Monthly Archives: September 2017

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Gap Inc. and Gap Foundation respond to devastations caused by recent natural disasters with increased donation to $2 million

San Francisco, CA, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — In response to the devastation caused recently by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and earthquakes in Mexico, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) and Gap Foundation have increased their total donation to $2 million to address immediate needs and ongoing recovery efforts. The donation includes cash grants from Gap Foundation to on-the-ground relief organizations, donations from Gap Inc. brands towards critical clothing needs, and employee-matched donations.

So far, nearly 100,000 units of clothing have already been delivered to Texas and Florida, with additional clothing donations planned in the coming months. So far, a total of $180,000 has been donated by Gap Inc. employees, which includes company-matched funds.

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix, and Weddington Way brands. Fiscal year 2016 net sales were $15.5 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in more than 90 countries worldwide through about 3,200 company-operated stores, about 450 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

SOURCE: Gap Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT
press@gap.com

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L Brands’ September sales release: broadcast will be available on the internet on Thursday, Oct. 5

COLUMBUS, Ohio, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — In conjunction with L Brands’ sales release, you are invited to listen to a pre-recorded broadcast of the September Sales report. The broadcast will be available on the Internet on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 a.m. ET.

What:   L Brands September Sales Report

When:  7:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017

Where:  https://www.lb.com

How:    Simply log on to the Web at the address above or dial 1-866-639-7583.

There is no security passcode.

To access the broadcast, click on the September Sales webcast link on the homepage.  The call will also be archived on https://www.lb.com.

ABOUT L BRANDS:
L Brands, through Victoria’s Secret, PINK, Bath & Body Works, La Senza and Henri Bendel, is an international company.  The company operates 3,080 company-owned specialty stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Greater China, and its brands are sold in more than 800 additional franchised locations worldwide.  The company’s products are also available online at www.VictoriasSecret.com, www.BathandBodyWorks.com, www.HenriBendel.com and www.LaSenza.com.

Tammy Roberts Myers
Vice President, Communications
614-415-7072 tel.

Amie Preston
Chief Investor Relations Officer
614-415-6704 tel.

SOURCE:  L Brands
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Toys“R”Us partners with Mirakl to support the creation of new online marketplace for Toys“R”Us® and Babies“R”Us®

Wayne, NJ, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Toys“R”Us, Inc. today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Mirakl, the leading global marketplace solutions provider, to support the creation of a new online marketplace for the Toys“R”Us® and Babies“R”Us®businesses in the United States and Canada. The platform, set to launch in 2018, will enable Toys“R”Us to increase its product selection and decrease time to market for new merchandise, as part of the company’s commitment to serve its customers whenever, wherever and however they want to shop.

“As the leading toy and baby retailer, customers expect us to have the latest and greatest assortment of products available. The marketplace model provides the opportunity to accomplish just that,” said Lance Wills, TRU Global Chief Technology Officer. “We look forward to working with Mirakl, and its experienced team, to bring this user-friendly shopping option to our customers.”

Beyond enhancing its breadth and depth of selection, the online marketplace will allow Toys“R”Us to leverage data from third-party products and sellers to identify potential, new retail partners and influence the company’s in-store offerings.

“When we met with the Toys“R”Us team, it was evident they have a clear vision for the future of their business,” said Adrien Nussenbaum, U.S. CEO and co-founder, Mirakl. “We are confident in our ability to support their growth objectives with our Mirakl Marketplace Platform, and we are honored to become one of their trusted partners. We’re thrilled to help Toys“R”Us successfully launch and operate its marketplace and bring joy to millions of more consumers.”

About Toys“R”Us, Inc.
Toys“R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 885 Toys“R”Us and Babies“R”Us stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Guam, and in more than 810 international stores and over 255 licensed stores in 38 countries and jurisdictions. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, the company provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Toys“R”Us, Inc. is headquartered in Wayne, NJ, and has nearly 65,000 employees worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Over the past three decades, the Company has given more than $100 million in product donations to children’s charities. Since 1992, the Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with Toys“R”Us, Inc., has also donated more than $130 million in grants.  For more information, visit Toysrusinc.com or follow @ToysRUsNews on Twitter.

About Mirakl
Mirakl gives retailers and brands a fast path to increase customer value by launching an online marketplace. The increased value exceeds customer expectations by providing more products, at better prices, with superior service. The Mirakl Marketplace Platform automates the hard things: Seller onboarding, product data management, service quality control, and order distribution; on an API-based solution that’s modular and easy to integrate. Over 100 customers operating marketplaces in 40 countries trust Mirakl’s proven expertise and technology including Hewlett Packard Electronics, Toys”R”Us, 1-800-Flowers, Urban Outfitters, Best Buy Canada, Carrefour, Darty, Galeries Lafayette and Halfords. Founded in 2012, Mirakl helps companies provide a better customer experience as part of their omni-channel strategy. For more information: www.mirakl.com

SOURCE: Toys“R”Us, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT

Corporate Communications
1(973) 617-5900 press@toysrus.com

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Katy Latimer appointed Dunkin’ Brands’ new Vice President, Culinary Innovation

Katy Latimer appointed Dunkin’ Brands’ new Vice President, Culinary Innovation

CANTON, MA, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, today announced Katy Latimer as the company’s new Vice President, Culinary Innovation. With more than 25 years of experience in food science and culinary innovation, Latimer will head Dunkin’ Brands’ culinary team, planning and managing the strategic development of new and enhanced menu choices served to millions of guests at more than 20,000 Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants across the globe. She will report to Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S.

Latimer joins Dunkin’ Brands after nearly two decades in leadership positions at PepsiCo, most recently as Vice President of Research & Development, Global Beverage Category. In this role, she led a 65+ person product development & culinary team, responsible for innovation and portfolio transformation for PepsiCo’s global beverage category, including the food service platform, North American Coffee and Pepsi’s Lipton Tea partnership. She also helped oversee the creation and launch of several new and next generation brand products, including Pepsi’s first premium water, LifeWtr, as well as IZZE Fusions, Stubborn Craft Soda, PureLeaf Tea House Collections, Starbucks Cold Brew, Mtn Dew KickStart and many more.

Latimer has also held positions at Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Kraft Foods, and served on the Board of Governors of the Flavor Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). A native of Westchester, NY, Latimer received her B.S. in Biochemistry from McGill University, and her M.S. in Biotechnology from Manhattan College. She is currently working towards a PhD in Food Science.

According to David Hoffman, President, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., “Both Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins are distinguished for providing guests with a wide range of menu choices, and we are constantly exploring new and unique options for our loyal guests. We are thrilled that Katy, a proven product developer and innovation leader who has worked with some of the country’s top food and beverage companies, will head our world-class culinary team and drive our strategic menu innovation that differentiates our brands and supports our continued growth throughout the world.”

“I am truly honored to lead Dunkin’ Brands’ talented and creative culinary team,” said Katy Latimer. “Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins both have such a long heritage in serving favorite food and beverages that are an important part of so many people’s lives. I look forward to continuing both brands’ commitment to serving fresh, delicious meals and treats, and exploring exciting and innovative ways to enhance our menus with new flavors, ingredients and choices that will delight millions of guests each and every day.”

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About Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.
With more than 20,000 points of distribution in more than 60 countries worldwide, Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) is one of the world’s leading franchisors of quick service restaurants (QSR) serving hot and cold coffee and baked goods, as well as hard-serve ice cream. At the end of the second quarter 2017, Dunkin’ Brands’ 100 percent franchised business model included more than 12,300 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants and more than 7,800 Baskin-Robbins restaurants. Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. is headquartered in Canton, Mass.

SOURCE:  Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT

Name: Michelle King
Phone: 781-737-5200
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X5 Retail opens its first Pyaterochka stores in Barnaul in the Siberian Federal District

Barnaul, RUSSIA, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group (“X5” or “the Company”), a leading Russian food retailer (LSE: FIVE), announces its further expansion in the Siberian Federal District and the opening of the first Pyaterochka stores in Barnaul.

Five new Pyaterochka stores were opened in the city. The stores, which have a total area of over 2,100 sq. m, are fully in line with the new concept launched in October 2013. To date, Pyaterochka has upgraded and rebranded over 97% of its stores across the 61 regions where it operates.

Siberian producers account for over 25% of Pyaterochka’s product mix in its Siberian stores. At present, the retail chain partners with more than 130 local suppliers. Over 50 producers are located in the Novosibirsk region, over 30 in the Omsk region, 22 in the Kemerovo region and 23 in the Altai territory. Some of X5’s partners also have the opportunity to supply goods to X5 stores in neighbouring regions. Products made in Siberia are marked with a special eye-stopper.

The new stores in Barnaul have created around 100 jobs in the city. By the end of 2017, the retail chain plans to open another 19 Pyaterochkas in the city, and to ramp up the local headcount to 350 employees.

Pyaterochka launched its operations in Siberia in early August 2016.

Download (PDF. 0.2 MB)

For further details please contact:
Maxim Novikov
Head of Investor Relations
Tel.: +7 (495) 502-9783
e-mail: Maxim.Novikov@x5.ru

Andrey Vasin
Investor Relations Officer
Tel.:+7 (495) 662-88-88 ext. 21-456
e-mail: Andrey.Vasin@x5.ru

SOURCE: X5 Retail Group N.V.

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JCPenney Partners with Electrolux Home Appliances to bring a complete line of Frigidaire kitchen appliances to shoppers

JCPenney Partners with Electrolux Home Appliances to bring a complete line of Frigidaire kitchen appliances to shoppers

Retailer launches first-ever cookware line from Ayesha Curry

PLANO, Texas, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — JCPenney [NYSE: JCP] is cooking up a range of new kitchen products just in time for the holiday season. Partnering with Electrolux Home Appliances, JCPenney is bringing shoppers a complete line of Frigidaire kitchen appliances including refrigerators, freezers, ranges and dishwashers beginning Oct. 1 in nearly 600 JCPenney appliance showrooms and JCPenney.com. The Company is also introducing a new collection of cookware and bakeware by chef and Food Network™ personality Ayesha Curry as JCPenney strengthens its appeal as a prominent home shopping destination.

“By bringing Frigidaire into our major appliance showrooms, JCPenney will continue to drive market share and attract new customers to this important category. Frigidaire’s affordable opening price points appeal to budget-minded families while providing an entirely new opportunity to partner with builders, apartments, hotels and more in the commercial space,” said Tony Hurst, senior vice president of home at JCPenney. “Home continues to be one of our most important growth initiatives as it enables us to become less reliant on seasonal shopping periods. It’s imperative that we integrate new brands and the latest trends in housewares to drive sales throughout the year.”

