Daily Archives: September 25, 2017

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Debenhams manager Simon Weeks joined ‘cycle to work’ crusade for a military charity fundraiser

Debenhams manager Simon Weeks joined ‘cycle to work’ crusade for a military charity fundraiser

Local charity supporter, Simon Weeks goes the extra mile for Help for Heroes 

LONDON, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — A local charity supporter went the extra mile for a military charity last week, cycling more than 60 miles in a unique fundraiser.

Simon Weeks, a warehouse transition manager at Debenhams, rode from his home in Cambridge to Debenhams London Support Centre in a unique ‘cycle to work’ crusade. His impressive ride came after a call from the business for fundraising volunteers to join an organised sponsored bike ride for military charity, Help for Heroes in the capital.

Simon was happy to take part in a challenge for the Charity, thanks to his own family’s connection to the Armed Forces. He said: “My grandad joined the Royal Navy aged just 17 and a year later was involved in the D-Day landings. Help for Heroes provides valuable support to service personnel and military veterans who have sustained injuries while serving in the British Armed Forces, so it is a charity close to my heart.”

With years of biking experience Simon, and his wife, decided to cycle into London before the event.

Simon said: “My trusty second-hand bike and I, have covered hundreds of miles through Laos and Cambodia, so Cambridge to London wasn’t too big a challenge! We set out Tuesday evening and decided to camp overnight. Unfortunately, we set up camp in the middle of Storm Aileen so sleep wasn’t on the cards. It was really cold and incredibly wet but we were both determined to take part in the event.”

After arriving in London, Simon and a Debenhams team of office workers then cycled around Regents Park twice, to help Debenhams raise more than £1.5m for the charity.

Speaking on Simon’s achievement, Mandy Lloyd, Head of Partnerships at Help for Heroes said: “We already receive fantastic support from Debenhams to benefit our ex-serving me and women but Simon really did take things to another level!  We are really bowled over and hugely grateful to individuals such as Simon who champion our cause.”

“Help for Heroes is hugely grateful to Debenhams and all those involved in their recent fundraising activities and everything they have done to support the Charity.  We rely heavily on the generous donations raised which directly helps rebuild lives.  We’d like to thank everyone who has donated and helped support our beneficiaries and hope everyone has had lots of fun too!”

In addition to staff fundraising activity, Debenhams also has a collection of four specially designed Help for Heroes t-shirts. The t-shirts are priced at £20 and are available in store and online. Debenhams has pledged to donate all profits from the sale of each item to Help for Heroes.

To view Debenhams’ Help for Heroes merchandise, visit: http://www.debenhams.com/men/help-for-heroes

 

– ends – 

Notes to Editors

About the Debenhams Foundation
At Debenhams we are committed to a number of charities. In 2013 we set up our own charity, The Debenhams Foundation, and currently work with including, Help for Heroes, BBC Children in Need, Breast Cancer Now, Make A Wish Foundation and the Disasters and Emergencies Committee. We chose these charities following feedback from our staff and customers.

For more information, visit our Debenhams Foundation page.

CONTACTS

For more information and imagery please contact:
Debenhams Press Office: 020 3549 6420 / press.office@debenhams.com

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Debenhams announces former Wolves captain Jody Craddock to open the new Wolverhampton store on 12th October 2017

Jody Craddock of Wolverhampton Wanderers

LONDON, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Debenhams has today announced that former Wolves star and captain Jody Craddock will be opening the new Wolverhampton store, alongside a specially chosen local hero on Thursday 12th October 2017.

Craddock, who played for Wolverhampton Wanderers for ten years and was Captain when the team won the Championship to secure promotion to the Premier League in 2008, said: “I am really excited to kick off Debenhams Wolverhampton new store opening and see what fashions are in-store. Having worn shorts for over 20 years, I am looking forward to getting suited and booted for the event.”

Jody has maintained close links with Wolves since retirement and, an accomplished artist, has penned this season’s programme covers with sketches of club legends.  And he is now helping with search for a ‘local hero’ to  open the store alongside him.   Debenhams is searching for one deserving local resident to receive an exclusive styling session with a personal shopper before cutting the ribbon to open the store.

Speaking on the search, Jody Craddock, said: “We are asking friends, families and community members to nominate the everyday heroes of Wolverhampton who are deserving of recognition and reward ahead of the store opening.

“There are many ordinary people who do extraordinary things in local communities and we want to take time to give them the VIP treatment they deserve.”

