Daily Archives: February 19, 2018

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CarMax ranks No. 34 in FORTUNE magazine’s 2018 100 Best Companies to Work For®

Company Now Offering Enhanced Benefits Including Paid Parental Leave

RICHMOND, Va., 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — For 14 consecutive years, CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, has been named by FORTUNE magazine as one of its 100 Best Companies to Work For®. CarMax ranks No. 34 for 2018.

“This award recognition is a direct result of the culture created by our associates,” said Bill Nash, CarMax CEO. “Their commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience, transforming the communities around us, and caring and supporting one another is what makes CarMax a great place to work.”

The 2018 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list is based on survey responses from more than 310,000 employees rating their workplace culture on 50-plus elements of the workplace such as fairness, camaraderie, development and trust in leadership.

“Our associates are our number one focus, and we want to have their backs during life’s moments that matter most,” said Diane Cafritz, chief human resources officer at CarMax. “That is why we are launching newly enhanced benefits this year that are a direct result of associate feedback on what benefits are most meaningful to them.”

CarMax is now offering four weeks of paid parental leave for hourly and salaried full-time associates following the birth or adoption of a child. This parental leave applies to both non-birth and birth parents. Birth mothers are eligible to add the four weeks of paid parental leave at the end of their approved six to eight weeks of paid medical leave.

Additionally, CarMax associates will enjoy the enhanced benefit of additional vacation time based on length of service. The company will continue to look for opportunities to provide pay and benefits for associates in the areas that are important to them.

CarMax employs nearly 25,000 people nationwide and continues to grow and hire for new positions. The company is opening a total of 15 new stores in 2018, including the company’s first locations in the states of Maine and New Hampshire. Some of the areas with a large number of job openings include: Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; and San Francisco, CA.

The majority of open full and part-time job positions among CarMax stores are in sales and service (including detailers and experienced technicians). The company is also hiring for several customer service positions at CarMax Auto Finance in Atlanta, GA and for digital and technology positions at the CarMax Home Office and CarMax Shockoe locations in Richmond, Virginia.

In addition to being recognized for 14 consecutive years as one of FORTUNE magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For®, FORTUNE has also recognized CarMax as one of the 20 Best Workplaces in Retail and 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials in 2017. CarMax is also one of TRAINING Magazine’s “Training Top 125” companies in America.

CarMax is committed to hiring people with strong values of integrity, transparency, and respect. Job seekers are encouraged to apply for open positions online at jobs.carmax.com.

About CarMax

CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and operates more than 185 stores in 41 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For nearly 25 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 nearly 25,000 associates nationwide and for 14 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.

 

Source: CarMax, Inc.

Media Contact

Lindsey Duke, CarMax Public Relations, 855-887-2915

pr@carmax.com  • @CarMax • facebook.com/CarMax

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CarMax opens its first store in New Hampshire

Company announces contributions to local nonprofit

RICHMOND, Virginia, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax, Inc . (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars , today celebrated the grand opening of its first store in New Hampshire, located at 300 Keller Street in Manchester. With the opening of this store, CarMax now has a total of 187 stores across 41 states nationwide. The Manchester location has the capacity to stock approximately 240 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 Manchester store opening, CarMax and The CarMax Foundation awarded $7,500 in donations and grants to The Granite YMCA. Support for this organization came at the recommendation of the Manchester CarMax associates.

“Giving back to and serving the Manchester community is important to CarMax associates and we enjoyed participating in volunteer events with the New Horizons soup kitchen in recent months,” said Blake MacDonald, location general manager at the Manchester CarMax. “We are thrilled to open our first store in New Hampshire and to bring CarMax’s easy, no-haggle car-buying experience to Manchester.”

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 41 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For nearly 25 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 nearly 25,000 associates nationwide and for 14 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

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PetSmart implements a comprehensive action plan to provide pets with an even safer and more enjoyable experience in its grooming salons

PHOENIX, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — PetSmart, North America’s leading pet specialty retailer, has always been committed to the health and well-being of all pets. That’s why the company is implementing a comprehensive action plan to provide pets with an even safer and more enjoyable experience in its grooming salons. This plan, outlined below, goes into effect today.

