Daily Archives: February 27, 2018

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Citycon Oyj to hold Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 20 March 2018

Espoo, Finland, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — The shareholders of Citycon Oyj are hereby invited to the Annual General Meeting to be held on Tuesday, 20 March 2018 at 12.00 noon at Finlandia Hall (Veranda 4 hall), at the address Mannerheimintie 13, Helsinki, Finland (entrance through doors M4 and K4). The reception of participants who have registered for the meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 11.00 a.m.

A. Matters on the Agenda of the General Meeting

1. Opening of the Meeting

2. Calling the Meeting to Order

3. Election of Persons to Scrutinize the Minutes and to Supervise the Counting of Votes

4. Recording the Legality of the Meeting

5. Recording the Attendance and Adopting the List of Votes

6. Presentation of the Financial Statements and the Report of the Board of Directors for the Year 2017
– Review by the CEO

7. Presentation of the Auditor’s Report

8. Adoption of the Financial Statements

9. Resolution on the Use of the Profit Shown on the Balance Sheet as well as Authorization of the Board of Directors to Decide on the Distribution of Dividend and Assets from the Invested Unrestricted Equity Fund
The Board of Directors proposes that based on the balance sheet to be adopted for the financial period ended on 31 December 2017, no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the Annual General Meeting.

Nonetheless, the Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide in its discretion on the distribution of dividend and assets from the invested unrestricted equity fund in the manner set forth below.

Based on this authorization, the maximum amount of dividend to be distributed shall not exceed EUR 0.01 per share and the maximum amount of equity repayment distributed from the invested unrestricted equity fund shall not exceed EUR 0.12 per share.

The authorization is valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting.

Unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason, the authorization will be used to distribute dividend and/or equity repayment four times during the period of validity of the authorization. In this case, the Board of Directors will make separate resolutions on each distribution of the dividend and/or equity repayment so that the preliminary record and payment dates will be as stated below. Citycon shall make separate announcements of such Board resolutions.

Preliminary payment date Preliminary record date
29 March 2018 22 March 2018
29 June 2018 21 June 2018
28 September 2018 20 September 2018
28 December 2018 14 December 2018

The dividend and/or equity repayment based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the record date of the dividend and/or equity repayment.

10. Resolution on the Discharge of the Members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from Liability

11. Resolution on the Remuneration of the Members of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that the remuneration of members of the Board of Directors would remain the same and the Chairman of the Board of Directors be paid an annual fee of EUR 160,000, the Deputy Chairmen EUR 70,000 and the ordinary members of the Board EUR 50,000. The Chairmen of the Board of Directors’ Committees would be paid an additional annual fee of EUR 5,000.

It is proposed that the Chairmen of the meetings of the Board’s Committees shall be paid a meeting fee of EUR 800 and other Board and Committee members EUR 600 per meeting, with the exception of the Chairman of the Board, who shall be paid no meeting fees.

The members of the Board of Directors shall be compensated for accrued travel and lodging expenses as well as other potential costs related to Board and Committee work.

12. Resolution on the Number of Members of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that the number of members of the Board of Directors shall be nine.

13. Election of the Members of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee that of the current members of the Board of Directors Chaim Katzman, Bernd Knobloch, Arnold de Haan, Kirsi Komi, David Lukes, Andrea Orlandi, Per-Anders Ovin and Ariella Zochovitzky be re-elected, and that Ofer Stark be elected as a new member to the Board of Directors. The members of the Board of Directors will be elected for a term that will continue until the close of the next Annual General Meeting. Of the current Board members, Rachel Lavine and Claes Ottosson will leave the Board of Directors.

All candidates have given their consent to the election.

All candidates for the Board of Directors have been presented on the company’s website citycon.com/agm2018. In addition, information on the proposed new member of the Board of Directors is available at the end of this notice.

14. Resolution on the Remuneration of the Auditor
The Board of Directors proposes on the recommendation of the Audit and Governance Committee that the audit fee be paid in accordance with the auditor’s invoice approved by the company.

15. Election of the Auditor
On the recommendation of the Audit and Governance Committee, the Board of Directors proposes that the company’s present auditor Ernst & Young Oy, a firm of authorized public accountants, be re-elected as the auditor. Ernst & Young Oy has announced that APA Mikko Rytilahti would act as the auditor with principal responsibility.

16. Proposal by the Board of Directors to amend the Articles of Association
The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting would resolve to amend the Articles of Association, and especially Articles 2, 4, 8, 9 and 11 of the Articles of Association in the manner described below.

The Board proposes that Article 2 of the Articles of Association be amended to read as follows:

2 § The Company is engaged in buying, selling, owning and managing real estate, buildings, premises or any parts thereof as well as shares and interests in companies entitling to the above-mentioned. The Company is also engaged in leasing and developing of real estate, buildings and premises as well as providing management and management related services for real estate, buildings and premises. The Company can also engage in other operations related to the business operations specified in this section.

The Board proposes that the following amendments are made to Articles 8 and 9 of the Articles of Association:

8 § The General Meeting shall elect one (1) auditor to examine the administration and accounts of the Company. The auditor shall be an authorized audit firm.