The prize also includes a beauty makeover, in addition to £200 to spend on Debenhams exclusive ranges including Star by Julien Macdonald, J by Jasper Conran, No1. by Jenny Packham and Studio by Preen, and the leading beauty brands in the fantastic beauty hall.

Nominations are being accepted up to Friday 29th September and should include contact details for the nominee, a photograph, as well as the reasons for the nomination. These can then be sent via email to ainsley.piggott@havas.com, or in writing to: Havas PR, 26 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AL

Alison Young, store manager for the new Debenhams Wolverhampton store, said: “The team and I can’t wait to introduce ourselves to our customers and show them the store.

“Wolverhampton has a strong community spirit, so we’re really looking forward to seeing the entries and hearing about all the great people that live in the area.”

Debenhams Wolverhampton has created more than 150 jobs in the local area and is part of the redevelopment programme taking place at The Mander Centre, which is set for completion in Autumn 2017.

Terms and Conditions

  • Winner must be happy to be involved in publicity and available on opening day
  • Judges discretion is final
  • No cash alternative for prize

CONTACTS

For more information please contact: Press.Office@Debenhams.com

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SPAR supports Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships

Some 75,000 tickets have already been sold for the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships which begin on 7 August

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — With 328 days until the start of the Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships, of which SPAR is the principal sponsor, the organisers have announced that an unprecedented 75,000 tickets have already been sold for the six day event from 7-12 August.

The championships will be staged as part of the inaugural multi-sport European Championships in conjunction with the Scottish city of Glasgow. The event is the most prestigious on the sporting calendar for European athletes in 2018 and the European Athletics Championships is the biggest sporting event to be staged in Germany next year.

Never before have so many tickets been sold for a European Athletics Championships at this stage ahead of the event. As well as sizeable domestic interest, the organisers have also reported large numbers of ticket sales from the United Kingdom, as well as neighbours Poland, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

The success of the German team which won five medals at the IAAF World Championships in London last month has undoubtedly provided a boost to ticket sales and the organisers have just opened the advanced sale for hospitality packages.

“We are very satisfied with the development of the sales figures and we notice that the European Athletics Championships, the largest sporting event in Germany in 2018, are becoming more and more important in people’s awareness. With the advance sale of hospitality offers, we have a further possibility to meet the individual needs of our guests,” said Berlin 2018 Managing Director Frank Kowalski.

More information on tickets can be found here.

More information on the 2018 European Championships:

The Berlin 2018 European Athletics Championships will be part of the first multi-sport European Championships along with co-hosts Glasgow.

It will be a must-watch, must-attend experience that elevates the status of European Champions, uniting existing European Championships to celebrate the highest honour in European sport and celebrating the defining moments that create Champions. Seven of Europe’s leading sports (athletics, aquatics, rowing, golf, cycling, gymnastics, triathlon) will be brought together for the first edition.

SOURCE: SPAR International

SPAR International

info@spar-international.com
+3120 626 6749

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Healthiest Employers names Kroger one of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America”

Company ranks 38th on the annual list

CINCINNATI, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has been named one of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” by Healthiest Employers, LLC, an organization dedicated to evaluating employers’ efforts in corporate health. It is the second time in three years Kroger has been honored on the list for its commitment to employee health and its exceptional corporate wellness programming.

More than 5,000 employers from across the country, including 60 Fortune 100 companies, applied for the award. Those selected stood out across each of the six key categories evaluated: culture and leadership, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis.

Kroger came in at 38th overall on the list and was lauded for its exceptional corporate wellness initiatives such as health screenings, preventive care education and interactive wellness challenges.

“Our associates’ well-being is incredibly important to us, and we are excited to be recognized as an industry leader for our commitment to better health,” said Theresa Monti, Kroger’s vice president of total rewards and HR systems. “Our goal is to offer something for everyone to help with their overall well-being: physically, financially and emotionally.”

Kroger provides a variety of health and wellness programs for its associates. All associates have access to unlimited coaching, by phone or video, to help them achieve their personal goals using the company’s Employee Assistance Program.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™.We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

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Taco Bell kicks off countdown toward National Taco Day

Taco Bell kicks off countdown toward National Taco Day

Taco Bell celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with season-long activities, including a holiday dinner at the Taco Bell Test Kitchen via OpenTable

Irvine, Calif., 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — For taco fans around the world, now is the most wonderful time of the year. This year Taco Bell is taking National Taco Day on October 4th and making it a season-long celebration of the holiday it truly is. Complete with its very own animated holiday special, an exclusive feast at the Taco Bell Test Kitchen and a National Taco Day Gift Set that anyone can give or receive, the season of tacos begins today.

