Daily Archives: December 14, 2017

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eBay expands its Seller Hub with acquisition of Terapeak

Terapeak’s Tools and Insights to Help Sellers Better Manage and Grow Their Businesses on eBay

San Jose, CA, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — eBay today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Terapeak, a Toronto-based company that uses supply, demand and pricing data to help ecommerce sellers know what to sell, when to sell it and at what price on marketplaces such as eBay.  Upon the close of the transaction, eBay will begin integrating certain functionality from Terapeak into its Seller Hub. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Seller Hub brings valuable insights from eBay’s vast array of data directly to its sellers to help them manage and grow their business in one place – making professional selling on eBay easier.  The user-friendly interface enables sellers to manage their inventory and orders, access valuable performance insights, identify opportunities for growth and take advantage of ways to get their products in front of the right buyers faster and more efficiently.

“Nearly two million sellers currently manage their eBay business on Seller Hub.  Expanding Seller Hub to provide additional capabilities from Terapeak will help our sellers be even more successful and enable them to more effectively manage their businesses on eBay,” said Bob Kupbens, Vice President of B2C Selling at eBay.  “We are committed to being the best partner to our sellers as we look to create the most powerful selling platform. The integration of Terapeak’s functionalities into Seller Hub – from sales history and performance enhancement opportunities to price guidance and comparisons – will continue to help eBay’s merchants scale their businesses on eBay.”

“eBay’s planned acquisition of Terapeak makes so much sense for everyone involved, particularly for our customers,” said Kevin North, President and CEO of Terapeak.  “We are excited to continue our vision of empowering merchants to discover what to sell on eBay and how to optimize their listings for maximum performance. Over time Terapeak’s capabilities will become naturally integrated with eBay’s Seller Hub, therefore becoming more robust and providing merchants with a single place to manage and elevate their ecommerce business.”

The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2017, at which time Terapeak’s employees will report into eBay’s Bob Kupbens, Vice President of B2C Selling, or Sunil Rajasekar, Vice President of Seller Experience. Terapeak’s employees will continue to be based in Toronto, Ontario and Victoria, B.C.

SOURCE: eBay Inc.

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SPAR: The final issue of Contact International for 2017 is now out

SPAR: The final issue of Contact International for 2017 is now out

The final issue of Contact International for 2017 is now out. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — In this edition, we showcase the value of investment in new store growth with the best in class developments of INTERSPAR in Hungary and SUPERSPAR in South Africa – two great examples of world-class, large format stores that set high standards in international retail. We are also pleased to announce two new market entries by SPAR Partners in Belarus and Cyprus, with the first stores in Belarus performing well and great plans in place for the launch in Cyprus in the first half of next year.

At SPAR, it’s the people that make the difference and we are delighted to feature two exceptional SPAR individuals from two sides of the globe: Dimitrios Spyrakis, a pillar of strength for SPAR in Australia and Sarah Halliday, an exceptionally dynamic manager who has supported the growth of countless SPAR retailers in Northern Ireland.

We also look back at the annual Future Leaders Programme (FLP), which this year welcomed 39 SPAR colleagues. Held in Austria, the FLP participants visited the most modern food Distribution Centre (DC) in Europe developed by SPAR Austria in Ebergassing, just outside Vienna. This highly innovative DC features new levels of innovation and automation, trends which were also high on the agenda at the 2017 LOGIT Conference – another feature of this issue.

To read these and other stories about SPAR worldwide, follow this link. Missed any of the previous issues? No problem, visit our archive page to view earlier editions.

We wish all our readers a wonderful festive season and a great start to the new year.

SOURCE: SPAR International

Telephone:+31 20 626 6749
Email:info@spar-international.com

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New joint venture brings together Hernando de Soto and Medici Ventures’ blockchain expertise to develop a global property registry system

Blockchain used to Create First Global Record of Who Controls Territory and Property Rights
SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — World-renowned economist Hernando de Soto and blockchain technology leader Patrick Byrne (founder Overstock.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSTK) and blockchain subsidiary Medici Ventures) have formed a joint venture to develop a global property registry system to surface  the property rights of billions of people in the developing world. The new company – De Soto, Inc. – brings together de Soto’s decades worth of reforms (especially regarding property rights) at the Institute for Liberty and Democracy (ILD) and Medici Ventures’ blockchain expertise to build solutions to empower individuals through recognized property ownership.

“I envision a world in which people with rights to their property and business assets pull themselves—and their communities —out of poverty,” said de Soto. “About 80 percent of the world’s population is unable to enter into the modern global economy due to lack of visible and standardized property records. Billions of people have resources that cannot easily be transformed into productive capital. Blockchain is a powerful tool to solve these structural issues, which are some of the principal causes of poverty and conflict.”De Soto, Inc. is developing a blockchain-based system using mobile applications and social media integration that will bring to light the thousands of “disconnected ledgers” (i.e., informal ownership records) that exist at local levels in communities around the world. In doing so, it will create a global repository on which ownership and transfer can be based. The system aims to promote the interests of people who are currently operating extra-legally, as well as multinational corporations who are trying to cooperate with local owners. The company expects to launch its first pilot program in early 2018.

Considering merely real estate, the poor in developing countries own a staggering $14 trillion in assets that is “dead capital.” In Peru alone, untitled real estate assets amount to $74 billion in value that Peruvians cannot use to establish creditworthiness or leverage as collateral for loans. Lacking formal ownership and the legal protection it affords, citizens of the developing world may turn for protection to terrorist organizations, who gain power by promising enforcement of de facto local property ownership.

Byrne, CEO of Overstock.com and founder of its subsidiary Medici Ventures, has been a longtime advocate for bitcoin and its underlying technology, blockchain. “Working with Hernando de Soto is the honor of my lifetime,” said Byrne. “Hernando’s work has demonstrated that secure ownership of property is a catalyst that sets into motion the engine of progress, creating enormous wealth in the process. From my first public talks on blockchain I emphasized that blockchain’s application to property could lift billions out of poverty. Hernando and I intend to use blockchain technology to empower and enfranchise the five billion people who live outside formal economies within five years.”

“One of our main missions is to democratize capital – to help the poorest members of society participate in global markets,” said Jonathan Johnson, president of Medici Ventures. “Hernando’s work proves that implementing policies to surface and protect property rights undermines terrorist organizations and promotes the prosperity of those who were previously forced to operate outside the formal economic system. Blockchain can solve this problem. It’s great to be partnering with Hernando to bring this vision to reality.”

De Soto is founder and president of the Peru-based Institute for Liberty and Democracy, considered by The Economist to be one of the two most important think tanks in the world. In the last 30 years, de Soto has been designing and implementing legal reforms to empower the poor in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and former Soviet nations through programs that grant access to formal property rights.  De Soto has been written of as “One of the 12 Most Important Economists in the World ”. He  won the prestigious Milton Friedman Prize in 2005, was listed as one of 15 innovators “who will reinvent your future” according to Forbes magazine’s 85th anniversary edition, and has been described by Bill Clinton as “the world’s most important living economist”.

Byrne is the founder/CEO of Overstock.com. Wired Magazine has called Byrne, “The Messiah of Bitcoin”. Byrne has been named the National Entrepreneur of the Year (Ernst & Young, 2011). Overstock has been voted #9 in Employees Choice “Best Places to Work” (Glassdoor, 2011) and named one of the “100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America” (Forbes, 2014).

About Medici Ventures:
Launched in 2014, Medici Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Overstock.com, Inc., created to leverage blockchain technology to solve real-world problems with transparent, efficient and secure solutions. Medici Ventures has a growing portfolio of groundbreaking blockchain-focused investments, including t0.com, Peernova, Bitt, SettleMint, Factom, and IdentityMind, Spera and Symbiont. The company’s majority-owned financial technology company, t0.com, executed the world’s first blockchain-based stock offering in December 2016.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact. Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the SEC on November 8, 2017, and any subsequent filings with the SEC.

About Overstock.com
Overstock.com, Inc. Common Shares (NASDAQ:OSTK) / Series A Preferred (Medici Ventures’ tZERO platform: OSTKP) / Series B Preferred (OTCQX:OSTBP) is an online retailer based in Salt Lake City, Utah that sells a broad range of products at low prices, including furniture, décor, rugs, bedding, and home improvement. In addition to home goods, Overstock.com offers a variety of products including jewelry, electronics, apparel, and more, as well as a marketplace providing customers access to hundreds of thousands of products from third-party sellers. Additional stores include Pet Adoptions and Worldstock.com dedicated to selling artisan-crafted products from around the world. Forbes ranked Overstock in its list of the Top 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in 2014. Overstock regularly posts information about the company and other related matters under Investor Relations on its website,http://www.overstock.com.