Independent task force to review training curriculum
PetSmart is recruiting a team of recognized independent industry experts, accomplished master groomers and accredited veterinarians and pet behaviorists that will undertake a detailed review of PetSmart’s current training and grooming safety standards. This team will provide an unbiased report of its findings and recommendations on any potential areas for improvement.

Salon Open Houses
Beginning this year, PetSmart will host Open Houses in all grooming salons for pet parents to meet their local groomers, discuss their pet’s specific needs, tour their local salon and have all their questions answered. These Open Houses will include informative sessions with an overview of safety and training standards, grooming tips and procedures and – importantly – a review of PetSmart’s recently enhanced assessments of pets brought in for grooming, designed to ensure a safer grooming experience.

Enhanced salon monitoring 
PetSmart will begin the installation of cameras in all grooming salons to provide reassurance to pet parents that their pets will receive the best possible care from the highly skilled grooming staff. Video will be used to assist in ongoing associate education, provide additional oversight and ensure that the quality of service meets PetSmart’s strict standards. Installation plans are underway.

Higher safety standards
The actions above augment new, higher safety standards PetSmart implemented on February 2, 2018. The company now solely offers specialized care for English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers and Boston Terriers (and any dog mixed with one of these breeds). These specific breeds are more likely to experience respiratory challenges, particularly in stressful environments, and for some dogs, this includes places like a grooming salon. PetSmart’s higher safety standards for these breeds include:

  • An uninterrupted “Express” service provided by a dedicated grooming professional, limiting the amount of time a pet spends in the salon. When the groom is complete, the pet is returned to the pet parent immediately, so pet parents are now asked to stay in or near the store during their pet’s appointment.
  • The use of harness-style methods, instead of a traditional lead such as those commonly used in the grooming industry, due to the breathing challenges these breeds often have in response to stress.

Additionally, all PetSmart groomers now perform a broader safety assessment of every pet at check-in. They closely observe pets for any combination of the following: lethargy, excessive panting, excessive drooling, trembling or shaking, redness in eyes, and resistance to entering the salon or kennel area. If a pet exhibits any two of these behaviors, PetSmart will not perform the service at that time. Pet parents are welcome to stay in the store with their pet to see if the behaviors pass within 15 minutes. If not, groomers will work with the pet parent to reschedule the appointment or recommend a veterinarian who can perform the service.

A summary of these higher safety standards, an overview of PetSmart’s Grooming Academy, tips for pet parents to consider before having their pet groomed, a video tour of a grooming salon, and a behind-the-scenes video of its grooming curriculum are available on PetSmart’s website.

“PetSmart has set the highest safety standards in the industry and we are always looking to improve,” said Gregg Scanlon, senior vice president of Store Operations and Services. “We recognize the responsibility we have every time a pet parent chooses PetSmart, and we want to live up to our promise of being their trusted partner every day. That’s why we’re taking action – to help create an even better experience for pets in our care and to give pet parents the peace of mind they deserve.”

PetSmart Academy-trained stylists complete 800 or more hours of hands-on instruction and safety certification, working with at least 200 dogs of all breeds and sizes. All stylists complete annual safety re-certification and participate in quarterly grooming safety training sessions.

In 2015, PetSmart played an active role in shaping and advocating for the adoption of care standards for all pet groomers in the industry. More information about this effort, as well as the proposed standards, can be found here:

https://pijac.org/press/professional-pet-groomers-stylists-alliance-release-shared-standards-care-pet-grooming

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 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/

PetSmart, Inc.
Michelle Friedman, 623-587-2177
Vice President of Corporate Communications

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UK: Co-op opens new-look food store in Llandeilo

UK: Co-op opens new-look food store in Llandeilo

MANCHESTER, UK, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-op has served-up a new-look food store in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, following a near £700,000 investment.

