with our fans and followers and Blingby adds a whole new dimension to our videos. Incorporating the Blingby videos into our Facebook page and posts is especially helpful as it is so difficult to stand out on social media these days, but having a video that doubles as an interactive browsing experience provides exactly that.”

Watch ‘Lady’ by OMYO on Blingby here:
https://blingby.com/music-video/omyo-lady

Watch Blingby Live in action at OMYO’s New York show here:
https://blingby.com/video/daydreamers

Watch OMYO Visual Bio on Facebook with Blingby Technology
https://www.facebook.com/omyofficial/app/106171216118819/

For more information:

www.blingby.com

http://omyomusic.com

Notes to Editors

About Blingby

Blingby is a revolutionary advertising and marketing platform. Through Blingby’s website and app, users can watch their favourite music videos, movie trailers and more, while Blingby’s innovative ‘BBStream’ technology provides a synchronised on-screen feed of clothing, accessories, motors, homeware as well as luxury venues and locations. While watching the videos, users can click to purchase the items, rent venues and book holidays that appear on screen there and then, allowing them to truly live the experience.

Blingby is currently available on the web at www.blingby.com and as an Android or iOSmobile app through Google Play and iTunes. Launched in August 2015, Blingby has reached millions of users worldwide and currently spans 135 countries.

About OMYO

London-based pop duo OMYO (pronounced Ohm-Yo, an acronym for ‘Our Music Your Opinion’) is made up of Oxfordshire-born Tom McCorkell (24, vocals) and William Edward (27, music and backing vocals) who have been making music together since they took on a bet to write a song one New Year’s Eve. After finding their sound in a mix of infectious acoustic and synth-inspired urban-pop, the band has gone on to play the UK festival circuit including a set at Wireless Festival, and have been featured on by Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1 Xtra. William has simultaneously kept alive a successful career in modelling with brands such as Nike and Schott NYC.

Logo:

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LATVIA: Apranga Group opens newly-renovated multibrand concept CITY in Spice shopping mall in Riga

LATVIA: Apranga Group opens newly-renovated multibrand concept CITY in Spice shopping mall in Riga

 

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — On March 17th Apranga Group, the largest fashion retailer in the Baltics, opened newly-renovated multibrand concept CITY in the shopping mall Spice in Riga. Store covers 529 sq. m. gross area and reflects the newest architectural concept.

“Latvia was the first Apranga Group foreign market, which we entered with big potential 14 years ago. At the moment we operates 47 stores in this country and see potential to grow in Latvian market, expand with new and already existing stores. Our main aim is to tailor our stores to growing customers’ needs and this new concept is the best example of that”, – Rimantas Perveneckas, the General Manager of Apranga Group, says.

In this new concept CITY store luxoriuos elegance is closely intertwined with the feeling of modernity. The use of neutral, earth colours, natural stone floors, the perfect combination of glass and metal gives an aesthetic look and reflect the latest worldwide known architectural trends of modern elegance.

CITY store concept is dedicated to the independent, cosmopolitan, urban customer, who likes modern classics with light touch of fashion.This newly renovated CITY in Spice offers the wide range of well-known European brands of clothes and accessories, which are already tested by time and customers.

There will be presented collections of Strellson, Joop, Sand, Emme, Betty Barclay, Piere Cardin, Ted Baker, Gerard Darel, Roy Robson. Customer also will find extended collection of bags and accessories by Coccinelle, Furla and Michael Kors. Store will also bring new brands Antonelli Firenze from Italy and Lithuanian designer brand D.Efect into Latvian market.

Currently Apranga Group operates a chain of 183 stores in the Baltic States: 107 in Lithuania, 47 in Latvia and 29 in Estonia. At the level of monobrand stores Apranga Group cooperates with a number of internationally known brands like Burberry, Emporio Armani, Armani Jeans, Ermenegildo Zegna, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Weekend MaxMara, Zara, Zara Home, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Pull and Bear, Stradivarius, Aldo, Mango, s.Oliver, Karen Millen and others. In addition, the multibrand concepts Apranga, Aprangos galerija, Moskito, City, Mados Linija, Nude are developed in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Apranga group has partnership with approximately 200 brands and suppliers. Shares of Apranga are listed on Baltic equity list on the NASDAQ OMX Vilnius Stock Exchange.

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

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Asda supports local brewers as it stocks variety of beers from Brew York

Asda supports local brewers as it stocks variety of beers from Brew York

 

LEEDS, England, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The trend for craft beer continues, particularly for a small Craft Brewer in York, which is celebrating after securing its first national listing with Asda that will stock a variety of beers, brewed just off Walmgate, in 83 of its stores in England and Wales.

With three new lines launching on the shelves, Yorkshire based Asda is aiming to lead the way in supporting local brewers, as the demand for craft bee amongst consumers continues across the United Kingdom.

Brew York officially opened in April 2016, and is located in York’s bustling city centre; a showpiece ten barrel craft brewery and tap room, which celebrates the best local ales and redefines the city’s position in the UK brewing scene.

Founders Wayne Smith and Lee Grabham have a shared passion for beer and are realising a long lived dream to create a brewery in the centre of York; where the experience and location is as enjoyable as the beer itself.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for the pair, who narrowly escaped the post-Christmas floods of 2016, when their premises in Walmgate, just feet from the River Foss, were indeed flooded. Luckily for Wayne, Lee and the city of York, no stock or brewing equipment was in the building at the time.

Using only natural salts to ensure the perfect balance of brewing water for each beer style without the use of any processing aids of animal origin, all beers are both naturally pure and vegetarian friendly.

Asda will start be stocking three lines of beers in 330ml cans; Brew York Brew York – an American Pale Ale; Little Eagle – a session IPA and Viking DNA – a Smoked Porter.

Lee Grabham, co-founder of Brew York, commented: “We are delighted to have secured our first national listing with Asda.

“Although we’re a young microbrewery, we are not even one year old yet, this new deal is a great example of the supermarket’s commitment to supporting Yorkshire suppliers, no matter how big or small the brand.

“Yorkshire provenance and taste is important, but what makes our brews stand out from the rest is our generous blend of the finest ingredients and our ethical stance in our approach to brewing.”

