Daily Archives: August 31, 2017

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McDonald’s supports Hurricane Harvey relief and recovery efforts with $1 million donation to the American Red Cross

Company Also Announces Employee Match Program

OAK BROOK, IL, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) announces that it will donate $1 million to the American Red Cross in support of the relief and recovery efforts for families impacted by Hurricane Harvey. In addition, the company announced a $250,000 employee matching program.

“In the aftermath of this tragic storm, we are seeing the inherent kindness and character of Americans as we pull together to help all of those affected by the devastation,” said McDonald’s U.S. President Chris Kempczinski. “We stand ready to help those in need as they recover and rebuild.”

“As local business people, we have seen firsthand how Hurricane Harvey has affected our customers, employees, and neighbors,” said Matthew Kades, President of the McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston. “We continue to pray for the safety of each and every family affected by this terrible storm. We are confident Houston will recover from the incredible damage caused by Hurricane Harvey, and we hope this donation will help us get there a little quicker.”

On the ground, local McDonald’s restaurants have been assisting with relief efforts by donating thousands of water bottles to the local Red Cross and open McDonald’s restaurants in the Houston area are providing free meals to first responders.

While approximately 130 McDonald’s restaurants remain closed at this time, locations continue to open as conditions allow.

“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our employees and customers, and local teams are working to re-open restaurants as soon as possible to serve their communities,” Kempczinski added.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 85 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.

Source: McDonald’s

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Best Buy Q2 FY18 results

  • Enterprise Comparable Sales Increased 5.4%
  • GAAP Diluted EPS of $0.67 Increased 20%
  • Non-GAAP Diluted EPS of $0.69 Increased 21%

MINNEAPOLIS, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today (August 29, 2017) announced results for the second quarter ended July 29, 2017 (“Q2 FY18”), as compared to the second quarter ended July 30, 2016 (“Q2 FY17”). The company reported GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.67, an increase of 20% from $0.56 in Q2 FY17. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.69, an increase of 21% from $0.57 in Q2 FY17.

“We are pleased today to report strong top and bottom line growth for the second quarter of fiscal 2018,” said Hubert Joly, Best Buy chairman and CEO. “Our higher-than-expected comparable sales of 5.4% were driven by stronger consumer demand for technology products and by the strong execution of our strategy. Against a backdrop of continued healthy consumer confidence, we believe broad-based product innovation is resonating with consumers and driving higher spend. And, with our effective merchandising and marketing activities, combined with our expert advice and service available online, in-store and in-home – we are garnering an increasing share of those dollars.”

Joly continued, “I want to thank all our associates across the U.S., Canada and Mexico for their hard work, dedication and customer focus as we Build the New Blue. Without them, none of this is possible.”

Best Buy CFO Corie Barry commented, “Today we are raising our topline guidance and are now expecting full year FY18 revenue growth of approximately 4.0% versus our previous outlook of 2.5%. On the profitability side, we are now expecting full year non-GAAP operating income growth 3 of 4.0% to 9.0% versus our previous outlook of 3.5% to 8.5% growth. This updated guidance reflects stronger-than-originally-expected second half revenue performance with profitability roughly in line with our previous expectations. The increased topline expectations are being driven by the anticipation of continued positive industry and consumer momentum, coupled with the impact of product launches. From a profitability perspective, while our original full year guidance anticipated an increased level of investments for FY18, we have made strategic decisions to proactively make additional Q3 and Q4 investments to continue to drive our Best Buy 2020 strategy forward.”

FY18 Financial Guidance

Note: FY18 has 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in FY17. The extra week occurs in Q4 FY18.

Best Buy is providing the following Q3 FY18 financial outlook:

  • Enterprise revenue of $9.3 billion to $9.4 billion
  • Enterprise comparable sales growth of 4.5% to 5.5%
  • Domestic comparable sales growth of 4.5% to 5.5%
  • International comparable sales change of flat to 3.0%
  • Non-GAAP effective income tax rate of 32.0% to 32.5%3
  • Diluted weighted average share count of approximately 305 million
  • Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.75 to $0.803

Best Buy is updating its full year FY18 financial outlook to the following:

  • Enterprise revenue growth of approximately 4.0%
  • Enterprise non-GAAP operating income growth rate of 4.0% to 9.0%3
  • Enterprise non-GAAP effective income tax rate of approximately 34.5%3
  • On a 52-week basis, Enterprise revenue growth of approximately 2.5%
  • On a 52-week basis, Enterprise non-GAAP operating income growth rate of 2.0% to 6.0%3

Domestic Segment Second Quarter Results

Domestic Revenue
Domestic revenue of $8.3 billion increased 4.9% versus last year driven by comparable sales growth of 5.4%, partially offset by the loss of revenue from 11 large format and 42 Best Buy Mobile store closures.

From a merchandising perspective, comparable sales growth in computing, wearables, smart home, mobile phones and appliances was partially offset by declines in tablets.

Domestic online revenue of $1.1 billion increased 31.2% on a comparable basis primarily due to higher conversion rates and increased traffic. As a percentage of total Domestic revenue, online revenue increased 260 basis points to 13.2% versus 10.6% last year.

Domestic Gross Profit Rate
Domestic GAAP and non-GAAP gross profit rates were flat versus last year at 24.0% as improved margin rates across multiple categories, particularly in appliances, tablets and home theater, were offset by (1) margin pressure in the mobile category; (2) the negative impact of higher sales in the lower-margin wearables category; and (3) an approximately 10-basis point negative impact from lapping the $11 million Q2 FY17 periodic profit sharing benefit from our service plan portfolio.4

Domestic Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”)
Domestic GAAP and non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $1.67 billion, or 20.2% of revenue, versus $1.61 billion, or 20.4% of revenue, last year. GAAP and non-GAAP SG&A both increased $61 million primarily due to (1) expected increases in growth investments; (2) higher incentive compensation expenses; and (3) higher variable costs due to increased revenue. These increases were partially offset by the flow-through of cost reductions. The rate decrease was driven by sales leverage.

International Segment Second Quarter Results

International Revenue
International revenue of $668 million increased 3.7% driven primarily by comparable sales growth of 4.7% due to growth in both Canada and Mexico. The comparable sales growth was partially offset by approximately 220 basis points of negative foreign currency impact.

International Gross Profit Rate
International GAAP and non-GAAP gross profit rate was 25.1% versus 25.9% last year. The 80-basis point decline was primarily driven by a lower year-over-year gross profit rate in Canada due to lower rates in the computing and appliance categories.

International SG&A
International SG&A expenses were $161 million, or 24.1% of revenue, versus $165 million, or 25.6% of revenue, last year. Non-GAAP SG&A expenses were $161 million, or 24.1% of revenue, versus $164 million, or 25.5% of revenue, last year. The GAAP and non-GAAP decreases were primarily driven by slightly lower payroll and benefits costs. The rate decrease was primarily driven by sales leverage.

Share Repurchases and Dividends

During Q2 FY18, the company returned a total of $501 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. On a year-to-date basis, the company has returned a total of $979 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

On March 1, 2017, the company announced the intent to repurchase $3 billion of its shares over a two-year period. In Q2 FY18, the company repurchased 7.3 million shares for a total of $398 million. On a year-to-date basis, the company has repurchased 15.4 million shares for a total of $771 million. The company’s cumulative share repurchases, net of dilution from equity based awards, positively benefitted GAAP and non-GAAP diluted EPS by approximately $0.02 in Q2 FY18.

On July 6, 2017, the company paid a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per common share outstanding, or $103 million.

