Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

CarMax celebrates the opening of its first store in Maine located in South Portland

RICHMOND, Virginia, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax, Inc . (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars , today (January 24, 2018) celebrated the grand opening of its first store in Maine, located at 415 Maine Mall Road in South Portland. With the opening of this store, CarMax now has a total of 186 stores across 40 states nationwide. The South Portland location has the capacity to stock approximately 200 used vehicles of nearly every make and model and CarMax customers can also request transfers of almost any vehicle to this store from other CarMax locations throughout the country.

In celebration of the South Portland store opening, CarMax and The CarMax Foundation awarded $7,500 in donations and grants to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine’s South Portland Clubhouse. Support for this organization came at the recommendation of the South Portland CarMax associates.

CarMax is also donating an Imagination Playground valued at more than $15,000 to the Bayside Learning Community, through its partnership with KaBOOM! to make play more accessible to children and families. Imagination Playgrounds are innovative, loose-parts playgrounds that engage kids in creative play that is physically challenging and collaborative.

“Our team enjoyed volunteering at the South Portland Clubhouse recently and we see these opportunities as the first of many to give back to the local community,” said Michelle Hillebrandt, location general manager of the South Portland CarMax. “We’re thrilled to open our first store in Maine and serve customers here with a car buying experience that’s simple, honest and hassle-free.”

CarMax disrupted the industry more than 20 years ago by offering a high integrity car-buying experience customers want that’s transparent and stress-free. Since that time, CarMax has continued to revolutionize the experience through customer-focused technology innovations. Approximately 90% of CarMax purchasers start on CarMax.com or the CarMax mobile app . Customers can browse CarMax’s nationwide inventory of nearly 50,000 vehicles, hold a vehicle for a test drive, schedule an appraisal , and even get pre-qualified for financing before visiting the store. CarMax stands behind their vehicles with a 5-Day Money-Back Guarantee and a 30-Day Limited Warranty (60-Day in CT, MN & RI, 90-Day in MA, NY and NJ).

About CarMax

CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and operates more than 185 stores in 40 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For more than 20 years, CarMax has made car buying more ethical, fair and stress-free by offering a no-haggle, no-hassle experience and an incredible selection of vehicles. CarMax makes selling your car easy too, by offering no-obligation appraisals good for seven days. At CarMax, we’ll buy your car even if you don’t buy ours®. CarMax has more than 24,000 associates nationwide and for 13 consecutive years has been named as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. During the 12 months ending February 28, 2017, the company retailed 671,294 used cars and sold 391,686 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com .

Media Contact:

Lindsey Duke
CarMax Public Relations
(855) 887-2915
pr@carmax.com

@CarMax

facebook.com/CarMax

Source: CarMax, Inc .

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Alshaya restaurants wins 18 awards at Kuwait’s leading food and beverage competition HORECA Awards

: Alshaya restaurants wins 18 awards at Kuwait’s leading food and beverage competition HORECA Awards

Kuwait, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Restaurants operated by M.H. Alshaya Co. – including Asha’s, Dean & Deluca, IHOP and Bouchon Bakery – helped themselves to 18 awards at Kuwait’s leading food and beverage competition, Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Awards (HORECA), last week.

Asha’s signature flair won them one gold, two silver and five bronze medals in the Asian and Mystery Basket categories, while first-time entrants IHOP won a gold medal in fresh pasta category. Dean & Deluca collected silver in the traditional Kuwaiti dish category, along with four bronze medals. Presenting an array of freshly baked goods, first-time participants Bouchon Bakery won four bronze medals in various categories, including bread creation, morning goods, best eclairs and themed celebration cake.

In all, more than 300 chefs from some of Kuwait’s best-known restaurants participated across 17 categories. They were judged by a jury comprising 12 international cooking experts, including Head of the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS) Chef Thomas Gugler, former Le Notre’s head chef Samaan Hilal (the head of the largest culinary and restaurants advisory company in the region), TV cooking show presenter Chef Maroun Chedid, and the ambassador of the French Academy in the Middle East, Chef Charles Azar.

“The awards are a testimony to our teams’ passion and commitment to culinary excellence, and their dedication to providing a memorable dining experience to our guests,” said Ian Toal, President of Alshaya’s Food Division. “Awards like these are also testimony to our commitment to promoting the advancement of the culinary arts and the development of culinary professionals in the industry.”

If you are a journalist and want some information about Alshaya or one of our brands, please contact our Corporate Communications team:

+965 2224 2475
+965 2224 3626
communications@alshaya.com

Source: Alshaya Co.

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Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

CBRE named to the 2018 America’s Best Employers For Diversity list by Forbes

Los Angeles, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) has been named to the 2018 America’s Best Employers For Diversity list by Forbes. The company earned a #45 ranking on the list of 250 organizations and is the only commercial real estate company to receive this honor.

The Forbes ranking is the result of employee responses to surveys that asked about diversity, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and disability. Other factors considered were the gender split of management teams and boards, and the company’s proactive communication about diversity.

“CBRE prides itself on creating a work environment that supports all of our employees and values the differences of each individual,” said Bobby Griffin, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Americas at CBRE. “We are honored to be named to this list and we will continue our efforts to celebrate the unique qualities that our employees bring to our company.”

Forbes and the research firm Statista surveyed 30,000 U.S. employees in companies that have at least 1,000 employees.

Click here to review the full list on forbes.com.

In December 2017, FORTUNE magazine also named CBRE one of the best U.S. workplaces for diversity.

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

Media Contacts:

Robert McGrath
Senior Director
+1 212 9848267

Source: CBRE

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

CBRE appoints Brian Harringon and Brennan McReynolds to leadership positions for CBRE 360

Los Angeles, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE has appointed Brian Harringon and Brennan McReynolds to leadership positions for CBRE 360, the company’s new capability focused on delivering enhanced employee experiences in the workplace. Mr. Harrington will be Chief Product Office for CBRE 360 while Mr. McReynolds will serve as Senior Vice President, Business Development & Operations for CBRE 360.

“Brian and Brennan have a track record of helping organizations to develop user-focused solutions that meet clients’ needs,” said Andrew Kupiec, Global President – CBRE 360. “Combining their consumer expertise with CBRE’s leadership in workplace solutions and building management will accelerate our ability to guide clients through the radically changing world of work.”

