Daily Archives: December 11, 2017

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Wine.com announces the eleventh annual Wine.com 100

San Francisco, CA, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wine.com, the nation’s leading online wine retailer, today announced the eleventh annual Wine.com 100. Reflecting the top wines purchased on the website during the first 11 months of 2017, the Wine.com 100 is the industry’s only list based exclusively on consumer purchasing behavior. With 32,400 unique wines purchased at Wine.com in 2017, the Top 100 is an exclusive group representing the best-selling 0.3% of available labels.  The list provides insight into consumers’ online wine-buying patterns, highlighting popular producers, regions and varietals. The complete 2017 Wine.com 100 list is available online at www.wine.com/100.

2017 Wine.com 100 highlights:

  • For only the second time in 11 years, a white wine lands the #1 spot: This year, Kendall Jackson 2015 Vintners Reserve Chardonnay beat out 3,000 other Chardonnays, highlighting a classic wine with great brand awareness.
  • New Zealand popularity over-indexes. While California was the leading region again with 49 wines on the list, New Zealand over-performed with 8 wines, including Kim Crawford 2016 Sauvignon Blanc at #5 and last year’s winner, Brancott Sauvignon Blanc, at #18.
  • Long Tail Gains Prominence. In the years since the Wine.com 100 was first introduced, its share of Wine.com’s business has decreased from 38% to 19%, as consumers have enjoyed discovering wine off the beaten path that they aren’t able to find in their local stores.

“One of the best parts of my job is to see the smile on the face of people who enjoy Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay.  For the past 25 years, it has been my pleasure to craft this wine from some of the best coastal vineyards in California along with the finest French and American oak barrels,” said Randy Ullom, Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson. “Cheers to our K-J fans who helped us top the Wine.com Top 100 list.  It is an honor.”

“Our wine expansion has given customers a massive assortment to choose from, representing nearly every growing region and varieties from mainstream to obscure,” said Michael Osborn, Founder and VP of Merchandising.  “We also continue to enhance our Live Chat Sommelier Service, available 7 days/week, to help our customers navigate this huge selection and find something that suits their individual needs.”

A look back at the Wine.com 100 #1 wines:
2017:   Kendall Jackson 2015 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay (California)
2016:   Brancott 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
2015:   Meiomi 2013 Pinot Noir (California)
2014:   Caymus 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
2013:   Viña Eguia 2007 Reserva (Spain)
2012:   Columbia Crest 2009 Two Vines Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State)
2011:   Tilia 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina)
2010:   d’Arenberg 2008 Stump Jump Shiraz (Australia)
2009:   Cambria 2006 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir (California)
2008:   Veramonte 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (Chile)
2007:   Hogue 2003 Genesis Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State)

The 10 most popular sellers on the Wine.com 100 this year:
1. Kendall Jackson 2015 Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay (California)
2. Columbia 2014 Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Washington State)
3. Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label (France)
4. Los Vascos 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile)
5. Kim Crawford 2016 Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
6. Decoy Sonoma 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
7. Caymus 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (California)
8. Meiomi 2016 Pinot Noir (California)
9. La Marca Prosecco (Italy)
10. Simi 2014 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

About Wine.com
About Wine.com Wine.com is the nation’s leading online wine retailer, offering selection, guidance and convenience not found in brick and mortar stores. The company provides its customers access to the world’s largest wine store, with live chat wine experts available 7 days a week on its mobile and full websites. With multiple fulfillment centers and the most sophisticated retail wine distribution network in the United States, Wine.com delivers in 1-2 days to most addresses, offering date-certain delivery and the convenience of shipping for local pickup at 10,000 Walgreens and FedEx Office locations nationwide. The company’s popular StewardShip program provides unlimited wine delivery and exclusive access to new releases for $49 per year. Recently launched, the Wine.com iOS app allows users to scan, rate and purchase wines on the go. Wine.com’s mission, to inspire the wine lifestyle through innovation, is captured in its brand manifesto video, viewable here.  For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.wine.com.