O, Overstock.com, O.com, Club O, Main Street Revolution, and Worldstock are registered trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. O.biz and Space Shift are also trademarks of Overstock.com, Inc. Other service marks, trademarks and trade names which may be referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact. Additional information regarding factors that could materially affect results and the accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained herein may be found in the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the SEC on November 8, 2017, and any subsequent filings with the SEC.

SOURCE: Overstock.com, Inc.

Media Contact:
pr@mediciventures.com

SOURCE: Overstock.com/ GLOBE NEWSWIRE

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TOPS partners with Regal Cinemas, Popchips snacks, Courage of Carly Fund and Stone’s Buddies to host Star Wars movie premiere event

FOR CHILDREN FROM COURAGE OF CARLY FUND & STONE’S BUDDIES

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — When word gets out that the latest Star Wars movie is set to debut, people clamor and wait outside in line for days to get tickets, but this December some very special movie patrons will have the entire theater to themselves to watch this epic film unfold before their eyes.On December 17, 2017, 170 children and their families will have front row seats to see Star Wars: The Last Jedi at Regal Cinema located at 6707 Transit Rd, Williamsville. These guests are special friends of Tops Friendly Markets and Popchips® snacks and are connected with two remarkable local organizations: Courage of Carly Fund from Roswell Park Cancer Institute and Stone’s Buddies from John R. Oishei Women and Children’s Hospital. These agencies are dedicated to supporting children and families whose children are battling serious and chronic illnesses like childhood cancer.

“Here in Western New York we are fortunate to have amazing facilities like the John R. Oishei Women and Children’s Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute where these young people receive their care,” said Andrew Brocato, manager, corporate contributions & donations. “We are happy to be able to provide these children with a day of respite filled with family and friends, laughter, a great movie, and of course it wouldn’t be a movie going experience without some pop and tasty snacks from Popchips.”

TOPS’ philosophy is helping their fellow neighbor in need and enhancing the quality of life for children through excellent health care. This is the second year that TOPS has partnered with Regal Cinemas, Popchips snacks, Courage of Carly Fund, and Stone’s Buddies to host the movie event.

# # #

About Courage of Carly Fund
Managed by the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Courage of Carly Club exists to offer hope for a cure to childhood cancers by funding pediatric cancer research at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Courage of Carly Club also offers year-round support programs to meet young patients’ emotional and social needs at no cost to club members and their families. For more information, please visit www.courageofcarlyfund.org About Stone’s Buddies Stone’s Buddies is a program for chronically ill children at John R. Oishei Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. Created in memory of former patient, Stone Filipovich, the mission of the Stone’s Buddies program is to provide a network of resources, support, friendship and fun for the many “frequent flyers” that regularly use their institution. This program is for children with life-threatening illness, as well as the patients who struggle daily with special needs and feelings of isolation due to the nature of their chronic illness. For more information please visit www.stonesbuddies.org

About Tops Friendly Markets
Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 171 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs over 15,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, western Vermont, and north central Massachusetts. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company’s website at www.topsmarkets.com.

SOURCE: Tops Friendly Markets

CONTACT: Kathy Romanowski
716-635-5577

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Kroger and IBT establish the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Consolidated Pension Fund designed to provide associates with secure pension

Associates Approve Kroger Withdrawal from Central States Pension Fund

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. and International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced today the ratification of a new labor agreement that provides for Kroger’s withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund. The new labor agreement covers associates represented by the IBT at three distribution centers and two dairy manufacturing facilities operated by Kroger.

Kroger and IBT have been working together for several years on a plan to protect the pensions of Kroger associates at these facilities, who are participants in the Central States Pension Fund.  The Central States Pension Fund projects it will go insolvent in 2025.

Kroger and IBT have established a new fund, called the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Consolidated Pension Fund that is designed to provide Kroger associates with a secure pension.

Included in this agreement are current Kroger associates/IBT members working at facilities in Hutchinson and Goddard, KS; Houston, TX; Memphis, TN; Indianapolis, IN; and Livonia, MI.  The total number of active associates covered is about 1,800. In February, Roundy’s associates working at a distribution center in Oconomowoc, WI ratified the same agreement.

Kroger’s withdrawal from Central States Pension Fund is effective December 10, 2017.  Kroger’s withdrawal does not require the approval of Central States. Kroger will make payments to Central States to fulfill its withdrawal liability obligation.

Under the ratified agreement, the benefits current associates have earned as participants of Central States will be protected.  Here’s how –

  • The new IBT pension fund will make up benefits that are reduced by Central States as a result of Kroger’s withdrawal.
  • Should Central States become insolvent and benefits are reduced, the IBT Consolidated Pension Fund will restore benefit reductions above the level guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

Moving forward, current associates also will begin earning a new pension benefit through a formula negotiated by Kroger and the IBT and ratified by members.

“Given the uncertain future of Central States and the potential adverse impact on our members, the National Committee felt the move to the IBT Consolidated Plan will ensure they have a stable and reliable retirement benefit in the future,” said Steve Vairma, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President.”

“This is a good agreement for our current associates and our company. It provides our current associates security for their future retirement and the company financial certainty regarding this important investment in our associates,” said Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In 2015, the Company and the IBT negotiated, and members ratified, an agreement that would have transferred Kroger associates and retirees from Central States to the new IBT fund.  This transfer required the approval of Central States. The Central States Trustees have not agreed to the transfer. This led Kroger and the IBT to negotiate an agreement providing for Kroger’s withdrawal from Central States, while preserving the possibility of a transfer.

About IBT
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are 453,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers every day in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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

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Amazon: Shop all the way up to Christmas Eve with Prime Free Same-Day Delivery and Prime Now

  • Prime Free Same-Day Delivery and Prime Free One-Day Shipping now available in more than 8,000 cities and towns
  • Prime Now delivering holiday magic until 11:59pm on Dec. 24 – exclusively for Prime members in more than 30 cities
  • Try Prime for free for 30-days and get two-day, one-day and same-day shipping free

SEATTLE, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — (NASDAQ:AMZN) — There is still plenty of time to shop! Amazon customers can shop all the way up to Christmas Eve with Prime Free Same-Day Delivery and Prime Now. Eligible customers can start a 30-day free trial and get fast, free Prime shipping including two-day, one-day, same-day and Prime Now, delivered right to their door. Today, Amazon announced it expanded Prime Free Same-Day Delivery and Prime Free One-Day Shipping – now available to members in more than 8,000 cities and towns. For more information about holiday shipping or to start a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, customers can go to amazon.com/prime.

“We are continually investing in Prime, adding more selection and making delivery faster and more convenient. In fact, in 2016, the last Prime Free Same-Day order from Amazon.com delivered in time for Christmas was ordered at 10:23 a.m. on Christmas Eve. The order included Venum Contender Boxing Gloves, and was delivered to a Prime member in Richmond, Virginia at 2:42 p.m. – the very same day, for free,” saidGreg Greeley, Vice President of Amazon Prime. “Even if you are not currently a member, holiday shoppers can try Prime for free for 30-days and get two-day, one-day and same-day shipping for free. We offer a variety of options for customers to receive their products when they want and need them, delivered right to their door.”

Holiday Shipping Cheat Sheet
For free shipping before Christmas, visit amazon.com/holidayshipping. The following shipping dates apply*

  • Dec. 15: Free shipping on millions of items fulfilled and shipped by Amazon, free for all customers
  • Dec. 18: Last day for standard shipping, free for Prime members
  • Dec. 22: Last day for two-day shipping, free for Prime members
  • Dec. 23: Last day for one-day shipping, free for Prime members
  • Dec. 24: Last day for same-day delivery, free for Prime members (order by 9:30 a.m. local time or earlier)
  • Dec. 24: Prime Now offers Prime members free two-hour delivery windows (order by 9:00 p.m. local time or earlier)
  • Dec. 24: Whole Foods Market stores and Amazon Books open Christmas Eve (store hours vary by location)
    *Please note that not all shipping speeds are available for all products in all regions, and order minimums may apply.

Free Shipping on 100 Million Products
All Amazon customers can choose from more than one hundred million items that are eligible for free shipping this holiday and all year long. This includes eligible orders of $25 or more shipped by Amazon, as well as free shipping offers from the millions of small business and entrepreneurs selling on Amazon.

