Daily Archives: March 27, 2017

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Augmented Reality Used in Lowe’s In-Store Navigation App

MOORESVILLE, N.C., 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lowe’s announced today (March 23, 2017) the launch of its Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation app, the first retail application of indoor mapping using augmented reality. Leveraging Google’s augmented reality technology Tango, the app is designed to simplify the home improvement shopping experience. Beginning in April, customers visiting stores in Sunnyvale, California and Lynwood, Washington can use Tango-enabled smartphones to easily search for products, add them to a shopping list and locate the product within the store using augmented reality.

The Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation app is the latest advancement from Lowe’s Innovation Labs, the retailer’s disruptive innovation hub. The Labs are focused on creating new solutions to enhance the retail experience for customers and employees.

“Our research shows that helping make it easier for customers to find products in stores not only makes for a better shopping experience, it allows our associates to spend more time advising on home improvement projects,” said Kyle Nel, executive director of Lowe’s Innovation Labs. “With Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation, we’ve created a more seamless experience using breakthrough technology so customers can save time shopping and focus more on their project.”

Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation uses Tango-enabled motion tracking, area learning and depth perception to guide customers through the store using a mixed reality interface. When a customer comes to Lowe’s to get started on a project, they can use any Tango-enabled smartphone to create a list of their required items in the app and access product reviews and information to make an informed decision. From there, directional prompts overlaid onto the real-world setting guide the customer to each item using the most efficient route around the store.

Lowe’s first partnered with Tango to introduce Lowe’s Vision, one of the first apps to leverage the Tango platform. Bringing spatial perception to the smartphone, Lowe’s Vision acts as a “digital power tool” for customers embarking on a home improvement project. The technology enables the user to measure spaces and visualize how products like appliances and home décor will look in their home. Lowe’s Vision and Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation technologies are significant developments in Lowe’s efforts to build a portfolio of augmented reality offerings that meet the needs of the evolving customer.

To learn more about Lowe’s Vision: In-Store Navigation, visit www.lowesinnovationlabs.com/instorenavigation.

About Lowe’s

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving more than 17 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With fiscal year 2016 sales of $65.0 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,375 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 290,000 people. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Media Inquiries:

704-758-2917
PublicRelations@Lowes.com

SOURCE: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

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Joint Effort of CVS Health, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, and Pittsburgh Public Schools Aims to Prevent Youth Drug Abuse

PITTSBURGH, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and the Pittsburgh Public Schools today (March 23, 2017) announced a unique public-private partnership that will bring CVS Health’s prescription drug abuse prevention program, Pharmacists Teach, to students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, with the help of student pharmacists from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

In 2015, CVS Health developed the Pharmacists Teach curriculum, in coordination with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, to help curb the growing opioid abuse epidemic. CVS Pharmacists have delivered the program to more than 200,000 students across the country. With the help of University of Pittsburgh student pharmacists, the program will dramatically expand in the Pittsburgh area, reaching thousands of students.

“CVS Health is committed to addressing and preventing prescription drug abuse in the communities we serve, and we started the Pharmacists Teach program because we know pharmacists can provide a unique and trusted perspective on the dangers of prescription drug abuse,” said Larry Merlo, President and Chief Executive Officer of CVS Health. “I’m extremely proud we’ve been able to partner with the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy to expand the reach of the Pharmacists Teach program to so many public schools in Pittsburgh. I know Pitt’s pharmacy students will bring an influential and meaningful voice to this issue for so many local teens.”

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Dean Patricia Kroboth stated that, “This partnership is about people the dedicated professionals in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, at CVS Health, and at the Pitt School of Pharmacy all working together to improve the health of our young people in our Pittsburgh community.”

“We are truly thankful to both the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and CVS Health for this valuable relationship,” said Dr. Dara Ware Allen, Assistant Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools. “Through this partnership students will learn the consequences associated with the misuse of prescription drugs, while also gaining insight into the career of pharmacy through the experiences of college students not much older than themselves.”

Dozens of student pharmacists will be delivering the program to middle and high schools across the Pittsburgh Public Schools, the first large, urban school system to partner with CVS Health across an entire district. Pitt Pharmacy is also CVS Health’s first university partner in delivering these presentations. Teachers and school administrators in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas are invited to reach out to CVS Health to schedule a presentation.

About CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,700 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

About the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
The School of Pharmacy has been developing leaders who have been driving the future of pharmacy for over 135 years. We investigate, discover, and create ways to improve patient health and, through partnerships, change practice and improve efficiency of care. Pitt Pharmacy ranks in the top ten in NIH funded research and in US News and World Report among schools of pharmacy. The School of Pharmacy leads the way in education, personalizing education and getting students to expert faster. Chartered in 1878, the School of Pharmacy is among the oldest pharmacy schools in the country.

