Daily Archives: November 16, 2017

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Sainsbury’s trials hot pizza pre-ordering service

Sainsbury’s trials hot pizza pre-ordering service

 

In a UK supermarket first, Sainsbury’s is trialling a hot pizza pre-ordering service in three of its stores.

London, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — During the trial, customers will be able to order a personalised takeaway pizza by telephone and pick it up in-store just 30 minutes later.

Customers can order a 10 or 14 inch pizza and choose from stone-baked thin and crispy or deep pan bases with a range of toppings available including pepperoni, spicy beef, fresh peppers and roasted mushroom. Shoppers can even specify what time they would like to collect their pizza.

Customers can pay via card at the pizza counter and can also buy up to five associated items at the same time, such as wedges from the hot counter, salad and drinks. This option enables them to skip the checkout queue and keep their takeaway hot.

The service is currently live and being trialled in Sainsbury’s Redhill and Cambridge Eddington stores with the Bradford store due to kick off the service a week’s time. The trial will last for 12 weeks in each store and will be reviewed just after Christmas to assess how popular the service is with customers.

Nicola Goodall, Strategy Executive at Sainsbury’s commented, “We want to help all of our customers to live well for less and as part of this we’re continually looking at new ways to deliver high quality services that offer faster and more convenient options.

“By giving our customers the chance to pre-order personalised hot pizzas and pay at the counter we are saving them time and giving them a great value takeaway experience. As the UK’s first supermarket to test this service, this is an exciting trial for us to listen and understand how our customers respond.”

Media contact:
press_office@sainsburys.co.uk
0207 695 7295

Source: Sainsbury’s

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M&S launches ‘extraordinary’ Christmas food campaign

  • Following the success of ‘Paddington and the Christmas Visitor’ M&S launches ‘extraordinary’ Christmas food campaign
  • Set to a festive re-working of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You’ the first ad features special M&S Christmas food for hosting, as well as Percy and Penny Pig’s first on-screen kiss

London, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — M&S will today (Wednesday 15th November) debut its first Christmas food ad – ‘M&S Presents: An Extraordinary Christmas’.

Featuring exquisite M&S food perfect for hosting an extraordinary Christmas dinner, the ad will air on the M&S Youtube channel and Facebook page from 5 pm and run across ITV1 channels this evening.

And there’s a treat for Percy Pig fans. The ad’s end frame includes Percy kissing his ‘fiancé’ Penny Pig under the mistletoe – their first on-screen kiss.

Hero products featured in the ad include the Collection Oakham Turkey with Pork and Chestnut Stuffing Maple Bacon and Maple Glaze, Hot Seafood Medley, a spectacular Bone Marrow Pie, innovative Steak and Chips party food and the White Wreath Dessert. A festive re-working of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You’ provides the soundtrack.

The ad continues the Spend it Well M&S brand philosophy designed to inspire and enable people to make every moment special by focusing on the quality experiences, people and things that really matter.

It is the first of two ads and kicks off an integrated campaign that extends to TV, social, digital, press, radio and in-store. A second ad, titled ‘Extraordinary Gifts’ and featuring food perfect for gifting, will hit screens on 29th November.

Zoe Hayward, Head of Food Brand & Marketing at Marks & Spencer, said: “The campaign is about making this Christmas extraordinary for our customers. We know our customers love the magic of Christmas and we want to make every moment they spend with family and friends special, especially when it comes to hosting and gifting. Customers want to be inspired, excited and for their lives to be made more fun, festive and even easier when it comes to these moments. As a result, we have focused our campaign on hosting and gifting, helping them spend it well this Christmas.”

The campaign was created by M&S’ creative agency, Grey London.

Matt Doman, Creative Director of Food at Grey London, said: “We want to turn the dining table into a stage this Christmas and help everyone put on a real show for the ones they love. That’s spending it well.”

The ads follow the success of M&S’ Christmas campaign for 2017, Paddington and the Christmas Visitor which hit TV screens, online and social media last week.

Notes to editors
Credits:

Creative Agency – Grey London
Chief Creative Officer – Vicki Maguire
Creative Director – Matt Doman
Creative – Angela Harding
Producer – Fritha Dickie
Group Business Director – Katie Jackson
Account Director – Fiona Bonar
Account Manager – Ross Keane
Senior Planner – Sarah Oberman
Directors – Food Films, Michael Rouiler and Phillippe Lhomme
Production Company – Town Productions
Editor – Michele DiFrancesco at Town Productions
Post Production – MPC
Sound – Jack Sedgwick at Wave

For further information, please contact:

M&S Corporate Press Office
0208 718 1919
corporate.press@marks-and-spencer.com

For ad images, please visit:
http://corporate.marksandspencer.com/media/multimedia-library and select ‘Christmas 2017’

For food images, please visit:

Landing

Source: M&S

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British Land announces redevelopment plans for 1 Triton Square, Regent’s Place

British Land announces redevelopment plans for 1 Triton Square, Regent’s Place

 

London, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — British Land announces that it will redevelop 1 Triton Square, Regent’s Place and has finalised terms on a pre-let of the office space covering 310,000 sq ft with Dentsu Aegis Network, the global brand, media and digital communications specialists, for a 20 year term. Dentsu Aegis currently occupies 118,000 sq ft at 10 Triton Street and their decision to remain at Regent’s Place together with this significant, high quality development is another strategic step in achieving British Land’s campus vision for Regent’s Place.

The 366,000 sq ft redevelopment increases the lettable area by 127,000 sq ft and includes 20,000 sq ft of retail and leisure at ground floor and 10,000 sq ft of affordable work space. Designed by architects Arup Associates, the eight storey building will offer modern, flexible work space around a large central atrium providing linkage between floors and creating a vibrant social hub. The redevelopment will also deliver four large roof terraces and incorporate sustainable and smart technologies to support mobility and collaboration across the group.

Planning Consent has been granted by the London Borough of Camden and work is expected to start on site in March 2018. British Land’s £196 million commitment to the redevelopment is in line with the company’s focus on campuses, ensuring they respond to changing needs, enhance the experience for the people who use them and appeal to a broader range of occupiers. Development exposure is also being sensibly managed with 57% of the company’s committed pipeline now pre-let or under offer.

Tim Roberts, Head of Offices at British Land, said: “I am delighted that we have agreed one of the largest pre-lets in the West End in over 20 years with Dentsu Aegis demonstrating the strength of demand for high quality, well-located space. This enables us to commit to our redevelopment at 1 Triton Square, which marks the next phase in the evolution of Regent’s Place. This is a great example of our campus approach in action. We are focused on creating vibrant and engaging environments across our portfolio by increasing the mix of uses, and curating the public realm as well as delivering great buildings. Dentsu Aegis’s decision to commit to 1 Triton Square and Regent’s Place reflects the success of that approach.”

Nick Priday, Chief Financial Officer, Dentsu Aegis Network, said: “Our new global headquarters at Regent’s Place will position us at the heart of some of the biggest global digital businesses in London. Dentsu Aegis is growing both globally and in the UK and we currently operate out of a number of locations across London. This strategic move will enable us to operate more efficiently as a global business, and create long-term certainty over our property portfolio. One Triton Square will be an environment where our business will thrive, bringing our people and brands together to make collaboration even easier and reduce complexity for the benefit of our clients and our people.”

Regent’s Place is a 13-acre campus in London’s West End, close to Great Portland Street and Warren Street underground stations as well as Euston mainline railway station. The campus has been substantially redeveloped in recent years, with 10-30 Brock Street the most recent addition. Occupiers include Facebook, Santander, Dimensional Fund Advisors and Debenhams corporate headquarters.

About British Land
Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on Retail around the UK and London Offices. We own or manage a portfolio valued at £18.1 billion (British Land share: £13.5 billion) as at 30 September 2017 making us one of Europe’s largest listed real estate investment companies.

Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles – Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance.

Our Retail portfolio is focused on Regional and Local multi-let centres, and accounts for 49% of our portfolio. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 49% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 46 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London.

Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. Our industry-leading sustainability performance led to British Land being awarded a five star rating in the 2017 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark for the second year running.

In April 2016 British Land received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK’s highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com

About Dentsu Aegis Network
Part of Dentsu Inc., Dentsu Aegis Network is made up of ten global network brands – Carat, Dentsu, dentsu X, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Merkle, MKTG, Posterscope and Vizeum and supported by its specialist/multi-market brands. Dentsu Aegis Network is Innovating the Way Brands Are Built for its clients through its best-in-class expertise and capabilities in media, digital and creative communications services. Offering a distinctive and innovative range of products and services, Dentsu Aegis Network is headquartered in London and operates in 145 countries worldwide with more than 40,000 dedicated specialists. www.dentsuaegisnetwork.com

Contact:

Corporate
Pip Wood
Corporate Communications Director
020 7467 2838

Charlotte Whitley
Corporate Communications Manager
020 7467 2933

Gordon Simpson (Finsbury)
020 7251 3801

Source: British Land

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NAREIT names Macerich 2017 Retail “Leader in the Light” for the fourth straight year

  • Macerich Earns Nareit’s Prestigious Retail ‘leader In The Light’ Award For Fourth Straight Year, Leading Industry In Sustainability
  • Macerich Also Achieves #1 GRESB Ranking for North American Retail Sector in 2017, Third Year in a Row

SANTA MONICA, Calif., 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macerich (NYSE: MAC), one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail properties in top markets, today announced that the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) has named Macerich 2017 Retail “Leader in the Light” for an unprecedented fourth straight year.