Prime Free Same-Day and Prime Free One-Day Shipping Expand
Amazon expanded Prime Free Same-Day Delivery and Prime Free One-Day Shipping – now available to members in more than 8,000 cities and towns. To find items eligible for Prime Free Same-Day or Prime-Free One-Day shipping, Prime members simply look for those logos next to product listings or filter using the check box located in the filter menu. Select free same-day or one-day shipping at checkout and eligible orders over $35 will be delivered for free. Prime members receive same-day and one-day orders delivered to their doorstep for free, seven days a week – even Sunday. Eligible same-day orders placed in the morning arrive between 6-9 p.m., orders placed in the evening, or through the one-day option, arrive the next day. Not a Prime member? Same-day delivery is easy and inexpensive. All customers in eligible zip codes can enjoy same-day delivery for only $8.99 per order plus $0.99 per item. More shipping information including a zip code finder available at amazon.com/sameday.

Procrastinators Rejoice – Prime Now is Delivering Holiday Magic Until 11:59 on Dec. 24
Prime members in more than 30 cities in the U.S. can get ultra-fast delivery of tens of thousands of items, including handcrafted products by Amazon Handmade Artisans in select cities, right to their door in an hour or less. Whether you run out of eggnog, forget that key ingredient for Christmas dinner or an unexpected guest arrives at your holiday party, Prime Now has you covered bringing fast and convenient solutions to customers so they can spend more time this holiday doing the things they love with the people they love. Through the service, Prime members can get free two-hour delivery windows on eligible orders over $35 from Amazon and one-hour delivery for a fee. Customers can shop through a mobile application available on iOS and Android devices and at www.primenow.com.

Amazon Books and Whole Foods Market Make Last-Minute Holiday Gifting Easy
Customers in Seattle, Bellevue (Wash.), New York City, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Chicago, Boston (Dedham and Lynnfield), Portland, and Paramus (N.J.) can also shop for last minute gifts in-store at Amazon Books. Walk out of the store with highly-rated books; devices from our Echo, Kindle, Fire tablet and Fire TV family of devices; an Amazon Gift Card; or toys, games and other Amazoncustomer favorites. For store hours and locations visit: amazon.com/amazonbooks.

Whole Foods Market and Amazon are offering customers a variety of gift options for family and friends. From Amazon devices, to beauty and body care sets benefitting charitable foundations, to an exclusive collection of sustainable holiday gift wrap from Paper Source, customers can find something for everyone on their list while they grocery shop.

Give a Gift that Keeps on Giving – Amazon Gift Cards and Amazon Prime
Give your loved ones the gift of Prime and give them great entertainment, shopping and fast, free shipping at amazon.com/giftprime. Customers can purchase three months ($33) or one year ($99) this holiday. Prime is designed to make your life better including unlimited access to Prime Video, Prime Music, Prime Reading, Audible Channels for Prime, Prime Photos, Twitch Prime and more, along with fast, free shipping. Amazon Gift Cards are also a great gift for anyone on your list. Amazon Gift Cards are redeemable for millions of items storewide and never expire. Customers can send digital gift cards via text, email, or messaging app; find a great selection of gift cards that can be printed at home; or choose to mail a boxed or packaged gift card with free one-day shipping, or through Prime Now for even faster delivery. Shop this season’s new selection at amazon.com/giftcards.

From Amazon Key to Amazon Lockers – Customers Have a Variety of Delivery Options
Prime members in 37 cities and surrounding areas across the U.S. now have access to Amazon Key, the new service that radically improves the convenience of receiving deliveries. Amazon Key allows Prime members to have eligible packages securely delivered inside their homes without having to be there. For customers who prefer to pick up their packages when it’s convenient for them, Amazon Locker is a safe and secure way to receive Amazon deliveries. Available in more than 50 cities across the U.S., Amazon Lockers are strategically located near offices, major convenience stores, grocery stores, apartment buildings and malls across the country. To learn more about Amazon Locker, visit amazon.com/locker or to find the nearest Locker visit amazon.com/findalocker.

Additionally, customers can use Amazon pickup locations in 33 cities across the U.S. Pickup locations are fully staffed for additional customer support and offer Prime members free same-day and free one-day pickup on millions of items and peace of mind with convenient, secure pickup options. Customers should order by noon on December 23 for pick-up on Christmas Eve. Pickup locations are open until 5 p.m. onDecember 24.

About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Source: Amazon

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

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John Lewis appoints Simon Coble as Trading Director

  • Simon Coble appointed as John Lewis Trading Director
  • Ed Connolly to take up the newly created role of Director, Partnership Strategy

LONDON, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — John Lewis is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Coble to the role of Trading Director. Simon will take up the position on 15 January 2018 and will join the John Lewis Management Board (JLMB), reporting to Managing Director Paula Nickolds.

Simon joins from The Body Shop, where he was Managing Director UK, extending his responsibilities to Europe and North America since the end of 2016. He is currently Zone Managing Director for Europe and part of The Body Shop Board. Prior to this he was Chief Executive at Uniqlo for five years and spent 13 years with Arcadia working across a number of brands.

Simon will take on the leadership of the Trading team, including responsibility for our Buying and Merchandising teams, where he will be focused on delivering exceptional products and services.

Paula Nickolds, Managing Director, John Lewis said: ‘I am really delighted that Simon will be joining us. It is an important appointment for us as we continue to reinvent John Lewis and put the customer at the heart of everything we do from the design of our truly unique own brand ranges to the experiences we offer our customers that they cannot get anywhere else. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.’

Simon said: ‘It’s a privilege to be joining this unique organisation at such a pivotal time and I am excited at the opportunities that lie ahead.  John Lewis is such a special brand and I am looking forward to being part of the team that helps shape its future commercial success in the competitive conditions currently facing modern retailing.’

Ed Connolly, who has been leading the Trading function, on an interim basis while a recruitment process took place, will take up a newly created role of Director, Partnership Strategy reporting to Patrick Lewis, Group Finance Director. In this new role, Ed will be responsible for shaping and developing the long term direction and sustainability of the Partnership, working directly with the Executive Team.

Prior to this, Ed was Buying Director, Fashion for three years where he led the transformation of John Lewis own brand ranges including launching modern rarity and AND/OR.

Paula Nickolds said: ‘I would like to thank Ed for his outstanding contribution during his time leading the Trading team, especially in the run up to our peak trading period and I wish him all the best in his new role.’

Notes to editors
John Lewis – John Lewis operates 49 John Lewis shops across the UK (35 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. John Lewis,  ‘Best In-Store Experience 2017’, ‘Best Furniture Retailer 2017,’ ‘Best Homewares Retailer 2017’1, stocks around 350,000 separate lines in its department stores and johnlewis.com across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK.  John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

1Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2017

You can follow John Lewis on the following social media channels:
www.johnlewis.com/twitter 
www.johnlewis.com/facebook 
www.johnlewis.com/youtube.

Enquries
For more information please contact:

Gillian Taylor, Head of Communications
Mobile: 07919 057931
Telephone: 0207 5925635
Email: gillian.e.taylor@johnlewis.co.uk

Katie Robson, Senior External Communications Manager, John Lewis
Mobile: 07764 675608
Telephone: 0207 5926296
Email: katie.robson@johnlewis.co.uk

SOURCE: John Lewis

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Inditex Group’s net sales rose by 10% to €17.96 billion in Q3 2017

  • The Group continues to develop its integrated offline-online platform, rolling out same-day delivery in six cities and next-day delivery in six markets, including Spain, France, the UK and China.
  • Inditex is deploying automated in-store pick-up points for online orders.
  • Store count reached 7,504 with a footprint in 94 markets, having opened its first stores in Belarus in the third quarter.
  • The Group’s retail brands opened new stores in 52 different markets during the reporting period, including in the US, Vietnam, China and Turkey.
  • The Group’s online presence reached 45 markets, following the launch of www.zara. com in India. Bershka’s online platform also went live in the US.
  • Net profit for the first nine months of the fiscal year registered growth of 6% to €2.3 bn.
  • The Group renewed its community investment agreements for emergency relief with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
  • The third quarter was marked by the tenth anniversary of the Framework Agreement between Inditex and IndustriALL Global Union; a meeting took place with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to monitor the joint projects underway.
  • Store and online sales increased by 13% in local currencies between 1 November and 11 December 2017.

Key information

Arteixo, Spain, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Inditex Group’s net sales rose by 10% in the first nine months of fiscal 2017 – from 1 February to 31 October –, on top of the growth of 11% recorded in the same period of 2016, to €17.96 billion. Net profit was €2.3 billion, with year-on-year growth of 6%.