The new deal will see the following lines stocked in stores across England and Wales:

Brew York Brew York – American Pale Ale (330ml, 5.1%). So good they named it twice, Brew York’s signature beer with an enticing aroma to tantalise and tempt the taste buds.

Little Eagle – Session IPA (330ml, 4.5%). Made with five varieties of new world hops and a six malt combination.

Viking DNA – Smoked Porter (330ml, 5.1%). A smooth, well-balanced porter with subtly smoke undertones, formed through a rich blend of six different malts.

Alan Jackson, Buying Manager – Local BWS and Core Ambient, said: “The craft beer culture continues to grow, and it’s clear customers are trading up to more premium beers, particularly ones which come from local breweries.

“The new Brew York lines we have launched are all premium quality and will give customers in urban craft hotspots across England and Wales access to a local craft brewer that they wouldn’t usually have access to.”

Last year, 13 Scottish breweries secured new deals with Asda to stock a variety of beers in Scottish stores across Scotland, with a contract value of £850k between them.

Source: ASDA

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Unibail-Rodamco to elect its new Supervisory Board Chairman

Paris, Amsterdam, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Supervisory Board of Unibail-Rodamco will elect its new Chairman following its Annual General Meeting, in accordance with its succession plan.

Due to the successive mandates as a member of the Supervisory Board, Rob ter Haar will cease his responsibilities as Chairman and member of the Supervisory Board of Unibail-Rodamco at the General Meeting of April 25, 2017.

A Dutch national, Mr ter Haar has been a member of the Supervisory Board of Unibail-Rodamco since 2007, and its Chairman since 2012.

For the same reason, Yves Lyon-Caen, member of the Supervisory Board since 2007, will also leave the Supervisory Board at the General Meeting.

The General Meeting will be invited to approve the appointment of three new members to the Supervisory Board, Colin Dyer, Philippe Collombel and Roderick Munsters, as well as the reappointment of Dagmar Kollmann, each for a 3-year term.

A British and US national, Mr Dyer, 64 years old, was President and CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. until 2016 and is currently a non-executive Director of this company.

A French national, Mr Collombel, 56 years old, is Co-Managing Partner of Partech Ventures.

A Dutch and Canadian national, Mr Munsters, 53 years old, was until recently Head of Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management.

Following a thorough succession process led by Jean-Louis Laurens, Vice-President of the Supervisory Board, with the Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, the Supervisory Board will formally appoint Mr Dyer as its Chairman following the Annual General Meeting.1

1 Subject to his appointment to the Supervisory Board at this General Meeting.

Christophe Cuvillier, Chairman of the Management Board of Unibail-Rodamco, states: “On behalf of the Group, its Management Board and all its employees, I would like extend my heartfelt thanks to Rob ter Haar for his unwavering support and the relationship of great trust he built up between the Supervisory Board and the Management Board during these past ten years. I am very pleased that the Group will welcome to its Supervisory Board three great professionals with such international profiles and complementary skills. I look forward to working on the development of the Group with Mr Dyer, our future Chairman of the Supervisory Board.”

About Unibail-Rodamco

Created in 1968, Unibail-Rodamco SE is Europe’s largest listed commercial property company, with a presence in 11 EU countries, and a portfolio of assets valued at €40.5 billion as of December 31, 2016. As an integrated operator, investor and developer, the Group aims to cover the whole of the real estate value creation chain. With the support of its 1,990 professionals, Unibail-Rodamco applies those skills to highly specialised market segments such as large shopping centres in major European cities and large offices and convention & exhibition centres in the Paris region. The Group distinguishes itself through its focus on the highest architectural, city planning and environmental standards. Its long term approach and sustainable vision focus on the development or redevelopment of outstanding places to shop, work and relax. Its commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability has been recognised by inclusion in the FTSE4Good and STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes. The Group is a member of the CAC 40, AEX 25 and EuroSTOXX 50 indices. It benefits from an A rating from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings. For more information, please visit our website: www.unibail-rodamco.com

Investor Relations:

Marine Huet
+33 1 76 77 58 02
marine.huet@unibail-rodamco.com

Media Relations:

Pauline Duclos-Lenoir
+33 1 76 77 57 94
pauline.duclos-lenoir@unibail-rodamco.com

Source: Unibail-Rodamco

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Forever 21 launches its Spring Collection and campaign globally

LOS ANGELES, CA, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Forever 21, one of the most recognized and largest independent fashion retailers in the world, debuts its Spring Collection and campaign globally, celebrating a love of color and the modern day wardrobe staple, denim.

The Spring Collection stays true to the brand’s core ethos of injecting newness daily with trending styles that pay tribute to key trends for Forever 21, Forever 21 Plus and Forever 21 Men. The Stay Colorful Babe trend balances just the right amount of pop-color, pastel hues and ‘70s tie-dye print. The monochromatic styles are cut and cropped from tees, shorts, track pants and hoodies. The Forever Denim trend channels ‘90s street and sportluxe featuring premium sculpted denim in High-Rise Skinny and Boyfriend styles, starting at $29.90. The collection includes essential layering pieces for men such as slouchy hoodies, tees and track pants with fashion elements of destruction, zippers and motto details. Men’s denim includes updated slim fit spring colors and fashion colored denim starting at $19.90.

The Forever 21 Spring Collection launches in stores globally and on Forever21.com on Friday, January 27, 2017.

Hashtag: #F21xMe

ABOUT FOREVER 21
Forever 21, Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a fashion retailer of women’s, men’s and kids clothing and accessories and is known for offering the hottest, most current fashion trends at a great value to consumers. This model operates by keeping the store exciting with new merchandise brought in daily. Founded in 1984, Forever 21 operates more than 815 stores in 57 countries with retailers in the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Mexico, Philippines and United Kingdom. For more information please visit: www.newsroom.forever21.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Forever 21 Public Relations
press@forever21.com

Source: Forever 21, Inc.

 

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Blue Buffalo Company recalls BLUE Wilderness® Rocky Mountain RecipeTM Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs

Blue Buffalo Company recalls BLUE Wilderness® Rocky Mountain RecipeTM Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs

 

Wilton, CT, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Blue Buffalo Company is voluntarily recalling one production lot of BLUE Wilderness® Rocky Mountain RecipeTM Red Meat Dinner Wet Food for Adult Dogs, as the product has the potential to contain elevated levels of naturally- occurring beef thyroid hormones.

