Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts brings back the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed® doughnut for a limited time this October

Company answers customer demand for popular LTO, which will be available after 6 p.m. on Oct. 6, 13 and 20, and all day Oct. 26

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is bringing back its popular fall treat, the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed® doughnut, for a limited time in October, answering customers’ calls for more opportunities to enjoy this delicious fall indulgence.

On the first three Fridays of the month – Oct. 6, 13 and 20 – the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut will be available at participating Krispy Kreme shops after 6 p.m. only for “Friday Night Spice.” Then, on Thursday, Oct. 26, customers can enjoy the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut all day in celebration of National Pumpkin Day.

“Our guests were so enthusiastic about the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut when we first brought it back for one day last month. But their enthusiasm on social media and at our shops has only intensified since then, so we’re pleased to bring it back – again,” said Jackie Woodward, Chief Marketing Officer of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

The Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut is the same Original Glazed doughnut that Krispy Kreme customers know and love, but with a hint of cinnamon and pumpkin spice flavor, transforming the classic into the perfect fall treat. To find a participating shop in the U.S. or Canada, visit www.krispykreme.com/pumpkinspiceog.

Celebrate the return of the Pumpkin Spice Original Glazed doughnut by using the hashtag #PumpkinSpiceOG and tagging @krispykreme.

About Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation is a global retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the Company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Krispy Kreme doughnuts can be found in approximately 12,000 grocery, convenience and mass merchant stores in the U.S. The Company has more than 1,300 retail shops in 31 countries. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one of its many social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme, and www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme.

Contact:

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation
Sarah Roof, 336-726-8878
Manager of Corporate Communication
sroof@krispykreme.com

SOURCE: Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

KappAhl rolls out Click&Collect and Shop Online in Store as key steps to its journey to digitisation

At the turn of the month, KappAhl took the next big step on its journey to digitisation, launching Click&Collect and Shop Online in Store.
“Every way of shopping at KappAhl should be integrated. Online and physical stores aren’t different channels; they’re two parts of the same KappAhl. The customer chooses, we deliver. Because there is always stock online, this means that items are never sold out in stores, either,” says Charlotte Katz, Head of Digital at KappAhl.

Mölndal, Sweden, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — KappAhl is now launching Click&Collect and Shop Online in Store on a wide scale. Sweden was first up in the rollout, soon to be followed by Finland and Norway.

“Immediately at launch here in Sweden we saw positive effects on sales. Our colleagues in stores are happy to be able to offer a better service, and the customer is happy to have more choice,” says Katz.

It was launched in KappAhl’s 169 Swedish stores on 27 September, with Finland’s 52 stores following on 16 October, followed by Norway’s 90 stores one week later. The aim is eventually to introduce Click &Collect and Shop Online in Store in KappAhl’s Polish stores, too.

Click & Collect and Shop Online in Store are two key steps in KappAhl’s journey to digitisation and a seamless buying experience based on the customer and their needs – otherwise known as omni-channel retailing. Click&Collect means KappAhl’s customers can now shop online and collect their goods in store at no extra cost. Shop Online in Store means that store staff can use the checkout system to help customers order items that have sold out or that are not available in that store’s normal range. The customer can make the purchase directly and pay at the checkout via their mobile phone.

Charlotte Katz, Head of Digital.
Tel. +46 (0) 704 71 58 20, charlotte.katz@kappahl.com.

Charlotte Högberg, Head Corporate Communications.
Tel. +46 (0) 704 71 56 31, charlotte.hogberg@kappahl.com.

KappAhl was founded in Gothenburg in 1953 and is a leading fashion chain in the Nordic region with 370 KappAhl and Newbie stores in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Poland as well as Shop Online. Our business idea is to offer value-for-money fashion of our own design to the many people. Sustainability-labeled fashion accounts for 53 per cent of the range. Sales for 2015/2016 totaled SEK 4.7 billion and the company has approx. 4,000 employees in nine countries. KappAhl is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at www.kappahl.com

SOURCE: KappAhl

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Albert Heijn celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Albert Heijn Foundation

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albert Heijn is marking the 10^th anniversary this year of the Albert Heijn Foundation, the brand’s charitable organization that invests in local community initiatives of its fruit, vegetable and flower suppliers in Africa, ranging from education to health and housing projects. The foundation last week celebrated the anniversary by ringing the opening bell of the Amsterdam stock exchange.