The Group’s achieved a strong operating performance in the period. It made further progress on the global roll-out of its fully integrated store and online model, whilst also continuing to bolster its strategy of opening and refurbishing flagship stores on the world’s busiest shopping streets and optimising its sales floor area.

Commenting on the online-offline model, the company’s Chairman and CEO, Pablo Isla, highlighted the “increasingly integrated management of the platform, which is translating into value-added customer services”. Isla highlighted services such as same-day delivery, -already on offer in Madrid, London, Paris, Istanbul, Taipei and Shanghai-, next-day delivery, -available in Spain, France, the UK, Poland, China and South Korea- and the rollout of automated in-store pick-up points for orders placed online. Also, remarked the simultaneous offline and online transition between collections, both between seasons and every fortnight when the various collections are refreshed.

International expansion

In the current reporting period, the Group continued to expand its integrated online-offline sales platform and its sales floor area increased across all geographies. During the first 9 months, Inditex opened 212 stores in 52 markets, increasing its global footprint to 94 markets, with the inauguration of a 4,000 square metre flagship Zara store, as well as Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, Zara Home and Oysho stores, in Minsk (Belarus) last August.

Inditex opened 74 stores in Europe, 48 in the Americas and 90 in Asia and the rest of the world, with all of the Group’s retail formats adding to their store counts.

As for the online platform, Inditex’s reach currently extends to 45 markets in the wake of the inauguration of Zara’s online operations in India in October. During the 9M17, Zara also launched online sales in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The period was also marked by the inauguration and expansion of multiple Zara flagship stores worldwide, including: the iconic 6,000 square-metre establishment at Castellana 79 in Madrid (Spain); Zara’s first street store in Bombay, which occupies 4,800 square metres in the emblematic Ismail Building; the new 2,200 square-metre Zara Cloud Nine store in Shanghai (China); and a 4,500 square-metre space in Hanoi (Vietnam). The last two flagship stores opened to the public in November.

Additionally, Zara also opened new stores in in the US, in California, New Jersey, Michigan and, most recently in Florida. In Canada, Zara recently opened stores in Toronto, Calgary and Halifax. Finally, Zara opened numerous high-profile stores in the Chinese cities of Harbin, Shenzen, Hangzhou, Chongquing, Yiwu and Shanghai.

Turning to store expansion and refurbishment, Zara reopened stores in the Marineda shopping centre in A Coruña (Spain) -equipped with one of the Group’s in-store pick-up points for online orders-; its flagship store in Seoul (Korea); Westfield Century City shopping centre in Los Angeles (US); Forum des Halles in Paris (France); Smáralind shopping centre in Reykjavik (Iceland); Avenida de Santa Fe in Buenos Aires (Argentina); in the Wanda and Sky Mall shopping centres in Shanghai (China) and on Corso Garibaldi in Regio Calabria (Italy).

These came on the heels of other flagship reopenings earlier in the year such as the refurbished 4,000 square-metre Zara Opera store in Paris (France) and the 2,500 squaremetre Zara Nagoya store in Japan.

Bershka, meanwhile, reopened its flagship store in the Tokyo’s Shibuya district on 15 September. The refurbished store has been updated to portray the brand’s newest image, embodied by the Stage concept, across 1,000 square metres over four floors which house the Bershka, Bsk and Man collections.

Bershka also opened high-profile stores in Bielefeld (Germany), Harbin (China), Bogota (Colombia) and the Mall of Egypt in Cairo (Egypt), a shopping centre in which Massimo Dutti, Oysho, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius and Zara Home also recently opened new stores.

Bershka also increased its online reach, launching its e-commerce platform in South Korea, Japan and the US. The US launch was accompanied by a pop-up store in the heart of New York’s SoHo district which is going to remain open until the end of December, showing the brand’s autumn-winter collections.

Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius opened their first stores in Vietnam, in Ho-Chi Minh City, while Zara Home inaugurated its maiden stores in Armenia and the Czech Republic, a market in which Oysho, also extended its footprint to Honduras during the quarter.

During the period, Massimo Dutti opened high-profile stores, in Baku (Azerbaijan); Hangzhou (China); Goyang (South Korea); Cracow and Wroclaw in Poland; and in the Torre Manacar shopping centre in Mexico D.F.

In addition, it reopened its stores in Ermou in Athens (Greece) and in the Sturegalleriaen in Stockholm (Sweden), following significant expansions. In addition, inaugurated a 1,500 square-metre flagship store in Valencia (Spain) and another one in Zurich (Switzerland) on 1 December. Massimo Dutti also updated its image at its store on Massira Al Khadra in Casablanca. The new image is true to the brand’s hallmark values: elegance, quality, sobriety and sustainability.

Pull&Bear, opened major stores in Moscow (Russia); Graz (Austria); the Loom shopping centre in Bielefeld (Germany); the Yiwu City Life Square shopping centre in Yiwu (China); Bogota (Colombia), Puebla (Mexico); Yogyakarta (Indonesia); Ra’anana (Israel); Lule (Portugal); Kiev (Ukraine); and two new stores in Istanbul and another in Bursa (Turkey). Pull&Bear also reopened and expanded existing stores including Porto Pi, Palma de Mallorca (Spain); on Île de France (France) and on Via Independenza in Bologna (Italy).

In addition to expanding its online platform to South Korea, Oysho opened a significant number of new stores in the quarter, including in the Wharf IFS shopping centre in Chongqing (China); the La Felicidad shopping centre in Bogota (Colombia); in the cities of Patras (Greece); Goyang (South Korea), Genoa (Italy), Moscow (Russia) and Turkey, where it opened three new stores between Istanbul and Bursa. It also expanded its Spanish flagship stores on Barcelona’s Paseo de Gracia and on Logroño’s calle San Antón.

Zara Home, welcomed its customers to new stores in Riad (Saudi Arabia); Las Condes in Santiago de Chile (Chile); and the Chinese cities of Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Other new establishments included those added in Goyang (South Korea); Cairo (Egypt); and Diezerstraat in Zwolle (Netherlands).

The home fashion chain also opened two stores in Poland, three in Turkey and new establishments in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Moscow (Russia) and Madrid (Spain). Zara Home refurbished and expanded its flagship stores on Grosse Bleichen in Hamburg (Germany) and in the W Shopping centre in Brussels (Belgium).

Stradivarius, meanwhile, opened high-profile stores in Poland – specifically in the Arkady Wroclawskie shopping centre in Wroclaw -, Motril (Spain), Palermo (Italy), Tangier (Morocco), Beirut (Lebanon), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Serris and Villeneuve la Garenne (France), the Binjiang Paradise Walk shopping centre in Hangzhou (China) and in the Hilltown shopping centre in Istanbul (Turkey).

Stradivarius reopened its flagship store in the emblematic Plaza de Lugo in La Coruña (Spain). This store, which spans over 600 square metres, reflects the brand’s renewed style and introduces genuine ash timber for the first time to complement the industrial characteristic of Stradivarius’s Cube stores.

During the quarter, Stradivarius also extended its store in Casa Fortuny in Villafranca del Penedés (Spain) and its premises in the Luz del Tajo and El Rosal shopping centres in Toledo and Ponferrada (Spain), respectively.

It is also worth highlighting the refurbishment work undertaken at the chain’s stores on Avenida de Viya in Cadiz (Spain) and in the Arcadia shopping centre in Warszawa (Poland).

Uterqüe continued to expand and renew its store network during the quarter, opening major stores in Moscow (Russia), Wroclaw (Poland) and Riad (Saudi Arabia). Uterqüe also entered new markets this year, including Romania for the first time. In parallel, the brand continued to execute on its plan to roll out its new store image to flagship stores such as the one located on calle Rodríguez Árias in Bilbao (Spain).

Commercial initiatives

The third quarter was once again marked by a plethora of commercial initiatives by all the chains. Zara collaborated with the prestigious photographer Steven Meisel on the images for Zara’s autumn/winter 17/18 women’s collection, inspired by all things British with a touch of the 90s, complete with classic pieces re-imagined for a feminine and sophisticated look. Zara also expanded the scope of its Join Life collections, launching men’s and baby ranges.

Massimo Dutti participated in the TMall platform’s Super Brand Day, creating a lookbook featuring the celebrity, Bosco Wong, and organising a catwalk fashion show.

