Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Auntie Anne’s® introduces new catering menu featuring various bulk packages of menu favorites

: Auntie Anne’s® introduces new catering menu featuring various bulk packages of menu favorites

LANCASTER, Pa., 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Auntie Anne’s®, the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise, today (June 23rd, 2017) announced a new catering menu to meet the needs of customers for business or social occasions. The new menu features various bulk packages of menu favorites, including Original Pretzel Nuggets and Mini Pretzel Dogs.

“We’re pleased to now offer catering with a twist,” said Carol Pasquariello, Vice President of Marketing for Auntie Anne’s. “We realized that virtually every core menu item we offer can be catered and offered in various presentations to meet a variety of catering needs. We hope our customers will enjoy our shareable and individually packaged items alike for their next meeting or party.”

Highlights from the new catering menu include:

Pretzel Package: Mix and match any flavor of pretzels. Choose from Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Sweet Almond, Pepperoni, Roasted Garlic & Parmesan and Sour Cream & Onion. Pretzels are individually wrapped and available in various quantities.

Pretzel Dog Package: Pretzel Dogs are available either on a shareable tray or individually wrapped, featuring classic Auntie Anne’s pretzel dough wrapped around a Nathan’s Famous®, all beef hot dog. Bundles are available in various quantities.

Pretzel Buckets: Buckets offer a fun, shareable way to enjoy bite-sized Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Nuggets and Mini Pretzel Dogs. Each bucket serves approximately 10 – 12 people.

Drinks and dips are a great add-on to any of the above packages, and Auntie Anne’s is happy to work with guests on custom orders to meet their catering needs. Auntie Anne’s signature old-fashioned Lemonade – including fruity Lemonade Mixers and the new Lemonade Iced Tea – is available by the gallon. With eight varieties of sweet and savory dipping sauces, Auntie Anne’s is bound to hit the spot any time, any day.

For more information about catering at your local Auntie Anne’s, please call or visit your nearest Auntie Anne’s location: http://www.auntieannes.com/locations.

About Auntie Anne’s®:

With more than 1,700 locations in 48 states and more than 25 countries, Auntie Anne’s mixes, twists and bakes pretzels to golden brown perfection all day long in full view of guests. Auntie Anne’s can be found in malls and outlet centers, as well as in non-traditional spaces including universities, airports, Walmarts, travel plazas, military bases, and food trucks. For more information, visit AuntieAnnes.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram. To receive the latest offers – including a free pretzel for your birthday – download the My Pretzel Perks app.

Source: Auntie Anne’s

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

MoneyBack launches first-ever point sharing mobile app to celebrate its 10th Anniversary

: MoneyBack launches first-ever point sharing mobile app to celebrate its 10th Anniversary

Hong Kong, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — This year marks the 10th anniversary of MoneyBack, a member reward programme under A.S. Watson Group which was launched in 2007. Entering its 10th anniversary, the Group hosted a celebratory event today and presented to the public the brand new image of MoneyBack. It also announced the launch of the first-ever MoneyBack mobile app which enables members to manage their accounts more conveniently at anytime and anywhere. “Share More, Enjoy More” is the key of the new MoneyBack, members can now share points with family and friends, or let others know about a good deal they found in MoneyBack mobile app with a few clicks. Members can also get more personalised product information and shopping offers which are given out based on their shopping preference.

MoneyBack – Reward More, More Fun
Over the years, MoneyBack has turned shopping into fantastic rewards. MoneyBack members can earn points every time they shop at the Group’s retail brands, namely PARKnSHOP, Watsons and FORTRESS, as well as other retail partners, with a total of over 600 outlets across the city. Points can be turned into perks like cash vouchers and gifts, or converted into Asia Miles or Esso Smiles points.

Speaking at the MoneyBack 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony, Mr. Dominic Lai, A.S. Watson Group Managing Director said, “Established in 2007, MoneyBack is the leading retail reward programme in Hong Kong with 3.6 million members currently. To express our heartfelt thanks to the customers, A.S. Watson Group has been offering MoneyBack members with various rewards and excitement. Over the past decade, MoneyBack has rewarded points with a value equivalent to HK$800 million to our members. Looking forward, we will continue working closely with our retail partners to bring more surprises and attractive offers to our customers.”

Mobile App – Share More, More Convenience
On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, MoneyBack has been rebranded with a new image and has gone mobile. With the new MoneyBack app, members can earn points without presenting their membership card. They can also manage their account and view their transaction history more conveniently, at anytime and anywhere. In addition, members can enjoy personalised experiences and exclusive offers based on their needs and likes. “Members can ‘Share More, Enjoy More’ with the brand new MoneyBack. Apart from the existing functions, the new mobile app includes a ‘points-sharing’ feature which enables points transfer among members. Members can team up to earn points for redeeming their favourite gifts. When they spot a good deal in MoneyBack, they could share with their family and friends in just a few clicks,” Mr. Lai continued.

Share and Do Good – Donate More, More Happiness
While points can be turned into rewards, members can choose to donate their points to one of six designated charitable organisations*, turning the joy brought by MoneyBack to a force for good. To elevate the impact of MoneyBack’s charity efforts, from now till 31 December 2017, A.S. Watson Group will match every point the public donates to each of our charity partners via MoneyBack’s “Share and Do Good” function. “Community has always been a key pillar of A.S. Watson’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, we would like to invite our customers to join hands with us to share the joy of MoneyBack’s celebration with those in need,” Mr. Lai added.

Download Now and Enjoy a $4,000 Welcome Offer
From now till 26 July 2017, all existing or new MoneyBack members can get a welcome offer upon successful registration of the MoneyBack mobile app. The welcome offer package, which worth a total value of over HK$4,000, includes cash coupons or discounts at PARKnSHOP, Watsons, FORTRESS and various travel and dining partners. Furthermore, MoneyBack app users can enter a lucky draw to win complimentary VIP tickets of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix – Hong Kong.

For details, please visit MoneyBack Website www.moneyback.com.hk or MoneyBack mobile app.

*Six designated charitable organisations: The Community Chest of Hong Kong, Food Angel, Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association, Hong Kong Family Welfare Society, Hong Kong Single Parents Association and Street Soccer Hong Kong.

Contact:
Tel: +852 2606 8833
Fax: +852 2690 2836
Email: grouppr@aswatson.com

Source: A.S. Watson Group

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Saudi Automotive Services Company (SASCO) starts operating new station on Sail Road (Taif/Makkah)

: Saudi Automotive Services Company (SASCO) starts operating new station on Sail Road (Taif/Makkah)

Saudi Arabia, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Saudi Automotive Services Company (SASCO) announces that on July 2, 2017 start operating of new station on Sail Road (Taif/Makkah).

Total site area is about 14 Thousand square meters, and it is providing fuel services, convenience store together with many branded restaurants, coffee shops and ATM services.

The investment about SAR 5.2 million in this station (financing by banking facilities with local banks), It’s expected to contribute gradually increasing levels of operating revenues therefore the financial impact will show on the 4th quarter of 2017, Note that this is the 5th station which opened since the beginning of 2017 and there are no related parties.

Source: SASCO

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editor

Asda’s latest Income Tracker May 2017: UK households’ discretionary income available per week down 1.9% from May 2016

Families across the UK had £194 of discretionary income in May, £4 per week less than the same month last year
Families with the lowest income see the biggest reduction in disposable income
Vehicle fuels and electricity show the greatest inflation year on year, with an increase of 7.5% and 7.7% respectively
Asda’s pulse of the nation insight shows that over half of customers believe their disposable income will fall again over the next month

LEEDS, England, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Asda’s latest Income Tracker today revealed that in May, UK households had £194 of discretionary income available per week, which is down 1.9% from May 2016.

May’s data shows the strongest contraction in spending power since September 2013.

Income Tracker report May 2017

The latest tracker also provides a breakdown of the data by income groups splitting UK households in five equally sized groups across the income distribution. This month, the data shows that families with the lowest income have seen the biggest reduction in disposable cash, whilst those in the top bracket have stayed flat year on year.

The below chart shows the average weekly income along with spending power and growth in spending power year on year of each income group:

Income Bracket	Weekly income	Weekly income growth	Weekly disposable income	Weekly disposable income growth
Highest income	£1,920	1.6%	£690	0%
2^nd highest	£927	1.4%	£255	-1%
3^rd highest	£601	1.0%	£109	-5%
4^th highest	£377	0.5%	£47	-12%
Lowest Income	£179	0.1%	-£26	-28%

Gross income growth (including wages, benefits and income from investments) was still positive for four of the five income groups in May, with the highest earners seeing the largest year on year income increase of 1.6%, meaning their pre-tax income was just short of £2000 per week on average.

The lowest quintile saw no growth at all in income year on year, with an average gross income of £179 per week. Flat wage growth, the cash-freeze on benefits and rising prices for essential items and goods lead to the lowest earners having a negative discretionary income, leaving them with £26 less in their pockets each week.

In addition to the Income Tracker data, Asda’s pulse of the nation insight has shown that consumers are feeling slightly more pessimistic about the economy in June than they have in previous months. More than half of the customers surveyed said that they think their disposable income will fall further over the next month, with only 2% believing their cost of living will decrease.

83% of consumers believe that it will become more expensive to buy essential items over the next month. Compared March, close to 10% more customers feel less positive about their household finances.

This month, the cost of essential items increased by 2.3% for families across the UK. One of the main contributors was an increase in electricity prices for households. While headline CPI inflation increased to 2.9% in May – up 0.2 percentage points from April 2017 – electricity was whopping 7.7% more expensive than in the same month a year earlier. Asda’s insight has shown that over two thirds of customers think their electricity bills will continue to rise as the summer month approach.

Vehicle fuels also posted a significant increase in price at 7.5% higher year-on-year. However, price increases in fuels are down from their peak earlier this year when inflation in this category clocked in at just under 20% year-on-year. Filling up the car in May was 1% cheaper than it was in April this year.

Kay Neufeld, Senior Economist, Cebr, said: “The second consecutive month of falling family spending power confirms our expectations of a trend change in the Income Tracker. Families are faced with broad-based increases in the prices of essential goods and services as wage growth falls further behind.

“While the low oil prices help to bring down prices at the pump, households need to dig deeper into their pockets for most other goods and services. Unfortunately, the squeeze in households’ finances is expected to continue over the next months as we see little evidence that wage growth will pick up and neither have we reached peak inflation just yet.“

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Garbutt
Head of Consumer Media Relations
0113 826 2829

SOURCE: ASDA

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Harris Teeter donates $1 Million to the USO through its sixth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign

: Harris Teeter donates $1 Million to the USO through its sixth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign

Company Thanks Customers and Associates for Generous Participation during Support Our Troops Campaign

Matthews, NC, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Harris Teeter announced today (July 3, 2017) it is donating $1 Million to the USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting America’s service members and their families. The donation was made possible through generous contributions from Harris Teeter shoppers and valued associates during the Company’s sixth annual Support Our Troops donation card campaign.

Harris Teeter hosted the campaign throughout the month of May, inviting shoppers to donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout. The $1 Million donation brings the total amount donated through Support Our Troops since the campaign’s inception in 2012 to over $4.6 million.

“Harris Teeter is a true example of what it means to be a Force Behind the Forces,” said Kristina Griffin, USO Senior Director, Corporate Alliances. “The USO is grateful for the many in-store activations that provide support to our nation’s military and appreciates its ongoing commitment to hiring transitioning service members. These generous contributions will go a long way in helping connect our service members to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.”