“Earning ‘Leader in the Light’ for the fourth consecutive year, added to other important global and national recognition of our environmental achievements, is a powerful testament to Macerich’s ongoing industry leadership in sustainability,” said Art Coppola, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Macerich. “Our vision and commitment to invest in energy assets including solar, fuel cell, battery storage and water technology – combined with smart practices in utility conservation and water reservation – not only provide strong economic results, but also propel us toward our industry-leading goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.”

Other major sustainability awards – including multiple repeat honors – earned by Macerich in 2017 include:

  • GRESB: For the third straight year, Macerich achieved the #1 ranking in the North American Retail Sector for 2017, based on scores published by Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB).
  • EPA Green Power Partnership: Macerich again made the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership list of Top 30 On-Site Generation companies, also for the third consecutive year.
  • CDP: Macerich achieved high rankings with CDP for actions to mitigate climate change for the third year in a row.
  • BREEAM USA In-use Certification for 10 more properties: This fall, Macerich is set to earn this important green building standard for existing buildings for Danbury Fair, Deptford Mall, FlatIron Crossing, Green Acres Mall, Kierland Commons, Kings Plaza, Queens Center, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Twenty Ninth Street and Tysons Corner Center. Earlier this year, Macerich’s The Oaks merited distinction as the country’s first BREEAM USA In-use certified building.

“Our top properties and top markets, from Santa Monica and Walnut Creek, California, to Portland, Boulder and Northern Virginia, include some of the most forward-thinking and environmentally attuned consumers in the world,” added Coppola. “Leading the retail real estate industry in the critically important area of sustainability is a natural position for Macerich.”

For more information on Macerich’s comprehensive sustainability efforts and impacts, please view the 2016 Sustainability Report.

About Macerich

Macerich, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States.

Macerich currently owns 54 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 48 regional shopping centers. Macerich specializes in successful retail properties in many of the country’s most attractive, densely populated markets with significant presence in the Pacific Rim, Arizona, Chicago and the Metro New York to Washington, DC corridor. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company’s website at www.macerich.com.

Contact:

Karen Maurer
Macerich
602-708-6311
Website: http://www.macerich.com

SOURCE: Macerich Company

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Gap Inc. elects Chris O’Neill to its board of directors

EVERNOTE CEO BRINGS MORE THAN A DECADE OF LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE FROM TOP TECH FIRMS

San Francisco, CA, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) today (November 14, 2017) announced that Chris O’Neill has been elected to serve on the Gap Inc. board of directors, effective February 4, 2018.

Mr. O’Neill, 44, is currently chief executive officer of Evernote Corporation. Since joining the company in 2015, Mr. O’Neill has overseen the increase of Evernote’s base to over 220 million users globally and established strong financial and operational foundations to sustain Evernote’s future growth. Tasked with leading Evernote through its next stage, Mr. O’Neill is focused on delivering product innovation and continuing Evernote’s global expansion.

Prior to joining Evernote, Mr. O’Neill spent 10 years in numerous leadership roles with Google, including Google [x], the company’s experimental research and development organization. Mr. O’Neill is also credited for his work as Managing Director of Google Canada where he doubled the Canadian business in just under three years.

“Chris is a proven leader in the technology industry and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and creativity to our board of directors,” said Bob Fisher, chairman of the board, Gap Inc. “His expertise will be a great asset to the company as we enter our next phase of growth.”

In addition to being a member of Gap Inc.’s board of directors, Mr. O’Neill previously served on the boards of Tim Hortons and Shop.org, the National Retail Federation’s digital division.

“Gap Inc. has had a profound impact on the retail industry,” said Mr. O’Neill. “I’m honored to join Gap Inc.’s board of directors and help the company as it evolves and focuses on its balanced growth strategy.”

Mr. O’Neill holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from University of Western Ontario and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth College.

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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
press@gap.com

SOURCE: Gap Inc.

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Casa Sanchez Foods recalls “Real Guacamole” that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

Casa Sanchez Foods recalls “Real Guacamole” that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

 

Hayward, CA, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Casa Sanchez Foods of Hayward, CA, is recalling its 9-ounce containers of “Real Guacamole” because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled “Real Guacamole” was distributed to retail stores throughout the California Bay Area and surrounding counties.

This recalled product is packaged in 9-ounce, clear plastic containers that are labeled with the following information:

Front Label – Casa Sanchez Foods, Real Guacamole, UPC # 0 78732 00412 2
Bottom Label – White sticker showing the manufacturing lot code 279 and the product expiration date of 11/10/17.

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

This issue was identified after FDA product sampling identified Listeria monocytogenes in the product.

The current manufacturing process of this product has been suspended while the FDA and the company continue to investigate the source of the issue.

Consumers who have purchased 9-ounce containers of “Real Guacamole” with manufacturing lot code 279 are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-877-227-2726 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm PST.

Consumers Contact:

1-877-227-2726

Media Contact:

Robert Sanchez
650-697-7525

Source: FDA

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German startup company repay.me implements B2C modules of the Intershop Commerce Suite

  • Intershop to help repay.me launch next-generation marketplace for sellers and buyers
  • Intershop platform powers unique cashback and cryptocurrency features

Jena, Germany, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — German startup company repay.me has selected an Intershop platform as the basis for its brand new global C2C marketplace, due to launch in 2018.

repay.me is implementing several B2C modules of the Intershop Commerce Suite. The omni-channel platform, which combines powerful features for customer experience management, product information management, transaction management, and analytics and reporting, will power new-generation Internet marketplace, repay.me.

The marketplace will be accessible through a premium website and a mobile application and will allow users to purchase and sell any product via auction or fixed price – using traditional currencies as well as repay.me’s own cryptocurrency. As a unique feature, users will receive cashback from revenue generated through advertising.

Intershop’s technology will handle all transactions between sellers and buyers, support the marketplace’s international scope and ensure its smooth operation with risk management, content management and content audits. It will also power the unique cashback processes.

repay.me chose the Intershop solution based on a successful proof of concept with a realistic, cloud-based environment. Intershop’s professional services team is now supporting repay.me with the implementation and development of the marketplace.

Mario Peter, CEO at repay.me, comments: “We are impressed with our close cooperation with Intershop. Not only do we have direct access to competent experts at all levels, we are also delighted with how quickly the team has developed the new features. With Intershop, we have a strong partner for our global launch in 2018.”

Jochen Wiechen, CEO at Intershop adds: “Internet marketplaces have huge potential – we have seen this with eBay and Amazon. What they need is a solid technological basis. Our platform provides the functionality and flexibility and thanks to its strong and open architecture, is the perfect foundation for ambitious growth. repay.me and Intershop are a great match: We are very excited to be partnering with repay.me in making their vision of an innovative marketplace for the next generation a reality.”

About Intershop

Intershop Communications AG (founded in Germany 1992; Prime Standard: ISH2) is the leading independent provider of omni-channel commerce solutions. Intershop offers high-performance packaged software for internet sales, complemented by all necessary services. Intershop also acts as a business process outsourcing provider, covering all aspects of online retailing up to fulfillment. Around the globe more than 300 enterprise customers, including HP, BMW, Würth, and Deutsche Telekom run Intershop solutions. Intershop is headquartered in Jena, Germany, and has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China. More information about Intershop can be found online at www.intershop.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such difference could include, among other things: Intershop’s limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues and expenses and potential fluctuations in revenues and operating results, significant dependence on large single customer deals, consumer trends, the level of competition, seasonality, risks related to electronic security, possible governmental regulation, and general economic conditions.

Contact:
Intershop Public Relations
HEIDE RAUSCH
Head of Corporate Communication
Phone: +49 3641 50-1000
Fax: +49 3641 50-1309

Source: Intershop Communications AG

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Wegmans encourages customers to properly recycle plastic bags in honor of America Recycles Day

Rochester, N.Y., 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — In honor of America Recycles Day, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is encouraging customers to properly recycle plastic bags to prevent them from polluting our waterways, getting tangled in trees and bushes, or ending up in a landfill.

There’s no denying plastic bags are useful, convenient and offer benefits for consumers and retailers alike. While more environmentally friendly than their paper counterparts, the biggest problem with plastic bags is improper disposal.

A recent survey conducted by Wegmans showed many consumers are unfamiliar with the proper way to recycle plastic bags. According to the survey, 13 percent of respondents are currently placing plastic bags in curbside recycling bins, and 45 percent were unaware that plastic bags need to be returned to a retailer or collection facility to be properly recycled.

Don’t “Curb” Your Plastic Bags
You might think all recyclable material can go in your curbside bin, but most recycling centers across the country do not accept plastic bags or other plastic wraps and films. The reason – recycling centers use high-speed mechanized sorting lines to separate paper and plastic efficiently. Plastic bags and films get caught in the machinery, causing slowdowns, and at times, bringing the entire system to a halt. For that reason, the bags and plastic films end up in landfills.

Recycle Plastic at Wegmans
Wegmans has offered plastic recycling receptacles at its stores since 1994. Customers can use these receptacles for recycling clean, dry, flexible plastic (#2 and #4), including all retailers’ plastic shopping bags, bread bags, plastic outer wraps, produce bags, and cereal box liners, to name a few. Wegmans uses the collected plastic to make new bags made from 40 percent post-consumer recycled material.

Plastic Bag Alternatives
“We know from experience we can reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by promoting reusable bags,” said Jason Wadsworth, manager of sustainability for Wegmans. “If each customer used just one reusable bag on each shopping trip, Wegmans would use 330 million fewer plastic bags each year.”

“We also know people forget their bags, or make unplanned stops at the grocery store,” continued Wadsworth. “That’s why it’s important to educate customers on the next-best option and the importance of reusing or properly recycling their plastic bags.”

