Daily Archives: July 13, 2017

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Findel announces the appointment of Stuart Caldwell as Group Chief Financial Officer

LONDON, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Findel, the online value retail and education business, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart Caldwell as Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with immediate effect.

Stuart has held the position of Acting CFO since April 2017, prior to which he was Group Financial Controller. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a fellow of the Association of Corporate Treasurers. After qualifying within the profession he held a number of roles with Provident Financial plc before moving to Findel in 2010.

As part of this announcement, Stuart will be appointed to the Findel plc Board.

Commenting on the appointment, Ian Burke, Chairman, said:

“I am delighted that Stuart will be taking on the role of CFO on a permanent basis. His knowledge and experience marked him out during the search process, and since joining Findel as Chairman I have been impressed with the positive actions he has undertaken to reinforce the Group finance function.

Stuart’s appointment further strengthens the new management team as we focus on the delivery of our medium-term growth plans.”

The Company confirms that there is no further information about Stuart Caldwell requiring disclosure under paragraph 9.6.13 (1) to (6) of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority.

Enquiries:
Ian Burke
Phil Maudsley
0161 303 3465

Tulchan Communications LLP
Susanna Voyle / Will Smith
020 7353 4200

Source: Findel plc

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Sports Direct acquires 25.75% of GAME Digital plc.

Shirebrook, UK, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — GAME Digital plc (“GAME” or the “Group”) has been informed that Sports Direct International plc (“Sports Direct”) has acquired 44 million shares, equivalent to 25.75% of the share capital of the Group.

GAME is aware that Sports Direct has taken significant strategic equity stakes in a number of retail and brand businesses across both the UK and USA, and is a leading retailer which partners with major global brands and suppliers.

GAME is pleased that the strategic value of the group has been recognised by Sports Direct through this acquisition of a 25.75% stake. The Group looks forward to working collaboratively with Sports Direct to explore the clear opportunities that a constructive partnership and collaboration can deliver for all stakeholders in the gaming, live events and rapidly growing esports markets in which it operates.

Enquiries:

GAME Digital plc (via Citigate)
Martyn Gibbs
Chief Executive Officer

Mark Gifford
Chief Financial Officer

James Staveley
Investor Relations & Corporate Development Director

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
+44 (0) 20 7638 9571
Grant Ringshaw
Jos Bieneman

Source: Sports Direct International

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Lindex takes part in ‘The Family Planning Summit 2017’; commits to ‘Every Woman Every Child’ movement

Lindex takes part in ‘The Family Planning Summit 2017’; commits to ‘Every Woman Every Child’ movement

 

Sweden, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — On July 11 Lindex participated in ‘The Family Planning Summit 2017’ and shared its work for improving the lives of women in the fashion company’s global supply chain. Lindex also made a commitment to improving women’s health and empowerment to the movement ‘Every Woman Every Child’ launched by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The Family Planning Summit 2017 brought together the United Nations, governments, foundations and companies in the private sector, in the work of supporting the right and universal access to sexual and reproductive health for women in the world’s poorest countries.

During the summit, Lindex shared its work in supply chain for gender equality and women’s health with projects such as ‘HERproject’ and ‘WE Women by Lindex’. The latter aims for mainstreaming gender inclusion in the management systems of the Bangladeshi garment industry. Lindex also made a commitment to the UN movement Every Woman Every Child, which goes in line with the fashion company’s ambition to improve the lives of women in its global supply chain.

Elisabeth Hedberg speaks at the spotlight session:  The Power of Private Sector Networks to Reach More Women and Expand Access to Family Planning.

Women keep our business moving at Lindex and gender equality and women’s health are focus areas for us. We believe that collaboration is key in order to make a difference and we are very proud to participate in this important summit, says Elisabeth Hedberg, Director of Production at Lindex.

The Family Planning Summit 2017 was hosted by the UK Secretary of State for International Development, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the work is part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The private sector is recognized as having an important role to play and working together is crucial to transform the lives of women and contribute to a healthier, more stable and prosperous future for all. Investing in women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights empowers girls and women to stay in school, pursue jobs and fulfill their potential.

Contact:

Lindex switchboard: +46 31 739 50 00
Press jour: +46 730 38 20 20
E-mail: info@lindex.com

Source: Lindex

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SPAR India CIO Sunil Nair listed in the top 50 CIO’s across all industries in the Indian market

India, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Individual recognition has been given to Sunil Nair, CIO SPAR India, for his exemplary technology initiatives and IT leadership, earning him a position in the top 50 CIO’s across all industries in the Indian market.