“Harris Teeter is overwhelmed by the extreme generosity our valued associates and loyal shoppers continuously show to the USO,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. “We are proud to partner with this incredible organization to show support of our brave servicemen and women, as well as their families.”

One-hundred percent of all funds collected during the campaign will be allocated to local USO chapters throughout the areas in which Harris Teeter does business.

Harris Teeter, along with the USO, thanks its valued customers and associates who participated in the 2017 Support Our Troops campaign.

About the USO
The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, we are united in our commitment to connect our service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort, and support. The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. Our programs, services and entertainment tours are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit uso.org.

Source: Harris Teeter

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Bundestafel-Treffen 2017: REWE und PENNY spenden Tafeln rund 25 Tonnen langhaltbare Lebensmittel

Koln, Deutschland, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Die REWE Group unterstützt gemeinsam mit REWE und PENNY das diesjährige Bundestafeltreffen in Potsdam. Den Auftakt der Veranstaltung in der Metropolishalle machte gestern (30.06.) die Mitgliederversammlung der Tafeln (9:00 bis 16:00 Uhr) sowie ab 18:30 Uhr eine festliche Abendveranstaltung, bei der dann die über 1.000 ehrenamtlichen Tafel-Helfer im Mittelpunkt standen. Die REWE Group stellte als Dankeschön für den Einsatz der Ehrenamtlichen Lebensmittel und Getränke kostenlos zur Verfügung. Heute (01.07.) gibt es ab 11 Uhr die traditionelle Lange Tafel, in diesem Jahr auf dem Luisenplatz. Dorthin sind alle Bürger eingeladen, gemeinsam bei einem Grillfest zu essen und sich über die Arbeit der Tafeln – neben der Potsdamer gibt es im ganzen Bundegebiet noch rund 900 weitere – zu informieren. Die insgesamt über einhundert Meter Lange Tafel sehen Schirmherr Potsdams Oberbürgermeister Jann Jakobs und Jochen Brühl, Vorsitzender des Bundesverbands der Tafeln, als starkes Zeichen der Solidarität und Mitmenschlichkeit. Auch hier stellt die REWE Group Lebensmittel und Getränke kostenlos zur Verfügung. Unterstützt wird das Fest durch das örtliche DRK und Überraschungsstars der Vorabendserie „GZSZ“.

„Wir arbeiten mit den Tafeln und dem Bundesverband seit 1996 zusammen. Über die Jahrzehnte ist ein enges und vertrauensvolles Miteinander daraus erwachsen. Uns eint der Anspruch, Menschen, die unsere Unterstützung benötigen, schnell und unbürokratisch zu helfen. Uns verbindet auch, dass wir uns gemeinsam gegen die Vernichtung von Lebensmitteln stellen. REWE und PENNY verkaufen mittlerweile im Jahresdurchschnitt 99 Prozent ihrer Lebensmittel. Das Gros des verbleibenden Prozents spenden wir den Tafeln“, sagt Martin Brüning, Leiter der REWE Group-Unternehmenskommunikation.

Spannend wird es ab 13:15 Uhr. Denn dann wird bekannt gegeben, wie die Stadtwette ausgegangen ist. Am 6. April hatten Jann Jakobs und Jochen Brühl gewettet, ob die Potsdamer es schaffen binnen eines Tages, unterstützt von den Spielerinnen von Turbine Potsdam, maximal 2019 (Jann Jakobs) oder mehr als 2020 Tore (Jochen Brühl) zu schießen. Verliert der OB die Wette, wird er die Potsdamer Tafel einen Tag lang aktiv unterstützen. Mehr noch: REWE und PENNY haben sich verpflichtet, in diesem Fall jeweils pro Tor zehn Kilogramm Lebensmittel zu spenden und das Ergebnis auf maximal 25 Tonnen aufzustocken. Die Spende setzt sich speziell aus langhaltbaren Lebensmitteln zusammen wie Mehl, Reis, Nudeln, Zucker oder Konserven. Hilfe, die die Tafeln dringend benötigt, denn nicht zuletzt wegen der Flüchtlingsströme ist die Anzahl derjenigen gestiegen, die auf die Unterstützung der Tafeln angewiesen sind.

„Wir können die Folgen von Armut zwar lindern, aber nicht deren Ursachen beseitigen. Über 1,5 Millionen Menschen kommen regelmäßig zu den Tafeln, davon 24 Prozent Rentnerinnen und Rentner. Diese Zahl hat sich seit 2007 verdoppelt und wir gehen davon aus, dass sie noch weiter steigen wird. Mit der öffentlichen Langen Tafel in Potsdam zu unserem 22. Bundestafeltreffen möchten wir unter anderem auf diese Missstände aufmerksam machen und die Politik an ihre Aufgaben erinnern und zum Handeln auffordern“, sagt Jochen Brühl, Vorsitzender des Bundesverbands Deutsche Tafel

„Als selbstständiger REWE-Kaufmann kenne ich die Situation in Potsdam sehr gut. Ich weiß, dass trotz voller Regale und praller Einkaufskörbe für viele Mitbürger dieser Stadt es nicht selbstverständlich ist, regelmäßig etwas zu essen zu haben. Daher unterstütze ich seit Jahren die Potsdamer Tafel mit Spenden. Umso mehr freue ich mich, heute stellvertretend den Tafeln symbolisch den REWE-Wetteinsatz von 12,5 Tonnen Lebensmitteln zu überreichen. Verlieren kann auch Spaß machen“, so REWE-Kaufmann Michael Batz, der seit 2006 einen modernen 2.200 Quadratmeter großen Supermarkt an der Ludwig-Boltzmann-Straße 8 betreibt.

Daniel Perpeet, Vertriebsleiter der PENNY-Region Großbeeren, ergänzt: „PENNY verfügt als Discounter über ein fokussiertes Sortiment. Dennoch engagieren wir uns seit 2007 aktiv für die Tafeln. Wir zeigen damit einerseits unsere Solidarität mit Menschen, die unsere Unterstützung benötigen. Und wir setzen uns damit aktiv gegen Food Waste ein. Lebensmittel sollen den Menschen zugutekommen und nicht vernichtet werden, nur weil sie eine Druckstelle haben oder das Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum in einigen Tagen abläuft. Auch wir sind stolze Verlierer und spenden unseren 12,5 Tonnen schweren Einsatz sehr gerne.“

Seit 1996 Unterstützung für die Tafeln
Die REWE Group engagiert sich seit Jahrzehnten erfolgreich dafür, dass so wenig Lebensmittel wie möglich vernichtet werden müssen. Denn verantwortliches Handeln im Sinne der Gemeinschaft ist für die genossenschaftlich organisierte REWE Group integraler Bestandteil der Unternehmenskultur.

Mittlerweile verkaufen die Supermärkte (REWE) und Discountfilialen (PENNY) im Jahresdurchschnitt bis zu 99 Prozent ihrer Lebensmittel. Das Gros des verbleibenden Prozents stellt die REWE bereits seit 1996 (PENNY seit 2007) kostenlos den bundesweit rund 900 lokalen Tafel-Initiativen zur Verfügung. Das gilt für Lebensmittel, die nicht mehr verkauft, aber dennoch bedenkenlos verzehrt werden können. Das ist beispielsweise der Joghurt, dessen Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum zeitnah abläuft, oder der Apfel mit einer Druckstelle. Grundsätzlich handelt es sich um frische und/oder unverpackte Lebensmittel wie Milch, Joghurt sowie Obst und Gemüse.

Nicht an die Tafeln abgegeben werden Lebensmittel, die verdorben sind, die ein Verbrauchsdatum haben (z.B. Frischfleisch oder -fisch) oder aber – aufgrund ihrer Kühlpflichtigkeit – nicht von den Tafeln angenommen werden können. Diese Lebensmittel müssen entsprechend der gesetzlichen und hygienischen Vorgaben sachgerecht entsorgt werden. Moderne Prognosesysteme – teilweise unter Berücksichtigung von Wettervorhersagen – und automatisierte Bestellverfahren unterstützt durch die kaufmännische Erfahrung der Mitarbeiter ermöglichen schon heute eine sehr gute und bedarfsgerechte Versorgung der Märkte mit frischer Ware. Kurze Transportwege zwischen Lagerstandorten und den Märkten, eine lückenlose Kühlung von der Herstellung bis ins Regal, aber auch regelmäßige Schulungen der Mitarbeiter, tragen dazu bei, die Verlustquoten auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren. Die Mitarbeiter in Märkten kontrollieren nach marktindividuell festgelegten Intervallen täglich die Mindesthaltbarkeitsdaten der Produkte. Produkte, die das Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum in wenigen Tagen erreichen, werden bei REWE und PENNY bis zu 30 Prozent preisreduziert angeboten.

Über die REWE Group

Die genossenschaftliche REWE Group ist einer der führenden Handels- und Touristikkonzerne in Deutschland und Europa. Im Jahr 2016 erzielte das Unternehmen einen Gesamtaußenumsatz von über 54 Milliarden Euro. Die 1927 gegründete REWE Group ist mit ihren 330.000 Beschäftigten und 15.000 Märkten in 19 europäischen Ländern präsent. In Deutschland erwirtschafteten im Jahr 2016 rund 240.000 Mitarbeiter in rund 10.000 Märkten einen Umsatz von 39 Milliarden Euro.

Zu den Vertriebslinien zählen Super- und Verbrauchermärkte der Marken REWE, REWE CENTER, REWE CITY und BILLA, der Discounter PENNY sowie die Baumärkte von toom und B1 Discount Baumarkt. Hinzu kommen die Bio-Supermärkte (TEMMA), innovative Convenience-Märkte (REWE To Go), das Gastrokonzept „Oh Angie!“ und E-Commerce-Aktivitäten REWE Lieferservice sowie Zooroyal, Weinfreunde und Kölner Weinkeller. Zur Touristik gehören unter dem Dach der DER Touristik Group die Veranstalter ITS, Jahn Reisen und Travelix sowie Dertour, Meier’s Weltreisen, ADAC Reisen, Kuoni, Helvetic Tours, Apollo und Exim Tours sowie die Geschäftsreisesparte FCM Travel Solutions und über 2.400 Reisebüros (u.a. DER Reisebüro, DERPART, Kuoni), die Hotelmarken lti, Club Calimera, Cooee, PrimaSol und Playitas Resort und der Direktveranstalter clevertours.com.

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

Source: REWE Group

Posted on July 4, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editor

Asda colleague Julie McCaffery wins ‘Woman of the Year’ award for her commitment to improving logistics services at Asda distribution centres

Asda colleague Julie McCaffery wins ‘Woman of the Year’ award for her commitment to improving logistics services at Asda distribution centres

Julie McCaffery from Dunipace has won a prestigious ‘Woman of the Year’ award in recognition of her efforts continually improving the logistics services at the Asda Grangemouth and Falkirk distribution centres.

LEEDS, England, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — The award was given at the Every woman in Transport and Logistics ceremony in London, where Julie McCaffery was congratulated for her efforts delivering projects that improved safety and customer service on sites that employ over 1000 colleagues and deliver 3 million cases of products to 79 Asda stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Julie was commended for the way she encouraged and engaged colleagues to work together to deliver improvements. Julie has now started to work on a national basis to drive further improvements across the whole of the Asda estate.

The awards also recognized Julie’s contributions outside the depot. Since 2010, she has worked on a part-time basis as an associate lecturer at the University of West Scotland, delivering the MSc programme to quality management, project management and logistics and distribution students. By sharing her personal and professional experiences, Julie uses her lectures to encourage and inspire students, to venture into the industry.

Commenting on her award win, Julie said, “I’m still in absolute shock, it was such a lovely surprise to be recognized for the job that I do.