Income Taxes – Adoption of Stock-Based Compensation Accounting Changes

In Q1 FY18, the company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which now requires all differences between the tax value and the book value for stock-based compensation to be recognized as either income tax expense or benefit as the shares vest or options are exercised or cancelled. The impact of this change on Q2 FY18 was a benefit of approximately $2 million, or $0.01 of non-GAAP diluted EPS. The year-to-date impact as of Q2 FY18 was a benefit of approximately $4 million, or $0.01 of non-GAAP diluted EPS. Future impacts could be positive or negative depending on the stock price, shares vested, or options exercised or cancelled in a given quarter. The company’s current expectation is that the full year impact will be a benefit to income tax expense and, based on current projections, is the primary driver of the lower FY18 non-GAAP effective income tax rate of approximately 34.5% that the company guided today, versus previous guidance of 35.5%.3

Conference Call

Best Buy is scheduled to conduct an earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (7:00 a.m. Central Time) on August 29, 2017. A webcast of the call is expected to be available at www.investors.bestbuy.com both live and after the call.

Investor Day

Best Buy is hosting an investor day on September 19, 2017 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time (1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Central Time) at its corporate campus to provide more detail regarding the next phase of Best Buy’s transformation: Best Buy 2020: Building the New Blue. A webcast of the presentations and question and answer session will be available at www.investors.bestbuy.com both live and after the event.

(1) Beginning in Q1 FY18, the company will no longer be excluding non-restructuring property and equipment impairment charges from its non-GAAP financial metrics. When the company began to execute its Renew Blue transformation in Q4 FY13, it adopted a change to non-GAAP reporting to exclude non-restructuring property and equipment impairment charges from non-GAAP results. From that point, until Q4 FY17, the company believed that reporting non-GAAP results that excluded these charges provided a supplemental view of the company’s ongoing performance that was useful and relevant to its investors. Now that Renew Blue has ended and Best Buy 2020: Building The New Blue has officially launched, the company believes it is no longer necessary to adjust for non-restructuring property and equipment impairments in its non-GAAP reporting. The company believes that future such impairments will predominantly be immaterial and incurred in the ordinary scope of ongoing operations. Accordingly, commencing in Q1 FY18, the company began to no longer adjust for non-restructuring property and equipment impairments. Prior-period financial information included herein has been recast to conform with this presentation, including applicable income tax effects. A complete GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation for FY16 and FY17, by quarter, is available on the company’s investor relations website at www.investors.bestbuy.com.

(2) On March 28, 2015, the company consolidated the Future Shop and Best Buy stores and websites in Canada under the Best Buy brand. This resulted in the permanent closure of 66 Future Shop stores, the conversion of 65 Future Shop stores to Best Buy stores and the elimination of the Future Shop website. The Canadian brand consolidation had a material impact on a year-over-year basis on the Canadian retail stores and the website and, as such, all store and website revenue was removed from the comparable sales base and International (comprised of Canada and Mexico) did not have a comparable metric from Q1 FY16 through Q3 FY17. From Q1 FY16 through Q3 FY17 Enterprise comparable sales were equal to Domestic comparable sales.

Beginning in Q4 FY17, the company resumed reporting International comparable sales and as such, Enterprise comparable sales are once again equal to the aggregation of Domestic and International comparable sales.

(3) A reconciliation of the projected non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP effective tax rate and non-GAAP diluted EPS, which are forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, is not provided because the company is unable to provide such reconciliation without unreasonable effort. The inability to provide a reconciliation is due to the uncertainty and inherent difficulty predicting the occurrence, the financial impact and the periods in which the non-GAAP adjustments may be recognized. These GAAP measures may include the impact of such items as restructuring charges; litigation settlements; goodwill impairments; gains and losses on investments; and the tax effect of all such items. Historically, the company has excluded these items from non-GAAP financial measures. The company currently expects to continue to exclude these items in future disclosures of non-GAAP financial measures and may also exclude other items that may arise (collectively, “non-GAAP adjustments”). The decisions and events that typically lead to the recognition of non-GAAP adjustments, such as a decision to exit part of the business or reaching settlement of a legal dispute, are inherently unpredictable as to if or when they may occur. For the same reasons, the company is unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information, which could be material to future results.

(4) In Q2 FY17, the Domestic business recorded an $11 million periodic profit sharing benefit from its services plan portfolio. In Q2 FY18, there was no equivalent profit sharing benefit recorded.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements:
This earnings release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that reflect management’s current views and estimates regarding future market conditions, company performance and financial results, business prospects, new strategies, the competitive environment and other events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “assume,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “guidance,” “plan,” “outlook,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements are the following: macro-economic conditions (including fluctuations in housing prices, oil markets and jobless rates), conditions in the industries and categories in which the company operates, changes in consumer preferences or confidence, changes in consumer spending and debt levels, the mix of products and services offered for sale in our physical stores and online, credit market changes and constraints, product availability, trade restrictions or changes in the costs of imports, competitive initiatives of competitors (including pricing actions and promotional activities), strategic and business decisions of our vendors (including actions that could impact promotional support, product margin and/or supply), the success of new product launches, the impact of pricing investments and promotional activity, weather, natural or man-made disasters, attacks on our data systems, the company’s ability to prevent or react to a disaster recovery situation, changes in law or regulations, changes in tax rates, changes in taxable income in each jurisdiction, tax audit developments and resolution of other discrete tax matters, foreign currency fluctuation, the company’s ability to manage its property portfolio, the impact of labor markets, the company’s ability to retain qualified employees and management, failure to achieve anticipated expense and cost reductions, disruptions in our supply chain, the costs of procuring goods the company sells, failure to achieve anticipated revenue and profitability increases from operational and restructuring changes (including investments in our multi-channel capabilities), inability to secure or maintain favorable vendor terms, failure to accurately predict the duration over which the company will incur costs, development of new businesses, failure to complete or achieve anticipated benefits of announced transactions, and our ability to protect information relating to our employees and customers. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the company’s annual report and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission(“SEC”), including, but not limited to, Best Buy’s Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 24, 2017. Best Buy cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete, and any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Best Buy assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement that it may make.

Investor Contact:
Mollie O’Brien
612-291-7735
mollie.obrien@bestbuy.com

Media Contact:
Jeff Shelman
612-291-6114
Jeffrey.shelman@bestbuy.com

Source: Best Buy Co., Inc.

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Amazon and Microsoft collaborate to help Alexa and Cortana talk to each other

SEATTLE, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) announced today (Aug. 30, 2017) that Alexa will be able to talk to Cortana, and Cortana will be able to talk to Alexa. You will be able to turn to your Echo device and say, “Alexa, open Cortana,” or turn to your Windows 10 device and say, “Cortana, open Alexa.”

Alexa customers will be able to access Cortana’s unique features like booking a meeting or accessing work calendars, reminding you to pick up flowers on your way home, or reading your work email – all using just your voice. Similarly, Cortana customers can ask Alexa to control their smart home devices, shop on Amazon.com, interact with many of the more than 20,000 skills built by third-party developers, and much more.

“Ensuring Cortana is available for our customers everywhere and across any device is a key priority for us,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Bringing Cortana’s knowledge, Office 365 integration, commitments, and reminders to Alexa is a great step toward that goal.”

“The world is big and so multifaceted. There are going to be multiple successful intelligent agents, each with access to different sets of data and with different specialized skill areas. Together, their strengths will complement each other and provide customers with a richer and even more helpful experience,” said Jeff Bezos, Founder and CEO, Amazon. “It’s great for Echo owners to get easy access to Cortana.”

Alexa and Cortana will begin talking to each other later this year.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Media Hotline:
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Dedinas Franzak Enterprises recalls several brands of butter flavored popcorn that may contain undeclared milk

Grand Rapids MI, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dedinas Franzak Enterprises of Grand Rapids MI, is recalling several brands of butter flavored popcorn because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled butter flavored popcorn brands are:

30NOV2017 – UPC 614156061992 distributed in Michigan. Gourmet Select 12oz 24NOV2017 – UPC 899788002432 distributed in Wisconsin. Gold Emblem 5oz 24NOV2017, 01DEC2017 and 30DEC2017 – UPC 05042844879 distributed in California, Indiana, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Florida retail stores. Spartan 8oz 01SEP2017 – UPC 011213027395 distributed in Michigan.