This recognition came from the Big CIO Show, which is an exclusive initiative bringing together global thought leaders and industry gurus alongside the most impactful CIOs from across India, jointly with some of the market’s best technology companies. CIOs are expected to be ‘Chief Innovation Officers,’ embracing next-gen technologies such as Adaptive IT and Agile, Analytics, Digital Ecosystems, Cloud, Mobile and Web technologies.

In what was the first of its kind in India, the Big CIO Show honoured the country’s top 50 CIOs from key industries. The event highlighted their achievements in adapting innovative technology into their businesses and thereby implementing effective solutions which contributed significantly to the world of IT.

The awards also recognised the individual’s efforts in adapting fast-changing IT solutions, ensuring that their business stays ahead of the curve. A total of 50 winners were selected by a jury following a thorough evaluation of the 170 nominees.

The jury was comprised of highly recognised & experienced IT veterans, bringing to the event their considerable technical knowledge and expertise to evaluate all the nominations and identify the best of the best.

Contact:

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

Source: Spar International

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Lowe’s Canada teams up with Canadian Red Cross to aid victims of the wildfires in British Columbia

Boucherville, Quebec, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Using its vast network of Lowe’s, RONA, Réno-Dépôt, Marcil, Dick’s Lumber and Ace stores across the country, Lowe’s Canada announces the launch of a national campaign, in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, to aid victims of the wildfires currently raging in British Columbia. Beginning today, customers of the various Lowe’s Canada banners will be invited, at the moment of their purchase, to make a donation of their choice to the British Columbia Fires fund established by the Red Cross.

Funds raised will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross, which will use them to provide immediate relief such as camp beds and blankets, facilitate the reunification of families, and provide financial assistance to disaster victims to allow them to purchase food and clothing and look after their personal needs.

For online donation, please go to: www.redcross.ca/BCFires/lowes_canada

About Lowe’s Canada

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving more than 17 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With fiscal year 2016 sales of $65.0 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service 2,365 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 290,000 people. Based in Boucherville, Quebec, Lowe’s Canadian business, together with its wholly owned subsidiary, RONA inc., operate or service over 600 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores in a number of complementary formats under different banners. These include Lowe’s, RONA, Réno-Dépôt, Marcil, Dick’s Lumber and Ace. In Canada, the companies have more than 25,000 employees, in addition to nearly 5,000 employees in the stores of RONA’s independent affiliate dealers. For more information, visit Lowes.ca.

Media contact:

Valérie Gonzalo
Media Relations
514 626-6976
media@rona.ca

Source: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

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Sprouts Farmers Market to issue 2Q 2017 financial results on Thursday, August 3, 2017

PHOENIX, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (Nasdaq:SFM) today (July 12, 2017) announced it will issue financial results for the 13-week second quarter ended July 2, 2017 before the market opens on Thursday, August 3, 2017.  Following the release, Sprouts management will conduct a conference call at 7:00 a.m. PDT (10:00 a.m. EDT) to discuss the results for the quarter.

A webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at investors.sprouts.com. Participants should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

The conference call will be available via the following dial-in numbers:

  • U.S. Participants: 877-398-9481
  • International Participants: Dial +1-408-337-0130
  • Conference ID: 52336771

The audio replay will remain available for 72 hours and can be accessed by dialing 855-859-2056 (toll-free) or 404-537-3406 (international) and entering the confirmation code: 52336771.

About Sprouts Farmers Market

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. is a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods at great prices. Sprouts offers a complete shopping experience that includes fresh produce, meat and seafood, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, packaged groceries, deli, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care and household items catering to consumers’ growing interest in health and wellness. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Sprouts employs more than 25,000 team members and operates more than 260 stores in 15 states from coast to coast. For more information, visit sprouts.com or @sproutsfm on Twitter.

Investor Contact:

Susannah Livingston
(602) 682-1584
susannahlivingston@sprouts.com

Media Contact:

Donna Egan
(602) 682-3152
media@sprouts.com

Source: Sprouts Farmers Market/globenewswire

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Visa launches new program to encourage businesses to go cashless

SAN FRANCISCO, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Jul. 12, 2017) Visa (NYSE:V) announced it is launching a major effort to encourage businesses to go cashless. Aiming to create a culture where cash is no longer king, the program will give merchants increased ability to accept all forms of global digital payments. Visa will be encouraging and helping merchants go cashless by using innovation to their advantage in order to stay competitively connected to their customers.

To encourage businesses to go cashless, Visa is announcing The Visa Cashless Challenge, with a call to action for small business restaurants, cafés or food truck owners to describe what cashless means for them, their employees and customers. Visa will be awarding up to $500,000 to 50 eligible US-based small business food service owners who commit to joining the 100% cashless quest.