Almost half of the plastic bags and film by weight used by Wegmans customers are returned for recycling. In honor of America Recycles Day, join the effort to keep that rate growing, and take small steps all year long to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 95-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 20 consecutive years, ranking #2 in 2017.

Press Contact:

Tracy Van Auker
Media Relations Coordinator
585-429-3826
tracy.vanauker@wegmans.com

Source: Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

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Toys“R”Us kicks off holiday shopping season with discounts on hundreds of toy and baby products this Sunday

Toys“R”Us kicks off holiday shopping season with discounts on hundreds of toy and baby products this Sunday

 

WAYNE, NJ, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Deal seekers get ready: This Sunday, Toys“R”Us® will once again kick-off the holiday shopping season with discounts on hundreds of toy and baby products. Even better? There’s no membership or loyalty status required – ensuring parents, gift givers and Santa’s helpers only have to make one stop to buy the items on their kids’ (naughty or nice) wish lists. With more than 154 million people planning to shop in-store or online Thanksgiving weekend*, Toys“R”Us customers will have early access to hundreds of mark downs, including 65% off Playskool Friends™ Sesame Street™ Love2Learn Elmo (Was $69.99, Now $19.99) and $100 off NERF N-Strike Elite Terrascout Remote Control Drone Blaster (Was $199.99, Now $99.99), starting Sunday, November 19 to Wednesday, November 22.

Don’t worry, the savings continue: Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will open their doors on Thursday, November 23** at 5 pm (local time), and remain open for 30 hours of continuous shopping and deep discounts, including doorbusters like 50% off Barbie® Pink Passport 3-Story Townhouse (Was $119.99, Now $59.99) and $150 on Power Wheels® Boomerang™ 12 Volt Ride-On (Was $399.99, Now $249.99).

Toys“R”Us customers who prefer to sit back and relax the day before Thanksgiving can shop some of the biggest deals of the weekend as early as Wednesday, November 22 at 9pm EST on Toysrus.com, where they can also take advantage of the company’s Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store service.

Below are highlights of “Pre-Black Friday” deals, available at Toys“R”Us stores and online at Toysrus.com beginning SUNDAY, November 19 through WEDNESDAY, November 22 at 9 pm, while supplies last (no rain checks).

  • SAVE $100 on NERF N-Strike Elite Terrascout Remote Control Drone Blaster; Was $199.99, Now $99.99
  • SAVE Over 65% on Playskool Friends Sesame Street Love2Learn Elmo; Was $69.99, Now $19.99
  • SAVE $50 on Motorola for Babies“R”Us® 5 inch Video Baby Monitor – Comfort50; Was $109.99, Now $59.99

Below are highlights of doorbusters deals available at Toys“R”Us stores only on THURSDAY, November 23 from 5pm to midnight, while supplies last (no rain checks).

  • SAVE 50% on Barbie Pink Passport 3-Story Townhouse; Was $119.99, Now $59.99
  • SAVE $150 on Power Wheels Boomerang™ 12 Volt Ride-On; Was $399.99, Now $249.99
  • SAVE $30 on Doc McStuffins All-in-One Nursery; Was $79.99, Now $49.99

Below is a selection of additional online and in-store savings that will be available at Toys“R”Us beginning THURSDAY, November 23 at 5pm, and Babies“R”Us® beginning FRIDAY, November 24 at 8am through SATURDAY, November 25 at 12pm, while supplies last (no rain checks).

  • SAVE 33% on ALL Fisher-Price® Infant Toys; Prices Vary
  • SAVE $150 on KidTrax Disney Mickey Mouse Hot Rod Coupe 12 Volt Ride or Disney Minnie Mouse Hot Rod Coupe 12 Volt Ride On; Was $349.99, Now $199.99
  • SAVE $30 on Select Video Games; Prices Vary
  • SAVE ON ALL Babies“R”Us Brand Diapers – Super Packs; Was $19.99, Now $11.99
  • SAVE ON ALL Babies“R”Us Sleep & Play Footies; Was $8.99, Now $5.00
  • BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE on ALL Babyganics products

NOTE: All Thursday through Saturday deals (exclusive of doorbusters) will also be accessible on Toysrus.com/BlackFriday beginning WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 at 9pm EST online at Toysrus.com.

To help ensure eager deal-hunters can check-off their holiday gift list, Toys“R”Us will also offer a variety of services in its stores throughout Thanksgiving weekend:

  • Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store: In 2016, 44% of consumers shopped online, and 40% in-store*. That’s why Toys“R”Us is giving customers the best of both options during the busiest time of year. Place an order online, pick it up at your local store.
  • In-Store G.P.S. Navigator: Not sure where to start? Customers will find dedicated G.P.S. (Guru of Play Stuff) Navigators at the front of stores who can help point out the best gift ideas based on a child’s age and interest.
  • Layaway: Toys“R”Us is bringing back its free layaway service, plus, now through Saturday, December 9, Toys“R”Us will pay-off one individual’s layaway order per day (up to $200)***. For more information about Layaway, visit https://www.toysrus.com/layaway.

The deals don’t stop after the leftovers are finished – Toys“R”Us customers can expect huge discounts on thousands of the hottest items online during Cyber Week, which begins Saturday, November 25 at 7am EST. While Price Match will not be available from Sunday, November 19, through Friday, December 1 at 6am local time, customers can take advantage of Price Match throughout the holiday season. The company’s new and improved policy guarantees that if a customer finds a toy or baby item advertised at a lower price at another store, Toys“R”Us will honor its Price Match Guarantee. Plus, Toys“R”Us will donate $1 to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation for each time a customer uses the company’s Price Match services now through Sunday, December 24***. For more information, visit Toysrus.com/PriceMatch.

To learn more about the holiday deals offered throughout the Thanksgiving week, visit the company’s official blog, No Assembly Required and follow @ToysrusNews.

* National Retail Federation, Retailers Made Black Friday Irresistible for Customers with Great Deals, Online and In-Store
** Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will open at 5pm on Thursday, November 23 and remain open until 11 pm on Friday, November 24, except for stores in Paramus, NJ, which will open on Thanksgiving from 5 – 11 pm and will reopen on Friday, November 24 at 7 am – 11 pm; stores in Watchung, NJ, which will open on Thanksgiving from 5 – 9pm and will reopen Friday, November 24 from 6 am – 11 pm; and the store in New York City (Times Square) which will open at 8am on Thursday, November 23 and remain open until 12 am Saturday, November 25 (this location will reopen on Saturday, November 25 at 9am for regular business hours). Select stores in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island will also have varying store open times.
*** Winners will be chosen at the end of every week and will be given a $200 gift card to Toys“R”Us stores.
*** Up to 1 Million Dollars.

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.

Source: Toys“R”Us, Inc.

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KappAhl and Ekoligens developed innovative hangers produced using recycled paper

KappAhl and Ekoligens developed innovative hangers produced using recycled paper

 

Mölndal, Sweden, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Through an exclusive partnership, KappAhl and Ekoligens AB have developed innovative hangers produced using recycled paper. Now these hangers, EcoligentPaper, are being used to display KappAhl’s Limited Edition collection.

“We are very happy to have developed a hanger that is smart, cost-efficient and sustainable alongside Ekoligens. Sharing knowledge with our partners in order to develop sustainable solutions is an important part of our ambition to make a circular fashion industry a reality,” says Fredrika Klarén, sustainability manager at KappAhl.

A renewable, economical and intelligent clothes hanger

In this collaboration, KappAhl has shared its expertise on what a hanger needs to be functional at all stages of the production chain, including questions of handling, logistics and waste in a large-scale fashion industry.

For Ekoligens, the EcoligentPaper clothes hanger is proof that a simple shift in materials can not only make for a functional and more sustainable product; it can also be a strong branding tool.

“We are very proud to be working with KappAhl, a company with such a strong focus on sustainability. Together, we are looking forward to further developing this next generation of hangers,” says Patrik Enbacka, CEO at Ekoligens AB.

The EcoligentPaper hanger is made of recycled paper from the Swedish paper industry and recycled metal parts. Every stage of the hanger’s production has a strong environmental focus, taking into account its entire life cycle. By using this innovative hanger to display its sustainable Limited Edition collection, KappAhl will save up to 1.1 tonnes of plastic.

Ekoligens AB’s business concept is to create innovative products and materials with sustainable, environmental and financial business benefits. For more information, visit www.ekoligens.se

KappAhl was founded in Gothenburg in 1953 and is a leading fashion chain in the Nordic region with 370 KappAhl and Newbie stores, including Shop Online, in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland and Great Britain. 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 2016/2017 totaled SEK 4.9 billion and the company has approx. 4,000 employees in nine countries. KappAhl is quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm. More information at www.kappahl.com

Download file: 171115 Unique, innovative hangers to display KappAhl’s sustainable collection

For more information:
Fredrika Klarén
Sustainability Manager
KappAhl
Tel. +46 (0)704-71 55 58
fredrika.klaren@kappahl.com

Patrik Enbacka
CEO
Ekoligens AB
Tel. +46 (0)70-610 29 08
patrik@ekoligens.se

Source: KappAhl

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New lower prices on additional best-selling grocery items and holiday staples at Whole Foods Market stores

Prime members to receive added discount on organic and no antibiotic turkeys throughout Thanksgiving; New lower prices are in addition to the reduced prices that customers are already enjoying

AUSTIN, Texas & SEATTLE, 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market and Amazon today announced new lower prices on additional best-selling grocery items and holiday staples at Whole Foods Market stores, including a new lower price on organic and no antibiotic turkeys for all customers – and an even deeper discount on organic and no antibiotic turkeys for Prime members. This offer is a sneak preview of the special savings and in-store benefits Prime members can expect when Prime becomes the official rewards program of Whole Foods Market.