One of the most recognized brands in the appliance industry, Frigidaire has been designed to help families make the most of their time and space with high-performing, easy-to-use appliances at a great value. Frigidaire offers a range of appliance solutions for varying budgets – without sacrificing quality or performance. An assortment of over 300 Frigidaire appliances is available at JCPenney.com with more models being added online through December. Prices range from $399 for a fully integrated dishwasher to $1,099 for a side-by-side refrigerator. Frigidaire complements the Company’s current assortment of major appliances from Samsung, LG and GE.

Cookware with Heart
JCPenney has aligned with celebrity chef and cookbook author Ayesha Curry, to launch her namesake collection of cookware, bakeware and utensils in 600 stores this fall. As a mom and self-professed foodie, Ayesha understands the importance of using high-quality cookware. She played an integral role in the design and development of the collection, incorporating her signature heart icon on every piece. Ayesha even tested some of the products in her very own kitchen to develop an exclusive recipe just for JCPenney customers.

The line boasts two 12-piece porcelain enamel cookware sets, available in twilight teal or brown sugar, along with an 11-piece hard-anodized cookware set boasting a copper interior. All cookware products offer a lifetime warranty and feature shatter-resistant glass lids, a diamond interior texture for browning and quick food release. Additionally, shoppers will find durable stoneware pieces, a porcelain enamel cast iron dutch oven, enamel-on-steel stock pot, copper cookie sheets, cake pans, wooden spoons and more.

“I’ve had a passion for cooking since I was a little girl and I am so proud to bring my first-ever cookware collection to JCPenney,” said Curry. “I love the way food brings people together and no matter what you like to cook, my new line offers the right kitchen tools to make delicious homemade meals for your family easy and fun.”

For product images of the Company’s new Frigidaire kitchen appliances and Ayesha Curry cookware, please visit:
http://www.jcpnewsroom.com/news-releases/2017/0926_announcing_frigidaire_ayeshacurry.html

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Media Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation’s largest apparel and home furnishings retailers, combines an expansive footprint of approximately 875 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico with a powerful e-commerce site, jcp.com, to connect with shoppers how, when and where they prefer to shop. At every customer touchpoint, she will get her Penney’s worth of a broad assortment of products from an extensive portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Powering this shopping experience is the customer service and warrior spirit of over 100,000 associates across the globe, all driving toward the Company’s three strategic priorities of strengthening private brands, becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer and increasing revenue per customer. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

SOURCE: J.C. Penney Corporation, Inc.

 

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Bol.com opens new BREEAM certified fulfillment center

Bol.com opens new BREEAM certified fulfillment center

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — On September 27 Bol.com opened its new fulfillment center, one of the biggest projects in its history that will help the brand ensure the most reliable and fast delivery of eCommerce orders in the Netherlands and Belgium.

The fulfillment center, which has space for around 7 million items, is a highly sustainable building and earlier this year received an international BREEAM sustainability award in the industrial buildings category.

Facts and figures

  • Construction of the facility started on February 16, 2016
  • Ground floor space is 50,000 square meters, the equivalent of eight soccer fields
  • Total floor space over three floors: 135,000 square meters
  • Total length of transportation belts: 7 kilometers
  • Expected production at peak times: ~30,000 items per hour

“Every day our customers order tens of thousands products and at peak moments even hundreds of thousands,” said Huub Vermeulen, Brand President of bol.com. “We believe it is very important that our customers can choose from a big assortment of millions of articles and that their orders are delivered to their homes within several hours. With this new fulfillment center we have the ability to grow and innovate in the future and provide our customers with maximum service.”

 

Huub Vermeulen officially opens the bol.com fulfilment center together with 13-year old Romy, one of our “customers of the future” and representative of bol.com‘s more than 8 million customers

The new facility distinguishes itself by combining fulfillment and sorting orders in one location, as bol.com partners with Dutch mail and package delivery company PostNL. The advantage is that the back-office process of online shopping is more efficient and powerful and customers receive their orders faster. Further, carbon emissions are reduced as less transport is needed to deliver the packages.

The fulfillment center will additionally have a positive effect on the local economy and the availability of jobs, including positions for people with disabilities. Expectations are that it will grow in phases and ultimately employ 2,000 associates every day.

 

Click here for more information (in Dutch), including a fact sheet.

Watch the video about the opening of the sustainable eCommerce fulfillment center below.

SOURCE: Ahold Delhaize

MEDIA CONTACT

Marjolein Verkerk
PR Manager
pr@bol.com 
+31 88 7124717

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Chow Tai Fook partners with Disney to introduce a new lineup of “Tsum Tsum” Collection

Chow Tai Fook partners with Disney to introduce a new lineup of “Tsum Tsum” Collection

HONG KONG, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chow Tai Fook is collaborating with Disney this year again to introduce a new lineup of Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection with new characters and fun-filled designs. Apart from the beloved character-inspired charms/pendants and ear studs, the new series is set to encompass an exquisite range of pure gold pieces, including gold card, gold coins and gold coin set, making it a true collectible not to be missed.

Chow Tai Fook’s New Pure Gold Collectibles
The highly popular Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection jointly presented by Chow Tai Fook and Disney last year represents the perfect match between Disney’s much-loved characters and the Company’s stunning jewellery design. Sought after by fans of all ages, the versatile and cute jewellery pieces allow wearers to amp up different looks and showcase their styles. In response to the overwhelming demand, Chow Tai Fook is pleased to introduce three new pure gold designs this time, including pure gold card and pure gold coin sets featuring the adorable “Tsum Tsum” characters. The individually-packed pure gold coins adorned with Mickey and Minnie and the characters from Frozen come with a special package, and can be worn as ornaments. Marrying adorable characters with the finest pure gold, these coins will enrich the precious collection of every fan.

New Disney “Tsum Tsum” Characters Joining the Team of Cuteness
The Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection impresses with its playful and unique jewellery designs the lovely stacking characters in the namesake game. The new addition sees the arrival of some familiar faces, including Sadness, Joy and Anger from Inside out, Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc., Dumbo, Lady, Winnie the Pooh and Stitch, who join the big family of Mickey, Minnie, Aliens, Baymax and Frozen’s characters to spread joy and love.

[Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Fitting Room]
Pop singer Joey Wong (JW) and KOL LuLu Tung were invited to star in the “Chow Tai Fook Disney ‘Tsum Tsum’ Fitting Room – The Three Little Secrets between Girlfriends” campaign video. As they demonstrate the “best friend” styles in different occasions in the video, the three little stories about friendship, namely “Blue Monday”, “Happy Friday” and “Chill Weekend”, will certainly touch the heart of every girl. Watch the video: https://goo.gl/hW8V8M

Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection Store Events
From 30 September to 15 October (every Saturday & Sunday), the first 50 individuals/teams completing the Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection store events in each session at selected Chow Tai Fook stores* will receive a Häagen-Dazs™ single scoop voucher. The winner in each session will also get a Häagen-Dazs™ “Star” Ice Cream Mooncake or Ice Cream Fondue voucher.

*Selected Chow Tai Fook stores

Date Time Store Address
September 30 (Sat) 2-5 PM  Shop No. 312-313, Level 3, Phase 1, New Town Plaza, Sha Tin
October 1  (Sun) 2-5 PM  Shop No. G01, G/F, Laforet Excelsior Plaza, 24-26 East  Point Road, Causeway Bay
October 7  (Sat) 2-5 PM  G/F, 677 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
October 8  (Sun) 2-5 PM  Shop  G11-G14, Park Lane Shoppers Boulevard, 123 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
October 14  (Sat) 2-5 PM  Shop  1010, L1, Yoho Mall I , 9 Long Yat Road, Yuen Long
October 15  (Sun) 2-5 PM  Shop No. C-22,  Concourse Level, APM, Millennium City 5, 418 Kwan Tong Road, Kwun Tong

 

Shopping offers
Customers can enjoy HK$150-250 cash discount upon purchase of selected items of Disney “Tsum Tsum” collection (Retail price HK$1,500-3,100) during event days. Customers who purchase with highest amount of Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection) during event time (2-5 PM) is entitled to win a pair of gold coins of Chow Tai Fook Disney “Tsum Tsum” Collection (worth HK$520).

SOURCE: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Company Limited

MEDIA CONTACT
media@chowtaifook.com

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Perry Ellis International announces exclusive global licensing agreement for Guy Harvey apparel

MIAMI, FL, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Perry Ellis International Inc. (NASDAQ:PERY) and Guy Harvey Enterprises today announced the signing of an exclusive global licensing agreement for Guy Harvey apparel, which features the colorful, iconic ocean-inspired artwork of world-renowned artist, conservationist, scientist and entrepreneur Dr. Guy Harvey. The licensing agreement takes effect in 2019.

Perry Ellis International will manufacture, distribute and market the Guy Harvey fashion collection including men’s, women’s and youth T-shirts, performance fishing and resort wear, caps and visors. The collection will be available at select department, sporting goods, and specialty stores as well as online. Through his apparel, art and merchandise, Dr. Harvey brings the undersea world to everyday life in order to inspire the world to be better stewards of ocean resources and help save the seas for future generations.

As part of the agreement, Perry Ellis International also will contribute one percent of revenue from Guy Harvey apparel to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, founded by Dr. Harvey to help conserve the marine environment.

“The Guy Harvey brand transcends fashion. It is about the environment, the ocean, waterways, sustainability and art and inspires us to care about the ocean and its inhabitants. The versatile Guy Harvey apparel collection attracts consumers of all ages who are active both in and around the water,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO and President of Perry Ellis International. “Aligning ourselves with strong brands, like Guy Harvey, is core to our strategy of continuing to take important positions in niche markets. This will also open an entirely new specialty store distribution in the USA and worldwide.”

“Perry Ellis International is an industry leader. The company’s expertise in lifestyle brands and experience across broad product categories will expand our reach to new audiences,” said Dr. Harvey. “This is an incredible opportunity for both Guy Harvey Enterprises and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. We truly appreciate the support of Perry Ellis International in our ocean conservation efforts.”

For more information about Perry Ellis International, Inc. and the company’s entire portfolio of brands, please visit www.PERY.com. For information about the Guy Harvey brand, please visit www.guyharvey.com.

About Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey is a unique blend of artist, scientist, diver, angler, conservationist and explorer, fiercely devoted to his family and his love of the sea. His childhood passion for the ocean and its living creatures not only inspired him to draw, but fueled a burning interest that prompted a formal education in marine science. Having graduated with honors in Marine Biology from Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1977, Guy returned home to Jamaica to resume his education, earning his Ph.D. from the University of the West Indies in 1984. Though he gave up a budding career as a marine biologist for that of a highly acclaimed artist, Guy has continued his relentless pursuit to unravel the mysteries of the sea, traveling the world to better understand the habits and habitats of the marine wildlife he paints. For more information, please visit www.guyharvey.com. Follow Guy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrGuyHarvey, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrGuyHarvey, connect on Instagram at www.instagram.com/drguyharvey, on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/DrGuyHarvey, Snapchat @RealDrGuyHarvey, and tune in to see Guy’s latest expeditions on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/DrGuyHarvey.

About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation
The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.

About Perry Ellis International
Perry Ellis International, Inc. is a leading designer, distributor and licensor of a broad line of high quality men’s and women’s apparel, accessories and fragrances. The Company’s collection of dress and casual shirts, golf sportswear, sweaters, dress pants, casual pants and shorts, jeans wear, active wear, dresses and men’s and women’s swimwear is available through all major levels of retail distribution. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized brands, including: Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist®, Jantzen® and Farah®.  The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® and Jag® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel. Additional information on the Company is available at http://www.pery.com.

Media Contact:
Lorraine Medici
SVP Marketing/Communications
305-873-1209
Lorraine.medici@pery.com

Maria Pierson
Carlos Goycochea
Pierson Grant Public Relations
954-776-1999, ext. 239
mpierson@piersongrant.com
cgoycochea@piersongrant.com

SOURCE: Perry Ellis International/ GLOBE NEWSWIRE

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CarMax Provides Consumers with Information About Open Recalls Prior to Sale

Richmond, VA, 2017-Sep-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax provides the most transparent and integrity-driven car buying experience in the industry. Our approach to recalls is no different. CarMax has led the industry in recall transparency and shares vehicle specific recall information in-store and online.

Because most of our customers visit us first online, every vehicle on carmax.com and on CarMax’s mobile apps includes a link to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall lookup website, with the VIN pre-populated, allowing customers to obtain open recall information on any CarMax used vehicle.

Before any customer purchases a used vehicle, a CarMax associate and the customer review the recall information available on the NHTSA website. After this initial review, customers sign a form acknowledging receipt of the NHTSA recall information prior to signing sales documents. If a customer decides they do not want to keep the vehicle for any reason, every vehicle sold by CarMax is covered by a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee.

We recommend that our customers register their vehicle with the manufacturer and urge them to have open recalls fixed immediately following purchase.

Our vehicles meet or exceed state safety inspection requirements in the more than 20 states that mandate vehicles pass safety standards.

Open Recalls Can Only Be Cleared at a Manufacturer-Authorized Facility
The current recall system is based on the manufacturer’s relationship with its dealers and registered vehicle owners, and not with independent used auto retailers, like CarMax. Among other things, this means that manufacturers have not authorized CarMax to complete recall repairs and close out recalls.

Our experience shows us customers are in the best position to act on recall information directly with a manufacturer-authorized dealer. We have found that dealers are often more likely to provide timely recall repair to customers rather than to a competitor, like CarMax, so we encourage customers to have recalls repaired at a manufacturer-authorized facility.

CarMax is built on integrity – and has been recognized nationally for this commitment. Ninety five percent of our purchasers say they would recommend us to family and friends. We believe this continued loyalty is due to the straightforward and transparent car buying experience that we continue to provide.

Additional Resources:

CarMax Recall Notification Video

SOURCE: CarMax Business Services, LLC

MEDIA CONTACT

(855) 887-2915
pr@carmax.com

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AllSaints Duty Free store opens at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau

AllSaints Duty Free store opens at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau

HONG KONG/MACAU , 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — DFS Group has partnered with contemporary British fashion retailer AllSaints to open the first AllSaints Duty Free store in the Greater China region, exclusively at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau.

The 170-square meter AllSaints boutique showcases a selection of contemporary men’s and women’s ready-to- wear and a complete lineup of bags and shoes, adding a uniquely edgy touch to the wide fashion selection already available at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams. Reflecting the brand’s signature urban-cool designs and East London roots, the boutique’s décor features industrial-style black cast-iron adornments and exposed concrete, providing a striking contrast to the airy expansiveness of DFS’ department store.

AllSaints’ collections spring from the brand’s core values of “attitude”, “individuality” and “creativity”, reflecting the edgy, unique culture of its home location of East London. With a rich history of craftsmanship in premium leather, AllSaints also offers unique design including knitwear and denim wear, available only at the flagship fashion destination at DFS’ City of Dreams store in Macau.

“AllSaints is an exciting new addition to our fashion portfolio at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams. We are delighted to introduce a wider ready-to- wear selection for our customers in Macau and offer more fashion-forward brands alongside our curated luxury offering,” says Christophe Chaix, Senior Vice President, Fashion, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories at DFS Group.

The new AllSaints boutique is located in DFS’ largest luxury shopping destination in Macau, nestled in the heart of Asia’s leading integrated resort City of Dreams. Throughout 2016, DFS embarked on a landmark expansion of the must-visit store which now spans over 173,000 square feet and comprises a shoe hall and a men’s lifestyle zone in addition to fashion, watches and jewelry boutiques. T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams offers over 230 brands, regularly replenished with unique labels from all around the world.

Download high resolution images of the Macau store here.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
DFS GROUP | CONTACT LIVI HAY | TEL +852 9306 2474 | EMAIL: LIVI@852WEST.COM
DFS GROUP | CONTACT STEPHANIE LAI | TEL +852 2812 9040 | EMAIL: STEPHANIE@852WEST.COM

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DFS and Hong Kong luggage brand OOKONN partner to open a pop-up store at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road in Hong Kong

DFS and Hong Kong luggage brand OOKONN partner to open a pop-up store at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road in Hong Kong

HONG KONG, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — In an exclusive partnership to celebrate the global traveler, DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, announced its first collaboration with Hong Kong luggage brand OOKONN with the launch of a dedicated pop-up store at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road in Hong Kong.

The pop-up store will feature throughout October and showcases a series of OOKONN’s signature patented round rolling luggage designed with today’s adventurous traveler in mind. The pop-up will also offer personalization services on site, comprising a variety of patterns that can be applied across the items’ body, luggage covers and handles, as well as chic monograms that allow customers to truly customize their luggage.

“We are delighted to partner with DFS to introduce a brick-and- mortar store for our online shoppers and global travelers,” said Anson Shum, Co-founder, CEO & Creative Director of OOKONN.

“OOKONN is created for forward-thinking explorers and stylish vacationers who crave something unique, and T Galleria by DFS provides a perfect setting to showcase our vision and values.”

In celebration of the partnership, OOKONN has designed an exclusive luggage edition for DFS that is made for the jet-setting urbanite. The whimsical red and blue pattern exudes understated chic that epitomizes the spirit of modern luxury travel. The OOKONN x DFS edition luggage will be available throughout the pop-up period exclusively at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road.

DFS will kick off this exciting collaboration with a customer event at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road in Hong Kong on October 6. The event will highlight the DFS-exclusive print as well as the range of personalization services, alongside live drawing demonstrations by OOKONN’s in-house artist who will fly in from Paris especially for the event. An interactive artist will also take over the windows at the popular shopping destination on Canton Road, enticing guests to explore the pop-up on the fashion floor. Stylist and ex-Vogue Fashion Editor Grace Lam will join guests as they consult a tarot-card reader on their next travel destination.

“At DFS, we know that travel is an intensely personal experience, and the luggage we select to accompany us on our journey is as much a reflection of our personality as the destinations we choose to visit,” said Christophe Chaix, Senior Vice President of Fashion, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories, DFS Group. “OOKONN’s distinctive designs appeal to travelers around the world, and the DFS-exclusive print is sure to surprise and delight our customers. We look forward to partnering with more fresh and innovative brands like OOKONN in all our global locations.”

The DFS x OOKONN pop-up store will be available at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road from October 1 to 30.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
DFS GROUP | CONTACT LIVI HAY | TEL +852 9306 2474 | EMAIL: LIVI@852WEST.COM
DFS GROUP | CONTACT STEPHANIE LAI | TEL +852 2812 9040 | EMAIL: STEPHANIE@852WEST.COM

SOURCE: DFS Group Limited

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DFS Group and Parfums Christian Dior hosted a Rouge Dior Exceptional Makeup Event to unveil two brand new Dior Rouge novelties

DFS Group and Parfums Christian Dior hosted a Rouge Dior Exceptional Makeup Event to unveil two brand new Dior Rouge novelties

HONG KONG, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ —DFS Group and Parfums Christian Dior celebrated their partnership with a Rouge Dior Exceptional Makeup Event to reveal two brand new Dior Rouge novelties – Dior Double Rouge, and the travel retail exclusive Dior Rouge Liquid – at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Causeway Bay on September 6.

Synonymous with reinvention, the iconic Dior Rouge has continuously evolved, using new techniques to enhance a woman’s smile. Dior Double Rouge is the first Dior lipstick with a matte metallic effect, enveloping a metallic core with a highly pigmented matte outer ring to deliver an ombré effect with just one application. The two shades and effects harmonize to create a perfect illusion of both dimension and volume. Dior Rouge Liquid is the first Dior liquid lip stain with a long-wear intense couture color, delivering a trio of pure and vibrant finishes in matte, metal and satin, perfect for the traveler on the go.

These two stunning Dior Rouge novelties are now available at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong’s must-see shopping destination, with other DFS locations soon to follow.

“We would like to thank all the stakeholders who have partnered with us to set up this unique and spectacular event. The Rouge Dior event conveys Dior’s strong color statement, with the launch of Double Rouge and Rouge Liquid. We trust that this event will provide a memorable and colorful experience for all customers,” said Alireza Danai, Regional Travel Retail Director, Parfums Christian Dior.

In celebration of this global launch, an exclusive multi-sensorial journey provided guests with an exciting one-of-a-kind experience. Guests were able to explore the Dior Rouge collection within the event’s stunning setup, including the ‘Lip Studio’, an artfully constructed “piano” featuring all the shades of Double Rouge and Rouge Liquid. In addition, an extraordinary virtual reality headset, ‘Dior Eyes’, used immersive digital technology to transport guests backstage at Christian Dior’s Spring/Summer 2017 show, one of the iconic brand’s biggest events of the year.

“At DFS, we want to capitalize even further on the lips category which continues to be our fastest beauty trend,” said Christophe Marque, Senior Vice President Beauty, DFS Group.  “We are delighted to partner with Parfums Christian Dior to feature these two new products at this amazing pop-up, which are sure to become new icons, at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Causeway Bay.”