In Africa, where Albert Heijn sources a variety of delicious, high-quality fruits, vegetables and flowers, most of the 30 local suppliers have joined the foundation, which receives a percentage of each item sold and currently manages about €2 million per year.

In the past decade, over 30,000 children and adults in 10 African countries have benefited from the foundation’s investment in education alone. In collaboration with ICCO, one of the largest Dutch development organizations, the foundation has helped fund new schools, resource centers and lesson programs. Through the sale of fresh fruit salads from Ghana, for example, 29 schools were built or improved.

“We buy vegetables, fruits and flowers all over the world,” said Foundation Initiator Gé Happe, Buyer Vegetables and Fruits for Albert Heijn. “Africa is one of the continents where we get a lot of products. And the more our suppliers sell to Albert Heijn, the more money is available for social projects for their employees and local communities.”

In the coming year, the Albert Heijn Foundation will expand its activities to South America.

For more information (in Dutch only) visit https://www.ah.nl/ahfoundation.

SOURCE: Ahold Delhaize

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

The Mall China 2017 Golden Mall Awards recognized SM China with four wins

Mall China 2017 Golden Mall Awards. SM China bagged four wins in the Mall China 2017 Golden Mall Awards for SM City Xiamen, SM Lifestyle Center, SM City Tianjin, and SM City Chengdu at the recently concluded awarding ceremonies on September 20, held at the Marriott Financial Centre, Chengdu in China. SM City Xiamen won the Mall China Golden Mall Awards 2017 City Advancement Award. SM Lifestyle Center was given the Mall China Golden Awards 2017 Marketing Award for its Paper Art event. While SM City Tianjin received the Mall China Golden Mall Awards 2017 Commercial Plan Innovation, SM City Chengdu bagged the Mall China Community Shopping Center Awards 2017 Key Study and Demonstration Project. The awards were received by SM Supermalls Senior Vice President Steven T. Tan (2nd from right).

Pasay City, Philippines, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — SM China scored four wins in the Mall China 2017 Golden Mall Awards for SM City Xiamen, SM Lifestyle Center, SM City Tianjin, and SM City Chengdu at the recently concluded awarding ceremonies on September 20, held at the Marriott Financial Centre, Chengdu in China.

SM City Xiamen won the Mall China Golden Mall Awards 2017 City Advancement Award for its 16 years of successful operation in Xiamen City and leading new style in the industry. SM Lifestyle Center was given the Mall China Golden Awards 2017 Marketing Award for its Paper Art event, an innovative, experiential, and socially relevant activation. While SM City Tianjin received the Mall China Golden Mall Awards 2017 Commercial Plan Innovation Award for its design excellence and environment-friendly architecture, SM City Chengdu bagged the Mall China Community Shopping Center Awards 2017 Key Study and Demonstration Project for excellence in project planning, tenant mix, and sustainable development.

SM Supermalls is the sole shopping mall brand that received four honors for different projects in the Mall China 2017 Golden Mall Awards. Other well-known shopping mall brands that won this year include Shanghai Changning Raffles City, Beijing Chaoyang Joy City, and Aeon Mall Nantong.

Since 2006, the Mall China Golden Mall Awards has been recognizing outstanding shopping malls and initiatives that have made meaningful contributions to China’s shopping mall industry. The Awards are conferred by Mall China, the largest shopping center retail organization in China. As the first non-profit organization of China’s retail property industry, Mall China has over 700 corporate members of operators, retailers, developers, investors, and relevant-service agencies.

On September 21, the Annual Conference of Mall held the International Symposium and Asia-Pacific Shopping Center Service Competitiveness Summit, gathering leaders from Asia-Pacific shopping centers with new visions and ideas. SM Supermalls’ Steven Tan was invited to be part of a panel discussion with the theme, “Views from Decision-makers: Key Factors for Enterprise (Shopping Center) Competitiveness,” where Mr. Tan shared insights on how SM embraced innovation in mall operations in the Philippines and in China.

###

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.

SOURCE: SM Investments Corporation

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Bartell Drugs hosts annual Fall Beauty Event, October 1- October 7

SEATTLE, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bartell Drugs celebrates the arrival of autumn with a “ladies day out”! The annual Fall Beauty Event runs October 1 through October 7 at participating Bartell’s locations in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Six Bartells locations will feature a host of informative and fun cosmetics demonstrations including false eyelash applications, skincare consultations, 20-minute facials, opportunities to win special gift baskets valued at more than $150 apiece, sample treats from your favorite food companies, and special chain-wide sale pricing on a host of exciting beauty product lines.

