Daily Archives: May 17, 2017

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LCP welcomes Roddy Proudfoot as asset manager to lead its new office in Scotland

LCP welcomes Roddy Proudfoot as asset manager to lead its new office in Scotland

 

London, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — LCP has appointed an asset manager to head up its new office in Scotland.

Roddy Proudfoot will lead the team in Glasgow from where he will manage the firm’s burgeoning Scottish retail and industrial portfolio.

He joins LCP with almost 20 years’ commercial property experience, latterly for Patrizia UK, where he was head of asset management for Hillington Park, Scotland’s largest business park.

Roddy will manage LCP’s growing commercial property portfolio from its new office at 6 Harmony Row, which opens this month (May).

He said: “It represents a great opportunity to play a key role in the continued development of LCP’s portfolio and the direction of the new office. I am very excited by that challenge, the opportunity to get to grips with a new portfolio of properties and to shape the role. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to be part of LCP’s growth in Scotland.”

Welcoming Roddy to LCP, Nick Burgess, managing director of LCP, said: “We are pleased to welcome Roddy to our team. Opening our first office in Scotland signifies our commitment to investing further in our portfolio across the country.”

LCP’s Scottish portfolio has risen to 25 holdings in the last couple of years and includes Knightwood and Govan Cross Shopping Centres in Glasgow, Airdrie Retail Park in Airdie, and Forbes Court on the Middlefield Industrial Estate in Falkirk.

LCP group committed £98 million to investing in its commercial property portfolio 2016 and is aiming to invest a further £200 million this year in both retail and industrial properties.

Last year, the company invested in 41 sites across the UK, totalling 875,000 sq ft, the largest of which was the £23.34 million Blossom portfolio, comprising 216,000 sq ft spread across 14 sites.

Contact:
Tel: 020 7233 5255

Source: LCP

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Cold Stone Creamery® introduces Dark Chocolate Triple Berry ice cream in honor of action adventure film Wonder Woman

Special Ice Cream Flavor, Creation and Cupcake Available for a Limited Time Only in Celebration of the Summer’s Anticipated Actioner

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Cold Stone Creamery® (www.ColdStoneCreamery.com) announces a wondrous new Ice Cream flavor, Dark Chocolate Triple Berry, in honor of its partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and the release of their action adventure film Wonder Woman, coming to theaters nationwide on June 2, 2017.

The promotional flavor will be featured in the Wonder Woman Berry Bold Creation™, which combines the Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream with Chocolate Shavings, Raspberries and edible Gold Glitter. The Gotta Have It® size of the new flavor and Creation will be served in a special co-branded cup, featuring an image of Wonder Woman from the film.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Warner Bros. for this empowering and adventurous new movie,” said Kate Unger, senior vice president of marketing for Cold Stone Creamery. “Customers are going to love our super-premium ice cream and enjoy our new Wonder Woman-inspired Creation. The bold flavor of our Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream gives it a powerful chocolaty taste that goes perfectly with Raspberries and Chocolate Shavings. Then we add Gold Glitter to give it some glam!”

In addition, Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream will also be featured in the Triple Berry Wonder, a new Ice Cream Cupcake that comes topped with Gold Glitter and a Wonder Woman logoed chocolate medallion.

The Cold Stone Creamery Wonder Woman-inspired promotional items will be in stores from May 10 – June 13, 2017.

 Promotional Flavor: o Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream

 Promotional Creation™: o Wonder Woman Berry Bold – Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream with Chocolate Shavings, Raspberries and Gold Glitter

 Promotional Cupcakes: o Triple Berry Wonder – Layers of moist Red Velvet Cake and Dark Chocolate Triple Berry Ice Cream, topped with Chocolate Frosting, Gold Glitter, and a Wonder Woman logoed Chocolate Medallion.

As with all Cold Stone Creamery cakes and cupcakes, the Triple Berry Wonder Cupcakes can be ordered online at www.ColdStoneCakes.com.

About Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman hits movie theaters around the world June 2, 2017, when Gal Gadot returns as the title character in the epic action adventure Wonder Woman. The film also stars Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen and Elena Anaya.

Patty Jenkins directed the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, based on characters from DC Entertainment. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston. The film is produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Stephen Jones, Geoff Johns, Jon Berg, Wesley Coller and Rebecca Steel Roven serving as executive producers.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, Wonder Woman. The film is scheduled for release worldwide beginning June 2, 2017, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.wonderwomanfilm.com

About Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery® delivers the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience® through a community of franchisees who are passionate about ice cream. The secret recipe for smooth and creamy ice cream is handcrafted fresh daily in each store, and then customized by combining a variety of mix-ins on a frozen granite stone. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery is owned by parent company Kahala Brands™, one of the fastest growing franchising companies in the world, with a portfolio of 22 quick-service restaurant concepts. The Cold Stone Creamery brand operates approximately 1,500 locations in over 28 countries.

For more information about Cold Stone Creamery, visit www.ColdStoneCreamery.com.

For more information about Kahala Brands, visit www.KahalaBrands.com.

About “Made Fresh”

In Cold Stone Creamery® locations across the world, our ice cream is handcrafted in small batches – one flavor at a time. We start with the highest quality cream, sugar and flavorings to make our ice cream fresh in the back of each of our stores. This small-batch process ensures our customers receive the richest, creamiest, most delicious ice cream when they visit Cold Stone Creamery.

For more information about Cold Stone Creamery, visit www.ColdStoneCreamery.com.

For more information about Kahala Brands, visit www.KahalaBrands.com.

CONTACT:

Jessica Benedick
Cold Stone Creamery
(480) 622-3349
jbenedick@kahalamgmt.com

Source: Cold Stone Creamery

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SPAR International records 4.5% increase in retail sales during 2016

  • Performance driven by strong growth across Europe, and entry into new and developing markets
  • SPAR now operational in 44 countries, with 12,545 stores employing 350,000 people, following continued international expansion
  • Results point to “strong revival in proximity retailing” – SPAR Managing Director, Tobias Wasmuht

London, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — SPAR International, the world’s largest voluntary food retail chain, has today (May 16,2017) announced global retail sales for the year ending December 31st, 2016 of €33.1 billion, with sales driven by strong and sustained growth across Europe, as well as continued expansion into new and developing markets.

The results, which represent an increase in retail sales of 4.5% on a constant currency basis, were announced at the 62nd International SPAR Congress taking place this week in Gran Canaria, Spain, attended by over 330 SPAR Partners representing the 44 countries worldwide in which SPAR now has a presence.

