Daily Archives: February 8, 2018

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Paradies Lagardère to treat lucky customers with a free meal during Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018

Paradies Lagardère to treat lucky customers with a free meal during Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018

 

Passengers dining at participating restaurants may be treated to a free meal

ATLANTA, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Paradies Lagardère, the North American travel retail and restaurateur leader, today (February 06, 2018) announced a special thank you to our customers during Random Acts of Kindness Week 2018.

For a third year in a row, airport passengers visiting our restaurants Sunday, February 11, through Saturday, February 17, may have a chance to feel the love with a meal on us. Paradies Lagardère restaurant staff will randomly choose a table each day and treat them to a free meal! Customers may be asked to pose for a picture while holding a sign of their choice, which will be posted on social media.

Additional details:

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation seeks to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time. Visit www.randomactsofkindness.org to learn more.

High-end restaurants, quick-serve restaurants, bars and coffee shops are all a part of Paradies Lagardère’s Food and Beverage concepts. Brands have been tailored to entice travelers with the same familiar quality, variety, taste, and atmosphere as their favorite “at home” dining spots, while maintaining the highest levels of quality and service.

Paradies Lagardère was recently recognized for excellence in Food and Beverage. The USA Today 10 Best Awards recognized Long Beach Airport, where Paradies Lagardère manages the full restaurant program, as its Best Airport for Dining two years in a row. Bar Symon, at Pittsburgh International Airport, also earned a spot in the top five for the USA Today 10 Best awards for Best Airport Bar and Best Airport Bar Waitstaff.

Contact:

Nicole V. Linton
Marketing Communications Manager
P: 404 494 3419
M: 470 455 1843
mail to:nicole.linton@paradies-na.com

Source: Paradies Lagardère

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Foodstuffs North Island to develop one of New Zealand’s largest office and distribution centres at The Landing Business Park, Auckland Airport

  • Designed for our future and to deliver great value for customers at PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, Gilmours, Liquorland and Fresh Collective
  • Construction starts in 2018 with completion scheduled for late 2020, as next stage of Foodstuffs’ nearly 100-year commitment to New Zealand

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Foodstuffs North Island has announced that it is moving its primary Distribution Centre (DC) and Support Office from its long term home in Roma Road in Mount Roskill and building an exciting and innovative complex at The Landing, Auckland Airport.

Chief Executive Chris Quin, says Foodstuffs North Island has been at its current site for 53 years and is rapidly outgrowing that space.

“We’ve been an important part of New Zealanders’ lives and communities for nearly 100 years and we plan on being around for many years to come. To do this we need better facilities to deliver what our customers at PAK’nSAVE, New World, Four Square, Gilmours and Liquorland and Fresh Collective need from us for the future. We’re planning significant future growth across the business and our success depends on being nimble, efficient and continuing to attract the best talent, who work in an agile and collaborative way.”

Foodstuffs has made some big changes over the past few years, guided by its purpose of making sure New Zealanders get more out of life. Foodstuffs’ supermarket customers, along with Gilmours and Liquorland, have seen major changes including the introduction of New World Clubcard, online shopping, support for Kiwi children in partnership with Eat My Lunch and new and improved Pams and Value products. The team has also been working on major sustainability programmes designed to drive waste out of the business and look after New Zealand’s environment.

Behind the scenes Foodstuffs has been working hard to improve efficiency and allow the business to keep prices low and quality and service high.

“Key to our success is developing a world-class supply chain to ensure we have a great offer for our customers in store and online every day. This new 65,000m2 distribution centre and 5 Greenstar rated office complex will be at the heart and will enable our Co-op to work more collaboratively and effectively.”

It’s also proposed to consolidate three Foodstuffs facilities in Auckland into one best-in-class complex. The Co-op will continue to operate two DCs and a Support Centre in Palmerston North and a Support Centre in Wellington.

As part of these changes Foodstuffs North Island is proposing to close the Rotorua DC at the end of 2020 and move those operations to the new DC. Quin says, “In making the decision to build the new DC, we have been looking at all the options possible to make the Upper North Island operations as efficient as possible and fit for purpose over the next 30 years. Long term, we believe that the best option is to support our Upper North Island stores with one purpose-built Ambient DC.

“We wanted to share our proposal to close the Rotorua DC with our teams early in the project. If the proposal does go ahead, we feel it would be the right thing to do to give the team lots of notice and time to plan for the change.”

Foodstuffs North Island has yet to decide the future of its Roma Road site and will be working closely with a number of stakeholders, including local government, to determine the best use of the land in the interests of Auckland. “The Mt Roskill site is now considered almost inner-city – and we’re excited about unlocking this space.”

Quin says, “Right now, it’s about continuing to deliver for customers every day. We’ll remain at our legendary home in Mt Roskill until the new site is ready in 2020 and then we’ll be packing up and moving out to a bright, new, expansive future at The Landing.

“Our customers’ needs are changing fast and we believe all New Zealanders deserve more of what matters to them. For some this is more inspiration, more choice, more convenience, more value and more help making healthier food choices. For others, it’s all these things and more. We need to make sure we’re ready to face these changes head on.

“Based at the gateway to Aotearoa, our 100% New Zealand owned company will have a fantastic new centre with service at its heart. We’re totally committed to playing a key role in New Zealand’s future and helping meet the needs and aspirations of our team and customers.”

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Foodstuffs Communications Team Phone: 0800 376 3342

Source: Foodstuffs

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PetSmart launches its Valentine’s Day Pet Collection

National Retail Federation Indicates Eight Percent Increase in Consumer Spending for Valentine’s Day, Including on Pets

PHOENIX, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — To celebrate the month of love, PetSmart, the leading pet specialty retailer in North America, is launching its Valentine’s Day Pet Collection with a wide variety of items for pet parents to celebrate and show their pet love on Feb. 14.

Last week the National Retail Foundation released its 2018 Valentine’s Day spending report, citing total spending up eight percent this year and expected to reach $19.6 billion compared to $18.2 billion in 2017. This year’s survey also found consumers plan to spend an average of $5.50 per pet, totaling $751 million.

The Valentine’s Day Collection is available at 1,600-plus PetSmart stores and PetSmart.com with fun, festive items to gift to pets and pet lovers alike.