“I’m very passionate about my career, and with the Grangemouth and Falkirk depots servicing all stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland it’s important to continuously be looking at ways to improve the running of the sites.

“My favourite part of the job is the colleagues I work with, it’s a real team effort and we all work hard at implementing ideas and solutions to continuously improve Asda’s logistics services.”

For more information on Julie’s role and why she was nominated for the award, read her blog here.

June Jones, Senior manager for Asda Logistic Services, spoke about the award win: “We’re all very proud of Julie’s recognition at the everywoman awards, she does a fantastic job of supporting the team to ensure any ideas we have for improving service are followed through and implemented.

“Her enthusiasm and passion for her role and engaging colleagues in improvement activity and ideas is refreshing and delivers fantastic results for colleagues, the depots she works with and Asda.”

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments, “The role models celebrated today, from women excelling at the beginning of their career to those well-established in their journey, are a reflection of the many rewarding opportunities within the transport and logistics industry. We are proud to recognise individuals who are transforming the industry through their tenacity, passion for innovation and commitment to mentoring the next generation”

SOURCE: ASDA

Media contact:

Natalie Cullington
Press Office Manager
0113 826 2829

Posted on July 4, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editor

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. to host 2Q 2017 financial results conference call on Tuesday, July 25, 2017

DENVER, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today (June 28, 2017) announced that it will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2017 financial results on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 4:30 PM Eastern time. A press release with second quarter 2017 financial results will be issued at approximately 4:10 PM Eastern time that same day.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-451-6152 or for international callers by dialing 1-201-389-0879. The call will also be webcast live from the Company’s website on the investor relations page at ir.chipotle.com. An archived webcast will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call.

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 real, whole ingredients, and is the only national restaurant brand that prepares its food using no added colors, flavors or other industrial additives typically found in fast food. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in Denver in 1993 and now operates more than 2,300 restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.
SOURCE: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Contact:

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Mark Alexee
303-605-1042
malexee@chipotle.com

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Albert Heijn opent mobiel bezorgpunt bij GGZ-instelling

: Albert Heijn opent mobiel bezorgpunt bij GGZ-instelling

Zaandam, Netherlands, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albert Heijn heeft een mobiel bezorgpunt bij de GGZ-instelling op Landgoed De Grote Beek in Eindhoven geopend. Medewerkers en cliënten van dit landgoed kunnen vanaf nu hun boodschappen online bestellen op ah.nl en afhalen op hun eigen terrein. Met de komst van het mobiele bezorgpunt profiteren zij van een breder en gevarieerder aanbod levensmiddelen dan eerder op het terrein verkrijgbaar was. Op termijn gaat AH op dit bezorgpunt ook een werkplek bieden aan cliënten van Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Eindhoven (GGzE).

Op Landgoed De Grote Beek werken ruim 1.200 medewerkers en maken veel cliënten op jaarbasis gebruik van de zorg en voorzieningen van GGzE. Het Albert Heijn bezorgpunt maakt lekker en gezond eten nu nog gemakkelijker voor deze doelgroep. Medewerkers kunnen hun dagelijkse boodschappen voor thuis handig oppikken bij het bezorgpunt en cliënten kunnen hun vertrouwde producten kopen.

Het mobiele bezorgpunt wordt in het begin gerund door medewerkers van het Pick Up Point in Eindhoven op de Limburglaan. Om een bijdrage te leveren aan de reïntegratie van GGzE-cliënten op de arbeidsmarkt biedt het Albert Heijn bezorgpunt op het terrein op termijn werk voor cliënten van het landgoed. Dit sluit naadloos aan bij de visie van GGzE: de organisatie gelooft dat mensen blijer en gelukkiger worden als ze vanuit eigen mentale kracht een bijdrage kunnen leveren aan de samenleving. De ondersteuning is erop gericht om iemand dit door eigen regie zo goed mogelijk te laten doen en te laten participeren in de maatschappij.

Afdeling mediarelaties:
pers@ah.nl
088 6590 2020

Source: Albert Heijn

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Sunoco Free Fuel 5000 sweepstakes returns to reward loyal Sunoco customers

Sweepstakes returns to award $5,000 of Sunoco UltraTech™ fuel to eleven regional Grand Prize winners

DALLAS, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the thirteenth consecutive year, the Sunoco Free Fuel 5000 sweepstakes is returning to reward loyal Sunoco customers, race fans and Sunoco credit card holders nationwide with $5,000 in free fuel. Here are some of our favorite stories from last year’s Grand Prize winners from Florida, Alabama, Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania:

Riley Bass, Orlando, FL: A father and Walt Disney World Employee, Riley had always been a loyal Sunoco customer. Since winning, Riley has used his prize to help his extended family out with fuel expenses, and he’s planning a summer road trip up to Niagara Falls in Canada before his eldest daughter starts college in the fall. Bass said, “This prize has given me a sense of freedom to go anywhere I want.”
Darlene McGaw, Union Springs, AL: Retired middle school teacher, Darlene McGaw, used her $5,000 worth of free Sunoco UltraTech™ fuel to support the local band she volunteers for: Chilly’s ICE Cool Band. “The band, which is made up of about 40 children ages three to eighteen means the world to me and we constantly have hard time getting buses or cars to take the children and volunteers to local performances, so this prize helped to alleviate those obstacles for a few months, and Sunoco made that happen.”
Larry Greathouse, Newton Falls, OH: Larry Greathouse learned to use Sunoco fuel by his late father and is thankful for the early life lesson. “When I won this prize, it was the best thing that ever happened to me besides marrying my wife, but when Sunoco gave us tickets to a NASCAR race, too, my dreams really came true. Sunoco fuel has always meant everything to me, and now I have an even stronger appreciation for the company.”
William May, Houston, TX: Houston native, William May, goes to the Sunoco/Stripes station on Sheldon Road 10 times during the work week for fuel, Gatorade and tacos. One trip was extra special in 2016 when he was spotted with his Sunoco decal and entered into the running for the Free Fuel 5000 Grand Prize. “From winning this prize and getting a new home to expecting a baby this fall, I don’t know how much luckier I can get!”
Pacifico Marple Ford Dealership, Broomall, PA: Joe Pacifico – owner of Pacifico Marple Ford, applied for the Sunoco Universal Fleet card almost four years ago to help save up to 6 cents per gallon on fuel. Last year, the fleet card came with an unexpected advantage. The Grand Prize helped to minimalize fuel costs for the company for more than three months. “When our company initially won, we couldn’t believe it. Sunoco has and always will be a staple for our business, and this prize further solidified that decision.”

“This is the thirteenth year of the Sunoco Free Fuel 5000 sweepstakes, and every year the stories of how our loyal customers plan to use their fuel never ceases to amaze us,” said Mark Burford, Senior Director, Marketing. “We’ve heard from past winners who will visit faraway family members, take dream vacations and even fulfill volunteer responsibilities. Sunoco is proud to award $5000 in free fuel to our Grand Prize winners and Instant Winner prizes to thousands spotted this year.”

Official spotters will be visiting all Sunoco stations and select grocery partner locations during July and August to award Sunoco gift cards to drivers seen with the iconic Sunoco decal on their car. Customers spotted will be entered for a chance to win the $5,000 Grand Prize. There are three ways to get your Sunoco decal stop by any participating Sunoco station to pick one up for free; request a decal on Facebook; or mail a stamped and self-addressed envelope with a request to the address provided on the Sunoco website.

Three additional credit card users from the Sunoco Rewards, Sunoco SunTrak and Sunoco Universal Fleet loyalty programs will be randomly selected for the Grand Prize.

To learn more about the 2017 Sunoco UltraTech™ Free Fuel 5000 Sweepstakes or read the official rules, visit www.sunoco.com/freefuel5000

About the Sunoco UltraTech™ Free Fuel 5000 Sweepstakes
For the thirteenth year in row, Sunoco is rewarding loyal customers and race fans with the chance to win $5,000 in free Sunoco UltraTech™ fuel. With over 100,000 customers spotted at retail since the promotion’s inception and millions of decals on cars across America, Free Fuel 5000 takes the brand to places near and far, and gives all customers more reason to fill up at a Sunoco station. Sunoco looks forward to surprising thousands spotted with decals at gas stations and participating grocery locations with the Grand Prize of $5000in Sunoco UltraTech™ fuel.

About Sunoco LP
(NYSE: SUN) is a master limited partnership that operates 1,355 convenience stores and retail fuel sites and distributes motor fuel to 7,825 convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers and distributors located in 30 states. SUN’s general partner is a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE: ETE).

Media Contacts:

Jeamy Molina
Phone: 469-646-1776
jeamy.molina@sunoco.com

Kelly Jackson
Phone: 717-991-3249
kjackson@a-g.com

SOURCE: Sunoco LP

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) re-elects Sarah Branquinho as President

London, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sarah Branquinho has been re-elected as President of the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) at the Annual General Meeting today ( 29 June 2017 ).

In an official statement, Branquinho said: “I am honoured to be re-elected to serve another year as President of ETRC. Brexit presents a huge opportunity for the industry and with Brexit negotiations now in full swing, will occupy centre stage. There are, however, many other important issues on the industry agenda including product labelling, transport security, restrictions on sales of tobacco and alcohol, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen the voice of duty free and travel retail in
Europe.”

Over the last 12 months ETRC has already begun a comprehensive lobbying programme across the Europe and UK, calling for an immediate return to duty and tax free sales once the UK leaves the EU.

From both an EU and UK perspective, the immediate return of duty and tax free sales post-Brexit presents huge potential benefits for transport and tourism industries. It would significantly improve connectivity by bolstering the revenues of airports, airlines, ports and ferry operators at a time when there is uncertainty about future rules on the free movement of people and goods.

Sarah Branquinho continued: “We have received positive feedback across Europe for an immediate return to duty free sales once the UK leaves the EU, but this is far from being a done deal. A lot of work needs to be done at a technical and political level to make this a reality and we urgently need the full support of the entire industry.

With over 150 million air passengers and over 40 million passengers by sea and Eurotunnel, an immediate return to duty and tax free sales will be transformational for the industry in Europe. Rest assured that ETRC is doing all it can to ensure a positive outcome.”

For more information, please contact:
ETRC
Keith Spinks
Secretary General
Tel: +34 (0) 932 051 276
Mob: +34 (0) 687 529 528
Email: keith.spinks@etrc.org

Source: ETRC

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

UK: Edge Lane B&M Home Store is open as usual; completely unaffected by the sinkhole or the works to fix the issue

Hartlepool, United Kingdom, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Residents in Liverpool and the surrounding area may have heard the news regarding a sinkhole which has opened up near to B&M’s Edge Lane store.

We are happy to announce that the Edge Lane B&M Home Store is open as usual, and has not been affected by the sinkhole or the works to fix the issue.

The opening hours for the store are completely unaffected and can be found here.

The works to fix the sinkhole are scheduled to last weeks, but visitors to the store will be pleased to know that Edge Lane B&M will remain open throughout this process.

The sinkhole is currently stabilised after stone was poured into it, allowing the inbound carriageway to be re-opened.

Once the hole is made secure, workers will begin excavation and carry out the necessary repair works.

Contact:

email: press@bmstores.co.uk

Source: B&M

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

ScanSource to acquire leading distributor of payment devices and services POS Portal

Greenville, SC – Worldwide Headquarters, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ —ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC), a leading global provider of technology products and solutions, today ( June 29, 2017) announced a definitive agreement to acquire POS Portal, a leading distributor of payment devices and services primarily to the SMB market segment. POS Portal brings 17 years of demonstrated success focused solely on the US payments industry channels.