CBRE 360 helps property investors and occupiers create customized workplace solutions by integrating property services and amenities with advanced digital technologies. The capability leverages CBRE’s market-leading strengths in workplace strategy and occupancy planning, design and build-out, and property and facilities management, with its growing technology capabilities.

Mr. Harrington is a senior marketing and product executive with experience in early-stage, high-growth and global service organizations including both public and private companies. Most recently he was the inaugural entrepreneur in residence for the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and earlier Chief Marketing Officer for Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing service. In this global role he oversaw all brand experience, member acquisition and engagement, public relations, policy and partnership efforts.

Mr. McReynolds was most recently Chief Operating Officer at Event Farm, a B2B marketing technology platform, where he oversaw operations, finance and experiential technology. As one of Event Farm’s initial hires in 2011, he was instrumental in the shift to a SaaS based business model, securing venture funding and the overall growth of the company. During the 2016 Summer Olympics, in Rio, he spent 30 days on the ground lead the technology platform that enabled Nike’s athlete and VIP brand experience during the games.

CBRE 360 builds on the company’s industry-leading expertise in workplace solutions and its management of more than 5 billion sq. ft. of space for premier corporations and property investors worldwide. It also leverages CBRE’s considerable experience with its own Workplace360 (free-address, tech-enabled, collaboration-enhancing offices) initiative, which has driven higher employee engagement and efficiency gains at more than 60 CBRE global offices since its launch in 2013.

Media Contacts:

Robert McGrath
Senior Director
+1 212 9848267

Source: CBRE

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

7‑Eleven closes the acquisition of 1,030 Sunoco convenience stores

Store count grows to 9,700 in the U.S. and Canada

IRVING, TEXAS, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — 7‑Eleven, Inc., the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry, today (Jan. 23, 2017) announced that it has closed on the acquisition of approximately 1,030 Sunoco convenience stores located in 17 states. This acquisition is the largest in 7‑Eleven, Inc. history and will bring the total number of stores to approximately 9,700 in the U.S. and Canada.

“Part of what makes brand 7‑Eleven so iconic is our global presence and our continued growth,” said Joe DePinto, 7‑Eleven President and Chief Executive Officer. “The acquisition of over 1,000 Sunoco stores supports our accelerated growth strategy, and we look forward to serving these great new customers.”

The APlus, Laredo Taco, Ladson Grill and Stripes brands will continue to serve customers as the acquisition is completed.

Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd., the parent company of 7‑Eleven, Inc., operates more than 65,000 stores in 18 countries globally.

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 65,000 stores in 18 countries, including 11,600 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.

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Whole Foods Market 365 opens in the heart of Brooklyn in Fort Greene

: Whole Foods Market 365 opens in the heart of Brooklyn in Fort Greene

New Store Features Convenient, Quality-Meets-Value Experience and Innovative Culinary Partnerships

NEW YORK, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The first Whole Foods Market 365 location on the East Coast and the seventh in the country opens Wednesday, January 31 at 9 a.m. in Brooklyn at 292 Ashland Place. This 30,000 square foot space is located in the 300 Ashland building, just steps away from Atlantic Terminal and Barclays Center.

This Whole Foods Market 365 takes the “neighborhood grocery store” concept to the next level by focusing on value, convenience and unique retail innovations while keeping Whole Foods Market’s strict quality standards. The store will offer high-quality products free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and high-fructose corn syrup.

“We’re very excited to bring Whole Foods Market 365’s easy, everyday shopping experience to the heart of Brooklyn in Fort Greene,” said Jeff Turnas, president of Whole Foods Market 365. “Whether you’re meeting a friend for a burger and shake, grabbing coffee along your commute, or looking for high-quality bargains to stock up the pantry at home, we will have something for everyone. Our first East Coast store is a great example of how the 365 brand continues to innovate and evolve the shopping experience.”

Whole Foods Market 365 Fort Greene is also a convenient neighborhood dining destination full of healthy and on-trend options through the Friends of 365 program. The café level will feature a collection of four distinct venues with ample seating for customers who want to hang out and dine in.

Regular store hours are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., while the café level will open earlier at 7 a.m. for breakfast and coffee options.

Exciting Features & Flavors

Next Level Burger: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. America’s first 100 percent plant-based burger joint offers modern twists on the classics, such as stacked burgers, fries and hand-spun shakes. All of Next Level Burger’s delicious ingredients are sustainably-sourced, organic, non-GMO and vegan.

Orwashers Bakery & Coffee Bar: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. This 102-year-old New York City institution will have an artisanal bakery café offering hand-crafted breads, pastries, sandwiches and salads, along with a full coffee bar.

Juice Press: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Juice Press will have a wide variety of fresh and organic grab-and-go health food, from custom smoothies to meals and snacks. Their nutrient-dense offerings are all organic, vegan and certified kosher.

POURiT Authority: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Whole Foods Market 365’s first self-serve beer, cider and wine venue is convenience at its best (aka the ‘get it your d*mn self’ model). Guests utilize reloadable electronic cards and digital screens to pour their own drinks directly from the dozen rotating taps, which means sampling is encouraged! Look for Brooklyn-brewed beers from Threes Brewing, Other Half Brewing Company, and more.

Fresh meat & seafood: Look for our “Butcher’s Cut” specialty cuts, prepared in house daily, along with value packs of affordable household favorites. Fresh, ready-to-cook marinated meat and seafood like chimichurri steak and lemon thyme salmon makes delicious weeknight meals a breeze.

Antipasto bar: An eclectic selection of olives, roasted garlic, tapenades, pickled and marinated artichokes, beets and cauliflower sold by the pound.

Specialty cheeses: Planning a party? Stop by the specialty cheese department for a hand-picked selection of nearly 30 artisanal cheeses, from Parrano and Pavino to Seaside and Vermont Creamery’s Minimont, made exclusively for Whole Foods Market 365 stores.

Grab-and-go: Build-your-own salad and meals at hot and cold bars with fresh ingredients. Shoppers can pick up ready-made wraps, sushi by Kikka, New Jersey bakery-style pizza by the slice, sandwiches, pastas, breakfast tacos, plus crowd-pleasing favorites like cakes, pies, fruit and veggie trays. Customers can even use our in-store Pizza Phone to order up an entire square pie that is baked while you shop.