The exclusive makeup consultations will be available by appointment only at these six (6) locations. Each consultation is 20 minutes long and recipients will also receive special “beauty bags” with cosmetic samples and coupons. Spaces are limited at each location and are filled on a first-registered, first-served basis.

NOTE: As of October 2, 2017, registrations for this event are closed.

The Fall Beauty Events locations and times are listed below:

Monday, October 2 – Green Lake Bartell Drugs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 3 – Maple Valley Bartell Drugs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 4 – Snoqualmie Ridge Bartell Drugs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 5 – Rainier Valley Bartell Drugs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, October 6 – Lower Queen Anne Bartell Drugs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 7 – University Village Bartell Drugs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

As part of Bartells commitment to the community, we have donated cosmetics to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and its Hope Place, a residential recovery program and shelter providing case management, meals and counseling for women and their children in Rainier Valley.

###

About Bartell Drugs:
Family-owned since 1890, Seattle-based Bartell Drugs is proud of its more than 127-year history based here in the Northwest. Four generations of the Bartell family have continuously focused on the future — and how the drugstore chain can better serve its customers. With exceptional customer service, locally made products and a focus on your overall wellbeing, Bartell Drugs is here to help. Operating 65 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, it is the nation’s oldest family-owned drugstore chain. For more information on Bartell Drugs, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

Media Contact:

Ric Brewer, Senior Communications Manager, Bartell Drugs, 206-933-9416 or ric.brewer@bartelldrugs.com

SOURCE: Bartell Drugs

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Jean Coutu Group in talks for possible acquisition by METRO Inc.

Montreal, CA, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. (TSX: PJC.A) and METRO Inc. (TSX: MRU) have announced today that they are engaged in exclusive discussions regarding a combination agreement through which the shares of the Jean Coutu Group would be acquired by METRO at a price of $24.50 per share, payable through a combination of cash, as to 75% of the consideration, and METRO shares, as to 25% of the consideration. This price was established in the course of negotiations between the parties preceding the execution of a non binding letter of intent dated August 22, 2017. The Coutu family has indicated its intention to support the proposed transaction.

The transaction remains subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements. Any definitive transaction will be subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions usual in this type of transaction. There are no guarantees that any transaction will be concluded and that the conditions to which it is subject would be met. The Jean Coutu Group and METRO will inform stakeholders and the public of significant developments regarding the proposed combination.

The parties will not comment any further.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and which are based on Metro and the Jean Coutu Group’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions that were made by Metro and the Jean Coutu Group in light of their experience and perception of historical trends. The forward-looking statements in this press release reflect Metro and the Jean Coutu Group’s expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change after such date. Metro and the Jean Coutu Group expressly disclaim any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by the applicable securities laws.

-30-

Sources: Metro Inc.

Hélène Bisson, Vice President, Communications, The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.
Marie-Claude Bacon, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs Department, METRO Inc.

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

CANADA: Giant Tiger unveils its new distribution centre to Edwardsburgh/Cardinal township

Canada’s leading discount retailer hosts welcome event in Johnstown Industrial Park

OTTAWA, CA, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Giant Tiger Stores Limited, the leading Canadian owned family discount retailer, is hosting a fun-filled welcome event to introduce its new state-of-the-art distribution centre to the township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal and its surrounding communities. The new facility occupies approximately 600,000 square feet of warehouse and office space and will phase in operations starting January 2018.

“We are very excited to be operating in the Edwardsburgh/Cardinal township. From the moment we broke ground everyone has been so welcoming,” said Mike Quinn, Vice President, Warehousing and Distribution at Giant Tiger. “Our warehouse staff are very excited about the new facility. It has been designed to be a state-of-the art distribution centre that is very much centered around our people. From the bright natural light, to the gym and games room and the friendly apple orchard, this facility is a reflection of the Giant Tiger brand; friendly, community-centric and people-focused.”

During the event on September 30^th members of the community will get to tour the facility and chat with Giant Tiger staff about the logistics of this state-of-the-art distribution centre. “Our new distribution centre is part of the overall growth strategy for Giant Tiger,” explains Thomas Haig, President and COO. “Everything from land selection to the configuration of racking and machinery has been carefully considered. Perhaps one of the most exciting components is that people will be able to see the new robotic system, which will help complement and add efficiencies and safety measures to our operations.”