About Pittsburgh Public Schools
The Pittsburgh Public School District is the largest of 43 school districts in Allegheny County and second largest in Pennsylvania. The District serves approximately 25,000 students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Under the leadership of Superintendent Anthony Hamlet, Pittsburgh’s public school system is in the midst of the development of a five-year strategic plan that is aimed at creating a student-centered culture built on continuous improvement. The Pittsburgh Public Schools offers students a variety of options and opportunities that will help them succeed in school, and prepare them for whatever comes next college, career and life.

Media Contacts:
Erin Shields Britt
Corporate Communications, CVS Health
(401) 770-9237
Erin.Britt@CVSHealth.com

Courtney Caprara
UPMC Media Relations
(412) 647-6190
capraracl@upmc.edu

Jan K. Shaw
Director of Communications, Pitt Pharmacy
(412) 383-6970
shawj@pitt.edu

Ebony Pugh
Public Information Officer, Pittsburgh Public Schools
412-529-3616
epugh1@pghboe.net

SOURCE: CVS Health

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February Showed Solid Sales As Seen in ONS Figures

London, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — As we saw in the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor figures, the ONS’s Retail Sales index for February showed a pick-up in the growth of the value of sales from January (to 4.2 per cent year on year); although this isn’t anywhere near the level seen in the ONS pre-Christmas boom where we saw year-on-year growth rates of 7 per cent.

These figures are likely to be interpreted as a sign that consumer spending remains relatively unruffled by suggestions that price rises and squeezed real incomes should make them more cautious.

But some care needs to be taken. As in late 2016, small businesses were a key driver of the pick-up in growth in February returning to double digit growth; with the star performers being small online businesses, growing at over 50 per cent! However, the sample used for small businesses, by our estimates, represents just 1 per cent of the small businesses in the UK, although they have a weight of around 20 per cent in the index. Given the small sample size and the fact that it changes in a rolling basis, as you would expect there is considerable volatility in these figures. As a result, we should be careful in taking the small business figures as demonstrative of underlying aggregate consumer spending.

The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor suggests a slightly different picture. The pick-up in sales growth in February was very small at 0.4 per cent (although it was dampened by the effect of a later Mothers’ Day this year). Although February is not traditionally a month for shopping, as consumers replenish their finances after Christmas, there are signs that shoppers are thinking more carefully than usual about their spending at the moment as prices start to edge upwards and wage growth slows. However, Easter, which falls in April this year, will be the real test of whether the expected slowdown in consumer spending has arrived – being later should work in retailers’ favour, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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British Retailers Encourage Responsible Drinking With Revised Alcohol Label

LABEL REFLECTS LATEST CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICERS’ ADVICE ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

London, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — British retailers have today (March 22, 2017) taken a lead in encouraging more responsible behaviour towards alcohol by unveiling a newly revised label that will appear on alcoholic products in supermarkets across the country.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) and its members took the initiative to revise their existing alcohol labelling following updated advice from the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers on the maximum number of units that should be consumed in a week as well as recommended frequency of alcohol consumption.The newly revised label, which will be rolled out in supermarkets across the UK, will ensure that shoppers will have access to the same consistent information, ensuring they can make an informed purchase.

The label is just the latest in a series of measures put in place by UK retailers to drive more responsible alcohol consumption. Others include: the ‘Challenge 25’ initiative to prevent underage sales and working with community alcohol partnerships to tackle low-level disorderly behaviour.

Andrew Opie, the Director of Food and Sustainability at British Retail Consortium said: “The BRC and its members developed this revised label to ensure that the information passed onto customers about alcoholic products is based on the latest official medical guidance, and also helps customers to make informed choices. As an industry, retail has long led the way in encouraging responsible drinking and we will continue to work with the public health community in this regard going forward.”

Notes to editor:

  • New guidelines on alcohol consumption were published at the beginning of 2016 by the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers (CMO) (i.e. those for England and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
  • The CMO recommendations introduced changes to the recommended maximum units to be consumed and the frequency of consumption.
  • The UK Department of Health has produced a guidance document outlining principles of how to communicate the CMO recommendations on alcohol product labels. This document does not however prescribe the manner in which the advice should be presented.
  • There is no fixed timetable for the rollout of the revised label across the retail industry. Given the diverse range of products involved, from slow to fast moving, the changeover will depend upon each individual retailer’s process for changing labelling, sometimes called the ‘labelling cycle’.
  • BRC members strongly believe that in the interest of public health, a common label should be used to communicate the message to consumers