Together, ScanSource and POS Portal will create the industry’s largest payments channel, ensuring customers have access to the solutions, services and support that can help them be successful. The two companies sell through complementary solution delivery channels with little customer overlap. ScanSource primarily serves the enterprise and mid-market merchant segments, with thousands of POS value-added resellers (VARs) and system integrators as customers. POS Portal reaches the SMB merchant segment via strong relationships with the leading payment processors, independent sales organizations (ISOs) and many of the leading tablet-based POS software developers. Both companies’ existing customers will benefit; POS Portal’s customers will gain access to ScanSource’s larger portfolio of POS offerings, and ScanSource’s reseller customers will have access to additional services from POS Portal.

For the first full year after closing, POS Portal net sales are estimated to total approximately $110 million with an estimated EBITDA margin in the low teens. Under the agreement, the all-cash transaction includes an initial purchase price of approximately $144.9 million, plus an earn-out payment up to $13.2 million to be made on November 30, 2017. The earn-out payment is based on earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the trailing twelve months (TTM) ending September 30, 2017. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to earnings per share in the first year after acquisition, excluding one-time acquisition costs.

The acquisition of POS Portal uniquely positions ScanSource as a market leader in both the POS and payments channels,” said Mike Baur, CEO ScanSource, Inc. “POS Portal brings an excellent customer service reputation, highly regarded value-added services, and vast knowledge of the payments industry. Together, we will provide greater business opportunities for our solution delivery channels. The tremendous culture fit between POS Portal and ScanSource will be exciting for our employees and customers.”

“ScanSource has been following our growth and strategy for a few years and saw the opportunity to expand our business model,” said Buzz Stryker, co-founder and CEO, POS Portal. “As the payments channels converge, we and ScanSource are prepared to lead the channel with new services and solutions, and accelerate our strategic plan to provide the shopping and checkout infrastructure to tomorrow’s physical location merchant, in partnership with the channel. We have a common vision for POS Portal to continue to innovate with suppliers, customers, and partners and advance our leading systems and processes.”

Mr. Stryker and Scott Agatep, Chief Operating Officer, along with the POS Portal team, will join ScanSource and provide the leadership and direction in further developing the ScanSource payments business. Upon completion of the transaction, POS Portal will become part of the Worldwide Barcode, Networking and Security segment of ScanSource.

Founded in 2000 and based in Sacramento, California, POS Portal offers its resellers payment terminals, comprehensive key injection services, reseller partner branding, extensive encryption key libraries, ability to provide P2PE encryption, and redundant key injection facilities. In addition, POS Portal partners with ISVs to deliver merchants integrated tablet POS solution hardware that merchants may purchase outright or “as a service” through Portal Advantage, which includes POS Portal’s SalesGuard service program. SalesGuard coverage provides the merchant hardware support and next-day replacement of tablets, terminals, and peripherals. POS Portal has approximately 180 employees and operates in the United States.

The acquisition is expected to close in the quarter ending September 30, 2017, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals. Prior to the close, ScanSource and POS Portal will continue to operate as independent companies.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including statements regarding POS Portal’s expected net sales and estimated EBITDA margin, its expected impact on ScanSource’s (“the Company”) earnings per share, expectations for POS Portal’s future, and expectations with respect to closing. Actual results may differ materially from those suggested by these statements for a range of reasons, including changes in pricing and costs for POS Portal’s services, the loss of customers, competitive responses and difficulties in integrating POS Portal’s business into the Company’s business. For additional factors, see the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016, and its subsequent Form 10-Qs, all as filed with the SEC. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements other than as required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

In addition to disclosing results that are determined in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), the Company also discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures, which are summarized below. Non-GAAP financial measures are used to better understand and evaluate performance, including comparisons from period to period. Non-GAAP results exclude amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, change in fair value of contingent consideration and acquisition costs.

Non-GAAP EBITDA MARGIN: To evaluate this acquisition, the Company considered non-GAAP EBITDA margin percentages. Non-GAAP results exclude amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions, change in the fair value of contingent consideration, and other non-GAAP adjustments.

Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and the non-GAAP financial measures that the Company reports may not be comparable to similarly titled amounts reported by other companies. Analysis of results and outlook on a non-GAAP basis should be considered in addition to, and not in substitution for or as superior to, measurements of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

About POS Portal

Since 2000, POS Portal has been changing the payments industry. As a leading distributor of credit card terminals and supplies, POS Portal is pioneering the way in logistics and distribution for secure payment devices. Having one of the most extensive libraries of injection keys and over 15 years of strategic relationships with gateways, processors, and terminal OEMs, POS Portal has the resources needed to always deliver secure devices preconfigured just the way our partners need them. With two Key Injection Facilities (KIF), POS Portal deploys devices to businesses nationwide. At POS Portal, we’re committed to providing exceptional service to the point-of-sale industry through mutually beneficial, long-lasting relationship. For additional information, please visit posportal.com or call 1-866-940-4POS (4767).

About ScanSource, Inc.

ScanSource, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCSC) is a leading global provider of technology products and solutions, focusing on point-of-sale (POS), barcode, physical security, video, voice, data networking and technology services. ScanSource’s teams provide value-added solutions and operate from two segments, Worldwide Barcode, Networking & Security and Worldwide Communications & Services. ScanSource is committed to helping its resellers and sales partners choose, configure and deliver the industry’s best solutions across almost every vertical market in North America, Latin America and Europe. In August 2016, ScanSource entered the recurring revenue telecom and cloud services market through its acquisition of Intelisys, the industry’s leading technology services distributor. Founded in 1992, the Company is headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina and was named one of the 2017 Best Places to Work in South Carolina. ScanSource ranks #647 on the Fortune 1000. For more information, visit www.scansource.com.

Contact:

Melissa Andrews
Title: Manager, Worldwide Public Relations
Phone: 864.286.4425

Source: ScanSource, Inc.

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Apranga Group retail turnover in June 2017 increased by 7.0% vs. June 2016

Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — The retail turnover (including VAT) of the Apranga Group reached EUR 17.7 million in June 2017, and has increased by 7.0% comparing to June 2016.

The retail turnover (including VAT) of Apranga Group amounted to EUR 51.4 million in 2nd quarter 2017 or by 2.4% more than in 2016.

The retail turnover (including VAT) of Apranga Group was EUR 99.3 million in January through June 2017 or by 5.2% more than in 2016.

In January-June 2017, the retail turnover of Apranga Group in Lithuania was EUR 58.4 million, and increased by 4.6% year-on-year.

In 1st half 2017 the retail turnover of Apranga Group in Latvia amounted to EUR 23.5 million, and increased by 3.0% year-on-year.

In 1st half 2017 the retail turnover of Apranga Group in Estonia was EUR 17.3 million, and increased by 10.5% year-on-year.

Currently Apranga Group operates the chain of 182 stores (105 in Lithuania, 47 in Latvia and 30 in Estonia) covering the gross area of 84.7 thousand sq. m., or by 4.4% more than a year ago.

During the six months of 2017 Apranga Group opened 3 (two Orsay stores in Kaunas and Panevėžys, and Apranga store in Tartu), extended and renovated 5 (Bershka store in Kaunas, Zara store in Klaipėda, City store in Riga, and Bershka and Stradivarius stores in Tallinn), and closed 4 stores.

Contact:

Rimantas Perveneckas
Apranga Group Director General
+370 5 2390801

Source: Apranga Group

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Levi Strauss & Co. to host 2Q 2017 financial results conference call on Tuesday, July 11

SAN FRANCISCO, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter ended May 28, 2017. The call will be held on Tuesday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be hosted by Chip Bergh, president and chief executive officer, and Harmit Singh, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

To access the live webcast, please visit https://engage.vevent.com/rt/levistraussao~40251852 or dial in to listen to the live call at: +1 800-891-4735 in the United States and Canada or +1 973-200-3066 internationally; I.D. No. 40251852.

A replay of the webcast will be available on http://www.levistrauss.com/investors/earnings-webcast within two hours after the event and archived on the site for one month. A telephone replay will be available through July 17, 2017 at +1 855-859-2056 in the United States and Canada or +1 404-537-3406 internationally; I.D. No. 40251852.

To access the company’s related press release on July 11, 2017, please visit:
http://www.levistrauss.com/news/press-releases.

About Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, and Denizen® brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 2,900 retail stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported fiscal 2016 net revenues were $4.6 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com.

Investor Contact:
Edelita Tichepco
Levi Strauss & Co.
(800) 438-0349
Investor-relations@levi.com

Media Contact:
Amber McCasland
Levi Strauss & Co.
(415) 501-7777
newsmediarequests@levi.com

Source: Levi Strauss & Co.

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Rakuten LIFULL STAY and HomeAway to form a business collaboration in the vacation rental industry

Aiming to expand domestic vacation rental accommodation and increase inbound tourism

Tokyo, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Inc., a Rakuten Group company providing vacation rental services, and HomeAway, Inc., an Expedia Group company operating one of the largest vacation rental sites in the world, today (JULY 3, 2017) announced that the two companies have reached an agreement to form a business collaboration in the vacation rental industry.

Based on the agreement, Rakuten LIFULL STAY, which is a subsidiary of a company jointly owned by Rakuten, Inc. and LIFULL Co., Ltd., will provide Japanese property listings from its tentatively-titled “Vacation Stay” service to HomeAway. HomeAway will focus on driving demand for Japanese properties by promoting travel to Japan through its platform. By collaborating on listings, customer-acquisition and sales, the two companies will provide a service that is attractive to both property owners and visitors.

In recent years, with the Japanese government supporting various policies aimed at promoting Japan as a tourist destination, visitor numbers are increasing. In order to meet the growing need for a diverse range of accommodation, the new Private Lodgings Business Law, which makes it possible to operate vacation rental services, was passed on June 9, 2017. With the passing of the law, Rakuten LIFULL STAY and HomeAway have agreed to collaborate in the sector to expand options for accommodation for overseas visitors, raise awareness of Japan’s tourist spots beyond the major cities, and increase the number of visitors to these areas.

Rakuten LIFULL STAY also plans to connect to LIFULL HOME’S Akiya Bank*1, a platform which gathers information from databases of unoccupied homes run by local governments. This will give owners of unoccupied homes in regional areas registered on akiya banks the option of utilizing their homes as vacation rentalproperties or by providing experience-based accommodation, contributing to the development of the economy and tourism in the region.

Utilizing their respective networks, Rakuten LIFULL STAY and HomeAway will provide a service that meets diverse accommodation needs and expands the accommodation market through the vacation rental business, while contributing to further growth in inbound tourism and the promotion of Japan as a tourist destination.

*1 “LIFULL HOME’S Akiya Bank”: A platform which gathers information from unoccupied home banks operated by local governments. The platform centralizes the information and provides it in a standardized format to make it possible for users to search and compare properties. The project is being developed by LIFULL and has been adopted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The project is planned to launch in summer 2017.

Overview of Rakuten LIFULL STAY
Company name: Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Inc.
Address: Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube 3F
1-9-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Representative Director Munekatsu Ota
Details of business: Providing services related to vacation rental platformDate of establishment: March 2017
Website: https://www.rakuten-lifull-stay.co.jp

Overview of HomeAway
Company name: HomeAway, Inc.
Headquarters: Austin, Texas, U.S.
Representative: CEO John Kim
Details of business: HomeAway is one of the world’s leading vacation rental companies and is part of Expedia Group, which has its headquarters in Austin, Texas, U.S. We provide and manage a platform through which users can make bookings at over two million unique vacation rental homes in 190 countries. We specify in “Whole Vacation” and helping friends and family who travel together to create unforgettable memories. One of our strengths is our high cost performance when booking for several travelers together. We also provide an easy online service for owners that covers the whole process from house registration to reservation management.
Date of establishment: February 2005
Website (English) : https://www.homeaway.com/
Website (Japanese): https://www.homeaway.co.jp/

Source: Rakuten Inc.