“With calendars now awash in every manner of ‘hashtag holiday,’ we know that National Taco Day stands apart, and we want to help our fans embrace the true holiday spirit with an array of new traditions,” said Marisa Thalberg, Chief Marketing Officer at Taco Bell Corp. “At this time I want to personally wish our fans a hearty ‘Seasoned Beefings,’ and a very happy National Taco Day to all.”

Echoing the classic holiday animated specials that define holiday tradition, Taco Bell will ring in taco season with the premiere of “Glen and The Magic Taco” on September 25th as the countdown to National Taco Day continues. The loveable animated digital short will feature beloved characters, including Chef Glen, inspired by Taco Bell’s founder Glen Bell, and will tell the story of National Taco Day’s origin according to Taco Bell.

A holiday isn’t complete without a gathering with friends and family, which is why on National Taco Day Taco Bell will host fans for an exclusive dinner at the home of taco innovation – Taco Bell’s Test Kitchen. Fans will have the chance to score a seat via OpenTable for a dinner on October 4th in the top-secret test kitchen where revolutionary food creations like the Doritos Locos Tacos and Quesalupa were dreamed up. The dining experience will celebrate the iconic taco with a 5-course menu created and plated by Taco Bell’s top chefs and innovators.

For the taco lover who has everything, there is really only one gift sure to be on everyone’s list for National Taco Day. Taco Bell will be offering a National Taco Day Gift Set in participating restaurants on October 4th only, equipped with customers’ four classic Taco Bell tacos for five dollars: Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, and Fiery Doritos Locos Tacos and, of course, the iconic Crunchy Taco, all “gift wrapped” in a limited edition wrapper and specially boxed.

To join in on the countdown toward National Taco Day – and for more on reservations for Taco Bell’s Test Kitchen – fans are invited to tune into Taco Bell’s Facebook on September 25th and check out Ta.co/Day for additional ways to celebrate.

About OpenTable
OpenTable, part of The Priceline Group (NASDAQ: PCLN), is the world’s leading provider of online restaurant reservations, seating more than 23 million diners per month via online reservations across more than 43,000 restaurants. The OpenTable network connects restaurants and diners, helping diners discover and book the perfect table and helping restaurants deliver personalized hospitality to keep guests coming back. The OpenTable service enables diners to see which restaurants have available tables, select a restaurant based on verified diner reviews, menus, and other helpful information, and easily book a reservation. In addition to the company’s website and mobile apps, OpenTable powers online reservations for nearly 600 partners, including many of the Internet’s most popular global and local brands. For restaurants, the OpenTable hospitality solutions enable them to manage their reservation book, streamline their operations, and enhance their service levels. Since its inception in 1998, OpenTable has seated over 1.4 billion diners around the world via online reservations. OpenTable is headquartered in San Francisco and has bookable restaurants in more than 20 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.Restaurants are available for reservations in Dutch, English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages.

OpenTable, OpenTable.com, OpenTable logos, and other service names are the trademarks of OpenTable, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

MEDIA RELATIONS
Public relations inquiries please call 949-863-3915 or e-mail at media@tacobell.com

ABOUT TACO BELL® CORPORATION
Taco Bell Corp., a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), is the nation’s leading Mexican-inspired quick service restaurant (QSR) brand. From breakfast to late night, Taco Bell serves made-to-order and customizable tacos and burritos, among other craveable choices, and is the first QSR restaurant to offer American Vegetarian Association (AVA)-certified menu items. Taco Bell and its more than 350 franchise organizations proudly serve over 42 million customers each week through 7,000 restaurants across the nation, as well as through its mobile, desktop and delivery ordering services. Overseas, Taco Bell has over 250 restaurants, with plans to add 2,000 more restaurants internationally within the next decade. The brand encourages its fans to “Live Mas” and connects with them through sports, gaming and new music via its Feed The Beat® music program. Taco Bell also provides education opportunities and serves the community through its nonprofit organization, the Taco Bell® Foundation™, and connects fans with their passions through programs such as the Live Mas Scholarship program. In 2016, Taco Bell was named as one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in the World.