Contact:
BRC Press Office
TELEPHONE: + 44 (0) 20 7854 8924
EMAIL: media@brc.org.uk
OUT OF HOURS: +44 (0) 7557 747 269

Source: BRC

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Americans Expected to Spend More On Late Easter Celebrations

WASHINGTON, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Americans will spend more than ever as they celebrate Easter nearly three weeks later this year than last, the National Retail Federation said today (March 23, 2017). According to NRF’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, spending for Easter is expected to reach $18.4 billion, up 6 percent over last year’s record $17.3 billion and a new all-time high in the survey’s 14-year history. Those celebrating plan to spend an average of $152 per person, up 4 percent from last year’s previous record of $146.

“Most consumers have almost an entire extra month to shop for Easter this year, and by the time the holiday comes the weather should be significantly warmer than last Easter,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “That should put shoppers in the frame of mind to splurge on spring apparel along with Easter decorations. With the economy improving, consumers are ready to shop and retailers are ready to offer great deals whether they’re buying Easter baskets or garden tools.”

According to the survey, consumers will spend $5.8 billion on food (purchased by 87 percent of shoppers), $3.3 billion on clothing (50 percent), $2.9 billion on gifts (61 percent), $2.6 billion on candy (89 percent), $1.2 billion on flowers (39 percent), $1.1 billion on decorations (43 percent) and $788 million on greeting cards (48 percent).

The 50 percent of consumers planning to buy clothing is up from 45 percent last year and is the highest level in a decade while the $3.3 billion expected to be spent is up 9 percent from last year.

With shopping lists in hand, 58 percent of consumers will head to discount stores, 46 percent will go to department stores and 26 percent will shop at local small businesses. In addition, 27 percent will shop online, up from 21 percent last year. Among smartphone owners, 28 percent will research products on their devices while 18 percent will use their phones to make a purchase, while another 9 percent will use apps to do their research or purchase products.

“Easter continues to be a traditional holiday for consumers of all ages, especially young families who are planning to spend a bit more for this celebration,” Prosper Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow said. “With the later timing of Easter, we will see more consumers shopping for special deals, especially on apparel and decorations.”

Consumers plan to celebrate Easter in several different ways: 61 percent will visit family and friends, 57 percent will cook a holiday meal, 52 percent will go to church and 17 percent will go to a restaurant. Children will have plenty to look forward to after the Easter Bunny arrives: 35 percent of consumers will have an Easter egg hunt and 16 percent will open gifts. In addition, some consumers will celebrate with more leisurely activities: 43 percent will watch TV, 10 percent will shop online and 9 percent will head to the movies or shop in a store.

The survey, which asked 7,411 consumers about their Easter Sunday plans, was conducted March 1-9 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.2 percentage points. Full data results will not be published on NRF.com but news media and analysts who require additional information can contact press@nrf.com.

About Prosper Insights & Analytics
Prosper Insights & Analytics delivers executives timely, consumer-centric insights from multiple sources. As a comprehensive resource of information, Prosper represents the voice of the consumer and provides knowledge to marketers regarding consumer views on the economy, personal finance, retail, lifestyle, media and domestic and world issues. www.ProsperDiscovery.com

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

Contact:

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

Source: NRF

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Chipotle and Discovery Education Launch Television Series about Good Food Choices on iTunes

Chipotle and Discovery Education Launch Television Series about Good Food Choices on iTunes

 

Available exclusively on iTunes and in partnership with Discovery Education, the original series highlights ways for parents and kids to make good food choices

DENVER, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today (Mar. 22, 2017) released “RAD Lands,” an original video series about food for kids between the ages of 7 and 10. The show is available exclusively on iTunes at iTunes.com/RadLands. The unbranded series, created in partnership with CAA Marketing and The Magic Store (the team behind the Daytime Emmy-nominated series “Yo Gabba Gabba!”), features celebrity chefs, musicians and YouTube personalities, and is aimed at educating families about where their food comes from and how it is prepared.

“Chipotle is ensuring that better food is accessible to everyone,” said Mark Crumpacker, chief marketing and development officer at Chipotle. “We created ‘RAD Lands’ to educate young eaters and their parents about food in an entertaining and engaging way. We don’t advertise to kids so the show is completely unbranded. We hope that it sparks conversation and curiosity among families, ideally leading to smarter and more informed choices about food.”

The main storytelling component of “RAD Lands” is an animated segment called “The Cultivators” that follows a small rebel squad’s epic journey to help save the galaxy’s plants and animals to preserve their access to real, fresh food. The squad is challenged by a nemesis trying to homogenize food across the galaxy and turn it all into highly processed junk food.