Fresh baked goods: Pick up baked goods by local favorites Orwashers, Hot Bread Kitchen and Roberta’s, and choose from a selection of cookies, pastries and hearth breads. Plus, a bulk cookie bar will offer cookies by the pound.

“Flash Finds”: New, seasonal or unique offerings available for a limited time. Flash Finds for opening week include Siete grain-free tortilla chips, Unreal chocolates and Happy Baby organic baby food.

Wide beer selection with pairing kiosk: Scan beer for food pairing ideas, ratings, user reviews and recommendations. The beer section has over 100 craft, domestic and imported beers, including local Brooklyn favorites like Coney Island Brewing Company, Brooklyn Brewery and Sixpoint Brewery.

Opening Day Celebration

The first 100 customers in line will receive a Whole Foods Market 365 gift card ranging in value from $5 to $365. Doors open at 9 a.m. and our grand opening celebration will have plentiful coffee, snacks and swag from Whole Foods Market 365 and our three Friends partners.

Community Giving Day

On opening day, the store will host a “5 Percent Day” where 5 percent of the store’s net sales will be donated to the Fort Greene Park Conservancy.

For more, visit the Whole Foods Market 365 website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and follow Whole Foods Market NYC on Instagram.

For media inquiries, or to schedule a media tour before or on opening day, please email NEMedia@wholefoods.com.

Source: Whole Foods Market

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Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Barnes & Noble launches an enhanced and more user-friendly self-publishing platform

Barnes & Noble Press Is a New, More User-friendly Redesign of the Popular NOOK Press®
Barnes & Noble Press Lets Anyone Publish eBooks and Print Books for Purchase on BN.com and NOOK

New York, NY, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the world’s largest retail bookseller, today ( January 24, 2018) announced the launch of Barnes & Noble Press, an enhanced and more user-friendly version of Barnes & Noble’s self-publishing platform that makes it easy to publish eBooks or print books in one integrated platform. The redesigned site replaces the formerly-named NOOK Press.

The new Barnes & Noble Press enhances the self-publishing experience in many ways, including increased royalty rates for eBooks priced at $10.00 and above, as well as additional trim size options for print books. Barnes and Noble Press also continues to give qualified authors the opportunity to apply for signings and events at Barnes & Noble bookstores, as well as giving select authors the opportunity to sell their books in stores.

“Barnes & Noble has helped authors of all kinds publish hundreds of thousands of titles on its self-publishing platform, giving them a chance to reach a national readership,” said Fred Argir, Chief Digital Officer at Barnes & Noble. “Now, we’re thrilled to announce Barnes & Noble Press, which combines eBooks and print into one easy-to-use platform, as well as offering new features and tools for both the established author and the hobbyist.”

Barnes & Noble Press has a number of exciting new features, including:

Improved user experience and new visual design
Sign in to a single website to create and manage print and eBooks all in one place
Increased royalty rate of 65 for eBooks priced $10.00+
Additional print book trim sizes, glossy cover and color printing options
12 month pre-order capability for all authors for all eBooks
Author tools & tips

Barnes & Noble Press has received favorable early reviews from some of the platform’s bestselling self-published authors.

“I appreciate the simplicity of the Barnes & Noble Press formatting and uploading process,” said Marie Force, a New York Times bestselling author using Barnes & Noble Press. “The platform is great. It’s very clear, it’s easy to use, and I love publishing straight to NOOK readers so they can get my new book the minute it comes out.”

Current users of NOOK Press will be transferred automatically onto the new Barnes & Noble Press platform and their books will continue to be available for NOOK readers. Barnes & Noble Press remains committed to serving the self-publishing community by helping authors reach millions of readers, offering programs to help drive awareness and book sales, and providing high quality print-on-demand options so that anyone can create paperback or hardcover books for friends & family, business, fans, prospective readers and reviewers, and personal use.

To learn more about Barnes & Noble Press and keep up to date on new features, please visit http://press.barnesandnoble.com.

About Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is the world’s largest retail bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products. The Company operates 632 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com). The Nook Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK® tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4.5 million digital books in the US (www.nook.com), plus periodicals and comics, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps™ available for Android™, iOS® and Windows®.

General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained by visiting the Company’s corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com.

Barnes & Noble®, Barnes & Noble Booksellers® and Barnes & Noble.com® are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. or its affiliates. NOOK® and the NOOK logos are trademarks of Nook Digital, LLC or its affiliates.

For more information on Barnes & Noble, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat (bnsnaps), and like us on Facebook. For more information on NOOK, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

All Contacts:
Mary Ellen Keating
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3323
mkeating@bn.com

Alex Ortolani
Director, Corporate Communications
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(212) 633-3379
aortolani@bn.com

Source: Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

CVS Health brings its safe medication disposal program to South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C., 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) announced today (January 23, 2018) that the company has expanded its safe medication disposal program to locations inside select CVS Pharmacy locations in South Carolina to help facilitate proper and timely disposal of opioids and other medications that could be diverted or misused if left in people’s homes. Attorney General Alan Wilson, State Representative Chip Huggins and Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green attended the launch of the program at a Lexington CVS Pharmacy location.

“With a presence in nearly 10,000 communities across the country, we see firsthand the impact of the alarming and rapidly growing epidemic of opioid addiction and misuse,” said Thomas M. Moriarty, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, and General Counsel, CVS Health. “Expanding our safe medication disposal efforts here in South Carolina is an extension of the initiatives in place across our company to fight the opioid abuse epidemic and fulfill our purpose of helping people on their path to better health.”

The 22 new medication disposal units that will be installed inside CVS Pharmacy locations in South Carolina will supplement the nearly 24 units CVS Health has donated to police and sheriff departments across the state. Nationwide, the company has donated more than 800 units to police departments, collecting more than 125 metric tons, or 270,000 pounds of unwanted medication.

“We know that opioids and other dangerous drugs often end up in the wrong hands after being taken out of parents’ and grandparents’ medicine cabinets,” said Attorney General Wilson. “We appreciate CVS’s efforts to help fight the opioid epidemic by giving people a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted medications.”