Refresh Your Pet’s Wardrobe with Festive Apparel & Accessories – Kicking off the collection are adorable pink and red tutu dresses featuring tulle skirts and fun slogans like “Awesome” and “I’m So Fancy,” as well as headbands adorned with pink and red dimensional flower treatments. Additional apparel items for dogs and cats include pink and red tees featuring “Happy Always Looks Good” and “Little and Fabulous.” The ED Ellen DeGeneres Collection, exclusively available at PetSmart, also features items for Valentine’s Day including love-themed dog collars, leashes, a pocket “Love” dog tee and the “Love” pillow dog bed.

Gift a Festive New Toy – Pets love toys, and the plush “conversational hearts” with squeakers and messages like “I Woof You” and “You Make My Tail Wag” make a great gift. Additional heart-warming plush squeaker toys like the bumble bee, monkey, rabbit and frog feature loveable messages like “Bee Mine,” “I’m Bananas 4 U” and “U Make my Heart Jump.”

Treat Your Pet –The “Funny Valentine’s Collection” offers sweet treats for your sweet pet with an assortment of apple cinnamon flavored dog cookies – a delicious way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The treat assortment includes the Love Letter, Heart Paw, Heart and Cupid’s Love cookies.

Deck Out Their Habitat – Aquarium ornaments are an easy way to freshen up a fish tank, while also adding a pop of festive seasonal décor to your home. This year, PetSmart has Valentine’s Day ornaments for our friends with fins including the dolphin couple, octaheart and kissing fish items.

Attend a PetSmart Party
In 2018, PetSmart is launching its PetSmart Party program with fun in-store events for pet parents, pets and kids alike. The “For the Love of Pets” Valentine’s Day Party is on Saturday, Feb. 10, 12-3 p.m. (local time), at stores across the U.S. and Canada. PetSmart will offer giveaways like the Love Pawprint Keepsake, Rachael Ray™ Nutrish treat samples and 50 percent off any treat or toy. In addition, PetSmart PetsHotels are offering a Doggie Day Camp Sweetheart Playdate on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (local time), with a free doggie ice cream sundae and a digital keepsake photo*.

Showing Love
February is the month of love, but PetSmart and nonprofit partner PetSmart Charities continue to show their love of pets every day through a range of initiatives. Together, the two organizations saved more than 565,000 pets in 2017 through its in-store adoption program, and generated more than 63 million pet food meals through its 2017 Buy a Bag, Give a Meal program, where for every bag of dog or cat food purchased, it donated a meal to a pet in need. In 2017 PetSmart Charities donated $38 million to animal welfare organizations and other charities dedicated to pets in need across the U.S. and Canada.

*All giveaways available while supplies last.

About PetSmart®
PetSmart, Inc. is the largest specialty pet retailer of services and solutions for the lifetime needs of pets. At PetSmart, we love pets, and we believe pets make us better people. Every day with every connection, PetSmart’s passionate associates help bring pet parents closer to their pets so they, together, can live more fulfilled lives. This vision impacts everything we do for our customers, the way we support our associates and how we give back to our communities. We employ approximately 55,000 associates, operate more than 1,600 pet stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, as well as more than 200 in-store PetSmart® PetsHotel® dog and cat boarding facilities. PetSmart provides a broad range of competitively priced pet food and products, as well as pet-focused services such as dog training, pet grooming, pet boarding, PetSmart™ Doggie Day Camp™ and pet adoption. PetSmart, together with non-profits PetSmart Charities® and PetSmart Charities® of Canada, invite more than 3,500 animal welfare organizations to bring adoptable pets into stores so they have the best chance possible of finding a forever home. Through this in-store adoption program and other signature events, PetSmart has facilitated more than 7.6 million adoptions – more than any other brick-and-mortar organization. The company’s portfolio of digital resources for pet parents includes PetSmart.com, petMD.com, Pawculture.com, AllPaws, an online pet adoption platform that helps potential pet parents find the perfect pet to adopt based on their home, family and lifestyle, as well as BlogPaws, the world’s first pet blogger and influencer network. Through these digital platforms, PetSmart offers the most comprehensive online pet supplies and pet care information in the U.S. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, PetSmart launched its Buy a Bag, Give a Meal™ program in March 2017. For every bag of cat or dog food purchased March 1 – Dec. 31, 2017, PetSmart donated a meal to pets in need and beat its goal of 60 million meals with more than 63 million meals generated through this leading philanthropic program. In May 2017, PetSmart acquired Chewy.com, a leading online retailer of pet food and products in the U.S., which operates as an independent subsidiary.

Find PetSmart on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PetSmart
See PetSmart on Instagram: @PetSmart
Follow PetSmart on Twitter: @PetSmart
See PetSmart on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmart
PetSmart homepage: http://www.petsmart.com/

Turn your passion for pets into a career you’ll love! Visit careers.petsmart.com to learn more about corporate, retail store and Distribution Center opportunities.

PetSmart Contact:
Virginia Hock
Golin for PetSmart
469-680-6211
vhock@golin.com

PetSmart 24-Hour Media Line: 623-587-2177

Source: PetSmart Inc.

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GameStop welcomes new Chief Executive Officer Michael K. Mauler

GameStop welcomes new Chief Executive Officer Michael K. Mauler

 

GRAPEVINE, Texas, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dan DeMatteo, Executive Chairman of GameStop Corp. (NYSE:GME), on behalf of the Board of Directors, announced today (Feb. 06, 2018) that Michael K. Mauler has been appointed as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Mauler will also join GameStop’s Board of Directors.

GameStop’s Board of Directors announced today that Michael K. Mauler has been appointed as the Company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Mauler will also join GameStop’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Mauler, 56, has been with the Company for more than 16 years. He previously served as Executive Vice President and President of International, which consists of nearly 2,000 retail stores operating under the GameStop, EB Games, Micromania and Zing Pop Culture brands. Mr. Mauler has led the International division’s business and diversification initiatives since being appointed to the role in January of 2010, including launching the Company’s global Collectibles business in 2014.

Prior to heading the International business, Mr. Mauler served as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and International Support, and before the merger between GameStop and EB Games, served as Vice President of Logistics for Electronics Boutique.