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Rakuten unifies its global branding to reflect its strategy of building an ecosystem of diverse services

: Rakuten unifies its global branding to reflect its strategy of building an ecosystem of diverse services

Underpins strategy to strengthen Rakuten ecosystem of services
and leverage FC Barcelona partnership from July 2017

Tokyo, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rakuten, Inc. (TSE: 4755) today (July 1, 2017) announced that it will unify its global branding commencing July 1, 2017, to better represent its core strategy of building an ecosystem of diverse services that provide users with unique benefits. The rebranding coincides with Rakuten’s 20th anniversary and with the launch of a new global partnership with FC Barcelona, a club with one of the most recognized and respected global brands in soccer today.

Providing a more consistent identity to each of the services within the Rakuten Group lays the groundwork for our 1 billion users across the globe to more easily recognize the benefits of using more than one service. It also allows the company to develop synergies currently experienced mainly in Japan, its home market, where Rakuten’s ecosystem is the most mature. Rakuten will be better positioned to drive an increase in cross-use of services, increase the lifetime value of each member and drive gross transaction value (GTV) growth.

In Japan, the Rakuten brand is already ubiquitous due to the successful creation of a unique ecosystem that has linked services in groundbreaking ways to bring unique benefits to the user: across e-commerce, travel, fintech, digital contents, communication, credit cards, electronic money, banking, securities, insurance and professional sports. With a common membership ID and loyalty program across more than 70 services, users are able to earn and use incentive points across a myriad of online and off-line services.

“This year, as we start our global partnership with FC Barcelona, the unique and much-loved football team known as ‘more than a club,’ we will also continue to strive to be ‘more than a company,’ ” said Mickey Mikitani, Rakuten founder, Chairman and CEO. “As a company that stands for optimism and empowerment of local communities, with the unification of the Rakuten brand, we will take another step toward strengthening our ecosystem of services across the globe.”

The new global branding includes a bolder and more compact execution for the Rakuten corporate logo and a more consistent and unified approach to the branding of services in Japan and around the world, reflected in Roman alphabet logo executions and a colorful logo palette that allows each service to express their personality in a way that is respectful of their origins and of the existing user connection with the brand. The new bright and dynamic palette of colors used across the family of Rakuten services also represents the inherent diversity of the Group and the optimistic and innovative spirit at the heart of its corporate cultural values. As a core part of the new color scheme, the execution of the popular Circle R icon will appear for the first time in multiple colors, from blue to green to yellow.

The rebranding and logo changes launched on July 1, 2017, include executions on mobile and PC websites and apps, as well as offline branding in locations such as convenience stores and ATMs.

At the same time, Rakuten has unveiled a special version of the Rakuten logo developed for FC Barcelona jerseys in the 2017-18 La Liga season as part of the upcoming global partnership. This special logo will appear on FC Barcelona match day jerseys worn by the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. Adorned with a horizontal line inspired by a calligraphy version of the Japanese character for the number “1,” this unique execution for the jerseys serves to emphasize the brand name for the launch.

Please see chart below for details of selected brand changes and the new FC Barcelona 2017-2018 jersey version of the logo.

Source: Rakuten Inc.

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

UK: LCP announces new tenants to open branches at Scott Arms, Great Barr

London, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Two nationally known names are to open branches at a busy Birmingham shopping parade – with a third well-known high street retailer also poised to sign up, leading investment and property management company LCP has announced.

Dignity, one of the largest providers of funeral services in the country, and a nationwide takeaway and delivery chain have both signed tenancy agreements at Scott Arms, Great Barr, which is managed by LCP. A third high street name, which is not yet being named, is also under offer.

Jo Salmon, retail portfolio manager at LCP, said the deals gathered pace after it decided to introduce free parking for 90 minutes at Scott Arms in January.

LCP has also spent £100,000 carrying out a reconfiguration of the existing space to attract the new retailers to the scheme.

Dignity has signed a 10-year lease for a 1,400 sq ft unit, while the takeaway and delivery chain has agreed a 20-year lease for a 2,066 sq ft unit, which will also have seating for customers.

“We are very pleased to have signed up these two new tenants to Scott Arms,” said Jo. “The shopping parade is very popular among locals and it also attracts a great deal of passing trade, so the fact that we introduced the free, limited-time parking has had a positive impact, with a marked increase in footfall. It’s this that has helped us to attract these nationally known names.”

Just one unit remains vacant at the busy shopping parade, which about half a mile from junction 7 M6, although LCP hopes to announce a new occupier within weeks.

National commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) acted as agents for LCP, attracting the new tenants to Great Barr.

Richard Jones, director of retail agency at LSH Birmingham, said: “We used our expertise to find the right tenants for the mix and are very pleased to have worked closely with the businesses and LCP to ensure the successful closure of these deals.

“With more than 30,000 passing vehicles each day there are potentially 11 million customers every year, making it a very attractive prospect for retailers.”

Ciaran Nolan, head of property at Dignity, said: “We are delighted to be opening a satellite branch in the Scott Arms Shopping Centre. We are committed to providing a high quality of service for our existing clients as well as increasing the level of choice for bereaved families that live in this area of the city.”

The shopping centre is prominently situated at the crossroads of the A34 Birmingham/Walsall Road, which connects Birmingham with Walsall, and the A4041 connecting West Bromwich and Sutton Coldfield. Junction 7 of the M6 is just over half a mile north of the Scott Arms.

LCP is planning further improvements at Scott Arms, including a car park extension, upgraded landscaping and common parts, plus new signage. Other occupiers include Iceland, Greggs, Well Pharmacy and Ladbrokes.

Contact:

kyates@lcpproperties.co.uk

Source: LCP

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Diebold Nixdorf launches its fully integrated brand and direct presence in the U.K. and Ireland

Company agrees to sell legacy Diebold U.K. and Ireland business to Cennox, meeting regulatory conditions and concluding final antitrust element of Diebold Nixdorf combination

LONDON, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD), a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers across the financial and retail industries, today (June 29, 2017) announced it is launching its fully integrated brand and direct presence in the U.K. and Ireland.

The company has agreed to sell its legacy Diebold business in the United Kingdom to Cennox Group, fulfilling the requirements previously set forth by the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The acquisition by Cennox is expected to close June 30. Upon closing, the legacy, independent Wincor Nixdorf U.K. and Ireland business will be completely integrated into the global Diebold Nixdorf operations and brand. This includes the company’s retail business, which was not subject to CMA review.

“Our team in the U.K. and Ireland, totaling 900 people strong, looks forward to broadening relationships and providing innovation for our customers — enabling an ‘always on’ experience for consumers and shaping the future of connected commerce,” said Andy W. Mattes, president and chief executive officer, Diebold Nixdorf. “We are very pleased to put this final antitrust requirement of our business combination behind us — and excited to fully move forward in the U.K. and Ireland as Diebold Nixdorf.”

Based in Surrey, U.K., Cennox is a global provider of banking services and the U.K.’s largest independent ATM service business. Cennox provides various self-service-related solutions and support services, patented security products and branch transformation capabilities, primarily to the financial industry but also retail and commercial industries. Under the sale agreement, all staff from the legacy Diebold operation serving U.K. customers, totaling 67 employees, will become part of Cennox. The acquisition will allow Cennox to exclusively sell legacy Diebold hardware, services and Phoenix software in the U.K. and Ireland. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Earlier this year, the CMA published its official findings in connection with the business combination of Diebold, Incorporated and Wincor Nixdorf AG, and concluded that a structural remedy was required to ensure effective competition in the U.K. Diebold and Wincor Nixdorf brands and operations had remained separate and distinct while awaiting CMA review.

About Cennox
Cennox is an industry leader, offering a wide range of solutions to the world’s leading banks, retail and commercial institutions. Cennox deliver the best-in-class solutions that give a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace. Globally recognised, Cennox is an industry pioneer with operations on six continents and central offices in the United Kingdom and United States, employing over 600 staff.

Cennox has been ranked in the Sunday Times FAST TRACK 200, detailing the top 200 fastest growing UK Businesses for International sales for 2 years running. In addition, for the past two years, Cennox has also been ranked in the top 100 of fastest Growing UK Businesses on the FAST TRACK 100 list sponsored by Virgin.

About Diebold Nixdorf
Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE:DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce for millions of consumers each day across the financial and retail industries. Its software-defined solutions bridge the physical and digital worlds of cash and consumer transactions conveniently, securely and efficiently. As an innovation partner for nearly all of the world’s top 100 financial institutions and a majority of the top 25 global retailers, Diebold Nixdorf delivers unparalleled services and technology that are essential to evolve in an ‘always on’ and changing consumer landscape.

Diebold Nixdorf has a presence in more than 130 countries with approximately 24,000 employees worldwide. The organization maintains corporate offices in North Canton, Ohio, USA and Paderborn, Germany. Shares are traded on the New York and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges under the symbol ‘DBD’. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information.

Media Relation:
U.S.:
Mike Jacobsen
APR
+1-330-490-3796
michael.jacobsen@dieboldnixdorf.com

Investor Relations:
Steve Virostek
+1-330-490-6319
steve.virostek@dieboldnixdorf.com;

Germany:
Andreas Bruck
+49 151 1512 3018
andreas.bruck@dieboldnixdorf.com

SOURCE: Diebold Nixdorf

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Costa Coffee awarded ‘Corporate Citizen of the Year’ at the London Evening Standard Business Awards 2017

London, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Costa Coffee was last night awarded ‘Corporate Citizen of the Year’ at the London Evening Standard Business Awards 2017.

Speaking about the awards George Osborne, Editor of the Evening Standard, explained that the awards form a “celebration of London’s enterprising spirit and continuing passion for innovation and progress”.

Costa operates more than 2,000 stores in the UK, with an additional c.1,000 overseas. As the growth strategy progresses, Costa continuously challenges employees to embed sustainable thinking throughout the business and ensure that energy and environmental impact is managed effectively.

The Evening Standard said: “[Costa has] cut energy consumption by 38% in recent years and in February declared that it would launch a scheme to recycle paper cups nationwide”. Costa is also offering 25p off a hot or cold drink for customers that bring a reusable cup into stores.

In addition to embedding sustainable practice into everyday operations, Costa is committed to making a meaningful contribution to its customers and local communities. Volunteering over 10,000 hours to community initiatives, both in and out of stores, Costa teams regularly take part in litter picks, literacy and education programmes and supporting local events amongst other activities.

The judges especially praised Costa for “doggedly looking at its own sustainability and leading the sector in its environmental activity” and felt that the company had “taken a great leap forward”.

Victoria Moorhouse, Head of Sustainability at Costa Coffee, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award and that Costa has been recognised for it’s efforts to incorporate sustainable practices into everyday business operations. It’s very much part of the way we operate and our teams across the UK are really engaged in supporting the various initiatives, from cup recycling to community activities.”

To learn more about Costa, and parent company Whitbread’s, sustainability initiatives, please see the Whitbread 2016/17 Sustainability Report.

About Costa

Costa is the UK’s favourite coffee shop, having been awarded “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland” by Allegra Strategies for seven years running (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016).