“These are the latest new lower prices in our ongoing integration and innovation with Amazon, and we’re just getting started,” said John Mackey, Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO. “In the few months we’ve been working together, our partnership has proven to be a great fit. We’ll continue to work closely together to ensure we’re consistently surprising and delighting our customers while moving toward our goal of reaching more people with Whole Foods Market’s high-quality, natural, and organic food.”

All customers will be able to purchase select organic ($3.49/lb) and no antibiotic ($2.49/lb) turkeys at reduced prices, and just in time for Thanksgiving, Prime members will save even more on turkeys ($2.99/lb organic/$1.99/lb no antibiotic), while supplies last. All fresh turkeys sold at Whole Foods Market must meet the grocer’s strict quality standards, including no antibiotics, no animal by-products in their feed, and animal welfare audits by third-party certifiers like Global Animal Partnership. For more details about this promotion, or to sign up for free trial of Prime, visit www.amazon.com/turkey.

Whole Foods Market will also offer lower prices starting today on an additional selection of customer favorites across its stores, including: Value Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Organic and No Antibiotic), Responsibly Farmed Raw Peeled Shrimp, and holiday favorites such as 365 Everyday Value Canned Pumpkin, Organic Broccoli, 1lb Organic Salad Mixes, Organic Russet Potatoes, and Organic Sweet Potatoes.

All customers will also see reduced prices on products from some of the most well respected natural and organic brands, including Organic Rice from Lundberg Family Farms, Organic Beans from Eden Foods, Organic Chicken and Vegetable Broths from Pacific Foods, Organic Eggs and Milk from Organic Valley, and Toothpaste from Tom’s of Maine. Whole Foods Market is also offering lower everyday prices on some of the most popular products from well-known brands such as Chobani Yogurt, California Olive Ranch EVOO, Siggis Yogurt, Applegate Hot Dogs, and Fage Yogurt.

Whole Foods Market customers are increasingly interested in buying eggs from hens that have access to pasture and so Whole Foods Market is excited to be able to offer lower prices on the entire line of Pasture Raised Eggs from Vital Farms, including their Vital Farms, and Alfresco Brands.

All of these lower prices are in addition to the reduced prices that customers are already enjoying on best-selling items such as conventional and organic bananas, farm-raised salmon, and no antibiotic NY strip steak.

Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market closed in August 2017 and today’s new lower prices and collaborative programs are another step forward in the integration between the companies. Whole Foods Market and Amazon will together continue innovating to provide customers with a great shopping experience, in-store offerings, and lower prices.

MEDIA CONTACT:
SOmedia@wholefoods.com

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market

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Rite Aid appoints Rob Mullins SVP, store operations of the Western division

Rite Aid’s Bill Romine to Retire after More than 20 Years of Service

CAMP HILL, Pa., 2017-Nov-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) today (Nov. 14, 2017) announced that Rob Mullins, Rite Aid’s current divisional pharmacy vice president of the Company’s Western division, has been named senior vice president of store operations of the Western division. He succeeds Bill Romine, who is retiring from Rite Aid after more than 20 years of service. Mullins will report to Derek Griffith, Rite Aid executive vice president of store operations.

“Rob is a passionate advocate of community pharmacy and a talented operator, with more than 17 years of experience across our organization,” said Bryan Everett, chief operating officer of Rite Aid stores. “We look forward to benefitting from Rob’s knowledge in his new role as we work to grow our business and deliver an outstanding experience for both our customers and associates.”

Mullins joined Rite Aid in 2000 and has held various pharmacy positions within the company including pharmacy district manager and regional pharmacy vice president before being named to his current role in 2015. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and earned his MBA at Ohio University.

Romine, who has over 40 years of retail pharmacy experience, joined Rite Aid in 1996 with the Company’s acquisition of the West Coast Thrifty-PayLess drugstore chain. Romine has served Rite Aid in operations positions of increasing responsibility, including as district manager, regional vice president and also as vice president of merchandising operations for all of Rite Aid.  He was named group vice president of metro New York in 2010 and was promoted to his current role in 2011.

Added Everett, “Bill has made many significant contributions to our Company throughout his career at Rite Aid, working tirelessly to establish Rite Aid as a leader in retail pharmacy. Equally as important, his efforts to develop members of his team in preparation to successfully take on leadership roles within our organization. We would like to thank Bill for all he has done for Rite Aid and we wish him the very best in retirement.”

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with fiscal 2017 annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

Contact:
Media:
Ashley Flower
717-975-5718

Source: Rite Aid Corporation

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Bell and Howell Announces 100th Retail Click-and-Collect Installation of Cleveron’s PackRobot in North America

Durham, North Carolina, USA, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bell and Howell announced today the 100th U.S. installation of the PackRobot, a 16-foot-tall automated package pickup system manufactured by Cleveron, a leading European developer of click-and-collect self-service pickup technology.

The PackRobot allows customers to pick up their online order in a matter of seconds. Once items are ready for pickup, the customer is sent an email or text notification with a code. They then simply walk up to the PackRobot when it is most convenient for them, scan their code and retrieve their order. This simplified approach to online order pickup reduces the time it takes a consumer to retrieve an online order from 15 minutes or more to less than 15 seconds.

“By turning to the autonomous self-service pickup model, leading retailers are setting themselves apart from e-retailers by utilizing their physical stores as micro-distribution centers,” said Ramesh Ratan, Ph.D., Bell and Howell’s CEO. “By adding Cleveron’s PackRobot and additional smart-locker technology to their stores, these retailers are enhancing their customers’ overall shopping experiences by saving time with the convenience of coming into a store to pick up their orders in seconds.”

Bell and Howell and Cleveron first announced their partnership in September of 2015, with the first PackRobot being launched in the U.S. in March of 2016. Bell and Howell has since deployed Cleveron’s PackRobot at more than 100 retail locations in 2017, with plans to scale to nearly 1,000 additional units in 2018. Bell and Howell is the exclusive North American distributor of Cleveron products, and is responsible for installation, remote monitoring and ongoing maintenance, and providing unique insights used to further enhance the customer’s shopping experience.

“It’s exciting to see the PackRobot having such tremendous success in the North American market,” said Arno Kütt, Cleveron founder and chairman. “By leveraging IoT robotics-based technologies, our customers are now able to deliver the kind of convenient and rewarding click-and-collect experience that online shoppers are beginning to appreciate and even expect.”

Visit https://bellhowell.net/en-US/Products-Solutions/Solutions/PackRobot-for-Retail for more information on the PackRobot, or contact Bell and Howell at +1 919-767-4401 for more details.

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About Bell and Howell

Bell and Howell is shaping the future of communications and commerce. We deliver innovative service and technology solutions that enrich customer communications and fulfillment for the world’s largest finance, industry and public sector enterprises. Our software and hardware streamlines high-volume, high-integrity production of customer communications and products, maximizes postal discounts, and monetizes every customer touchpoint. Our service organization is among the most sophisticated in the world for production workflow, automation and industrial mechatronics. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, with offices around the world, Bell and Howell is the trusted partner to thousands of organizations globally. For additional information, visit www.bellhowell.net.

About Cleveron

Cleveron is the world’s innovation leader in developing click-and-collect parcel pickup technology. Cleveron’s products help omnichannel retailers to automate online order delivery in the physical stores (buy online, pickup in store concept). Using groundbreaking robotics and IoT solutions, Cleveron aims to set a new standard in parcel self-service pickup and return experience for shoppers. The company’s solutions are used by leading retailers and logistics companies in the U.S. as well as Europe. For more information, visit www.cleveron.eu.

 

Media Contacts

For Bell and Howell

Glenn Gillen, APR
S&A Communications
919-377-9552
ggillen@sacommunications.com

For Cleveron
Katre Tammjõe

Marketing Specialist
katre.tammjoe@cleveron.eu

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India Should Reduce GST on Point Of Sale Devices to Encourage Digitalization: Millennium

Bhaskar Venkatraman

Chennai, India, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Ever since the Indian government introduced the ‘historic’ Goods and Services Tax regime from July 2017, there have been frequent announcements for revision of rates for several items by the GST council owing to pressure from public, traders and political spectrum.

However, there are certain items which are still in the bracket of 18 per cent and 28 per cent, which, according to experts, will do no good for the government’s grand initiatives towards cashless economy and digitalization of all transaction activities.

For example, most of the Point of Sale (POS) devices are still in the higher rate of GST. While POS devices such as POS terminals, barcode scanners, barcode printers, mobile printers, receipt printers, etc are placed at 18 % slab, POS consumables such as paper rolls, ribbons and inks and also POS accessories such as pole display, cash drawers and magnetic stripe readers are still in the highest slab of 28%.

Bhaskar Venkatraman

Bhaskar Venkatraman

The higher GST slab for POS products and accessories will discourage retail vendors to go for digital transformation, feels Bhaskar Venkatraman, the CEO and Managing Director of Millennium India, a pioneer in introducing POS machines to retail businesses in India.

“The government’s digitalization move can bear the fruit only when all retail businesses, even in the remotest corner of India, automate their store by digitalizing their business operations moving out from the traditional and obsolete transaction methods. But the high GST slabs on various POS devices is a big discouragement for it. Hence, the GST Council should reduce the GST for all the POS items and accessories and also reduce the burden on importers by slashing the import duties, as majority of POS payment terminals, barcode printers, scanners and other supportive devices are being imported to India,” feels Bhaskar, who launched India’s first ecommerce portal ‘Justransact’ in 2014 exclusively for point of sale electronic items.