The product comes in a Poly and/or poly metalized film package marked with lot codes on the top right front panel.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after a non-illness consumer complaint in relation to flavor.

Consumers who have purchased any of the above products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-616-784-6095 EXT 22.

Link to the Initial Recall.

Consumers Contact:

mballard@cksnacks.com
616-784-6095, Ext. 22

Source: FDA

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Rajbhog Distributors GA. Inc. recalls Jalebi that may contain undeclared Almond

Rajbhog Distributors GA. Inc. recalls Jalebi that may contain undeclared Almond

 

Duluth, GA., 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rajbhog Distributors GA. Inc. of Tucker GA-30084 is recalling 1467  packets of Jalebi because it may contain undeclared Almond pcs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to Almonds run the risk of serious or life- threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

These Jalebi packets (Code number-P026 and P027) were distributed to the grocery stores located in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It might have reached the consumers through retail stores.

These products can be identified by visibly looking at the Jalebi packets packed in clear containers as Almonds are used as a toppings to garnish the Indian sweet, Jalebi.

As of today, there has not been single complaint reported.

This problem was highlighted by FDA inspectors while inspecting our food distribution facility. The problem was caused due to recent change in the packing of the product to enhance the appearance of the product.

The consumers who have purchased clear containers of Rajbhog brand Jalebi are urged to return to the place of purchase for a full refund.

The consumers with questions may contact the above company at (678) 924-1440 from Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Consumers Contact:

(678) 924-1440

Media Contact:

Rupesh Bhatt
(678) 924-1440
Fax – (678) 924-1441

Source: FDA

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Rite Aid Foundation rolls out new program on reducing drug accessibility, medication misuse and accidental poisoning among children

Law Enforcement Agencies in Communities Served by Rite Aid Can Now Apply Online to Receive a Free Safe Medication Disposal Unit

Camp Hill, Pa., 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Rite Aid Foundation announced today  (Aug. 30, 2017) the rollout of its KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, a new program focused on reducing drug accessibility, medication misuse and accidental poisoning among children and adolescents. Funded by The Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program, the program provides law enforcement agencies in communities served by Rite Aid with free medication disposal units for individuals to safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Jocelyn Konrad, U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Spokane Mayor David Condon and Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl will officially launch the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program at a press conference today at 10:30 a.m. at the Spokane Police Department’s Downtown Precinct at 221 W. First Ave.

“Through KidCents and by working with local law enforcement agencies, we’ve come up with a solution to help address drug abuse and accidental poisonings, both of which pose a serious threat to the health, safety and well-being of our nation’s young people,” said Rite Aid Executive Vice President of Pharmacy Jocelyn Konrad. “Initial feedback from law enforcement agencies in our pilot markets has been positive and we continue to see strong interest in our program. We look forward to partnering with law enforcement agencies to bring disposal units to the communities we serve, truly delivering on The Rite Aid Foundation’s mission of improving the health and wellbeing of kids.”

“The cycle of addiction and drug abuse is heartbreaking. It’s something I continue to hear about as I meet with people all across Eastern Washington,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05). “No one can fight this battle alone-nor should they have to. Solving this problem in our community will take the collaboration of local government, law enforcement, and outreach and advocacy groups. I applaud The Rite Aid Foundation for developing the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program and bringing it here to Spokane to help fight back against addiction and drug abuse in our community.”

As part of The Rite Aid Foundation’s initial rollout of the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, the Spokane Police Department received three medication disposal units, which are located inside the Public Safety Building at 1100 West Mallon Ave., the Spokane Police North Precinct at 5124 North Market St., and the Spokane Police Downtown Precinct at 221 W. First Ave. The units are available during business hours for people to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

“Enhancing community safety has been a critical focus, and with Chief Meidl, we’ve worked hard to improve the quality of life for Spokane residents,” said Spokane Mayor David Condon. “The fact that The Rite Aid Foundation chose Spokane to officially launch its Safe Medication Disposal Program is a testament to the tremendous progress we’ve made so far in making Spokane safer, smarter and healthier.”

“Providing our residents with places to easily and safely dispose of unused medication is one more way we can fight drug abuse in our city and ultimately, make Spokane a safer place,” said Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl. “We are proud to partner with KidCents and The Rite Aid Foundation to create a safer environment for our children, families and community.”

Currently, more than 40 law enforcement agencies across the country participate in the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, with 76 units available in 14 states.

Any law enforcement agency located in a community served by Rite Aid can now apply to participate in the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program. Selected law enforcement agencies will receive high-quality, stainless steel medication disposal units to keep in their locations, as well as initial start-up supplies. In addition, shipping, delivery, and installation is free. To apply, visit www.riteaid.com/meddisposal.

In addition to the KidCents Safe Medication Disposal Program, Rite Aid has also added resources on drug safety and disposal to www.riteaid.com. Visitors can search for a disposal site in their community, learn how to properly dispose of medication at home, access resources provided by the Food and Drug Administration and the Drug Enforcement Agency and find information on treatment for drug abuse and addiction. In communities with KidCents Safe Medication Disposal units, Rite Aid pharmacies in the surrounding area have brochures that list the locations of participating police departments.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with more than 4,500 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2017 annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

Contact:
Ashley Flower
717-975-571

Source: Rite Aid

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Dollar Tree to participate in the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference on September 6, 2017

CHESAPEAKE, Va., 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollar Tree, Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR), North America’s leading operator of discount variety stores, today (August 30, 2017) announced its participation in the Goldman Sachs Global Retailing Conference on September 6, 2017. Gary Philbin, Enterprise President, Kevin Wampler, Chief Financial Officer, and Randy Guiler, Vice President – Investor Relations, will attend this conference.

The Company’s presentation will begin at 3:10 p.m. ET on September 6, 2017. A webcast of the presentation will be available on the Company’s website at http://www.dollartreeinfo.com/investors/news/events/, and an archive of the webcast will be accessible for fourteen days.

Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, now operates more than 14,000 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

Contact:
Randy Guiler
757-321-5284
Vice President, Investor Relations
www.DollarTree.com

Source: Dollar Tree, Inc.

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Harris Teeter launches donation card campaign to support United Way

Harris Teeter launches donation card campaign to support United Way

 

Shoppers and Associates can Donate $1, $3 or $5 at Checkout

Matthews, NC, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Aug. 30, 2017), Harris Teeter launched a donation card campaign to support United Way, an organization creating long lasting change for those most in need through strategic community philanthropy.

Aug. 30, 2017 – Sept. 29, 2017, Harris Teeter customers will be invited to make a $1, $3 or $5 donation to United Way at checkout.  In 2016, Harris Teeter raised more than $458,000 for local United Way chapters as part of this campaign.

“Harris Teeter has a long-standing relationship with the United Way, and we are proud to lend them our support again this year,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter.  “We are so thankful for the participation of our valued associates and loyal shoppers in helping us to raise funds and awareness for our local communities.”

Focusing on education, health, financial stability and basic needs, United Way works to create an environment of opportunity where thousands of families in neighborhoods across our area can have a chance for a better life.

United Way’s network of partners works collaboratively to provide comprehensive and coordinated services to achieve the best possible result. Education programs support early childhood literacy, tutoring initiatives, mentoring, and family support initiatives that provide important life navigation for students and their families.

All funds collected at checkout will remain local, as donations are given to the United Way chapter in the community nearest to the Harris Teeter at which the money was donated.

To learn more about United Way, please visit www.unitedway.org.