Children from Ysgol Gynradd Llandeilo Primary School Choir were among the guests of honour, along with Richard Hughes, President of the Rotary Club of Llandeilo, who joined the store team and helped to cut the ribbon and declare the new-look Rhosmaen Street Co-op store open to serve the community.

The food store brings a funding boost locally through its Membership scheme – Members receive a 5% reward on the purchase of own-brand products and services, with the Co-op donating a further 1% to local good causes The Co-op store – which opens between 7am -11pm – has returned to its clover-leaf design logo, first used in the 1960’s – and, includes an in store bakery, and focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas, award winning wines and, essentials.

Chris Rees, Co-op Store Manager, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to carry out such a significant investment in Llandeilo – we have had a great response and there was a superb atmosphere at our launch with the wonderful children’s choir – we would like to thank everyone who has taken part or has popped in to see us on our launch day, we are really looking forward to welcoming all of our members and customers back into their new-look Co-op. We are proud to be part of the community, and our ambition is to ensure the store is a local hub, a real asset locally.”

Chris Ellis, Area Manager for the Co-op, added: “The Co-op is moving forward with a clear purpose and momentum. We are investing in our people, stores, products and prices and have the ambition for our stores to be at the heart of local life, bringing communities together and offering great quality products when and where shoppers need them. We also want customers to know that they can become a co-owner and member of their Co-op. And, that we are also giving back to the community. Our members make a difference locally, simply by swiping their membership card when they shop with us they are raising much needed funding for organisations in the area who contribute to improving local life.”

The retailer – which won the title of Convenience Retailer of the Year at last year’s Retail Industry Awards – last month unveiled a £50M price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.

There are offers and promotions in and around the store to mark its re-launch.

And, students in Llandeilo holding a NUS extra card also receive a 10% discount off their groceries at the Co-op to support them during their studies.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op membership and, its local Community Fund – which re-opens for applications between 5 March and 8 April – is available by visiting: http://www.coop.co.uk/membership/

< ends >

Further information
Andrew Torr
Co-op Press Office
M: 07702 505 551
E: Andrew.torr@coop.co.uk

SOURCE: Co-operative Group Limited

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Alshaya brands Starbucks and Babel recognised for their world-class customer service in Kuwait’s Public Relations Association’s annual awards

Alshaya brands Starbucks and Babel recognised for their world-class customer service in Kuwait’s Public Relations Association’s annual awards

Shuwaikh, Kuwait, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Two brands operated by retail franchise operator M.H. Alshaya, Starbucks and Babel, have been recognised for their commitment to providing world-class customer service in Kuwait’s Public Relations Association’s annual awards.

The awards, under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, saw Starbucks win awards for ‘Excellence in Customer Service’, for best practices in providing customer service in the café category; and ‘Excellence in Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility’. Babel won an award for ‘Excellence in Website Services.’ The awards highlight the brands’ ability to follow up on customer feedback in a quick and effective way.

An Alshaya representative received the award from Her Excellency Hind Al-Sabih, Minister of Social Affairs and Labour and Minister of State for Economic Affairs, at a ceremony also attended by Sheikh Khalid Al Abdullah Al Sabah, Head of Amiri Protocols, and Jamal Al Nasrullah, Head of Kuwait’s Public Relations Association.

Kuwait’s Public Relations Association aims to recognise excellent customer service across the public and private sectors.

Mona Dabbah, Alshaya’s Customer Service Director, said: “We’re proud and delighted that our efforts to put our customer at the heart of our business have been recognised in this way. Our culture at Alshaya is built on listening to our customers and ensuring their satisfaction. Delivering the highest levels of customer service at every touchpoint is our top priority.”

Alshaya operates more than 3,900 stores for nearly 90 of the world’s best-known and best-loved brands, including Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria’s Secret, and Boots, and Pottery Barn across the Middle East, North Africa, Russia, Turkey and Europe. The company’s Contact Centre manages a broader customer service offering that builds connections with the customers of all the brands that the company operates, 365 days a year.

SOURCE: M.H. Alshaya Co.