With 2,000 coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,180 in 30 overseas markets, Costa is the fastest growing coffee shop business in the UK. Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa has become the UK’s favourite coffee shop chain and diversified into both the at-home and gourmet self-serve markets.

Costa is committed to looking after coffee-growers. That’s why we’ve established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity. The Costa Foundation’s aims are to relieve poverty, advance education and the health and environment of coffee-growing communities around the world. So far, The Costa Foundation has funded the building of 53 schools and improved the social and economic welfare of coffee-growing communities.

Costa is also committed to tackling the UK’s literacy challenge and is proud to have signed the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge 2016. In continuation of this commitment, and inspired by the Costa Book Awards and the ongoing work of the Costa Foundation, Costa launched its inaugural Reading Week in September 2016 in conjunction with over 500 schools across the UK.

Source: Costa

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Alibaba to invest approximately USD1 billion to increase its stake in Lazada Group

Hangzhou, China/Singapore, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA) announced today ( June 28, 2017) that it will invest approximately USD 1 billion to increase its stake in Lazada Group, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, from 51% to approximately 83%. This transaction demonstrates the continued success of Lazada’s business, Alibaba’s confidence in the growth potential of the Southeast Asian markets and its commitment to the region as part of its global strategy.

Alibaba will purchase the shares of certain Lazada shareholders at an implied valuation of USD 3.15 billion for the company, reflecting a significant increase in the value of Lazada since Alibaba first acquired its majority stake in April 2016. The transaction will increase Alibaba’s total investment in Lazada to over USD 2 billion. Lazada will continue to operate under the same brand following this investment.

Alibaba’s investment in and collaboration with Lazada have been an important part of expanding Alibaba’s global footprint, providing it with unrivalled access to consumers in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. With only 3% of the region’s total retail sales conducted online, Southeast Asia is expected to offer tremendous growth potential.

With Alibaba’s scale, e-commerce know-how and technology expertise supporting the execution of Lazada’s management team, the two businesses have successfully developed a vibrant e-commerce gateway, giving brands and sellers access to the 560 million consumers in the region. The cooperation has also enabled Lazada to invest further in the marketplace, technology, payments and logistics, greatly enhancing its services and providing an unparalleled consumer experience for online shoppers, as well as critical support for the region’s merchants, many of whom are small businesses.

“As a market leader, Lazada has demonstrated its ability to execute and further lead the region in products and services with the best consumer experience in Southeast Asia while growing a strong ecosystem that supports small businesses going online,” said Daniel Zhang, CEO of Alibaba Group. “The e-commerce markets in the region are still relatively untapped, and we see a very positive upward trajectory ahead of us. We will continue to put our resources to work in Southeast Asia through Lazada to capture these growth opportunities,” he added.

Maximilian Bittner, CEO of Lazada Group, said, “I couldn’t be more excited to deepen our relationship with Alibaba. With their support, we will continue to empower brands and sellers to offer a wide selection of unique assortment to consumers across Southeast Asia while delivering an exceptional customer experience backed by our best-in-class logistics network.”

During the past 12 months, both Lazada and Alibaba worked on a number of initiatives to advance e-commerce in Southeast Asia, endeavoring to lower barriers and facilitate borderless commerce. These initiatives include the establishment of an e-fulfillment center in Malaysia which forms part of Alibaba’s Electronic World Trading Platform (eWTP) strategy, advancing “Thailand 4.0”, and launching Taobao Collection in Singapore and Malaysia allowing local customers to shop for high quality products from China.

Morgan Stanley Asia Limited acted as exclusive financial adviser for the transaction.

About Alibaba Group

Alibaba Group’s mission is to make it easy to do business anywhere. The company aims to build the future infrastructure of commerce. It envisions that its customers will meet, work and live at Alibaba, and that it will be a company that lasts at least 102 years.

About Lazada Group

Lazada is the number one online shopping & selling destination in Southeast Asia – present in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Lazada helps more than 100,000 local and international sellers as well as 2,500 brands serve the 560 million consumers in the region through its marketplace platform, supported by a wide range of tailored marketing, data, and service solutions. Lazada offers an excellent customer experience through a wide network of logistics partners and its own first and last mile delivery arm.

Safe Harbor Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expect,” “future,” “continue,” “strategy” and similar statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Alibaba’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release and is based on assumptions that Alibaba believes to be reasonable as of this date, and Alibaba does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Media Contacts:
Rico Ngai
Alibaba Group
+852 9725 9600
rico.ngai@alibaba-inc.com

William Gaultier
Lazada Group
+65 8459 5766
william.gaultier@lazada.com

Source: Alibaba Group

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Dunkin’ Donuts’ two new seasonal donuts: the S’mores Donut and the Chocolate Drizzled Strawberry Croissant Donut

: Dunkin’ Donuts’ two new seasonal donuts: the S’mores Donut and the Chocolate Drizzled Strawberry Croissant Donut

Brand’s Beverage Menu Boosted with Dunkin’ Energy Punch Powered by Monster Energy® or NOS® Energy Drink

CANTON, MA, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — The spirit of summer is all about having fun and keeping energized to make the most of each day, and Dunkin’ Donuts’ newest menu items can help with both. Beginning July 3, Dunkin’ Donuts will serve some sweet tastes of summer with two new seasonal donuts, the S’mores Donut and the Chocolate Drizzled Strawberry Croissant Donut. Dunkin’ is also kicking up coast-to-coast refreshment by bringing Dunkin’ Energy Punch nationwide as a new boost to the brand’s beverage lineup. Most Dunkin’ Donuts locations will serve Dunkin’ Energy Punch Powered by Monster Energy®, but select areas including Metro New York will offer Dunkin’ Energy Punch Powered by NOS® Energy Drink.

A donut delivering the taste of a classic campfire treat, Dunkin’ Donuts’ new S’mores Donut offers the perfect sweet and creamy combination of toasted marshmallow flavored filling and decadent s’mores topping made with HERSHEY’S® chocolate for an authentic s’mores experience any time of day. The S’mores Donut pairs perfectly with Dunkin’ Donuts’ Coconut Crème Pie Iced Coffee, as the coconut and marshmallow flavors create a sweet and creamy combination.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ new Chocolate Drizzled Strawberry Croissant Donut features flaky, buttery layers of Croissant Donut, strawberry filling and a chocolate icing drizzle for the flavor of a chocolate covered strawberry in donut form. It pairs perfectly with Dunkin’ Donuts’ Cold Brew, as dark berries are a sweet complement to chocolate, bringing out both the icing drizzle and the chocolate notes in the Cold Brew. Both new donuts are available through summer at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

Dunkin’ Energy Punch Powered by Monster Energy® or NOS® Energy Drink offers Dunkin’ Donuts’ guests a cool new choice for staying hydrated and energized. This thirst-quenching beverage combines one can of Monster Energy® or NOS® Energy Drink mixed with either classic Blue Raspberry or Strawberry fruited flavors, served over ice. Originally introduced this spring exclusively at select Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in New England, Miami and West Palm Beach, Dunkin’ Energy Punch is now available at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

Dunkin’ Donuts also has a full lineup of iced and frozen coffee choices perfect for keeping energized throughout each and every summer day, including Frozen Dunkin’ Coffee, iced coffee and espresso beverages, Cold Brew coffee, and ready-to-drink bottled iced coffees. For summer, Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants are serving delicious coffee flavors including S’mores, Coconut Crème Pie and Butter Pecan. Through July 2, Dunkin’ Donuts also has a special summer offer for its newest frozen beverage, serving a small Frozen Dunkin’ Coffee for the special price of $1.99.

Finally, for a fast, freshly-prepared, perfect portion of your favorite breakfast sandwich, from July 3 through August 27 Dunkin’ Donuts is offering egg and cheese Wake-up Wraps at the special price of two for $2. Ideal for on-the-go summer activities, Dunkin’ Donuts’ egg and cheese Wake-up Wrap features a five-inch round tortilla freshly made with egg and a slice of American cheese. Bacon, sausage or ham can be added for $1.

To learn more about Dunkin’ Donuts, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com, or subscribe to the Dunkin’ Donuts blog to receive notifications at https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog.

The Claw Icon and Monster Energy is a registered trademark of Monster Energy Company. ©2002, 2017 Monster Energy Company. The NOS Logo, NOS, and CMPLX6 are registered trademarks of Energy Beverages LLC. © 2016 NOS Energy Company.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 11 years running. The company has more than 12,200 restaurants in 45 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Contact:

Lindsay Cronin
Dunkin’ Brands
781-737-5200
Lindsay.Cronin@dunkinbrands.com

Source: Dunkin’ Donuts

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Baskin-Robbins to host first-ever nationwide Polar Pizza® Ice Cream Treat Sampling on Friday, July 14

: Baskin-Robbins to host first-ever nationwide Polar Pizza® Ice Cream Treat Sampling on Friday, July 14

Brand keeps celebration going all month long with OREO®-inspired product lineup, special mobile app offers on National Ice Cream Day and “Celebrate 31” promotion on July 31st

CANTON, Mass, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Baskin-Robbins is giving guests nationwide a free slice of heaven with its first-ever nationwide Polar Pizza® Ice Cream Treat Sampling on Friday, July 14. On this day only, Baskin-Robbins will treat guests to free samples of its popular Polar Pizza from Noon – 5:00 p.m. at participating Baskin-Robbins locations across the country. The free offer is just one of the many ways Baskin-Robbins is celebrating National Ice Cream Month this July with its guests.

On July 14th, guests will have an opportunity to sample Baskin-Robbins’ new Mint Chocolate Chip Polar Pizza, which features a double fudge brownie crust and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream topped with OREO® cookie pieces, fudge and marshmallow topping. Other Polar Pizza varieties include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Jamoca®Almond Fudge and HEATH®, OREO® Cookies ‘n Cream, Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate and REESE’S® Peanut Butter Cup, or a custom combination of a guest’s favorite ice cream and toppings.

“We’re so excited to celebrate National Ice Cream Month with our guests by providing them with free samples of our Mint Chocolate Chip Polar Pizza on July 14,” said Carol Austin, Vice President of Marketing for Baskin-Robbins. “We also look forward to keeping the celebration going throughout the month with special mobile app offers on National Ice Cream Day, and a delicious OREO®-inspired product lineup for July.”

In addition to the Polar Pizza Sampling on July 14, Baskin-Robbins is giving its guests several ways to enjoy National Ice Cream Month. For starters, guests who download the Baskin-Robbins Mobile App will receive exclusive offers on National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 16) and throughout the month. Guests can also sign up to receive email and text updates from Baskin-Robbins, where they’ll receive additional offers throughout the month.

OREO® lovers have a reason to rejoice in July with Baskin-Robbins’ new Flavor of the Month, All About OREO®, and delicious OREO® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Cake. The All About OREO® flavor features fudge-covered, peanut butter, and classic OREO® cookie pieces, all combined with an OREO® frosting ribbon in rich chocolate malt ice cream. The flavor is available in a cup, cone, milkshake or layered sundae. The OREO® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Cake is a chocolate-flavored frosted cake topped with Baskin-Robbins’ OREO® Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches. Guests can customize both the flavors inside the cake and ice cream sandwiches, and order it either in-store or online at www.BaskinRobbins.com/onlineordering.