Addressing the delegates, Managing Director of SPAR International, Tobias Wasmuht, said “In what was a record year for SPAR, the blend of like-for-like organic growth, successful acquisitions and strategic new country expansion, resulted in the brand growing at its fastest rate in 10 years. Since our foundation 85 years ago, our purpose has been to grow our brand, our presence and our partners by enhancing the competitiveness, productivity and profitability of our retail and wholesale partners worldwide. As the retail landscape becomes ever more competitive, the SPAR brand continues to be the number one partner of choice for leading-edge independent retailers across an increasing number of global geographies.”

Performance highlights during the year included:

  • The launch of the SPAR brand in new territories including Thailand and Albania, with further expansion through new regional partners in China and Russia. Additional territories were licenced during the year with stores scheduled to open in 2017 in Mongolia, Malta and Sri Lanka;
  • An increase of 369 stores year-on-year, bringing total store numbers to 12,545 globally together having 7.2 million m2 in retail sales area;
  • 8% growth in SPAR’s traditional European markets, with SPAR’s nine Eurozone countries growing retail sales to €15 billion, and SPAR UK recording 8% growth in local currency;
  • Strong growth in Central and Eastern Europe (+6.5% in Euro terms) and Russia (+7.7% in local currency), characterised by increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty, despite discount competition;
  • Sustained growth in Africa and the Middle East, where the SPAR brand now has a presence in 15 markets, with SPAR South Africa (+8.3% in local currency), United Arab Emirates and Oman (+54% and +193% growth respectively in Euro terms) paving the way for future regional expansion in 2017;
  • In Asia, SPAR’s entry into the Thai market will see 300 new stores over the next five years open. Retail sales area in the region now totals 1.2 million m2 across 619 stores – an increase of over 65,000 m2 in one year;
  • Continued investment in SPAR’s digital retail platform with Partners in Austria, Norway, the Netherlands, France, China and India successfully integrating online into their wider multi-format strategies.

Tobias Wasmuht continued, “Underlying trends in the 2016 SPAR results point to an ongoing strong revival in neighbourhood – or proximity – retailing, with investment in the modernisation of neighbourhood stores and the resurgence of new urban city stores, key factors in delivering above average growth in many of our traditional European markets.”

Looking to the future he added, “Our 2017 growth pipeline in both new and traditional markets is very encouraging. The combination of the local ownership and knowledge of our Partners, coupled with global expertise and insights of SPAR International, means our retailers are well positioned to succeed, despite prevailing economic and political uncertainty in many of our markets.”

SPAR International works with Partners to develop supply chain, retail operations, staff training, retail design and brand development strategies, while its multi-format strategy sees its Partners operate hypermarket, supermarket, neighbourhood, convenience and online stores now serving the needs of 13 million customers daily.

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

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Kroger SVP of retail divisions Sukanya Madlinger to retire; Calvin Kaufman to succeed

CINCINNATI, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced the retirement of Sukanya Madlinger, senior vice president of retail divisions, and the promotion of Calvin Kaufman to succeed her. Mr. Kaufman currently serves as president of Kroger’s Louisville division.

Kroger today (May 16, 2017) also announced the promotion of Ann Reed to serve as president of Kroger’s Louisville division. Ms. Reed currently serves as vice president, Customer 1st Promise at the company’s general office. She succeeds Calvin Kaufman.

Sukanya Madlinger to Retire after 31 years of Service

Sukanya Madlinger will retire from the company after 31 years of service, effective June 19.

“Throughout her accomplished career, Sukanya has exemplified true leadership,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Sukanya’s focus on developing future talent and fostering strong partnerships helped build a deep bench of leaders to sustain Kroger’s future growth. The entire Kroger family wishes her and her family the best in retirement.”

Ms. Madlinger joined Kroger in 1986 as a store management trainee in the Cincinnati/Dayton division and has held a variety of leadership positions in stores and merchandising throughout her tenure. In 2003, she was named vice president of drug/general merchandise/pharmacy merchandising and procurement for Kroger’s corporate office in Cincinnati. Ms. Madlinger returned to the Cincinnati/Dayton division in 2008 as vice president of merchandising, and was promoted to lead the division as president in 2010. She was promoted to her current role as senior vice president of retail stores in 2015.

Calvin Kaufman Promoted to Senior Vice President

Kroger promoted Calvin Kaufman to serve as senior vice president of retail stores.

“Calvin is an unwavering advocate for improving the customer and associate experience in ways that will accelerate growth and create shareholder value,” said Mr. McMullen. “His passion for strengthening our corporate culture and clarifying our company purpose makes him a natural fit for our leadership team.”

Mr. Kaufman joined Kroger in 1994 in the Fred Meyer Logistics group in Portland, Ore. He served Fred Meyer in several different logistics roles, including group vice president of Fred Meyer Logistics. Mr. Kaufman went on to serve in several leadership roles with Kroger’s logistics team before being named president of Kroger Manufacturing and Corporate Brands in 2008. He was named to his current role as president of the Louisville Division in 2013.

Mr. Kaufman has previously represented Kroger on the boards of the International Dairy Foods Association, American Baker’s Association, and the Kentucky Retail Federation.

He and his family will be relocating to the Cincinnati area.

Ann Reed Promoted to President of the Louisville Division

Kroger promoted Ann Reed to serve as president of the company’s Louisville division.

Kroger’s Louisville division is based in Louisville, KY and operates stores across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

“Ann has shown tremendous leadership in driving our Customer 1st Promise and company purpose into our business strategy,” said Mr. McMullen. “Ann brings to our Louisville division team her dedication to and deep understanding of our customers, associates and communities.”

Ms. Reed began her career with Kroger as a co-manager in the company’s Central division in 1993. She has served in a number of leadership positions in divisions and at Kroger’s general office, including store manager, category manager, deli/bakery merchandiser, director of deli/bakery and director of fresh ready meals. Ms. Reed was promoted to vice president of merchandising at Fry’s in 2010, followed by vice president of merchandising at Fred Meyer in 2013. She was named to her current position in 2015.

Ms. Reed and her family will be relocating to the Louisville area.