Press Contact:
Gwendolyn Osborn
Gwendolyn@wine.com
415-248-4402

SOURCE: Wine.com

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Olaf’s Frozen Adventures now available in Tesco stores across the UK

Olaf’s Frozen Adventures now available in Tesco stores across the UK

Welwyn Garden City, UK, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Fans of Frozen, one of the most successful animated films of all time, are in for a Christmas treat – a special spin off DVD will exclusively be sold by Tesco from today (Thursday December 7).

The legendary cinema giant Disney and Tesco have worked together to bring customers a stocking filler that will follow the further adventures of main characters Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven.

The 22 minute cartoon comedy is called Olaf’s Frozen Adventures and features universal themes of family, traditions and togetherness.

One of the songs, Let It Go, from the original film has gone on to become a modern day children’s classic.

Tesco Entertainment Category Manager Mark Green said:

“Frozen is the biggest animated home entertainment film release ever so we think the DVD will present parents with a perfect stocking filler. 

“The film features four new songs that are sure to become holiday season favourites and creates a great message of family togetherness.

“This year our Christmas campaign celebrates the many ways we come together over the festive period, so however you do Christmas, we think this DVD is a great treat to enjoy with family and friends.”

Olaf’s Frozen Adventures will be available in 1,000 Tesco stores across the UK and will cost £5.

Olaf teams up with Sven on a merry mission which takes place on the first festive season since the gates reopened and sisters Anna and Elsa host a celebration for all of Arendelle.

When the townspeople unexpectedly leave early to enjoy their individual festive customs, the sisters realize they have no family traditions of their own. So, Olaf sets out to comb the kingdom to bring home the best traditions and save this first Christmas for his friends.

The original Frozen film won numerous awards including two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Animated Feature Film, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA award.

Earlier this year Tesco joined forces with Disney in a move to revive interest in DVDs and Blu-ray with the launch of an exclusive new format – called Big Sleeve Edition – of the latest blockbuster, Beauty and the Beast.

The limited edition 12 inch vinyl sized sleeves house the discs and also features collectible art cards.

ENDS

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701     
We are a team of over 450,000 colleagues dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

SOURCE: Tesco PLC

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Sainsbury’s launches its first in-store Zizzi pizza counter

Sainsbury’s launches its first in-store Zizzi pizza counter

Sainsbury’s has unveiled its latest innovative partnership – the supermarket is launching its first in-store Zizzi pizza counter, serving up the brand’s freshly-made, restaurant-quality hot pizzas to go.

LONDON, UK, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The move is part of Sainsbury’s commitment to offer customers a distinct and differentiated choice of quality food for every occasion and follows the successful introduction of Sushi Gourmet counters, Patisserie Valerie products and a Crussh counter to its stores over the last year.

The Sainsbury’s Balham store will be the first to offer shoppers the Italian brand’s pizzas to takeaway, with Zizzi chefs firing up the revolving, stone base pizza oven from Thursday 7th December. The counter will offer a selection of Zizzi’s hand-stretched, stone-baked Rustica pizzas, including vegan options and topping customisation, alongside garlic breads. They will also feature a “Pizza of the Month” special.

Sainsbury’s customers will be able to order the premium pizzas either in store or via Click & Collect on the Zizzi website, paying for the products quickly and easily from a dedicated takeaway check out at the store’s hot food counter. Ready to eat Zizzi pizza from the Sainsbury’s Balham store will also be available to Deliveroo users via the Deliveroo platform. The food delivery market, which includes delivery brands such as Deliveroo as well as traditional takeaways, is expected to increase by 10 per cent a year to £53bn by 2020.

In November, Sainsbury’s also became the first UK supermarket to trial a hot own brand pizza pre-ordering service in three stores – Redhill, Cambridge Eddington and Bradford.

Balham shoppers will be able to bring the pizzeria experience to the comfort of their home, with the added convenience of being able to pick up their favourite grocery products for the perfect meal in at the same time. When asked, Zizzi customers said they’d choose a bottle of Pinot Grigio, bagged salad and a dessert to dine on alongside their freshly prepared pizza.