Even the nominal bank transaction charges for card payment at Point of Sale are scaring away retail vendors to adopt card payment option. Some of them, who have installed POS payment devices at their shops, are simply passing this burden to customers.

Post demonetization, cash still remains the major source of transaction even after one year of its implementation, though there has been phenomenal increase in card transactions. GST, which was intended to bring uniform tax regime, has so far not created the required impact among trading community as almost every week there have been some changes in its implementation or the rates.

“It is too early to suggest the impact of GST on the businesses or the economy. For any major reforms,  there will be issues which need to be addressed, and I think, the government is doing the right thing by revising the GST rates after getting feedbacks from various quarters. In the same line, 18 and 28 per cent GST for POS machines are too high to be absorbed by retail vendors. On the other hand, lower GST for POS devices will further trigger the growth of the Indian retail industry, which is currently the fastest among the Asian peers,” concludes Bhaskar.

For media contact:

K Ramanathan

Editor and Media Coordinator,
Millennium Soft-Tech (India) Pvt Ltd
ram(at)justransact(dot)com,
G-19,2nd  Floor,Block-16, 2nd Main Road,
Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai-600 058.

 

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Dollar General continues its partnerships with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving® campaign and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn., 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dollar General plans to celebrate this holiday season through its mission of Serving Others. In that spirit, the company is continuing its longstanding partnerships with the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s Thanks and Giving® campaign, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and other local toy drives to help support the communities across the 44 states it calls home.

To provide further aid and assistance for these organizations’ efforts, Dollar General also plans to make a $100,000 donation to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and a $75,000 donation to the Thanks and Giving® campaign, as well as collect customers’ donations in stores to support these campaigns.

Dollar General customers may donate $1 or more at check-out to benefit the St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign from Friday, November 17 until Friday, December 15. Dollar General is proud to provide support for the twelfth consecutive year to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the global leader in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other deadly diseases. Since 2006, Dollar General and its customers have provided more than $17.4 million to the Thanks and Giving® campaign.

Also beginning Friday, November 17, Dollar General will aim to make the holidays brighter for children by collecting toys and holiday items through a toy drive partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and local toy drives. Customers may drop off donations through Friday, December 8 at their local Dollar General store.

For additional information, photographs or items to supplement a story, please visit the DG Newsroom, contact the Media Relations Department at 1-877-944-DGPR (3477) or via email at dgpr@dg.com.

About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for over 75 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day!® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Dollar General operated 14,000 stores in 44 states as of August 19, 2017. In addition to high quality private brands, Dollar General sells products from America’s most-trusted brands such as Clorox, Energizer, Procter & Gamble, Hanes, Coca-Cola, Mars, Unilever, Nestle, Kimberly-Clark, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and PepsiCo. For more information on Dollar General, visit www.dollargeneral.com.

Media Hotline:
Crystal Ghassemi
1-877-944-DGPR (3477)
dgpr@dollargeneral.com

Source: About Dollar General Corporation

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Meijer announces its brand frozen turkeys at 48 cents per pound now through Nov. 25

Meijer announces its brand frozen turkeys at 48 cents per pound now through Nov. 25

 

All Meijer brand frozen turkeys priced at 48 cents per pound

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer is once again announcing aggressive pricing on Thanksgiving turkeys that are expected to lead the Midwest in low price.

When a Meijer customer spends $30, Meijer brand frozen turkeys are 48 cents per pound now through Nov. 25. The result: a 10-pound turkey will only cost $4.80*. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer is even introducing its first ever antibiotic free, vegetarian fed True Goodness fresh turkey.

“Like many families who celebrate time-honored Thanksgiving traditions, offering ‘the bird’ at a great price continues to be our tradition at Meijer,” said Tod Pepin, Senior Vice President of Foods. “We know a Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without the turkey, and so we are pleased to help our customers provide their families with the best holiday meal.”

Thanksgiving Day is one of the retailer’s busiest grocery shopping days of the year with customers often forgetting an item or two for their Thanksgiving feasts. The top five items sold at Meijer on Thanksgiving Day include:

  • Cream cheese
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Celery
  • Butter
  • Sweet potatoes

For customers who’ve forgotten a turkey, Meijer will offer a frozen turkey that cooks in a bag in as little as 2.5 hours. Customers don’t have to worry about thawing or cleaning this turkey that’s seasoned with sea salt.

Meijer Home Delivery will also be an option for customers who want the convenience of having those forgotten meal essentials delivered to their doors.

Meijer is also preparing for high sales of its ever-popular premade Thanksgiving dinners.

Meijer offers a deluxe turkey dinner for $49.99, which includes a 10- to 12-pound prebaked Butterball turkey, home-style stuffing, roasted turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and a dozen King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls. A deluxe ham dinner costs $49.99, and includes a 7- to 9-pound spiral ham, home-style stuffing, roasted turkey gravy, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and a dozen King’s Hawaiian dinner rolls. Both deluxe dinners can feed between 8-10 people.

While Meijer will work to accommodate any customer request, deli team members request customers place orders for those premade dinners by Nov. 22. Limited quantities are available per store.

*Turkey prices may vary by market.

To view an infographic featuring the top items customers forget for their Thanksgiving meals, and ultimately purchase on Thanksgiving Day at Meijer, can be viewed here: http://newsroom.meijer.com/Media/Default/images/Meijer%202017%20Turkey%20Infographic.jpg.

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

Contact:

Christina Fecher
616-735-7968
christina.fecher@meijer.com

Source: Meijer

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CBRE welcomes Curt Grantham as Global President of Project Management

Los Angeles, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE today (November 13, 2017) announced that Curt Grantham has been appointed to a new role as Global President of Project Management.  Mr. Grantham will drive strategy, growth and client outcomes for CBRE’s Project Management businesses across all geographic regions.

Mr. Grantham has been with CBRE for 33 years and has served in a number of leadership roles in both the Company’s geographic businesses and lines of business. Most recently, he led CBRE’s GWS Client Solutions organization globally, which encompasses sales and solutions, including contracting and pricing, as well as client strategy and management consulting teams.

“Curt is a proven leader with a keen understanding of our clients’ needs and our businesse’s capabilities,” said Mike Lafitte, CBRE’s Global Group President, Lines of Business. “In his new role, he will ensure we continue to deliver exceptional client outcomes, while capitalizing on opportunities to collaborate as well as share expertise and best practices.”

Prior to his GWS client solutions role Mr. Grantham was President of the Americas for the GWS business for CBRE. He will continue to be based in Charlotte.

In October CBRE strengthened its project management services with the acquisition of Heery International (now operating as CBRE | Heery), a leader in providing project management, design and commissioning services for a wide range of corporate, government, healthcare, sports, aviation and education clients.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2016 revenue). The company has more than 75,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert McGrath
212.984.8267
robert.mcgrath@cbre.com

SOURCE: CBRE Group, Inc.

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CBRE hosted its first-ever simulcast for members of its Women’s Network

Live Event Viewed by Thousands Of Members Worldwide

Los Angeles, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE hosted its first-ever simulcast for members of the CBRE Women’s Network, on November 9. The live-streaming presentation, called “A Conversation with Amy Cuddy,” was viewed by more than 3,000 CBRE women and men across the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Australia.

Amy Cuddy, the keynote speaker, is a Harvard Business School professor who studies how nonverbal behavior and snap judgments affect people in business settings. She spoke in person, exclusively to the Women’s Network at the main event in New York City, and her presentation was broadcast to more than 80 CBRE viewing locations worldwide.

The simulcast was the cornerstone of a half-day, professional development opportunity for all CBRE women. Along with the live presentation, each local event included a special program that focused on professional success, and offered members additional opportunities to gain vital knowledge, make professional connections and build business-related skills. Women at the event were also able to connect directly with attendees in locations around the world through social media and an exclusive event app.

“The Women’s Network strives to provide programming and valuable experiences for all CBRE women,” said Lisa Konieczka, the network’s chairperson and executive vice president in the company’s Chicago office. “This one event has sparked deeper conversations about our own ‘personal power,’ created connections across the company and provided thousands of Women’s Network members with content, ideas and opportunities that will move them closer to their professional goals.”

The CBRE Women’s Network was formed in 2000 and has more than 3,000 members from all levels of the organization, the company’s three regions and every business line. The group’s mission is to “Promote the Success of Women,” which is guided by three key principles: Growth, Connection and Mentorship.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2016 revenue). The company has more than 75,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert McGrath
212.984.8267
robert.mcgrath@cbre.com

SOURCE: CBRE Group, Inc.

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CBRE acquires Streetsense’s retail brokerage operations

Los Angeles, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBG) today (November 15, 2017) announced it has acquired a 50% interest in Streetsense, a privately-held strategy and design company, creating a joint venture to provide services that help retailers and other clients create compelling consumer experiences.

As part of the strategic investment in Streetsense, CBRE has acquired Streetsense’s retail brokerage operation, which serves clients in the greater Washington, D.C. market. The firm’s 17 professionals have joined CBRE and the new brokerage business will be called Streetsense|CBRE. The combination of Streetsense’s and CBRE’s highly talented professionals significantly strengthens CBRE’s presence in the Washington, D.C. market and further solidifies its best-in-class retail offering nationally.