Parfums Christian Dior also introduced a team of dedicated makeup artists from Korea and Hong Kong, offering customers professional flash or full makeovers as a part of the Dior Exceptional Makeup Event between September 5 and 14. Four exclusive Dior looks – Rouge Ombré, This Miss Has a Crush, Metal is the New Matte, and Iconic 999 – were demonstrated live, with details amplified on a big screen for guests to observe and learn from. Customers were also able to sign up for exclusive services by professional make-up artists, adding to the unique experience of the Rouge Dior Collection launch at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Causeway Bay.

Download high resolution images from the ribbon cutting ceremony and product images here.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
852WEST | CONTACT LIVI HAY| TEL +852 2812 9893 | EMAIL: LIVI@852WEST.COM

852WEST | CONTACT STEPHANIE LAI | TEL +852 2812 9040 | EMAIL: STEPHANIE@852WEST.COM

SOURCE: DFS Group Limited

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A 1,750 square-foot DFS Group satellite retail store will open in Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village this November

HONOLULU, HI, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading travel retailer DFS Group, which operates T Galleria by DFS, Hawaii in Waikiki as well as airport shops at Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on Oahu and Kahului Airport on Maui, will open a 1,750 square-foot satellite retail store in Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village in November 2017.  The hotel shop will offer “Made in Hawaii” food, liquor and gifts along with some of the world’s best-known beauty and fragrance brands and additional products for the global traveler.  The store will also offer a selection of duty free liquor and tobacco for gate delivery at the airport for outbound international travelers.

“As a premier hotel for discerning tourists visiting Waikiki, Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a convenient location for our DFS customers to select quick pick-up items and also benefit from the concierge services of T Galleria by DFS, Hawaii, Honolulu’s ultimate shopping destination only a few blocks away,” said Mike Osorio, Region President North America, Pacific Islands and Japan. “International tourists can also shop for duty free liquor and tobacco products to collect at their airport gate as they depart Hawaii,” he added. The legendary Waikiki Trolley will provide customers with an easy way to transit between Hilton Hawaiian Village and T Galleria by DFS, Hawaii as well as other world-famous tourist stops throughout Honolulu.

“At DFS, we continually seek new and innovative ways to provide our customers with the ultimate shopping experience, whether they choose to shop with us online or offline. Our newest retail concept in this top-rated hotel property is another way for DFS to surprise and delight our loyal customers in Hawaii,” said Osorio.

SOURCE: DFS Group Limited

MEDIA CONTACTS
press.enquiries@dfs.com

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Sycamore Partners welcomes John A. Lederer as a Senior Advisor

New York, NY, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sycamore Partners today announced that John A. Lederer, former President and Chief Executive Officer of US Foods, has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. In this capacity, he will serve as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Staples, Inc. and its newly formed and independent United States and Canadian Retail Businesses.

“We are thrilled to have John join the Sycamore Partners team at this exciting time in the firm’s continued growth and development,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “John has significant institutional knowledge of both distribution and retail businesses across the United States and Canada, which is particularly relevant given our recent acquisition of Staples. I am confident that John’s leadership experience and business acumen will be tremendously beneficial to create value and deliver exceptional products, services and expertise that enable businesses to work better.”

Mr. Lederer said, “I am honored to join Sycamore Partners as a Senior Advisor and Executive Chairman at Staples. Sycamore Partners has an outstanding reputation for driving profitable growth across its leading retail and consumer brands. I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues as we focus on building on the great legacy that has been created at Staples.”

As previously announced, Sycamore Partners completed its acquisition of Staples, Inc. on September 12, 2017.

About John A. Lederer
Mr. Lederer was most recently associated with Oak Hill Capital, advising it on acquisitions in the retail and consumer goods sectors, and serving on the board of several of its portfolio companies. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Lederer served as the Chief Executive Officer of US Foods, one of the largest food service distributors in the United States, where he led a comprehensive rebranding of the company.

From 2008 to 2010, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Duane Reade, where he led a major transformation of the Duane Reade pharmacy chain in just two years, culminating in its sale to Walgreens. Prior to Duane Reade, Mr. Lederer spent 30 years at Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s largest retail food distributor, where he served in a variety of senior leadership positions including President from 2000 to 2006. Mr. Lederer serves on the Board of Directors of US Foods, Maple Leaf Foods and Walgreens Boots Alliance. Mr. Lederer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from York University.

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

About Staples, Inc.
Staples brings technology and people together in innovative ways to consistently deliver products, services and expertise that elevate and delight customers. Staples is in business with businesses and is passionate about helping businesses work better. Headquartered outside of Boston, MA, Staples, Inc. operates primarily in North America. More information about Staples is available at www.staples.com.

Contact for Sycamore Partners:
Michael Freitag or Arielle Rothstein
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449

SOURCE: Sycamore Partners

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7‑Eleven introduces the sweet and savory Pillsbury® Stuffed Waffle

7‑Eleven introduces the sweet and savory Pillsbury® Stuffed Waffle

IRVING, TEXAS, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Breakfast just got better at 7‑Eleven® stores with the introduction of the sweet and savory Pillsbury®Stuffed Waffle, served hot out of the oven. Developed and co-branded with Pillsbury, the convenience retailer’s first stuffed waffle combines a crispy, maple-flavored waffle on the outside and a fluffy egg omelet, savory pork sausage and cheddar cheese on the inside. Suggested retail price on the new exclusive stuffed waffle is $2.49.

While breakfast is called the most important meal of the day, mornings are certainly the most hectic. 7‑Eleven customers are in a hurry, spending just two or three minutes in the store to grab something to eat and drink, pay and get back to their day.

The Pillsbury Stuffed Waffle combines three popular morning foods – waffles, sausage and eggs – into one flavorful, handheld breakfast that is easy to eat for hungry – and busy – people on the go.

“Traditional waffles are a favorite breakfast treat when people want to indulge, but it’s not a food you can really eat on the go in your car or at your desk,” said Kelly Buckley, 7‑Eleven vice president of fresh food innovation. “People know they shouldn’t skip breakfast, but most days they don’t have the time to prepare a hot breakfast and sit down to eat it. The Pillsbury stuffed waffle is a quick and delicious solution – a hot, filling breakfast that is easy to eat and packed with protein and flavor.”

Being the most important meal of the day in today’s busy world creates high expectations from consumers – they want a satisfying, portable, delicious, affordable breakfast … and they want it now.

Satisfying? Check. With one of these 4.5 oz. Pillsbury Stuffed Waffles, hunger will be kept at bay all morning.

Portable? Check.  A Pillsbury waffle, also a favorite breakfast treat, creates this sweet and savory handheld breakfast pocket.

Delicious? Check. Customers have told us the Pillsbury Stuffed Waffle is “full of flavor,” “hot and fresh tasting,” and that they “loved the maple syrup flavor in the waffle.

Affordable? Check. At a suggested retail introductory price of $2.49, the stuffed waffle is a great value for the money, and the cost is comparable to, or lower than, many fast-food restaurant breakfast sandwiches.

Fast? Check. During the breakfast rush at participating 7‑Eleven stores, Pillsbury Stuffed Waffles are available hot for grab n go.

The stuffed waffles aren’t just available during the morning. As the times and frequency of traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner evolve into mini-meals and all-day snacking, people are eating breakfast foods morning, noon and night.

The National Restaurant Association found that 72 percent of adults want breakfast items available all day. Almost half of respondents in another study indicated they would purchase breakfast food for lunch, and approximately 60 percent said they would at dinner time.

All-day availability is one of 7‑Eleven stores’ strong suits.

“Every food and beverage 7‑Eleven carries is available 24/7,” Buckley said. “You can get a stuffed waffle at 6 a.m. and at 6 p.m. Whether a customer wants a slice of hot pizza and Iced Coffee for breakfast, or coffee and a stuffed waffle with fruit for dinner, 7‑Eleven is ready to serve them whatever they choose.”

Breakfast is hot among day parts. Breakfast and morning snack consumption is forecasted to grow faster than the U.S. population through the end of the decade, according to a study by The NPD Group. They report that from 2010 to 2016, morning snacking occasions have increased 17 percent.

“Busy Americans still love breakfast,” Buckley added. “We want to make sure that when they run into 7‑Eleven for a hot cup of coffee they have plenty of convenient  options for a hearty, healthy, light or indulgent breakfast or snack. The Pillsbury Stuffed Waffle adds another a delicious alternative to the menu.”

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven® operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 63,000 stores in 18 countries, including 10,900 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7‑Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7‑Eleven offers customers industry-leading private-brand products under the 7-Select® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7‑Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards® customer-loyalty platform on the 7‑Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

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

SOURCE: 7‑Eleven, Inc.

 

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Lagardère Travel Retail brings new and innovative concepts to Gold Coast Airport

The Gold Coast Store

Bilinga Q, Australia, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Awarded 5 sites as part of a competitive tender process held in late 2016, Lagardère Travel Retail has unveiled concessions in Gold Coast Airport’s Common User Terminal. The sites cover both International & Domestic departure lounges, as well as Arrivals.

Using the opportunity to introduce its latest Destination concepts ‘Out of Australia’ to International Departures, and ‘The Gold Coast Store’ to Domestic Departures, the travel retailer has also upgraded the Aelia Duty Free store and added the world’s largest travel essentials brand, RELAY, to the retail mix in the International lounge.

Offering passengers the best of last minute travel essentials, Lagardere Travel Retail’s global concept, RELAY, will continue to be trusted by customers as a global brand market leader.

In order to remain aligned with existing duty free offers in the Pacific region, Aelia Duty Free has been refreshed and rebranded. The revised offer showcases key brand installations including Bundaberg Rum, Sunglass Hut and tech2go to cater to the change in passenger profiles. Along with increasing its presence in an online platform, the new offers are designed to enhance the overall passenger experience.

These new developments are all in conjunction with Gold Coast Airport’s preparation for the 2018 Commonwealth Games being held on the Gold Coast.

“We’re delighted to deliver new and innovative concepts to the Gold Coast Airport, offering the passengers a complete Travel Essentials, Destination and Duty Free offer, with a strong mix of local flavour and true sense of place” said Lagardère Travel Retail CEO of Pacific region, Matthieu Mercier. “We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with the airport since 2002, so are excited to be part of this redevelopment phase.”

Deborah Price, General Manager Commercial of Gold Coast Airport commented: “Gold Coast Airport is delighted with the new Lagardère Travel Retail concepts that are innovative and have captured the essence of a sense of place. The yellow coloured kombi van is the centre piece of the store merchandised with locally sourced apparel along with the Movie World and Commonwealth Games concept area has been a huge success. The Out Of Australia store in the International terminal brings a different dimension with a more sophisticated souvenir offer and has been designed with warmth and feel of the Outback. This is all part of upgrading and enhancing the passenger experience in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in April 2018.”