The partnership with Zizzi strengthens Sainsbury’s mission to innovate within its stores to offer customers a wide range of great quality food for every occasion. The retailer is in the process of rolling out Sushi Gourmet counters to another 30 stores following a successful 20-store trial – on the same day the Zizzi counter launches, the Balham store will also be opening a new Sushi Gourmet counter. In June, Sainsbury’s opened a Crussh counter in its Pimlico store in London, selling premium ‘fit food’ and freshly made juices, smoothies and coffees. Following its initial success, Sainsbury’s also recently extended the roll out of Patisserie Valerie cakes on its bakery counters, with 28 stores now offering the luxury patisserie brand.

Sainsbury’s Director of Fresh Food, Adrian Cook said, “We’re committed to offering our customers an even greater choice of delicious, high-quality food in our stores and, by working with some of the best high street food brands such as Zizzi, we’re attracting new shoppers. We think customers will love the convenience of being able to pick up their ready to eat, restaurant-quality pizza alongside their other favourite foods for a special meal, all under one roof.”

CEO of Zizzi, Steve Holmes said, “We are extremely excited about our new partnership with Sainsbury’s. Changing consumer lifestyles have created opportunities within casual dining and we have seen delivery sales grow rapidly behind the increased demand for restaurant quality food enjoyed at home. Offering our signature Rustica Pizzas to go in Sainsbury’s is a natural progression in offering another convenient way for customers to purchase their favourite pizza, ready to eat”.

SOURCE: Sainsbury’s

MEDIA CONTACT

press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 0207 695 7295.

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Sainsbury’s opens its first standalone Festive Fizz Bar in Central London

Sainsbury’s opens its first standalone Festive Fizz Bar in Central London

23rd December will be ‘Sparkling Saturday’, with Sainsbury’s shoppers set to buy nearly half a million bottles in a single day. Retailer kicks off the fizz-tive season by opening first standalone ‘Festive Fizz Bar’ in London

LONDON, UK, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Sainsbury’s is forecasting that 23rd December 2017 will be known as “Sparkling Saturday” as shoppers will buy 489,000 bottles of fizz in a single day.  With Christmas Day falling on a Monday, sales are set to “pop” as shoppers do their final preparations for the big day that weekend.

To get party-goers in the mood, Sainsbury’s is opening its first standalone Festive Fizz Bar in Central London, showcasing a range of five different styles of sparkling wine by the glass.

The opportunity could not have come at a better time. As Britain’s love for Prosecco continues – accounting for over 65% of Sainsbury’s annual fizz sales – it has paved the way for British drinkers to explore alternative sparkling wines, such as Crémant de Loire which is hailed to be the next big thing.

French sparkling wine but without the Champagne price tag, Sainsbury’s forecasts 2017 to be the “year of Crémant”.  Made using the same traditional method as Champagne, Sainsbury’s Crémant hails from the chalky soils of Saumur in the Loire Valley, where the conditions are perfect for producing a distinctive Blanc de Blancs style. Sainsbury’s expects December to be a bumper month for the sparkling newcomer. After a 528% rise in sales in the past year alone, demand has led to the introduction of an impressive magnum, just in time for Christmas.

Elizabeth Newman, Head of Beers, Wines and Spirits at Sainsbury’s says: “While Champagne sales peak at this time of year, the alternative sparkling wine market is really booming. Prosecco continues to be an area of strong growth for us (our Taste the Difference variety is up 23% year on year) but its rise has also opened Brits’ eyes to the breadth of sparkling wines out there – from Crémant de Loire, to our English sparkling wine, there really is something for every palate and pocket at Sainsbury’s this festive season.”

To celebrate its diverse range of sparkling wines available in-store this Christmas, Sainsbury’s is launching the Festive Fizz Bar – a pop-up bar in Central London, where a curated menu of five premium sparkling wines from the Taste the Difference range will be on offer by the glass for temptingly tasty prices. Alongside the bubbles, there will also be a selection of antipasti and charcuterie sharing platters on offer.

Elizabeth Newman concludes: “Our first pop-up Festive Fizz Bar gives people the opportunity to taste a range of different styles, so they can purchase with confidence.”