“Streetsense’s focus on ‘creating brands people love and places people love to be’ will be amplified by CBRE’s powerful service offering, client base and commitment to innovation. Together, we strengthen our ability to connect with end-users across industries and geographies,” said Anthony Buono, CBRE Executive Managing Director, Americas Retail Advisory & Transactions Services.

Streetsense was founded in 2001 and has become known for helping clients create emotional connections with their customers through insight-driven strategy and design. With offices in both Washington, D.C. and New York, the firm has created engaging brands, places and consumer experiences for a diverse range of clients including The Ritz-Carlton, JBG Smith, Interbake Foods, General Growth Properties, Chef Mike Isabella, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

“With CBRE as our partner, Streetsense is even better positioned to unlock value for brands and places and drive demand for clients,” said Brian Taff, President, Streetsense. “Our nearly 200 creative professionals will greatly benefit from CBRE’s broad range of advisory and transaction capabilities, as well as their international industry relationships. With CBRE, we have a partner that shares our vision to create transformative outcomes for our clients and their customers.”

CBRE’s consumer experience joint venture with Streetsense adds a critical component to CBRE’s toolkit for advising clients on real estate needs amid shifts driven by e-commerce and changing consumer preferences. CBRE’s suite of retail and omnichannel advisory services includes location analytics, store-portfolio optimization, predictive consumer analytics, supply chain services and retail project management.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the statements in this release regarding the establishment of a joint venture with Streetsense and the acquisition of its brokerage operations, that do not concern purely historical data are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are made based on our management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, actual performance, results and events may vary materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements, and you should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future performance, results or events. Numerous factors could cause actual future performance, results and events to differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, our ability to successfully integrate Streetsense’s design, consulting and brokerage professionals with our existing operations in the U.S., as well as other risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. For additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements and other risks and uncertainties to our business in general, please refer to our SEC filings, including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, and our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Such filings are available publicly and may be obtained from our website at www.cbre.com or upon request from the CBRE Investor Relations Department at investorrelations@cbre.com.

About Streetsense
Streetsense is an experience-focused strategy and design collective that creates brands people love and places people love to be. Powered by in-depth insights and an interdisciplinary approach, we are experts at creating, transforming, and driving consumer demand to brands and places. To learn more about our impact, visit www.streetsense.com, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @realstreetsense and on Facebook at facebook.com/realstreetsense.

About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2016 revenue). The company has more than 75,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate investors and occupiers through approximately 450 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide. CBRE offers a broad range of integrated services, including facilities, transaction and project management; property management; investment management; appraisal and valuation; property leasing; strategic consulting; property sales; mortgage services and development services. Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert McGrath
212.984.8267
robert.mcgrath@cbre.com

SOURCE: CBRE Group, Inc.

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7‑Eleven, Inc. launches chatbot platform that allows quick and easy conversation with customers

IRVING, Texas, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Nov. 15, 2017), 7‑Eleven, Inc. launches a trailblazing chatbot platform that is poised to propel the convenience retailing industry into a new era of “conversational commerce.”  The company has a compelling history of innovation, being the first company to sell fresh brewed coffee in to-go cups, operate 24 hours a day, and have a self-serve soda fountain. The retail giant’s culture of innovation only continues to expand, constantly reaching more customers in a way that makes engaging with 7‑Eleven delightful and effortless.

The 7‑Eleven Bot on Messenger allows millions of 7‑Eleven fans to engage with the brand from within one of the world’s most popular social channels, Facebook. Approximately 1.3 billion people use Messenger each month and 7‑Eleven saw a unique opportunity to reach customers in their online ecosystem by leveraging the Messenger app. The cutting-edge technology is driven by Conversable, a conversational intelligence software platform that leverages automation and machine learning technology.

Here’s how it works: Consumers using Messenger can engage in a conversation with the 7‑Eleven Bot by chatting with 7‑Eleven on Messenger.  The chatbot allows customers to engage with 7‑Eleven easily and quickly. Users can sign up for the 7Rewards® customer loyalty platform, find a store location near them, learn about the latest discount offers … and so much more, 24/7.

“Today’s digital-savvy consumers expect brands to be present when and where they choose, in an effortless manner, and 7‑Eleven Bot on Messenger allows that to happen,” said Gurmeet Singh, 7‑Eleven Chief Digital Officer. “We are launching a unique loyalty experience for our consumers through an intelligent BOT. Using groundbreaking technology, customers immediately receive a digital card in messenger and can scan to start earning points, check status as well as collect coupons when they choose. Bye-bye physical loyalty cards. This new form of customer experience proves that 7‑Eleven is redefining convenience through digital as well as pioneering a new era of loyalty programs. Our digital team constantly looks for new and innovate ways to surprise and delight our customers.”

This cutting-edge 7‑Eleven Bot on Messenger platform is the latest innovation for the 7‑Eleven Digital team, which is using a wide range of advanced technologies to appeal to the needs of on-the-go, time-starved and digital-reliant consumers, especially those in the Millennial and Gen Z demographics. The company is consistently developing new ways they can delight and surprise customers while researching even better solutions to consumer issues.

The 7Rewards loyalty program has recently expanded to gives members the opportunity to earn and redeem points—including bonus points—while they shop. This is in addition to the original “Buy 6 Cups-Get the 7th Free” 7Rewards offer on any 7‑Eleven® proprietary beverages such as coffee, Big Gulp® fountain drinks and Slurpee® semi-frozen drinks. Digital coupons are also redeemed through the 7Rewards app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. Customers can earn, participate and get rewarded in more ways than before.

A few of 7‑Eleven’s many other customer-centric innovations: the growing availability of Amazon Lockers for package pickup; expansion of on-demand customer delivery service in 35 cities in collaboration with Postmates®; and an alliance with the PayNearMe® app to help cash users pay for a variety of bills within a 7‑Eleven® store.

Not only will the 7‑Eleven Bot on Messenger improve and advance, but the chatbot is just the beginning of 7‑Eleven’s digital innovation. The retail giant will continue to implement more ground-breaking digital revolutions to enhance the customer experience, solve more problems, and make engagements with 7‑Eleven even more delightful.

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.

About Conversable

Conversable is a conversational intelligence platform that powers the intersection of AI with messaging and voice. This AI-driven platform helps brands reach customers with automated experiences on all major messaging and voice applications. Global brands trust Conversable technology to enable conversational commerce, resolve common customer requests and deliver content on-demand to reach their customers where they are. Conversable was founded by Andrew Busey and Ben Lamm. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional offices in Dallas. To learn more, please visit www.conversable.com.

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

Source: 7‑Eleven, Inc.

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Hy-Vee unveils major projects across its eight-state region

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hy-Vee, Inc. is expanding several of its facilities and making changes at some of its stores to meet customers’ changing lifestyles. Construction is already underway and includes projects across the company’s eight-state region.

“This fiscal year, we have approved one of our largest capital expenditure budgets in our company’s history to make sure we are not only meeting our customers’ needs, but fulfilling their wants, now and in the future,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “We’ve studied customer habits and lifestyles and know that fewer people are cooking meals at home than ever before. We want our offerings to help individuals who are looking for something healthy to eat on the go as well as families who want to enjoy a sit-down meal that they can easily claim as their own.”

To meet these needs, several major projects are already underway, including:

  • Construction of a 240,000-square-foot production facility in Ankeny, Iowa, which will serve as a commissary and central bakery as Hy-Vee offers more fresh prepared options and meal kits to its customers. The project also includes an expansion of Hy-Vee’s subsidiary PDI.
  • Construction of a 48,000-square-foot production facility that will support Hy-Vee’s Short Cuts produce brand. The facility, which is adjacent to Hy-Vee’s current distribution center in Chariton, Iowa, will produce fresh cut, retail-ready fruits and vegetables for customers beginning in January 2018.
  • Construction of Hy-Vee’s new 10,000-square-foot convenience and meal solutions stores, named Fast & Fresh, in the Des Moines area and Davenport, Iowa. These stores will feature grocery items, fresh prepared foods and a coffee shop. Another type of small store concept will open in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018.

Hy-Vee is also planning to open three new e-commerce fulfillment centers, located in Kansas City, Twin Cities and Omaha, in the upcoming years. These facilities are in addition to the existing fulfillment center in Des Moines and will meet the needs of the company’s growing online ordering services.

Over the upcoming weeks, Hy-Vee is transitioning several of its Hy-Vee Market Grille restaurants to Hy-Vee Market Grille Expresses. At the Hy-Vee Market Grille Express, customers will be able to quickly order food, pay at a nearby pay station, then sit and enjoy their meal in a casual self-service, contemporary atmosphere. Each Hy-Vee Market Grille Express will offer a full-service bar where customers can enjoy a variety of beverages while watching their favorite game or sporting event on TV. The Hy-Vee Market Grille Express concept also allows customers to have a more convenient and quick eating experience if they are “on the go.”

In addition, Hy-Vee will soon be making an announcement about the opening of its first Wahlburgers restaurant. In August, the company announced that it would build, own and operate 26 Wahlburgers, making it the chain’s largest franchisee.

To further help people with busy schedules, Hy-Vee will also change the way it communicates with consumers as more direct mail pieces, including the company’s new month-long mega ad, will be sent to customers’ mailboxes in the near future.

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 245 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $10 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company’s 85,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

Source: Hy-Vee, Inc.

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Hy-Vee announces partnership with The Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx and Iowa Wolves

Minneapolis-St. Paul, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Lynx and Iowa Wolves today (11/15/2017) announced a new long-term partnership with Hy-Vee, Inc. to be the teams’ official grocery, pharmacy and floral partner.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin this partnership with Hy-Vee and welcome them into our Timberwolves, Lynx and Iowa Wolves family,” said Timberwolves & Lynx CEO Ethan Casson. “Hy-Vee is a leader in our market with incredibly loyal customers that has seen significant growth recently, which mirrors the current state of our three brands as well. We look forward to many years of growing these two organizations together and engaging with our phenomenal fan bases.”