Pull&Bear celebrated Marc Márquez’s victory in the MotoGP world championships by launching the second Marc Márquez X Pull&Bear collection, for which design the six-time world champion gets actively involved. This brand also launched its first complete line of women’s beauty products (eyeliners, eyeshadows, lip balms, face masks, nail polish, etc.) under the Hey Beauty! trademark.

Oysho went ahead with its Yoga Tour, organising events in Madrid and Istanbul in October. More than 3,000 people participated in the yoga master class given on Madrid’s Paseo del Prado.

The brand also launched its first ski collection, with premium finishes and performance fabrics. The ski jackets, made using a special waterproof, breathable fabric with added features hidden in the hood, are the star feature. The use of Thermolite® technology makes the more lightweight pieces warmer to wear.

Bershka launched its Misunderstood collection in collaboration with Italian singer Fedez, with 41 platinum and 20 gold releases under his belt. The collection, which went on sale on 6 October, and was available online and in select stores, drew from the retro 90s look and featured highly colourful garments inspired by the worlds of sports and tattoos. This partnership translated into a collection which represented the rap scene, as well as the brand’s youthful spirit.

Zarahome.com celebrated its tenth anniversary on 29 October and launched a their new image on Instagram. Uterqüe participated once again in the Gallery Weekend initiative which took place in Madrid from 14 – 16 September and in Barcelona during the weekend of 29 September – 1 October. The goal is to introduce the general public to contemporary art and promote the Madrid and Barcelona art scenes on the international stage. Uterqüe also extended its collaboration with the world of art by hosting exhibitions in its flagship store on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona (Spain).

Sustainability

In line with its strategic goal to achieve a circular economy model, the Group continued to roll out its used-clothing collection programme in collaboration with various international NGOs. This programme is already fully operational in 562 stores in eight countries (Spain, Portugal, the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Denmark, China and Sweden). Planning is in progress for implementation of the scheme in another 22 markets, with pilot tests underway in some of these, including Austria (four stores) and Canada (13 stores).

The Salta project

The Salta project, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, was set up in France in 2008 – under the name of Jeunes [Youths] – with the aim of training and providing in-store work experience to people at risk of social exclusion due to serious difficulties in accessing the job market.

The chairman and CEO of Inditex, Pablo Isla, met with some of the ‘graduates’ of the programme to mark the occasion. The event was attended by members of the last group of participants and representatives from the prior 20 groups. To date the programme has helped 780 people to access work across the Group’s stores, factories and logistics centres; 67% of these youths are still working at the company and 7% have already been promoted internally.

Today the project is up and running in 12 cities under the name of Salta [Leap]: Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Milan, Athens, Hamburg, Warsaw, London, Lisbon, Mexico City, São Paolo and New York.

Some 1,259 company employees have participated in the project as teachers, tutors or mentors. The endeavour has also boasted the participation of celebrities such as the French football side’s coach Raymond Domenech, the former cyclist Bernard Hinault, the mountain climber Edurne Pasaban, the painter Lita Cabellut and the dancer Nadia Adame, who shared their own experiences on how to overcame tough challenges. More than 40 charities have collaborated with the initiative, helping with the selection process, as well as training and subsequent monitoring of the participants once on the job.

‘for&from’ programme

Elsewhere, the Group has also continued to foster its ‘for&from’ programme this year, having opened a new ‘for&from’ Oysho store in Llagostera (Spain), which is being managed by the NGO, Moltacte. The new store is staffed with five people with different kinds of disabilities. With this newest establishment, there are now 13 stores within Inditex’s ‘for&from’ programme, which employs 151 people with different forms of disability.

Inditex, IndustriALL and the ILO

Inditex also celebrated another important tenth anniversary during the quarter: its Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL Global Union, which represents over 50 million workers in 140 countries. During an event that took place at the Madrid head offices of the Economic and Social Council, the chairman and CEO of Inditex, Pablo Isla, and the general secretary of IndustriALL, Valter Sanches, reviewed the key progress made under this pioneering agreement, aimed to protect and promote labour conditions throughout the entire supply chain.

During his presentation, Pablo Isla stressed that the work performed together during the past decade “ratifies the Global Framework Agreement as one of the best tools for continuing to ensure and encourage best labour practices among the companies that supply the garment industry”. He noted that universal entitlement to the freedom of association and right to collective bargaining were the cornerstones of this effort.

Pablo Isla also met with the Director-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Guy Ryder, in October to review and reinforce the various projects for which the two entities are collaborating with the overriding aim of enhancing labour conditions at all levels of the garment sector value chain.

During the meeting, Pablo Isla emphasised “Inditex’s firm commitment to the ILO conventions, on which our Code of Conduct for Manufacturers and Suppliers is based, and to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to decent work”. He went on to highlight the projects on which Inditex is already underway, in countries such as China, Turkey, Cambodia, Brazil and Indonesia.

Humanitarian aid

In November, Inditex renewed its agreements with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF for its acronym in French), one of the key entities through which Inditex channels its concerted investment in humanitarian assistance.

Inditex has renewed its commitment to the medical and humanitarian relief work carried out by MSF with Syrian refugees in the Turkish province of Kilis and to the Emergency Desk operated from MSF’s headquarters in Spain. Thanks to this annual agreement, which consisted of a total contribution of €2.3 million, Inditex’s support will extend to the Al Salamah Hospital in the Azzaz district of the Syrian province of Aleppo. The collaboration also covers care for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and a programme for combating severe malnutrition in children in India.

The agreement was signed by Pablo Isla and the managing director of MSF Spain, Joan Tubau, at Inditex’s headquarters in Arteixo (La Coruña), at a ceremony also attended by the president of the medical-humanitarian organisation in Spain, David Noguera.

Fourth-quarter 2017 trading update

Online and offline store sales increased by 13% in local currency terms between 1 November and 11 December 2017.

SOURCE: Inditex

Communication and Corporate Affairs Division
Edificio Inditex
Avda. de la Diputación s/n
15143 – Arteixo
A Coruña – SPAIN

Tlf: +34 981 185 400
Fax: +34 981 185 544
comunicacion@inditex.com

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Toys 4 Puerto Rico toy drive launched to bring smiles to thousands of children affected by Hurricane Maria

New York, NY, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lin-Manuel Miranda, Toys“R”Us®, Telemundo, Hispanic Federation, and R.Evolución Latina are partnering to bring toys and smiles to the thousands of children affected by Hurricane Maria this Three Kings Day with the launch of Toys 4 Puerto Rico. The toy drive aims to send 10,000 toys to children throughout the island and begins today online at Toysrus.com/Toys4PuertoRico, with donations accepted until Tuesday, January 2.

Supporters can visit Toysrus.com/Toys4PuertoRico to give a gift of $5, $10, and $20 which will be used to purchase from a suggested list of toys featured on the website. Hispanic Federation and partner organization R.Evolución Latina will handle the distribution of the purchased items, and ensure that dozens of community partners receive gifts for a mix of ages.

On Three Kings Day (Saturday, January 6, 2018), the donated toys will be distributed to towns throughout the island at local celebrations. Three Kings Day is one of the most important holidays for Puerto Ricans and Latin Americans across the world. Families celebrate through generous gift-giving to honor the gifts given by the Three Wise Men to Jesus Christ.

As the official media partner, under the banner of its corporate social responsibility initiative, “El Poder En Ti” (The Power in You), Telemundo will make a donation of $30,000 to the toy drive. The network will also air national and local promos encouraging viewers to donate, in-show segments across network shows including “Un Nuevo Día,” “Al Rojo Vivo” and “Noticias Telemundo,” daily digital and social amplification, and participation in numerous community events to support the drive. In addition, Telemundo talent will participate in the local celebrations to help distribute toys.

“One of the greatest and most indescribable pleasures I remembered as a kid was receiving a gift during Three Kings Day, a celebration we all keep in my family” said Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the award-winning musical Hamilton. “This holiday season in Puerto Rico, so many kids could go without gifts for Three Kings Day and that is truly heartbreaking. If there is anything the last three months have taught us, is that the spirit of generosity and unselfish humanity is alive and well in our country. All you have to do is visit the Toys“R”Us website and make a gift. Our partners at Toys“R”Us, Telemundo, Hispanic Federation, and R.Evolución Latina will take care of the rest. The more gifts you buy, the more families we can reach. Together, we can bring some holiday cheer to thousands of children in Puerto Rico on January 6.”