Book a space at the Festive Fizz Bar (from 7th – 9th December) via Eventbrite. There will be limited cover for walk-ins and guests are advised to book to avoid disappointment.

SOURCE: Sainsbury’s

MEDIA CONTACT

press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 0207 695 7295.

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Meijer helps customers get into the holiday spirit with more than 400,000 holiday-related apparel items

Meijer helps customers get into the holiday spirit with more than 400,000 holiday-related apparel items

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The holiday sweater craze continues to gain popularity as the season’s parties and celebrations kick off. Traditionally, Meijer sells more than 400,000 holiday-related apparel items for the family in December, including sweatshirts, tunics, leggings, sleepwear and sweaters – otherwise known as the so-called “ugly” holiday sweaters trend.

According to Fast Company, today the ugly holiday sweater craze has morphed from cottage sensation to a million-dollar, year-round industry. The trend is not limited to people. Meijer pet buyers report that they move more than 10,000 units of pet-related holiday apparel, including “ugly” holiday sweaters specific to pets, before Thanksgiving and sales remain steady throughout the holiday season.

While there is no shortage of holiday sweater ideas, the apparel buyers at Meijer handpicked their favorites to generate a few chuckles with just the right amount of gaud. Prices range from $24.99 to $34.99.

  1. Go for a clever saying. Red and green, and reindeer and snowmen continue to dominate the visuals in this category. The buyers do report an influx of clever sayings, many lifted from pop culture references, including Gingerbread House holiday sweater; Meow Christmas holiday hoodie, and Chillin with My Snowmies holiday sweater.
  2. Light it up. For those looking to go beyond jingle bells, some of the sweaters offered this season either light up or include an accessory that does so, such as a hat or a necklace. If you are looking to light up your look, try these suggestions:  Reindeer Holiday sweater with matching light up necklace; Unicorn holiday sweater with matching unicorn headband; and Fleece Navidad sweater with light up santa hat.
  3. Celebrate your love – or not so lovable feelings – for the season. If the phrase, “I’m only a morning person on December 25th” or the classic, “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle” sounds appealing to you, there is a whole assortment of apparel that helps you amplify your love – or annoyance – of all things holiday. Whatever camp you may fall into, here are some buyer suggestions: “Dear Santa, It’s a long story” Holiday tunic with coordinating scarf; “I’m not a morning person except on December 25” Holiday long-sleeved hoodie; or “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle” Holiday tunic with coordinating scarf.

And if a sweater isn’t enough, there are dresses, skirts with garland, comfy holiday pajama bottoms or holiday onesies that can round out whatever look you are going for – from kitschy to comfortable. For those with a full holiday party schedule, consider taking advantage of the newest trend of holiday pajamas. Not just reserved for family holiday cards, according to the buyers, it’s the ultimate day to nighttime look this season.

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, home decor and pet departments, and garden centers. For more 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.

SOURCE: Meijer

Contact: Jennifer Rook, 616-791-2794, jennifer.rook@meijer.com

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CarMax to host Q3 2017 financial results conference call on December 21, 2017

RICHMOND, Va., 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax, Inc. (NYSE:KMX) today announced that it will report its financial results for the third quarter ended November 30, 2017, before the market opens on December 21, 2017. CarMax will host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. ET that morning to discuss these results.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-888-298-3261 or 1-706-679-7457 (for international access) and using the conference ID 73777146. A live audio webcast will also be available at investors.carmax.com.

A replay of the webcast will be available at investors.carmax.com through April 3, 2018, or via telephone (for approximately one week) by dialing 1-855-859-2056 or 1-404-537-3406 (for international access), and entering the conference ID 73777146.

About CarMax
CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and operates more than 185 stores in 39 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For more than 20 years, CarMax has made car buying more ethical, fair and stress-free by offering a no-haggle, no-hassle experience and an incredible selection of vehicles. CarMax makes selling your car easy too, by offering no-obligation appraisals good for seven days. At CarMax, we’ll buy your car even if you don’t buy ours®. CarMax has more than 24,000 associates nationwide and for 13 consecutive years has been named as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. During the 12 months ended February 28, 2017, the company retailed 671,294 used cars and sold 391,686 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.