Season one will be available exclusively on iTunes in the US and Canada for $4.99, bringing the series to a wide and digital savvy audience on the world’s premium destination for music, TV and movie content. Alternatively, families can download the first episode for free, and the remaining five episodes for $1.99 each. As part of the “RAD Lands” launch and to support school lunches, Chipotle will donate $100,000 to the Chef Ann Foundation, a non-profit organization that works with schools nationwide to provide the tools and resources they need to serve healthy, nutritious, and delicious food to every student, every day.

“RAD Lands” continues Chipotle’s tradition of producing innovative unbranded content focusing on fresh ingredients and a wholesome lifestyle. The series was created by Chipotle in partnership with CAA Marketing and The Magic Store, one of the most respected producers of children’s television and the team behind the popular television series “Yo Gabba Gabba!” The culinary and musical talent appearing in “RAD Lands” includes chefs Amanda Freitag, Michael Voltaggio, and Duff Goldman, along with musicians Neon Trees, Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, Biz Markie and Portugal. The Man, among others.

“Chipotle and the ‘RAD Lands’ series are a great fit with the values of my foundation,” said Ann Cooper, founder of the Chef Ann Foundation. “We are thrilled with the generous support from Chipotle and iTunes through this program, and hope it encourages others to contribute what they can to influence future generations’ views on food.”

Discovery Education Partnership Enhances Program Benefits

To enhance the program’s reach to educators and students, Chipotle is partnering with Discovery Education, a leading provider of digital education content for K-12 classrooms, for RAD Lands In School. In this online program for elementary students launching later this spring, RAD Lands episodes will be paired with lesson plans and activities that have been developed by Discovery Education’s award-winning curriculum team. These no-cost resources incorporate music, animation, and live-action segments to teach students key health and science content, including the benefits of eating fresh food, the importance of caring for our environment, and how to create healthy and tasty snacks. These engaging lessons and activities can be used as stand-alone materials or integrated into elementary health and science curriculum. Additionally, Discovery Education will host an original, nationwide virtual field trip this fall for students and teachers that will combine food literacy experts and the RAD Lands content for a real-time learning experience. More information can be found at www.RADlandsinschool.com.

“RAD Lands In School offers educators and students a way to explore where fresh food comes from and how it can support a healthy lifestyle in a fun and compelling way,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Discovery Education. “We are pleased to partner with Chipotle on this effort to start conversations with students about health and nutrition, farming and food, through vibrant content and easy to use activities.”

“Every student should be knowledgeable about making good food choices and RAD Lands In School will help to support my health classroom lessons in a new and engaging way while also providing activities for the family at home,” said Brandon Wislocki, fifth grade teacher at Stonegate Elementary (Irvine Unified School District) in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.

“Through ‘RAD Lands,’ we wanted to create a show for families to watch together that engages and teaches without preaching,” said Scott Schultz, “Yo Gabba Gabba!” creator and executive producer at The Magic Store. “We achieved that goal through a combination of animation, music and live action throughout the series.”

To learn more about RAD Lands, visit chipotle.com/radlands. To download episodes of the show, visit iTunes.com/RadLands.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

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

Contact:

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

Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill

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CarMax To Release Fiscal Year Results In Conjunction With Investors Conference Call

RICHMOND, Va., 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX) today (Mar. 23, 2017) announced details of its investor conference call to be conducted in conjunction with the release of sales and earnings for the fourth quarter ended February 28, 2017.

April 6, 2017 – Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017 Earnings Conference Call

On April 6, CarMax will release sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 28, 2017, and will host a conference call for investors at 9:00 a.m. ET. Investors may access the call as follows:

  • Dial 1-888-298-3261 (international callers dial 1-706-679-7457). The conference ID is 73770785.
  • A live webcast also will be available at investors.carmax.com.
  • A webcast replay of the call will be available at investors.carmax.com through June 20, 2017. A telephone replay also will be available through April 13, 2017, and may be accessed by dialing 1-855-859-2056 (international callers dial 1-404-537-3406). The conference ID is 73770785.

About CarMax

CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and operates 173 stores in 39 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For more than 20 years, CarMax has made car buying more ethical, fair and stress-free by offering a no-haggle, no-hassle experience and an incredible selection of vehicles. CarMax makes selling your car easy too, by offering no-obligation appraisals good for seven days. At CarMax, we’ll buy your car even if you don’t buy ours®. CarMax has more than 22,000 associates nationwide and for 13 consecutive years has been named as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. During the 12 months ending February 29, 2016, the company retailed 619,936 used cars and sold 394,437 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.