Source: Harris Teeter

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Del Taco Restaurants announces the addition of its newest premium offering, Queso Blanco

BRAND INTRODUCES NEW QUESO CRUNCH TACO AS FOLLOW UP TO SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF THE DEL TACO

Lake Forest, CA, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: TACO), the nation’s second leading Mexican quick service restaurant* (MQSR), today (August 29, 2017 ) announced the addition of its newest premium offering,Queso Blanco. Made with real cheese, real milk, jalapeños and heavy cream, Del Taco’s smooth and creamyQueso Blanco will be served at the company’s more than 550 restaurants nationwide beginning Thursday, August 31.

“With no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, Queso Blanco will replace Del Taco’s nacho cheese, a step that aligns with Del Taco’s guest promise to serve quality and flavorful menu items at an unbeatable value,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer.“With the introduction of the New Queso Crunch Taco, we’ve taken our most successful product introduction – The Del Taco – and wrapped it in a warm flour tortilla filled with Queso,” Westrum adds. “Queso Blanco represents Del Taco’s continued innovation within the premium ingredient space, a strategy that has led to strong results for the brand.”

Combined with Del Taco’sfresh ingredients, such as hand-grated cheddar cheese, handmade pico de gallo, hand-sliced avocado and slow-cooked beans made from scratch, Queso Blanco will be featured in the following menu items:

– Queso Crunch Taco: Our Del Taco – acrunchy taco shelllayered with seasoned beef, crisp lettuce, hand-grated cheddar cheese and fresh diced tomatoes – wrapped in a warm flour tortilla with a layer of creamy Queso Blanco in between.
– Queso Loaded Nachos: Fresh house-made tortilla chips, loaded with slow-cooked beans made from scratch, creamyQueso Blanco, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, cool sour cream and your choice of seasoned beef, fresh grilled chicken, or fresh grilled carne asada.
– Queso Bean Burrito: Slow-cooked beans made from scratch, creamyQueso Blanco and freshly hand-grated cheddar cheese all rolled up in a warm flour tortilla.
– Queso Fries: Del Taco’s famous Crinkle-Cut fries smothered in creamyQueso Blanco and topped with fresh hand-grated cheddar cheese.
– Chips &Queso Dip: Fresh house-made tortilla chips served with a side of creamyQueso Blanco.

In addition to the menu offerings above, guests can add Queso Blanco to any item for just 50 cents.**
*By number of units
** Price and participation may vary

About Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.
Del Taco (NASDAQ: TACO) offers a unique variety of both Mexican and American favorites such as burritos and fries, prepared fresh in every restaurant’s working kitchen with the value and convenience of a drive-thru. Del Taco’s menu items taste better because they are made with quality ingredients like freshly grated cheddar, hand-chopped pico de gallo, sliced avocado, slow-cooked beans made from scratch, and fresh-grilled marinated chicken and carne asada. The brand’s UnFreshing Believable® campaign further communicates Del Taco’s commitment to provide guests with the best quality and value for their money. Founded in 1964, today Del Taco serves more than three million guests each week at its more than 550 restaurants across 15 states. For more information, visit www.deltaco.com.

Media Contact:
Joshua Levitt
Canvas Blue
949-981-0757
jlevitt@canvasblue.com

Source: Del Taco Restaurants, Inc.

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Wawa & The Wawa Foundation launches in-store crisis campaign to support Hurricane Harvey relief assistance

Chain-Wide Fundraising Effort to Benefit American Red Cross Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief

Wawa, Pa., 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wawa, Inc. and The Wawa Foundation Inc. today (Aug. 29, 2017)  announced the launch of a chain-wide, in-store crisis campaign, designed to provide disaster relief assistance to those communities most affected by Hurricane Harvey. The campaign is being held in partnership with the American Red Cross and allows customers to help contribute to Hurricane Harvey disaster relief by adding $1, $3, or $5 to their Wawa purchase at checkout.

“Wawa has always had a strong commitment to providing crisis response and assisting those in need, and we’ve been partnering with the American Red Cross in these kinds of efforts for decades,” said Chris Gheysens, Wawa’s CEO. “We have a long history of supporting the Red Cross that includes providing aid for Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina and Rita, and the Midwestern Floods, the Asian Tsunamis, September 11, the Haitian relief effort and Hurricane Sandy. We are committed to doing everything we can to assist in this ongoing disaster.”

All donations made through The Wawa Foundation’s campaign will be donated to the Red Cross and will be designated specifically for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts. These funds will be used to help the Red Cross provide immediate and vital support to those communities suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey.

The Wawa Foundation will match the first $50,000 of all customer donations during the campaign. The campaign will run from August 30 through Sept. 8 in all of Wawa’s over 760 stores throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

“We want to do everything we can to support our friends and neighbors in this time of need,” said Jay Culotta, President of The Wawa Foundation. “We are constantly overwhelmed by the concern and generosity of our customers and associates, who realize that through a small donation, they can help make a huge difference.”

“Thanks to the generosity of donors such as Wawa and The Wawa Foundation, the Red Cross is able to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey with food, shelter and the necessary humanitarian supplies to ensure people are safe,” said Don Herring, Chief
Development Officer at the American Red Cross. “We are so grateful for the support of The Wawa Foundation, Wawa and their customers as we work together to provide hope and help to people in need.”

About Wawa, Inc.
Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and “certified” process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, George’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for fresh, built-to-order foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs. In 2015, Wawa was named “America’s Most Beloved Convenience Store” by a Market Force study of 7,000 consumers, and in 2016 and 2017 Wawa was recognized in Forbes as one of America’s Best Large Employers, a survey-based ranking of employers offering the best associate experiences and strongest opportunities. A chain of more than 760 convenience retail stores (550 offering gasoline), Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.

About The Wawa Foundation
The Wawa Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Wawa, Inc. to support the company’s charitable giving and philanthropic activities, and ultimately to help build stronger communities. The Wawa Foundation focuses its support on organizations committed to health, hunger and everyday heroes through local, state and national grants and / or in-store fundraising, such as, donation boxes and point-of-purchase scan materials.

Contact:
public.relations@wawa.com

Source: WAWA Inc.

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Kum & Go opens its newest store in Ames, Iowa

New store on Lincoln Way features fresh food and a variety of fuel options

Ames, IA, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kum & Go opens the doors Thursday, August 31, at 6 a.m. to its newest store in Ames, Iowa, at 4506 Lincoln Way. The 6,000+-square foot store will focus on fresh food and features a variety of unique offerings. To help encourage customers to try those offerings, the first 99 customers will receive a coupon for a 99-cent whole pizza!

A key feature of the store is an expanded and open food preparation area that customers can see from the moment they enter. Other location features include:

  • Elevated food experience with Kum & Go’s “Go Fresh Market”
  • Open kitchen layout, clear aisles and easy-to-navigate zones
  • Expansive beer cave and Growler station featuring fresh beer on tap, many from local breweries:
    • Toppling Goliath Pompeii
    • Confluence Des Moines IPA
    • Confluence Oktoberfest
    • Firetrucker Uptown IPA
    • Twisted Vine Twisted Blonde Ale
    • Exile Ruthie
    • Schlafly Pumpkin Ale
    • Boone Valley Brewing Roxie Irish Red
  • Custom Ampersand sculpture celebrating the sights and attractions of the Ames community.
  • Seating inside and patio seating outside
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations for customers
  • Design using energy efficient and sustainable design practices

“This footprint represents everything that Kum & Go strives to be for our associates and for our customers,” said Kum & Go president and CEO Kyle J. Krause. “This is the evolution of our brand promise and business approach. Now customers can truly experience the “more” that we provide.”

The store will be open 24 hours a day. The phone number to the store is 515-292-9416. The phone number to the food area is 515-292-4368.