“Prescription drug abuse is a major public health epidemic in our state,” said State Representative Chip Huggins, who is a member of the House Opioid Abuse Prevention Study Committee. “Programs like the one CVS Health is announcing today are integral in helping to avoid the diversion of unused prescription medicines, which can help reduce and prevent their misuse.”

The expansion of safe medication disposal to a total of 750 CVS Pharmacy locations across the U.S. was included among the enhancements to the company’s strategy to address and prevent opioid abuse announced in September 2017. As part of that effort, the company also said it would enhance opioid utilization management aligned with the CDC Guideline for CVS Caremark clients and members, complementing measures already in place. This work builds on ongoing programs the company operates including the Pharmacists Teach program, which brings CVS Pharmacists to local schools to talk to teens and parents about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs. More than 300,000 teens nationally including more than 4,000 in South Carolina have already participated in the program. CVS Health has also worked to expand access to the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone in 46 states, including South Carolina.

“We see the impact that opioid abuse has on our community every day,” said Terrence Green, Chief of Police of the Lexington Police Department. “We commend CVS Health for this important step in helping combat the opioid epidemic by making it easier for this community and others throughout the state to dispose of their unused medicines.”

The 22 new medication disposal units are being installed over the next several weeks at the following CVS Pharmacy locations:

Anderson	Greenville	North Charleston
2814 North Main St.	718 Mills Ave.	5215 Ashley Phosphate Rd.
	3218 West Blue Ridge Dr.
Bishopville	2401 East North St.	Rock Hill
523 South Main St.		2707 Celanese Rd.
	Greer
Charleston	2446 Hudson Rd.	Simpsonville
65 Sycamore Ave.		698 Fairview Rd.
	Inman
Cheraw	11211 Asheville Hwy.	Spartanburg
901 Market St.		2397 Reidville Rd.
	Irmo
Columbia	1008 Lake Murray Blvd.	Summerville
2571 Forest Dr.		301 North Main St.
4711-5 Forest Dr.	Lexington
	5608 Sunset Blvd.	Winnsboro
Florence		27 US Hwy 321 Byp. South
733 South Irby St.	Myrtle Beach
3210 East Palmetto St	1303 38th Ave. North

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,700 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contact:
Erin Shields Britt
Corporate Communications
(401) 770-9237
Erin.Britt@CVSHealth.com

SOURCE: CVS Health

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Kroger announces its partnership with ReFED to help accelerate its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision

Food waste-focused nonprofit to aid in development of operational framework

CINCINNATI, 2018-Jan-26 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and The Kroger Co. Foundation today (Jan. 23, 2018) announced its partnership with ReFED, a multistakeholder nonprofit organization committed to reducing food waste in the U.S., while on stage at the Third Annual Food Rescue Summit hosted by Feeding America in Washington, D.C.

“When we shared our bold Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative in September, we emphasized our plans to establish a $10 million Innovation Fund within The Kroger Co. Foundation to address hunger, food waste and the paradoxical relationship between the two,” said Jessica Adelman, Kroger’s group vice president of corporate affairs. “Our newly-formed relationship with ReFED will challenge us to create the best strategy, structure and program to invest the funds in the most innovative solutions that will help end hunger in the communities we call home and eliminate waste in our company by 2025.”

There is a fundamental absurdity in the food system: 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. goes to waste, yet 1 in 8 Americans struggles with hunger. Kroger believes it can address this absurdity because it has tremendous scale – the physical assets, the technology, the resources, the people and the passion – combined with local connections to its communities to tackle this challenge.

Kroger’s partnership with ReFED will help accelerate the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision. ReFED works with businesses, investors, innovators and policymakers to move the food system from acting on instinct to insights to solve the national food waste problem. The leaders at ReFED have deep knowledge and experience in food waste innovation, scaling solutions, and the philanthropic and impact investment sectors. ReFED has an innovator database with more than 400 food waste solutions providers, and the system closely tracks where investments are being made.

“Philanthropic capital is needed to foster innovation in ways that other sources of capital cannot; to target and scale solutions lacking a market-rate application, develop capacity for market-based solutions, and seed pilot projects, proofs of concept, and other market-building activities,” said Chris Cochran, ReFED’s executive director. “We’re excited to work alongside Kroger and The Kroger Co. Foundation – a true leader in bringing together capital and innovation to eliminate food waste.”

“At Kroger, our Purpose is to Feed the Human Spirit™, and it comes to life through Zero Hunger | Zero Waste,” Ms. Adelman added. “A company’s purpose and social impact matter now more than ever. Our Innovation Fund gives us a platform to work with food waste industry leaders and seek input from other partners and stakeholders to maximize its impact. We look forward to crowdsourcing ideas, funding prototypes and pilots, and bringing solutions that work to scale to transform our communities.”

Kroger continues its inaugural work with long-standing partners Feeding America and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to accelerate progress toward achieving its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision.

Follow the journey and join the conversation at thekrogerco.com and #ZeroHungerZeroWaste.

About ReFED
ReFED is a multistakeholder nonprofit committed to reducing the $218 billion of food waste in the United States. ReFED works with businesses, investors, innovators, and policymakers throughout the food system to implement solutions, envisioning a future where combatting food waste is a core driver of business profits, job creation, hunger relief, and environmental protection. For more about ReFED’s work, visit www.refed.com.

About Kroger
At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

Posted on January 25, 2018 by EPR Retail News Editors

Macy’s continues its commitment to help prevent heart disease in women with limited-edition merchandise to benefit Go Red For Women

Macy’s honors American Heart Month throughout February, offering special products in stores and online to benefit American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women; Calvin Klein Dress, $134 (Photo: Business Wire)

Since 2004, Macy’s has raised $65 million to support Go Red For Women in the prevention of heart disease in women.

NEW YORK, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s (NYSE:M) unites customers and associates this February for American Heart Month in support of American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement. As the founding national sponsor of Go Red For Women, Macy’s has helped in the prevention of heart disease by raising$65 million since 2004. Fortunately, 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes, according to the American Heart Association. This year, Macy’s will continue to offer limited-edition merchandise and promotions to benefit Go Red For Women, helping to fund lifesaving research and awareness that adds more time to women’s lives.