Dogs ingesting high levels of beef thyroid hormones may exhibit symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight loss, increased heart rate and restlessness. These symptoms may resolve when the use of the impacted food is discontinued. However, with prolonged consumption these symptoms may increase in severity and may include vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid or difficulty breathing. Should these symptoms occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Although the Blue Buffalo Customer Care Resource Team has not received any reports of dogs exhibiting these symptoms from consuming this product, the FDA advised Blue Buffalo of a single consumer who reported symptoms in one dog, who has now fully recovered. Blue Buffalo immediately began an investigation, however, and after working with the FDA, Blue Buffalo decided it would be prudent to recall the one production lot in question.

The voluntary recall is limited to one production lot of the following product:

Product Name UPC Code Best Buy Date
BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain
Recipe Red Meat Dinner Wet
Food for Adult Dogs 12.5 oz can		 840243101153 June 7, 2019 (found
on the bottom of the can)

Affected products were distributed nationally through pet specialty and on-line retailers.

No other Blue Buffalo products are impacted by this issue.

If your pet has consumed the product listed above and has exhibited any of these symptoms, please discontinue feeding and contact your veterinarian.  Consumers who have purchased the product subject to this recall should dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact Blue Buffalo at 866-201-9072 from 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday, or by email at  CustomerCare@bluebuffalo.com for more information.

About Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo, based in Wilton, CT, is a pet products company that makes natural foods and treats for dogs and cats.

Consumers Contact:

Blue Buffalo
CustomerCare@bluebuffalo.com
(866) 201-9072

Source: FDA

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Aroma Imports Inc. recalls Nabelsi brand Thyme that potentially contain excessive levels of lead

Aroma Imports Inc. recalls Nabelsi brand Thyme that potentially contain excessive levels of lead

 

Dearborn Heights, MI, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Aroma Imports Inc. of Dearborn Heights, MI, is recalling 450 g and 4.5 kg packages of Nabelsi brand Thyme because the products have the potential to contain excessive levels of lead.  The recall was initiated after it was discovered that product contained high levels of lead (422 PPM) based on sampling by U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Illinois Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Protection.  Based on the product’s 30 g serving size, the calculated lead result is 12,660 µg per serving.  This level exceeds the daily limit guidelines of 6 µg per day for children, the 25 µg per day for pregnant women, and the 75 µg per day for other adults.

The recalled Nabelsi Thyme was distributed from Nov. 7, 2016 until Feb. 22, 2017 to retailers, food service establishments, and wholesalers in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey and Virginia.

The 450 g size (UPC: 4670000205314) is packaged in a mostly green foil/mylar bag that is not transparent on either side. The 4.5 kg size (UPC: 6670000205374) packaging is a silver foil/mylar bag. The production date for both sizes is 08/20/2016 and the expiration date is 08/20/2018. The production and expiration dates can be found on the back lower left corner of the 450 g package and back lower right of the 4.5 kg package.  The 450 g packages are packed 24 per case and the 4.5 kg packages are packed 2 per case.

Lead can accumulate in the body over time and too much of it can cause serious and sometimes permanent adverse health consequences.  People with high blood levels of lead may show no symptoms, but the condition may cause damage to the nervous system and internal organs. Acute lead poisoning may cause a wide range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and bloody or decreased urinary output. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through clinical testing.

There have been two cases of high blood levels of lead associated with this product to date. Both cases have been reported through the Illinois Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Protection.

Consumers who have purchased any packages Nabelsi Thyme should not consume the product and are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company 313-724-7157 Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 6: 00 PM EST.

Consumers Contact:

313-724-7157

Media Contact:

Zach Mattan
313-724-7157

Source: FDA

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Nutiva recalls Organic Plant Based Protein Superfood 30 Shake – Vanilla Flavor products that may contain peanuts

Nutiva recalls Organic Plant Based Protein Superfood 30 Shake – Vanilla Flavor products that may contain peanuts

 

Richmond, CA, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nutiva, an Organic Superfoods company, has initiated a voluntary product recall of the following Organic Plant Based Protein Superfood 30 Shake – Vanilla Flavor products after identifying that this product may contain peanuts.  People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. “We are choosing to voluntarily recall two of our Organic Plant Based Protein Superfood 30 Shakes – Vanilla Flavor items, with three expiration dates as a precautionary measure to provide the safest products for our customers,” states John W. Roulac, Nutiva’s CEO.

The affected products include:

Product # Description Packaging Unit UPC Master Case UPC Lot Code Expiration Date
PBP201 Organic Plant Based Protein
Superfood 30 Shake -Vanilla		 10 – 1.2 OZ (34g)
Packets		 6-92752-10717-7 6-92752-10718-4 20SEP2016I 20 SEP 2018
PBP205 Organic Plant Based Protein
Superfood 30 Shake -Vanilla		 21.6 OZ HDPE Jar 6-92752-10711-5 6-92752-10712-2 26SEP2016I 26 SEP 2018
PBP205 Organic Plant Based Protein
Superfood 30 Shake -Vanilla		 21.6 OZ HDPE Jar 6-92752-10711-5 6-92752-10712-2 27SEP2016I 27 SEP 2018

These items were sold on the internet and through distributors in California, Colorado, Florida, New Hampshire, Oregon and Texas.

Consumers who have purchased these items and have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts are urged to not eat the product, and to dispose of it or return it to where it was originally purchased. Nutiva has taken these steps
strictly as a precautionary measure to assure our customers of our commitment to quality. No other Nutiva items are impacted by this recall.

Customers with questions or who would like product replacements or refunds may contact (800) 993-4367 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., or email help@nutiva.com.

ABOUT NUTIVA:
Nutiva was founded in 1999 with a single purpose in mind—to revolutionize the way the world eats. Today Nutiva nurtures vitality by conscious curating of the world’s finest plant-based organic foods including coconut, hemp, chia and red palm. We contribute one percent of sales ($4M to date) to projects supporting healthy communities and sustainable agriculture. For more information, please visit nutiva.com

Consumers Contact:

Customer Service
help@nutiva.com
(800) 993-4367

Source: FDA

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KappAhl’s Sustainable Design Contest 2016 winner Lovisa Malmberg Gomis brings in new and exciting designs this spring

KappAhl’s Sustainable Design Contest 2016 winner Lovisa Malmberg Gomis brings in new and exciting designs this spring

 

Mölndal, Sweden, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — This spring Lovisa Malmberg Gomis – winner of KappAhl’s Sustainable Design Contest 2016 – will bring us new and exciting designs in the form of two multifunctional dresses that can each be used in three different ways.