Like: Facebook.com/tacobell
Follow: @TacoBell (Twitter) and tacobell (Instagram)
Subscribe: YouTube.com/tacobell

SOURCE: Taco Bell

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Walgreens partners with Netflix actor Brandon Larracuente to launch “#ItEndsWithUs” campaign to raise awareness on opioid epidemic

Netflix actor Brandon Larracuente to announce campaign at WE Day UN in New York

NEW YORK, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (20 September 2017), Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, launches its new campaign “#ItEndsWithUs” to educate teens nationwide on the opioid epidemic. The campaign will be unveiled by actor Brandon Larracuente from Netflix’s popular series “13 Reasons Why” and “Bloodline.” Larracuente, who lost a close friend to the opioid epidemic, will speak to an audience of more than 6,000 youth at the WE Day UN in New York event at Madison Square Garden.

“I have personally been affected by the opioid epidemic. My friend was only 19 when she died and it only took one wrong, risk-taking decision to cost her, her life,” said Larracuente. “I’m honored to work with Walgreens to raise awareness of the issue with my generation and let them know of the resources the company has made available to customers nationwide. This epidemic ends with our generation.”

The #ItEndsWithUs campaign provides teens with resources and positive steps they can take in their community, which are all available at the #ItEndsWithUs hub at www.walgreens.com/itendswithus. Once there, visitors are greeted with a message from Larracuente and a personal testimonial from Francesca Paparone, a young woman who overcame her addiction and is now working with Walgreens to raise awareness. Together, both Paparone and Larracuente will speak to Walgreens safe medication disposal program that began in 2016 in their messages.

The safe medication disposal kiosks allow individuals to safely and conveniently dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications, year-round at no cost. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else. Most people who misuse prescription drugs first obtain them from a family member or friend, often from a home medicine cabinet.

Kiosks are available in more than 600 pharmacies across 45 states and the District of Columbia; that’s more than 100 kiosks above the program’s original goal. In its first year, the program has resulted in the collection and disposal of 72 tons of unwanted medication, or the equivalent weight of about 40 midsize cars.

The #ItEndsWithUs campaign launches at a time when the national opioid crisis has escalated into an epidemic of addiction and overdose. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdose deaths among 15-to-19-year-olds spiked more than 19 percent between 2014 and 2015. The CDC also found that nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.

Walgreens will continue to raise awareness around the opioid epidemic at upcoming WE Day events in 2018, with the help of Larracuente engaging teens across the country. For more information about the #ItEndsWithUs campaign and how to get involved, visit www.walgreens.com/itendswithus.

About Walgreens

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

SOURCE: Walgreens

Contact(s)

Walgreens
Emily Hartwig-Mekstan, 847-315-3316
emily.hartwig@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

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Tesco announces partnerships with suppliers to tackle UN Sustainable Development Goal on food waste

Welwyn Garden City, UK, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco announces ground-breaking partnerships with suppliers to tackle UN Sustainable Development Goal on food waste.

Speaking at a meeting of Champions 12.3 in New York today, Dave Lewis, CEO, Tesco announced partnership agreements with 24 of its largest food suppliers who will adopt the Sustainable Development Goal to halve food waste by 2030[1].  The suppliers, who represent over £17bn worth of Tesco sales, will publish food waste data for their own operations within 12 months, and have committed to take the steps needed to reduce food waste in their supply chain as well as innovating to make it easier for consumers to reduce waste in their homes.

In addition, Tesco announced its businesses in the Republic of Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Hungary have published their food waste data, following four years of publication in the UK. The move builds on Tesco’s commitment to transparency on food waste data to use that information to help reduce food waste in its operations.

Leading food waste campaigner Tristram Stuart welcomed the news outlining Tesco as ‘the world-leading supermarket’ on reporting food waste:

“We have been challenging Tesco and other supermarkets on transparent reporting of food waste for years now. This commitment to ensure that supply chain waste is measured and reported makes Tesco the world-leading supermarket on transparent food waste reporting, and represents a significant step towards meeting the global goal to halve food waste by 2030. It’s time for other businesses to follow suit, and for Tesco, along with the rest of the world’s supermarkets, to demonstrate, if they can, that their businesses are not inherently wasteful.”