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, 220 retail health clinics, 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.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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Citycon builds new Lippulaiva shopping centre in Espoo that will house the largest geothermal power plant in the world

Citycon builds new Lippulaiva shopping centre in Espoo that will house the largest geothermal power plant in the world

 

Helsinki, Finland, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Citycon is building the new state-of-the-art Lippulaiva shopping centre in Espoo, Helsinki Area. The heating and cooling of the shopping centre will be produced by renewable, carbon-neutral geothermal energy derived from the bedrock. Lippulaiva will use all of the heating and cooling energy provided by the plant, so the energy production will be local. The plant will make Lippulaiva almost completely self-sufficient in terms of heating and cooling energy.

Citycon is partnering in the project with energy company Adven, who will make the investment in the geothermal plant and will be in charge of contracting as well as operation during use of the facility. Lippulaiva’s plant is as far as known the largest geothermal heating and cooling facility in the world to be constructed in connection with a retail property.

The total output of the facility is roughly 4000kW, equalling 500 residential house heat pump systems. The shopping centre’s gross leasable area is 42,000 square metres, while the geothermal power plant will provide heating and cooling for of a gross area of 57,000 square metres in total. In addition to the leasable premises, the system provides heating and cooling for the parking garage and to the service floors located in connection to the shopping centre.

Self-sufficiency and environmental awareness

A shopping centre requires extensive cooling. In addition to the warm summer months, cooling is needed e.g. for the grocery stores’ refrigeration equipment throughout the year. Previously, Lippulaiva’s cooling was produced by blowing the cooled condensation heat into the air, but in the new facility, condensation heat will be recovered and recycled by storing it in the bedrock.

“With geothermal energy, cooling is produced locally and in an environmentally friendly manner. We no longer need to place condensers on the roof of the shopping centre; instead, the roof can be used for landscaping, or it can house solar panels or be a setting for recreational use. The third important aspect is the continuously increasing price of energy. The geothermal power plant will make us more self-sufficient and our energy costs more predictable,” says Citycon’s Project Director Heikki Alén.

A total of 170 geothermal wells will be drilled into the bedrock underneath Lippulaiva. Each of the wells will be approximately 300–350 metres deep, making the total length of the wells in the system 50 kilometres.

“Cooling is obtained from the bedrock in the summer and heat is transferred into it in exchange. The bedrock operates like a battery: the heat stored in it during the summer can be used during the heating season”, says Timo Koljonen, VP, Geoenergy, at Adven Group, as he describes the operating principle of the power station.

Drilling the geothermal wells began at the beginning of May 2017 and will continue until 2018. The work is scheduled to coincide with the construction of the new Lippulaiva shopping centre

“According to its values, Espoo is a responsible forerunner. We are committed to developing Espoo in a socially, ecologically and financially sustainable manner. According to an international comparison study, Espoo is the most sustainable city in Europe and we wish to maintain this status in the future as well. Citycon’s geothermal heating plant is an excellent example of how Espoo is implementing its strategy of being a pioneer in combatting climate change,” says Olli Isotalo, Head of Technical and Environment Services for the City of Espoo.

“There are great opportunities in the real estate sector to reduce energy consumption while also reducing energy-related environmental impacts and maintenance costs. Energy efficiency is a crucial factor in the strategy of Citycon. Reducing energy consumption, improving energy efficiency as well as using and producing renewable energy are all part of our strategy. This includes carrying out feasibility studies on renewable energy in connection with our development projects, and the geothermal energy solution at Lippulaiva is a good example of this”, says Wilhelm Ehrnrooth, Sustainability Analyst at Citycon.

Adven has earlier delivered a geothermal power station for Citycon in the Jakobsbergs Centrum shopping centre in Sweden.

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

Adven is the leading industrial and commercial outsourced energy and water infrastructure and services provider in Finland, Sweden and Estonia. Adven holds long-term contracts to build, own and operate plants producing process steam, heat and cold at its clients’ production facilities. In addition to the tailored energy solutions, Adven provides district heating, space heating and cooling through geothermal solutions and has a gas distribution/resale business. Adven delivers energy at around 140 industrial sites, operates around 50 district heating sites and networks, and 15 geothermal sites corresponding to an installed capacity of approximately 1,500MW. www.adven.com

Contact:

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

Timo Koljonen
VP Geoenergy Finland, Adven
Tel. +358 50 466 6999
timo.koljonen@adven.com

Source: Citycon Oyj

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The Home Depot® reports 4.9 percent sales increase for the 1Q FY 2017 vs. same period last year

ATLANTA, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today (May 16, 2017) reported sales of $23.9 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2017, a 4.9 percent increase from the first quarter of fiscal 2016. Comparable store sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 were positive 5.5 percent, and comp sales for U.S. stores were positive 6.0

Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2017 were $2.0 billion, or $1.67 per diluted share, compared with net earnings of $1.8 billion, or $1.44 per diluted share, in the same period of fiscal 2016. For the first quarter of fiscal 2017, diluted earnings per share increased 16.0 percent from the same period in the prior year.

“We were pleased with our results as they reflected broad-based growth across our interconnected platform and all geographies,” said Craig Menear, chairman, CEO and president. “This was made possible by our hard working store associates, merchants and supply chain teams and our continued dedication to customer service.”

Updated Fiscal 2017 Guidance

Based on its year-to-date performance, the Company reaffirmed its fiscal 2017 sales growth guidance and expects sales will be up approximately 4.6 percent and comp sales will be up approximately 4.6 percent. The Company also raised its diluted earnings-per-share growth guidance for the year and now expects diluted earnings-per-share growth after anticipated share repurchases of approximately 11.0 percent from fiscal 2016 to $7.15.

The Home Depot will conduct a conference call today at 9 a.m. ET to discuss information included in this news release and related matters. The conference call will be available in its entirety through a webcast and replay at ir.homedepot.com/events-and-presentations.

At the end of the first quarter, the Company operated a total of 2,281 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the demand for our products and services; net sales growth; comparable store sales; effects of competition; state of the economy; state of the residential construction, housing and home improvement markets; state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans and consumer credit; demand for credit offerings; inventory and in-stock positions; implementation of store, interconnected retail, supply chain and technology initiatives; management of relationships with our suppliers and vendors; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims and litigation, including those related to the 2014 data breach; issues related to the payment methods we accept; continuation of share repurchase programs; net earnings performance; earnings per share; dividend targets; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; stock-based compensation expense; commodity price inflation and deflation; the ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to us; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; store openings and closures; guidance for fiscal 2017 and beyond; financial outlook; and the integration of Interline Brands, Inc. (“Interline”) into our organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated synergies and benefits of the acquisition. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events. You should not rely on our forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond our control or are currently unknown to us – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 29, 2017 and in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:

public_relations@homedepot.com
770-384-4646

SOURCE: The Home Depot

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AmRest Holdings SE to host Q1 2017 Investors Teleconference on May 19th, 2017

Wrocław, Polska, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Management Board of AmRest Holdings SE invites to the Q1 2017 AmRest Investors Teleconference. The teleconference will be held on May 19th, 2017 at 2:30 pm (CET).