“We’re honored to partner with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hispanic Federation and Telemundo to bring joy and toys to children in some of the hardest hit areas of Puerto Rico for this Three Kings Day,” said Dave Brandon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “The holiday season can be incredibly difficult for those struggling to regain normalcy after a disaster, and we wanted to help give kids on the island an opportunity to do what they do best – be kids. Thanks to Lin-Manuel and the generosity of our customers across the country, we hope January 6 will bring smiles and playtime where it’s needed most.”

“Restoring a sense of normalcy is key to any long-term recovery, and the holidays are the perfect opportunity to do that,” said José Calderón, President of Hispanic Federation. “Thanks to the tireless support of Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Hispanic Federation and its partners have been able to raise tens of millions of dollars for the relief and recovery efforts in Puerto Rico. Now, with the holidays fast approaching, we are grateful to Toys“R”Us and Telemundo as they help to transform what could all too easily be a time of renewed uncertainty and fear into a cause for celebration and hope. If we can send 10,000 toys to Puerto Rico this year, we can reach kids in every part of the island, particularly those areas that were hardest hit and in most need of basic goods and services.”

“NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is committed to partnering with the Puerto Rican community to help them during the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria and beyond,” said Monica Gil, Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises. “Under our corporate social responsibility initiative, ‘El Poder En Ti,’ our goal is to empower our viewers when they are in need and let them know that they are not alone. This collaborative effort is a small way in which we can share our support and commend the families and children of Puerto Rico during this holiday season.”

Since September 20, when Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico and devastated the island, Hispanic Federation and Lin-Manuel Miranda and his family have worked together to raise money and awareness for the 3.5 million American citizens whose lives were upended and changed forever. The outpouring of support from the rest of the country and around the world has been incredible, and has enabled Hispanic Federation and its partners on the ground to provide millions of pounds of food, clean water, and basic medical care to some of the hardest hit and hardest to reach places on the island.

# # #

About Hispanic Federation
The mission of the Hispanic Federation is to empower and advance the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Federation provides grants and services to a broad network of Latino non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable members of the Hispanic community and advocates nationally with respect to the vital issues of education, health, immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement and the environment. For more information, please visit www.hispanicfederation.org.

About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. This fast-growing multiplatform portfolio is comprised of the Telemundo Network and Station Group, Telemundo Deportes, Telemundo Studios, Telemundo Internacional, Telemundo International Studios, Universo, and a Digital Enterprises & Emerging Business unit. Telemundo Network features original Spanish-language entertainment, news and sports content reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 17 owned stations, 55 affiliates and its national feed. Telemundo also owns WKAQ, a television station that serves viewers in Puerto Rico. Telemundo Deportes is the designated Spanish-language home of two of the world’s most popular sporting events: FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer Olympic Games through 2032. As the #1 media company reaching Hispanics and millennials online, the Digital Enterprises & Emerging Business unit distributes original content across multiple platforms, maximizing its exclusive partnerships with properties such as Buzzfeed, Vox, and Snapchat. Through Telemundo Internacional, the largest U.S.-based distributor of Spanish-language content in the world; Telemundo International Studios, a production unit focused on creating high-end short form, scripted formats for international markets; and Universo, the fastest growing Hispanic entertainment cable network, the company reflects the diverse lifestyle, cultural experience and language of its expanding audience. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

SOURCE: Toys“R”Us, Inc.

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

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X5 Retail Group and Mail.Ru Group partner to measure the impact of targeted online advertising on offline sales

MOSCOW, Russia, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — X5 Retail Group, (“X5” or the “Company”), a leading Russian food retailer (LSE ticker: FIVE), and Mail.Ru Group have launched a partnership to measure the impact of targeted online advertising on offline sales. The solution has already been tested by the global media group Dentsu Aegis Network.

The partnership between Mail.Ru Group and X5 will provide myTarget platform clients with access to anonymised data about X5 consumer behaviour, with a view to enhancing the accuracy of ad targeting and linking ad impression data with sales performance at the Pyaterochka, Perekrestok and Karusel chains. During the test period, X5 created anonymised customer segments for specific advertisers, dividing potential customers into groups based on their consumption patterns. Such customer segments were accessed through Data Marketplace myTarget. In the near future, public segments will be added featuring a CPM-based monetisation model.

This will contribute to improving the efficiency of online advertising campaigns and help advertisers to better understand the demand curve for specific products. The pilot campaigns run by Dentsu Aegis Network using X5 data brought its clients to a completely new level in converting ads into sales.

“We help advertisers achieve the best conversion rates through continuous improvement of myTarget functions. Today, as part of our partnership with X5 Retail Group, we are pleased to offer our customers new opportunities to assess the effect on offline sales of online ads, coupled with new targeting opportunities. With a wider range of customer segments available, businesses are able to select target audiences for advertising messages as accurately as possible,” commented Elina Isagulova, Vice President, Commercial Director of Mail.Ru Group.

X5 Retail Group Strategic Marketing and Planning Director Vadim Kapustin said: “Comprehensive knowledge of customer behaviour, individual needs and preferences is what every retailer, telecom operator, bank and mass market company needs. At X5, we use accumulated purchasing data for effective marketing communication in the interests of food producers. By offering the opportunity to assess the actual impact of digital advertising campaigns on sales in the Company’s stores, we provide food manufacturers with a powerful tool for optimising marketing costs.”

Dentsu Aegis Network Head of Data Lab Mikhael Shklyaev said: “In cooperation with X5 Retail Group, we have managed to solve one of advertisers’ biggest challenges: we now understand what impact each specific ad impression has on the offline sales of each product advertised. The mathematical model we have developed with X5 enables us to calculate cost effectiveness, optimise ad frequency, and choose the best formats using actual sales data rather than our beliefs or experience.”

SOURCE: X5 Retail Group N.V.

For further details please contact:

Maxim Novikov
Head of Investor Relations
Tel.: +7 (495) 502-97-83
e-mail: Maxim.Novikov@x5.ru

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

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Rite Aid Foundation supports American Red Cross’ Wildfire Relief Efforts in Southern California with $100,000 donation

CAMP HILL, Pa., 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Rite Aid Foundation announced today a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help the victims, families and communities in Southern California affected by the devastating wildfires.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the wildfires, which are being counted among the worst in California’s history,” said Kermit Crawford, Rite Aid president and chief operating officer and president of The Rite Aid Foundation. “The Rite Aid Foundation is proud to partner with the American Red Cross to help the people and communities in Southern California in their time of need and it’s our hope this donation will aid them as they start to rebuild and recover.”

“As the Red Cross helps those affected by disasters like the California wildfires, we are extremely grateful for The Rite Aid Foundation’s support, which allows us to shelter, feed and provide comfort to people who have been impacted by a disaster,” said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross.

Since its inception in 2001, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than $34 million to non-profit organizations. Additionally, Rite Aid, through the efforts of its customers, supplier partners and associates, has also raised more than $81 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country since 1994.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) 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 Corp.

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DFS Group launched its ninth annual Masters of Time exhibition

DFS Group launched its ninth annual Masters of Time exhibition

COLLECTORS AROUND THE WORLD ARRIVE IN MACAU FOR WORLD’S LARGEST RETAIL EVENT OF FINE WATCHES AND JEWELRY

HONG KONG, China, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — DFS Group, the world’s leading travel retailer, launched its ninth annual Masters of Time exhibition on Saturday, December 9. The exhibition, which is held at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, in partnership with Shoppes at Four Seasons, will run until February 28, 2018 for customers to view and shop the curated collection. The DFS Masters of Time exhibition is well known for being the world’s largest and most prestigious retail event for luxury watches and jewelry, showcasing the best in design, innovation and heritage for men and women. This year, DFS’ expert teams brought together an unparalleled collection of more than 450 fine watches and exquisite jewelry from 30 brands in a theme that focused on the concept of memories.

“This year’s Masters of Time exhibition explores how watch collectors and creators commemorate life’s most significant moments, so that certain pieces become imbued with our memories,” said Christophe Chaix, Senior Vice President, Fashion, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories. “As always, the customer is at the heart of everything we do at DFS, and each year we travel the world to curate a Masters of Time exhibition to delight returning and new customers alike. This exhibition offers seasoned collectors and first-time buyers the chance to own exceptional pieces that will forever become part of their own memorable journey.”

The ninth annual Masters of Time exhibition kicked off with a prestigious gala event where award-winning artist Jade Kwan performed for guests as they explored a variety of intriguing activities. A multi-sensory exhibition was introduced for the first time at Masters of Time, in which the curated collection of timepieces and jewelry was displayed through a series of interactive pop-up spaces and animations to evoke emotions and ignite the senses. Guests were taken on a multi-sensory journey through four different spaces that explored the concepts of nostalgia, memories, adventure and heritage, each of which transported guests back to a special place, moment or time.