“On behalf of GameStop’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce Mike Mauler as our new CEO,” said Mr. DeMatteo. “Mike has been part of the GameStop senior leadership team for many years, where he has played an integral role in creating and driving the blueprint of our diversification strategy, successfully managing our international operations, and growing our core business segments. We are fortunate to have such an accomplished leader, who has a thorough understanding of our operations, business strategy and our stakeholders, and is committed to strengthening our results and driving our Company forward.”

Mr. Mauler said, “I am honored by the support and confidence that Dan and the Board of Directors have placed in me. Starting with its founders more than 30 years ago, GameStop has a tremendous legacy of continually transforming its business to meet the needs of its global customer base. I look forward to building upon that legacy and working closely with our senior leadership team and our more than 40,000 associates around the world, to drive sustainable profitability and shareholder returns across our businesses.”

Prior to joining GameStop, Mr. Mauler held various senior management positions for Baxter Healthcare, Dade Behring and Fisher Scientific, where he led operations for 22 countries.

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

Contacts:
Mike Loftus
Vice President, Global Controller and Investor Relations
GameStop Corp.
investorrelations@gamestop.com

Joey Mooring
Director, Corporate Communications
GameStop Corp.
Joeymooring@gamestop.com

Source: Gamestop Corporation/globenewswire

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Dunkin’ Donuts to eliminate all polystyrene foam cups in its global supply chain beginning in spring 2018

Dunkin’ Donuts to eliminate all polystyrene foam cups in its global supply chain beginning in spring 2018

 

New double-walled paper cups to phase into U.S. restaurants beginning spring 2018

CANTON, MA, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its commitment to serve both people and the planet responsibly, Dunkin’ Donuts, a leading retailer of hot, brewed coffee, today (February 7, 2018) announced plans to eliminate all polystyrene foam cups in its global supply chain beginning in spring 2018, with a targeted completion date of 2020. In U.S. restaurants, Dunkin’ Donuts will replace the foam cup with a new, double-walled paper cup. The majority of Dunkin’ Donuts’ international markets are currently using paper cups, and the brand will work with its franchisees to eliminate foam cups from the remaining international markets by the 2020 goal.

The move complements Dunkin’ Donuts’ earlier commitments in the U.S. to have 80% of fiber-based consumer-facing packaging certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard by the end of this year; eliminate artificial dyes from its menu; build new, more energy-efficient restaurants; and partner with the Rainforest Alliance to source certified coffee.

The new, double-walled paper cup is already in use at Dunkin’ Donuts’ next generation concept store, which opened in mid-January in the company’s birthplace of Quincy, Mass. It will be introduced at all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in New York City and California in spring 2018, and will be phased in across the U.S. as supplier manufacturing capabilities ramp up.

The double-walled paper cup is made with paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard and will feature the current re-closable lid that Dunkin’ customers know and love. Like Dunkin’ Donuts’ current hot beverage offerings, the new double-walled paper cup will come in four sizes — small, medium, large and extra-large — and will be used for all of the brand’s hot beverages, including coffee, lattes, macchiatos, tea and hot chocolate. With heat retention properties equal to the company’s foam cup, the new double-walled paper cup will keep beverages hot while keeping hands cool, without the need for a sleeve.

According to Karen Raskopf, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Dunkin’ Brands, “With more than 9,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the U.S. alone, our decision to eliminate foam cups is significant for both our brand and our industry. We have a responsibility to improve our packaging, making it better for the planet while still meeting the needs of our guests. Transitioning away from foam has been a critical goal for Dunkin’ Donuts U.S., and with the double-walled cup, we will be able to offer a replacement that meets the needs and expectations of both our customers and the communities we serve.”

In 2011, Dunkin’ Donuts announced that its number one sustainability goal was to find an environmentally friendlier coffee cup. Over the past several years, the brand has worked extensively to find a suitable replacement for the foam cup that met criteria for performance, environmental impact and cost.  Dunkin’ Donuts’ transition to paper cups will remove nearly 1 billion foam cups from the waste stream annually.

Dunkin’ Donuts remains committed to sustainable packaging and will continue to explore additional opportunities to increase recycled or certified content for other consumer-facing packaging. Since 2005, the brand has made a number of important packaging improvements in the U.S., including:

  • 2005: Began sourcing a four-cup carrier made of recycled newsprint.
  • 2009: Transitioned to napkins made with 100% recycled paper and added recycled content to espresso sleeves, cup carriers and Box O’ Joe®.
  • 2014: Transitioned to bagel bags made with 100% recycled paper, saving an estimated 20 million pounds of virgin paper per year.
  • 2015: Began transition of the lids for cold beverage cups from PET to recyclable #5 polypropylene, a change that will take 500,000 pounds of material out of the waste stream per year once completed in summer 2018.
  • 2016: Issued a new Sustainable Pulp and Paper Sourcing policy with a goal to source paperboard certified to the SFI Standard for 80% of its consumer-facing fiber-based packaging by the end of 2018.

Dunkin’ Brands, the parent company of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins, continues to make important progress towards its corporate social responsibility goals, including:

·         Sustainable Building: In 2014, Dunkin’ Donuts launched DD Green™ Achievement, a program designed to help franchisees build sustainable, energy-efficient restaurants in the U.S. There are now approximately 186 DD Green Achievement restaurants around the country. Dunkin’ Brands has set a target to open 500 DD Green Achievement restaurants in the U.S. by the end of 2020. Additionally, the new next generation concept store now being introduced into the system is approximately 25% more energy-efficient than the previous restaurant model.

·         Sustainable Coffee: In 2017, Dunkin’ Donuts expanded its current work with the Rainforest Alliance to have all espresso beverages served at Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. restaurants and in approximately 16 international markets made with 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™ beans. By the end of 2018, Dunkin’ Donuts Dark Roast Coffee will also be made with 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified™ beans. In European markets, Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants also serve Fair Trade certified espresso.

·         Sustainable Sourcing: As a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Dunkin’ Brands continues to participate in multi-stakeholder efforts to advance sustainable palm oil sourcing and reissued its global Sustainable Palm Oil Guidelines in December 2017. In the U.S., Dunkin’ Brands has also committed to sourcing 100% of the eggs for its menu from cage-free sources by 2025 and 100% gestation crate-free pork by 2022. By the end of 2018, any chicken menu offerings in U.S. Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants will have been raised antibiotic-free.