Investors Contact:
Katharine Kenny
Vice President
(804) 935-4591

Celeste Gunter
Manager
(804) 935-4597

Media Contact:
pr@carmax.com
(855) 887-2915

Source: CarMax, Inc.

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Chlorofields Recalls 20 Cases of Asia Microgreens Due to Salmonella Risk

Lawrence, KS, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — ChloroFields of Lawrence, KS is recalling 20 cases of Asian Microgreens, because they have potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The products were distributed throughout Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri, and were made available through retail grocery stores.

The product comes in a 1.5 oz clamshell, and is identified as Asian Mix Microgreens with a sell by date of 3/26/2017. The sell by date is located on a white sticker on the bottom of the container. The UPC number of the product is 853763007096.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was a result of routine examinations conducted by the FDA that revealed finished product that contained the bacteria. Chlorofields along with the FDA is continuing investigation as to what caused the problem, and has ceased distributing the product.

Consumers are urged not to consume the product and to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions may be directed to ChloroFields at 785-304-3226. The phone line will be monitored Monday through Friday 8AM-5PM CDT.

Consumers Contact:

785-304-3226

###

Chlorofields Recalls 20 Cases of Asia Microgreens Due to Salmonella Risk

 

Source: FDA

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Krispy Kreme Opens Its 1000th (and Largest International) Shop in Peru

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation today (March 23, 2017) announced the first shop in Peru is open for business. The shop is in Lima and is the 1000th Krispy Kreme international location.

This shop is the first of 24 planned shops in Peru. Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation signed a development agreement with Agape Coral, SAC in 2015.

“This shop marks a milestone for Krispy Kreme as the 1000th international shop, and we are delighted to be celebrating the opening in Peru with an exceptional franchise group,” said Michael McGill, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Vice President, International. “As the first shop in Peru, we are excited to bring our signature high-quality doughnuts and coffee to Peruvians.”

The new shop is three levels and features two dining areas and a terrace. The shop will serve Krispy Kreme’s premium coffee and one-of-a-kind doughnuts, including the signature Original Glazed® doughnut beloved around the world. Doughnuts will be made fresh throughout the day using only the finest ingredients.

Fans will be lining up early to get their hands on one of several Grand Opening prizes. The first 300 guests in line will receive a commemorative t-shirt. The first 12 people in line will receive a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts every week for a year. Guests 13-300 will win a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts each month for a year.

This opening is a momentous occasion for Krispy Kreme, as the brand is now operating shops in 31 countries, with development agreements in several others. For 80 years, Krispy Kreme has been synonymous with world-class doughnuts that are made fresh in-shop.

About Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. The Company has more than 1,300 retail shops in 31 countries. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one of its many social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme, and www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme.

Contact:

Sarah Roof
336-726-8878
Corporate Communications Coordinator
sroof@krispykreme.com

Source: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation

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Whole Foods Market to open its first Prince George’s County, Maryland store on April 12

First Whole Foods Market store in Prince George’s County offers highest quality natural and organic products

ROCKVILLE, Md., 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market will open its first Prince George’s County, Maryland store on Wednesday, April 12, at 6621 Baltimore Avenue in Riverdale Park. Opening day shoppers will be greeted with door-buster deals and an array of product demonstrations and samples.

The store, designed for self-service ease in all departments, will offer the highest quality natural and organic products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood and prepared foods.

“We’re excited to join Riverdale’s vibrant and growing community with the opening of our first Whole Foods Market in Prince George’s County,” said Pia DaSilva, the Riverdale store’s team leader. “The store will include many new and locally sourced and seasonal products that meet our high quality standards. Whether you come for the hand-tossed pizza, the custom acai bowl bar or the six types of cold pressed juice on draft, the store will be a great addition to Riverdale and a new gathering place for the community.”

Every item sold in the store meets Whole Foods Market’s rigorous quality standards and is free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives and hydrogenated fats.

The 40,000-square-foot store includes:

  • Self-serve fresh brewed coffee and espresso, plus cold brew coffee and tea.
  • Six varieties of cold pressed juice on tap, including single flavors such as apple and pineapple, as well as store blends like “Sweet Green” and “Deep Beet.”
  • Numerous in-house specialties: scratch bread made daily, smoked fish and hand-tossed, wood-fired pizza.
  • A real-time feedback feature that allows customers to text concerns and compliments to Whole Foods Market Riverdale on their way out the door – no forms, no surveys.
  • Custom superfruit acai bowl bar and self-serve mochi.

The community is invited to join store and company leaders for a traditional bread-breaking ceremony at 8:45 a.m. on April 12.