The partnership includes a digital signage takeover in arena prior to, during and immediately following the opening tip for all Timberwolves, Lynx and Iowa Wolves regular season home games. Hy-Vee will also have digital signage on the exterior of Target Center and additional signage elements in-arena throughout the games. For the Iowa Wolves, Hy-Vee’s logo will be placed near mid-court inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

One unique element of the partnership gives Hy-Vee the opportunity to leverage a professional sports team’s chef for custom content. Timberwolves & Lynx Executive Chef David Fhima will create a digital cookbook with Hy-Vee products, which includes a year-long content series on the teams’ digital, social and in-arena channels.

The two organizations will also team up on community relations initiatives. The partnership with the Timberwolves and Lynx will focus on fighting hunger while the Iowa Wolves will focus on Hy-Vee’s KidsFit initiative as well as entitlement of the team’s annual school day game called Education Celebration.

“The Timberwolves, Lynx and Iowa Wolves have a passionate fan base that spans throughout the region and we are thrilled to be a part of all the action and excitement,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee’s chairman, CEO and president. “Like Hy-Vee, these teams are deeply dedicated to the communities they are in, making this connection a true fit when it comes to our growing list of sports partnerships.”

The teams will support other in-market initiatives, such as in-store activations and/or school visits. Select Hy-Vee stores will also carry Timberwolves merchandise.

Hy-Vee, Inc.
Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 245 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $10 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company’s 85,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

Contact Information:
Kirsten Wenker
Kirsten.Wenker@timberwolves.com  
612-673-8419

Hy-Vee Contact Information:
Tina Potthoff
tpotthoff@hy-vee.com,
515-559-5770

Source: Hy-Vee, Inc.

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Hy-Vee acquires telepharmacy locations in Victor and West Liberty to expand its pharmacy access in rural Iowa communities

Victor and West Liberty telepharmacies fill prescriptions and offer OTC health items

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hy-Vee, Inc. is excited to expand its pharmacy access in rural Iowa communities via telepharmacy services. Two existing telepharmacy locations in Victor and West Liberty, Iowa, were purchased by Hy-Vee and will continue to operate as telepharmacies under the Hy-Vee Pharmacy name. Both locations opened on Nov. 6, and provide patients with a direct line of communication to a pharmacist without having to leave their community.

At the telepharmacy, a prescription is processed similarly to how it would be at a Hy-Vee retail pharmacy. A pharmacist verifies the prescription for accuracy, as well as reviews the prescription for appropriateness in dosing and safety. Once the pharmacist completes an initial verification, a certified pharmacy technician may fill it at the telepharmacy location. The pharmacist provides an additional verification by checking the accuracy of the filling process via digital equipment. Pharmacists then are able to counsel the patient via iPad and telephone technology.

The telepharmacies have store fronts and offer over-the-counter health and convenience-style items. Though they do not have a full-time pharmacist, they will have a pharmacist on site 16 hours per month. Grinnell Hy-Vee is the home store for Victor, and Muscatine Mainstreet Hy-Vee is the home store for West Liberty.

“We are thrilled to provide Hy-Vee pharmacy services and maintain a personal pharmacist connection for residents in Victor and West Liberty, Iowa, through our new telepharmacy locations,” said Kristin Williams, Hy-Vee’s senior vice president and chief health officer. “Enhancing health care for our customers is a top priority, and these locations will fill prescriptions as well as offer additional health and wellness services that Hy-Vee is known for.”

Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 245 retail stores across eight Midwestern states with sales of $10 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America’s Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company’s 85,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.

Source: Hy-Vee, Inc.

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B&M completes the relocation of Newport store as it opens new store at East Retail Park

Liverpool, United Kingdom, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The relocation of B&M’s Newport store has been completed, with the new-look store at East Retail Park opening to the public on Wednesday.

The new store opening comes as a huge boost to the local economy, with the store increasing the number of employees by 60 having previously employed just 23 people at its former location at Maesglas Retail Park .

Visitors to the store, located on East Retail Park, will be able to browse a wide range of branded and own label goods, including toys, groceries, health & beauty and pet ranges, as well as an extensive DIY, decorating and furniture range.

As part of the opening celebrations, B&M employees invited local charity, Royal Gwent Hospital Baby Unit, to be their VIP for the day, as well as local Mayor, Cllr David Fouweather.

The nurses on the specialist unit care for Gwent’s most sick babies, from those born at the very edges of survivable prematurity, around 23 weeks, to those born at full term who require specialist intervention.

They were handed £250 worth of vouchers to spend in-store as a thank you for their hard work in the community.

The store manager, Susan Pumford, said: “The nurses from the Royal Gwent Hospital Baby Unit really stood out for us as they go the extra mile for local community, we wanted to give them some VIP treatment as a thank you for all the hard work they do.

“We hope that our donation can help them to continue the great work they do.”

She also commented: “The new team have been working really hard to get the store ready for opening day and we can’t wait to get the doors open and show customers their new B&M Newport.”

On Saturday 18 November, customers will also be able to enter the B&M Big Prize Bonanza, a free game show taking place at the store to carry the atmosphere throughout the day. Those who enter will be in with a chance of winning prizes including a Slow Cooker, B&M vouchers, Cadbury’s chocolates and much more.

For media/press enquiries:

please email press@bmstores.co.uk

Source:  B&M

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2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists announced

2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists announced

 

Ten Outstanding High School Seniors from Across the Country Compete for two $10,000 Scholarships

DUBLIN, Ohio, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The cut has been made and Wendy’s High School Heisman® names the Top Ten Scholar-Athletes in the U.S. These young men and women will now compete to become the Wendy’s High School Heisman National Winners.

For more than 20 years, Wendy’s franchisees across America celebrate the outstanding youth in their communities who put in countless hours on the athletic field and in their academic pursuit while also overcoming some intense obstacles. One hundred students will receive a total of $150,000 in scholarships, with eight National Finalists each receiving $5,000 and the two National Winners receiving $10,000.

Visit www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com to learn more about the 2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists. Each of their complete profiles (including photos for use in press materials) will be populated by Wednesday, November 15.

FEMALE FINALISTS

  • Audrey Ernst, St. Charles North High School, St. Charles, Illinois
  • Soleil Gaylord, Telluride High School, Telluride, Colorado
  • Wells Johnstone, Madison Academic Magnet High School, Jackson, Tennessee
  • Natalie MacEwan, El Camino Real Charter High School, Woodland Hills, California
  • Laura Murphy, East Greenwich High School, East Greenwich, Rhode Island

MALE FINALISTS

  • Jackson Destine, Atlantic High School, Delray Beach, Florida
  • Karsten Householder, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Ian McGrory, Queen Anne’s County High School, Centreville, Maryland
  • Brendan Siefker, Ottoville High School, Ottoville, Ohio
  • Brandon Staple, Longmont High School, Longmont, Colorado

“Wendy’s proudly supports high school students as they pursue their passions by providing a platform for recognition, growth and success,” said Liliana Esposito, Wendy’s Chief Communications Officer. “We have the great privilege to celebrate and honor the best student-athletes in every community who do more than excel on the field and in the classroom. They are leaders in their community and believe in making the world a better place by giving back with their time and talents. The 2017 National Finalists are worthy bearers of the Wendy’s High School Heisman name and we are fortunate to be a part of their stories.”

The National Finalists, five female and five male high school seniors, will receive an all-expense paid trip to the Wendy’s Heisman Weekend, including the National Awards Banquet in New York City, a gold medal and a Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalist Heisman patch. The eight National Finalists who do not qualify as National Winners will walk away with a $100 Wendy’s gift card and a $5,000 college scholarship. The two National Winners, who will receive a Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy, a National Winner patch, a $500 Wendy’s gift card and a $10,000 college scholarship, will be announced on December 8 and recognized during ESPN’s national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation.

For more information about Wendy’s High School Heisman visit www.wendysheisman.com.

About Wendy’s High School Heisman

Wendy’s High School Heisman was created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1994.  Dave Thomas dropped out of high school when he was 15 years old to work full-time and went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history.  While this nontraditional path led to his prosperity, it always worried Dave that others would follow in his footsteps and expect to achieve similar fame and wealth by not finishing high school or attending college.

Faced with this dilemma, at 61 years old, Dave enrolled at Coconut Creek High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and received his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Inspired by this moment and with a desire to celebrate the outstanding achievements of youth in America, he launched the Wendy’s High School Heisman program.

Twenty-two years later, Wendy’s High School Heisman has honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors who share Wendy’s values of giving back to their communities, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling on the athletic field.

Wendy’s High School Heisman is a joint program between Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust, host and custodians of the Heisman Memorial Trophy®.

About Wendy’s

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ: WEN) is the world’s third largest quick-service hamburger restaurant chain. The Wendy’s system includes more than 6,500 restaurants in 29 countries and U.S. territories. For more information, visit www.wendys.com.

The Wendy’s name and design and the Wendy’s High School Heisman and design are trademarks of Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC. The Heisman Memorial Trophy, Heisman name and Heisman Trophy figure are registered trademarks of the Heisman Trophy Trust, used with permission.