·         Cleaner Labels: As part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to offer cleaner menu labels, Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. introduced donuts without artificial dyes in January. The brand is committed to eliminating artificial dyes from its national food and beverage menu in the U.S. by the end of 2018.

·         Menu Labeling: Dunkin’ Brands partnered with industry peers and consumer advocates in supporting a menu labeling mandate in the U.S. that provides guests with clear and consistent nutritional information when ordering.

About Dunkin’ Donuts

Founded in 1950, Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin’ Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin’ Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 12 years running. The company has more than 12,500 restaurants in 46 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin’ Donuts is part of the Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle King
Phone: 781-737-5200
Email: press@dunkinbrands.com

Source: Dunkin’ Donuts

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Lindex unveils Art Meets Fashion collection in collaboration with eight young artists

Lindex unveils Art Meets Fashion collection in collaboration with eight young artists

 

Sweden, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — In a unique collaboration with eight young artists, Lindex presents “Art Meets Fashion” — an inspirational and expressive fashion collection that merges two different art forms.

The collection is based on contemporary art created by eight young artists on behalf of Lindex. Using their individual tools and methods of expression, each artist created one original artwork on the theme of celebrating women. Inspired by this unique artwork, the Lindex design team interpreted the pieces and used them as an interesting starting point from which to launch their design process.

These artists have a strong creative force and a fantastic ability to portray and pay tribute to women through the medium of contemporary fashion. They have provided interesting perspectives and woven in references to our chosen theme, which they have portrayed in different ways. A common aspect of all eight art works is that they are visually strong, expressive and contain a myriad of colour, just like our fashion collection, says Pia Ekholm, Design & Buying Manager for Womens’ wear at Lindex.

Women are important to Lindex, which is why the fashion retailer is dedicated to empowering and inspiring women in different ways and wants women to be able to take their place in their world while expressing themselves. Through “Art meets Fashion”, Lindex wants to create wearable garments for women who wish to affirm themselves and their personality through expressive fashion.

The art purchased by Lindex will be sold at an exclusive vernissage. The money will be donated to HERproject, a collaborative initiative that strives to empower women who earn a low income salary working in global supply chains.

The unique collection “Art Meets Fashion” will be available in selected stores and at lindex.com as of 8 March 2018.

Contact:

Eva Jonasson
Media Relations Responsible
E-mail: press@lindex.com
Phone: +46 31 739 50 60

Source: Lindex

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Debenhams unveils plus size model Joann Van Den Herik as the new face and body of its SS18 Gorgeous DD+ lingerie collection

Debenhams unveils plus size model Joann Van Den Herik as the new face and body of its SS18 Gorgeous DD+ lingerie collection

 

LONDON, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Debenhams has unveiled plus size model Joann Van Den Herik as the new face and body of its SS18 Gorgeous DD+ lingerie collection with a shoot, the UK first for the model, to showcase ranges landing instore and online from February.

The 19 year old curvy campaigner who is the cousin of model royalty, Gigi and Bella Hadid, regularly posts body-positive messages to her near 60K Instagram followers. With girl-next-door looks, relatable body image and a candid approach to modelling, the Netherlands based model has been gaining popularity with brands and consumers alike snapping up her first UK contract with Debenhams for its Gorgeous lingerie line.

Promoting a healthy body image Joann models several key pieces for the season including bralettes, bodies and pieces that can be worn to be seen.  On landing the contract Joann said, “I’ve always wanted to be a model but didn’t realise that there was a market for my shape and size. I think it’s very important to show all the boys and girls out there that size doesn’t matter and that you’re perfect the way you are. I translate that into my work as a model and on social media. I’m a strong believer in body-positivity and that every body is beautiful.”

The Gorgeous Spring 2018 collection includes soft neutrals and includes underwired and soft cup options of bra’s and bodies.  With a number two position in the DD+ market, Debenhams is well placed to offer curvier ladies with a range of fashionable and supportive lingerie right up to 40HH cup size.

Debenhams Head of Buying and Design for lingerie, Sharon Webb said “Joann is a fantastic ambassador for our Gorgeous DD+ brand.  Her positive attitude and body confidence message is incredibly inspirational and something that so many can of customers can relate to, we are so excited to be working with her.”

The Gorgeous DD+ range is one of the exclusive brands alongside Reger by Janet Reger, B by Ted Baker, Nine by Savannah Miller and Collection that Debenhams offers with Spring pieces available from mid-February instore and online at www.debenhams.com

About Debenhams

Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades out of more than 240 stores across 27 countries.  Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

In the UK, Debenhams has a top three market position in womenswear and menswear and a top ten share in childrenswear.  It holds the number two market position in premium health and beauty.

Debenhams has been investing in British design for 21 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands.  Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Savannah Miller, Ted Baker, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, FrostFrench, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Julien Macdonald, Jenny Packham, Preen, Aliza Reger, John Rocha and Matthew Williamson.

CONTACTS:

For more information, images or samples please contact the Debenhams Press Office;
Lorraine.clough@debenhams.com or Elsa.heron@debenhams.com

Source: Debenhams

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The Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS now accepting submissions

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Taste of Buffalo presented by TOPS, taking place July 7-8, 2018, will once again fill the streets of downtown Buffalo with delicious morsels from over 55 restaurants and food trucks, and six wineries, and wants you to capture its essence in art. As Buffalo gets ready for one of its favorite summer festivals, it welcomes a new twist to the annual TOPS Poster Art contest. For more than ten years, the art contest invited high schools students to enter, but this year the contest is open to the public.Beginning Monday, February 5, 2018 persons 13 years of age and older are encouraged to submit their designs. Original works of art that best convey the feel and flavor of this summertime food festival and the 35th year birthday theme will be accepted until Friday, March 16. Two cash prizes of $500 each will be awarded (one in each of two age categories – 13-18 years of age and 19+ years of age). One grand prize winner will then be selected from the two finalists. The grand prize winner will receive an additional $500 and their artwork will become the official 2018 Taste of Buffalo poster and will be used in some of the Taste’s other marketing materials. The entries will be judged and the winners will be announced on or about Monday, April 9, 2018. A complete list of rules and design guidelines can be found on the TOPS website at www.topsmarkets.com and on www.tasteofbuffalo.com

“We’re excited to be able to open up the contest to the community this year” said Richard McDermott, 2018 Taste Chair. “In years past we’ve had very talented young artists submit their artwork from area high schools, but this year we’ve decided to expand the contest to the public to embrace the talents that we know exist in our community.”

About Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Markets, LLC, is headquartered in Williamsville, NY and operates 169 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs more than 15,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and western Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company’s website at www.topsmarkets.com.

About Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops

The Taste of Buffalo presented by Tops is the nation’s largest two-day food festival, attracting more than 450,000 visitors each year. The 35th annual Taste will take place on July 7 and 8, 2018 along Delaware Avenue and Niagara Square in downtown Buffalo. The Taste is a not-for-profit organization with more than 1,000 volunteers helping to put on the annual event. More than $360,000 has been raised at the festival for local charities in addition to five $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to local high school seniors pursuing a culinary or hospitality-related degree. For more information, visit tasteofbuffalo.com and find @tasteofbuffalo on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CONTACT: 

Kathy Romanowski
716-635-5577

Source: Tops Friendly Markets

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Stater Bros. participates in the AHA/ASA’s “Life is Why We Give” campaign to raise funds in the fight against heart disease and stroke

Stater Bros. has raised over $5.4 MILLION in the fight against heart disease and stroke 

SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Stater Bros. is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of giving back to the communities it serves by supporting the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) in furthering its mission to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

For the 17th consecutive year, all 171 Stater Bros. supermarkets will participate in the AHA/ASA’s “Life is Why We Give” campaign to raise funds in the fight against heart disease and stroke.   The campaign begins on February 7th and concludes on February 18th.

Stater Bros.’ customers can participate by purchasing $1 and $5 paper hearts at the cash registers.  Customers are encouraged to write their name or the name of a loved one on the hearts, which will be displayed inside the store.

Funds raised through the “Life is Why We Give” campaign will go back into our local communities to teach Hands-Only CPR to residents, involve students in fitness programs and implement educational programs in multicultural communities.

Last year, Stater Bros. customers and employees raised $316,000 for the American Heart Association.  Through the Company’s longstanding and unwavering commitment, over $5.4 million has been raised to support heart disease and stroke prevention programs in the communities served by Stater Bros.

“Stater Bros. is rooted in the tradition of giving back to communities where we operate and we are honored to once again join the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke,” stated Nancy Negrette, Chairman and President for Stater Bros. Charities. “Many of our ‘valued’ customers and loyal ‘Family’ members have been affected by heart disease and stroke and we are pleased that the funds from this campaign benefit the local areas where we operate,” Negrette concluded.

“The American Heart Association is committed to fighting heart disease and stroke and improving the quality of life for all Americans,” said Matt Webb, Chairman of the American Heart Association Inland Empire Board of Directors. “Our work would not be possible without the generous support of committed companies like Stater Bros Charities who provide donation opportunities to their customers. These corporate citizens provide a force multiplying impact to our work and help us get ever closer to a world without needless suffering or death.”

“We value our ongoing relationship with Stater Bros Charities and appreciate the opportunity given to their customers to support the American Heart Association via the Life Is Why We Give™ fundraising campaign,” said Brandy Wiegand, Executive Director of the American Heart Association Inland Empire Division.

About Stater Bros. Charities

Stater Bros. Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports critical needs in the communities where Stater Bros. employees live and work.  Since 2008, Stater Bros. Charities has provided funding to countless local organizations and causes that benefit hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health, help for our nation’s veterans, and active service members.  Funds are raised throughout the year from generous customers, supplier friends, and caring members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family.  For more information visit staterbros.com.

About Stater Bros. Markets

Stater Bros. was founded in 1936 in Yucaipa, California, and has grown steadily through the years to become the largest privately owned Supermarket Chain in Southern California and the largest private employer in both San Bernardino County and Riverside County.  The Company currently operates 171 Supermarkets, and there are approximately 18,000 members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family.  For more information, visit staterbros.com.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in communities across America.  These diseases devastate millions of Americans of all ages and cause nearly 950,000 deaths each year.  The Association funded $14.6 million in research in California, Nevada and Utah, as well as public and professional education and community service programs.

Stater Bros. Charities ~ Caring For The Communities We Serve!

Source: Stater Bros. Markets

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Kohl’s extends its partnership with Penfield Children’s Center in Milwaukee

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis., 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — More than 140,000 Kohl’s associates are committed to service—whether it’s in one of more than 1,100 stores nationwide, at corporate headquarters or in the community—our team is committed to making a difference.

Through our Kohl’s Volunteer Program, Kohl’s associates donate their personal time to make a difference in their local communities by volunteering with eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. In support of our associates’ volunteerism, the eligible organization will receive a $500 volunteer reward for every five associates that volunteer for each event. Since the program’s inception in 2001, Kohl’s, through the volunteer program, has donated more than $137 million in corporate grants to eligible nonprofit organizations across the country.

In 2016 alone,

  • Nearly 30,000 community events organized nationwide
  • 100 percent of our locations participated in the Kohl’s Volunteer Program
  • Our associates contributed nearly 500,000 volunteer hours
  • Approximately $24 million in corporate grants were disbursed to more than 9,000 nonprofit organizations throughout the country

Need Volunteers? Review the criteria below and visit the Benevity Causes Portal to register your organization. See below for step by step instructions on how to register.

What Are The Qualifications To Receive A Kohl’s Volunteer Program Dollar Reward?

New Criteria as of Feb 1, 2018

  • A minimum of five Kohl’s associates from any Kohl’s location must volunteer, for a minimum of three consecutive hours with an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
  • In support of our associates’ volunteerism, the eligible organization will receive a $500 volunteer reward (previously, known as a grant) for every five associates that volunteer for each event.
    • Funds must be used to directly support the organization’s charitable purpose and the community at large.

Kohl’s cannot guarantee availability of Kohl’s volunteers for your event(s). Only organizations and events meeting specified criteria will be eligible to participate in the program and/or receive a volunteer dollar reward.

Click here for complete volunteer guidelines

Nonprofit Organizations

Eligible

  • Nonprofit public charity that has a current tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Not Eligible

  • Organizations that engage in political activities.
  • Organizations that discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age or have exclusionary practices.
  • Organizations for which its tax-exempt status has been revoked by the Internal Revenue Service.
  • Organizations that intend to use Kohl’s donation for a purpose other than its charitable purpose.

Request Volunteers

To request volunteers and manage details of your event, eligible organizations should register through the Benevity Causes Portal.

Click here to Register & Activate your Benevity Causes Portal account

  • Please note, if your organization itself is not a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it  may have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm. For example, most schools do not have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status; but they can still be searched on the Causes Portal using their NCES number or name. Also, some schools are listed as Projects on their District profile to streamline donations. You may want check if there is a Parent Teacher Organizations and Booster Club, as many are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. If a PTO or Booster club accepts donations on behalf of the school, you can locate their profiles using the EIN.

Once these steps are complete, Benevity will confirm your organization’s eligibility to participate in the Kohl’s Volunteer Program as well as other Benevity client programs.

Who is Benevity?

Benevity is a software provider that powers workplace giving and other social good programs for some of the world’s greatest companies. Registering your charity at the Causes Portal makes you eligible to participate in the Kohl’s Volunteer Program and other Benevity client programs.

Benevity leads the industry in disbursing funds electronically while helping organizations receive funds reliably. Benevity Causes Portal manages all processing of donations, fund disbursement, and tax receipting and tracking.

Questions?

  • All Benevity Causes Portal questions should go directly to Benevity by clicking Charity Support Request within the portal or by calling 1-855-237-7875, Option 1.
  • For questions regarding an upcoming local volunteer event, continue to partner with your local Kohl’s event captain(s).
  • Click here for more information on how to register your charity

Do You Have A Question About The Kohl’s Volunteer Program?

Reference our frequently asked questions to find an answer.

Contact Us:
All Benevity Causes Portal questions should go directly to Benevity by clicking Charity Support Request.
Or by calling 1-855-237-7875, Option 1

For questions regarding an upcoming local volunteer event, continue to partner with a local Kohl’s associate.

Source: Kohl’s

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Raley’s Food For Families holiday bag drive raised 3,759,535 meals, a 29% increase over last year

This year’s donation marks a 29 percent increase over last year, and totals nearly $4 million worth of donated food.

Fair Oaks, CA, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — For more than 140,000 families in communities surrounding Raley’s stores, this holiday season was a more fulfilling one. This year’s annual Raley’s Food For Families holiday bag drive, which provides wholesome food for northern California and Nevada families, culminated in a donation of 3,759,535 meals, representing a 29% increase over last year.

The Raley’s Food For Families holiday bag drive, in its 31st year, is an initiative that takes place across Raley’s family of stores to help nourish its community. From November 1 through December 31, Raley’s customers were encouraged to donate $10 for a bag of groceries worth almost $30 retail. The result: a historic drive, resulting in 144,597 total bags donated. Altogether, Raley’s customers donated $1,445,970, and Raley’s contributed more than $2.5 million- totaling more than $4 million in food donated!

Each holiday bag was comprised of more than 23 pounds of nourishing and good-for-you foods; enough to feed a family of four 26 meals. Raley’s team members specifically selected nutritious items for the bag that met one or more of the company’s Shelf Guide labels. In fact, 80 percent of the items met Raley’s nutrient-dense and minimally processed attributes. Items in the bag ranged from a gallon of milk and fresh bananas and potatoes to whole grain penne pasta and Raley’s Purely Made organic pasta sauce.

“Year after year, Raley’s goes above and beyond in supporting our families with quality food they can feel good about eating. This season’s donations are no different. And while we’re grateful for help over the holidays, hunger is a problem year-round,” says Dave Martinez, Executive Director of Placer Food Bank. “We thank Raley’s and its customers for being committed to helping our members’ health throughout the entire year.”

All of Raley’s 122 stores that were open at the time of the holiday bag program participated. They each worked with local food bank partners to distribute the bags to those in need in the community. Raley’s Food For Families accepts donations all year to cater to the needs of their nearby food banks.

“I cannot say enough how proud I am of Raley’s customers and team members for providing such tremendous support to the annual bag drive. The results demonstrate the power of teamwork and banding together to donate nourishing and much-needed food to bring health and happiness to our community,” said Becca Whitman, Community Relations Manager for Raley’s & Executive Director for Raley’s Food for Families.

The customers are the real heroes that Raley’s commends for stepping up to help their fellow community members. Raley’s could not have put food on as many tables or fed as many mouths without the support of the community. Over the past few weeks, a few customers have shared their inspiring stories:

  • Pauline Litchfield from Yuba City, CA, gathered her entire months’ worth of tips from her job to donate 7 bags to the drive.
  • Nob Hill Checker David Watkins donated more than 100 plush teddy bears (purchased by his customers) to children at local organizations like Santa Clara Medical, Kaiser Permanente and Argonaut Elementary School. Raley’s sells the teddy bears for $10 to fundraise for the Food For Families program.
  • TaxAudit, a partner of Raley’s Food For Families, had 76 team members participate in a Turkey Trot scavenger hunt to gather and pack 100 bags of food. Through their efforts, they felt they could make an impact in their local community during the holiday season.
  • Raley’s combined top ten checkers in this drive raised 321,776 meals for their communities, representing almost 10% of the total meals raised.

Raley’s Food For Families program runs 365 days of the year to cater to those in need. For more information and to learn how to donate, visit www.foodforfamilies.org.

For information about our stores, please contact Chelsea Minor, Director of PR and Public Affairs at CMinor1@raleys.com.

Source: Raley’s Food

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Kroger to sell 762 convenience store business to EG Group for $2.15 billion

CINCINNATI and BLACKBURN, United Kingdom, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and EG Group, a privately-held petrol forecourt convenience store retailer based in Blackburn, Lancashire, United Kingdom, today (Feb. 5, 2018) announced a definitive agreement for the sale of Kroger’s convenience store business unit to EG Group for $2.15 billion. The companies expect to close the transaction during the first quarter of Kroger’s fiscal year.

As part of the agreement, EG Group will establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio and continue to operate stores under their established banner names.

Kroger announced in October 2017 its intention to explore strategic alternatives for its convenience store business, including a potential sale, in conjunction with Restock Kroger.