Wear Red Sale at Macy’s

Macy’s encourages customers and associates to participate in the Wear Red Sale in-store from Wednesday, Jan. 31 to Monday, Feb. 5, with a pre-sale beginning on Sunday, Jan. 28. Customers can wear red or purchase the official Red Dress pin for $3 to receive 25 percent off a great selection of items storewide, plus an extra 15 or 10 percent off select departments. Exclusions and restrictions apply. One hundred percent of the pin sales will benefit Go Red For Women.

New this year, customers will receive an additional pin to share with a loved one to help spread awareness of the cause. Macy’s associates are invited to wear red in-store to create further awareness of the pin sale and celebrate National Wear Red Day on Feb. 2.

Additionally, Macy’s will invite customers to round up their in-store purchase to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) and donate their change to Go Red For Women from Tuesday, Feb. 6, through Feb. 28.

Merchandise That Gives Back

Throughout the month of February, Macy’s will offer exclusive products in stores and online to benefit Go Red For Women. This year, two limited-edition red dresses by Calvin Klein ($134) and Thalia Sodi ($99.50) as well as a specialty t-shirt from Thalia Sodi ($29.50) will give back to the cause. From Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, 10 percent of the purchase price from these limited-edition items will be donated to Go Red For Women.

“As the national founding sponsor of Go Red For Women, Macy’s remains committed to the fight against heart disease in women by raising more than $65 million since 2004,” said Holly Thomas, group vice president of cause marketing at Macy’s. “This cause is near and dear to our hearts, affecting customers and associates in our local communities. By providing different ways for our customers to give back, together we are helping women of all ages and backgrounds live longer, healthier lives.”

Go Red For Women Luncheons

Raising additional funds for the cause, Go Red For Women Luncheons will take place in 188 cities across the country. Each luncheon guest will receive a $10 Macy’s gift card and hear from captivating guest speakers. At select luncheons, attendees will have an opportunity to win a $250 Macy’s gift card.

“The American Heart Association is grateful for Macy’s longtime commitment to the Go Red For Women movement, and to ending heart disease and stroke in women. Now, more than ever, Macy’s work with AHA is critically important as cardiovascular diseases claim the life of a woman about every 80 seconds. Every dollar raised helps fund lifesaving research and awareness that adds more time to women’s lives,” said James Postl, American Heart Association chairman of the national board of directors. “This year, we are encouraging women to take action by making a Go Red Commitment. By doing so, women everywhere are standing with us, with Macy’s – together – to further the fight for women’s heart health.”

The American Heart Association’s® Go Red For Women® Red Dress Collection,™ presented by Macy’s

As the presenting sponsor of the American Heart Association’s^® Go Red For Women^® Red Dress Collection™, Macy’s helps shine a spotlight on the issue of heart disease in women. The Red Dress Collection has kicked off New York Fashion Week since 2003 and will be staged this year on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The star-studded event will feature strong and inspiring female celebrities walking the runway to showcase emerging and established designers. Three of the red dresses featured on the runway will be created by designers in fashion incubator programs, which are housed at Macy’s locations and develop the next generation of fashion trendsetters. The designers-in-residence featured are Dur Doux from DC Fashion Incubator, Lia Larrea from Fashion Incubator San Francisco and Tanesha Prunty from Chicago Fashion Incubator.

For more information about Macy’s programs to support Go Red For Women, visit macys.com/GoRed.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 670 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores – including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, and Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California – are known internationally and are leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $54 million each year, plus 180,000 hours of volunteer service, to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.

About Go Red For Women

In the United States, cardiovascular diseases kill approximately 1 in 3 women each year. Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women. Cardiovascular diseases in the U.S. kill approximately one woman every 80 seconds. The good news is that 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. Go Red For Women advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and CVS Health, with additional support from our cause supporters. For more information, please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278).

Source: Macy’s, Inc.

Macy’s Media Relations
Julie Strider, 646-429-5213
julie.striderfukami@macys.com
or
Billy Dumé, 646-429-7449
billy.dume@macys.com

Posted on January 25, 2018 by EPR Retail News Editors

Tesco Bank announces the appointment of Gerry Mallon as its new Chief Executive

Tesco Bank announces the appointment of Gerry Mallon as its new Chief Executive

Welwyn Garden City, UK, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco Bank is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerry Mallon as its new Chief Executive. Gerry, who will be a member of the Tesco Group Executive, will begin his role towards the end of July 2018.

Gerry will join from Ulster Bank, where he is currently Chief Executive. Prior to Ulster Bank, he was Chief Executive Officer of Danske Bank UK from 2008 to 2016.

Gerry has also held senior positions at Bank of Ireland, McKinsey and Co, the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Dave Lewis, Chief Executive of Tesco Group PLC, said:

“I am delighted that Gerry is joining Tesco to lead Tesco Bank and sit on the Group Executive. He joins Tesco Bank at a time of increasing digital change in financial services, which offers Tesco a brilliant opportunity to further develop and grow the helpful services we provide our customers through banking and insurance.”

Gerry Mallon said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Tesco Bank as Chief Executive. Tesco Bank has a unique opportunity to provide for millions of Tesco customers, and I am ready to meet the challenge of being the Bank for people who shop at Tesco. Equally, I am excited to embrace the culture of Tesco, which differentiates the Bank as it relentlessly puts customers first.”

ENDS

For more information and media enquiries please contact:

Tesco Bank Press Office
+44 (0) 131 274 3630 / +44 (0) 7595 441 036

About Tesco Bank

Tesco Bank’s goal is to make banking and insurance easier and better value for people who shop at Tesco.

Tesco Bank has been around since 1997 and today we help more than 5 million customers every day with a broad range of services from insuring their pets to buying their first home. Our 4,000 colleagues serve our customers seven days a week from our three main centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle, and we are also available through online and mobile banking 24/7.

Tesco Bank is a trading name of Tesco Personal Finance plc. Registered in Scotland No. 173199. Registered Address: EHQ, 2 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9FQ. www.tescobank.com

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

SOURCE: TESCO PLC.