Media

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

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McDonald’s to improve its Happy Meal menu by 2022 as part of its commitment with Healthier Generation

Company expands commitment with Alliance for a Healthier Generation by setting bold goals in 120 markets around the world to evolve the Happy Meal menu

OAK BROOK, Ill., 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (February 15, 2018), McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) announced an expanded commitment to families, supporting the company’s long-term global growth plan by leveraging its reach to impact children’s meals, access to reading, and keeping families together through Ronald McDonald House Charities.  By 2022, McDonald’s will make improvements to the Happy Meal menu across 120 markets to offer more balanced meals, simplify ingredients, continue to be transparent with Happy Meal nutrition information, reinforce responsible marketing to children, and leverage innovative marketing to help impact the purchase of foods and beverages that contain recommended food groups in Happy Meals.

“We recognise the opportunity that we have to support families as one of the most visited restaurants in the world, and remain committed to elevating our food, celebrating the joy of reading, and helping those in need through Ronald McDonald House Charities,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO.  “Given our scale and reach, we hope these actions will bring more choices to consumers and uniquely benefit millions of families, which are important steps as we build a better McDonald’s.”

In 2013, McDonald’s began working with the not-for-profit Alliance for Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation) to develop a comprehensive plan for 20 major markets* to increase customers’ access to fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy and water; and many of those markets are ahead of schedule in their progress on those prior commitments.

Today, the company is furthering its efforts with Healthier Generation to set five new Global Happy Meal Goals through 2022.

1. Offer Balanced Meals

Using rigorous nutrition criteria grounded in science and nutrition policy, by the end of 2022, at least 50 percent or more of the Happy Meals listed on menus (restaurant menu boards, primary ordering screen of kiosks and owned mobile ordering applications) in each market will meet McDonald’s new Global Happy Meal Nutrition Criteria of less than or equal to 600 calories; 10 percent of calories from saturated fat; 650mg sodium; and 10 percent of calories from added sugar.

Currently, 28 percent of Happy Meal combinations offered on menu boards in 20 major markets meet these new nutrition criteria. To reach the goal of 50 percent or more, markets will add new menu offerings, reformulate or remove menu offerings from the Happy Meal section of the menu board. For example, last month McDonald’s Italy introduced a new Happy Meal entrée called the “Junior Chicken,” a lean protein sandwich (grilled chicken).  McDonald’s Australia is currently exploring new vegetable and lean protein options and McDonald’s France is looking at new vegetable offerings.

2. Simplify Ingredients

As consumers’ tastes and preferences continue to evolve, markets will prioritize Happy Meals and simplify ingredients by removing artificial flavors, added colors from artificial sources, and reducing artificial preservatives where feasible.  In 2016, McDonald’s USA removed artificial preservatives from Chicken McNuggets, which also have no artificial flavors and colors, and the Chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s France and Canada have no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

3. Be Transparent with Happy Meal Nutrition Information

The company has made a continuous effort to meet consumers’ desire for easy access to nutrition information for menu items it serves with a goal of ensuring that nutrition information for Happy Meals is available and accessible through all McDonald’s owned websites and mobile apps used for ordering where they exist.

4. Market Responsibly

Under the new goals, all Happy Meal bundles advertised to children will meet McDonald’s new global nutrition criteria, and will continue to meet any existing local/regional advertising pledges with respect to marketing to children.

5. Leverage innovative marketing to help increase purchase of foods and beverages that contain recommended food groups in Happy Meals

McDonald’s recognizes the opportunity it has to make a positive impact using its size and scale to leverage innovative marketing, including packaging and promotions and use of new technologies, such as kiosks and mobile apps, to help serve more fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, lean protein and water in Happy Meals. This goal takes these actions one step further to include a measurement component and externally sharing best practices and results in a transparent manner.

McDonald’s USA Happy Meal Changes

Customers in the U.S. will see accelerated changes to the Happy Meal menu this year.  In June 2018, 100 percent of the meal combinations offered on Happy Meal menu boards in the U.S. will be 600 calories or fewer, and 100 percent of those meal combinations will be compliant with the new nutrition criteria for added sugar, saturated fat, and 78 percent compliant with the new sodium criteria.