In the end of April, KappAhl launches the winning entry in KappAhl’s Sustainable Design Contest. Winner Lovisa Malmberg Gomis’ design builds on an idea to create so-called intelligent clothing – that is to say, garments that can be varied and that have multiple areas of use, thereby gaining a longer lifespan. Lovisa has designed two dresses, each with three functions – perfect for both everyday wear and parties.

– By creating a garment that can be used in different ways and in different situations, you extend its lifespan. In a playful and creative way, we can actually make a smarter choice for our environment and future. Sustainability is as simple as that, Lovisa explains.

– Lovisa’s idea for smart clothing is both spot on and an inspiration to us at KappAhl. We work hard to find creative solutions that promote more sustainable fashion consumption. And this is just what Lovisa has done in our competition, with her design for multifunctional dresses, says Maria Segergren, KappAhl’s vice president, assortment and design.

Video materials have been produced to show how the smart dresses can be used. See the films HERE, HERE and HERE.

Lovisa’s dresses will be available in select KappAhl stores and online in the end of April 2017.

To borrow products, please contact:
EKPR & Kommunikation, tel. (+46) 08-667 22 06, info@ekpr.com
High-resolution images can be found at www.kappahl.com/press and www.ekprbildbank.com

For more information :
Monika Kostovska
Fashion PR and Sustainability Marketing Manager
KappAhl
tel. +46 704 71 55 56
monika.kostovska@kappahl.com

PRESS CONTACTS:

Corporate and Investor Relations
Charlotte Högberg
Head of Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 70 – 471 56 31
charlotte.hogberg@kappahl.com

Fashion and range
Monika Kostovska
Fashion Press Responsible
Phone: +46 70 – 471 55 56
monika.kostovska@kappahl.com

Source: KappAhl

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CBRE Group, Inc. recognized for its outstanding workplace practices and active community involvement

Los Angeles, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. announced that it has been named to Center for Companies That Care’s Honor Roll for the tenth consecutive year. Center for Companies that Care recognizes employers for outstanding workplace practices and active community involvement.

The Honor Roll employers are selected based on their adherence to all 10 characteristics of socially responsible employers and show an unwavering commitment to employees and community service. Areas in which CBRE excels include: cultivating the full potential of employees, supporting the pursuit of work/life balance, sustaining an inclusive work environment founded on dignity and respect for all employees, and volunteering in the community.

“Our recognition for the tenth year on the Companies that Care Honor Roll shows CBRE’s commitment to building a healthy work environment for our employees and creating positive outcomes in the communities where they work and live,” said Joe Hudson, senior vice president, Americas HR, CBRE.

“Since the Honor Roll’s inception 15 years ago, many things have changed in our country and our business climate, but what hasn’t changed is that the companies on this list, like those before them, exemplify the best of the best,” says Marci Koblenz, co-founder and president, Center for Companies That Care.  “We are pleased to recognize these organizations that have remained connected with their employees and communities.  They demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, for their employees and their communities, year in and year out.”

Companies named to the 2017 list feature U.S. organizations that are large, medium, and small; public and private; for-profit and not-for-profit.  A full list of recognized employers appears at www.companies-that-care.org.

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.

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

Source:  CBRE Group, Inc.

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The DICK’S Sporting Goods High School Nationals returns to New York City on March 30 – Saturday, April 1

New York, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The DICK’S Sporting Goods High School Nationals returns to New York City for the fourth consecutive year, featuring the best high school basketball talent in the country. All eight of the boys teams selected to play in the ninth annual tournament are ranked in the Top 20 of the USA Today Super 25 Expert Rankings, and all four of the girls teams are ranked in the Top 20. This year’s pool will include five state champions.

In the boys field, five of the top ten ranked teams in the nation will participate, including: La Lumiere (Ind.), IMG Academy (Fla.), Findlay Prep (Nev.), Montverde Academy (Fla.) and 2016 DICK’S Nationals Champion Oak Hill Academy (Va.). Two other boys teams competing in the tournament won their respective state championships, including Greensboro Day School (N.C.) and Shadow Mountain High School (Ariz.).

The girls field includes three teams that won their respective state championships including Miami Country Day School (Fla.), Seton Catholic (Ariz.) and St. Frances (Md.).

The three-day, single-elimination tournament begins Thursday, March 30, at noon with the boys quarterfinals on ESPNU, and continues on Friday, March 31, with the girls semifinals (11 a.m. & 1 p.m., ESPNU) and boys semifinals (3 p.m. & 5 p.m., ESPN2). The tournament culminates on Saturday, April 1, with the girls championship at 10 a.m. on ESPN2, and the boys championship game at noon on ESPN. Five McDonald’s All-American representatives will participate in the tournament, including Billy Preston (Oak Hill), Brian Bowen (La Lumiere), Jaren Jackson (La Lumiere), P.J. Washington (Findlay Prep) and Trevon Duval (IMG). Tickets are available now at dicksnationals.com. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

While highlighting the nation’s top talent, this year’s tournament will also raise awareness around the financial crisis in youth sports. Billions of dollars have been cut from youth sports in recent years, and by 2020, 27 percent of U.S. public high schools may not have sports programs(1). DICK’S Sporting Goods and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation have pledged more than $50 million to support teams and raise awareness of the issue.

In November 2016, DICK’S Sporting Goods launched its Sports Matter green shoelace movement to support youth sports nationwide. Athletes and coaches playing at the tournament are invited to wear green laces to support their peers affected by the youth sports funding crisis. Fans can join the movement by purchasing Sports Matter green shoelaces at any DICK’S store or on dicks.com. DICK’S donates $2 from every shoelace sale to Sports Matter. On-court graphics and a variety of digital displays will also highlight The DICK’S Foundation’s Sports Matter program, dedicated to helping to save underfunded youth sports.