Kum & Go operates 8 stores in the Ames area, and 131 in the state of Iowa. Future locations of this food-focused layout are planned for 2017 in Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

About Kum & Go, L.C.

For nearly 60 years, Kum & Go has been dedicated to the communities it serves, sharing 10 percent of its profits with charitable causes. For four generations the family-owned convenience store chain has focused on providing exceptional service and delivering more than customers expect. Established in Hampton, Iowa, in 1959, the chain has since grown to employ more than 5,000 associates in more than 400 stores in 11 states (Iowa, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristie Bell
Director of Communications
Kum & Go
kristie.bell@kumandgo.com
515-457-6266 (office)

Source: Kum & Go

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RUSSIA: Lenta announces the opening of its third hypermarket in Orenburg

St. Petersburg, Russia, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lenta, (LSE, MOEX: LNTA) one of the largest retail chains in Russia, is pleased to announce the opening of its third hypermarket in Orenburg.

The new store is a Lenta supercompact format hypermarket located at 51 Chkalova street, Orenburg. The store has a total area of 5,200 sq.m with 2,885 sq.m of selling space and is open from 8.00 am till 11.00 pm, seven days a week. A broad product assortment of 12,500 SKUs has been selected specifically for residents of Orenburg and includes Lenta’s private labels and federal product ranges alongside local produce. The store has 300 parking spaces and 18 cash registers including 4 self-checkout lanes. The property is owned by Lenta.

This opening in Orenburg is Lenta’s sixth hypermarket opening in 2017 and brings the total number of Lenta stores to 197 hypermarkets in 79 cities across Russia and 61 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and the Central region.

About Lenta

Lenta is the largest hypermarket chain in Russia (in terms of selling space) and the country’s fourth largest retail chain (in terms of sales as of 1Q2017). The Company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. Lenta operates 197 hypermarkets in 79 cities across Russia and 61 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and the Central region with a total of approximately 1,181,834 sq.m of selling space. The average Lenta hypermarket store has selling space of approximately 5,700 sq.m. The average Lenta supermarket store has selling space of approximately 900 sq.m. The Company operates seven owned distribution centres.

The Company’s price-led hypermarket formats are differentiated in terms of their promotion and pricing strategies as well as their local product assortment. The Company employed approximately 45,689 people as of 31 December 20161.

The Company’s management team combines a mix of local knowledge and international expertise coupled with extensive operational experience in Russia. Lenta’s largest shareholders include TPG Capital and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, both of which are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance. Lenta is listed on the London Stock Exchange and on the Moscow Exchange and trades under the ticker: ‘LNTA’.

A brief video summary on Lenta’s business and its Big Data initiative can be seen here.

For further information please visit www.lentainvestor.com

Contact:

Lenta
Тel:+7 (812) 336 39 97
E-mail: pr@lenta.com

FTI Consulting:
Anton Karpov & Victoria Afonina
Тel:+7 495 795 06 23
E-mail: lenta@FTIconsulting.com

Source: Lenta

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Lenta Ltd 1H2017 IFRS Financial Results: Total sales grew 16.7% to RUB 163.5bn (1H 2016: RUB 140.1bn)

St. Petersburg, Russia, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lenta Ltd (“Lenta” or the “Company”), one of the largest retail chains in Russia, today (30 August 2017) announces its reviewed consolidated IFRS results for the half year ending 30 June 2017.

1H 2017 Financial Highlights:

  • Total sales grew 16.7% to RUB 163.5bn (1H 2016: RUB 140.1bn);
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of RUB 15.6bn, up 14.2% (1H 2016: RUB 13.7bn) with a margin of 9.6% (1H 2016: 9.8%);
  • Gross margin of 21.7% (-0.15 p.p vs. 1H 2016) decreased as better supplier terms, supply chain improvements, shrinkage and more efficient in-store production were offset by investments in prices and a one-off effect of around Rub 0.9bn as a result of the new Trade Law;
  • SG&A rose to 15.9% of sales (+0.4 p.p vs. 1H 2016) despite continuing successful productivity measures in the like-for-like stores, due to combined effects of the high number of new stores in the ramp-up phase, rise in depreciation and increases in utility and communal costs;
  • Capital expenditures of RUB 10.0bn, a decrease of 38.3% compared to 1H 2016 (RUB 16.1bn) linked to lower investments in land acquisition and hypermarket construction;
  • Net cash generated from operating activities, before net interest and income taxes paid, of RUB 7.3bn compared to RUB 7.2bn in 1H 2016 (an increase of 1.7%);
  • Net interest expenses of RUB 5.4bn, an increase of 21.3% compared to 1H 2016 (RUB 4.5bn) primarily due to higher amount of borrowings not compensated by lower cost of debt;
  • Net Profit2 of RUB 4.5bn, up 3.8% (1H 2016: RUB 4.3bn) with a margin of 2.7%; and
  • Net Debt of RUB 98.3bn as of 30 June 2017 (Net debt/Adjusted EBITDA of 2.9x).

1H 2017 Operational Highlights:

  • Four hypermarkets and 11 supermarkets opened during the first half of 2017;
  • Total store count reached 254 stores as at 30 June 2017, comprising 195 hypermarkets and 59 supermarkets;
  • Total selling space increased to 1,173,416 sq.m as at 30 June 2017 (+27.1% vs. 30 June 2016);
  • Like-for-like (“LFL”)3 sales growth of (1.8%) vs 1H 2016;
  • LFL average ticket increased by 0.6%;
  • LFL traffic growth of (2.4%);
  • Number of active loyalty cardholders4 increased to 11.5m (+23% y-o-y) with approximately 94% of transactions in the second quarter made using the loyalty card.

Material events during and after the reported period:

  • In May Lenta completed placement of Rub 5.0bn 3-years bonds with semi-annual coupon and an interest rate of 8.7%;
  • The Company issued 98,217 new ordinary shares (491,085 GDRs) under Management Incentive Program (MIP) and Long-Term Incentive Program (LTIP)5. As a result share capital increased to 97,416,963 shares (487,084,815 GDRs);
  • Lenta signed an agreement to lease 14 hypermarkets in Moscow and Russian regions currently operated under the NASH brand; and
  • Analytical credit rating agency (ACRA) assigned Lenta a rating of A+ (RUB). The outlook on the rating is “Stable”.

Lenta’s Chief Executive Officer, Jan Dunning said:
“Lenta’s results demonstrate the Company’s ability to combine strong profitability with rapid growth despite the challenging macro and consumer environment. We adapted well to recent regulatory changes and managed to achieve an improvement of underlying profitability and cash generation, excluding the one-off effects of the new Trade Law.

We have made good progress in developing our organic pipeline and also signed an agreement to lease 14 former ‘Nash’ hypermarkets, including 7 hypermarkets in Moscow. This will significantly strengthen our position in the strategic Moscow market and is complimentary for our expansion in other regions. As a result we have upgraded our store opening guidance to about 40 hypermarkets in 2017 while adjusting our opening schedule which enables the larger number of new hypermarkets without increasing capex guidance for the year”.

1 Adjusted EBITDA is reported EBITDA as set out in Note 3 of the IFRS financial statements adjusted for non-recurring one-off items such as changes in accounting estimates and one-off non-operating costs and income
2 Net Profit equates to “Profit for the period” in the attached IFRS Financial Statements
3 Lenta’s stores are included in the LFL store base starting 12 months after the end of the month they are opened
4 Cardholders who made at least 2 purchases at Lenta during the 12 months to 30 June 2017 are considered active
5 31,744 shares (158,720 GDRs) under LTIP are held as treasury shares

Source: Lenta

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Barnes & Noble announces a star-studded event lineup for the month of September

Fans Can Visit Barnes & Noble and Meet the A-List Personalities They Love Including Bestselling Authors, Famous Politicians, Major News Reporters, and More 

New York, New York, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest bookseller, today (August 30, 2017) announced a star-studded event lineup for the month of September to kick off the fall in a big way, featuring bestselling authors, famous politicians, major news reporters, and more. Throughout the month of September, fans will have the exciting opportunity to stop by Barnes & Noble and meet the well-known personalities they love including Hillary Rodham Clinton, Megyn Kelly, Savannah Guthrie, James Patterson, and many more big names. Customers should visit the Barnes & Noble Store Locator for more details on each event.