  • Listing only the following entrée choices: Hamburger, 4-piece and 6-piece Chicken McNuggets. The Cheeseburger will only be available at a customer’s request.
  • Replacing the small French fries with kids-sized fries in the 6-piece Chicken McNugget meal, which decreases the calories and sodium in the fries serving by half.
  • Reformulating chocolate milk to reduce the amount of added sugar. During this period, chocolate milk will no longer be listed on the Happy Meal menu, but will be available at a customer’s request.
  • Later this year, bottled water will be added as a featured beverage choice on Happy Meal menu boards.
  • In December 2017, McDonald’s USA completed the transition to Honest Kids Appley Ever After organic juice drink, which has 45 less calories and half the total sugar than the prior 100 percent apple juice served in the U.S.

With these planned menu updates, there will be average reductions of 20 percent in calories, 50 percent in added sugars,13 percent in saturated fat and/or 17 percent in sodium, depending on the customer’s specific meal selection. These reductions reflect the average nutrition data of U.S. Happy Meal offerings on the menu last year compared to those planned for later this year.  Already, several of the Happy Meal combinations available on U.S. menu boards today meet the new nutrition criteria and will not be changing.

McDonald’s USA last announced changes of this magnitude in 2013 as part of its commitment with Healthier Generation, when removing soda from the Happy Meal section of its menu boards, which has resulted in a 14 percentage point increase in the number of Happy Meals ordered that include water, milk or juice as their beverage choice.  In December 2013, customers chose water, milk or juice as their beverage choice in 38 percent of Happy Meals and that number increased to 52 percent in December 2017. During that same period, the number of Happy Meals that included soda and other beverages decreased from 62 percent to 48 percent. For the first time, more than half of Happy Meals ordered in the U.S. have included water, milk or juice as their beverage of choice.

“From day one, Healthier Generation knew our work with McDonald’s could influence broad scale improvements to meal options for kids everywhere,” said Dr. Howell Wechsler, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance for a Healthier Generation. “Today’s announcement represents meaningful progress to impact kids’ calories, saturated fat, sodium and added sugar in Happy Meal bundles as offered on menu boards – and to promote more water. This sets a high bar, and we hope other industry leaders will follow suit.”

 “As a nutritionist and a mom, this is a pivotal moment as we unveil new, ambitious goals in collaboration with Healthier Generation that we hope will positively impact families around the world,”  said Julia Braun, MPH, Registered Dietitian and Head of Global Nutrition at McDonald’s. “Our efforts have led to big changes and real progress and as part of our continued food journey, we’re committed to making it easier for families to choose balanced options that will make measurable differences.”

These commitments apply to all markets globally with measurement and reporting of progress among 20 major markets, representing nearly 85 percent of the company’s global sales. The company will work with Healthier Generation and an independent, third-party to measure and publicly report progress every two years.

“Happy Meal Readers” Book Program

The company is also using its scale for good to inspire a passion for reading and will continue to spread the joy of reading to more families.  Since 2001, the company and its franchisees have distributed more than 370 million books in Happy Meals. “Happy Meal Readers” continues to expand, and by 2019 children in more than 100 markets will be able to choose a book or toy year-round in their Happy Meals.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

When it comes to supporting families, the company has played an important role for more than 40 years in keeping families near the care they need when their children are sick. McDonald’s was a founding mission partner of the Charity and remains committed to leveraging the size and scale of McDonald’s restaurants to promote and raise money to support the growth of the Charity.  RMHC keeps families together, close to the care they need through more than 364 Ronald McDonald Houses, 227 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, and 49 Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles in 64 countries and regions around the world.  Last year alone, RMHC provided care and resources to more than five and a half million children and families.  Last year, McDonald’s restaurants supported the work of RMHC by providing approximately 2.4 million overnight stays in neighborhoods and in communities around the world.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 90% of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women.