In his speech, Mr Lewis said:

“Great progress has been made, but the reality is that we need many more companies, countries or cities committing to halve food waste by 2030, measuring and publishing their data and acting on that insight to tackle food waste. I am delighted that many of our major suppliers have taken this important step so we can work in partnership to reduce food waste”

The suppliers involved in the agreement are: Yeo Valley; Gomez; Branston; Greencore; Icelandic Seachill; AMT; DPS; Kepak Meat Division; G’s; Allied Bakeries; Moy Park; Richard Hochfeld; Ornua; Cranswick; Samworths; 2SFG; Hilton; Espersen; Greenyard Frozen; Müller Milk & Ingredients; Kerry Foods; Bakkavor; Froneri; Noble.

The supplier agreement is the first struck between a major retailer and its food suppliers. It follows agreements over the last 12 months at The Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) and Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) with branded suppliers to align efforts around Champions 12.3 goals.

 

Notes to editors

Champions 12.3

Tesco’s CEO, Dave Lewis, chairs a coalition of leaders from government, businesses, international organisations, research institutions, and civil society called Champions 12.3. This group is dedicated to accelerating progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Target 12.3 by 2030.

Target 12.3 is to halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer level, and reduce food losses along production and supply chains by 2030.

Champions 12.3 offers three recommendations for leaders to meet Target 12.3 by 2030:

  • Target: Targets set ambition, and ambition motivates action. Every country, major city and company involved in the food supply chain should set food loss and waste reduction targets consistent with Target 12.3 in order to ensure sufficient attention and focus.
  • Measure: What gets measured gets managed. The report recommends governments and companies quantify and report on food loss and waste and monitor progress over time through 2030.
  • Act: Impact only occurs if people act. Governments and companies should accelerate and scale up adoption of policies, incentives, investment and practices that reduce food loss and waste.

In March 2017 Champions 12.3 released a report showing the business case for taking action on food waste. Based on analysis covering 1,200 business sites across 700 companies in 17 countries – representing the manufacturing, retail, hospitality and food service industries – the report shows that almost every time a business made an investment in curbing food waste, there was a positive return on that investment. For every $1 invested in reducing food waste, half the business sites had at least a $14 return.

The new SDG Target 12.3 on Food Loss and Waste: 2017 Progress report highlights progress to date and includes a roadmap of required actions by companies, countries and cities if the world to halve food waste by 2030.

For more information, visit www.Champions123.org

[1] 23 of Tesco’s largest suppliers will adopt the 2030 target for their global operations and one for their UK operations.

For more information about our food waste click here.

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.

SOURCE: Tesco PLC

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Walgreens Boots Alliance to host Q4 2017 financial results conference call on 25 October 2017

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) will release its fourth quarter and fiscal 2017 earnings results at 7 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday, 25 October 2017, followed by a one-hour conference call with Walgreens Boots Alliance management beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.

The conference call will be simulcast through the Walgreens Boots Alliance investor relations website at: http://investor.walgreensbootsalliance.com. A replay of the conference call will be archived on the website for 12 months after the call.

The replay also will be available from 11:30 a.m. Eastern time, 25 October 2017 through 2 November 2017, by calling +1 855 859 2056 within the USA and Canada, or +1 404 537 3406 internationally, using replay code 81743092.

Notes to Editors:

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

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

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

The company’s portfolio of retail and business brands includes Walgreens, Duane Reade, Boots and

Alliance Healthcare, as well as increasingly global health and beauty product brands such as No7, Botanics, Liz Earle and Soap & Glory.

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

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

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

(WBA-GEN)

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: All statements in this release and related conference call and webcast that are not historical are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including those described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending 31 August 2016 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended 31 May 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

Contact(s)

Media Relations
USA / Michael Polzin
+1 847 315 2935
or
International / Laura Vergani
+44 (0)207 980 8585
or
Investor Relations
Gerald Gradwell and Ashish Kohli
+1 847 315 2922

SOURCE: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

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Argos launches its latest Star Wars™ toy range

Argos launches its latest Star Wars™ toy range

Leading toy retailer, Argos, has celebrated the launch of its latest Star Wars™ toy range by sending the iconic BB8 into space, to a galaxy far, far away…. 
LONDON, 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gliding 37,260m above Earth, BB8 was launched into the stratosphere to return top secret Imperial data to the Resistance, helping the good in their continuing fight against evil.It was in 2015 that BB8 was captured by The First Order, before escaping the evil clutches of Admiral Hex and returning to Earth, having stolen secret enemy data.