Lagardère Travel Retail operate Aelia Duty Free, RELAY, tech2go, Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories, The Gold Coast Store, Out of Australia, M.A.C. Cosmetics, Hub Convenience and soon to open Sunglass Hut Kiosk at the Gold Coast Airport.

ABOUT LAGARDERE TRAVEL RETAIL:
With 4 billion euros 100% managed sales in 2015 and a presence in 31 countries, 220 airports and 700 train stations in EMEA, North America and ASPAC, Lagardère Travel Retail is a pioneering and leading travel retail player with global reach. Operating stores in travel essentials, duty free and luxury and foodservice, Lagardère Travel Retail offers a complete range of products and services to satisfy each and every traveller along their journey. As a multi-specialist retailer, beyond the expertise within its 3 business lines, Lagardère Travel Retail creates value-added opportunities in each location.

In Asia Pacific, Lagardère Travel Retail operates over 350 outlets in more than 16 airports, supported by professional local teams in Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China and India.

SOURCE: Lagardère Travel Retail

PRESS CONTACT
Janette Doolan, Communications Manager
j.doolan@lagardere-traspac.com
www.lagardere-traspac.com

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Paradies Lagardère celebrates the opening of 5 new concessions at Tampa International Airport

Tampa, Fla., 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tampa International Airport today celebrated the grand opening of eight new shops and restaurants – the most since the airport’s concessions redevelopment program began in 2016.

The new concepts include New York New York Pizza, Chick-fil-A, Burger 21, Shades of Time and Dylan’s Candy Bar on Airside A; SPANX, The Body Shop and News Channel 8 opened on Airside C.

“These new shops and restaurants reflect the local flavor and feel of the Tampa Bay region while also providing passengers access to a wide-range of prominent national and international brands,” said TPA’s Vice President of Airport Concessions Laurie Noyes. “These eight new options are a great addition to the Airport’s growing concessions program and will hopefully be enjoyed for years to come by our passengers.”

SPANX, The Body Shop and News Channel 8 are located just past security on Airside C and are operated by concessionaire Paradies Lagardère. SPANX is a popular brand of shapeware and body-enhancing clothing while Body Shop offers customers unique body care products aimed at enhancing their travelling experience. News Channel 8 is a convenience store featuring grab-and-go food delivered by local icon, Alessi Bakery.

Paradies Lagardère also celebrated two openings on Airside A: Dylan’s Candy Bar, a colorful candy store founded by Dylan Lauren, the daughter of designer Ralph Lauren, and Shades of Time, a purveyor of fashionable and contemporary time pieces, watches, pens and eyewear.

“Paradies Lagardère is excited to continue to introduce iconic shops to the travelers at Tampa International Airport,” said Gregg Paradies, president and CEO at Paradies Lagardère. “Dylan’s Candy Bar will bring a smile to everyone’s face with a sweet treat; SPANX will help travelers feel good about themselves with innovative shape wear, clothing and active wear offerings, while Shades of Time provides a fun Fashion Fix; The Body Shop will provide naturally-inspired beauty products; and WFLA News Channel 8 will not only satisfy the need for local Tampa regional news, a snack or beverage, but travel basics as well. We look forward to introducing more concepts to the airport, including PGA TOUR and The Runway.”

TPA Hospitality Partners is bringing some local flavor – and delicious pizza – to Airside A with the addition of New York New York Pizza, a staple in the Tampa Bay community.

“I am thrilled to have Freddy’s passion and pizza here at TPA! New York New York is a local pizzeria that brings classic New York style to the Bay area. Guests will know that the recipes are the real deal and the pizza is tossed right here when they bite into a slice. We are proud to bring more of what makes Tampa Bay a great destination to the airport,” said Maryann Ferenc with TPA Hospitality.

HMS Host cut the ribbon on Burger 21, a popular burger joint created by the locally-based Melting Pot company. The restaurant’s menu will feature a changing component based on favorites at their street-side locations.

“HMSHost is very excited about opening Burger 21 in Tampa International Airport and we thank the airport for the opportunity to serve travelers these craveable burger creations,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Michael Price. “Burger 21 is a local brand so our Airside A guests will not only enjoy a great dining experience, they get a true taste of Tampa.”

Rounding out the Airside A food court is Chick-fil-A.

“HBF Tampa Partners is pleased to be a part of the renovation of Tampa International Airport and very excited to bring Chick-fil-A to the passengers and employees of Terminal A,” said Zakery Thamert, Executive Vice President of QSR for Hojeij Branded Foods.

These new concessions options bring the Airport’s total number of new concessions up to 43.

The concessions redevelopment program includes a wider variety of choices than ever before, including more local brands. Roughly 40 percent of the food and beverage options are local, featuring such staples as Columbia, Cigar City, Four Green Fields, Buddy Brew and the Café by Mise en Place. Participation in the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) also increased to 14, bringing more woman- and minority-owned business to TPA.

SOURCE: Paradies Lagardère

MEDIA CONTACT

Nicole V. Linton

Marketing Communications Manager

P: 404 494 3419
M: 470 455 1843
Email Nicole

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PORTUGAL: Jerónimo Martins celebrates its 225th anniversary new corporate identity unveil and logistics center in Valongo

LISBON, Portugal, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Jerónimo Martins Group’s new corporate identity was unveiled this morning when it officially inaugurated its new Logistics Center in Valongo.

Sara Miranda, Director of Corporate Communication and Responsibility for the Group, explained that there is good reason for this change: “The previous identity was designed in 2003, when the Group’s reality was very different from what it is today. Fourteen years on, we are a multinational Group, focused on the food business and determined to continue to grow. Our visual identity no longer reflected our brand’s reality. Celebrating 225 years was the perfect time for a change”.

Four agencies were invited to submit proposals for the rebranding project, two in Portugal and two in England. All four met the requirement of never having worked with a brand from the Jerónimo Martins universe.

English agency The Partners was chosen for the job, as its proposal was the one which best found a balance between tradition and modernity, past and future.

The new logo has a strong and distinctive typography that conveys the Group’s focus on the future and on growth, through the graphic design of the acute accent on the letter “o”.

The palette of vibrant colours used for the logo is inspired on the several stages of the day and on the light which characterises it. The different and complementary typefaces give the brand flexibility and personality which allow it to express cultural diversity. The combination of all these elements resulted in a distinctive brand which has the necessary impact to take the Group into the future.

Nick Eagleton, Creative Director at The Partners, said that what most inspired him in this challenge was “discovering a brand with such an amazing story and culture that was so in need of a new and inspiring way of telling that story to the world.” He added that “the key challenge was finding the perfect balance between capturing the long and extraordinary heritage of the brand, and at the same time conveying the dynamic, forward-looking spirit that has driven them over all those years.”

Also relating to the Group’s 225th anniversary, and already under the new brand, an corporate ad campaign, focusing on the Jerónimo Martins Group values and culture, is set to rollout – on the radio, in the press, online and across the ATM network.

Given that a brand is a kind of storytelling, read the story behind our new brand.
To learn more about The Partners, please visit www.the-partners.com

SOURCE: Jerónimo Martins

MEDIA CONTACT

Rita Fragoso – Head of Media
+351 21 752 6180
+351 21 752 6174
comunicacao@jeronimo-martins.pt

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Carolina Panthers’ Devin Funchess partners with Harris Teeter to debut his personally designed signature sub sandwich

Carolina Panthers’ Devin Funchess partners with Harris Teeter to debut his personally designed signature sub sandwich

Matthews, NC, 2017-Sep-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Funchess to Sign Autographs, Sample Signature Sub Sandwich, Introduce Fans to Must-Have Meal for Lunch

Date: Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Where: Morrocroft Village Harris Teeter – 6701 Morrison Boulevard, Charlotte, N.C. 28211

Interviews are available.  Live shots are welcomed!

Tuesday, Oct. 3, Carolina Panthers’ Wide Receiver Devin Funchess will team up with Harris Teeter to debut his personally designed signature sub sandwich which is guaranteed to fill even the largest appetite.

Funchess’ sandwich, “Funchess Munch,” is a must-try for Harris Teeter shoppers. For only $3.99, fans can satisfy their appetite with the “Funchess Munch” which features roasted turkey, Genoa salami, pepperoni, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, mayonnaise, chipotle sauce and ranch dressing on a white sub roll. Shoppers can make it a lunch pack for only $4.99. The lunch pack includes the “Funchess Munch” half sub, your choice of Harris Teeter Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea or Lemonade and your choice of one Chocolate Chunk, Macadamia Nut, Oatmeal Raisin or Cranberry Nut cookie.

The “Funch Munch” will be available in the Fresh Foods Market Sandwich Shop in all Charlotte-area Harris Teeter stores. Tuesday only, however, Funchess will make an appearance at the Morrocroft Village Harris Teeter to personally introduce shoppers and fans to his signature sub sandwich.  He will also be signing autographs.

Harris Teeter’s Fresh Foods Market offers made-to-order sandwiches and wraps daily and is proud to introduce the “Funchess Munch” as Harris Teeter’s second Signature Sub Sandwich of the 2017-2018 season.  Be on the look-out for additional Signature Sub Sandwiches this season.

SOURCE: Harris Teeter, LLC.

MEDIA CONTACT

Danna Robinson
Communication Manager

Harris Teeter
701 Crestdale Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Phone: 704.844.3904
Fax: 704.844.3214
E-mail: drobinson@harristeeter.com

Lea Ramsey
Communication Specialist

Harris Teeter
701 Crestdale Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Phone: 704.844.3209
Fax: 704.844.3214
E-mail: lmramsey@harristeeter.com

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United Flea Markets Acquires J And J Flea Market in Georgia

Henderson, CO, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — United Flea Markets, the industry’s largest flea market ownership group, has acquired J and J Flea Market in Athens, Ga. This is United Flea Markets’ third acquisition in 10 months, further demonstrating the group’s strategic commitment to growing the company’s portfolio of thriving businesses while helping further each individual flea market’s future success.

Along with J and J Flea Market, United Flea Markets currently owns the successful Mile High Flea Market in Denver, Colo., the Flamingo Island Flea Market in Bonita Springs, Fla., the T&W Flea Market in Pensacola, Fla., and its most recent addition, the Awesome Flea Market in Shepherdsville, Ken.

“For more than 30 years, J and J Flea Market has operated a thriving business in Athens. Our goal is to enhance and improve upon what has been built over the last 30 successful years focused on service to both vendors and shoppers market wide” said Rob Sieban, United Flea Market’s president and CEO, and chairman of the National Flea Market Association. “We look forward to further bolstering J and J’s loyal customer base making J and J the best place to work, shop, sell and spend the day.”