“Our convenience store business has been a part of our company for many years. We want to thank our management team and associates for their enduring commitment to our customers, and for the contributions they have made to build our supermarket fuel business,” said Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “As part of our regular review of assets, it has become clear that our strong convenience store business unit will better meet its full potential outside of our business.”

“One of the most important considerations in our decision-making process was continued operations to ensure minimal disruption to our associates. We are very pleased the EG Group plans to establish their North American headquarters in Cincinnati. EG Group is also a recognized international petrol forecourt convenience operator and they have a commercial model which clearly looks to enhance the consumer offer by working with leading retail brands customers know and trust,” said Mr. Schlotman. “This is good for our associates across the country and for our headquarter city of Cincinnati. Throughout the process we were impressed with the EG Group’s professionalism, investment commitment and more importantly their understanding of the US convenience retail market. We now look forward to working with them closely to ensure a smooth transition for associates.”

Mohsin Issa, EG Group Founder and co-CEO expressed “This is an exciting time for EG Group, the entry into the US market presents a fantastic opportunity to deliver a successful retail offer to consumers across the various states. We have had much success across Europe and we firmly believe the Kroger assets present a fantastic foundation to overlay our retail experience and know-how in the US. We are committed to investing in the Kroger network, partnering with leading retail brands and working with the exceptional management team and associates transferring across to deliver a comprehensive retail offer.”

“Our business model is simple but effective – EG Group is creating a stronger relationship between consumers and leading retail brands they want to access. In the US we aim to create a retail environment which delivers convenience, provides value and serves as a retail destination offering excellent welfare to motorists who live and work near our petrol forecourt convenience retail  stores,” added Zuber Issa, EG Group Founder and co-CEO.

Kroger plans to use net proceeds from the sale to repurchase shares and to lower its net total debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio.

Kroger’s convenience store business operates in 18 states.  It includes 66 franchise operations.  The stores employ 11,000 associates and operate under the following banner names: Turkey Hill, Loaf ‘N Jug, Kwik Shop, Tom Thumb and Quik Stop. Kroger’s convenience store business generated revenue of $4 billion, including selling 1.2 billion gallons of fuel, in 2016.

Kroger’s supermarket fuel centers and its Turkey Hill Dairy are not included in the sale.

Additional Information

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.  The company expects the transaction to close quickly as EG Group has no U.S. presence today.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Kroger and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as legal advisor to Kroger.

Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Barclays are acting as financial advisors to EG Group. Allen & Overy is acting as legal advisor to EG Group.

About Kroger

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

About EG Group

Founded in 2001 by brothers Zuber and Mohsin Issa, United Kingdom based EG Group is a leading petrol forecourt retail convenience operator who has established partnerships with global brands such as ESSO, BP, Shell, Carrefour, Louis Delhaize, SPAR, Starbucks, Burger King, KFC, Greggs and Subway.  The business has an established pedigree of delivering a world class fuel, convenience and food-to-go offer.

The EG Group currently employs over 12,500 staff working in over 2,600 sites across various European markets including the United Kingdom, France, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy. In 2017, the business secured approximately 1,000 petrol forecourt assets from Esso in Germany which will be transferred and integrated into the existing network in Q4, 2018. With the inclusion of the Kroger assets, EG Group will own and operate circa 4,400 sites across Europe and the US.

EG Group has made a significant commitment to delivering a modern consumer retail offer which exceeds expectations and creates a true ‘one-stop’ retail destination to satisfy multiple consumer missions. The business is regularly recognized for innovation and investment in convenience retail assets, the employees and the systems. Zuber Issa and Mohsin Issa, Founders and co-CEOs of Euro Garages, were jointly named the 2016 NACS Insight European Convenience Industry Leader of the Year.

Prior to including revenue from the convenience stores being acquired from Kroger, EG Group’s European business pro forma revenue (including Italy and Germany) is $14.5bn.  Including the revenue from Kroger’s C-store business gives total EG Group pro forma revenues of $18.5bn.

Further information at www.eurogarages.com

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, about the future performance of Kroger. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to it. These statements are indicated by words such as “plans” and similar words.  The closing of the transaction will be dependent upon approval receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals and the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to closing.  Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include the specific risk factors identified in “Risk Factors” and “Outlook” in Kroger’s annual report on Form 10-K for our last fiscal year and any subsequent filings, as well as the following:

Our ability to use free cash flow to continue to maintain our investment grade debt rating and repurchase shares, pay dividends, and fund capital investments, could be affected by unanticipated increases in net total debt, our inability to generate free cash flow at the levels anticipated, and our failure to generate expected earnings.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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SSP UK names its new Charity of the Year Macmillan Cancer Support

SSP UK names its new Charity of the Year Macmillan Cancer Support

 

LONDON, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP UK, a leading provider of food and drink concessions in travel locations, has named Macmillan Cancer Support as its new Charity of the Year. Macmillan provides emotional, practical, financial and medical support to people and their friends and families living with cancer.  During 2018, SSP colleagues across the company’s c.700 UK outlets will be raising much needed funds for the charity.

Colleague fundraising will take place across hundreds of SSP sites up and down the country, as well as its Birmingham and London offices.  SSP colleagues will join together to raise funds for the charity as part of four dedicated fundraising events throughout the year, including Macmillan’s well-known annual Coffee Morning.  Macmillan will also receive a third of the donations received into the SSP Foundation’s till-point collection tins, and a £100,000 grant from the SSP Foundation will give a further boost to the fundraising.

Gini Smith, Macmillan Cancer Support Corporate Partnership Manager, said, “We’re delighted to welcome SSP UK on board as a new corporate partner. Almost one in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis by 2020, and Macmillan’s aim is to be there for everyone living with cancer when they need it most.  We rely on much-needed donations from companies such as SSP to be able to provide support during treatment or help with work and money worries.”