Romantic, rare and archival pieces with a focus on “savoir faire” took center stage in the section dedicated to nostalgia, whilst innovative complications that are certain to become future icons embodied the idea of making memories. Highly technical sports and lifestyle watches dominated in the adventure area, and finally, iconic and classic timepieces brought heritage to life.

In addition, guests were treated to a taste of The Macallan whisky and fine Petrossian caviar, paired to provide the ultimate culinary experience. Korean illustrator Jae Suk Kim flew in from Seoul to hand-paint guests’ portraits in his signature style, featuring Su Su girls adorned in fine jewelry and watch pieces, as holiday gift cards to commemorate the event.

The 2017 Masters of Time exhibition is available for viewing and purchase at T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons until February 28, 2018.

SOURCE: DFS Group Limited

MEDIA CONTACTS
press.enquiries@dfs.com

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CBRE named one of America’s Most JUST Companies by Forbes and JUST Capital

LOS ANGELES, CA, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ —
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced that it has been named one of America’s Most JUST Companies by Forbes and JUST Capital.

Forbes and JUST Capital evaluate U.S.-based public companies based on measures of corporate citizenship, including employee relations, quality of goods and services, client service, environmental impact, community support, diversity and ethical conduct. Nearly 1,000 companies are considered for inclusion in the JUST 100.

“We work hard to create an environment where our people can build rewarding careers while producing great client outcomes and making a positive impact on their communities,” said Bob Sulentic, president & chief executive officer, CBRE. “We are proud that Forbes has recognized our efforts and thank our talented professionals for continuing to distinguish CBRE.”

JUST Capital is a nonprofit research organization that seeks to provide stakeholders—employees, concerned citizens, business leaders and others—with information to assess how “just” companies are.

Earlier this month CBRE was named a 2017 Best Workplace for Diversity by FORTUNE and Great Place to Work®. Additionally, CBRE has been in both the FTSE4Good Index and the Ethisphere Institutes’ World’s Most Ethical Company list every year since 2014. It also has received an EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of The Year — Sustained Excellence Award for 10 consecutive years.

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: CBRE

Media Contacts

Robert McGrath
Senior Director
+1 212 9848267

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7‑Eleven trials on-demand ordering for delivery or in-store pickup with its new 7‑ElevenNOW smartphone app

IRVING, Texas, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — 7‑Eleven, Inc. is testing on-demand ordering for delivery or in-store pickup at select Dallas stores with its new 7‑ElevenNOW smartphone app. Currently being tested in 10 downtown and uptown 7‑Eleven®stores, 7‑ElevenNOW is expected to roll out to other U.S. locations in 2018. Customers in the Dallas area who enroll in the new app will receive free delivery on their first order. The app can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple App stores.

With more locations than any other convenience retailer in the world, 7‑Eleven has a corner on convenient, in-store shopping. As it undergoes a significant digital transformation, the retailer continues to look for ways to expand and enhance the company’s shopping footprint – and consumers’ digital shopping experience – outside its stores as well.

“Today’s digitally savvy consumer expects a wide range of options right at their fingertips and 7‑Eleven is delivering on that promise,” said 7‑Eleven Chief Digital Officer Gurmeet Singh. “We continuously ask our consumers how we can make their lives better, and 7‑ElevenNOW is a proprietary solution to their on-demand needs. The app will enable our customers to get the products they want, when and where they want them, quickly and conveniently. This is redefining convenience”

When ordering items through 7‑ElevenNOW, 7‑Eleven customers can choose to receive direct delivery to their location or pick up their prepared order at the participating store of their choice within the 7‑ElevenNOW footprint. A wide selection of snacks, cosmetics, gift cards, home goods, beverages and hundreds of other products are available for purchase on the app, making 7‑Eleven the go-to place in order to get everything customers may need all from one location.

To use the 7‑ElevenNOW interface, shoppers simply open the application and choose which option they prefer: delivery or pick-up. If delivery is selected, the app will auto-locate the nearest participating store and, once the order is placed, send it to a courier service. The courier then picks up the customer’s prepped products at the store and delivers them to the customer’s location. If shoppers choose pick-up, they select the items they want as well as the store they prefer for pick-up. The order will be waiting for them at the register. Customers can pay for both delivery and pickup via the app.

“7‑Eleven has a legacy of innovation,” said 7‑Eleven President and CEO Joe DePinto. “We have been pioneering new trends in the convenience industry for 90 years. Our company was the first to offer coffee in to-go cups, operate 24/7 and provide a self-serve soda fountain. 7‑Eleven will always look for innovative ways to reach and excite our customers and maintain our leadership position in convenience retailing. Today, that means redefining convenience through digital innovation.”

7‑ElevenNOW is one of several new services implemented by the 7‑Eleven digital team as part of a companywide commitment to provide value and delight for every customer experience. The digital team is working on a full stack digital transformation, which includes the technology customers experience, as well as the technology that works behind the scenes to ensure seamless and effortless interactions.

Other recent digital releases include the expansion of the popular 7Rewards® app-based customer loyalty program, now available on a wider range eligible purchases, and the launch of 7‑Eleven Bot on Messenger, which allows millions of 7‑Eleven fans to engage with the brand from within Facebook.

Other customer-centric 7‑Eleven innovations include the expanded availability of Amazon Lockers for in-store package pickup, added Amazon Cash to over 8,000 locations, and BillPay–an app powered by PayNearMe to help cash users pay for a variety of bills at 7‑Eleven stores.

For more information about 7‑Eleven’s other innovations, visit 7‑Eleven.com.

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.

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

Contact:

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

SOURCE: 7‑Eleven Inc.

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7‑Eleven offers surprisingly long list of holiday helps packed in its stores

No Elves Needed: 7‑Eleven has a Store Full of Holiday Helps

IRVING, TEXAS, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — For those who don’t live in the North Pole, elves can be hard to find when a holiday emergency – or non-emergency – arises. Help on the shelf is just around the corner at the neighborhood 7‑Eleven® store. 7‑Eleven has a surprisingly long list of holiday helps packed in its stores, including the latest toys for kids, game cards for teens, gift cards for teachers and co-workers, presents for white elephant gift exchanges, holiday party food and beverages, sweet treats and stocking stuffers.

Instead of checking your list (twice) during holiday shopping, 7‑Eleven offers its customers the perk of convenience by making hard-to-find holiday gifts easy to find while grabbing coffee in the morning or gas on the way home. Customers can also earn points when they purchase holiday items on the enhanced 7Rewards® loyalty program. These points can be redeemed in-store at participating locations on other select food and beverage products found in the app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play.

“7‑Eleven can help out on a lot of different fronts during the hectic holidays,” said Jack Stout, 7‑Eleven senior vice president of merchandising. “Ironically, days are shortest when people need more than 24 hours. Everyone is busy with shopping, decorating, traveling and entertaining but we all need extra help during the holiday season. 7‑Eleven stores have no mall crowds, you can park close, and we’re open all day and night. We also offer customers items that they wouldn’t expect to find on 7‑Eleven shelves—from holiday apparel to mini-drones to cosmetics. We ultimately want customers to have an ‘Oh thank heaven’ experience every time they shop with us.”

Here are just a few things on 7‑Eleven shelves that can help make the holidays a little merrier this year:

Just Hatched

The world’s largest convenience retailer has really upped its toy game this year, with hot toys like Hatchimals Surprise, all-time favorites like Hot Wheels cars and Barbie dolls, and perennially popular items like remote-control vehicles and games.

Participating stores are carrying Hatchimals Surprise, the follow up to the Toy Industry Association’s 2017 winner for the “Toy of the Year” award for innovation. Stocking-stuffers include Hatchimals CollEGGtibles mini-sized surprise figures in addition to Hatchimals jewelry and accessories.

Toys under Control

Remote control vehicles and drones are back this year, including a T. Rex dinosaur that walks and roars on command from a rock-shaped infrared transmitter. Participating 7‑Eleven locations are carrying two affordably priced drones. The compact Nemo model comes with a camera that shoots photos and videos.

A selection of the most popular Mattel toys available at select stores include: Barbie Glitz doll, Minions MEGA Construx building sets, Hot Wheels multi-packs, Monster Jam trucks and the Hot Wheels Mega Hauler.