Source: CarMax, Inc.

CarMax, Inc.

Investors:
Katharine Kenny, Vice President, Investor Relations, (804) 935-4591
Celeste Gunter, Manager, Investor Relations, (804) 935-4597

or

Media:
pr@carmax.com, (855) 887-2915

SOURCE: CarMax Business Services, LLC

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National Grocers Association welcomes Molly Pfaffenroth at its government relations department as senior manager

ARLINGTON, Va., 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The National Grocers Association (NGA), the trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, today announced that Molly Pfaffenroth has joined its government relations department as a senior manager. In her role, Pfaffenroth will primarily manage the association’s tax portfolio and assist on healthcare, trade, and nutrition issues.

“Molly’s experience in the food policy arena makes her a great addition to the association’s team at such a crucial moment for the independent supermarket industry,” said Chris Jones, vice president of government relations and counsel. “With once-in-a-generation tax reform heading to conference, she will significantly expand our efforts to advocate for independent grocers as we urge Congress to send a final bill to the President’s desk as soon as possible.”

Pfaffenroth began her career as the sales and marketing manager at Lambertville, N.J.-based Fulper Family Farmstead. In 2014, she joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Communications and began working on federal public policy as a legislative affairs assistant with the International Dairy Foods Association in 2015. Most recently, she served as public policy manager for the National Association for Biomedical Research.

She received her undergraduate degree in animal science from Cornell University and a graduate degree in media and public affairs from George Washington University.

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Additional Media Resources

  • For Molly Pfaffenroth’s headshot, click HERE.

SOURCE: National Grocers Association

Media inquiries: Please email communications@nationalgrocers.org.

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Ahold Delhaize creates Ahold Delhaize USA as the parent company for all of its U.S. companies

Ahold Delhaize creates Ahold Delhaize USA as the parent company for all of its U.S. companies

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold Delhaize today announced the creation of Ahold Delhaize USA, to be effective on January 1, 2018. Ahold Delhaize USA will be the parent company for all of Ahold Delhaize’s U.S. companies, including its local brands, Stop & Shop, Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, Giant/Martin’s, and Peapod, as well as Retail Business Services (RBS), a U.S. shared services company providing support to the brands.

Ahold Delhaize USA will be led by Kevin Holt, who will be appointed Chief Executive Officer Ahold Delhaize USA, effective January 1, 2018. Kevin is currently Chief Operating Officer of Ahold USA. In this new role he will remain a member of Ahold Delhaize’s Management Board and Executive Committee and will continue to report to Dick Boer, CEO Ahold Delhaize. Frans Muller, Deputy CEO Ahold Delhaize and Chief Integration Officer, who serves as acting COO Delhaize America (ad interim) will focus on the continued smooth integration of Ahold Delhaize.

Dick Boer, CEO Ahold Delhaize, said, “combining the parent companies of the U.S. brands and RBS is the natural next step in our brand-centric strategy in the U.S.  Kevin is an outstanding leader with extensive food retail experience and a great choice to guide our U.S. businesses through this time of continuing change and evolving customer expectations.”

Kevin joined Delhaize Group in 2014 as CEO Delhaize America and transitioned to Chief Operating Officer of Ahold USA in 2017. Prior to joining Ahold Delhaize, he served in executive leadership roles at SUPERVALU and Meijer.

“I’m excited that we are moving into this next phase where we can focus on further strengthening our brands and winning in our markets,” said Kevin. “Ahold Delhaize USA and its U.S. brands are well positioned to continue to drive growth and innovation and meet the evolving needs of customers, both in stores and online.”