About Healthier Generation

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation empowers kids to develop lifelong healthy habits by ensuring the environments that surround them provide and promote good health. More than 25 million children have been helped by Healthier Generation’s work with schools, communities and businesses across the country. Make a difference at HealthierGeneration.org and join us on Facebook and Twitter.

*20 major markets: U.S., Canada, Brazil, Argentina, U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Russia, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Taiwan and Australia.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Becca Hary 
McDonald’s
becca.hary@us.mcd.com		 Kate Siskel
Alliance for a Healthier Generation 
kate.siskel@healthiergeneration.org

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.
The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: McDonald’s Corporation / Globenewswire

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The Home Depot® launches new tool that allows job applicants to self-schedule interviews as it seeks to fill more than 80,000 positions

ATLANTA, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Home Depot® has launched a new tool that allows job applicants to self-schedule in-person interviews as the company works to fill more than 80,000 positions for its busy spring selling season.

Using the tool, which is available 24/7 on any device, candidates who have completed an application for an open job in a Home Depot store or distribution center can easily choose the most convenient interview appointment available. About 80 percent of The Home Depot’s candidates have taken advantage of the tool since the pilot began this past November.

“Just as we’re continuously evolving to meet the changing expectations of our customers, we’re harnessing new technologies to do the same for job seekers,” said Tim Hourigan, EVP – Human Resources. “This consumer-like experience helps us hire the best talent to serve our customers.”

Candidate Self-Service is the latest in a series of enhancements The Home Depot has made to its application process. Last spring, the company saw a 50 percent increase in candidates after rolling out its 15-minute application, Mobile Apply and Text-to-Apply capabilities.

The Home Depot is also enhancing its onboarding experience this spring with the introduction of PocketGuide for associate training, a mobile application that leverages gamification to help associates learn while they’re in the aisles. PocketGuide delivers product knowledge and learning activities to the palm of an associate’s hand, significantly reducing backroom training. The application is rolling out to all garden associates for this spring season and will expand to more store departments throughout 2018.

Job seekers can visit careers.homedepot.com/retailjobs for a list of seasonal and permanent opportunities in their area. The time associates accrue during their seasonal assignments generally applies to eligibility for benefits like profit-sharing bonuses and vacation if they transition to a permanent role with The Home Depot.

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,284 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2016, The Home Depot had sales of $94.6 billion and earnings of $8.0 billion. The Company employs more than 400,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index. 

SOURCE The Home Depot

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Kroger opens its Culinary Innovation Center in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio

Company completes construction on new test kitchen and training facility in downtown Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Kroger (NYSE: KR) announced today it has opened its Culinary Innovation Center in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.

“Kroger’s new Culinary Innovation Center is an exciting state-of-the-art test kitchen and education center,” said Daniel Hammer, Kroger’s vice president of culinary development and new business. “As we focus on redefining the customer experience and developing talent through food inspiration and uplift, as outlined in Restock Kroger, this R&D lab will allow us to accelerate product development for Our Brands, produce new recipes for Prep + Pared Meal Kits, explore new restaurant concepts, host food tastings and focus groups, and increase our associates’ culinary knowledge.”

Kroger commenced construction on the 12,000-square-feet, LEED-designed Center in March 2017. The commercial kitchen features multiple cooking stations, spaces and capabilities, including technology that allows video streaming of educational sessions to Kroger associates across the country.

“The Center gives our culinary team a fun, modern space to innovate and experiment with food trends, flavors, and ingredients to create new experiences for our customers,” added Mr. Hammer.

Kroger introduced its first restaurant concept Kitchen 1883 in November 2017 and launched its Prep+Pared Meal Kits earlier in the same year, which are available for purchase in stores and through ClickList. Kroger has plans to rapidly grow the footprint of Prep+Pared Meal Kits in 2018.

“Kroger has operated grocery stores since 1883; we know food. People will always eat, but the way they eat will always change. Our new Center is one more tool we have to keep our pulse on customer trends and expand our foodie culture,” said Mr. Hammer.