Community members can register for the opportunity to take a preview tour of the store here. Further details about the store opening will be shared through social media. Members of the media seeking additional information should contact the Mid-Atlantic press office at MAmedia@wholefoods.com.

Contact:

MAmedia@wholefoods.com

Source: Whole Foods Market

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365 Everyday Value® eggs meet new standards beyond cage-free

AUSTIN, Texas , 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Beginning today (March 22, 2017), all 365 Everyday Value® eggs sold in Whole Foods Market stores meet new standards, which require that farms adhere to the following living conditions for laying hens:

Cage-Free Plus: Birds live indoors with perches and shelters

Outdoor Access: Birds have at least as much space outdoors as indoors

Pasture-Raised: Birds have access to rangeland or grassland

Mobile Houses on Pasture: Birds live outdoors with mobile houses for shelter

These four standards go beyond cage-free by providing requirements for the comfort, physical safety and health of the birds. The new standards require perches for laying hens and prohibit the use of mammal or poultry byproducts in bird feed.

“We’ve been selling only cage-free eggs in our dairy department since 2004, and we decided it’s time to take our egg standards one step further,” said Joe Dickson, global quality standards coordinator at Whole Foods Market. “We’re proud to launch this new set of standards for all of our 365 Everyday Value® eggs.”

The grocer also uses only cage-free eggs in all of its own kitchens, bakeries and bake houses. In 2016, Whole Foods Market certified that all 365 Everyday Value® eggs sold in stores were from farms verified to only use Non-GMO feed.

Find out more about Whole Foods Market egg quality standards at wholefoodsmarket.com/eggstandards.

Press Contacts:

Darrah Gist
darrah.gist@wholefoods.com
678.638.5888

Lauren Bernath
lauren.bernath@wholefoods.com
678.638.5805

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market

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BJ’s Wholesale Club donates $10,000 to youth sports league in Berkeley County

Community partnership will support upgraded facilities at Tom Conley Park ahead of new Club opening in Summerville

CHARLESTON, S.C., 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — BJ’s Wholesale Club today (March 23, 2017) announced that it has donated $10,000 to Ladson Youth Organization, a youth sports league in Berkeley County. The donation from the BJ’s Charitable Foundation will help fund upgraded facilities at Tom Conley Park to provide a better experience for players, coaches and fans. In addition, the partnership gives Ladson Youth Organization the opportunity to raise up to $100,000 through BJ’s Fuel Your Fundraiser® Program.

“BJ’s is committed to nourishing communities and helping families thrive, and we’re thrilled to partner with Ladson Youth Organization,” said Kirk Saville, senior vice president of corporate communications at BJ’s Wholesale Club. “Together, we will be able to provide more opportunities for kids to learn the value of teamwork and wellness through youth sports.”

The BJ’s Wholesale Club in Summerville is slated for opening in Spring 2017 and will provide affordable fresh food options to the community that beat grocery store prices every day.

BJ’s and Ladson Youth Organization will continue their partnership through BJ’s Fuel Your Fundraiser® Program, an all-inclusive fundraising opportunity created exclusively for community organizations and nonprofits. For every member that joins BJ’s through the Fuel Your Fundraiser® Program, the Ladson Youth Organization will receive a portion of the proceeds. As part of the program, BJ’s provides all marketing promotional materials to community organization partners for free in addition to expert advice and support from the BJ’s sales team. To learn more or to apply to BJ’s Fuel Your Fundraiser® Program, visit BJs.com/charity.

“We are grateful for BJ’s support, especially as we begin our Spring sports season,” said Clyde King, athletic director of Ladson Youth Organization. “As a volunteer organization, we rely on the generosity of corporate partners like BJ’s, so that we can continue to grow our program and positively impact youth in the community.”

The BJ’s Wholesale Club will be located at the intersection of Interstate 26 and North Main Street, Summerville’s primary retail corridor. The Club will be the first in South Carolina, expanding BJ’s footprint to 16 states and marking club #215 for the company. The Club will also feature a BJ’s Gas® station, saving Members even more.

  • BJ’s offers the best value of any supermarket or club.
    • BJ’s everyday prices on the key items that families buy most often are significantly better value than supermarkets, saving families up to 25 percent or more.
    • The company is the only major wholesale club that accepts manufacturers’ coupons, offering families another great way to save.
    • Its own brands, Berkley Jensen and Wellsley Farms, let families save without sacrificing quality or fun.
  • BJ’s biggest advantage is fresh food – produce, dairy, meat and deli.
    • Members buy 65 percent more fresh food from BJ’s than from other clubs.
    • BJ’s is the only major wholesale club to offer a full-service deli with premium meats and cheeses.
    • Members are able to choose fresh meats cut to their specifications. BJ’s butchers will recut and repackage at no charge.
  • A BJ’s Membership is filled with added convenience.
    • BJ’s offers the most payment options of any major wholesale club.
    • Members are able to research, shop and install electronics with help from BJ’s Tech Advisors.
    • Its new Pick Up & Pay® program allows shoppers to stock up by reserving items online and then picking up in-club.
    • Members can save time and money by filling up their tanks at BJ’s. The company’s gas prices are among the lowest around.