Below is a list of some of the major events taking place at Barnes & Noble stores nationwide this September:

  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Mycroft Homes and The Apocalypse Handbook, Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles, September 28 at 7 PM.
  • Hillary Rodham Clinton, What Happened, Barnes & Noble Union Square in New York City, September 12 at 11 AM.
  • Harlan Coben, Don’t Let Go, Barnes & Noble in Paramus, NJ, September 25 at 7 PM.
  • Nelson DeMille, The Cuban Affair, Barnes & Noble Upper West Side in New York City, September 18 at 7 PM; Barnes & Noble Country Glen Center in Carle Place, NY, September 22 at 7 PM; Barnes & Noble Lake Sumter Market Square in The Villages, FL, September 27 at 1 PM.
  • Art Garfunkel, What Is It All but Luminous: Notes from an Underground Man, Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue in New York City, September 26 at 12:30 PM.
  • Tess Gerritsen, I Know a Secret: A Rizzoli & Isles Novel, Barnes & Noble in Warwick, RI, September 9 at 7 PM.
  • Savannah Guthrie and Allison Oppenheim, Princesses Wear Pants, Barnes & Noble in Eastchester, NY, September 12 at 4 PM; Barnes & Noble Union Square in New York City, September 16 at 11 AM.
  • J.A. Jance, Proof of Life, Barnes & Noble Eastside in Tucson, AZ, September 17 at 2 PM; Barnes & Noble Lincoln Park in Dallas, TX, September 21 at 7 PM.
  • Megyn Kelly, Settle for More, Barnes & Noble in Princeton, NJ, September 7 at 7 PM.
  • Mike Lupica, Lone Stars, Barnes & Noble in Westport, CT, September 12 at 7 PM.
  • Gucci Mane, The Autobiography of Gucci Mane, Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue in New York City, September 19 at 11:30 AM.
  • James and Susan Patterson, The Store and Big Words for Little Geniuses, Barnes & Noble in Eastchester, NY, September 8 at 7 PM.
  • Maria Sharapova, Unstoppable: My Life So Far, Barnes & Noble Fifth Avenue in New York City, September 12 at 12:30 PM; Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles, CA, September 15 at 7 PM.

Barnes & Noble hosts over 100,000 events annually at its stores across the country. Customers should visit the Barnes & Noble Store Locator for a full list, and stay tuned for the next announcement unveiling the fantastic events lineup for October.

About Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is the world’s largest bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products.  The Company operates 633 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com).  The Nook Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK® tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4.5 million digital books in the US (www.nook.com), plus periodicals and comics, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps™ available for Android™, iOS® and Windows®.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained by visiting the Company’s corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Barnes & Noble®, Barnes & Noble Booksellers® and Barnes & Noble.com® are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. or its affiliates. NOOK® and the NOOK logos are trademarks of Nook Digital, LLC or its affiliates.

For more information on Barnes & Noble, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat (bnsnaps), and like us on Facebook. For more information on NOOK, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

All Contacts:
Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

Alan McNamara
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3379
amcnamara@bn.com

Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc.

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LCP appoints Julian Diamond as new retail director

LCP appoints Julian Diamond as new retail director

 

London, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — LCP, the leading investment and property management company, has announced the appointment of a new retail director.

Julian Diamond joined LCP in 2004 as an asset manager at the company’s Millbank office in London, where he had responsibility for a mixed portfolio of retail, office and industrial premises in the South East of England and in Scotland.

With a promotion to LCP’s senior management team, Julian will play a central role in ensuring sustainability and income generation for the properties within LCP’s growing retail property portfolio, and will also manage and develop relationships with retailers.

He said: “I’m excited by the challenges of being a director at LCP, which continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in its property portfolio and actively managing its assets.

“I’m looking forward to playing a significant role in the company’s continued expansion and working closely with our partners. Since the beginning of 2017, we have focused particularly on Scotland and have opened our first management office in Glasgow with great success. That office is about to expand further both in size and personnel.”

Nick Burgess, managing director of LCP, said: “Over the past 13 years, Julian has been an exemplary asset manager at LCP and his appointment to director is in recognition of his commitment and achievements over that time.”

Contact:

Julian Diamond
jdiamond@lcpproperties.co.uk  
020 7233 5255

Source: LCP

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Bon-Ton Stores invites local non-profit groups to participate in its Community Days fundraiser

Bon-Ton Stores invites local non-profit groups to participate in its Community Days fundraiser

 

Local Groups and Schools can Raise Funds by Selling Special Savings Booklets

MILWAUKEE, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: BONT), which operates Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Bergner’s, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers stores, invites local non-profit groups to participate in the company’s Community Days fundraiser. Organizations and school groups are invited to sign up now at communitydayevent.com to begin raising money by selling savings booklets in their neighborhoods and online to benefit their organization.

Since 1999, this signature event has helped thousands of local non-profit 501(c) (3) groups and schools raise more than $142 million to support local community initiatives. In 2016, Community Days groups raised $8.9 million dollars during this semi-annual event with dollars raised directly impacting their organizations and local community. Non-profit groups participating have ranged in focus from education, health and environmental causes to arts and culture, animal welfare and many more.

Top 5 benefits for 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations and school groups who participate:

  1. It’s Risk-free. All materials are provided to organizations at no cost.
  2. For just a $5 donation, donors receive a $500 savings booklet, including a $10 off coupon!
  3. 100% of the $5 booklet fee collected is retained by the participating organization.
  4. Groups of any size, big or small, can participate and help fulfill their fundraising goals.
  5. Donors can buy online!  Groups can choose to participate by using a personalized online selling link provided for use in social media, email or website. Booklets ship with free delivery.

Community Days savings booklets can be used in all Bon-Ton, Boston Store, Bergner’s, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s or Younkers stores or online from Wednesday, November 8 through Saturday, November 11.

Organizations that have participated in the Community Days program have had this to say about their involvement:

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Stillwater, MN
“We have just sent the last check we raised for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, bringing our fundraising total to $2,365.  That’s enough to cover a week of funding for research in children’s cancer treatments. Participating in the Community Days event triggered a large grant from someone who purchased a booklet at the local Herberger’s store.”

Ebony Ice Ski Club, Milwaukee, WI
“A big shout-out to Boston Store and the Community Days Event Fundraiser!  Last year we raised more than $1,200 to support Ebony Ice Ski Club!  We are a non-profit club and this is our annual fundraising event which helps reach our goal to make the activities affordable to all. Thanks for keeping our club cruising down the slopes!  Our goal this year is $2,000!”

Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA), Erie, PA
“Our MOVE program volunteers from Erie Homes for Children and Adults love greeting people at the mall. The coupon booklets they sell help provide music, games, and art supplies at their MOVE studio in our community. Thank you for your support!”

Brain Injury Resource Center of Wisconsin, Waukesha, WI
“Being part of the Community Days event not only provides a means to support our organization, but it allows us to participate in active community outreach. We have encountered many individuals and families that are living with the reality of brain injury. Being able to connect on a one-to-one basis helps them know they are not in this alone.”

LoveWorks Ministries, Cranberry, PA
“This was our first time participating in the Community Days event. It was such a great opportunity for LoveWorks Ministries to share with other organizations to raise funds for a worthy cause. We are indeed & truly grateful we were selected to participate in Community Days.”