Cautionary notice
This communication includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words such as to be, will, guide, focus on, well positioned, continue, drive and meet or other similar words or expressions are typically used to identify forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results of Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (the “Company”) to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to the risk factors set forth in the Company’s public filings and other disclosures. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of the Company’s management and assumptions based on information currently available to the Company’s management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Ahold Delhaize

MEDIA CONTACT

Ellen van Ginkel
Director External Communications
media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
+31 88 6595134

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Ingles Markets, Incorporated Reports Sales and Net Income for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017

Company Reports Sales and Net Income for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2017

ASHEVILLE, N.C., 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ingles Markets, Incorporated (NASDAQ: IMKTA) today reported total sales of $4.00 billion for fiscal year 2017 compared with $3.79 billion in fiscal year 2016. For the fiscal years ended September 2017 and 2016, net income totaled $53.9 million in 2017 compared with $54.2 million in 2016.

Total sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 were $1.09 billion compared with $962.4 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 totaled $19.4 million, compared with net income of $14.2 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016.

The fiscal year and quarter ended September 2017 contained 53 weeks and 14 weeks, respectively. This is one extra week compared with the fiscal year and quarter ended September 2016.

Commenting on the results, Robert P. Ingle II, Chairman of the Board, said, “Our Company achieved strong results due to the hard work and dedication of our associates. We will continue to bring our customers products they desire and flawless service in our stores.”

Fourth Quarter Results

Net sales totaled $1.09 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared with $962.4 million for the comparable quarter in fiscal 2016. Comparable store sales increased 3.6%, excluding gasoline, and adjusted to reflect the same number of weeks in each fourth quarter. Hurricane activity provided a positive benefit in the current-year quarter.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 increased to $261.3 million, compared with $237.2 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 24.0% and 24.7% for the 2017 and 2016 fourth quarters, respectively.

Operating and administrative expenses for the September 2017 quarter totaled $220.2 million. Operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 20.2% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with $204.9 million or 21.3% of sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Labor cost increases represented most of the total operating expense increase.

Interest expense totaled $12.7 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared with $11.9 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Total debt was $877.9 million at the end of fiscal 2017 compared with $876.5 million at the end of fiscal 2016.

Net income for the September 2017 fourteen week quarter increased to $19.4 million, compared with net income of $14.2 million for the thirteen week September 2016 quarter. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the Company’s publicly traded Class A common stock were $0.99 and $0.96 per share, respectively, for the September 2017 quarter, compared with $0.72 and $0.70 per share, respectively, for the September 2016 quarter.

Annual Results

Net sales were $4.00 billion for the fiscal year ended September 2017, compared with $3.79 billion for the fiscal year ended September 2016. Comparable store sales in fiscal year 2017 increased 1.5% over fiscal 2016, excluding gasoline, and adjusted to reflect the same number of weeks in each fiscal year. The number of transactions and the average transaction size were both higher in fiscal year 2017 compared with the prior year.

Gross profit for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, increased $39.2 million, or 4.2%, to $963.6 million, or 24.1% of sales, compared with $924.4 million, or 24.4% of sales, for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2016.

Operating expenses totaled $837.1 million in fiscal 2017, compared with $794.6 million in fiscal 2016, and were 20.9% of sales for both fiscal years 2017 and 2016. Labor cost increases represented most of the total operating expense increase.

Gains on asset disposals totaled $1.5 million for fiscal 2017, compared with losses of $1.2 million for fiscal 2016. During fiscal 2016, the Company wrote off buildings demolished in advance of rebuilding new stores in future periods.

Interest expense increased $1.1 million for the year ended September 30, 2017, to $47.5 million, compared with $46.3 million for the year ended September 24, 2016. Interest rates on the Company’s floating rate debt increased during fiscal year 2017, while overall debt levels did not change significantly over the past twelve months.

Income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income was 36.1% for fiscal 2017 compared with 36.0% for fiscal 2016. There were no individually significant tax items in either fiscal year.

Net income for fiscal 2017 totaled $53.9 million, compared with net income of $54.2 million for fiscal 2016. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the Company’s publicly traded Class A common stock were $2.74 and $2.66 per share, respectively, for the year ended September 30, 2017, compared with $2.75 and $2.68 per share, respectively, for the year ended September 24, 2016.

Capital expenditures totaled $127.7 million and $137.6 million for fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. During fiscal 2017, the Company opened two new store buildings and closed four stores, one of which is being rebuilt and will reopen in December 2017. The Company’s other store improvement capital projects in fiscal 2017 focused on improved merchandising, convenience and the range of products offered to our customers.