“At Visa, we believe you can be everywhere you want to be, and that it should be easy to pay and be paid in more ways than ever – whether it’s a phone, card, wearable or other device,” said Jack Forestell, head of global merchant solutions, Visa Inc. “With 70% of the world, or more than 5 billion people, connected via mobile device by 20201, we have an incredible opportunity to educate merchants and consumers alike on the effectiveness of going cashless.”

Benefits of Going Cashless

Visa has recognized the net benefits for merchants when they reduce dependency on cash transaction. Visa recently conducted a study that found that if businesses in 100 cities transitioned from cash to digital, their cities stand to experience net benefits of $312 billion per year. According to this study, in New York City alone, businesses could generate an additional $6.8 billion in revenue and save more than 186 million hours in labor, by making greater use of digital payments. This amounts to more than $5 billion annual costs savings for businesses in New York. The complete results with the benefits of going cashless for businesses will be included in the “Cashless Cities: Realizing the Benefits of Digital Payments” report that will be released by Visa later this year.

Cashless in Action

To showcase the benefits of going cashless, Visa will tap into its sponsorship as the official payment partner of Formula E to offer cashless, digital payment acceptance at the first-ever Formula E race in Brooklyn, the New York City ePrix.

“To Visa, a cashless culture means convenience, security and ease of use. That translates to freedom for consumers and merchants alike,” said Forestell. “The Formula E race is the ideal backdrop because just as Formula E is bringing the future to racing, Visa is bringing the future to payments.”

In addition, local New York City restaurants, including 2nd City, Fish Cheeks, and Mulberry and Vine are offering their customers cashless experiences during the race weekend. These participating venues are bringing to life paperless, seamless and enhanced payment experiences for their customers over the weekend.

About Visa

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is a global payments technology company that connects consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments in more than 200 countries and territories to fast, secure and reliable electronic payments. We operate one of the world’s most advanced processing networks — VisaNet — that is capable of handling more than 65,000 transaction messages a second, with fraud protection for consumers and assured payment for merchants. Visa is not a bank and does not issue cards, extend credit or set rates and fees for consumers. Visa’s innovations, however, enable its financial institution customers to offer consumers more choices: pay now with debit, pay ahead with prepaid or pay later with credit products. For more information, visit https://usa.visa.com/ and @VisaNews.

1 Source: Cisco Visual Networking Index Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2015-2020

Contact:
Aida Hadzibegovic
415-805-4242
ahadzibe@visa.com

Source: Visa Inc.

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Raley’s completes transition of its fresh seafood offerings to sustainable seafood

Raley’s completes transition of its fresh seafood offerings to sustainable seafood

 

Fair Oaks, CA, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Raley’s is proud to announce the early completion of a transition of its fresh seafood offerings to sustainable seafood companywide as part of an ongoing effort to change the way the world eats, one plate at a time. This ambitious goal was accomplished six months ahead of schedule, making it easier for customers to select the best fresh, environmentally sound products.

“When humans consume seafood, we leave a permanent mark on the ecosystem,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s President & Chief Operating Officer. “Sustainable seafood represents a healthy relationship with our planet that can endure forever. It is a way to replenish our oceans and manage their resources into the future. Informed consumers can make all the difference by finding out where their fish comes from and by making responsible choices.”

Sustainable seafood is either caught wild or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans without harming affected ecosystems. Raley’s fishery partners are dedicated to preserving the health of marine environments for future generations. Providing sustainable seafood means working with trusted fisheries and fishermen to ensure seafood is sourced responsibly and ethically.

Certified fisheries and farms must go through a rigorous process to validate that the practices used comply with requirements established by international experts. Raley’s only sources its fresh seafood from fisheries or farms with certifications recognized internationally as credible by scientific, industry and non-governmental organizations.

In addition, Raley’s vendors must provide documented evidence that products do not come from sources that utilize any illegal methods. Raley’s requires full seafood traceability, including audits and substantial documentation.

Raley’s seafood program, fishery certification and ongoing seafood audits are in partnership with Resiliensea Group. In addition, Raley’s seafood staff has undergone extensive training to answer customer questions about sustainability.

Contact:
Chelsea Minor
Director of PR and Public Affairs
CMinor1@raleys.com.