AmRest Q1 2017 Financial Statement will be published on May 18th, 2017, after the WSE session.

The presentation summarizing AmRest Q1 2017 financial results will be published on AmRest website (https://www.amrest.eu/en/investors/pesentations-for-investors) on May 19th, 2017 before the teleconference.

All interested parties are requested to send the confirmation of the participation at dorota.surowiec@amrest.eu by May 19th, 12:00 pm.

Pursuant to the technical conditions the number of participants is limited. The teleconference access details will be distributed later.

Contact:
Dorota Surowiec
Investor Relations Specialist
dorota.surowiec@amrest.eu
T: +48 71 386 12 35

Source: AmRest Holdings

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Nordstrom declares quarterly dividend of 37 cents per share

SEATTLE, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) announced today (May 16, 2017) that its board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of 37 cents per share payable on June 12, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 26, 2017.

About Nordstrom

Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 354 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 221 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and two clearance stores. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its seven clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

INVESTOR CONTACT:
Trina Schurman
206-303-6503

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gigi Ganatra Duff
206-303-3030

Source: Nordstrom, Inc.

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Macy’s and Y partnership to help send kids to summer camp

Macy’s and Y partnership to help send kids to summer camp

 

Give $3 donation in stores or on macys.com from May 19 to May 21 and receive 25 percent off Fashion Pass

NEW YORK, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its Celebrate Summer campaign, Macy’s is partnering with the Y for the first time to help send kids to summer camp. From Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21, customers can give $3 at the register at any Macy’s store or online at macys.com and receive a 25 percent off Fashion Pass to get discounts all day. All donations will support the Y’s camp scholarship program, which ensures all kids, especially those in need, can have a camp experience. Camp offers kids a fun and unique opportunity to meet new friends, explore the outdoors, discover new interests and create memories that last a lifetime. Best of all, funds raised at Macy’s stores will benefit the corresponding local Ys in those communities.

The Y is one of the nation’s top nonprofits, and a leader in providing summer camp experiences for more than 130 years. There are more than 1,850 day camps at local Ys across the country, 315 overnight camps for youth and teens, and programs that meet the diverse needs of children and teens.

“The partnership with the Y was a natural fit for us when it came to this year’s Celebrate Summer campaign,” said Lauren Anania, director of cause marketing at Macy’s. “The Y is one of the largest providers of camp programs in the country, helping kids and teens to have their best summer ever. We look forward to raising funds through our Fashion Pass program to send even more kids to summer camp, which provides our kids with essential leadership and social skills.”

“Attending summer camp is beneficial to every child’s personal growth, helping kids develop confidence and independence while keeping their minds and bodies active,” said John Duntley, Senior Camping Specialist, YMCA of the USA. “Nearly a million children and teens attend a Y overnight or day camp each year and, thanks to Macy’s, more kids, especially those in need, will have the opportunity to benefit from experiencing camp.”

Savings passes are currently available for pre-sale at Macy’s stores. Some exclusions and restrictions apply for the pass. For more information about Macy’s partnership with the Y, visit macys.com/fashionpass.

About Macy’s

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

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

About the Y

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Macy’s Media Relations:
Julie Strider Fukami
646-429-5213
julie.strider@macys.com

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

Source: Macy’s

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Liverpool FC footballer Daniel Sturridge delivered £500 worth of PE and outdoor equipment to Flintshire school through Sainsbury’s Active Kids

Liverpool FC footballer Daniel Sturridge delivered £500 worth of PE and outdoor equipment to Flintshire school through Sainsbury’s Active Kids

 

London, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Liverpool FC and England footballer, Daniel Sturridge, has teamed up with Sainsbury’s to surprise children in Flintshire after thieves broke into their school during the Easter holiday and stole hundreds of pounds worth of PE and outdoor equipment.

On Monday 8 May, Sturridge visited St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School, in Holywell, to deliver £500 worth of PE and outdoor equipment which was donated through Sainsbury’s Active Kids. The donation will replace kit that was stolen from two storage units at the school in April and was organised by colleagues from Sainsbury’s in Flint.

The Liverpool and England hero surprised the children, who believed they were having an ordinary PE lesson, by turning up with armfuls of equipment including footballs, tennis rackets and space hoppers. The kids were stunned as Sturridge appeared in the assembly hall with colleagues from the nearby Sainsbury’s store in Flint. The Liverpool striker answered questions from the children before heading to the playing field for a PE lesson with the school’s football team where he cheered on the children and shared his skills on the pitch – including his iconic ‘Daniel Sturridge dance’.

He also took time out of his busy schedule to meet four-year-old Alfie Edwards whose parents originally got in touch with Sainsbury’s to ask for help when the theft took place. Alfie chatted to Sturridge before being presented with a signed football, which his Dad described as ‘a dream come true’.

Daniel Sturridge, Active Kids ambassador for Sainsbury’s, said: “It was great to head back to school to surprise the children at St Winefride’s with their new equipment and have a kick about with some potential future football stars. When I found out about the break in I was really keen to help out and put a smile back on the faces of the children and staff.

“I love being part of the Active Kids scheme helping encourage children to eat well, move well and live well. I’d urge everyone to hand in their Active Kids vouchers to registered schools and clubs in their local area before 30 June so we can help to get even more children involved in sports and exercise.”

Sian Jones-Evans, Head Teacher at St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School, added: “When some of the parents got in touch with Sainsbury’s to explain that our equipment had been stolen, we hoped they may be able to give us a couple of footballs and outdoor toys. But we were completely overwhelmed when they said they’d be donating £500 worth of Active Kids kit – and having the equipment delivered by Daniel was a tremendous surprise.

“Daniel is such an inspiration and all of the children and staff loved having him here. He’s certainly got them excited about health and exercise.

“Overall we’re really grateful to Sainsbury’s for all of their support. The Active Kids scheme has already helped us to teach hundreds of children how to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle and with our new kit we can continue to inspire children to be involved in sport.”