IMPRUVE, Chicago, IL
“Carson’s in Ford City provides a great fun raising and fundraising experience for PWDs (Persons who are disabled). Carson’s Community Days gave IMPRUVE seed money to reboot our Rider-Driver Alliance and Paratransit Minuteman Campaign. We exceeded our original goal and the new volunteers loved the experience.”

Boy Scout Troop 912, Bloomington, IL
“Community Days allows Boy Scout Troop 912 to earn money to use toward scouting events and equipment and learn financial responsibility. The scouts keep 100% of what they earn by selling Community Days booklets. The earnings are placed in their individual “Scout savings” accounts. They can then leverage that money to pay for campouts, summer camp, high adventure camps, yearly Scout dues and even some scouting equipment such as a new tent. It is an excellent way to help them cover the cost of scouting.”

About The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. 
The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc., with corporate headquarters in York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, operates 260 stores, which includes 9 furniture galleries and four clearance centers, in 24 states in the Northeast, Midwest and upper Great Plains under the Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s and Younkers nameplates. The stores offer a broad assortment of national and private brand fashion apparel and accessories for women, men and children, as well as cosmetics and home furnishings. The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc. is an active and positive participant in the communities it serves. For further information, please visit thebontonstoresinc.com or the company’s web site at bonton.com. Join the conversation and be inspired by following Bon-Ton on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

SOURCE: The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

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L’Oréal Middle East opens NYX Professional Makeup boutique at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Mall

L’Oréal Middle East opens NYX Professional Makeup boutique at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Mall

 

Celebrating the NYX Professional Makeup culture of experimentation, fun and bold pigments in the heart of the UAE

Kuwait, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — L’Oréal Middle East, in partnership with M.H. Alshaya Co., opened the first NYX Professional Makeup boutique to the Middle East, just in time for the Eid holidays. The boutique store, located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Mall, is set to offer the region’s makeup lovers around 2,000 affordable professional makeup products, in a vast range of colors and shades.

The store celebrates the bold experimental fashion and digital-first approach that is a hallmark of the NYX Professional Makeup brand. The space combines digital technology with an educative environment for makeup fans through interactive stations for tutorials, look books and, inspiration from their favorite stars.

“A unique professional range continuously infused with bold trendy collections and a brave digital community are hallmarks of NYX Professional Makeup. Our accessible price meets the appetite of makeup lovers who aren’t satisfied with conventional ideas. Our millennial audience is made of digitally-forward makeup enthusiasts who are always looking for new inspiration online. They want to express themselves and constantly try out new looks. We’re giving them the tools to experiment, and are creating a space where they can learn, engage and have fun,” said Thierry Houssin, Managing Director of L’Oreal Middle East.

The new boutique reflects the community spirit of the NYX Professional Makeup story. The makeup brand started in 1999, and quickly became an underground phenomenon favored by makeup artists, professionals, and people wanting an innovative palette to experiment with. NYX Professional Makeup’s reputation grew through word of mouth till it exploded onto the international scene. Today, the brand is available at thousands of retailers in over 70 countries. From carefully blended tones to deliciously bright contrasts, the NYX Professional Makeup offers a palette of classic, seasonal and on-trend cosmetics.

“The NYX Professional Makeup community is often self-taught, and inspired by stars and other professionals. We’ve created a location where this inspiration can continue. The NYX Professional Makeup store encourages everyday artistry and experimentation by putting techniques and tools directly into the hands of shoppers, and supporting them with new digital technology features,” adds Houssin.

“We’re extremely excited about the opening of the first NYX boutique store in the Middle East. We’re committed to offering our shoppers across the region the widest choice of shopping and dining options, and we know the NYX brand is going to be hugely popular with our beauty-savvy customers,” said Daniel Ritchie, Vice President of Premium Cosmetics at M.H. Alshaya Co.

The launch festivities for the Al Wahda Mall store will be punctuated by a line-up of surprises, activities and meet and greets with top Arab celebrities, fashion influencers and makeup artists from around the region.

Contact:

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

Source: M.H. Alshaya Co.

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USDA provides users with new information on food safety recalls with the update on its FoodKeeper app

WASHINGTON, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today (August 29, 2017) announced new updates to its popular FoodKeeper application that will provide users with new information on food safety recalls. The app has been updated so users can choose to receive automatic notifications when food safety recalls are announced by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In the update posted to the Google Play and iTunes stores, users can select to receive information on food safety recalls immediately when they’re announced or select to receive them daily or weekly. The update also adds instructional videos on proper handling and storage of food, and expands the list of food and beverage products from about 400 to more than 500 items.

“This is a great way for the public to stay informed when food is recalled,” said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Carmen Rottenberg. “The FoodKeeper app is a very handy and easy to use tool; and it reflects USDA’s commitment to provide the public with information and knowledge to help them make informed decisions.”

The FoodKeeper app was developed by FSIS in partnership with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute, as a tool to help reduce food waste and improve public health by sharing storage methods that extend the shelf life of the foods and beverages in American homes. It now offers specific storage timelines for the refrigerator, freezer and pantry, for more than 500 products, including various types of baby food, dairy products and eggs, meat, poultry, produce, seafood and more. Since it was launched in April 2015, it has been downloaded nearly 150,000 times.

“These updates to the FoodKeeper are just one more example of FSIS’ commitment to reducing the rates of foodborne illness nationally,” said Rottenberg. “We want to make sure the valuable recall information FSIS and FDA publish is available to as many Americans as possible. With the expansion of products covered in the apps database, this app is helpful to any type of consumer, and I encourage anyone who hasn’t already done so, to download and begin using the FoodKeeper app.”

With the FoodKeeper application, each user can:

  • Find specific storage timelines for the refrigerator, freezer and pantry, depending on the nature of the product;
  • Learn cooking tips and methods for various types of meat, poultry and seafood products;
  • Note in their device’s calendar when products were purchased and receive notifications when they are nearing the end of their recommended storage date;
  • Submit a question to USDA using the ‘Ask Karen’ feature of the application. ‘Ask Karen’ is USDA’s 24/7 virtual representative. The system provides information about preventing foodborne illness, safe food handling and storage, and safe preparation of meat, poultry and egg products;
  • Submit items not included in the database for consideration in future updates;
  • Receive information on food safety recalls immediately when they’re announced or select to receive them daily or weekly.

For those that do not have access to a smartphone, the FoodKeeper app can also be accessed at FoodSafety.gov/FoodKeeper.

NOTE: Access news releases and other information at FSIS’ website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Follow FSIS on Twitter at twitter.com/usdafoodsafety or in Spanish at: twitter.com/usdafoodsafe_es.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Contact:

FSIS Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education
Press (202) 720-9113
Consumer Inquiries (888) 674-6854

Source: USDA

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Ross Stores supports Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts with $400,000 donation to the American Red Cross

DUBLIN, Calif., 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ross Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) today (Aug. 30, 2017) announced a $400,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist with disaster relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana for the thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Harvey.  The Company is also raising additional funds by accepting customer donations to the American Red Cross from August 31st through September 16th at the store registers of its 1,384 Ross Dress for Less® and 205 dd’s DISCOUNTS® locations. Individuals can also choose to make secure online donations to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

The destruction from this storm has been widespread with unprecedented and catastrophic flooding.  The Red Cross is responding to emergency needs in the affected areas by providing meals and shelter for victims.

Barbara Rentler, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Ross Stores is committed to helping those in need, especially in the local communities where we operate our stores. We offer our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts to everyone who has been impacted by this devastating storm.”