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

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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Ben & Jerry’s introduces new line of light ice cream without artificial sugar substitutes and with less fat and calories

Ben & Jerry’s introduces new line of light ice cream without artificial sugar substitutes and with less fat and calories

New Moo-phoria offers fully satisfying flavors, with a fraction of fat and calories

Burlington, VT, 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — For ice cream lovers who only indulge on special occasions or limit themselves to a weekly treat, Ben & Jerry’s has created Moo-phoria™, a new line of light ice cream with satisfyingly euphoric flavors. Suddenly, Wednesday is the new weekend!

Moo-phoria pints are full of all the wonderful chunks and swirls that fans adore, along with rich and creamy vanilla, chocolate, caramel and peanut butter flavors. What’s missing? Sixty to seventy percent fat and at least 35% of the calories found in traditional ice cream. Each ½ cup serving of Moo-phoria has 140-160 calories. And like all Ben & Jerry’s flavors, Moo-phoria doesn’t have artificial sugar substitutes or sugar alcohols.

“Ben & Jerry’s tries to offer a little bit of something for everyone,” said Dena Wimette, Senior Innovation Manager. “We’re excited to have an incredible new option for our fans who say they can’t be trusted with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s in their freezers.”

Moo-phoria pints are available in three hard-to-resist flavors:

  • Chocolate Milk & Cookies—Chocolate and vanilla light ice cream swirled with chocolate chip cookies. 140 calories per ½ cup serving.
  • Caramel Cookie Fix—Vanilla light ice cream with shortbread cookies and salted caramel swirl. 150 calories per ½ cup serving.
  • PB Dough—Chocolate light ice cream with gobs of chocolate chip peanut butter cookie dough. 160 calories per ½ cup serving.

In addition to the famous chunks and swirls, Ben & Jerry’s sources organic milk and cream for the base mix of each Moo-phoria flavor.

Moo-phoria is coming soon to grocery stores nationwide for a suggested MSRP of $4.89. Fans can use the Ben & Jerry’s flavor locator to find a store or Scoop Shop near them. Moo-phoria will also be available at Ben & Jerry’s online store at www.store.benjerry.com.

For more information, visit www.benjerry.com/moophoria

About Ben & Jerry’s
As an aspiring social justice company, Ben & Jerry’s believes in a greater calling than simply making a profit for selling its goods. The company produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream, light ice cream, yogurt and sorbet using high-quality ingredients. Ben & Jerry’s incorporates its vision of Linked Prosperity into its business practices in a number of ways including a focus on values-led sourcing. In 2015 the company completed its transition to using entirely non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) ingredients by source as well as to fully source Fairtrade-certified ingredients wherever possible, which benefits farmers in developing countries. Ben and Jerry’s products are distributed in 35 countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Ben & Jerry’s became a certified B Corp (Benefit Corporation) in 2012. The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation’s employee-led grant programs totaled $2.5MM in 2017 to support grassroots organizing for social and environmental justice around the country.

Media Contact
Laura Peterson, Ben & Jerry’s Public Elations Manager
Laura.peterson@benjerry.com
802-825-2129

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Shop Your Way partners with fuboTV to bring live streaming video services to its members

Leading live streaming TV provider offers Shop Your Way members value incentive to ‘cut the cord’

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., 2018-Feb-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shop Your Way’s ongoing effort to provide its members with unparalleled service options and money-saving benefits has expanded to yet another new category: live streaming video services.

Shop Your Way, a business unit of Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD), announced today a strategic partnership with sports-first live streaming TV provider fuboTV.  This partnership will enable sports-loving Shop Your Way members to access the best-in-class video service, which includes more than 65 channels of live sports, entertainment and news content. fuboTV joins Shop Your Way’s ever-expanding ecosystem of partners and services designed to save members time and money every day. Members who subscribe to the Fubo Premier package will receive CASHBACK in Shop Your Way® Points totaling the first month of paid subscription fees, plus additional CASHBACK in points every month during the first year of paid service*.