Anna Harland, Head of Corporate Responsibility & Society for Sainsbury’s, said: “We were really disappointed to hear about the burglary at St Winefride’s Catholic Primary School over Easter and we wanted to do something to help. We hope that a surprise visit from Daniel and some new Sainsbury’s Active Kids equipment has gone some way to encourage the kids to continue living healthy and active lifestyles.”

The 2017 Active Kids voucher collection scheme ran until 2 May. Customers received one voucher for every £10 spent in supermarkets and one voucher for every £5 spent in convenience stores. Since the scheme began, schools in Wales have received over £3.6 million worth of equipment.

Sturridge is one of four Active Kids Ambassadors. Fresh from a record-breaking season with Liverpool FC, he continued to support the scheme in 2017 and is now encouraging Sainsbury’s shoppers to hand in their vouchers which can redeemed by registered schools and groups in exchange for sports and cooking equipment and experiences.

Over the years the Active Kids scheme has grown and expanded to help inspire healthy eating for children and includes items of cooking equipment to get them involved. There is also a range of free cooking and nutrition toolkits – endorsed by the British Nutrition Foundation, which are available to teachers to help children learn about a balanced diet. Since the scheme launched in 2005, over £170 million worth of equipment and experiences has been handed over to registered schools, groups and clubs across the UK.

To see what happened when Daniel Sturridge suprised the pupils please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEME2yJT0N0 and for more information on the Active Kids scheme go to https://activekids.sainsburys.co.uk/.

Contact:

press_office@sainsburys.co.uk
020 7695 7295

Source: Sainsbury’s

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Kesko Group’s sales increased by 11.0% in April 2017

Helsinki, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kesko Group’s sales totalled €900.0 million in April 2017, a growth of 11.0%. In comparable terms, excluding the impact of business arrangements, sales in local currencies decreased by 5.5%. Due to the timing of Easter there were three less delivery days than in the previous year.

Kesko’s sales grew in April. Sales also grew in comparable terms in the grocery trade thanks to successful Easter sales. In the building and technical trade the acquisition of Onninen helped boost sales,” states Kesko’s President and CEO Mikko Helander.

Sales in the grocery trade totalled €431.0 million in April, an increase of 2.9%. Sales in the grocery trade without the impact of the acquisition of Suomen Lähikauppa amounted to €375.1 million, and the comparable development in sales was +2.3%.

Sales in the building and technical trade totalled €399.0 million in April, an increase of 26.5%. Sales in the building and technical trade without Onninen were €277.9 million, down 13.2% in local currencies. There were three delivery days less than in the previous year. In Finland, sales decreased by 17.7%, excluding Onninen. Outside Finland sales were down by 7.2% in local currencies excluding Onninen. Sales in the building and home improvement trade decreased by 12.2% in local currencies. Sales in the leisure trade decreased by 24.8%, agricultural and machinery trade sales declined by 12.6%, and furniture trade sales decreased by 6.9%.

Car trade sales in April were €70.1 million, a decrease of 8.0% compared to the previous year. Car sales without AutoCarrera amounted to €67.3 million and the comparable development was -11.6%.

Change, % indicates the change in the corresponding period of the previous year. Comparable change, % indicates the change compared to the corresponding period of the previous year in local currencies and excludes the impact of acquisitions and disposals.

In April 2017, the number of Kesko’s wholesale selling days in Finland was 18, which was three less than in the previous year. In January-April 2017, the number of Kesko’s wholesale selling days in Finland was equal to the previous year.

Kesko releases advance information on K Group’s retail sales quarterly, in connection with interim reports.

Further information:
Vice President, Group Controller
Eva Kaukinen
tel.: +358 105 322 338

Source: Kesko Corporation

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Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Stefano Pessina to participate at the 2017 UBS Global Healthcare Conference

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) announced today ( May 16, 2017) that Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Stefano Pessina will participate in a fireside chat at the 2017 UBS Global Healthcare Conference at the Grand Hyatt in New York City on Tuesday, 23 May at 10:30 a.m. Eastern time.

The appearance will be webcast live and can be accessed through the Walgreens Boots Alliance investor relations website at http://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.

The company was created through the combination of Walgreens and Alliance Boots in December 2014, bringing together two leading companies with iconic brands, complementary geographic footprints, shared values and a heritage of trusted health care services through pharmaceutical wholesaling and community pharmacy care, dating back more than 100 years.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest retail pharmacy, health and daily living destination across the USA and Europe. Walgreens Boots Alliance and the companies in which it has equity method investments together have a presence in more than 25* countries and employ more than 400,000* people. The company is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail and, together with the companies in which it has equity method investments, has over 13,200* stores in 11* countries as well as one of the largest global pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution networks, with over 390* distribution centers delivering to more than 230,000** pharmacies, doctors, health centers and hospitals each year in more than 20* countries. In addition, Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the world’s largest purchasers of prescription drugs and many other health and wellbeing products.

The company’s portfolio of retail and business brands includes Walgreens, Duane Reade, Boots and Alliance Healthcare, as well as increasingly global health and beauty product brands, such as No7, Botanics, Liz Earle and Soap & Glory.

In October 2016 Walgreens Boots Alliance received the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Award for its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The company also ranks No. 1 in the Food and Drug Stores industry of Fortune magazine’s 2017 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

More company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

* As of 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

** For 12 months ending 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

Contact(s):
Media Relations:
USA / Michael Polzin
+1 847 315 2935

International / Laura Vergani
+44 (0)207 980 8585

Investor Relations:
Gerald Gradwell and Ashish Kohli
+1 847 315 2922

Source: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

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Benefit Cosmetics extends support for women through the Bold is Beautiful philanthropy project

Benefit Cosmetics extends support for women through the Bold is Beautiful philanthropy project

 

Paris, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third consecutive year Benefit Cosmetics will donate all proceeds from its Brow Bars throughout this month of May to charities that help women. The global philanthropy program extends to 17 countries in 2017 to help instill confidence in women.

Benefit Cosmetics has renewed its support for women through the Bold is Beautiful philanthropy project. Launched in 2015, the program instills confidence in women, encouraging them to be bold and helping them achieve their full potential through donations to charities that help women.

In 2016 the program raised $3.4 million for charities that foster education and mentorship, economic self-sufficiency and access to wellness. “The success of the previous campaign was beyond belief as we overachieved our goals,” says Benefit Cosmetics CEO Jean-André Rougeot. “We have always believed that beauty runs deeper than the surface. Our employees and our customers truly embrace our feel-good philosophy and are eager to get involved.”