Posted on January 25, 2018 by EPR Retail News Editors

Mid Rivers Mall announces significant investment and upgrades on the property

St. Peters, MO, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — On the heels of the announcement by H&M to open a store at Mid Rivers Mall this fall, the mall is also excited to announce several store relocations to make way for the new store, as well as significant investment and upgrades both inside and outside the property.

Three national retailers have made a commitment to stay at Mid Rivers Mall, despite the need for them to relocate for the new H&M store. Claire’s will move to a new 1,250 square foot space on the lower level in Center Court. Justice will relocate to a new 4,100 square foot space on the lower level near Dillard’s. Lane Bryant will move to a new 5,000 square foot space on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing. All three will open in their new locations by this summer. American Eagle Outfitters is also reinvesting in their store at the mall by completing a remodel of the space in their current location on the lower level in the Dillard’s wing.

Mid Rivers Mall will also be opening a new “Pop-Up Shop” next month, an opportunity for local boutiques to try their business in a mall setting for one week at a time. Additional details are forthcoming in the coming weeks, but small businesses interested in more information about this new leasing opportunity can contact Justine Robinson, Specialty Leasing Manager, at 636.970.2610 ext. 227.

In addition to these retailer moves inside the mall, Mid Rivers Mall is also investing in the interior with several projects. First, the Center Court escalators will be replaced. Second, both elevators will be improved with new finishes and mechanical upgrades. Finally, new digital directories will be installed throughout the mall. All of the interior projects will be complete by this summer.

Finally, several major improvements are being made on the exterior of the mall as well. The parking lot lights will be upgraded to LED, plus 24 more poles will be installed throughout the lot. The majority of the lot will be resurfaced this year, and the remaining portion completed in 2019.

“Between the new H&M, several store relocations and the significant investment both inside and outside the property, a ‘Mid-amorphosis’ at Mid Rivers Mall is taking place,” said the mall’s General Manager, Spencer Dawkins. “These new stores and enhancements prove to our shoppers and the community that Mid Rivers Mall is THE major shopping destination in St. Charles County.”

Mid Rivers Mall completed a full interior renovation program at the end of 2013, which included new flooring, updated interior colors and paint, energy-efficient lighting upgrades, plus new amenities including soft seating areas and holiday décor. In 2016, Mid Rivers Mall made the investment in a brand new HVAC system.

About Mid Rivers Mall
Mid Rivers Mall is owned and managed by CBL Properties and includes over 140 specialty stores including Bath & Body Works, Charlotte Russe, The Children’s Place, Express, Francesca’s, LOFT, New York & Company Outlet, a 14-screen Marcus Theatre, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Best Buy. Mid Rivers Mall is conveniently located along Interstate 70 and Mid Rivers Mall Drive. For more information about Mid Rivers Mall, please call 636.970.2610, or visit the website at www.ShopMidRiversMall.com.

SOURCE: CBL Properties

MEDIA CONTACT
cbl.publicrelations@cblproperties.com

Posted on January 25, 2018 by EPR Retail News Editors

Kesko ranked 31st on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list; the only Finnish company included in the list every year

Helsinki, Finland, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kesko has been ranked 31st on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list, and as the most sustainable trading sector company in the world. Kesko is the only Finnish company to be included in the list every year since it was established in 2005.

“We at the K Group have always believed in the power of sustainability and have been open-mindedly working towards it for decades. Responsible actions originated with our retailers and our comprehensive corporate responsibility work expanded from there. We wish to make sustainable choices easier for the consumers. We firmly believe that welfare in the society around us also means welfare for the K Group. We highly value this recognition and will continue our determined work towards a better society and better environment”, says Mikko Helander, Kesko’s President and CEO.

The Global 100 list is prepared by the Canada-based Corporate Knights Inc. and it is based on a global evaluation of 5,994 publicly listed companies. Companies were evaluated on a set of up to 17 environmental, social and governance indicators.

The list represents the top companies in the world in terms of sustainability. The 2018 Global 100 list was published today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Last year, Kesko ranked 25th.

Sustainability demands actions

In autumn 2017, Kesko rose to the world’s most prestigious sustainability indices, the DJSI World and the DJSI Europe.

Also in 2017, Kesko was the first Finnish company to set science-based targets for reducing the emissions resulting from its facilities, transportation use, and supply chains. To achieve the ambitious emission reduction targets, Kesko is increasing its use of renewable energy while also improving its energy efficiency.

K Group systematically invests in renewable energy. Since the beginning of 2017, all electricity purchased by Kesko in Finland has been renewable. Twenty solar plants are already in operation on K-store rooftops.

K Group promotes circular economy with various actions. For example, inedible food waste is collected from 200 K-food stores and Kesko’s central warehouse and made into biogas, which is then used as energy in the manufacture of new Pirkka products. K Group is constantly developing new operating models for the recycling and reuse of plastics to prevent plastics from ending up in waters and nature.

Further information is available from Matti Kalervo, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, tel. +358 50 306 4081, matti.kalervo@kesko.fi

The 2018 Global 100 list is available at www.corporateknights.com/global100/

Kesko and K-retailers form K Group, whose sales total over €13 billion. K Group is the third largest retail operator in northern Europe and it employs approximately 45,000 people. Kesko operates in the grocery trade, the building and technical trade and the car trade. Its divisions and chains act in close cooperation with retailer entrepreneurs and other partners. Kesko’s net sales are €10 billion and it employs approximately 28,000 people. Kesko has nearly 2,000 stores engaged in chain operations in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus and Poland. Kesko is a listed company and its shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. The company’s domicile and main premises are in Helsinki. www.kesko.fi

SOURCE: Kesko Corporation

Posted on January 25, 2018 by EPR Retail News Editors

Lowe’s to hire more than 53,000 employees across its U.S. stores

Lowe’s to hire more than 53,000 employees across its U.S. stores

Mooresville, North Carolina, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — In preparation for home improvement’s busiest season, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is hiring more than 53,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees across its U.S. stores, adding to the company’s nearly 250,000 current U.S. store employees.

In-store seasonal positions, which typically support stores between March and September, include cashiers, lawn and garden associates, stockers, assemblers of outdoor products and loaders. Lowe’s seasonal employees benefit from competitive pay, a 10 percent employee discount and flexible hours, including the ability to see their schedule 17 days in advance and swap shifts with others as needed.

Available part-time and full-time positions include service and support managers, customer service associates, cashiers, stockers and sales specialists. Part-time and full-time employees can take advantage of Lowe’s health and wellness benefits, incentive programs, 401(k), a discounted stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules.

Named one of the top 10 most customer-engaged companies by Forbes, Lowe’s provides leadership development and career advancement opportunities at all levels to support employees and customers. In fact, approximately 200 current store managers started as seasonal employees, and last year nearly 40 percent of the company’s seasonal employees transitioned into permanent part-time and full-time positions.

“When employees join Lowe’s, they are joining more than a Fortune 40 company,” said Jennifer Weber, chief human resources officer. “They are joining a supportive network of caring, inspiring team members who are here to serve customers, communities and each other.”

• In 2017, for the third consecutive year, 100 percent of Lowe’s 1,700-plus U.S. stores served their communities through a Lowe’s Heroes volunteer community project – from restoring parks to improving schools.
• In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, in addition to the company’s $2.5 million donation to disaster relief, more than 3,000 store employees volunteered to provide necessary support to impacted stores and communities.
• Lowe’s full-time employees can take advantage of the company’s paid time off for community volunteering each year.

To learn more about available positions in your area and apply online, visit Lowes.com/SpringHire. You can also apply at your local Lowe’s store. Applying takes just 20 minutes on average.

For more information about seasonal hiring and Lowe’s investment in your community, click here.

Market	Estimated Number of Seasonal Positions*
Atlanta	1,000
Baltimore	400
Boston-Providence-Hartford-Nashua	1,800
Charlotte, N.C.	1,250
Chicago	800
Cincinnati	300
Columbus, Ohio	250
Dallas-Fort Worth	900
Denver	650
Detroit	850
Indianapolis	1,000
Los Angeles/Long Beach/Orange County	1,500
Minneapolis-St. Paul	200
Nashville	500
New York	1,200
Phoenix	400
Pittsburgh	650
Portland, Ore.	400
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.	1,100
Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif.	700
San Antonio	350
San Diego	250
Seattle-Tacoma	950
St. Louis	700
Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla.	550
Washington D.C.	550
*Not all jobs have been posted. For the estimated number of positions in other locations, email PublicRelations@Lowes.com.

SOURCE: Lowe’s

MEDIA CONTACT

704-758-2917
PublicRelations@Lowes.co

Posted on January 25, 2018 by EPR Retail News Editors

H&M group the most frequently praised company by NGOs and activists in 2017 according to SIGWATCH

SIGWATCH, the world market leader in analysis of NGO and activist campaigns, has recently published the ranking of the most praised companies by activists in 2017.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Out of all companies in the world, H&M group was the most frequently praised one by NGOs and activists in 2017. This is the finding of a study published by SIGWATCH, the world market leader in analysis of NGO and activist campaigns. Since 2016, H&M group climbed from rank ten to one. At the same time, we have improved our position significantly in the ranking of most frequently criticized companies by these stakeholders. From being ranked seven to forty.

We are proud to see that H&M group’s ambitious sustainability strategy – to lead the change towards circular and renewable fashion while being a fair and equal company – has been well received by all these NGOs and activists. We are committed to continue strengthening our relations with stakeholders with our collaborative and transparent way of working.

For more information about our extensive work in sustainability, please visit sustainability.hm.com

SOURCE: H&M group

MEDIA CONTACT

Phone +46 8 796 53 00
Email groupmediarelations@hm.com

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Carrefour announces a potential investment by Tencent and Yonghui in Carrefour China

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Potential investment by Tencent and Yonghui in Carrefour China, alongside a strategic cooperation agreement with Tencent

Carrefour announces a potential investment by Tencent and Yonghui in Carrefour China as well as a strategic cooperation agreement with Tencent in China.

Potential Investment by Tencent and Yonghui in Carrefour China
Carrefour has signed a term sheet with Tencent and Yonghui regarding a potential investment in Carrefour China. The potential investment will leverage Carrefour’s global retail knowledge with Tencent’s technological excellence and Yonghui’s operational knowhow and in particular its deep knowledge of fresh products. Upon completion of this investment, Carrefour will remain the largest shareholder of Carrefour China.

Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Tencent
Moreover, Carrefour and Tencent are pleased to announce they have signed a preliminary agreement regarding a strategic business cooperation in China, in order to bring together Carrefour’s longstanding retail knowledge and Tencent’s digital expertise and innovation capabilities.

Thanks to this partnership, Carrefour will improve its online visibility, increase the traffic of its offline and online retail activities and benefit from Tencent’s advanced digital and technological expertise to develop new smart retail initiatives.
Tencent will further develop the retail services offered on its social platforms and promote the use of Weixin as well as Weixin Pay, cloud computing and other services within the Carrefour ecosystem.

The contemplated scope of cooperation includes key partnership areas such as cooperation on data, smart retail, mobile payment, in-store experience and data analysis to boost Carrefour China’s customer traffic.

The strategic cooperation and investment are subject to further diligence and agreement of the parties on the terms of a definitive documentation. Carrefour will keep the market informed of further progress as appropriate.

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

. By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

Source: Carrefour Group

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Carrefour and La Poste groups partner to accelerate the development of home delivery services in France

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Carrefour and La Poste groups announce today (01/23/2018) the signing of a partnership to accelerate the development, on a national scale, of home delivery services for food and non-food shopping, for the benefit of consumers. This partnership is part of the priorities of the “Carrefour 2022” plan, presented today by Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of the Carrefour Group, whose aim is to accelerate the group’s digital transformation by developing an omni-channel system of reference.

Carrefour Livraison Express to reach 15 cities at end 2018
After successful roll-out in Paris and its immediate surroundings, followed by Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Montpellier, the Carrefour and La Poste groups will deploy the Carrefour Livraison Express service in 10 new cities in 2018: Clermont-Ferrand, Dijon, Grenoble, Lille, Nancy, Nantes, Nice, Reims, Rennes and Strasbourg. This one-hour delivery service has been operated, since its creation in 2016, by Stuart, a subsidiary of the La Poste group specialized in urgent urban deliveries.