To be eligible to be selected to the tournament, participating schools must be a four-year high school, independent or public, and have their respective governing body’s permission to participate. Tournament teams are chosen by a selection committee.

2017 DICK’S Sporting Goods High School Nationals Tournament Participating Boys and Girls Teams
Rankings per USA Today HS Sports

Boys – School (State) / 2016-2017 Record

No. 2 La Lumiere School (Ind.) / 26-1

No. 4 IMG Academy (Fla.) / 26-1

No. 5 Findlay Prep (Nev.) / 33-3

No. 7 Montverde Academy (Fla.) / 24-4

No. 8 Oak Hill Academy (Va.) / 39-4

No. 10 Shadow Mountain (Ariz.) / 27-0

No. 15 Wasatch Academy (Utah) /24-4

No. 19 Greensboro Day School (N.C.) / 33-3

Girls – School (State) / 2016-2017 Record

No. 6 Miami Country Day (Fla.) / 29-1

No. 8 Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Tenn.) / 28-1

No. 12 St. Frances Academy (Md.) / 30-0

No. 17 Seton Catholic (Ariz.) / 30-3

(1) Source: Up2Us Sports

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 across the United States, 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 dedicated to Team Sports, Athletic Apparel, Golf, Lodge/Outdoor, Fitness and Footwear. 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 scheduling, communications and live scorekeeping, custom uniforms and FanWear and access to donations and sponsorships. DICK’S offers its products through a content-rich eCommerce platform that is integrated with its store network and provides customers with the convenience and expertise of a 24-hour storefront.  For more information, visit the Press Room or Investor Relations pages at dicks.com.

 About Paragon Marketing Group

Paragon Marketing Group is a corporate consulting agency specializing in sports, entertainment and cause related sponsorships. Paragon, owns and operates the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series and has partnered with ESPN over the past 14 years to deliver over 500 live high school football and basketball telecasts featuring many of the top teams and players in the nation. Paragon’s consulting clients include Bayer, Gatorade, PNC Bank, Toyota, Yokohama and UCHealth.

 About ESPN

ESPN, Inc. is the leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring the broadest portfolio of multimedia sports assets with over 50 business entities. Based in Bristol, Conn., with approximately 4,000 employees (approximately 8,000 worldwide), ESPN Plaza includes nearly 1.2 million square feet in 18 buildings on 123 acres (additional 500,000 sq. ft. rented nearby). The company is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN. In 2015, ESPN produced more than 51,000 hours of live event/studio programming across platforms.

For further information on DICK’S High School Nationals and for media enquiries please contact: rkelner@paragonmarketing.biz

For further information about DICK’S Sporting Goods please contact: press@dcsg.com, or by phone: 724-273-5552

ESPN Media Contact: Anna Negron at anna.m.negron@espn.com or 860-256-1757; @Anna_ESPN

CONTACT:

PRESS@DCSG.COM
724-273-5552

Source: DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.

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Albert Heijn breidt aanbod glutenvrije producten flink uit

Albert Heijn breidt aanbod glutenvrije producten flink uit

 

Zaandam, Netherlands, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Vanaf vandaag breidt Albert Heijn het aanbod glutenvrije eigen merk producten flink uit. De nieuwe producten zijn herkenbaar aan het ‘Vrij van Gluten’ label en spelen in op de wensen van een sterk groeiende groep consumenten die glutenvrij eet. Voor het assortiment ‘Vrij van Gluten’ zijn 25 producten ontwikkeld, waaronder brood- en bakmixen, pasta’s, koek en crackers.

Herkenbare verpakking

Het glutenvrije eigen merk assortiment bestaat uit 25 producten. Ze hebben een nieuwe verpakking en zijn herkenbaar aan het ‘Vrij van Gluten’ label. Alle producten staan bij elkaar in het houdbare schap met bewuste en feel good producten. Daarnaast biedt Albert Heijn ook glutenvrije A-merken en eigen merk producten die geen gluten bevatten. Deze zijn herkenbaar aan een speciaal logo op de verpakking. Meer informatie en lekkere glutenvrije recepten vinden consumenten op www.ah.nl/glutenvrij.

Afdeling mediarelaties:
pers@ah.nl
088 6590 2020

Source: Albert Heijn

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Deichmann Group Continues Expansion of Physical and Digital Presence Across Europe and Worldwide

  • Growth once again in 2016, bucking the industry trend
  • Plan to enter the French and Belgian market in 2017
  • 262 new stores to open worldwide
  • Start of the Ellie Goulding Collection in London

ESSEN, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — The DEICHMANN Group recorded gross sales of €5.6 billion (€4.8 billion net) in the past financial year in 23 European countries and the USA, reaching the highest level of sales in the company’s history of over 100 years. The increase in sales revenues after adjustment for exchange rate effects is thus 5.6 percent. In 2016, the corporate group sold around 173 million pairs of shoes in its stores and online shops, which is about a million more pairs than in the previous year. At the end of 2016, Europe’s largest shoe retailer operated a total of 3,857 branches worldwide and employed a workforce of around 38,252 people. This means that the company created almost 1,000 new jobs in 2016. In the current year, DEICHMANN will invest some €232 million in the international infrastructure. In Germany, the corporate group grew clearly, bucking the industry trend, and will be investing around €92 million in 2017.

DEICHMANN SE, the market leader in the German and European shoe retail trade, once again posted an increase in its sales revenue, the number of shoes sold and in the branch network in 2016. “2016 was a good year for us. We continued to develop positively both in store and online and also grew on a like-for-like basis”, Heinrich Deichmann, Chairman of the Management Board of DEICHMANN SE, commented. “These good results are not simply a matter of course – after all, the situation in the shoe trade is generally difficult at the moment. We have succeeded in detaching ourselves from the market trend. With DEICHMANN as our strong parent company, plus special concepts such as Snipes or ONYGO and our consistent omni-channel approach, we are in a very good position. And our diversification strategy, which also included the acquisition of the Buffalo brand last year, is also allowing us to open up new growth areas.”