CASHBACK in points available to Shop Your Way members who subscribe to fuboTV can include*:

  • $20 CASHBACK in points of first full paid month of service after the 7 day trial
  • $3 CASHBACK in points per month for the next 11 months of paid service for the first year fulfilled subscription term

These points can be used on millions of items from Shop Your Way partners such as Sears, Kmart, Lands’ End and at ShopYourWay.com.

fuboTV, one of the world’s fastest-growing subscription services, delivers an over-the-top (OTT) bundle of more sports channels than any other live streaming TV company.  Customers can stream programming on desktop computer or mobile web at www.fubo.tv; mobile devices via fuboTV’s highly-rated apps for iOS and Android; or on connected TVs via Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV. After the trial, Fubo Premier is available at an introductory rate of $19.99 for the first month, and $44.99 per month to follow.

Shop Your Way members can learn more about fuboTV and sign up for the service online via shopyourway.com/fubotv, instore at Sears and Kmart, or via phone (800.991.8708).

“Cutting the cord on traditional TV has never been easier or more rewarding than with this Shop Your Way partnership,” said Robert Naedele, Chief Commercial Officer, Shop Your Way. “Our newest partner fuboTV offers the channels our members love, plus movies and incredible sports content – we’re giving members 100 percent of their first month of paid service CASHBACK in Shop Your Way points after they sign up. This partnership offers members new flexibility and personalization to their entertainment options with the everyday value they’ve come to expect from Shop Your Way.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to team up with Shop Your Way to bring even more value to our subscribers,” said fuboTV Co-Founder and CMO Alberto Horihuela. “We pride ourselves in providing fans with the most sports for the least money, and now are able to provide fuboTV customers with unparalleled access to the Shop Your Way network.”

fuboTV joins partners such as Uber and Meredith Corp. (the former Time Inc./Synapse) on the Shop Your Way platform, where tens and tens of millions of members can earn and redeem points on everyday purchases. It’s free and easy to become a Shop Your Way member and begin enjoying benefits immediately when you visit shopyourway.com. Download the free Shop Your Way app from the App Store or Google Play.

* Shop Your Way members will receive CASHBACK in points after they purchase the initial fuboTV monthly subscription and remain subscribed each month in order to continue to be eligible for CASHBACK in points during their first year of subscription. Points valid for 90 days. By accepting offer and Shop Your Way benefits, members agree to be bound by Shop Your Way Terms and Conditions available at www.shopyourway.com/terms.

About fuboTV
fuboTV is a sports-first streaming TV service that brings subscribers over-the-top (OTT) access to the most sports for the least money. This includes a growing line-up of national channels, local broadcasters and regional sports networks (RSNs) that hold rights to the most popular sports in the world. Officially launched in January 2015 as a streaming soccer service, fuboTV has evolved into one of the leading virtual MVPDs in the U.S. Its entry-level Fubo Premier bundle offers more than 65 channels, including up to 37 that carry sports, and brings customers access to popular entertainment, news and information content that complements the core sports offering, including more than 10,000 titles available on-demand. It is available on desktop or mobile web via www.fubo.tv; on Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick; Android and iOS devices; Apple TV; Chromecast; Kindle Fire; Roku; and through T-Mobile’s Binge On.

The company has raised a total of $75.6 million in funding to date, including a $55 million Series C round that closed in June 2017, led by Northzone, and including 21st Century Fox, Sky and Scripps Networks Interactive. Investors also include DCM Ventures, i2bf, Luminari Capital, LionTree Partners, Univision Communications Inc., Edgar Bronfman, Jr. (former Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group), Chris Silbermann (founding partner, ICM Partners) and former NBA Commissioner David Stern.

About Shop Your Way
Shop Your Way® is at your service 24/7 to help you in the moments that matter. Whether it’s shopping your favorite brands, eating at your favorite restaurants, or simply taking an Uber to a party, you get rewarded with money-saving points that can be redeemed on millions of items across our Partner network. You can even connect with a free Personal Shopper to find everything on your list so that you can spend more time enjoying life and less time on the details. The benefits are endless with Shop Your Way, and they add up fast every time you connect. It’s easy – the more you do, the more you get, so start earning your rewards today.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Sears Holdings Public Relations
(847) 286-8371

 

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation