RCH: smart devices and cloud-based software become increasingly important for the effective and timely management and automation of POS

Treviso, ITALY, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — RCH Group SpA, a provider of advanced point of sale systems for the retail, food and beverage, and the public administration sector, today announced the launch of the European headquarters of its subsidiary, RCH Europe, in Innsbruck, Austria. This new centre of operations will support the company’s growing activities across the region. Overseeing this endeavour is RCH Overseas Sales Director, Michele Stecca.

The opening of the company’s European headquarters comes as it expands its product offering with the addition of cloud-based software and smart technology capabilities and applications. RCH’s products are based on open standards technology and can be easily integrated with various third-party applications and systems.

“This is an exciting time for RCH Europe and marks a major milestone for our company as we expand our presence across European markets”, said Michele Stecca, RCH Overseas Sales Director. “With the advent of mobile technology, the necessity of smart devices and cloud-based software is becoming increasingly important for the effective and timely management and automation of POS.”

2017 was a pivotal year for the company with new deployments in several countries across Europe. An increasing European customer base coupled with the necessity to have centralised operations to handle all regional deployments and after-sales technical support led the company to Austria.

RCH Europe designs, produces, and sells fiscal printers, fiscal and non-fiscal cash registers, and Point of Sale (POS) hardware and software. Since its foundation over 48 years ago, the company’s products, all conceived in Italy, are recognised across several markets for their advanced technology, smart designs, and ease of use.

The expansion of RCH in Europe is a step forward towards strengthening and growing the company’s portfolio of clients. The new office also represents the extension of the RCH team, as the company will offer new job opportunities in the Innsbruck office.

More information about RCH Europe and its products is available at http://www.rch-europe.com/

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Asda installs UK’s first giant parcel vending machine

Asda installs UK’s first giant parcel vending machine

  • The unit dispenses online orders in less than 60 seconds and accepts returns
  • First UK automated Parcel Tower is installed at the Trafford Park store
  • The technology has been huge success for Asda’s parent company, Walmart across the US
  • The unit dispenses online orders in less than 60 seconds and accepts returns
  • Quick and easy collection of online orders from George.com and selected third party partners including Asos, Missguided and Decathlon from Asda’s ‘toyou’ delivery service.

Leeds, UK, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — In a first for the UK, a new, 16ft foot tall and 8ft wide, automated parcel tower has been installed at Asda’s Trafford Park store following a successful trial by parent company Walmart in the US.

The tower, which acts as a giant parcel vending machine, is located inside the store so customers can pick up their online order in less than 60 seconds and will also take returns.

Customers can choose from thousands of items available on www.george.com from their computer or smartphone, and select the store at checkout. When customers visit the store, they scan a barcode sent to their smartphone at the Parcel Tower to receive their order. The service is also available for selected third party partners including Asos, Missguided and Decathlon.

In November 2015, Asda launched its ‘toyou’ service, the UK’s first end-to-end parcel solution which uses minute-by-minute tracking and it allows consumers to return or collect purchases from third party online retailers at more than 600 Asda stores. Parcels can also be collected and returned from Asda petrol forecourts and Click & Collect points across the country.

This new technology offers a unique concept giving customers a quicker and more convenient way to collect parcels, which has seen over 100 parcel towers installed across Walmart in the US. Asda Trafford Park is the first store in the UK to house the new technology.

Neil Drake, Asda’s toyou – Retail Process, Systems and Innovation Manager, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to work with our parent company Walmart in the US to bring this new exciting technology to the UK, so far it’s been a huge success for them.”

“We know speed and convenience are important factors to customers and partners of our toyou service, and we’re always looking for new ways to bring that to them. The Parcel Towers are the latest example of how we’re using new technology to save our customers time and money.”

Stephen Clinton, Store Manager at Asda Trafford Park, said: “We’re delighted to be the first store in the UK to trial the Parcel Tower for our customers. We have seen a fantastic response to the quick service in the past few days and we hope it continues.”

Trafford Park’s Parcel Tower was installed at the end of last week as a proof of concept, it can hold up to 500 parcels and has already served 1,500 local customers already.

– ends –

SOURCE: ASDA

MEDIA CONTACT
Russell Craig
Senior Director, Media & Community Relations
0113 826 2829

JDA Software Group Inc. to serve as a strategic partner and advisor for RILA’s Supply Chain Leaders Council

JDA Will Serve As Strategic Advisor To RILA Council Of Top Retail Supply Chain Executives

Arlington , VA, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — ​Today (1/8/2018), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that JDA Software Group Inc., a leading provider of supply chain planning and execution solutions for retailers, manufacturers, logistics providers and wholesale distributors will serve as a strategic partner and advisor for the association’s Supply Chain Leaders Council, comprised of top supply chain executives from America’s leading retail companies. The partnership will allow RILA and JDA to collaborate on best practices to elevate the customer experience while helping drive their digital supply chain transformations.

“Given the goals of our Supply Chain Leaders Council – to collaborate with peers and solve for the industry’s most pressing supply chain challenges – partnering with JDA was a natural fit. Retailers are constantly searching for new ways to improve and optimize their supply chains, so coming together with a solution provider who specializes in exactly that is exciting,” said RILA Senior Vice President of Retail Operations Lisa LaBruno. “JDA is a true leader in the solution space and we look forward to working to advance the industry’s approach to supply chain planning together.”

“This industry sits at a point of unprecedented disruption as the digital transformation – from big data to artificial intelligence to cognitive learning – is both an opportunity for companies to reinvent their supply chain strategies but also a challenging undertaking,”said Wayne Usie, chief market development officer, JDA. “Our collaboration with RILA will provide retailers with the insight and best practices they need to take advantage of this digital disruption, and best address today’s consumer expectations of immediacy.”

JDA joins IBM and CN Supply Chain Solutions as a strategic partner of RILA’s Supply Chain Leaders Council beginning in January 2018.

About RILA:

RILA is the trade association of the world’s largest and most innovative retail companies. RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.

About JDA Software:

JDA Software is the leading provider of seamless supply chain planning and execution solutions for retailers, manufacturers, logistics providers and wholesale distributors.  Our unmatched solution portfolio enables our clients to reduce costs, increase profitability and improve visibility so they can deliver on customer promises every time. More than 4,000 global customers run JDA, including 72 of the top 100 retailers, 71 of the top 100 consumer goods companies, and 13 of the top 16 3PLs. With JDA, you can plan to deliver. www.jda.com

# # #

Christin Fernandez
Vice President, Communications
Phone: 703-600-2039
Email: christin.fernandez@rila.org

SOURCE:  Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA)

NGA announces key staff promotions and new additions to its team

ARLINGTON, Va., 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (Jan 8, 2018), the National Grocers Association (NGA), the national trade association representing the independent supermarket industry, announced key staff promotions and new additions to its team that will help the organization expand its member benefits and advocate policies to better serve America’s independent grocers.

“The grocery business is changing faster than ever and we’re devoting significantly more resources to ensure independent supermarket operators thrive in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Peter J. Larkin, president and CEO of NGA. “I’m pleased to announce the promotion of eight staff members and the addition of three new members to our team whose valuable experience will help advance our work throughout the supermarket industry and on Capitol Hill.”

Key promotions and personnel changes include the following:

  • Greg Ferrara has been named Executive Vice President of Advocacy, Public Relations, and Member Services. Ferrara will continue in his role supervising the government relations and communications and marketing department, in addition to overseeing the member services department.
  • Matthew R. Ott has been named NGA Executive Vice President and COO and Executive Director of the NGA Foundation. In addition to his role as Executive Vice President and COO at NGA, Ott will have an expanded role in leading the NGA Foundation and continue to oversee the association’s business development, technology initiatives, office administration.​
  • Adrian Rios has been promoted to Manager of Accounting and Information Technology. Rios will continue managing the association’s account receivables and take on the day-to-day information technology responsibilities.​
  • Annie Stoltenberg has been promoted to Manager of Marketing and Web Content. Stoltenberg will manage the association’s marketing efforts to increase awareness and engagement for NGA and NGA Foundation programs and events.​​
  • Channing Pejic has joined NGA as Coordinator of Political and Legislative Affairs. Pejic will manage the association’s political action committee and grassroots advocacy efforts.​​
  • Kevin Liao has been promoted to Manager of Executive Offices and Programs. Liao will manage the association’s share group program and serve as a liaison to the board of directors, in addition to administration for the executive offices.​
  • Maggie White has joined the NGA Foundation as Manager of Donor Relations and Development. White will manage the NGA Foundation’s fundraising efforts, as well as the organization’s student programs and university coalition.​
  • Matt Foley has been promoted to Director of Government Relations. Foley will lead the association’s advocacy efforts around a portfolio of issues, including labor relations, data security, and judiciary matters.​
  • Matt Klein has been promoted to Senior Director of Operations and Finance. Klein will oversee the association’s day-to-day finances, information technology, and human resources.​
  • Sarah Tillman Reeves has joined NGA as Membership Services Administrator. Reeves will serve as a liaison between the association’s members and internal departments, as well as support membership outreach efforts.​
  • Su Li has been promoted to Manager of Accounting and Administration. Li will continue managing the association’s account payables, as well as taking on day-to-day administrative responsibilities.​
  • Travis Van Horn has been promoted to Manager of Communications and Media Relations. Van Horn will manage strategic communications efforts to elevate NGA’s voice in the news media and position the association as a thought leader.

###

Additional Media Resources:

  • For staff headshots, click HERE.

SOURCE: National Grocers Association

MEDIA CONTACT
communications@nationalgrocers.org

Whole Foods Market announces the appointment of Nicole Wescoe as president, Northeast region

Whole Foods Market announces the appointment of Nicole Wescoe as president, Northeast region

24-year company veteran to oversee 41 stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market is pleased to announce that Nicole Wescoe has been named president of the company’s Northeast region.

In her new role, Nicole will oversee 41 stores located across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut in addition to the East Coast’s first Whole Foods Market 365 store, opening in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood in January, and a new Whole Foods Market in Bridgewater, N.J. opening in March.

“I am beyond excited to return to the Northeast to lead the region in partnership with our accomplished team,” said Wescoe. “The Northeast is a Whole Foods Market leader when it comes to operations and culinary innovation and the opportunity to build on that existing strength and elevate the customer experience in our stores is incredibly inspiring.”

With 24 years of experience at the company, Wescoe worked her way up from a team leader in the bakery, specialty and grocery departments at stores in the Mid-Atlantic region to associate store team leader and store team leader before relocating to the Northeast, where she spent six years as regional vice president. She returned to the Mid-Atlantic region in 2013 where she most recently served as regional vice president, overseeing 15 new stores, four relocations and 10 renovations during her leadership tenure in the two regions.

“Nicole is a strong leader with a deep passion for food and retail and proven track record of operational excellence, so I’m thrilled to welcome her back to the Northeast as she leads the region to an exciting new future,” said Christina Minardi, executive vice president of operations at Whole Foods Market.

Nicole is an avid food and cooking enthusiast and her volunteer work with the Adopt a Goat program inspired a personal interest in goat farming. She is based at the Whole Foods Market Northeast office in Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market

MEDIA CONTACT
NEmedia@wholefoods.com 

Whole Foods Market opens new distribution center in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side

Centrally located hub improves distribution in a new, larger facility

CHICAGO, IL, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market today joins Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to open a new 140,000 square foot distribution center in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. The new distribution center allows the natural and organic grocer to better serve its 26 Chicagoland locations as well as an additional 34 locations across the Midwest and Eastern Canada.

“The Pullman neighborhood is an ideal location for our new distribution center. The proximity to major transportation and other business needs will help us to better serve our customers and support our stores in the Midwest and Ontario,” said Whole Foods Market Midwest Regional President, Michael Bashaw. “We are now closer to the majority of our stores, shortening delivery time, and, in the long term, we have plenty of additional space for expansion to support growth.”

Sitting on 16.5 acres in the historic Pullman neighborhood, the new distribution center features a fresh salad bar, outdoor grilling space and patio, and an equipped exercise room for Team Members to enjoy. The facility employs 100 Team Members, who moved from the company’s previous 5-acre facility in Munster, Indiana.

The newly-designed facility also features environmental improvements. Approximately 20 percent more electrically efficient, the new Whole Foods Market distribution center saves more than 1.3 million kilowatts per year and more than $150,000 annually due to measures such as natural refrigerants, occupancy light sensors, high-efficiency interior and exterior lighting, thermosiphon oil cooling, and redistribution of refrigeration waste to heat floors.

With increased access to major transportation arteries, the new distribution center allows Whole Foods Market stores to replenish products faster, ensuring shoppers’ favorite foods are always available. The facility is expected to move an average of 200,000 cases each week to Whole Foods Market locations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa, and the Canadian province of Ontario.

“Whole Foods’ decision to move its Midwest distribution center to Chicago is a vote of confidence in the city and another sign of the economic renaissance underway in the historic Pullman community,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The new distribution center, coming on the heels of new Whole Foods Markets in Englewood and Hyde Park, is bringing more investment and opportunity to Chicago communities.”

Originally one of the sites for the production and assembly of Pullman Railway Cars in the late 1800s, the Whole Foods Market distribution center joins two of its trusted suppliers, Method and Gotham Greens, in the dynamically changing neighborhood. In 2015, the U.S. Park Service designated the community as a National Monument for its historic affiliation with industry, land use planning, and workers’ rights.

“The community has a strong dedication to its rich history, yet has a forward-thinking vision for its future. We’re incredibly proud to be part of the revitalization happening in Pullman,” adds Bashaw.

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market

MEDIA CONTACT
MWmedia@wholefoods.com

AHOLD DELHAIZE SHARE BUYBACK UPDATE: 1,799,547 COMMON SHARES REPURCHASED IN THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 2, 2017 UP TO AND INCLUDING JANUARY 5, 2017

Zaandam, the Netherlands, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ahold Delhaize has repurchased 1,799,547 of Ahold Delhaize common shares in the period from January 2, 2018 up to and including January 5, 2018. The shares were repurchased at an average price of €18.41 per share for a total consideration of €33.1 million. These repurchases were made as part of the €2 billion share buyback program announced on November 8, 2017.

The total number of shares repurchased under this program to date is 1,799,547 common shares for a total consideration of €33.1 million.

Download the share buyback transactions excel sheet for detailed individual transaction information under “Files to download” (on the right).

This press release is issued in connection with the disclosure and reporting obligation set out in Article 2(2) of the EU Regulation that contains technical standards for buyback programs.

Visit www.aholddelhaize.com/en/investors/share-information/share-buy-back-programs/ for a complete overview of all Ahold Delhaize share buyback programs.

SOURCE: Ahold Delhaize

MEDIA CONTACT

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

ShopRite rolls out “Fuel Better” campaign to help customers discover better-for-you energy-rich foods and drinks

Customers looking to boost their energy, lose weight and eat healthier in the new year can discover new foods, recipes and ideas with the help of ShopRite’s dietitians 

Keasbey, New Jersey, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shoppers looking for foods to help boost their energy in the new year have a valuable resource at their local ShopRite. The supermarket announced today that it has launched “Fuel Better,” a new campaign that provides customers with product and meal suggestions to help increase their energy levels throughout the day.

“Our customers tell us that they want to start the new year off by resolving to eat healthier, lose weight and feel more energetic, and we’re confident that our ‘Fuel Better’ campaign will help them achieve this,” says Natalie Menza-Crowe, RD, MS, director of Health and Wellness at ShopRite.

“Fuel Better,” which runs through the end of February, is the latest entry in ShopRite’s Well Everyday messaging program, a health and wellness-focused initiative launched last year as part of ShopRite’s commitment to providing free health and wellness services, inspiration and education to customers.

“We launched the ‘Fuel Better’ program to give our customers an easy and fun way to create small, achievable wellness goals – such as eating for energy – that can be sustained over the long term. It’s our way of showing customers that by enjoying a healthy balance of foods such as lean proteins, whole grain carbohydrates and heart-healthy fats, they can feel better and have more energy during the day,” says Menza-Crowe.

As part of the “Fuel Better” campaign, shoppers will have the opportunity to sample and discover better-for-you energy-rich foods and drinks while in the store. Shoppers can also receive free nutrition advice from the supermarket’s team of dietitians, who’ll be providing personalized suggestions on everything from fatigue-fighting snack choices to energy-boosting meal choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, shoppers can visit ShopRite.com to access recipes featured in the campaign.

“Everyone wants to wake up in the morning feeling energized and ready to take on the day,” says Menza-Crowe. “With Fuel Better, we’re providing our shoppers with ideas, product suggestions and recipes that will help give them the healthy energy they need to feel great.”

As part of the eight-week campaign, shoppers can pick up a free “Fuel Better” recipe brochure at the office of their local in-store ShopRite dietitian (also available as a download on www.shoprite.com). The brochure includes ideas for energy-boosting foods such as Cheesy Stuffed Pepper Bowls, Walnut-Herb Chicken Roulade, and desserts such as Almond Butter Blondies and Sweet Potato Dessert Ravioli.

To see a complete list of events that ShopRite’s team of Registered Dietitians will be hosting in celebration of the “Fuel Better” campaign, visit ShopRite.com/health-events.

In addition to in-store events, the “Fuel Better” campaign features colorful signage throughout the store, directing consumers to energy-rich foods in the produce, seafood and center-store aisles. “Fuel Better” messaging will also appear on the supermarket’s website, social media channels, and in weekly circulars.

About ShopRite:
ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, NJ, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With more than 270 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than six million customers each week. Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Since the program began in 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated $43 million to food banks that support more than 2,100 worthy charities. As a title sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, ShopRite has donated $30 million to local organizations, hospitals and community groups. For more information, please visit www.shoprite.com.

SOURCE: ShopRite

PR Contacts
Karen O’Shea
Communications Specialist
Email: karen.oshea@wakefern.com

Maureen Gillespie
Manager
Email: maureen.gillespie@wakefern.com
Phone: 732-906-5295

7‑Eleven® expands its 7-Select GO!Smart private brand line with four 100% Fruit and Vegetable Juice Blends

7‑Eleven® expands its 7-Select GO!Smart private brand line with four 100% Fruit and Vegetable Juice Blends

IRVING, TEXAS, 2018-Jan-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — 7‑Eleven® stores are carrying a new line of proprietary juices that rival those prepared fresh in free-standing, high-end juice bars. The new organic, cold-pressed juices are part of the retailer’s 7-Select GO!Smart private brand line of premium better-for-you snacks and beverages.

The 7-Select GO!Smart juices come in four varieties:

  • Clean & Green – Kale, cucumber, apple, spinach, mint, celery, lime, parsley
  • Tropical Glow – Pineapple, orange, banana, apple, mango, passionfruit, coconut water
  • Berry & Bright™ – Tart cherry, carrot, blackberry, pomegranate, bilberry, cranberry, acai
  • Restoration Red™ – Tomato, tart cherry, beet, strawberry, apple, lime

Each variety is USDA-certified organic, made from whole fruits and vegetables. A special promotional retail price for the launch is two for $4 at participating stores for a limited time. The everyday suggested retail price is $2.99 for a 14-ounce bottle, less than the cost of premium national brand juices. The juices will be sold chilled in the refrigerated section.

“When you compare this new line of 7-Select GO! Smart cold-pressed juices head-to-head with nationally recognized premium juice brands, well, there is no comparison,” said Tim Cogil, 7‑Eleven director of new product development. “Ours are organic and cold-pressed, without additives and not from concentrate. Typically, this level of quality is only found at juice and smoothie restaurants.”

While some independent juice bars and premium juice companies can boast their juices are organic or cold-pressed, most can’t make both claims. 7‑Eleven can make them … and several more. The new line of premium 7-Select GO!Smart juices are:

  • USDA-certified organic
  • Cold-pressed certified fair trade
  • Non-GMO Project verified
  • 100 percent fruit juice blend or vegetable and fruit juice blend
  • Gluten-free
  • Vegan
  • No additives
  • Not from concentrate
  • Fewer calories
  • No added sugar
  • Glass bottle, not plastic
  • Shelf-stable

In addition to complete nutritional information, the back of the bottle includes a fruit-to-vegetable taste meter for each flavor and even how much of each individual ingredient it takes to make one 14-ounce bottle. For instance, one bottle of Clean & Green contains 25 kale leaves, one parsley bunch, 12 celery stalks, three cucumbers, two green apples, 13 mint leaves, 15 spinach leaves and one lime.

Cold-pressed juices are made using a hydraulic press to extract juice from fruits and vegetables.

While overall juice sales increased more than 4 percent over last year, sales of super premium juices rose at double the rate as people look for healthier and more nutritionally dense beverages. For many, particularly millennial females, premium juices offer an easy way to boost consumption of fruits and vegetables.

7‑Eleven also offers a line of organic juices (orange, apple, cranberry blend, lemonade and more) sold under the 7-Select brand.

To satisfy consumer requests for variety in both indulgent and better-for-you products, 7‑Eleven added the 7-Select GO!Smart and 7-Select GO!Yum™ premium lines to its 7-Select® assortment in 2015.

7-Select GO!Smart items are designed with nutritional balance as a priority for those looking for better-tasting, better-for-you options while on the go. Many are gluten-free, GMO-free and use organic sweeteners like agave and brown rice syrups, which have a lower glycemic index. All have nutritional information prominently posted on packaging to help consumers make the best choice for themselves.

7-Select GO!Yum products include an indulgent assortment of savory and sweet snacks with a level of quality more likely found at a specialty store than in a convenience store. Each product is made with premium ingredients, curated for imaginative taste combinations and an out-of-the-ordinary sensory experience.

“Whenever the private brand team creates a new item, our goal is to use only the highest quality ingredients and unique flavor combinations you can’t find anywhere else,” Cogil said. “We want customers to love it so much that they come back to 7‑Eleven because they can’t find anything like it anywhere else. Our private brands set us apart from the competition.”

Today, the 7-Select private brand product lineup includes hundreds of items across all categories.

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 64,000 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 FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

SOURCE: 7‑Eleven Inc.

Contact:

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