The Company has a line of credit facility totaling $175.0 million with $165.5 million available (after deducting letters of credit) at September 30, 2017. The Company is in compliance with all of its debt agreements and has significant unencumbered assets at September 30, 2017.

View Unaudited Financial Highlights

The comments in this press release contain certain forward-looking statements. Ingles undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Ingles’ actual results may differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Ingles. Factors that may affect results include changes in business and economic conditions generally in Ingles’ operating area, pricing pressures, increased competitive efforts by others in Ingles’ marketing areas and the availability of financing for capital improvements. A more detailed discussion of these factors may be found in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its 2016 Form 10-K and 2017 Forms 10-Q.

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading supermarket chain with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 199 supermarkets. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Company supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market’s Global Select Market under the symbol IMKTA. For more information, visit Ingles’ website at www.ingles-markets.com.

SOURCE:  Ingles Markets Inc.

Contact:
Ron Freeman
Chief Financial Officer
(828) 669-2941 (Ext. 223)

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CBL Properties to announce Q4 and year-end results on Thursday, February 8, 2018

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBL Properties, Inc. (NYSE: CBL) announced details for the release of its results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2017.

CBL plans to issue its earnings release for the fourth quarter and year-end after the market closes on Thursday, February 8, 2018, and will host a conference call on Friday, February 9, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. ET. To access this interactive teleconference, dial (888) 317-6003 or (412) 317-6061 and enter the confirmation number, 6695155.  A replay of the conference call will be available through February 16, 2018, by dialing (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317‑0088 and entering the confirmation number, 10114768.

The live broadcast of CBL’s quarterly conference call will be available online at cblproperties.com on Friday, February 9, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. ET.  The online replay will follow shortly after the call and continue for three months.

About CBL Properties
Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, CBL Properties owns and manages a national portfolio of market-dominant properties located in dynamic and growing communities. CBL’s portfolio is comprised of 119 properties totaling 74.4 million square feet across 27 states, including 76 high-quality enclosed, outlet and open-air retail centers and 12 properties managed for third parties. CBL continuously strengthens its company and portfolio through active management, aggressive leasing and profitable reinvestment in its properties.  For more information visit cblproperties.com.

SOURCE CBL Properties

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CBRE named a 2017 Best Workplace for Diversity in the United States by FORTUNE and Great Place to Work®

LOS ANGELES, CA, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced that it was named a 2017 Best Workplace for Diversity in the United States by FORTUNE and Great Place to Work®.

“We are honored to be named a FORTUNE Best Workplaces for Diversity,” said Bobby Griffin, CBRE’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Americas. “This award highlights the work CBRE is doing to continue to fulfill our mission of providing a work environment that attracts, develops and celebrates the professional success of every individual.”

FORTUNE and Great Place to Work considered more than 440,000 employee surveys from organizations in a wide range of industries across the U.S.

Great Place to Work, a research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included professional development, behaviors linked to innovation, leadership confidence and consistent treatment among employees of different backgrounds.

More information on CBRE’s diversity and inclusion efforts can be found here. Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com

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.SOURCE: CBREMedia Contacts

Robert McGrath
Senior Director
tel +1 212 9848267
fax +1 212 9848207

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Twain Harte Market President and CEO Bob Parriott elected the 2017-2018 California Grocers Association Chairman

Jim Wallace (right0 passes the chairman’s gavel to Bob Parriott.

Independent Operator to Serve One Year Term as Chair

SACRAMENTO, CA, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bob Parriott, President and Chief Executive Officer of Twain Harte Market in Twain Harte, Calif., was elected the 2017-2018 California Grocers Association Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Association’s Annual Meeting on Dec. 1, 2017.

As Chair, Parriott will lead the Board’s strategy regarding CGA’s numerous legislative, educational, communications and industry-related programs. The Association is comprised of more than 300 retail companies operating more than 6,000 stores in California and Nevada. The chair serves for one year. He succeeds Immediate Past Chair Jim Wallace, Albertsons Companies.