The day will begin with welcome speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony. Members of Giant Tiger’s executive team, including President and COO Thomas Haig, will be joined by members of the municipality, including Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Mayor Patrick Sayeau, MPP Steve Clark and MP Gord Brown. Scott Reid, on behalf of the founding family, will also be in attendance.

The event is entirely family-friendly and includes a facility sneak peak, all-day musical performances and shows on the mainstage, a charity BBQ, a kids’ zone with face painting and opportunities for families to get close to construction vehicles with our Touch a Truck area.

“We can’t wait for the community to come and celebrate with us,” adds Mike Quinn. “This has been a major project for Giant Tiger and is evidence of how committed we are to growth and development. It is giving us the space and technology we require to meet the needs of our expanding store count across Canada.”

The new Giant Tiger distribution centre is scheduled to be fully operational by summer 2018.

About Giant Tiger
Giant Tiger is the leading Canadian owned family discount store, committed to providing on-trend family fashions, groceries and everyday household needs. Known as Canada’s best kept secret the privately held company has over 235 locations across Canada and employs over 8,300 team members. All Giant Tiger locations are locally owned or operated by a team member who knows the community. Giant Tiger Stores Limited donates $2 million annually to charities and agencies directly in our communities. The friendly stores with the iconic yellow logo are not only where Canadians shop more and spend less, but also are proud to be known as retailer of choice. #ForYouForLess #GTCommunityProud #GTCanadaProud

Join the conversation and keep up to date on all Giant Tiger news:
Like us on Facebook: Giant Tiger
Follow us on Instagram: @Gianttigerstore
Follow us on Twitter: @GTBoutique
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Giant Tiger Store

SOURCE Giant Tiger Stores Limited

For further information: For media inquiries contact: Alison Scarlett, Manager, Brand Communications, ascarlett@gianttiger.com

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

SPAR Netherlands opens more stores on University campuses

SPAR Netherlands opens more stores on University campuses

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — This summer, SPAR Netherlands has continued the successful rollout of SPAR stores on University campuses with the opening of two new stores – one in Eindhoven and the other in Delft. Furthermore, all existing stores were converted according to the SPAR University store format in Nijmegen.

TU Eindhoven welcomes second SPAR store

The new, and second SPAR store to open at the Technical University (TU) in Eindhoven, is located in a student flat at the heart of the campus. In addition to ready-to-eat products, students can also find products ‘for later’ – meeting their daily grocery needs. This is a welcome addition as the existing store in another student house mainly focuses on Grab & Go products. The TU Eindhoven is working towards a green and sustainable campus and the SPAR University concept fits perfectly with this ambition.

Long-awaited opening in Delft

At the end of August, the Technical University Delft welcomed a new SPAR store to its campus. TU Delft offers a varied and inspiring environment for students, scientists, employees, entrepreneurs and visitors. In addition to an innovative learning and working space, the housing part of the campus offers additional facilities focused on recreational activities. The new SPAR store is a welcome addition to the campus facilities.

These SPAR stores focus primarily on meeting the needs of university employees, students and passers-by. They strive to have a no waste policy and promote healthier eating options. Tapping into the e-commerce market, they also offer an online service through the SPAR university app.

SOURCE: SPAR International

CONTACT

info@spar-international.com
+3120 626 6749

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

USDA FSIS: Belmont Sausage recalls smoked turkey products due to undeclared milk

WASHINGTON, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Belmont Sausage Co., an Elk Grove Village, Ill. establishment, is recalling an undetermined amount of smoked turkey products due to misbranding and undeclared allergens, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The products contain milk, a known allergen, which is not declared on the product label.

The smoked turkey drumstick items were produced from September 27, 2015 through September 27, 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

25- to 29-oz. plastic-lined, boxed packages containing 18 pieces of “Wolverine Packing Co. complete protein solutions Smoked Turkey Drumsticks” with lot code 20144.
20- to 24-oz. plastic-lined, boxed packages containing 20 pieces of “Wolverine Packing Co. complete protein solutions Smoked Turkey Drumsticks” with lot code 20148.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-21309” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to an institutional location in Michigan that further distributed nationwide.