9 § The Company’s Annual General Meeting shall be held annually within six (6) months of the expiration of the financial period on a date determined by the Board of Directors.

In addition, the Board proposes that the following additions are made to Articles 4 and 11 of the Articles of Association:

4 § Such Committees prepare designated items for the Board of Directors and resolve on operative matters as may be instructed by the Board of Directors from time to time.

11 § The General Meetings may be held, in addition to the Company’s domicile Helsinki, in Espoo (Finland), Stockholm (Sweden), Oslo (Norway) or Copenhagen (Denmark) as may be resolved by the Board of Directors.

Otherwise, the Board proposes that linguistic corrections are made to the Articles of Association.

The Articles of Association is proposed to be amended to reflect the new Auditing Act and the needs of Citycon Oyj’s Nordic business.

17. Authorizing the Board of Directors to Decide on the Issuance of Shares as well as the Issuance of Special Rights Entitling to Shares

The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide on the issuance of shares as well as the issuance of special rights entitling to shares referred to in Chapter 10 Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act by one or several decisions in the manner described below.

The number of shares to be issued shall not exceed 85 million shares, which corresponds to approximately 9.55 percent of all the current shares in the company. Shares potentially issued by virtue of the special rights entitling to shares are included in the aforesaid maximum number of shares.

The Board of Directors decides on all the conditions of the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares. The authorization concerns both the issuance of new shares as well as the transfer of own shares held by the company. The issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares may be carried out in deviation from the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights by way of a directed issue.

The authorization is valid until the close of next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2019.

18. Authorizing the Board of Directors to Decide on the Repurchase and/or on the Acceptance as Pledge of the Company’s Own Shares
The Board of Directors proposes that the Board of Directors be authorized to decide on the repurchase and/or on the acceptance as pledge of the company’s own shares in one or several tranches as follows.

The number of own shares to be repurchased and/or accepted as pledge shall not exceed 50 million shares, which corresponds to approximately 5.61 per cent of all the current shares in the company. Only the unrestricted equity of the company can be used to repurchase own shares on the basis of the authorization.

Own shares can be repurchased at a price formed in public trading on the date of the repurchase or at a price otherwise formed on the market.

The Board of Directors decides how own shares will be repurchased and/or accepted as pledge. Own shares can be repurchased for instance by using derivatives. Own shares can be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholdings of the shareholders (directed repurchase).

The authorization is valid until the close of next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than until 30 June 2019.

19. Closing of the Meeting

B. Documents of the General Meeting
Citycon Oyj’s Financial Statements, the Report of the Board of Directors and the Auditor’s Report, the proposals for the decisions on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting, and this notice are available on the company’s website citycon.com/agm2018 not later than 27 February 2018. Said documents will also be available at the venue of the meeting. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the aforementioned website as of 3 April 2018 at the latest.

C. Instructions for the Participants in the General Meeting

1. Shareholders registered in the shareholders’ register
Each shareholder, who is registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on Thursday, 8 March 2018 has the right to participate in the general meeting. A shareholder, whose shares are registered on his/her personal Finnish book-entry account, is registered in the company’s shareholders’ register.

A shareholder, who is registered in the company’s shareholders’ register and wants to participate in the general meeting, shall register for the meeting by giving a prior notice of participation not later than 15 March 2018 at 4.00 p.m. The notice has to be received by the company before the end of the registration period. Such notice can be given
– on the company’s website citycon.com/agm2018,
– by e-mail to legal@citycon.com,
– by telephone +358 20 766 4400 from Mondays to Fridays between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., or
– by mail addressed to Citycon Oyj, AGM, Suomenlahdentie 1, FI-02230 Espoo, Finland.

In connection with the registration, a shareholder is requested to notify his/her name, personal identification number or business-ID, telephone number as well as the name of a possible assistant or proxy representative, and the personal identification number of the proxy representative. The personal data given to Citycon Oyj is used only in connection with the general meeting and with the processing of related registrations.

The shareholder, his/her authorized representative or proxy representative shall, where necessary, be able to prove his/her identity and/or right of representation.

2. Holders of nominee registered shares
A holder of nominee registered shares has the right to participate in the general meeting by virtue of such shares, based on which (s)he on the record date of the general meeting, i.e. on 8 March 2018, would be entitled to be registered in the company’s shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd. In addition, the right to participate in the general meeting requires that the shareholder has, on the basis of such shares, been temporarily registered in the shareholders’ register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd not later than 15 March 2018 at 10.00 a.m. As regards nominee registered shares this constitutes due registration for the general meeting.

A holder of nominee registered shares is advised to request without delay necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the company’s shareholders’ register, the issuing of proxy documents and registration for the general meeting from his/her custodian bank. The account management organization of the custodian bank shall register a holder of nominee registered shares, who wants to participate in the general meeting, to be temporarily entered in the company’s shareholders’ register at the latest by the time stated above. Further information on these matters can also be found on the company’s website citycon.com/agm2018.