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer surveys on household spending, the BJ’s Wholesale Club could save area shoppers more than $40 million a year.

Shoppers can learn more about BJ’s Wholesale Club by going to www.bjs.com.

About BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.
Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ’s is the leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 214 clubs and 130 BJ’s Gas® locations in 15 states.

BJ’s provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with top-quality, leading brands, including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, along with USDA Choice meats, premium produce and delicious organics, many in supermarket sizes. BJ’s is also the only major membership warehouse club to accept all manufacturers’ coupons and, for greater convenience, offers the most payment options.

Visit www.BJs.com, and for exclusive content find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

BJ’s is wholly owned by affiliates of Leonard Green & Partners, CVC Capital Partners and its management team.

Media Contact:
Jennie Hardin
jhardin@bjs.com
774-512-6978

SOURCE: BJ’s Wholesale Club

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Ahold Delhaize updates on divestment strategy in Belgium

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold Delhaize today (March 23, 2017) announced its Belgian subsidiaries have reached agreements to divest four stores and one project in Belgium. The divestments, in addition to the sales agreements announced on March 13, are made to comply with the conditions that the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) attached to its approval of the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group in 2016.

Carrefour has agreed to buy one Albert Heijn store and two Delhaize affiliated stores, as well as one project. Independently and separately, an independent supermarket entrepreneur has agreed to buy one store from Albert Heijn.

The agreements are subject to customary closing conditions. Upon fulfillment of these conditions, the stores are expected to be transferred within approximately three months. The current labor and working conditions of the associates will be respected in accordance with Belgian labor laws and regulations.

The BCA approved the merger of Ahold and Delhaize Group on March 15, 2016, conditional upon the divestment of eight Albert Heijn stores, five Delhaize affiliated stores and a limited number of projects in Belgium to address competition concerns raised by the regulator.

A full list of the store locations referred to in this press release is included as an annex (see attachment).

Ahold Delhaize continues to work in close cooperation with the BCA and potential buyers to complete the divestment process for the remaining stores included in the package as agreed with the regulator.

Ahold Delhaize is uniquely positioned to serve the Belgian market with two brands successfully serving the Belgian customer, each providing distinctive benefits to their customers.

Delhaize Le Lion has a strong history and heritage with 150 years of existence and is recognized for the quality of its products, its qualitative and large assortment, its fresh and local products, and its attractive shopping experience. Delhaize Le Lion is the strong leading and local brand, and has over 700 stores.

Albert Heijn has successfully entered the Flemish market building on its Dutch heritage and has notably been appreciated for its attractive promotions and distinctive assortment. In the meantime, the brand has grown to a network of 42 stores in Flanders.

In the next few years, our key priority is to make our leading brand Delhaize the favorite supermarket of the Belgians, winning the hearts and minds of customers and become the best retailer in Belgium. Delhaize Le Lion is strengthening its customer proposition, investing in its offer and customer experience, while staying true to its heritage. We are convinced of the outcome of this journey and there is opportunity for growth in Belgium. Delhaize customers will increasingly benefit from the strength of our group including its merchandise and e-commerce capabilities, bringing the best of both Delhaize and Albert Heijn to our customers in Belgium.

Once the ongoing strengthening of Delhaize Le Lion is completed in the eyes of the customer, the natural next phase is to integrate all Ahold Delhaize Belgium supermarket activities into Delhaize Le Lion. In the meantime, Albert Heijn will continue to open stores in Flanders.

The Ahold Delhaize Management Board will assess the readiness for integration in the first half of 2019.

Contact:

Ellen van Ginkel
Director External Communications
media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
+31 88 6595134

Source: Ahold Delhaize

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The ED Ellen DeGeneres shoe line debuts on QVC

WEST CHESTER, Pa., 2017-Mar-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The ED Ellen DeGeneres shoe line, launched in partnership with Camuto Group, is scheduled to debut on QVC Thursday, March 23 at 8 PM (ET). Inspired by a passion for fashion, the beautifully designed, high-quality collection of women’s footwear features a mix of comfortable sneakers, sandals, slip-ons and more, evoking DeGeneres’s relaxed, yet polished personal style. QVC, which combines retail, media and social to create an engaging shopping experience, will be launching the collection across all its broadcast programming and e-commerce platforms.