Finally, Baskin-Robbins guests are also invited to end the month on a sweet note with the July “Celebrate 31” promotion. On Monday, July 31, all regular and kids-sized scoops are available for just $1.50.* This offer can be enjoyed on any ice cream flavor, including the following cool and refreshing flavors that will transport you to a tropical location no matter where you are:

Miami Vice – A dairy-free and fat-free Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada flavored sorbet
Mango Breeze – Mango-flavored ice cream featuring a mango-flavored ribbon
Splish Splash® – A refreshing favorite with a splish of blue raspberry-flavored sherbet and a splash of blueberry-flavored sorbet

For more information about Baskin-Robbins’ wide variety of premium ice cream flavors and frozen desserts, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/BaskinRobbins), Twitter (www.twitter.com/BaskinRobbins) or Instagram (www.instagram.com/BaskinRobbins).

OREO is a registered trademark of Mondelēz International group, used under license.

*Offer valid on July 31st. Participation may vary. Scoop offer good on every size scoop. All listed flavors are optional amongst Baskin-Robbins’ stores. Waffle cones and toppings are extra. Cannot be combined with other offers. Plus applicable tax.

About Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, providing guests with a wide array of ice cream flavors and delicious treats at more than 7,800 retail shops in more than 50 countries around the world. The brand was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts whose passion for ice cream led to the creation of many iconic ice cream flavors including Pralines ‘n Cream, Jamoca® Almond Fudge and Very Berry Strawberry. Today, Baskin-Robbins has more than 1,300 ice creams in its flavor library, and also offers custom ice cream cakes, frozen beverages and Polar Pizza®. Its franchised ice cream shops serve as places where people can connect and create special memories while they explore a wide array of flavors, including a new Flavor of the Month every month. Headquartered in Canton, Mass., Baskin-Robbins is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.BaskinRobbins.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Justin Drake
Phone: 781-737-5200
Email: press@dunkinbrands.com

Source: Baskin-Robbins

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Willow Tree Poultry Farm recalls tuna salad products mislabeled as chicken salad product

WASHINGTON, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Willow Tree Poultry Farm, an Attleboro, Mass., establishment, is recalling approximately 440 pounds of tuna salad products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today (July 1, 2017). The product contains tuna, a known allergen which is not declared on the product label and the packing was mislabeled as chicken salad product.

The buffalo style chicken products were produced on June 27, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:

12.5 oz. individual plastic containers of “buffalo style chicken salad.”

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-8827” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to Whole Foods Market locations in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

The problem was discovered by Whole Foods Market employees whilst unpacking the product.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

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

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

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Alex Cekala, General Manager, at (508) 951-8351. Media with questions about the recall can contact Walter Cekala, President, at (508) 944-0529.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov or via smartphone at m.askkaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. The online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/reportproblem.

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

Contact:
Congressional and Public Affairs
Julie Schwartz
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Source: USDA

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Nine Alshaya customers joined the growing list of winners in the PRIVILEGES CLUB Super Draw

: Nine Alshaya customers joined the growing list of winners in the PRIVILEGES CLUB Super Draw

Nine Alshaya customers take home over KD 60,000 in quarterly prize draw

Kuwait, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nine more of Alshaya’s most loyal customers have joined the growing list of winners in the PRIVILEGES CLUB Super Draw, sharing prizes worth more than KD 60,000 in the most recent draw.

One lucky winner walked away with KD15,000 in the Super Draw, with three people winning KD 7,500 each and five winners of KD 5,000 each, all payable in Alshaya Gift Cards. The draw was made in the presence of a representative of the Ministry of Commerce.

The Super Draw is one of two prize draws that form part of the benefits enjoyed by members of PRIVILEGES CLUB. In the Monthly Draw, members earn one prize draw entry for every 5KD they spend at any of Alshaya’s stores, cafes and restaurants. Each month, 20 members win prizes worth KD 11,000. The Super Draw is held each quarter, and is open to members who spend more than KD1,000 in that quarter.

Alshaya’s 80 retail and dining brands include Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, Victoria’s Secret, Harvey Nichols, M.A.C., Bath & Body Works, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Boots, Pottery Barn and KidZania. Starbucks customers who are members of My Starbucks Rewards can earn entries into the prize draws if their MSR registered phone number is the same as their PRIVILEGES CLUB number.

The next Super Draw winners will be announced in August, based on their spending in April, May, and June.

PRIVILEGES CLUB is open to everyone in Kuwait. It is quick and easy to join, and members can use a mobile app to follow their favourite brands, track their benefits and access their rewards more easily. Joining is as simple as downloading the PRIVILEGES CLUB app from the App Store or Google Play, or signing up in-store.

Details of all Alshaya’s brands, plus monthly and quarterly winners are published on the PRIVILEGES CLUB app and on http://www.alshaya.com/en/privileges-club. Customers can also connect with the programme on www.facebook.com/ThePrivilegesClub/ and www.instagram.com/theprivilegesclub/

Media Contact:

+965 2224 2475
+965 2224 3626
communications@alshaya.com

Source: Alshaya

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Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Staples unveils new public service announcement starring music icon Lady Gaga to promote kindness in school

Staples Announces $2 Million in Donations to DonorsChoose.org and Born This Way Foundation

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) is building on its long-standing commitment of supporting education with the reveal today (Jun. 28, 2017) of a new public service announcement (PSA) starring music icon Lady Gaga.

Making its debuts on StaplesforStudents.org, the PSA features the call to action to promote kindness in school and support teachers with the resources they need for a successful classroom.

The PSA highlights DonorsChoose.org – a charity that has helped donors fund more than 25,000 classroom projects for teachers that have positively affected more than 23 million students across the country – and Born This Way Foundation, which was founded by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, to support the wellness of young people and empower them to create a kinder and braver world.

Driven by several sobering statistics, Staples and Lady Gaga have teamed up to promote kindness in schools across the country and ensure that teachers and students have the resources they need for successful classroom learning. According to a report by Sesame Workshop, 86% of teachers (and 70% of parents) admit to worrying often that the world is an unkind place for children. Further, the Education Market Association reports that an estimated 99.5% of public school teachers use their own money to equip their classrooms – frequently at a cost of more than $400 per year.

In support of this mission, Staples also announced that it is making $1 million donations to both DonorsChoose.org and Born This Way Foundation.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Lady Gaga, Born This Way Foundation and DonorsChoose.org to support education and positive classroom experiences nationwide,” said Frank Bifulco, chief marketing officer, Staples. “There’s a correlation between kindness and overall well-being among students, and we’ll work together to create an environment for students that will allow them to flourish and propel them into their bright futures.”

Making of the PSA

The Staples for Students PSA with Lady Gaga was fully created by Madison + Vine and airs nationwide for the back-to-school season.

“What made this such a rewarding project was having all parties — Staples, Lady Gaga and our creative team — come together for a common goal of building more positive classroom experiences, while also telling an emotional story that people would be inspired to share and pass on. And we feel we really achieved that,” said James Shani, CEO and founder of Madison + Vine.

Madison + Vine’s unique, filmmaker-forward approach allows for the creation of narratives without sacrificing efficiency. The entire creative process – from ideation to production and post – is housed under one ever-expanding roof. The company is home for the most talented, emerging filmmakers from around the world, and the roster of directors continues to grow.

Win a $50,000 Scholarship and the chance to meet Lady Gaga
Staples is a proud sponsor of the 2017 Lady Gaga Joanne tour promoted by Live Nation. Beginning June 25, 2017, fans will have the opportunity to enter the Staples for Students Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $50,000 scholarship. The lucky grand prize winner will also win a trip to Las Vegas to meet Lady Gaga and see her in concert. Five additional winners will receive a trip to Las Vegas and tickets to Lady Gaga in concert on December 16, 2017.

Visit StaplesForStudents.org starting June 25, 2017 for sweepstakes rules and to learn how to enter. Entries must be submitted before September 16, 2017 at 11:59 PM ET and entrants must be 13 years or older.

About Staples, Inc.
Staples brings technology and people together in innovative ways to consistently deliver products, services and expertise that elevate and delight customers. Staples is in business with businesses and is passionate about empowering people to become true professionals at work. Headquartered outside of Boston, Mass., Staples, Inc. operates primarily in North America, with additional offices in South America and Asia. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Staples for Students
Staples has a long history of supporting students, teachers and classrooms. Staples for Students is an ongoing program that helps students and teachers with the school supplies and essential items needed to achieve success in education. The Staples for Students campaign has included school supply drives, support for teachers in classrooms, donations for education projects, classroom initiatives such as Designed by Students, and the sale of products that give back to communities and classrooms in need.

About DonorsChoose.org
DonorsChoose.org is the leading platform for giving to public schools. Teachers across America use the site to create projects requesting resources their students need, and donors give to the projects that inspire them. Since its founding by a Bronx teacher in 2000, more than 2 million people and partners have given $548 million to projects reaching 23 million students. Unique among crowdfunding platforms, the DonorsChoose.org team vets each project request and ships resources directly to the school. Every donor receives photos of their project in action, thank-yous from the classroom, and a cost report showing how every dollar was spent. DonorsChoose.org was the first charity to make the top 10 on Fast Company’s list of the Most Innovative Companies in the World. Visit www.donorschoose.org to learn more.

About Born This Way Foundation
Led by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, Born This Way Foundation was founded in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and empower them to create a kinder and braver world. Born This Way Foundation achieves this by shining a light on real people, quality research, and authentic partnerships. Working with more than 50 non-profit organizations, Born This Way Foundation has connected more than 150,000 young people with services and programing in their communities. Born This Way Foundation has also partnered with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to collect data from more than 10,000 young people, improving understanding of the factors that affect youth wellbeing and empowerment. Visit us at bornthisway.foundation.org.

Contact:

Carrie McElwee
508-253-1405
Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com

Source: Staples, Inc.

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Sycamore Partners to acquire Staples, Inc. for an equity value of approximately $6.9 billion

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & NEW YORK, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS or the “Company”) and Sycamore Partners, a leading private equity firm, today (June 29, 2017) announced that they have entered into a merger agreement in which investment funds managed by Sycamore Partners will acquire the Company in a transaction that values Staples at an equity value of approximately $6.9 billion. Under the terms of the merger agreement, all Staples’ stockholders will receive $10.25 per share in cash for each share of common stock they own, which represents a premium of approximately 20 percent to the 10-day volume weighted average stock price for Staples shares for the period ended April 3, 2017, the last trading day prior to widespread media speculation about a potential transaction.

Staples’ Board of Directors has unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommends that all Staples stockholders vote in favor of the transaction.

Robert Sulentic, Chairman of the Board, said, “Today’s announcement is the result of a comprehensive process in which our Board, with the assistance of a transaction committee comprised of independent directors, and outside financial advisors, explored and considered various alternatives to enhance value for our stockholders. Staples’ Board believes that this process has led to a transaction which is in the best interests of our stockholders, as well as Staples and its employees.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory and stockholder approval, and is expected to close no later than December, 2017. The closing is not subject to a financing condition.

“With an iconic brand, a winning strategy, and dedicated and passionate associates who are deeply focused on the customer, Staples is truly an outstanding enterprise,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “We have tremendous confidence in CEO Shira Goodman and great

respect for the Staples management team and are excited about this opportunity to partner with them to accelerate long-term profitability.”

“The Sycamore Partners’ team shares Staples’ entrepreneurial spirit and long-term vision,” said Shira Goodman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Staples, Inc. “This transaction will enable us to drive greater value for our customers and immense opportunity for our business.”

Barclays and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are acting as financial advisors and Wilmer Hale LLP is acting as legal advisor to Staples.

UBS Investment Bank, BofA Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, Royal Bank of Canada, Jefferies, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Fifth Third Bank are providing debt financing for the transaction. BofA Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. are acting as financial advisors and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal advisor to Sycamore Partners.

About Staples, Inc.