About Ross Stores:

Ross Stores, Inc. is an S&P 500, Fortune 500, and Nasdaq 100 (ROST) company headquartered in Dublin, California, with fiscal 2016 revenues of $12.9 billion.  The Company operates Ross Dress for Less® (“Ross”), the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with 1,384 locations in 37 states, the District of Columbia and Guam as of July 29, 2017. Ross offers first-quality, in-season, name brand and designer apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 60% off department and specialty store regular prices every day. The Company also operates 205 dd’s DISCOUNTS® in 16 states as of July 29, 2017 that feature a more moderately-priced assortment of first-quality, in-season, name brand apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 70% off moderate department and discount store regular prices every day. Additional information is available at www.rossstores.com.

Contact:
Michael Hartshorn
Group Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
(925) 965-4503

Connie Kao
Vice President
Investor & Media Relations
(925) 965-4668
connie.kao@ros.com

SOURCE: Ross Stores, Inc.

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Lindex offers customers smarter and more convenient shopping experience with new mobile app

Lindex offers customers smarter and more convenient shopping experience with new mobile app

 

Sweden, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lindex releases a mobile app to offer their customers a smarter and more convenient shopping experience. With key features such as Instagram integration, inspiration feed, order management and access to current offers, the goal is an inspiring and personalized shopping service. The initiative is part of the fashion company’s commitment to making it easy for customers to be inspired and to shop wherever they are.

A central part for the development process has been to understand and customize the app according to customer needs. The app offers an omnichannel experience with features that are linked both to Lindex’s digital and physical stores. For example, the customer in store can scan products for more product information or information about availability in stores. The service also offers the customer the opportunity to prepare their shopping in the app but to complete their purchase in store or at lindex.com.

The number of customers shopping via mobile has grown rapidly in recent years, and the app will be central in offering an inspiring and user-friendly shopping experience for our customers. During development, we have received very positive feedback from pilot users and we have high expectations of how the app will be received by our customers,  says Linda Johansson, Project Manager at Lindex.

The app is adapted to Lindex’s active customers, i.e. customers who have been shopping online during the last year or who are members of the Lindex loyalty club ‘More at Lindex’, which has a total of four million members, of which about two million in Sweden.

The application is developed with the Xamarin framework to create an unified platform experience regardless of operating system. The app is optimized for smartphones and is available for both iPhone and Android. It can be downloaded in Norway and Sweden on App Store and Google Play.

During the development process, Lindex has collaborated with DigitasLBi and Bitzeal.

Source: Lindex

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NEUES FORMAT «MICASA HOME» ZIEHT IN DIE CITY EIN

Zürich, Switzerland, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Am 31. August eröffnet im Einkaufszentrum Migros City an der Löwenstrasse der erste «Micasa home» der Migros Zürich. Das Format rund ums Einrichten bietet Services nach Mass und ein saisonal wechselndes Sortiment an Wohnzubehör und -accessoires.

Viel Neues an der Löwenstrasse: Im Einkaufszentrum Migros City wird vom Unter-geschoss bis in den ersten Stock eifrig umgebaut. Bestehende Läden stellen um, neue Mieter ziehen ein und das Migros-Format «Micasa home» feiert Premiere. Im ersten Obergeschoss – am Standort des ehemaligen Outdoor by SportXX – eröffnet am 31. August der erste «Micasa home» der Migros Zürich.

Das Format «Micasa home» entwickelte die Migros Luzern 2012. In der Innerschweiz, im Mythen Center in Ibach-Schwyz, eröffnete die erste Filiale, es folgte Ende 2012 die zweite im Surseepark. Der dritte Standort steht seit 2015 im Ostschweizer Rheinpark in Margrethen offen. Auch am vierten Standort, in der Migros City, dreht sich natürlich alles rund ums Einrichten. Ob Leinenbettwäsche, verspielte Dekorationsaccessoires oder modernes Geschirr – wer in den eigenen vier Wänden Abwechslung schätzt, fühlt sich im «Micasa home» zuhause. Filialleiterin Heidi Weisskopf preist das breite Sortiment an: «Die Vielfalt an Formen und Farben variiert je nach Saison, inspiriert und macht Lust auf Neues».

Die eigene Kreativität beschränkt sich aber keineswegs auf Wohnzubehör oder Textilien, denn auf einem grossen Bildschirm lässt sich der langersehnte begehbare Kleiderschrank zusammenstellen oder alle Eigenschaften des zukünftigen Esstisches – von der Holzart, über die Masse bis zu den Beinen – auswählen. À propos Masse: Der «Micasa home» geht bei der Fensterdekoration auf jeden Wunsch zentimetergenau ein und schneidert Stoffvorhänge nach Mass, konfektioniert und liefert sie bequem nach Hause. Massarbeit gibt es selbstverständlich auch für Jalousien, Plissees oder Rollos. Und für die Montage ist auf Wunsch ebenfalls gesorgt. Für mehr Wohnlichkeit und trendige Einrichtungsideen ist «Micasa home» die richtige Adresse.

Contact:
Francesco Laratta
Genossenschaft Migros Zürich
Mediensprecher Migros
8021 Zürich
TEL: 058 561 64 62
E-MAIL: francesco.laratta@gmz.migros.ch

Source: Migros

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Vers glutenvrij brood, gewoon bij je supermarkt

Vers glutenvrij brood, gewoon bij je supermarkt

 

Albert Heijn introduceert als eerste supermarkt in Nederland dagvers glutenvrij brood uit speciale bakkerij

Zaandam, Netherlands, 2017-Aug-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — Goed nieuws voor iedereen die uit noodzaak of uit eigen beweging graag glutenvrij eet. Vanaf maandag 4 september kun je elke dag vers glutenvrij brood kopen bij Albert Heijn. Dit verse glutenvrije brood is verrijkt met extra vezels en vrij van zowel tarwe als lactose. Albert Heijn is de eerste supermarkt in Nederland met dagelijks vers gebakken glutenvrij brood. En dat is een verademing want echt vers brood is toch het allerlekkerste.

Vers en vezelrijk
Het glutenvrije brood is vanaf maandag te vinden op de bakkerij-afdeling in de winkels en op ah.nl. Het brood is gemaakt op basis van maïszetmeel, tapiocazetmeel en rijstmeel. Omdat glutenvrij eten en genoeg voedingsvezels binnen krijgen soms lastig kan zijn, bevat het brood minimaal 6 gram vezels per 100 gram brood waardoor het extra vezelrijk is. Lekkere zaden en pitten zorgen voor extra smaak en een bite. Het brood wordt elke dag vers gebakken in een nieuw geopende Nederlandse bakkerij, waar uitsluitend glutenvrije producten worden gemaakt. De gebruikte verpakkingen zijn extra dik en dubbel gesealed, dus ook buiten de bakkerij hoef je niet bang te zijn voor kruisbesmetting. ‘Geen gedoe meer met glutenvrij brood uit de vriezer of zelf bakken, ik kan het nu iedere dag vers halen. Vrienden en familie kunnen nu ook een vers broodje voor mij halen bij de Albert Heijn om de hoek. Dit is een hele mooie ontwikkeling voor iedereen die glutenvrij eet’, aldus Harmke Schippers van Missglutenvrij.nl.

Uitgebreid assortiment
Het assortiment dagvers glutenvrij brood bestaat uit: AH vrij van gluten bruin (€ 2,99), AH vrij van gluten licht meerzaden (€ 2,99), AH vrij van gluten donker meerzaden (€ 2,99), AH vrij van gluten bruine meerzaden bollen 4 stuks (€ 1,99), AH vrij van gluten rozijnenbrood 200 gram (€ 1,99) en AH vrij van gluten cake 250 gram (€ 3,49). Albert Heijn ziet dat steeds meer klanten glutenvrije producten kopen en biedt hen graag de keuze. Daarom breidde de supermarkt in maart dit jaar het hele glutenvrije assortiment al flink uit. Kijk op ah.nl/glutenvrij voor alle 320 glutenvrije producten.

Afdeling mediarelaties:
pers@ah.nl
088 6590 2020

Source: Albert Heijn

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