According to the National Flea Market Association there are more than 1,100 flea markets visited by more than 150 million customers each year, totaling more than $30 billion in annual sales. “Flea markets provide an entirely unique and social experience that consumers crave. We intend to continue identifying flea markets around the country that would be valuable additions to the United Flea Market company,” continued Sieban.

J and J Flea Market sits on over 120 acres in Athens, Ga. and offers 1,200 tables of sellers, 125,000 sq. ft. of indoor shopping, five restaurants, and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every weekend. The market will keep its regular weekend hours, and admission policies for the time being.

Flea market owners interested in learning more about investments from United Flea Markets can visit http://www.unitedfleamarkets.com or call 303-289-4656.

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New Metric USA Purse Organizer Packs a Punch with Extensive Compartments, Two-in-One Use

Carphone Warehouse becomes the exclusive UK retailer of smart phone for kids monqi®

CULVER CITY, USA, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Only ladies know how handbags often fail them when there are too many things to pack and less space to keep things organized and tidy. The new Metric USA Purse Organizer has been created to specifically take care of this problem, with 25 compartments and a two-in-one mode of operation that quickly turns it into an evening bag.

The largest bag organizer of its kind, the Metric USA Purse Organizer does away with the limitations of every handbag. As a travel bag organizer, it has the most number of compartments, and stores and holds accessories tightly to make locating them easier. The organizer comes with four zippered pockets and fourteen open pockets, while as a small organizer it offers seven open pockets.

The Metric USA Purse Organizer is light weight and fits snugly into a purse, handbag or tote. It is also an organizer with a built-in small organizer! As a versatile product, the Metric USA Purse Organizer can be used as a small travel storage bag for toiletries, or as part of the main bag for storing make-up, accessories, glasses and other personal items.

The new bag organizer also makes for an awesome gift to surprise friends and family, helping them find everything in its place, avoiding the hassle of trying to keep their belongings organized. The bag features reinforced, sturdy handles for easier carrying.

Other unique features make the Metric USA Purse Organizer an exclusive ladies bag that is useful to carry during travel, outings and even at work. The removable insert allows the base to be lifted out and prevents items from sliding down into the base. Sturdy zippers protect all belongings and keep them secure, including wallets, keys, smart phones and more.

Suitable to fit into any standard purse, the Metric USA Purse Organizer can also be folded and/or washed when needed. The Metric USA Purse Organizer is available on Amazon in an elegant design that is unique, compact and soft embossed.

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About

Metric Products is a family owned company which creates products intended to delight consumers. We offer a range of functional products which embody good design, simplicity, and beauty. Our products are backed up by service and quality which is second to none. We operate with ethical and moral integrity toward our customers, our employees, and the environment. We are an honest company, and have been in business for over 70 years!

For more information, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/MetricUSA-Organizer-Handbag-Compartments-Washable/dp/B0756ZJVN1/ref=sr_1_2?m=A21GUUHER7PHW5&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1506499165&sr=1-2&keywords=purse+organizer

Website: https://shopmetricusa.com

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ShopRite’s annual Help Bag Hunger Day brought community leaders together to help raise awareness on food insecurity

ShopRite’s annual Help Bag Hunger Day brought community leaders together to help raise awareness on food insecurity

Keasbey, New Jersey, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Community leaders came together Sept. 20 to help bag groceries at ShopRite stores as part of ShopRite’s annual Help Bag Hunger Day.

That’s when community leaders and local celebrity baggers such as mayors, council people, athletes, police and firefighters pitch in and help raise awareness around the issue of food insecurity by bagging groceries at their local ShopRite stores. ShopRite stores across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland participate in Help Bag Hunger Day.

Several professional football players joined the Help Bag Hunger team this year, with New York Safety Landon Collins, a 2016 Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro Selection, bagging groceries and greeting customers at the ShopRite of Columbia Park in North Bergen, and New Jersey native and football player Muhammad (Mo) Wilkerson, a 2015 Pro Bowl Selection, bagging groceries for customers at the ShopRite of Greater Morristown. Ed Reed, a retired professional football player and past World Champion Baltimore Safety, visited the ShopRite of Timonium in Lutherville-Timonium, MD, and Philadelphia defensive end Brandon Graham worked the front end and bagged groceries at the ShopRite of Oregon Avenue in Philadelphia.

Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, right, joined ShopRite of Newark owner and operator Neil Greenstein, center, and store manager Tom Clanton, left, to help bag groceries on Help Bag Hunger day.

ShopRite associates help raise money in stores during September, which is also National Hunger Action, and ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated $43 million to more than 2,100 organizations over the last 16 years.

About ShopRite Partners In Caring
ShopRite Partners In Caring is a year-round, community-based, hunger-fighting initiative that works with more than 50 food industry manufacturers to provide $3 million annually to qualified charitable agencies in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania — all the states where our ShopRite stores operate. Since its inception in 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated $43 million to more than 2,100 charities. ShopRite Partners In Caring supports emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, child care centers, battered women’s shelters, senior citizen programs, drug rehab centers, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, after-school programs and other organizations that aid those in need. The ShopRite Partners In Caring Fund was established in 2002 as a component fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey to accept private donations that help fund its charitable endeavors. For more information or to learn how you can help, please visit www.shopritepartnersincaring.org.

SOURCE: Wakefern Food Corp

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Panera Bread now offers more than 250 clean menu combinations for children to choose from

Panera Bread Founder & CEO Challenges Industry Leaders to Eat From Their Kids Menus for a Week

ST. LOUIS, MO, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Panera Bread today announced a new approach to kids food—children can choose almost any item on the Panera menu as a smaller sized entree, resulting in more than 250 clean menu combinations. To spark further dialogue for change, Panera founder, Chairman and CEO Ron Shaich challenged leading restaurant industry CEOs to join him in eating from their kids menus exclusively for seven straight days.

Comment by Ron Shaich, Panera founder, Chairman and CEO
“For too long, restaurants in America have served menus full of nutritionally empty chicken nuggets, pizza and fries, paired with sugary drinks and cheap toys. We believe kids must come first. As a parent, I’m proud that I could eat off the Panera kids menu and still enjoy delicious and wholesome meals. I’m challenging the CEOs of some of the largest companies in the industry—McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s—to personally eat exclusively from their restaurants’ kids meals for an entire week—and if not, to take a thoughtful look at what they are offering our smallest guests.”

In August 2016, Panera issued its Kids Meal Promise to express the company’s long-held beliefs about kids meals and commitments relative to its Panera Kids™ menu. The promise is meant to be a challenge to the restaurant industry and to all food manufacturers who offer kids food. The five tenets of the Kids Meal Promise include:

  • Clean. No artificial flavors, preservatives, sweeteners or colors from artificial sources in any menu item (as publicly defined on Panera’s No No List).
  • No marketing gimmicks. No cartoon characters, crazy colors, toys, or toy-shaped food.
  • Real options. Let kids be kids. Let them be picky. Let them make their own choices from a menu full of tasty, wholesome options.
  • Nutritiously paired. Growing bodies need a meal complete with nutritious sides. Not fries, not onion rings. Options like organic yogurt, sprouted grain rolls, apples or no side at all.
  • No sugar-laden drinks as part of a meal. Kids meals shouldn’t be bundled with a sugary drink. Ours never have, never will.

Comment by Sara Burnett, Director of Wellness and Food Policy
“At Panera, we say let kids be picky—our cafes should offer the same choices and transparency to children as we do to adults. We’re not saying a child will suddenly order a salad over mac & cheese – but kids can surprise you when they have positive options to choose from. We believe that kids should have that choice, and furthermore that we should not bundle their entrees with fries and sugary drinks that make the combination a nutritional nightmare. Finally, we believe we should not induce the consumption of these nutritionally empty meals by marketing a kids meal with toys and cartoon characters.”

More than 250 clean kids meal combinations are available in Panera cafes as well as via all of Panera’s end-to-end digital pathways, including Rapid Pickup, Fast Lane Kiosks and Delivery. Each option is fully customizable, enabling a better guest experience for all people—including kids—to eat the way they want.

Third Party Support
Josh Golin, executive director, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood: “Panera rightly recognizes that healthy eating habits are about more than what kids eat, but also how and why. In an era when so many companies seek to manipulate kids with marketing, Panera’s approach is respectful of parents and children alike. When kids have the space to discover new tastes without the lure of giveaways and gimmicks, they’re more likely to develop a healthy relationship with food.”

For more information, visit www.PaneraKids.com.

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About Panera Bread
Thirty years ago, at a time when quick service meant low quality, Panera set out to challenge this expectation. We believed that food that was good and that you could feel good about, served in a warm and welcoming environment by people who cared, could bring out the best in all of us. To us, that is food as it should be and that is why we exist.

So we began with a simple commitment: to bake fresh bread every day in our bakery-cafes. No short cuts, just bakers with simple ingredients and hot ovens. Each night, any unsold bread and baked goods were shared with neighbors in need.

These traditions carry on today, as we have continued to find ways to be an ally to our guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that we are proud to feed our families. Like poultry and pork raised without antibiotics on our salads and sandwiches. A commitment to transparency and options that empower our guests to eat the way they want. Seasonal flavors and whole grains. And a commitment to removing artificial additives (flavors, sweeteners, preservatives and colors from artificial sources) from the food in our bakery-cafes. Why? Because we think that simpler is better and we believe in serving food as it should be. Because when you don’t have to compromise to eat well, all that is left is the joy of eating.

We’re also focused on improving quality and convenience. With investments in technology and operations, we now offer new ways to enjoy your Panera favorites – like mobile ordering and Rapid PickUp for to-go orders and delivery – all designed to make things easier for our guests.

The result, Panera has been one of the most successful restaurant companies in history. What started as one 400-square-foot cookie store in Boston has grown to a system with over 2,000 units, approximately $5 billion in system-wide sales, and over 100,000 associates. In more than 25 years as a publicly traded company, Panera has created significant shareholder value. Indeed prior to the JAB acquisition in July of 2017, Panera was the best performing restaurant stock of the past 20 years, delivering a total shareholder return up 86-fold from July 18, 1997, to July 18, 2017, compared to a less than two fold increase for the S&P 500 during the same period.

As of June 27, 2017, there were 2,043 bakery-cafes in 46 states and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread®, Saint Louis Bread Co. ® or Paradise Bakery & Cafe® names. For more information, visit panerabread.com or find us on Twitter (@panerabread), Facebook (facebook.com/panerabread) or Instagram (@panerabread).