So ahead of the upcoming release of Star Wars™: The Last Jedi on 15 December 2017, Argos sent BB8 on a secret mission, back to the galaxy to return this secret enemy data, to help the Resistance in their upcoming fights with evil forces.

BB8 completed its mission in a matter of hours, reaching a speed of over 200 miles per hour during the galaxy-hopping trip. The droid was specially modified for its secret mission, with a team of 12 space experts spending one whole month, preparing the toy for lift off. After crash-landing back on earth, the firm fan-favourite joined key characters from Star Wars™: The Last Jedi in Argos’s extensive range of Star Wars™ toys. Prices range from just £10.99 for the movie-inspired Star Wars™ Force Link Figure Assortment to £139.99 for a remote controlled Hyperdrive BB-8.

The launch was overseen by Dan Blaney, space expert at Sent into Space. He said: “Star Wars™ has always been at the forefront of bringing new galaxies and space travel to the masses. We we’re thrilled to have helped Argos send the iconic BB8 to return his secret data to the resistance, ahead of Star Wars™: The Last Jedi being released this year.”

Paul Kinge, Toy Buyer at Argos, said: “Our wide range of Star Wars™: The Last Jedi toys features exclusive ranges that are incredibly realistic, making them a must have item for the many fans and super-fans out there. To celebrate their release, it seemed only right to resurrect an iconic story line, in this case BB8’s from Star Wars™: The Force Awakens, with a special mission ahead of the new movie release this December.

“Star Wars captures the hearts and imaginations of every generation, and the toys are part of what helps bring the films to life in homes across the globe. We’re thrilled to offer so many a glimpse into the out of this world experience that Star Wars™ offers.”

Available online, in-store or on the Argos app, customers can get over 20,000 products how they want, when they want.  Argos’s market-leading Fast Track services provides nationwide same-day home delivery for just £3.95, seven days a week, and faster collection in 800+ stores for no charge.

SOURCE: Sainsbury’s

MEDIA CONTACT

For corporate press enquiries please contact press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 0207 695 7295.

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CVS strengthens its initiatives to battle opioid abuse

  • CVS Pharmacy expanding drug disposal collection program to 1,550 units with addition of kiosks at 750 retail pharmacies nationwide, adding to 800 units previously donated to law enforcement
  • CVS Caremark enhancing opioid utilization management aligned with CDC Guideline for PBM clients and members, complementing measures already in place
  • CVS Health Foundation adding $2 million commitment to previous investments in mitigating prescription drug abuse with support for Community Health Centers providing medication-assisted treatment and other addiction recovery services

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2017-Sep-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) announced today that, as part of the company’s broad commitment to fighting the national opioid abuse epidemic, it is enhancing its enterprise-wide initiatives supporting safe drug disposal, utilization management of pain medications and funding for treatment and recovery programs.

“As America’s front door to health care with a presence in nearly 10,000 communities across the country, we see firsthand the impact of the alarming and rapidly growing epidemic of opioid addiction and misuse,” said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO, CVS Health. “Today we are announcing an expansion of our enterprise initiatives to fight the opioid abuse epidemic that leverages CVS Pharmacy’s national presence with the capabilities of CVS Caremark, which manages medications for nearly 90 million plan members.”

To support this goal, CVS Caremark will roll out an enhanced opioid utilization management approach for all commercial, health plan, employer and Medicaid clients as of February 1, 2018 unless the client chooses to opt out. This program will include limiting to seven days the supply of opioids dispensed for certain acute prescriptions for patients who are new to therapy; limiting the daily dosage of opioids dispensed based on the strength of the opioid; and requiring the use of immediate-release formulations of opioids before extended-release opioids are dispensed.

CVS Pharmacy locations will also strengthen counseling for patients filling an opioid prescription with a robust safe opioid use education program highlighting opioid safety and the dangers of addiction. This clinical program will educate patients about the Guideline for opioid prescribing published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which advises using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. Pharmacists will counsel patients about the risk of dependence and addiction tied to duration of opioid use, the importance of keeping medications secure in the home and methods of proper disposal of unused medication.

In the last two decades, opioid prescribing rates have increased nearly three-fold, from 76 million prescriptions in 1991 to approximately 207 million prescriptions in 2013. This remarkable volume of opioid prescribing is unique to the United States, where prescribing in 2015 was nearly four times what it was in Europe.