Across all the countries in which it operates, the DEICHMANN Group as a whole posted a 5.6 percent increase in sales after adjustment for exchange rate effects. Like-for-like sales revenues increased by 2.3 percent. Gross sales revenues reached €5.6 billion (€4.8 billion net). The group sold 173 million pairs of shoes in its stores and online in 2016 – around a million more pairs than in the previous year. “We also benefitted from the continuing fashion for branded sports shoes, which we also have in our portfolio, of course”, Heinrich Deichmann commented. At the end of 2016, the corporate group operated a total of 3,857 stores worldwide plus 29 online shops and employed a workforce of 38,252. It now earns around 60 percent of its sales revenue abroad. “Germany is still our most important market, but our involvement abroad is continuing to become more significant”, said Heinrich Deichmann.

Expansion: Moving into France and Belgium

In the course of 2017, the corporate group will be opening its first outlets in France and Belgium. “With its population of 64 million people, France is a very important market in the eurozone. For many people, France is the birthplace of fashion and good taste”, Heinrich Deichmann continued. “We greatly respect French chic and the French way of life. However, we also believe that, with up-to-date international fashionable shoes at reasonable prices, we have something positive to offer customers.” The group will start in the summer with a few stores in selected regions in order to gain some initial experience. The online shop for France will also be launched at the same time.

The company will be entering the Belgian market in 2017 with its Dutch subsidiary vanHaren, with the first two stores opening in Flanders in April. In addition, customers in Belgium will shortly be able to place orders in their own Belgian online shop.

Further expansion in both countries will depend on the economic situation there, the development of purchasing power and the situation in the property market. Heinrich Deichmann: “As a family firm, we are in the position to control the speed of expansion ourselves. We do not need to meet any targets set by external investors. In any case, we are very much looking forward to being in contact with French customers.”

In 2017, the company will further increase its network of branches in its existing markets, with the focus on qualitative growth. This year, the group is planning to open 262 new stores internationally. This is countered by 114 closures as part of its location optimisation programme. In addition, 185 stores throughout the group are to be modernised.

Digital Expansion: Test run with five omni-channel branches

The digital expansion is also continuing. “Our sales development is also driven to a large extent by online growth”, emphasised Heinrich Deichmann. In some DEICHMANN companies, ten percent of sales revenues are already posted through omni-channel services. At the moment, the group sells its products through 29 online shops of its own and four online marketplaces. In 2017, it plans to launch more e- shops and related services in the various markets. The omni-channel services such as the “Ship2home” delivery service from the branches will be further expanded.

A test stage is currently running in Germany, with five special omni-channel outlets in the Stuttgart and Essen areas in which in-store and online shopping are being even more closely dovetailed. These stores, for example, have large touchscreen monitors which allow customers to view the complete DEICHMANN range available online and in all the branches and also to order items. The branch teams work with handheld scanners with which they can check stock available and trigger customer orders if necessary.

This test project has been running for about a year at the Dutch subsidiary vanHaren. It has been a great success: vanHaren now has 20 of these omni-channel branches.

“In addition to being able to present the articles in a modern, high-quality style, we are able to offer our customers an even better service by networking our in-store and online facilities. Customers can choose from the entire DEICHMANN stock and also have articles sent to their home. This is a major plus point, especially with best sellers or if larger or smaller sizes are needed”, Heinrich Deichmann says. “Today, our customers reassess each day where and how they want to obtain information and make their purchases. We want to be present everywhere our customers go and to be able to present our entire range to them. With our omni-channel services, we are making it as easy as possible for them to switch between the different channels and shop wherever they want.”

“Ship2home” has been expanded even further in Germany since the beginning of 2017. Customers who cannot find the right size or colour of the style they want in the store have been able, since 2015, to order it with the “Ship2home” service in store and have it sent to them at home free of charge. The branches can now also access the entire branch stock, rather than just the stock in the online shop.

Back in 2000, DEICHMANN was the first shoe retailer to open an eShop and it has since expanded its online range with increasing speed in the omni-channel direction.

Buffalo and ONYGO join the corporate group

At the end of 2016, DEICHMANN operated branches in Germany and 20 more countries under its own name. In addition, the group is represented in Switzerland (Dosenbach/Ochsner/Ochsner Sport), the Netherlands (vanHaren) and the USA (Rack Room Shoes/Off Broadway). In Germany, Roland SE is also a member of the corporate group. The company is also present in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with MyShoes SE. Snipes is helping the group to grow in Germany and currently in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Spain and Italy.

Under the guidance of Snipes, a fashion blog has turned into the new store concept ONYGO, which is aimed specifically at women and girls. The first branches were opened last year, and there are now eleven ONYGO stores and an online shop in Germany (as at 31.12.2016).

In autumn 2016, the DEICHMANN Group acquired Buffalo. The objective is to maintain the brand and the company as a separate unit. This means that both the branches and the licensing business as well as the wholesale trade will continue. The Buffalo brand will not be run as a proprietary brand of DEICHMANN and will also not be given a separate distribution channel or separate pricing. “We see the acquisition of Buffalo as a strategic corporate holding. Our goal is to maintain this cult brand for the market as an independent entity and to develop it further so that it is well equipped to face future challenges”, said Heinrich Deichmann.

Germany: Sales revenue rises by almost 6 percent

In 2016, shoe retailers in general recorded a downward trend. According to information provided by the Association of German Shoe Retailers (BDSE), the German shoe industry recorded a two percent decline in sales last year.¹ Running against this general trend, the sales revenue posted by the DEICHMANN Group in Germany increased clearly to €2.2 billion (€1.9 billion net). This is 5.9 percent more than in 2015 (€2.1 billion). Like-for-like, this is an increase of 3.2 percent. Last year, the corporate group operated 1,424 stores in Germany (including 56 ROLAND and 39 MyShoes stores), which is 33 more than in the previous year. 73 million pairs of shoes were sold.

2017: 61 new branches / 370 new jobs

In Germany, 61 new branches are to be opened in the corporate group in 2017, with 28 businesses scheduled for closure due to location optimisation plans. Just under 100 stores are to be modernised.

In the current year, the group is planning to invest around €232 million internationally, which includes around €92 million in Germany. This will primarily cover the modernisation and expansion of the branch network, along with investments in logistics and the IT infrastructure, especially digitalisation.