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SOURCE: Panera Bread

Media Contact:
Jonathan Yohannan
jonathan.yohannan@panerabread.com

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Amazon Studios announces multi-year overall deal with multi-hyphenates Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino

Emmy-nominated Executive Producers of new Amazon Original Series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to develop television projects exclusively for Prime Video

SEATTLE, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — (NASDAQ: AMZN)—Amazon today announced that critically-acclaimed multi-hyphenates Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino (Gilmore Girls) have entered a multi-year overall deal with Amazon Studios. Sherman-Palladino and Palladino will develop television projects that will add to their unprecedented two-season greenlight of upcoming Amazon Original Series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, which debuts this fall on Prime Video. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel pilot, currently available for all Amazon customers at amazon.com/maisel, has garnered an average customer rating of 4.9, with 93% 5-star reviews.

“Amy and Dan are brilliant. Everything they create has such an incredible vision behind it. On top of that, they’re wonderfully funny and smart people. Also, Amy has the best hats in show business,” said Joe Lewis, Head of Comedy, Drama and VR, Amazon Studios. “We’re excited about the next two seasons of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with them and, with this deal, we can’t wait to do a lot more together.”

“The team at Amazon has allowed us to have Dwight Eisenhower and John Kennedy as our presidents for the next few years and for that we are eternally grateful,” said Sherman-Palladino and Palladino. “Amazon is the future of television and we are thrilled to tag along for the ride.”

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, written and directed by Sherman-Palladino, and executive produced by Sherman-Palladino and Palladino, stars Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards) as Miriam “Midge” Maisel, a 1958 New York City woman who has everything she’s ever wanted—the perfect husband, two kids, and an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and Midge discovers a previously unknown talent—one that changes her life forever. She charts a course that takes her from her comfortable life on Riverside Drive, through the basket houses and nightclubs of Greenwich Village as she storms the world of stand-up comedy…a course that will ultimately lead her to a spot on Johnny Carson’s couch. The series also stars Michael Zegen (Boardwalk Empire) as Midge’s husband Joel Maisel, Alex Borstein (Family Guy) as Susie Myerson, Golden Globe winner and three-time Emmy winner Tony Shalhoub(Monk) as Midge’s father Abe Weissman, and Marin Hinkle (Two and a Half Men) as Midge’s mother Rose Weissman.

Amy Sherman-Palladino began her career on Roseanne during the show’s third season. During her four seasons on Roseanne, Sherman-Palladino was nominated for Emmy and Writers Guild Awards and was honored with a Peabody. In 2000, Sherman-Palladino created the beloved television series Gilmore Girls. As creator, writer and executive producer, she brought to life the engaging story that earned widespread critical acclaim, with TIME magazine listing Gilmore Girls among its “100 Best TV Shows of All Time.”

Among later projects for Sherman-Palladino was the Fox comedy The Return of Jezebel James, starring Parker Posey, and the ABC Family dance drama Bunheads, starring Sutton Foster. 2016 brought the highly anticipated return of Gilmore Girls to Netflix as a four-part miniseries. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life reunited much of the original cast, tracing the characters’ lives across each season: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Sherman-Palladino served as executive producer, writer and director alongside her husband and longtime collaborator, writer/producer/director Daniel Palladino.

Emmy Award nominee Daniel Palladino broke into series television in 1989, spending three years on the ABC hit Who’s the Boss? starring Tony Danza, Judith Light and Alyssa Milano. Palladino spent two years in the mid-1990s on Roseanne, serving as a writer, co-executive producer, and then executive producer. In 2000 he began a half-dozen years on Gilmore Girls, writing some of its most popular episodes and eventually segued into directing, guiding the ship on six episodes. He went on to serve in producing roles on such original series as The Return of Jezebel James and the dance drama Bunheads.

Just prior to and for a time concurrent with Gilmore Girls, Palladino was Executive Producer and show runner of the Fox animated hit Family Guyfor its initial two seasons, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Animated Program for its debut season. More recently, from 2012-2013, he returned to Family Guy as a consulting producer. In 2016, Palladino helped navigate the return of Gilmore Girls to Netflix, writing and directing two of the four installments for Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life. Palladino served as Executive Producer, writer and director alongside his wife, series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino.

Sherman-Palladino and Palladino are represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and attorney Jeanne Newman.

Prime members will be able to stream The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel later this year via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices and online at amazon.com/originals. Members can also download the series to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership. The series will be a global release and available on Amazon Prime Video for members to watch via the Prime Video app or online at PrimeVideo.com in more than 200 countries and territories.

About Amazon Video
Amazon Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service that offers customers the greatest choice in what to watch and how to watch it. Amazon Video is the only service that provides all of the following:

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, Love & Friendship, and kids series Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Prime Video is also now available to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe at www.primevideo.com.
  • Amazon Channels: Over 100 video subscriptions to networks like HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, PBS KIDS, Acorn TV, and more, available to Amazon Prime members in the US as add-ons to their membership. To view the full list of available channels, visit www.amazon.com/channels.
  • Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers.
  • Instant Access: Customers can instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on compatible TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream.
  • Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads for offline viewing of select content.

In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalog with Audible Channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more, visit: www.amazon.com/prime.

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.

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Amazon Web Services to open an infrastructure region in the Middle East by early 2019

New AWS Infrastructure will enable customers to run workloads in the Middle East and serve end-users across the region with even lower latency

SEATTLE, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon Web Services (AWS), an Amazon.com company (NASDAQ: AMZN), today announced that it plans to open an infrastructure region in the Middle East by early 2019. The new AWS Middle East (Bahrain) Region will consist of three Availability Zones at launch. Currently, AWS provides 44 Availability Zones across 16 infrastructure regions worldwide, with another 14 Availability Zones, across five AWS Regions in China, France, Hong Kong, Sweden, and a second GovCloud Region in the U.S. expected to come online by the end of 2018. AWS today also announced it will launch an AWS Edge Network Location in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the first quarter of 2018. This will bring Amazon CloudFront, Amazon Route 53, AWS Shield, and AWS WAF to the region and adds to the 78 points of presence AWS has around the world. For more information on AWS’s global infrastructure, go to https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure/.

“As countries in the Middle East look to transform their economies for generations to come, technology will play a major role, and the cloud will be in the middle of that transformation,” said Andy Jassy, CEO, Amazon Web Services, Inc. “Some of the most gratifying parts of operating AWS over the last 11 years have been helping thousands of new companies get started, empowering large enterprises to reinvent their customer experiences, and allowing governments and academic institutions to innovate for citizens again. We look forward to making this happen across the Middle East.”

This announcement has been welcomed by political leaders in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Countries across the Middle East are looking to innovate, grow their economies, and pursue their vision plans, such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2021, and Bahrain Vision 2030, and cloud technology will be key in helping them achieve this. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, commented, “Today’s announcement is a significant moment for Bahrain and the region. For the Kingdom, the expansion of regional cloud capacity builds upon a business environment that is already driving innovation and entrepreneurship, using technology to accelerate economic diversification in Bahrain. Through improved efficiencies, access to new career opportunities, and helping to enhance the delivery of government services, this marks further realization of the principles of sustainability, fairness, and competitiveness that form the core of Bahrain’s 2030 Vision.”

H.E. Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, said of the news, “AWS’s commitment to expanding its presence into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, from Bahrain, is a major enabler for technology and data-driven business across the GCC. This will benefit global corporates, SMEs, entrepreneurs, and governments alike. The ability to store and share data at speeds the Gulf has never experienced before has the potential to help companies gain competitive advantage, allowing them to compete more effectively at a global level. Amazon Web Services is delivering the Middle East a world class service. With such a young, technologically adept, and growing population, the Gulf is well positioned to drive innovation in mobile applications and digital services. I am very eager to see how our region’s entrepreneurs will make use of this exciting opportunity.”

AWS Investing in the Middle East

AWS is growing its presence in the Middle East bringing offices, staff, education, training, startup support, and other investments to the region. In January 2017, AWS opened offices to serve its rapidly growing customer base with a presence in Dubai, UAE and Manama, Bahrain. These offices have been established with teams of account managers, solutions architects, partner managers, professional services consultants, support staff, and various other functions for customers to engage with AWS.

Another investment AWS is making for its customers in the Middle East, and around the world, is to run its business in the most environmentally friendly way. An important criteria in launching the AWS Middle East (Bahrain) Region is the opportunity to power it with renewable energy. AWS chose Bahrain in part due to the country’s focus on executing renewable energy goals and its proposal to construct a new solar power facility to meet AWS’s power needs. The Bahrain Electricity and Water Authority expects to bring the 100 MW solar farm online in 2019, making it the country’s first utility-scale renewable energy project. For more information on AWS’s commitment to sustainability, go to https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/sustainability/.

AWS also announced that it is supporting the advancement of technology education across the Middle East making AWS Training and Certification programs available to customers. In the education sector, AWS is supporting the development of technology and cloud computing skills at local universities through the AWS Educate program, providing students and educators with the resources needed to accelerate cloud-related learning. This program is now available for students attending institutions such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE, Bahrain Polytechnic, University of Bahrain, as well as Oman College of Management and Technology, the Jordan University of Science and Technology, and many others across the region.

To support the growth of new business, AWS works with incubators and accelerators in the Middle East to provide resources to startups through the AWS Activate program. In Saudi Arabia, AWS works with the Badir Program for Technology Incubators and Accelerators at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to provide startups with access to technology resources as well as expert advice, education, and training to help promote Saudi youth entrepreneurship and grow new businesses in the Kingdom. To help new businesses across the Middle East go global, AWS also works with a number of local and international accelerators and incubators active in the region such as AstroLabs in the UAE, Cloud 10 Scalerator in Bahrain, as well as 500 Startups, Startupbootcamp, and Techstars, providing training, AWS credits, in-person technical support, and other benefits.

Middle Eastern Organizations Increasingly Moving to AWS

Organizations across the Middle East – in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, and other countries – are increasingly moving their mission-critical applications to AWS. Startups in the region choosing AWS as the foundation for their business include Alpha Apps, Anghami, Blu Loyalty, Cequens, DevFactory, Dubizzle, Fetchr, Genie9, Mawdoo3.com, Namshi, OneGCC, Opensooq.com, Payfort, Tajawal, and Ubuy, as well as Middle Eastern Unicorn Careem, the leading ride-hailing service in the MENA region. Careem runs all of its operations on AWS and over the past five years has grown 10 times its current size each year. “It is great news that AWS is opening a Region in the Middle East,” saidMagnus Olsson, chief experience officer and co-founder of Careem. “We have been all-in on AWS since we launched in 2012 and using the scalability of the cloud has helped us to cope with rapid growth. After starting in Dubai, we now serve over 12 million commuters in 80 cities across the Middle East and North Africa, including Turkey and Pakistan – this would not have been possible without AWS. The new AWS infrastructure Region in the Middle East gives us the opportunity to experiment with new Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that, in the future, will give us the ability to run a fleet of self-driving Careem cars comfortably and safely taking passengers to their destinations.”