Funko POP! takes pop culture and turns it on its head with its collectible big-headed vinyl figures from sports and music stars to characters from the latest hit movies and TV shows. This year’s featured POP! characters are from the upcoming Star Wars-Episode 8 movie and Marvel’s recently released Thor Ragnarok.

Participating stores also sport TY Beanie Boos, Magic Sketch kits and popular board games as well as ones in abbreviated form like pocket Jenga and mini Simon.

The Elephant in the Room

For parties with a white elephant gift exchange or to swap with friends and co-workers, participating 7‑Eleven stores have pre-wrapped $10 and $20 gifts. Go fun or funny with desktop punching bags and charging stations, tipsy wine glasses, silly games, puzzles and more.

Stocking Stuffers: The More the Merrier

The fun continues with smaller stocking stuffers (also great as white elephant gifts) priced to sell at $7.99 each or two for $10 at participating locations. Shot-sized copper Moscow mule cups, shredding scissors, sound machines, brain teaser puzzles and head massagers are great to grab and give.

Tech this Out

Premium quality electronic accessories are great gifts for tech enthusiasts. Choose from Bluetooth headphones, earbuds and speakers; virtual reality headsets, wireless chargers, mini-drones and bejeweled micro-cables, with prices ranging from $14.99 to $29.99 at participating locations. And to make sure toys and electronics don’t run out of juice, 7‑Eleven stores carry a variety of batteries … as well as a variety of actual juices.

Simply Beautiful

7‑Eleven’s Simply Me Beauty™ affordable, fashion-forward line of makeup and cosmetics are priced right to give, between $3 and $5 per item at participating locations. The assortment of 40 items is designed to meet the needs of any interested consumer. The well-rounded collection for the face, eyes and lips includes offerings for day or night use, different complexion types and skin tones.

Santa Will Love These Cookies and Candies 

7-Select® Holiday Frosted Sugar Cookies and marshmallow treats in the bakery case and fresh-baked cookies at the counter near the cash register will have Santa smiling, if they don’t get eaten first. Other exclusive 7-Select holiday candies at participating locations range from 7-Select GO!Yum deluxe chocolate bars in Dark Chocolate Cranberry Almond & Orange. Added this year is Merci, the top gifting chocolate in Europe.

Cool Treats for Hot Chocolate

Peppermint spoons for stirring and decorative marshmallow toppers for admiring … and eating. Dress up an exclusive OREO® Mint hot chocolate (available at 7‑Eleven stores for a limited time) for a party or alone while watching classic Christmas movies. These exclusive 7-Select holiday sweets are a treat either way. Another treat is that they’re only 99 cents for the candy spoons, and $1.49 for two toppers at participating locations. Yum!

Gift-giving is in the Cards

Gift cards continue to top wish lists. According to National Retail Federation, holiday shoppers plan to purchase an average of four gift cards, the second most-popular gift after clothing. Spending on gift cards is expected to reach $27.6 billion, up from last year’s estimated $27.5 billion. Almost everybody wants them, and participating 7‑Eleven locations have the most popular ones – general purpose, music and games. 7‑Eleven’s gift card selection features: Vanilla Visa, Amazon, iTunes, Facebook, Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation and more!

Cheers!

For 7‑Eleven, the winter holidays are the top-selling wine and sparkling wine times.

Buying a nice bottle of wine for a holiday party needn’t require a trip to the grocery, liquor or warehouse store. Select 7‑Eleven stores have expanded their wine lists with ultra-premium and luxury varietals, but 7‑Eleven has quality wines to meet any budget. Trojan Horse is the retailer’s newest proprietary wine and is available in two quality varietals, chardonnay and pinot grigio. A 750 ml. bottle costs just $6.99 and can be found chilled in the cold case or on store shelves at participating locations.

Holiday Ho Ho Ho

Bring on the holiday party fun with mistletoe selfie sticks and photo booth prop sets at participating locations. Go incognito sporting Santa Claus reading glasses complete with beard and/or a red “you can even say it glows” Rudolph nose. Ugly sweater party? For those who already have an ugly sweater, accessorize at 7‑Eleven with ugly sweater necklaces, socks, beer koozies and wine cozies.

Shop, Earn Points, Get Free Stuff 

Earned 7-Rewards points can be redeemed for fresh, hot and grilled food items, chips, candy, nutrition bars, and bottled drinks at participating locations. Each dollar spent on eligible 7‑Eleven merchandise* earns 25 points. More can be earned through bonus offers listed on the 7‑Eleven smartphone app. To sign up and earn points, customers can either download the app from the Apple store or Google Play, visit the 7Rewards online mobile website at 7Rewards.com or chat with the 7‑Eleven Bot on Messenger.

From Store to Door

7‑Eleven has teamed up with delivery services like PostMates to bring purchases directly to shoppers who don’t have time even to make a stop at a nearby participating 7‑Eleven store. Select and order items from within the Postmates app, and gifts, treats, drinks and eats will appear at the door in less than an hour.

*Some exclusions apply. Fuel, lottery tickets, gift cards, prepaid cards, age-restricted items like tobacco and alcohol are not eligible to earn 7Rewards points.

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.

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

Contact:

7‑Eleven, Inc.

Corporate Communications

media@7-11.com

SOURCE: 7‑Eleven Inc

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Weingarten Realty Investors to release Q4 2017 earnings on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

HOUSTON, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE:WRI) announced today that its fourth quarter 2017 earnings will be released after the market closes on Wednesday, February 21, 2018. Senior Management will host our quarterly earnings conference call on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.

Event: Weingarten Realty’s Fourth Quarter 2017 Earnings Results

When: 10:00 AM CST, Thursday, February 22, 2018

Dial#: 1.888.771.4371 / Conference ID #45774516

Listen via Webcast

This call will be webcast live at www.weingarten.com and can be accessed under the Investor Relations tab of the Company’s website. In addition, an audio archive will be available on the Company’s website shortly after the call concludes. The complete earnings release and supplemental data package will be located in the Investor Relations section of the website on the Quarterly Earnings page. For those without Internet access, the fourth quarter 2017 earnings release and supplemental data package will be available by mail upon request. To receive a copy, please call Investor Relations at (800) 298-9974.

About Weingarten Realty Investors

Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE:WRI) is a shopping center owner, manager and developer. At September 30, 2017, the Company owned or operated under long-term leases, either directly or through its interest in real estate joint ventures or partnerships, a total of 210 properties which are located in 18 states spanning the country from coast to coast. These properties represent approximately 42.4 million square feet of which our interests in these properties aggregated approximately 27.2 million square feet of leasable area. To learn more about the Company’s operations and growth strategies, please visit www.weingarten.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements included herein that state the Company’s or Management’s intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which by their nature, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The Company’s actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Reference is made to the Company’s regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for information or factors that may impact the Company’s performance.

Weingarten Realty Investors
Michelle Wiggs, 713.866.6050

Source: Weingarten Realty Investors

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Hy-Vee now offers E15 eco-friendly fuel option

Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly Gas Now Available 

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hy-Vee, Inc. now offers E15 at five locations across its eight-state region. The Hy-Vee convenience store located at 3120 Agency Street in Burlington, Iowa, is the latest store to offer the eco-friendly fuel option.

With the addition of E15, Hy-Vee expands its eco-friendly gas options which already includes E85 at 15 different fueling locations. To celebrate the launch, the convenience store on Agency will offer 15 cents off per gallon from 6 a.m. to midnight on Friday, Dec. 15.

E15 is a blend of 15-percent ethanol and 85-percent gasoline. E15 is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in all 2001 and newer cars, trucks and SUVs.

The EPA says the environmentally-friendly fuel burns cleaner than gasoline and has shown to boost engine performance, increase horsepower and run cleaner through engine valves by removing deposits created by lower-quality gasoline. Since ethanol is a high-octane fuel, E15 carries an octane rating of 88 and the cost-benefit analysis favors E15 with numerous studies showing that ethanol saves consumers at the pump.

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) is partnering with Hy-Vee to draw attention to the availability of E15 at its Burlington location.

“The IRFA salutes Hy-Vee for expanding its fuel options to offer customers E15, which is a healthier fuel choice because it reduces cancer-causing toxic chemicals in gasoline,” said Lucy Norton, IRFA managing director. “E15 is the lowest cost fuel available for 2001 and newer vehicles and provides improved engine performance. Burlington Hy-Vee customers can now take advantage of all these benefits.”

E15 fuel is included in the Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks® card program which can be used at more than 1,200 gas stations throughout the Midwest.

###

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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