Simon Smith, CEO of SSP UK & Ireland, added, “We’re pleased to be working together with Macmillan to fund expert cancer support. We have around 10,000 colleagues across the country, which means that unfortunately, cancer will have affected many of us. But Macmillan is there to help people live life, and by fundraising for this important charity, our colleagues will help people get the support they need to face cancer. We are looking forward to a year of fun charitable events and hope to raise thousands for Macmillan in the process.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Templemere Public Relations
+44 (0) 1306 735574
press.office@ssp-intl.com

Source: SSP

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Carrefour to suspend wild bass sales during its breeding period

Carrefour to suspend wild bass sales during its breeding period

 

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour’s aim is to become the leader of the food transition. Increasing our selection of sustainable fishing products is in line with this aim. Carrefour has set itself the target of selling the widest range of responsibly-caught fish on the market. And it would like half of all fish purchased at Carrefour to be responsibly sourced by 2020.

We have been warned about the risks that the wild bass is currently facing. In February and March, it is the breeding period for the wild bass. Catching it during this period disrupts its natural cycle and prevents stocks from being replenished.

To ensure that we are able to sell this product to our customers in the long term, we will suspend wild bass sales in February and March.
During these months, customers will be able to purchase farm-reared bass, including one organic variety.

This initiative is fully in line with Carrefour’s commitment to preserving the planet’s biodiversity and its marine resources, alongside withdrawing certain species under threat from sale, creating a range of certified fish and fish that have been responsibly reared, supporting local sustainable fishing and tackling illegal fishing.

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

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K Group: All Pirkka cosmetic products are free of microplastics since 1 January 2018

K Group: All Pirkka cosmetic products are free of microplastics since 1 January 2018

 

Helsinki, Finland, 2018-Feb-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Cosmetic products often use small microbeads that are able to pass through wastewater treatment facilities to water bodies. Microplastics are an environmental risk in waterways due to their longevity. In 2017, K Group fulfilled its commitment and eliminated microbeads from the Pirkka cosmetic products. This action was one of the actions taken by the K Group to reduce plastic waste.

“The serious harmful impacts of microplastics on the environment have been recently acknowledged. There is no current EU or domestic legislation on microplastics, but we at K Group wanted to take initiative on the matter on our own. According to the Finnish Environment Institute, approximately ten per cent of the plastics floating in the world’s oceans are microplastics, so all actions taken to reduce the amount of microplastics are important,” says K Group Product Quality Manager Timo Kivi.

In 2017, K Group fulfilled its commitment and eliminated microbeads from all of the cosmetic products in its own brands. Microbeads will also be removed in 2018 from all of the detergents in K Group’s own brands.

Microbeads have been used, for example, as abrasive and cleansing ingredients in cosmetics and detergents. Small, plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, however, are able to easily pass through wastewater treatment facilities into waterways where they are an environmental risk due to their longevity. When the plastic ends up in the water, it also causes serious harm to animals and can easily enter the human food chain.

“Microplastic-free products must also conform to our strict quality requirements. Microbeads may greatly affect the appearance and features of the product, so eliminating them meant re-evaluating the entire composition of the product. For example, eliminating microplastics from detergents affects the colour and transparency of the products,” says Timo Kivi.

K Group is actively developing new types of operational models in order to reduce plastic waste.

Plastics cause problems when they end up in water bodies and elsewhere in the environment. Together with manufacturing and its business partners, K Group is actively developing completely new types of operational models to reduce plastic waste. Tangible goals and actions have been listed in K Group’s plastics policy. K Group’s goal is that by 2025, 100% of plastic waste is recovered across all divisions.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the customer can shop with confidence in K-stores. As the world’s most sustainable trading sector company, K Group wants to actively promote the circular economy and develop completely new types of operational models that prevent plastics from ending up in water bodies and elsewhere in the environment,” says Matti Kalervo, K Group Vice President of Corporate Responsibility.

K Group’s actions to reduce plastic waste:

  • The Green Deal agreement aims to reduce the number of plastic bags.
    K Group participates in the Green Deal agreement made by the Finnish Commerce Federation and the Ministry of the Environment, which aims to reduce the use of plastic bags through voluntary actions. K Group is committed to the EU’s target of reducing the number of plastic bags used annually per person to 40 by 2025.
  • Microplastic-free cosmetics in K Group’s own brands.
    Since 1 January 2018, the cosmetic products in K Group’s own brands are free of environmentally harmful microplastics. All K Group own-brand detergents will also be made microplastic-free in 2018. K Group’s product ranges also do not include OXO-degradable plastic bags or small bags, because they turn into micro-particles as they degrade.
  • The Pirkka ESSI circular bag encourages plastics recycling.
    The Pirkka ESSI circular bag introduced in 2017 is the first Finnish circular economy shopping bag. The bags are made of over 90 % recycled materials, around half of which is plastic packaging waste collected separately from households.
  • EcoFishBox significantly reduces plastic waste produced by the grocery trade.
    The K-food stores have successfully piloted the wood fibre-based EcoFishBoxes made by Stora Enso. Over 100 million styrofoam packages are used to package fish in the Nordic countries every year. Replacing the styrofoam packaging materials with corrugated cardboard reduces carbon dioxide emissions by a minimum of 30% throughout the value chain.
  • K Group’s gift cards were made PVC-free.
    K Group is continuously seeking new replacement material solutions for PVC plastics, which contain chlorine, stabilisers and phthalates that are considered to have significant environmental and health impacts. Since 2017, K Group’s gift cards have been made of PVC-free materials. The manufacturing materials for Plussa cards will also be made PVC-free in 2018.
  • Onninen reduces the number of plastic bags.
    Loyal customers have been distributed shopping baskets at Finland’s Onninen Express stores. The customers are able to take the baskets with them to jobsites and use them during their next visit to the store. In addition, excess cardboard boxes are available to customers and large reusable bags are offered for sale.

All of the Pirkka cosmetic products are free of microplastics since 1 January 2018. Microbeads were eliminated from the following Pirkka products in 2017:

  • Pirkka lip balm natural 4.5g 2-pack
  • Pirkka lip balm cranberry 4.5g
  • Pirkka Perheshampoo 500ml fruit
  • Pirkka Perheshampoo 500ml berry
  • Pirkka Perheshampoo 500ml citrus

K Group’s stores may still have small quantities of products available for sale for a limited time that were ordered prior to the microplastics being removed. Stores also still have a few cosmetic products available for sale that have particles with product names referring to plastics. As a part of the evaluation, it was ensured that the particles in these products are not microplastics.

Media desk:

viestinta@kesko.fi
tel.+358 10 53 50200 (Mon-Fri 8-16)

Source: Kesko Group

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