The problem was discovered by FSIS Inspection Program Personnel while performing routine label verification checks.

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

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

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

Consumers or media with questions about the recall can contact Michael Mulica, Co-President, at (847) 302-8011 or mike@belmontsausage.com.

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

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

SOURCE: USDA FSIS

Congressional and Public Affairs
Selena Kremer
(202) 720-9113
Press@fsis.usda.gov

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Gymboree emerges from Chapter 11 as a new corporation under the name Gymboree Group, Inc.

Emerges from Chapter 11 Process Well-Positioned for Long-Term Growth and Success

San Francisco, CA, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Gymboree Corporation today announced that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 as a new corporation under the name Gymboree Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Gymboree Group”). The Company’s court-confirmed Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”) went into effect today, September 29, 2017. With the support of its creditors and stakeholders, Gymboree Group has substantially improved its financial position and established a sustainable capital structure by eliminating more than $900 million of debt from its balance sheet and right-sizing its store footprint.

Gymboree Group’s new competitive financial and operating structure will allow the Company to invest in and grow the business over the long term. The Company has received an $85 million new term loan from Goldman Sachs and access to a $200 million revolving credit facility from Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Citizens. Gymboree Group’s pre-petition term loan lenders – including Searchlight, Apollo Global Management, Oppenheimerfunds, Brigade Capital Management, LP, Marblegate, Nomura Securities International and Tricadia Capital Management, LLC – are the Company’s new owners.

“Today marks a new beginning for Gymboree Group as we emerge as a stronger and more agile competitor in the children’s apparel market,” said Daniel Griesemer, President and CEO of Gymboree Group. “With the support of our new equity owners, this process has allowed us to secure the Company’s long-term financial health, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead as we turn our full focus toward executing our strategic Product, Brand and Omni-channel initiatives. I want to thank our exceptional team at Gymboree Group for their dedication and continued focus throughout this process.

Looking ahead, our talented employees will continue to drive our success as we deliver for our customers and put them at the center of everything we do. We are also grateful for the support of our vendors and partners during this process, and we look forward to working together well into the future.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as the Company’s legal counsel, AlixPartners LLP is serving as its financial advisor and Lazard is serving as its investment banker.

Additional information regarding Gymboree Group’s financial restructuring, including court filings and information about the claims process, are available at https://cases.primeclerk.com/gymboree or by calling Gymboree Group’s claims agent, Prime Clerk, at 844-822-9233 (or 646-486-7945 for international calls) or by sending an email to gymboreeinfo@PrimeClerk.com.

About Gymboree Group, Inc.
Gymboree Group, Inc.’s specialty retail brands offer unique, high-quality products delivered with personalized customer service. The Company operates Gymboree®, Gymboree Outlet, Janie and Jack® and Crazy 8® retail stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico as well as online stores at www.gymboree.com, www.janieandjack.com and www.crazy8.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements, including the Company’s expectations regarding the results of its restructuring process and its liquidity, access to capital and business operations following
its emergence from bankruptcy proceedings. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “goal,” “project” and other words of similar meaning. Each forward-looking statement contained in this press release is based on assumptions and information available to the Company at the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with the business and operations of the restructured Company and the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with customers, suppliers and service providers following its emergence from bankruptcy proceedings. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward looking statements. The Company can give no assurances that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do, what impact they will have on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The Company cautions investors to carefully consider the risks associated with, and not to place considerable reliance on, the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this document, and the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by law. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Gymboree, Janie and Jack, and Crazy 8 are registered trademarks of Gym-Mark, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gymboree Group, Inc.

Gymboree Group, Inc. Contacts
Leigh Parrish / Joe Millsap
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449 / (415) 869-3950

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence starts 2017/2018 apprenticeship training programs

PARIS, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Apprentices in the 2017/2018 class at the LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence (IME) begin their training programs today. The IME has had an eventful year and has organized an exhibition of work done by students from previous years.

For its first class in 2014 the IME welcomed 28 apprentices. Since then, nearly 300 trainees have joined this unique work/study program. This growth reflects both an increase in the number of apprentices and a commitment to making the IME a vocational training program on a European scale thanks to partnerships between prestigious schools and LVMH Maisons. Last year, just two years after its creation, the IME opened its first watchmaking school in Switzerland – the École d’Horlogerie LVMH – followed this year by the Istituto dei Mestieri d’Eccellenza LVMH in Italy, located in Palazzo Pucci in Florence.