“Without a doubt, addressing our nation’s opioid crisis calls for a multipronged effort involving many health care stakeholders,” Merlo added, “from doctors, dentists and pharmaceutical companies to pharmacies and government officials. With this expansion of our industry-leading initiatives, we are further strengthening our commitment to help providers and patients balance the need for these powerful medications with the risk of abuse and misuse.”

“The misuse and abuse of opioids is a public health crisis we have to work together to solve,” said Dr. Gary Roberts, president of the American Dental Association. “As prescribers of opioid pain medications, dentists can help keep these drugs from becoming a source of harm for patients, and the American Dental Association (ADA) is absolutely committed to working with our fellow health organizations to promote the appropriate use and disposal of controlled substances. The ADA will do everything we can to help end this national emergency.”

In a commentary published today on the Health Affairs Blog, CVS Health Chief Medical Officer Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., M.P.H., wrote, “In many ways, the abuse of opiates can be seen as the leading public health emergency the United States faces today…In light of the human suffering and financial costs caused by the current epidemic, a thoughtful, responsible, evidence-based treatment of pain is a service we must provide to our patients. Employing principles sanctioned by the CDC is clearly necessary and prudent.”

In addition to limiting opioid dispensing, CVS Health today announced that it will be expanding its Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program to a total of 1,550 kiosks, including 750 additional disposal units in CVS Pharmacy across the country beginning with locations in Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and the District of Columbia this fall.

“Everyone has a role to play in addressing the opioid epidemic, and CVS Health is showing how the private sector can help,” said Richard Baum, Acting Director of National Drug Control Policy. “Making sure people can safely dispose of unwanted medications is a key part of preventing opioid misuse and abuse, and CVS Health has taken this important step which will support the health of communities across the country.”

To date, through this program, created with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, CVS Health has previously donated more than 800 medication disposal units to local police departments in 43 states. More than 100 metric tons of unwanted medication, that could otherwise have been diverted, misused or abused, have been collected and safely disposed of through this program in the past two years.

“CVS Health has long partnered with us to help prevent and address prescription drug abuse and we understand the depth of the company’s commitment and the breadth of their ability to respond,” said Fred Muench, PhD, President and CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. “We strongly support their work to limit the quantity of opioids dispensed to patients, consistent with the Guideline set by the CDC, and their work to educate patients, teens and parents about the dangers of opioid misuse.”

The CVS Health Foundation has also added a $2 million commitment to its previous investments in mitigating prescription drug abuse with support for Federally-qualified community health centers to increase access to medication-assisted treatment and other recovery services. Together, the CVS Health Foundation and National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) convened a panel of experts to develop a protocol of best practices for community health centers on provider prescribing guidelines, medication-assisted treatment, behavioral health and collaboration with other community organizations to treat and prevent prescription drug abuse among at-risk patients. These guidelines will serve as a resource for community health centers receiving grants from this partnership to provide treatment for opioid addiction. This initiative expands the CVS Health Foundation’s ongoing funding of programs to reduce prescription drug abuse.

“We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the CVS Health Foundation to help reduce health disparities among medically underserved populations,” said Tom Van Coverden, President and CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers. “Community health centers have the unique ability to leverage their care teams, health information technology systems and quality infrastructure to support drug abuse control in their communities. Through the Innovative Approaches for Prescription Drug Abuse Management and Prevention program, we hope to build capacity for providing integrated behavioral health services in communities with high incidence of substance use and abuse with the goal of implementing innovative, collaborative, and community‐based models that result in safe prescribing practices, care coordination, strengthened partnerships and non-judgmental environments for all patients.”

CVS Health is also expanding its commitment to opioid abuse prevention education by bringing its Pharmacists Teach program to a parent audience. The Pharmacists Teach program has been part of the company’s ongoing commitment to prevent and address prescription drug abuse in the communities it serves. The program connects CVS Pharmacists with schools in their communities to provide a unique perspective to students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. To date, the program has focused on teens and has educated more than 295,000 students about prescription drug abuse.

In addition to the company’s ongoing focus on prevention, CVS Health has also worked to expand access to the opioid-overdose reversal medication naloxone in 43 states and has advocated for improving tools like Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs, which help pharmacies and prescribers prevent abuse.

About the Company

CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its 9,700 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Investor Contact:

Mike McGuire
(401) 770-4050
Michael.McGuire@CVSHealth.com

Media Contacts:

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(401) 770-9237
Erin.Britt@CVSHealth.com

Carolyn Castel
(401) 770-5717
Carolyn.Castel@CVSHealth.com

SOURCE: CVS Health