Some of the Middle East’s most historic and established enterprises are moving mission critical applications to AWS. Enterprises such as Actel,Al Tayer Group, Batelco, flydubai, Hassan Allam, Silah Gulf, Union Insurance, and the United Arab Shipping Company are using AWS to drive cost savings, accelerate innovation, and speed time-to-market. One successful business that used AWS to grow is eCommerce provider SOUQ.com. “AWS has been key to our success throughout our journey of exponential growth in the MENA region,” said Ronaldo Mouchawar, CEO and Co-Founder of SOUQ.com. “Businesses in the region need robust technologies to both scale rapidly and provide world class service to their customers. With innovation being the main focus on the region’s national agenda, the advent of the world’s largest provider of cloud computing in the region is great news for everyone. This will help support the growing demand for cloud technologies as well as accelerate business expansions and success, regionally and around the world.”

Another enterprise using AWS is Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC), the largest private media company in the Middle East, delivering Arab language content to over 150 million people across the Middle East and North Africa. “AWS has been critical in our digital transformation initiatives,” said Joe Igoe, MBC’s Group Director of Technical Operations. “Knowing we will have AWS infrastructure close to our viewers is invaluable for us. AWS has helped us speed up innovation and rapidly expand into a wider range of scalable and reliable digital services, such as our Video on Demand platform, Shahid.net. During the holy month of Ramadan, TV viewership spikes dramatically. This year, we successfully scaled our online platform to support a massive increase in traffic and delivered hundreds of thousands of concurrent video streams and dozens of petabytes of content to our viewers.”

Government organizations are also working with AWS to lower costs and better serve citizens in the region, including the Bahrain Institute of Public Administration which has moved their Learning Management System to AWS, reducing costs by over 90 percent. Another government organization using AWS is the Kingdom of Bahrain Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA). The iGA is in charge of moving all government services online and is responsible for ICT governance and procurement for the Bahrain government. Earlier this year the iGA launched a cloud first policy, requiring all new government ICT procurement to evaluate cloud-based services first. Mohamed Al Qaed, Chief Executive of Kingdom of Bahrain iGA, said of the announcement, “AWS forms the backbone of our digital government initiatives so the news that an AWS Region is coming to our country is warmly welcomed by us. Through adopting a cloud first policy, we have helped to reduce the government procurement process for new technology from months to less than two weeks. We are in the process of migrating 700 servers with more than 50 TB of data to AWS with the goal of decommissioning our hosting platform by the end of 2017. We have also started to migrate systems of national significance, such as our Bahrain Data Locator, and supporting other entity system migrations, like the Ministry of Education LMS that has 149,000 users, with more planned on the way. As we move more mission critical workloads to AWS, we look forward to even greater efficiencies and being able to complete our mission to become eGovernment & ICT Pioneers.”

In addition to established enterprises, government organizations, and rapidly growing startups, AWS also has a vibrant AWS Partner Network (APN) across the Middle East, including APN Partners that have built cloud practices and innovative technology solutions on AWS. APN Consulting and Technology Partners in the Middle East are helping customers to migrate to the cloud include Al Moayyed Computers, Batelco, C5, du, DXC Technology, Falcon 9, Infonas, Integra Technologies, ITQAN Cloud, Human Technologies, Kaar Technologies, Navlink, Redington, Zain, and many others. For companies looking to join the APN or for the full list of members please visit: https://aws.amazon.com/partners/.

About Amazon Web Services

For 11 years, Amazon Web Services has been the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. AWS offers over 90 fully featured services for compute, storage, networking, database, analytics, application services, deployment, management, developer, mobile, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), security, hybrid and enterprise applications, from 44 Availability Zones (AZs) across 16 geographic regions in the U.S., Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the UK. AWS services are trusted by millions of active customers around the world monthly – including the fastest growing startups, largest enterprises, and leading government agencies – to power their infrastructure, make them more agile, and lower costs. To learn more about AWS, visit https://aws.amazon.com.

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.

Source: Amazon Web Services, Inc.

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Carrefour Belgium to open additional three pick-up points for online orders

BELGIUM, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — On September 29, Carrefour will open three new pick-up points for drive.be. This will bring the total number of new pick-up points opened this month up to 15.

At the start of this year, Carrefour announced its targets for 2017 to
– extend home delivery,
– trial home delivery by other customers
– and open up around a hundred new pick-up points for drive.be.

Carrefour met its first target over the last few months by joining forces with PostNL. Since then, Carrefour has been making deliveries every working day, between 5 PM and 10 PM.

Carrefour met its second target by trailing the Bringr platform which enables smartphone users to deliver another customer’s orders at the time and to the place that they specify.

And it is in the process of meeting its third target – over the first eight months of this year, Carrefour opened 57 new pick-up points for drive.be and will be opening up another 15 this month.

With these 15 openings, customers now have 152 points from which they can pick up orders that they have placed via the drive.be Carrefour website. Carrefour currently sells some 15,000 products via its website.

SOURCE: Carrefour Group

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Tesco widens crop specifications to help British apple farmers affected by the frosts earlier this year

Tesco widens crop specifications to help British apple farmers affected by the frosts earlier this year

Welwyn Garden City, UK, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — British apple farmers are to be given a helping hand by Tesco after frosts earlier this year hampered the growth of this autumn’s crop.

Unseasonal temperatures dropped to -4C at the end of April in parts of Britain and caused a fruit blemish known as ‘frost ring’ which leaves a ring mark around the circumference or a large blemish on the skin.

For some growers it will mean a struggle supplying apples to supermarkets because of crop specifications set by retailers governing the overall look and quality of fruit and vegetables.

But to help growers and prevent otherwise perfectly good apples from going to waste Tesco has now widened those specifications to ensure they will still go on sale.

And the move by Tesco will mean that a variety of different apples, including 300 tonnes of Bramley variety, will now end up on supermarket shelves across the UK.

John Worth, Tesco’s apple expert said:

“We’re working with our apple growers to use as much of the crop and prevent perfectly good fruit from going to waste.

“We want to support our growers wherever we can – and although some apples might be smaller or blemished, they still have the same great taste our customers expect.”    

Slightly blemished apples will be sold as part of the supermarket’s standard range whilst the more blemished fruit will be sold as part of Tesco’s ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ range.

Ends

 

Note to editors:

Earlier this week, Tesco announced plans to join forces with suppliers to tackle global food waste.

The frosts in late April had a devastating effect on the UK Apple crop affecting all suppliers throughout the UK.

Bramley is one of the varieties that has been badly affected by a defect know as Frost Ring.

Frost Ring is not currently allowed under our specifications and usually the growers would remove fruit that had the defect.

However as Frost Ring is so widespread without the use of affected fruit it had led to considerable waste of otherwise viable fruit.

In 2016 we launched our Perfectly Imperfect range of ‘wonky’ fruit and vegetables. Allowing us to take much more of our suppliers crop, maximise the amount of produce we can sell in store & giving our customers great products at low prices.

SOURCE: Tesco PLC

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701     
We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

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Sephora rolls out new store concept in Spain

Sephora rolls out new store concept in Spain

PARIS, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — First introduced in France, the new Sephora store concept is now available in Spain at two new flagship stores. Featuring innovative design, these hyper-connected stores bring customers a unique beauty experience in an unprecedented service-driven environment, perfectly expressing the beauty retailer’s Play, Share and Shop philosophy. 

Following the tremendous success of two pilot stores opened in March in Nantes and Val d’Europe in France, Sephora has brought its new store concept to Spain. This new concept revolves around a fascinating variety of services, letting Sephora offer a groundbreaking beauty experience, transforming beauty shopping in Spain, where the brand has been present since 1998. 

The unprecedented customer experience debuts right from the entrance with a giant slide for shoppers who eschew escalators or a piano stairway. As at the two French pilot stores, these newest concept stores include a Trend Zone with a selection of hot new products, a Beauty Hub for personalized advice and Beauty Classes to learn about specific makeup topics. With four distinct experience spaces – compared with one or two at classic stores – the new concept stores give customers access to an expanded range of brands, from the latest on-trend products from South Korea to para-pharmaceutical products, and engage with a broader audience, especially Millennials. 

New services include the Dry Bar by Rizos for a 15-minute hairstyle touch-up and the DROPS fragrance experience, designed to introduce younger customers to perfume by letting them personalize the bottle of their chosen fragrance in a fun, interactive way.

With these two new concept stores Sephora introduces a groundbreaking shopping experience in Spain, as the brand continues to expand the concept throughout Europe, adapting it to each country for an even more exclusive experience. 

SOURCE: LVMH

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Bulgari and British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood collaborate on Serpenti Forever bag

© Bulgari

PARIS, 2017-Sep-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — This fall, legendary jeweler Bulgari has invited British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood to revisit a line of accessories. The two Maisons have unveiled an exclusive collaboration, melding their savoir-faire for a distinctive reinterpretation of the Serpenti Forever bag.

A symbol of wisdom, renewal and vitality, the snake is an iconic Bulgari motif.   Both talisman and accessory, the serpent is revisited this season by British footwear designer Nicholas Kirkwood, known for his bold creativity. The capsule collection is resolutely contemporary, with backpacks, clutches and shoulder bags, including the Serpenti Forever bag first designed by Bulgari in 2012. 

The bags come in a richly textured chevron pattern defined by varnished studs, with a mix of flat, round and matte pyramidal buttons. Nicholas Kirkwood also adds a new twist to the enameled snake head clasp that adorns the backpacks and shoulder bags. The innovative collection boasts graphic forms and a color palette inspired by gemstones such as pink spinel and royal sapphire, melding the design codes shared by both houses. Nicholas Kirkwood drew inspiration from the distinctively sophisticated Bulgari universe. “I created the chevron patterns using rubberized studs which have faceted ends that reminded me of diamond settings and some of the spectacular gemstones I had seen in the Bulgari High Jewelry atelier in Rome,” says the designer. The limited edition collection inaugurates a series of Bulgari collaborations dubbed “Serpenti Through The Eyes of”.

Bulgari muse Bella Hadid exquisitely shows off the range in the capsule collection campaign, photographed by Terry Richardson. The bags are available exclusively at the Printemps Haussmann Paris department store in France until October 14, as well as on the Net-A-Porter website. 

SOURCE: LVMH