A new delivery service from Carrefour Drive
On the back of their successful cooperation for Carrefour Livraison Express, the two groups have decided to launch this year a new delivery service from Drive Carrefour (hypermarkets and supermarkets). This service will be tested in 2018 in two pilot cities. Delivery will also be operated by Stuart.
The density of the La Poste network and of Carrefour stores is an opportunity to deploy home delivery services nationwide, with La Poste providing Carrefour with expertise in last-mile management to simplify the lives of customers of the food retail group and offer them a broader range of services.

Carrefour Livraison Express at a glance
Launched in 2016 in Paris and its immediate surroundings (Neuilly, Levallois, Malakoff, Vanves and Bagnolet), Carrefour Express Delivery was extended in 2017 to Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Montpellier. It is an ultra-fast delivery service, which allows home delivery of online purchases within one hour.

Thanks to Carrefour’s “Livraison express” app, the customer draws up his shopping list from a wide range of food SKUs (fresh food, groceries …) and some everyday non-food SKUs (hygiene, beauty, hardware products…). Customers choose their delivery window (30 minutes) and the delivery is invoiced at a fixed price of €4.90, with no minimum purchase amount.
The delivery is operated by Stuart, a subsidiary of the La Poste group specializing in urgent urban deliveries by bicycle or cargo bikes from Carrefour Market and Carrefour City stores.

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

. By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

Source: Carrefour Group

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Carrefour Group selects Publicis.Sapient to assist in its digital transformation and omni-channel strategy

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (01/23/2018) during the “Carrefour 2022” strategic plan announcement, Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of the Carrefour Group, has highlighted among the Group’s priorities the digital transformation and omni-channel strategy that will make it a major international player. To drive Carrefour’s e-commerce offer, he has also announced the creation of a unique business platform in every country in which the Group operates. In order to achieve this objective, Carrefour Group has chosen Publicis.Sapient to assist it in its e-commerce challenges and deploy an omni-channel system of reference for its customers.

Publicis.Sapient is the digital, technology and consulting platform of Publicis Groupe that helps its customers accelerate their transformation and redefine their digital strategy promptly and responsively. In order to best serve Carrefour Group in its digital challenges to become an omni-channel player, Publicis.Sapient will work closely alongside the Carrefour teams to share its expertise and implement efficient and durable digital and technology solutions.

“The top priority of Carrefour2022 is the construction of an omni-channel system of reference. To achieve this objective, we will invest heavily in and rely on first-class partners, such as Publicis.Sapient, a major international player, which will dedicate its talents and expertise to Carrefour to help us accelerate our digital transformation,” said Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of the Carrefour Group.

“The trust placed in our talents and expertise by Carrefour Group and Alexandre Bompard is a tremendous responsibility. To deeply support the extensive strategic and digital transformation of an international player of this stature is a challenge that the know-how of Publicis.Sapient is prepared to meet,” said Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe.

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

. By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

Source: Carrefour Group

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Retail News Editor

RILA announces the winners of the (R)Tech Retail CEO Innovation Awards

Three Companies Spurring The Future Of Retail Showcase Technologies For Industry’s Most Recognized CEOs

Tucson , AZ, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), the trade association for America’s most recognized and innovative retailers, today (1/23/2018) announced the winners of the (R)Tech Retail CEO Innovation Awards. The three winners, IamBot, Multifold, and Persado, selected by RILA’s Board of Directors, the CEOs and heads of innovation for America’s largest retail brands, were featured in a showcase at RILA’s Retail CEO Forum this week in Tucson.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to have CEOs and chief innovation officers from America’s most well-known brands interacting directly with emerging companies that, through their own commitment to innovation, are enabling the future of our industry,” said RILA Senior Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Sustainability Adam Siegel. “We’re excited to recognize these three companies, who have embraced the charge from our consumers to deliver ubiquitous and ultra-personal shopping experiences and in turn, have developed game-changing technologies.”

RILA’s (R)Tech Center believes that one trend is driving change in the industry more than any other: the trend toward ubiquitous and ultra-personal shopping. The winners were hand-picked by America’s leading chief executives for their groundbreaking work in promoting the industry’s move towards shopping wherever, whenever through artificial intelligence and augmented reality.

Details on the winners:

IamBot helps brands and retailers sell directly to customers through messaging platforms. It is the comprehensive conversational commerce solution based on the state-of-the-art artificial intelligence. It seamlessly integrates with stores’ messaging channels to provide customers with the ubiquitous and super convenient shopping experience.

“We’re honored that IamBot was selected by this prestigious group of executives. We believe that conversational commerce is a key element of the industry’s future, and we are glad that these CEOs see that as well.”

Multifold Retail believes that Augmented Reality will change the way that consumers shop. They offer all the tools retailers need: content creation (3D model creator, editor & library), viewers (Augmented Reality & 360 degrees), marketing and advertising tools (social media, catalog, in-store/OOH campaigns) and tracking/analytics.

“We are so honored to have been selected for this award by such a distinguished group of CEOs. Multifold aims to make it easier for companies to create, manage and launch Augmented Reality experiences for their customers. Our patent-pending web-based AR solution results in a more streamlined user experience and works across the majority of smart devices. We look forward to sharing our story with RILA members.”

Persado is the Marketing Language Cloud; AI generated language that resonates the most with any audience, segment or individual. Imagine having a data scientist and a copywriter for each person in your audience; you get the language that performs and the analytics explaining why, resulting in more business and unseen insights. Comprised of the world’s largest database, with over a million words and phrases tagged and scored for consumer marketing, Persado’s Marketing Language Cloud enables brands to increase acquisition and retention while building long term consumer relationships.”Persado is proud to be selected as a winner of the inaugural (R)Tech Retail CEO Innovation Awards. We’re excited for the opportunity to showcase our technology and challenge retail leaders to introduce data driven decision-making in new areas of their organizations, specifically within marketing content creation. Today’s consumers seek to build lasting relationships with their favorite brands –– at Persado, we’re helping brands navigate these relationships and shape the future of marketing through the effective use of AI-generated language that resonates with any audience or individual.”

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. RILA, in partnership with Accenture, launched the (R)Tech Center for Innovation in 2017 to help retailers navigate the industry’s transformation.

Contact:

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

Source: RILA