At the end of 2016, the DEICHMANN Group employed around 15,750 people in Germany (2015: approx. 15,490), including around 3,100 trainees. Around 370 new recruitments are planned for 2017. In 2016, over 1,000 young people started training with the corporate group in Germany. This year too, over 800 new trainees will be taken on. 817 employees now work in the head office in Essen – 48 more than in the previous year. Here too, there has been continuous growth, since the company’s head office also provides a wide range of services for the international group.

Rock your Look: Ellie Goulding presents her first shoe collection

DEICHMANN has opened the spring/summer season with a new advertising partner. The British singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding has put together her first shoe collection in association with DEICHMANN and presented it in London for the European market. Sneakers, ethnic sandals, heels, wedges, espadrilles and mules – the “Ellie Goulding for DEICHMANN” collection is defined by the motto “Rock your Look”. Bright colours, extravagant cuts, individual finishes and rock star studs give the styles that extra something special. Altogether, the collection is being offered in 21 European countries in the DEICHMANN Group’s stores and online shops.

For more information, visit www.rockyourlook.eu

40 years of wortundtat

In 1977, Dr Heinz-Horst Deichmann († 2014) founded the Christian charity wortundtat after a trip to India. The idea was triggered by his encounter with people suffering from leprosy in the underdeveloped south of India. What started back then as a village project has now grown into a charity that reaches over 200,000 people in India, Tanzania, Moldavia, Greece and Germany. The main focuses of the work lie in the area of education and medical care. Work in the countries is carried out solely by local experts. In 2015 and 2016, because of the political developments at the time, the charity concentrated in particular on helping refugees. The projects are mainly financed by the DEICHMANN Foundation, supported by committed individual donors. Heinrich Deichmann succeeded his father as chairman of the charity in 2015. He is determined that the work should continue and be expanded, as its founder would have wished. In 2017, wortundtat will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, which will include a seminar in Dortmund on the subject of development aid.

DEICHMANN SE, which has its headquarters in Essen, Germany, was founded in 1913 and is still 100% owned by the founding family. The company is a market leader in the European retail shoe trade and employs over 38,000 people worldwide. Branches are operated under the name of DEICHMANN in Germany, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. In addition, the Group is represented in Switzerland (Dosenbach/Ochsner/Ochsner Sport), the Netherlands (vanHaren) and the USA (Rack Room Shoes/Off Broadway). In Germany, Roland SE is also part of the corporate group. The company is represented in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with MyShoes SE. In 2017, the corporate group will be opening its first stores in France and Belgium.

For more information, visit:
www.wortundtat.de
www.facebook.com/wortundtat/

Media Contact:

Corporate communication
Ulrich Effing
Tel.: +49 (0) 201 8676 960
E-Mail: ulrich_effing@deichmann.com

Sonja Schröder-Galla
Tel.: +49 (0) 201 8676 962
E-Mail: sonja_schroeder-galla@deichmann.com

Source: DEICHMANN SE

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NCR Leads India’s Financial Service Industry With Innovative Technologies

NCR continues to lead the financial services industry in India with innovative technologies that provide exceptional customer experiences

CHENNAI, India, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a global leader in omni-channel solutions, today (March 15, 2017 ) announced that its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Mahindra World City, in Chengalpet, Chennai has achieved the unique distinction of having produced 200,000 ATMs since the facility’s inception in 2002. This manufacturing facility not only meets India’s domestic market requirements, but significantly contributes to exports.

According to RBR Research’s ‘Global ATM Market and Forecasts 2017’ report, NCR continues to lead the ATM market with over 45 percent share. India currently has a little over 225,000 ATMs and of these, more than 50 percent i.e. about 122,000 ATMs are NCR ATMs. NCR’s omni-channel solutions continue to empower financial institutions (FIs) in India to unlock amazing experiences and grow efficiently.

“This accomplishment reflects the committed efforts of our team at NCR, the support we receive from FIs in India and the government’s vision of promoting domestic manufacturing initiatives,” said Navroze Dastur, managing director, NCR India and South Asia. ”The ATM suite we offer is not limited to cash withdrawal and deposits but also includes ATMs that act as 24×7 available mini bank branches. Our ATM portfolio caters to  tech-savvy urban customers and extends to reach villages across rural India to enable financial inclusion”.

India is a growing economy with over 65 percent of the population under the age of 35. The country’s young workforce is well travelled, qualified; with high disposable income and has a voracious appetite for technology. This is driving India to become the world’s fifth largest consumer market by 2025.1

“We are immensely proud to have attained the unique distinction of having manufactured 200,000 world-class ATMs at our India manufacturing facility which is indeed an unparalleled accomplishment,” said C Santhakumar, senior operations director, Manufacturing and Quality for NCR India. “Thanks to the enormous talent pool in India, its strategic location and the additional capacity of our state-of-the-art facility, NCR is in a great position to introduce innovative omni-channel technologies to give today’s time-compressed consumers the freedom to determine not just what services they wish to consume, but exactly how they wish to consume them.”

NCR continues to stay committed to India with service and support centres in over 260 locations, covering about 4,500 contact points in India alone. With its team of over 3,500 professionals, NCR continues to transform into a “hardware-enabled, software-driven” business. The team at NCR’s Hyderabad R&D facility strives to ensure that innovation remains a continuous and unabated process.

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

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

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

News Media Contact:
Rakesh Aulaya
NCR Public Relations
912.2619.5483
rakesh.aulaya@ncr.com

Source: NCR Corporation

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SPAR South Africa and Mr Price Group Reduce Youth Unemployment With New Initiative

South Africa, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — SPAR South Africa is working together with Mr Price Group to reduce youth unemployment. Invaluable retail work experience will be gained through MRP Foundation’s skills development initiative.

The programme, Jump Start, empowers unemployed youth with entry level skills and links them to job opportunities in its retail and supply chain. Since 2008, the youth development organisation has trained well over 22,000 previously unemployed youth, thereby launching over 10,000 careers.

With the SPAR Group’s investment, the MRP Foundation can continue to engage and enlist passionate youth who can connect with the vision, values and culture of SPAR.

Life skills and valuable hands-on work experience specific to SPAR’s retail environment is taught to students in the programme. To date, 1,000 candidates have already been trained in SPAR stores across South Africa and a further 5,000 will be trained through to 2019.