MEDIA CONTACT:

BryAnn Roth
614.764.3138
bry.roth@wendys.com

Source: Wendy’s Company

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Build-A-Bear Workshop opens its first-ever Build-A-Bear Bakeshop

Retailer Translates Signature Make-Your-Own Experience into New Bakeshop Concept

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW), a global brand kids love and parents trust, today (NOVEMBER 14, 2017) announced the opening of the first-ever Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, a customized baked-goods experience that reflects the company’s beloved Make-Your-Own concept.

The Bakeshop opened today on Level 1 of West County Center in St. Louis and will offer a whole new flavor of fun with a variety of ready-made sweets baked locally by Sarah’s Cake Shop. Guests can choose from already-iced cakes and treats or decorate their own cupcakes with frosting, icing pens and sprinkles.

“For more than 20 years, Build-A-Bear Workshop has added a little more heart to life by inspiring kids and kids at heart to channel their creativity and make furry best friends that are uniquely their own,” said Louis Wachter, Chief Bakeshop Manager, Build-A-Bear Bakeshop. “We’ve put a sweet spin on the Make-Your-Own fun our Guests know and love with Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, with help from the talented team at Sarah’s Cake Shop. At Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, we can reserve an area for your scheduled private party. You can also create an edible, personalized gift, or just grab a sweet treat to enjoy on your shopping trip.”

The Build-A-Bear Bakeshop menu features cupcakes, cake pops, specialty cake pops, cookies, cakes, macarons and more – plus, several varieties of milk, including flavored options like chocolate, strawberry, cotton candy and root beer from Shatto Milk. Individual sweet treats start at $2, and a 6-inch cake is available for $17.50.

Build-A-Bear Bakeshop offers party packages for Guests to celebrate birthdays, graduations and all of life’s special moments in a unique, interactive way that’s layered with fun. During a Build-A-Bear Bakeshop party, a Party Host leads the group in decorating their own cupcakes, and the Guest of honor receives a special 3-inch cake.

Merchandise items—such as Bakeshop-themed mugs, thermoses and a water bottle—are also available for purchase at the shop.

More information about Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, including the store’s location, hours of operation and party package details can be found at buildabear.com/bakeshop.

For the latest brand news, visit buildabear.com and follow Build-A-Bear on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop

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Tapestry declares quarterly cash dividend of $0.3375 per common share

NEW YORK, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE:TPR) (SEHK:6388), a leading New York-based house of modern luxury accessories and lifestyle brands, today (Nov. 15, 2017) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.3375 per common share. The dividend is payable on January 2, 2018 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 8, 2017.

Tapestry, Inc. is a New York-based house of modern luxury lifestyle brands. The Company’s portfolio includes Coach, Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman. Our Company and our brands are founded upon a creative and consumer-led view of luxury that stands for inclusivity and approachability. Each of our brands are unique and independent, while sharing a commitment to innovation and authenticity defined by distinctive products and differentiated customer experiences across channels and geographies. To learn more about Tapestry, please visit www.tapestry.com. The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TPR. The Company’s Hong Kong Depositary Receipts are traded on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the symbol 6388.

Neither the Hong Kong Depositary Receipts nor the Hong Kong Depositary Shares evidenced thereby have been or will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account of, a U.S. Person (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act), absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Hedging transactions involving these securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act.

Analysts & Media:
Andrea Shaw Resnick
212-629-2618
Global Head Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Christina Colone
212-946-7252
Senior Director, Investor Relations

Source: Tapestry, Inc.

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Lenta announces the opening of its 21st supermarket in Saint-Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Russia, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lenta, (LSE, MOEX: LNTA) one of the largest retail chains in Russia, is pleased to announce the opening of its twenty first supermarket in Saint-Petersburg.

The new store is a Lenta supermarket located at 27 Engelsa street, Saint-Petersburg. The store has a total area of 1,063 sq.m with 644 sq.m of selling space and is open from 8 am to 11 pm, seven days a week. A broad product assortment of 5,500 SKUs has been selected specifically for residents of Saint Petersburg and includes Lenta’s private labels and federal product ranges alongside local produce. The store has 30 parking spaces and 6 cash registers. The property is leased by Lenta.

This opening in Saint-Petersburg is Lenta’s twenty second supermarket opening in 2017 and brings the total number of Lenta stores to 209 hypermarkets in 80 cities across Russia and 70 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and the Central region.

About Lenta
Lenta is the largest hypermarket chain in Russia and the country’s fourth largest retail chain. The Company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. Lenta operates 209 hypermarkets in 80 cities across Russia and 70 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and the Central region with a total of approximately 1,248,695 sq.m of selling space. The average Lenta hypermarket store has selling space of approximately 5,700 sq.m. The average Lenta supermarket store has selling space of approximately 900 sq.m. The Company operates seven owned distribution centres.

The Company’s price-led hypermarket formats are differentiated in terms of their promotion and pricing strategies as well as their local product assortment. The Company employed approximately 40,400 people as of 30 June 20171.

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

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

For further information please visit www.lentainvestor.com

Contact:

Lenta
E-mail: pr@lenta.com

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

Source: Lenta

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Lenta announces the opening of five new hypermarkets in Moscow

Saint-Petersburg, Russia, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lenta (LSE, MOEX: LNTA), one of the largest retail chains in Russia, announces the launch of five new hypermarkets in Moscow. The stores open on premises previously operated under the NASH hypermarkets brand, as part of the long-term lease agreement signed in July.

The new standard and compact hypermarkets were opened on Yaroslavskoye Highway, Orekhovyi Boulevard, Dmitrovskoye Highway, Reutov, and Govorovo following a complete renovation and comprehensive internal refurbishment of the premises. The product mix on offer is tailored to the needs of Moscow residents and features between 20,000 and 28,500 SKUs. As is traditional for Lenta, along with nationally supplied products and private labels, the stores also offer wide assortment of local produce. To ensure customers’ convenience, the stores are complete with parking areas, a larger number of checkouts, and self-checkout points. The hypermarkets are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lenta’s Chief Executive Officer Jan Dunning said:
“Despite entering the Moscow market later than our competitors, we are rapidly expanding our footprint here. Lenta opened its first store in Moscow in 2013, and ended that year with 10 supermarkets and one hypermarket in full operation. Currently, our presence in Moscow is comprised of 21 hypermarkets and 39 supermarkets. Moving forward, we plan to open four more hypermarkets before the end of the year, almost doubling our market presence in Moscow’s hypermarket segment. By the end of 2017, Lenta will become the second largest player in the Moscow hypermarket space.”

The newly opened stores bring the Lenta chain to 214 hypermarkets in 79 Russian cities, and 70 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and the Central Region.

About Lenta
Lenta is the largest hypermarket chain in Russia and the country’s fourth largest retail chain. The Company was founded in 1993 in St. Petersburg. Lenta operates 214 hypermarkets in 79 cities across Russia and 70 supermarkets in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg and the Central region with a total of approximately 1,281,595 sq.m of selling space.

The average Lenta hypermarket store has selling space of approximately 5,700 sq.m. The average Lenta supermarket store has selling space of approximately 900 sq.m. The Company operates seven owned distribution centres.

The Company’s price-led hypermarket formats are differentiated in terms of their promotion and pricing strategies as well as their local product assortment. The Company employed approximately 40,400 people as of 30 June 20171.

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

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

Contact:

Lenta
E-mail: pr@lenta.com

NW Advisors
Russian Media
Anton Karpov & Victoria Afonina
Тel:+7 495 795 06 23
E-mail: lenta@nwadvisors.com

FTI Consulting
International Media:
Leonid Fink & Victor Pomichal

Тel: +44 7497 783 705
E-mail: Leonid.Fink@fticonsulting.com

Source: Lenta

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GameStop appoints Daniel A. DeMatteo as its interim Chief Executive Officer

GRAPEVINE, Texas, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME) today (Nov. 14, 2017) announced that its Chief Executive Officer, J. Paul Raines, has had a reoccurrence of his previously disclosed medical issue and is seeking treatment.  In light of these developments, the Board of Directors of the company has appointed the company’s Executive Chairman, Daniel A. DeMatteo, as the company’s interim Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. DeMatteo, one of the company’s co-founders, will continue to serve as Executive Chairman and director.  In the past, Mr. DeMatteo has served as the company’s Chief Executive Officer and in a variety of Board and executive roles since November 1996.

“We continue to send our best wishes and strong support to Paul and his family,” Mr. DeMatteo said. “The Board of Directors has tremendous confidence in GameStop’s executives and the management team’s ability to effectively run the business with the Board’s support.”

About GameStop Corp. 
GameStop Corp., a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, is a global, multichannel video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer. GameStop operates more than 7,400 stores across 14 countries. The company’s consumer product network also includes www.gamestop.com; Game Informer® magazine, the world’s leading print and digital video game publication; and ThinkGeek, www.thinkgeek.com, the premier retailer for the global geek community featuring exclusive and unique video game and pop culture products. Our Technology Brands segment includes 1,500 Simply Mac, Spring Mobile AT&T and Cricket stores. Spring Mobile, www.springmobile.com, sells all of A&T’s products and services, including DIRECTV and offers pre-paid wireless services, devices and related accessories through its Cricket branded stores in select markets in the U.S. Simply Mac, www.simplymac.com, sells the full line of Apple products, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones and offers Apple certified warranty and repair services.

General information about GameStop Corp. can be obtained at the company’s corporate website. Follow @GameStop and @GameStopCorp on Twitter and find GameStop on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GameStop.

INVESTOR & MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Mike Loftus
Vice President, Global Controller and Investor Relations
investorrelations@gamestop.com

Joey Mooring
Director, Corporate Communications
joeymooring@gamestop.com

Source: Gamestop Corporation/globenewswire