Since its founding in 1976, the American beauty brand has championed a resolutely positive, feel-good approach to beauty and promoted self-confidence as a way to empower women. Jodie, a member of the Look Good Feel Better association, which is funded in part thanks to Bold is Beautiful donations, says: “The side effects of my treatment for breast cancer caused me to lose my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. The Look Good Feel Better volunteers taught me tricks to pencil in my brows, as well as useful life skills. I left feeling so confident! I also made some great friends who I have stayed in contact with.”

In 2017, Benefit has set out to beat its record. This year’s campaign has been extended to 17 countries across the globe. In addition to the United States and the UK, France and Australia, the Bold is Beautiful campaign is being launched in Spain, Singapore, Canada, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, turkey, Portugal, Italy, South Korea and the Philippines.

Participating couldn’t be easier, just take advantage of the services at a Benefit Cosmetics Brow Bar in May 2017. All proceeds during the month will be donated to one of the partner charities, such as Belle et Bien and Force Femmes in France, and Refuge and Girls Inc. in the U.S.

For more information: Benefit Cosmetics website

Contact:

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton
22, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris – France
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 22
Fax: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 23

Source: LVMH

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Louis Vuitton presented 2018 Cruise Collection Kyoto in Japan

Louis Vuitton presented 2018 Cruise Collection Kyoto in Japan

 

Paris, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — After Palm Springs in 2015 and Rio de Janeiro in 2016, Louis Vuitton this year headed to Kyoto in Japan to present its Cruise Collection. Expressing the spirit of travel and being on the road, the 2018 Cruise Collection designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton Creative Director for Women’s Collections, fuses fashion, nature and architecture.

To present a 2018 Cruise Collection, Louis Vuitton selected an extraordinary setting that bridges urban and nature, nestled in a hidden valley.  With a blend of exoticism and modernity, the Miho museum designed by architect I. M. Pei in 1997 in Shigaraki, to the southwest of Kyoto in a luscious surrounding forest, hosted a fashion show for the first time in its history.

Nicolas Ghesquière opened a new chapter for the Maison with a collection that pays tribute to designer Kansaï Yamamoto, who inspired an entire generation of Japanese designers to present their creations in France.

Modern and traditional…Western and Oriental…the clothes evoke the question of evolution. The pieces recall the samurai with figurative engraving, ceremonial dress, martial arts uniforms, the dramaturgy of Kurosawa films or the distinctive melancholy of Kitano’s movies.

Pantsuits and architectural tunics feature designs inspired by the paintings of Kokusai. Interwoven jersey and leather sweaters call to mind the armor of Japanese warriors. Japanese cultural references include evening dresses gleaming with Noh theater gold, while handbags and clutches are decorated with Kabuki masks.

Contact:

LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton
22, avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris – France
Tel: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 22
Fax: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 23

Source: LVMH

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Wegmans Food Markets recognized as an outstanding Safer Choice Retailer by EPA for the third year in a row

Rochester, NEW YORK, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — On May 15, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized Wegmans Food Markets as an outstanding Safer Choice Retailer. For the third year in a row, this award was given to Wegmans for fostering awareness of the Safer Choice program and committing to offer cleaning products that meet Safer Choice standards. The award was presented at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. and accepted by Wegmans Category Merchant Dave Tantillo.

EPA’s Partner of the Year Awards recognize organizations for demonstrated leadership in furthering safer chemistry and products, and promoting the new Safer Choice label. To qualify for the Safer Choice label, a product must meet EPA’s Safer Choice Standard, which includes stringent human and environmental health criteria. When this label appears on a product, it means the EPA has evaluated each ingredient for potential human health and environmental effects.

“We’re committed to offering effective cleaning products that are Safer Choice-certified whenever possible because we believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Tantillo. “The Safer Choice label makes it easy for consumers to find cleaning products that are safer for them, their families, and the environment. It is the seal of approval we want our customers to know and trust.”

Through the Safer Choice program, the EPA works closely with companies to help them understand the chemistry of their products and to select safer alternatives to chemicals that pose potential health or environmental concerns. Wegmans carries a line of Wegmans brand cleaning products made with safer ingredients as well as several national brand products bearing the Safer Choice logo.

For more information about the Safer Choice Program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/saferchoice.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 92-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 20 consecutive years, ranking #2 in 2017.

Press Contact:
Tracy Van Auker
Media Relations Coordinator
585-429-3826
tracy.vanauker@wegmans.com

Source: Wegmans Food Market

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Whole Foods Market brings 365 experience to Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market 365 in Santa Monica, located at 2121 Cloverfield Blvd. at Pico, will open Aug. 9.

The 26,668-square-foot store will feature a Groundwork coffee bar and Asian Box street food venue via the grocer’s Friends of 365 program.

“We’re excited to bring the 365 experience to Santa Monica,” said Jeff Turnas, president of Whole Foods Market 365. “This new location gives us an opportunity to bring the Santa Monica community the best of Whole Foods Market 365 with a streamlined shopping experience focused on quality and value, plus two amazing Friends partnerships.”

This will be the second 365 store in Los Angeles — Silver Lake opened in 2016.

Whole Foods Market 365 stores feature a curated mix of products that adhere to Whole Foods Market’s industry-leading standards in a shopping environment that’s enjoyable and convenient.

For store opening information visit 365bywholefoods.com. Shoppers can sign up for the 365 Rewards program for personalized offers and to save 10 percent on more than 100 products every day.

Facebook: 365 by Whole Foods Market
Twitter: @365byWholeFoods
Instagram: @365bywholefoods

Source: Whole Foods Market

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Meijer opens new supercenter in Howard, Wisconsin

Retailer brings one-stop shopping and home delivery option to Howard and Green Bay neighbors

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer opened a new 192,000-square-foot supercenter today (May 16, 2017) in Howard, Wis., bringing shoppers better access to low prices on high-quality merchandise, fresh produce delivered daily and a full-service pharmacy that makes family health care a priority.

“We are very pleased to provide our new Howard and Green Bay neighbors the service, selection, quality and low prices that Meijer customers in other communities have come to expect,” Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said.