“I am so excited to bring my footwear collection to QVC. A lot of people say they’d love to spend an hour in my shoes. Now all you have to do is buy a pair, watch three straight hours of cat videos online and you’ll know exactly what it feels like,” said DeGeneres.

Known from her Daytime Emmy® Award-winning syndicated talk show and her ranking on Time magazine’s list of 100 Most Influential People, as well as her feature film work and humanitarian efforts, Ellen DeGeneres is a beloved entertainment pioneer and entrepreneur who has truly earned her place as a show business icon.

“The ED Ellen DeGeneres footwear collection features a mix of casual, fun and athletic styles that reflect Ellen’s own spirited personality,” said Rachel Ungaro, Vice President of Merchandising for QVC. “Her shoes perfectly embody the element of positivity and fun that Ellen is known for, and I’m sure our customers will be as excited about the collection as we are.”

In 2014, DeGeneres introduced ED on Air a seasonal home collection created especially for QVC. The line brings together DeGeneres’s love of design, home décor and holiday gift giving across multiple product categories.

Tune in to “ED Ellen DeGeneres Footwear” on March 23 at 8 PM (ET) for the QVC debut of DeGeneres’s line. The ED Ellen DeGeneres Footwear collection is scheduled to be available, while supplies last, beginning March 23 through QVC.com, the QVC apps or by calling 800.345.1515.

About QVC

QVC combines the best of retail, media and social to create the most engaging shopping experience, one that exceeds the expectations of everyone we touch by delivering the joy of discovery through the power of relationships.  Every day, in nine countries and counting, QVC engages millions of shoppers in a journey of discovery through an ever-changing collection of familiar brands and fresh new products, from home and fashion to beauty, electronics and jewelry. Along the way, we connect with shoppers via live dialog, engaging stories, interesting personalities and award-winning customer service. Based in West Chester, Pa. and founded in 1986, QVC has more than 17,000 employees and has retail operations in the U.S., Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, and through a joint venture in China. Worldwide, QVC engages shoppers via 15 TV channels reaching more than 360 million homes, seven websites, and 195 social pages. Visit corporate.qvc.com to learn more.

QVC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation and is attributed to the QVC Group tracking stock (NASDAQ: QVCA, QVCB). Liberty’s QVC Group also includes zulily, a digital retailer obsessed with bringing customers special finds every day at incredible prices. zulily has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Interactive Corporation since October 2015. zulily features an ever-changing, always delightful collection of clothing, home décor, toys, gifts and more––for the whole family. Unique products from up-and-coming brands are featured alongside favorites from top brands, giving customers something new to discover each morning. Launched in 2010, zulily is headquartered in Seattle. Among mass merchants, the combined QVC Group (including QVC and zulily) is the #3 mobile retailer in the U.S., the #8 mobile retailer globally, and the #4 ecommerce player in North America, according to Internet Retailer. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc. For more information on Liberty Interactive Corporation, visit www.libertyinteractive.com.

About ED Ellen DeGeneres

ED is Ellen DeGeneres’ American lifestyle brand inspired by her iconic style, values and personality. ED was launched in 2015 as a joint partnership with Ellen DeGeneres and Christopher Burch, CEO of Burch Creative Capital.  With a passion for interior design, architecture and fashion, Ellen brings her unique vision to this beautifully designed, high-quality collection of women’s apparel, footwear, accessories, pet products as well as home furnishings and decor. The lifestyle brand is real, accessible and every product feels like a personal connection between Ellen and the consumers around the world. EDbyEllen.com

Camuto Group is an international company that designs, develops and distributes fashion footwear, accessories and apparel. Founded by fashion legend Vince Camuto, the company is renowned for its ability to develop lifestyle brands on a global scale. Camuto Group builds on the success of Vince Camuto®, extending to brands that include Louise et Cie®, Two By Vince Camuto®, Vince Camuto™ men’s, Imagine Vince Camuto® and 1. STATE®. Camuto Group also holds the footwear license for Jessica Simpson®, as well as footwear and handbag licenses for Lucky Brand® and ED Ellen DeGeneres™. To expand Camuto Group’s platform and develop apparel opportunities for partners, the company acquired Bernard Chaus Inc. in 2015, and as part of the company’s focus on digital innovation and demand prediction, Camuto Group added Sole Society® to its stable of brands in 2016. Camuto Group and its partners operate 120 retail locations globally, with products sold in more than 5,400 doors worldwide.

Contact:

484.701.1647
MediaRelations@QVC.com

Source: QVC