SOURCE: Raley’s

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University Medical Center to provide clinical services at retail health clinics in Walgreens stores across Middle Tennessee

DEERFIELD, Ill. & NASHVILLE, Tenn., 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) today (July 12, 2017) announced that a subsidiary of VUMC will operate and provide all clinical services at 14 retail health clinics within Walgreens stores across Middle Tennessee. Today’s announcement builds upon the continued relationship between Walgreens and Vanderbilt Health which has included infusion services provided throughout the Middle Tennessee market and Walgreens pharmacy participation in VUMC’s clinically-integrated network.

The existing Healthcare Clinics at these locations, currently managed by Walgreens, are planned to transition to VUMC in November, and will be an extension of the Vanderbilt Health System.  The clinics will be known as Vanderbilt Health Clinic at Walgreens. Walgreens will continue to manage these clinic locations until the transition.

“We are pleased to announce this new collaborative relationship with Walgreens, which reflects the efforts of both our organizations to make high-quality health care services more accessible and coordinated for patients living throughout Middle Tennessee,” said C. Wright Pinson, MBA, M.D., deputy chief executive officer and chief health system officer for VUMC. “Walgreens is a widely recognized industry leader and we look forward to sharing with them our commitment to improve the health of those we serve.”

At these 14 Walgreens locations throughout Middle Tennessee, patients will be able to see Vanderbilt Health clinicians seven days a week, including evenings, giving patients the option to access a variety of health care services without an appointment. Among the available services are laboratory tests and treatments for common conditions such as bronchitis, bladder infections, flu, nausea and vomiting, sinus issues, seasonal allergies, sore throat and minor wounds.

“This is a great opportunity for Walgreens to work even closer with Vanderbilt Health,” said Pat Carroll, M.D., chief medical officer for Walgreens Healthcare Clinics. “Today’s announcement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to collaborate with community health systems, like Vanderbilt Health, to offer convenient access to affordable healthcare services while helping to ensure a true continuum of care for our patients.”

When the transition is complete, Vanderbilt Health associated clinics will be located at the following Walgreens stores:

  • Nashville
    • 3500 Gallatin Pike
    • 5555 Edmondson Pike
    • 518 Donelson Pike
    • 4243 Harding Pike
  • Bellevue
    • 7601 Highway 70 S.
  • Clarksville
    • 1954 Madison St.
  • Franklin
    • 9100 Carothers Pkwy.
  • Gallatin
    • 585 Nashville Pike
  • Hendersonville
    • 198 E. Main St.
  • Hermitage
    • 400 Tulip Grove Rd.
  • Lebanon
    • 1303 W. Main St.
  • Lavergne
    • 5000 Murfreesboro Rd.
  • Murfreesboro
    • 2401 Old Fort Pkwy.
  • Smyrna
    • 400 Sam Ridley Pkwy.

About Walgreens:  
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 10 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,175 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About Vanderbilt University Medical Center:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is home to Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital, The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and the Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Hospital. These hospitals experienced more than 63,000 inpatient admissions during fiscal year 2016. VUMC’s adult and pediatric clinics treated 2.2 million patients during this same period. Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt are recognized each year by U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals as national leaders. In the publication’s most recent rankings VUMC’s hospitals finished with 19 nationally ranked adult and pediatric specialties.

Contact:
Walgreens
Scott Goldberg
847-315-7649
scott.goldberg@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Vanderbilt
John Howser
615-322-4747
john.howser@vanderbilt.edu

Source: Walgreens

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Kroger names Liz Ferneding to Ruler division president

CINCINNATI, 2017-Jul-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today (July 12, 2017) the appointment of Liz Ferneding to Ruler division president, effective July 31. Ms. Ferneding succeeds Paul Bowen, who retired in May.

Ms. Ferneding is a graduate of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University and joins Kroger from ALDI, where she has served in a variety of leadership roles for the last 11 years, including an international assignment in Australia. Upon her return to the U.S., Ms. Ferneding was promoted to marketing director and then earlier this year, she was promoted to director of corporate buying.

“Liz’s extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers and community,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz’s talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format store.”

The Ruler division is headquartered in Seymour, Indiana, with 48 stores operating in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Ruler stores, which average 19,000 square feet, offer low prices and an expansive selection of Our Brands foods. Ruler will open two new stores later this year.

“I’m excited to join the Ruler team to help further develop the format, grow the brand and enhance customer engagement,” said Ms. Ferneding. “I have admired the Kroger Co. both as a consumer and a competitor and have looked to the company throughout my tenure in the industry as a benchmark in grocery retail.”

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritSM. We are 443,000 associates who serve eight and a half million customers every day in 2,792 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,255 pharmacies, 782 convenience stores, 311 fine jewelry stores, 220 retail health clinics, 1,453 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Round table.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.