“Bob continues CGA’s long history of both large and small grocery operators serving as board chair,” says CGA President Ron Fong. “As an independent grocery operator, Bob will be a very strong voice for this extremely important member segment of CGA. We look forward to Bob’s leadership in the coming year.”

Parriott was instrumental in the California Grocers Association’s merger with the California Independent Grocers Association in 2014 and was appointed to the CGA Executive Board that same year.

In addition to Parriott, the following individuals were elected to the 2017-2018 CGA Board of Directors Executive Committee: First Vice Chair, Kendra Doyel, Ralphs Grocery Company; Second Vice Chair, Phil Miller, C&S Wholesale; Treasurer, Hee-Sok Nelson, Gelson’s Markets; Secretary, Renee Amen, Super A Foods; and Immediate Past Chair, Jim Wallace, Albertsons Companies.

Chairman’s appointments to the Executive Committee include: Dave Jones, Kellogg Company; Kevin Arceneaux, Mondelez International Inc.; and Lynn Melillo, Bristol Farms. Independent Operator Committee Chair Dennis Darling, Foods Etc., will continue as a non-voting Executive Committee member,

Directors elected to their first full three-year term include: Mark Arrington, Post Consumer Brands; Jake Fermanian, Super King Markets; Mark Foley, Raley’s; David Higginbotham, Stater Bros. Markets; John Mastropaolo, Chobani; Tim Murphy, Costco Wholesale; Jeff Sigmen, Reyes Coca-Cola; Lee Smith, Smart & Final Stores; Rick Stewart, Susanville Supermarket IGA; Rob Twyman, Whole Foods Market; and Karl Wissmann, C & K Market.

Directors elected to their second three-year term include: Brent Cotten, The Hershey Company; Dennis Darling, Foods Etc.; Lynn Melillo, Bristol Farms; Casey McQuaid, E & J Gallo Winery; Nicole Pesco, The Save Mart Companies; Casey Rodacker, Mar-Val Food Stores; and Kevin Young, Young’s Payless Market IGA.

Former CGA Chair Kevin Konkel, Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, was elected an honorary board member.

SOURCE: California Grocers Association

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Majid Al Futtaim: Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will be brought to life at Ski Dubai

Majid Al Futtaim: Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will be brought to life at Ski Dubai from 10th December

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, will be providing residents and visitors the opportunity to create more great moments, with an extra special white Christmas experience in Dubai this year, as Ski Dubai becomes home to Frozen’s Olaf this festive season.

From 10th December, Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will be brought to life in the ski resort where guest will be able to journey through a glittering archway into the kingdom of Arendelle and the wonderful world of Olaf. Once inside, visitors will travel through the frozen forest venturing into various festive zones, celebrating Christmas traditions from around the world:

  • The Snow Globe zone: with a life-size Snow Globe complete with much-loved Frozen favourites waiting to have their picture taken.
  • Snowman making zone: where guests can build their very own Olaf.
  • Santa’s Grotto: where the man himself will be making an appearance from 10th – 24th December giving out gifts to to all of the good girls and boys as a pre-Christmas treat.
  • Ski Dubai’s famous Christmas tree: this 40ft wonder will be adding a flourish of Christmas spirit to the winter wonderland.

Guests can then warm up with a cup of hot chocolate in Olaf’s Warm Hug area, before visiting the pop-up retail zone featuring limited edition Olaf merchandise.

Olaf’s residency at Ski Dubai coincides with the loveable snowman’s latest big screen 22-minute movie, Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, which will be playing alongside Pixar’s film Coco, showing in all VOX Cinemas until 14th December.

Disney’s Olaf’s Wintery Adventure at Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates will be open from 10th December – 24th December. Admission is AED 150 per person for entry to Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure at Ski Dubai with a free hot chocolate and a VOX Cinema ticket for standard 2D entry to see Pixar’s Coco along with Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure. AED 130 per person for entry to Disney’s Olaf’s Frozen Adventure at Ski Dubai with a free hot chocolate. For more information and bookings please visit www.skidxb.com.

SOURCE: MAJID AL FUTTAIM