The new store is one of two new Meijer supercenters opening today and part of an investment of more than $375 million in Wisconsin and across the Midwest, which includes six other new stores and 22 different remodel projects throughout its six-state footprint. The Howard store, located at 2015 Shawano Ave., along with a West Bend location that also opened today, are the eighth and ninth Meijer stores to open in Wisconsin. An additional Meijer store opened in Greenfield on April 25. The opening of this store gives local residents access to a new, full-service retailer in their community as well as the added benefit of Meijer’s home delivery service, which will be available at all Meijer locations through shipt.com starting June 8.

The store’s first day of business featured a ribbon-cutting event, followed by remarks from Meijer leadership, Howard Village President Burt R. McIntyre, Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt and other local officials. The store also demonstrated its commitment to the community by making a donation to the Northeastern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Alliance. Store Director Polly Emelander presented $25,000 to the organization, which will use the donation for the installation of the statue of the fallen soldier at the Northeastern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial.

With more than 230 stores located across the Midwest, the new store is built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and will be open 24 hours a day. The grocery options that Meijer offers include more than 600 varieties of farm-fresh produce and a full-service meat department that features fresh seafood, Certified Angus Beef and custom cuts of meat. The bakery specializes in custom-decorated cakes and fresh bread baked four times daily.

As part of its ongoing community support, Meijer donates more than six percent of its net profit to charitable organizations annually, and each of its stores works with local food pantries and banks to help fight hunger at the local level. Since 2008, the retailer’s Simply Give program has generated more than $28 million for its food pantry partners throughout the Midwest.

In addition to the retailer’s traditional grocery, merchandise and garden center, the Meijer pharmacy will feature a drive-thru pick up and the company’s free prescription program. The prescription program includes leading oral generic antibiotics with a special focus on prescriptions most often filled for children, prenatal vitamins, and medications for those with diabetes and high cholesterol. Since its inception in 2006, the program has filled more than 39 million free prescriptions, saving Meijer customers more than $530 million.

As part of its grand opening celebration, the new Howard Meijer location will feature a variety of events beginning Thurs., May 18. The first 200 customers to enter the store after 6 a.m. on May 18 will receive a Meijer mystery gift card with a value of $5, $10 or $20.

“Our team worked hard to prepare for this opening, and we can’t wait for the Howard and Green Bay communities to experience all we have to offer,” Store Director Polly Emelander said.

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and  electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Contact:

Joe Hirschmugl
616-791-3943
Joseph.Hirschmugl@meijer.com

Source: Meijer

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BJ’s Wholesale Club to open new Club in Hanover Township, New Jersey in 2018

Newest location to offer families up to 25% savings on groceries

WESTBOROUGH, Mass., 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — BJ’s Wholesale Club today (May 16, 2017) announced that the company is opening a new Club in Hanover Township, New Jersey in 2018, which could save local shoppers nearly $40 million. The Hanover Township Club will be located along Hanover Avenue and just off Horse Hill Road.

“Hanover Township is a thriving and vibrant community and we’re excited to bring the BJ’s Wholesale Club experience to the area’s families and shoppers,” said Chris Baldwin, president and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club. “BJ’s is the perfect one-stop shopping destination, offering unbeatable value and quality on a wide selection of items from fresh produce, deli and bakery to the latest in tech, health and beauty and apparel.”

The BJ’s Wholesale Club is scheduled to open in Summer 2018 and will provide affordable fresh food options to the community, saving families up to 25 percent compared to grocery store prices. It will mark the company’s 216th club and will feature a BJ’s Gas® station, saving Members even more.

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

The project is being developed by RD Management LLC, one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate development and management organizations, and partner JMF Properties, a leading New Jersey development company specializing in transit-oriented projects, urban retail centers and commercial office parks.

The Hanover Township Club will bring a number of benefits to the community:

  • BJ’s offers excellent value.
    • BJ’s beats supermarket prices on national brands every day, saving families up to 25 percent or more.
    • The company is the only major wholesale club that accepts all manufacturers’ coupons, offering families another great way to save.
    • Its exclusive 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.
    • BJ’s offers Members much more fresh food variety than other clubs.
    • BJ’s is the only major wholesale club to offer a full-service deli with premium meats and cheeses.
    • Members can have fresh meats cut to their specifications. BJ’s butchers will recut and repackage at no additional charge.
  • A BJ’s Membership is filled with added convenience.
    • BJ’s offers the most payment options of any major wholesale club.
    • Members can research, shop and install electronics with help from BJ’s Tech Advisors.
    • BJ’s 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 Gas. The company’s gas prices are among the lowest around.
    • Members approved for a My BJ’s Perks® Mastercard® earn up to 5% cash back1 at BJ’s and beyond, plus earn 10¢ off/gal. at BJ’s Gas® every day.

Additionally, through BJ’s Feeding Communities® Program, the Club will donate unsold produce, meat, poultry, seafood, dairy and bakery products on a daily basis to reduce food waste and provide wholesome, fresh food to neighbors in need.

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

1Subject to credit approval. My BJ’s Perks Program is provided by BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. and its terms may change from time to time. Some exclusions apply. Visit BJs.com/perksterms for Program Terms. Cash back is in the form of electronic awards issued in $20 increments that are used in-Club at the register and expire 6 months from the date issued. Cash back can be requested in the form of a check prior to awards expiring by contacting Member Care at 800-BJs-CLUB.

My BJ’s Perks® Mastercard® is issued by Comenity Capital Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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 132 BJ’s Gas® locations in 16 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 Contacts:
Jennie Hardin
jhardin@bjs.com
774-512-6978

Kristy Houston
khouston@bjs.com
774-512-5086

SOURCE: BJ’s Wholesale Club

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7‑Eleven® stores kick off 2017 Slurpee season with “Bring Your Own Cup” Day on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20

7‑Eleven® stores kick off 2017 Slurpee season with “Bring Your Own Cup” Day on Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20

 

IRVING, TEXAS, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bring us your jars, your pails, your ladles and punchbowls yearning to be filled with your favorite Slurpee® drink. The much-anticipated “Bring Your Own Cup” (BYOC)Day is back at 7‑Eleven® stores to kick off the 2017 Slurpee season.

Slurpee fans can fill any “cup” – or containers that can be used as cups – with Slurpee deliciousness at participating 7‑Eleven stores Friday, May 19, and Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s just in time to try the latest limited-time frozen flavors – Cinnamon-flavored Pepsi Fire with a mouth-tingling finish, Lemonade made with real fruit juice or sugar-free Slurpee Lite® Watermelon Lime with all natural flavors.