SPAR Group SA CEO, Graham O’Connor, believes this investment has the potential to make a meaningful difference within both SPAR stores and South Africa’s social space: “The relationship between The SPAR Group and Mr Price Group has grown and developed over the past five years through the MRP Foundation where we initially were invited to ‘piggyback’ on their skills development initiative in some of our stores. Through this initiative, we’re addressing our manpower needs at store level whilst at the same time targeting a reduction in unemployment of our country’s young people through helping them to acquire skills. Our initial investment in 2015 proved so successful that we’ve committed to a further three years.”

Mr Price Group CEO, Stuart Bird, also believes in the power of partnerships and in doing so, opening up greater opportunities for job seekers to step into the working environment. “We are delighted that The SPAR Group has committed to continue partnering with MRP Foundation in furthering the Jump Start programme for another three years. Our shared vision and passion for the betterment of our society, through creating opportunities for the employment of our youth, will continue to make us more effective together than if we had tried to do this alone.”

21 year old Aubrey S’kumbuzo Makhaza, a Jump Start beneficiary, is now employed at Knowles SPAR in Pinetown. He took the opportunity to develop skills and excelled in the program but his ambitions don’t end with employment.  “The team here are like my family and one day I even hope to own a SUPERSPAR with an organic rooftop garden!” he said.

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

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Hannaford’s Help Fight Hunger Campaign raises $1.3M For Local Pantries and Food Banks

Scarborough, Maine, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hannaford Supermarkets today (03/15/2017) announced that it will soon deliver more than 11,500 cases of food to hunger relief organizations, as the final piece of its Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger campaign.  The program raised more than $1.3 in food and cash for local pantries and food banks.

The upcoming deliveries to food banks include more than 21,000 cans of vegetables, 7,000 boxes of oat cereal, 15,000 jars of peanut butter and 17,000 boxes of spaghetti.  The donations take place at a time of year when many pantries and food banks see a dip in donations.

In addition to these donations, Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger generated $1 million in food staples for local pantries through the sale of “Fight Hunger” boxes filled with nutritious items and another $58,000 in cash donations.  Hannaford also donated more than $100,000 to local food pantries, giving money to organizations in each of the communities served by Hannaford.

“Hannaford Supermarkets is committed to working throughout the year with local food pantries and food banks in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts to ensure all those who are at risk of going hungry have access to the nutritious food they need,” said Eric Blom, Hannaford spokesman.  “We are proud that this donation of 11,558 cases of food will provide thousands of meals to those who are struggling financially.”

The program took place during the 2016 holiday season.  Hannaford Helps Fight Hunger holiday campaigns have raised more than $7.8 million in food and cash since it began in 2008.

strong>About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, operates 181 stores in the Northeast. Stores are located in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hannaford employs more than 27,000 associates. Additional information can be found at www.hannaford.com.

Contact:
Eric Blom
207-885-3132

Source: Hannaford Supermarkets

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New And Innovative Offers to Passengers With SSP and Dusseldorf Airport Partnership

New And Innovative Offers to Passengers With SSP and Dusseldorf Aiport Partnership

 

Eschborn, 2017-Mar-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Since the beginning of the year, visitors at Düsseldorf Airport have been able to enjoy a completely new food and beverage concept. As new main tenant, SSP, the Food Travel Experts, is opening seven new gastronomic units and, together with Düsseldorf airport, is focusing on growth. With individually tailored concepts and a wide range of strong brands, SSP successfully competed in the selection process against other leading players in the market.

An important part of the expansion is the highly modern conference centre “DUSconference plus”. From May, passengers and visitors to the airport, as well as local companies, will be able to conduct large conferences, work creatively in small groups or simply answer e-mails in a calm environment.

Ilse Ruffer, Vice President Business Unit Customer Management at the Airport, explained; “Over 3,000 square meters, we offer everything necessary for conferences, events and working on the move. Together with SSP, we have developed a state-of-the-art conference centre that offers the ideal space for any kind of communication – whether in large groups of up to 320 people, in pairs or alone at one of the workstations. Located in the middle of the terminal, the ‘DUSconference plus’ is very flexible. It offers a contemporary environment, a convenient location, and in places direct views over the airfield. If visitors are hungry, food can also be personally arranged and delivered from any of our SSP outlets.”

Working exclusively with a view of the airfield

From the conference centre, travellers are within a minute of the check-in desk. With optimal connection and various catering options, flexible work areas are available for a total of 740 people. There are 10 conference and meeting rooms, 15 boardrooms, a web corner and plug-in workstations as well as three foyers for business meetings or events and exhibitions.

Jan-Henrik Andersson, Chief Commercial Officer SSP DACH commented; As Germany’s third-largest airport and the key hub in NRW, Düsseldorf Airport is an important partner for us, and we have already working closely and successfully with the team here for a number of years. As operators of the conference centre, in partnership with Düsseldorf airport, we are delighted to be building on this successful partnership.”

New gastronomic concepts

SSP has opened a Jamie’s Deli and Jamie’s Deli Van. Alongside this, there is also the popular Hausmann’s restaurant from Patrick Rüther and his partner the well-known TV Chef Tim Mälzer, which is also new to the airport. Famous and well-established in the region are French café and patisserie épi and 4Cani. épi combines the craftsmanship of a French bakery and patisserie with the hospitality of a café, 4Cani brings the flavours of Italy to Germany. Directly in front of the check-in desks serving eastern Mediterranean destinations, visitors will find Mosaic. This concept was developed by SSP especially for Düsseldorf Airport and offers a dash of the culinary arts of the Middle East. The offer will be completed with the opening of KFC in March as well as another bar in 2019.

The conference centre is perfectly complemented by the new gastronomic offers. In addition to the self-service snacks in the Welcome & Work area, the entire SSP brand portfolio can be accessed from the boardrooms and conference rooms. Catering can therefore be adapted according to taste and needs: whether budget-oriented or sophisticated, or whether as an order from the menu or included in the conference package.

Before the opening of “DUSconference plus” and the new units, SSP was already present at the airport with a Caffè Ritazza and two Kamps bakeries. In relation to new business, SSP expects a total turnover of 112 million euros over the term of the contract.

Contact:

Templemere Public Relations
+44 (0) 1306 735574
press.office@ssp-intl.com

Source: SSP

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