Staples brings technology and people together in innovative ways to consistently deliver products, services and expertise that elevate and delight customers. Staples is in business with businesses and is passionate about empowering people to become true professionals at work. Headquartered outside of Boston, Mass., Staples, Inc. operates primarily in North America. More information about Staples (NASDAQ: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

About Sycamore Partners

Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York specializing in consumer and retail investments. The firm has more than $3.5 billion in capital under management. The firm’s strategy is to partner with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their businesses. The firm’s investment portfolio currently includes Belk, Coldwater Creek, EMP Merchandising, Hot Topic, MGF Sourcing, NBG Home, Nine West Holdings, Talbots, The Limited and Torrid.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC

This filing may be deemed solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of the Company by Sycamore Partners. The Company plans to file with the SEC and mail to its stockholders a Proxy Statement in connection with the transaction. This filing does not constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval. The Proxy Statement will contain important information about Sycamore Partners, the Company, the merger and related matters. Investors and security holders are urged to read the Proxy Statement carefully when it is available. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents filed with the SEC by Sycamore Partners and the Company through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement from the Company by contacting Staples Investor Relations department at investor@staples.com. In addition, the proxy statement and our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge through our website at investor.staples.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

The Company, and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Information regarding the Company’s directors and executive officers, including their ownership of the Company’s securities, is contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017 and its proxy statement dated April 20, 2017, which are filed with the SEC. Investors and security holders may obtain additional information regarding the direct and indirect

interests of the Company and its directors and executive officers in the proposed transaction by reading the proxy statement and other public filings referred to above.

SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this press release regarding the proposed transaction between Sycamore Partners and the Company, the expected timetable for completing the transaction, future financial and operating results, future opportunities for the combined company and any other statements about Sycamore Partners and the Company managements’ future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” estimates and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company’s actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, some of which the Company may not be able to predict and may not be within the Company’s control. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, (i) the risk that the proposed merger may not be completed in a timely manner, or at all, which may adversely affect the Company’s business and the price of its common stock, (ii) the failure to satisfy all of the closing conditions of the proposed merger, including the adoption of the merger agreement by the Company’s stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, (iv) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed merger on the Company’s business, operating results, and relationships with customers, suppliers, competitors and others, (v) risks that the proposed merger may disrupt the Company’s current plans and business operations, (vi) potential difficulties retaining employees as a result of the proposed merger, (vii) risks related to the diverting of management’s attention from the Company’s ongoing business operations, and (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Company related to the merger agreement or the proposed merger. There are a number of important, additional factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements, including the factors described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017 and its most recent quarterly report filed with the SEC. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Staples, Inc.
Media Contacts:
Mark Cautela
508-253-3832
mark.cautela@staples.com

Investor Contact:
Chris Powers
508-253-4632
christopher.powers@staples.com

Joele Frank for Sycamore Partners
Michael Freitag or Arielle Rothstein
212-355-4449
media@sycamorepartners.com

Source: Sycamore Partners

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Sheetz starts July fundraising campaign to support the Sheetz For The Kidz Holiday Program and Make-A-Wish

ALTOONA, Pa., 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the past 25 years Sheetz For The Kidz (SFTK) has set out to provide support, hope, joy and happiness to children within the communities in which Sheetz operates. SFTK is an employee driven 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that raises funds to support the Sheetz For The Kidz Holiday Program and Make-A-Wish.

The Sheetz For The Kidz Holiday Program provides children in need the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with new toys, clothes and other basic needs. The program works with The Salvation Army to identify families and collect their holiday wish lists. Sheetz employees from every Sheetz operating area shop, wrap and host parties for all the participating children. More than $1.4 million was distributed last year, making the holiday season brighter for more than 8,800 children in six states, amounting to 16 children from each Sheetz store location.

This will also mark the 12th year of SFTK partnering with Make-A-Wish to sponsor families of seriously ill children so they can experience a weeklong dream vacation in Orlando, Florida. Fifty-four families will enjoy a cost-free vacation at Give Kids the World Village, an 84-acre, non-profit “storybook” resort designed to provide accommodations for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families while experiencing the Disney vacation of their dreams.

In July, Sheetz customers can support SFTK through in-store fundraising. One hundred percent of customer donations go directly to supporting the children in our communities. In addition, throughout the year, customers can support local kids in their community through online donations and Amazon Smile.

Ways to support SFTK in July:

Donate at check out.
Purchase a Sheetz For The Kidz water, with 25 cents from each bottle supporting the charity.
Buy any Coca-Cola® 20 oz. bottle of carbonated soft drink between July 1 and July 31 and Coca-Cola will donate 5 cents to support SFTK.
Shop on AmazonSmile and select “Sheetz For The Kidz” as the charity of your choice and Amazon will donate .5% of your purchases to the charity.
Go to www.sheetzforthekidz.org to donate online today.

A main fundraising event for the organization continues to be the annual SheetzFor the Kidz Golf Classic, which celebrated its 19th year in May at the Pinehurst Resort. This year, the event raised more than $700,000 for SFTK.

“Sheetz For The Kidz has been successful over the past 25 years due to the support of customers who donate funds at Sheetz locations, and business partners that have supported our annual golf tournament and other events throughout the year,” said Sheetz For The Kidz Executive Director Sarah Piper. “We are also so grateful for the work of Sheetz employees, who have devoted their time and efforts to bettering the lives of children in their communities.”

About Sheetz For The Kidz
Sheetz For The Kidz is a non-profit organization, designated as a 501(c) (3) charity, independent of the Sheetz Corporation. The organization was created in 1992 by local store employees wanting to help local children. The mission of the charity is to provide support, hope, joy and happiness to children in need within the communities in which Sheetz operates. To date, the charity has raised more than $22.9 million and helped more than 100,000 children!

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need, in His name, without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Approximately 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar we spend supports those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). For more information, go to salvationarmyusa.org, or follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.

About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. According to a 2011 U.S. study of wish impact, most health professionals surveyed believe a wish come true has positive impacts on the health of children. Kids say wishes give them renewed strength to fight their illness, and their parents say these experiences help strengthen the entire family. Headquartered in Phoenix, Make-A-Wish is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and more than 33,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the country every 34 minutes. It has granted more than 285,000 wishes since its inception in 1980—more than 15,300 in 2016 alone. Visit Make-A-Wish at www.wish.org to learn more.

For further information:
Nick Ruffner
814.941.5183
nruffner@sheetz.com

SOURCE: Sheetz, Inc.

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Colruyt Group receives encouraging conclusions on its initial report on the use of antibiotics in pig farming

Halle, Belgium, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Colruyt Group has received its first complete report from the AB Register, the platform developed by non-profit association Belpork to set up a policy for more sustainable use of antibiotics in pig farming. The conclusions are most encouraging, both for data reporting and quantitative and qualitative analysis of antibiotic use in herds participating in the Colruyt quality system. Use of significantly lower than average doses of active substances has been noticed in particular. In 2015, Colruyt Group decided to include the AMCRA* recommendations in its specifications, with the aim of reducing antibiotic consumption in pig farming by 2020. At the same time, the group joined the AB Register, in order to raise farmers’ awareness and have a continuous control and monitoring of their consumption. Due to this commitment, the group is working, together with its suppliers, towards a sensible use of antibiotics.

The AB register

Developed on the initiative of Belpork, the “AB Register” wants to identify the use of antibiotics in Belgian pig farms affiliated to recognised quality systems (Certus, CodiplanPlus, Colruyt) in order to achieve a sustainable policy on antibiotics. For the scientific analysis of the register’s data, Belpork called in AMCRA*, the knowledge centre for everything concerning antibiotics use and bacteria resistance in animals. The recording and individual reporting on use of antibiotics is a measure aimed at raising the producers’ awareness. By joining this register, the latter benefit from follow-up and guidance in regard to their antibiotic consumption.

Encouraging results

Since Colruyt joined the AB Register in September 2015, the number of herds participating in the Colruyt quality system increased from 227 to 238 on 1st January 2017. 74% of these fulfilled the criteria enabling them to be taken into account in the assessment and analysis.

From a quantitative point of view, the report highlights the good behaviour of our suppliers’ farms, with an on average lower use of antibiotics than other farmers belonging to the register. There is a significant difference mainly in suckling piglets, as well as pigs for fattening.

From a qualitative point of view, it is also apparent that 3rd and 4th generation antibiotics, which are the most critical in combatting antibio-resistance in humans, have dropped considerably compared to 2015, currently reported as 0.9% treatment days, compared to 2% for herds which are not Colruyt affiliated. More generally, an overall decrease has been noted in the use of active substances belonging to “red” products in the AMCRA** classification.

Professor Jeroen Dewulf, chairman of AMCRA, calls the results encouraging. “It is good that companies like Colruyt Group take the lead and work together with their suppliers to reduce use of antibiotics and contribute to achieving AMCRA’s objectives.”

Evolving specifications

This is not the first time that Colruyt Group is taking action on the use of antibiotics in pig farming. In 1999, the group included, in its specification, banning the use of antibiotics as a preventive measure or to boost growth. A measure voted in by the European Union in 2006. Even today, the group has no reservations on going beyond legal requirements by extending the time between the end of a treatment and slaughtering the animal in order to ensure no significant quantities of residue remain in the animal’s flesh.

Stefan Goethaert, manager Colruyt Group Fine Food, the group’s production department: “We can be nothing but delighted with this report which shows that our supplier partners are right behind us in our sustainability goals. Combating over-use of antibiotics is a public health issue in which, through our specifications, we have a role to play. There is still work to be done and improvements to be made, in particular in data reporting. But we are on the right track. ”

* AMCRA: Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance in Animals

** Antibiotic Classification
AMCRA has set up a colour code, according to the substances’ impact on human health. The yellow products are the least harmful in regard to public health; orange products can only be administered after a diagnosis, while red products may only be used after a laboratory test showing that the yellow and orange substances have no effect on the bacteria concerned.

Contact:

Silja Decock
Press Officer Colruyt Group
Tel.: +32 (0)473 92 45 10 or +32 (0)2 363 55 45
Email: silja.decock@colruytgroup.com

Source: Colruyt Group

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Retail News Editor

ZENTRALSCHWEIZER FÖRDERPREIS DES MIGROS-KULTURPROZENT

: ZENTRALSCHWEIZER FÖRDERPREIS DES MIGROS-KULTURPROZENT

Dierikon, Switzerland, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Vom 1. bis 30. April 2017 können Kulturschaffende und kulturelle Institutionen aus der Zentralschweiz ihre Projekte für die Vergabung des Zentralschweizer Förderpreises des Migros-Kulturprozent einreichen.

Mit dem Zentralschweizer Förderpreis des Migros-Kulturprozent werden aufwändige und nachhaltige kulturelle Projekte ausgezeichnet, die eine überregionale Ausstrahlung haben. Der Förderpreis richtet sich an professionelle Kulturschaffende und Kulturinstitutionen, die in der Zentralschweiz tätig sind. Besonders willkommen sind innovative oder spartenübergreifende Projekte sowie Vorhaben, welche zum Erhalt von bewährten Kulturangeboten beitragen. Zu den bisherigen Preisträgern zählen beispielsweise das Young ID Zug Festival, Dr Stiär – neues Urner Volkslied oder das Gasthaus Grünenwald.

Kulturschaffende können ihr Bewerbungsdossiers via Webformular vom 1. bis 30. April 2017 einreichen.

Contact:
Antonia Reinhard
Genossenschaft Migros Luzern
Unternehmenskommunikation / Kulturprozent
Industriestrasse 2
6031 Dierikon
TEL: 041 455 73 51
E-MAIL: antonia.reinhard@migrosluzern.ch

Source: Migros

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