The cost to fill any “cup” of choice, regardless of size, is $1.50, the price of an average medium Slurpee drink. All cups must be leak-proof, safe, sanitary … and fit upright within the in-store BYOC display cutout, which is about 10 inches in diameter. Sorry, trash cans, kitchen sinks and inflatable swimming pools are not eligible.

7‑Eleven is getting into the BYOC game this year with its own collossal collectible cup, shaped like a blender and refillable. Thirsty customers who show up without an oversized cup can purchase the 50-ounce blender cup for $5.99. The new Ultimate Slurp Straw is more than twice as big as a regular straw and supports a Brainfreeze® waiting to happen. Suggested retail price $0.99.

“Every year, BYOC gets bigger, and customers get more creative,” said Laura Gordon, 7‑Eleven vice president of marketing and brand innovation. “Year-round, people show their personality through their striped and swirled Slurpee selections. On BYOCup Day, fans can customize their slurping experience even more by filling their own cup of their choice and sharing their crazy creations on social media.”

Part of the fun is capturing the Slurpee experience with photos and sharing it on social media. To encourage social media participation, 7‑Eleven is using the hashtag #BYOCupDay so Slurpee fans can share their creative, colorful cups on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Snapchat users can follow REALLYSLURPEE for updates on BYOC. A special BYOCup Day geo-filter, available only at 7‑Eleven stores May 19 and 20, adds an extra splash of color to snaps of the Slurpee fans unofficially competing for most unusual cup honors. For more information, visit https://www.7‑Eleven.com/slurpee.

7‑Eleven’s BYOCup Day is a worldwide phenomenon. Besides the United States, 7‑Eleven stores in Australia, Canada, the Philippines and Malaysia have held BYOCup Days.

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.

7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven® operates, franchises or licenses more than 62,000 stores in 17 countries, including 10,900 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7‑Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7‑Eleven offers customers industry-leading private brand products under the 7-Select® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7‑Eleven for payment services, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards® customer loyalty platform on the 7‑Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

7‑Eleven, Inc.
Corporate Communications
media@7-11.com

Source: 7‑Eleven, Inc.

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World stores trial delicious easy-to-cook meal kits

Auckland, New Zealand, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — “We know there are many customers out there who are short on time and inspiration, who also need a bit of a nudge in the kitchen,” says Steve Bayliss, Group General Manager Marketing, Foodstuffs (NZ) Ltd. “We have the answer with delicious easy-to-cook meal kits, which are being trialled at a handful of New World stores in Auckland and Wellington, which you can pick up when shopping for all your other household essentials.”

New World is responding to a growing trend for ready-to-go meals where shoppers can get creative in the kitchen, but don’t have the stress of figuring out what to serve to be a star at the dining table. Customers at New World Eastridge, Stonefields, Howick, and Thorndon are the first to be able to try the kits.

Bayliss says: “We’re all much busier these days – cramming work, exercise and a bit of life-balance into our day. Whether you are a couple or a family with two working parents and ravenous kids, our New World meal kits have been designed to be quick to prepare, tasty, nutritious and a little bit different. We think customers will love the convenience of slipping a meal kit or two into their trolley without having to have a whole week’s worth of meals like other offers in the market.”

The New World team started with a trial in the South Island, then moved up the country to Thorndon and Auckland. “We pride ourselves on trying new things to keep our customers happy and excited,” says Bayliss. “We’re looking forward to seeing how customers respond to the service before rolling this out elsewhere.”

The kits are prepared fresh in-store daily with pre-measured ingredients including meat or seafood, vegetables, spices and other special ingredients to give the dish a point of difference. The options available change every week to keep things fresh and to capitalise on what’s in season. Each week there are new delicious and nutritionally sound recipes available in store. The kits come with easy-to-follow recipe cards and are available as two serves or four serves for a scrumptious family feed.

“We’ve been sampling everything from Hot Smoked Salmon Spaghetti with Capers & Rocket, to BBQ Lamb Rump with Rustic Greek Salad, and Scotch Fillet on Parmesan Mash & Orange Green Beans. There’s so much to choose from – providing customers with choice was one of our key objectives,” Bayliss says. “That and the fact we know our customers are time-poor so creating meal ideas which are on the table in 30 minutes was also critical.

“We’re all about inspiring and encouraging our customers to extend their repertoire meal-by-meal. Most people have 10 to 12 go-to dishes which can get pretty boring, pretty quickly. With our kits you have a chance to try something new and add it to the household menu. It’s also low-risk because we’ve tested it over and over again – to ensure that everyone loves it.”

The trial is proving so successful that the team is hoping to take the project further over the coming months.

“While New World customers in Auckland and Wellington are generally urban types who can save a bit of time with a kit as part of their shop, we know they’ll appeal equally to households in other towns and cities. We’re all busy, everywhere, and we’re all looking for ways to save time and make life a bit more delicious,” says Bayliss.

The meal kits start at $22.99 for two serves and $37.99 for four serves.

Contact:

Tel: +64 4 472 6435
Fax: +64 4 472 6412

Source: Foodstuff NZ

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Foodstuffs opens New World store on Auckland’s North Shore

Foodstuffs has opened a fresh New World store on Auckland’s North Shore.

Auckland, New Zealand, 2017-May-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Customers of the former Nosh store in Constellation Drive will soon see a New World logo on the building. With this change comes New World’s excellent standard of service, and an expanded range of products at great prices.

But the changes this week are just the beginning, Foodstuffs North Island’s General Manager Retail Doug Cochrane says.
“We have exciting plans for this site which will pilot an innovative New World brand experience. Customers can expect to see changes and improvements over the next few months as we keep refining and adding to this offer.

“So, we’ve started what will be an exciting journey at Constellation Drive, and I think our customers will enjoy what is to come.”

Foodstuffs North Island was keen to retain the expertise of Phil Mead, who was the owner of the former Nosh store.

“Phil has the same entrepreneurial spirit as all our owner-operators and we’re pleased to have him as part of the co-operative. He enjoys all aspects of the business, both behind the scenes and out on the shop floor helping his customers. He’s proven this through the two successful Auckland businesses he owned before buying this store, which were highly regarded and nominated for several awards during his tenure.”

Mead says he’s looking forward to what lies ahead.

“Being part of the Foodstuffs co-operative is great for my business and I’m excited to be part of this new concept that New World is developing.

“I’m really keen to become part of the local community as more of the locals get to know me and my team,” Mead says.

Contact:

Tel: +64 4 472 6435
Fax: +64 4 472 6412

Source: Foodstuff NZ