Four new training tracks have been added to the 14 courses in the IME catalogue in Italy, Switzerland and France. In Italy, the program now includes Leather Goods (Pelletteria) in partnership with Polimoda and Jewelry (Oreficeria) with For.Al. In France, the IME has teamed with the Sorbonne Nouvelle and École Duperré to create the first Master in Design, Fashion and Creative Industries, and with EIML Paris for a new Client Advisor course, taught in English. These programs reflect the diversity and scope of the training offered by the IME for students and apprentices interested in careers in artisanal craftsmanship and creative and retail professions, ranging from high school level vocational certificates to masters degrees. “The European expansion of the LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence and these new courses underline the importance LVMH attaches to transmission of savoir-faire and to the unique skills required in the luxury industry,” said Chantal Gaemperle, LVMH Group Executive Vice President, Human Resources & Synergies.

LVMH Institut des Métiers d’Excellence – Key Figures

Over 300 apprentices in 2017
Nearly 30 partner Maisons across our 5 business sectors
12 partner schools
18 work/study programs spanning artisanal craftsmanship and creative and retail professions
Degree programs from high school level vocational certificates to masters degrees
90% placement for IME graduates

SOURCE: LVMH

Posted on October 3, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Alibaba increases ownership in Cainiao to majority stake of 51%; will invest additional US$15.2 billion over the next five years

An additional investment of RMB5.3 billion (US$807 million) will increase Alibaba’s stake to 51%
Alibaba also announces intention to invest an additional RMB100 billion (US$15.2 billion) over the next five years to expand its logistics network

Hangzhou, China, 2017-Oct-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE: BABA, “Alibaba”) today announced that as a further step to implement its New Retail strategy, the company has agreed to make an additional investment of RMB5.3 billion (US$807 million) to increase its ownership of Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Limited (“Cainiao”), the logistics affiliate of Alibaba, to a majority stake of 51%. Alibaba also announced its intention to invest RMB100 billion (US$15.2 billion) over the next five years to further strengthen its global logistics network that aims to realize its mission of fulfilling orders in China within 24 hours and within 72 hours anywhere in the world. These investments are expected to enhance the overall logistics experience for consumers and merchants across the Alibaba ecosystem, as well as to enable greater efficiencies and lower costs in China’s logistics sector.

Upon completion of the transaction, Alibaba’s stake in Cainiao will increase from 47% to 51%, and Alibaba will gain one additional new seat on Cainiao’s board of directors, increasing its board representation to four out of seven seats.

The additional investment of RMB100 billion (US$15.2 billion) over the next five years will be used to increase R&D in logistics data technology, as well as for development of smart warehousing, smart delivery and global logistics infrastructure, all of which are core to building the global logistics network of the future.

“Our goal with this investment is to provide comprehensive, first-class experience for consumers globally,” said Daniel Zhang, CEO of Alibaba Group. “Our commitment to Cainiao and additional investment in logistics demonstrate Alibaba’s commitment to building the most-efficient logistic network in China and around the world. By enhancing the logistics capabilities within the Alibaba ecosystem and extending our investment in this sector, we are further enabling our New Retail strategy to bring online and offline retail into one seamless experience for shoppers. We will also continue to deepen our collaboration with various logistics partners to achieve this goal.”

This transaction is expected to be completed in October 2017, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Following the completion of the transaction, financial results of Cainiao will be consolidated under Alibaba Group and reported as part of the core commerce business segment.

Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor to Alibaba and Morgan Stanley acted as financial advisor to Cainiao.

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

About Cainiao Network
Cainiao Network is dedicated to meeting the current and future logistics demands of China’s online and mobile commerce sector. It operates a logistics data platform that leverages the capacity and capabilities of logistics partners to fulfill transactions between merchants and consumers at a large scale. It also uses data insights and technology to improve efficiency across the logistics value chain. Cainiao Network is an affiliate of Alibaba Group.

Safe Harbor Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “goal”, “targets,” “guidance”, “commits” and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Alibaba’s investment plans or the completion of the transaction, are or contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to Alibaba’s investment plans and the possibility that the various closing conditions for the transaction may not be satisfied or waived. All information contained in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement and are based on assumptions that Alibaba believes to be reasonable as of this date. You should not rely upon these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Alibaba does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

SOURCE: Alibaba Group Holding Limited