3. Proxy representative and proxy documents
A shareholder may participate in the general meeting and exercise his/her rights at the meeting by way of proxy representation. A proxy representative shall produce a dated proxy document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate his/her right to represent the shareholder at the general meeting. When a shareholder participates in the general meeting by means of several proxy representatives representing the shareholder with shares at different securities accounts, the shares by which each proxy representative represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the general meeting. Proxy templates are available on the company’s website citycon.com/agm2018.

Possible proxy documents are requested to be submitted to the company by the end of the registration period.

4. Further instructions/information
Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act, a shareholder who is present at the general meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the meeting.

Further information on matters pertaining to general meeting and on shareholder’s rights is available on the company’s website citycon.com/general-meeting.

On the date of publication of this notice, 23 February 2018, Citycon Oyj has 889,992,628 shares and votes. The company holds 24,767 of the company’s own shares on the date of publication of the notice.

CITYCON OYJ
Board of Directors

Information on the proposed new member of the Board of Directors

Ofer Stark
Born 1972
Israel and US citizen
Main occupation: Architect, entrepreneur

MEDIA CONTACT
Sanna Kostiainen
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, FINLAND
+358 400 712 072
sanna.kostiainen (at) citycon.com

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SSP America wins ten-year contract to develop and operate food and beverage concession spaces at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

LONDON, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has been awarded a ten-year contract by the City of Phoenix and the City of Phoenix Aviation Department to commercially develop and operate five separate food and beverage concession spaces at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The new restaurants will cover a total of 19,833 square feet of concession space in the North and South Concourses of Terminal 3 as well as the lobby and ticketing areas. The contract will see SSP America introduce a mix of award-winning local and chef-driven brands as well as two, enormously popular, forward-thinking national brands.

SSP America’s new contract is part of the gateway’s wider modernization program. The $590 million Terminal 3 Modernization Program is set to enhance the customer experience for travellers by providing a more efficient way of getting through the terminal. The modernization is planned as three distinct phases to maximize flexibility and minimize impact to travellers and will be completed in 2020. Currently, the terminal processor and the South Concourse are under construction. The North Concourse will be the final phase of the project. 

Pat Murray, executive vice president of SSP America, commented: “PHX continues to grow with robust passenger increases, extensive growth in concessions, and an impressive upsurge in food and beverage sales between 2011-2016 in Terminal 4. PHX continued level of progress is a direct result of the Aviation Department’s proactive inward investment. SSP America is enormously proud to be a part of this continued investment and is deeply honored to have been awarded this significant new contract. Our portfolio features no less than nine award-winning local brands which will not only give PHX passengers a true taste of place, but also keep jobs and revenues contributing back to the Valley of the Sun community.”

SSP’s line-up includes: 

The Habit Burger Grill (Lobby)— The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip steak, grilled chicken and sushi-grade tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the “best tasting burger in America” in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America’s leading consumer magazines. 

Original ChopShop (Lobby)— Local favorite Original ChopShop is a neighborhood eatery crafting ‘Just Feel Good Food’ from whole ingredients. The menu offers protein bowls, acai and pitaya bowls, fresh-squeezed juices, protein shakes, salads and sandwiches that are made from scratch on-site with real, quality ingredients.

Überrito Fresh Mex (Lobby)— Combining the German word, “Über” meaning “above” or “beyond” with the Mexican culinary mainstay “burrito”—Überrito brings passengers above and beyond über fresh, über delicious burritos.  By combining an abundance of the very best ingredients at their peak of freshness, Überrito defies predictable preconceptions of Fresh-Mex offering taste combinations you won’t find anywhere else.

The Tavern (South Concourse)—Straight from its East Camelback Road location, Chef Mark Tarbell’s, The Tavern, brings a relaxed and approachable foodie oasis—a tony little gem serving fresh-forward, chef-driven plates in a fast and casual environment. The Tavern’s South Concourse location will also include a large wine retail component that will allow passengers to buy handpicked, premium wines to enjoy at their next destination.

Christopher’s Crush (South Concourse)— James Beard Award-winning chef and restaurateur, Christopher Gross, brings his thoroughly modern, locally laurelled, Christopher’s Crush to PHX’s South Concourse. Featuring handcrafted cocktails, top-notch local and international brews, handpicked wines and award-winning, chef-driven gourmand plates—Christopher’s Crush will be the ultimate PHX oasis. 

Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen (North Concourse)—Straight from its super hip CenPho location, Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen is a celebration of craft beer and craft food. PAB Central Kitchen brings a unique, only in Phoenix experience serving up Phoenix Ale Brewery’s top-notch local brews and pairing them with one-of-a-kind dishes that make guests wonder why they ever settled for traditional pub fare.

Tru Burger Co. (North Concourse)—Family owned and operated, Tru Burger Co., welcomes travelers to a menu made from TRU local flavors. Handcrafted, gourmet burgers are made fresh daily from locally sourced ingredients and fresh custom baked breads, delivered daily; all meats are antibiotic and hormone free. From crafting your own burger, to salads, fresh sides, sandwiches, big dogs and more, Tru Burger’s goal is to inspire community awareness with a TRU-Passion for a custom, fresh, high quality experience while ensuring dedicated support to the local Valley economy.

Leoni’s Focaccia (North Concourse)—The best, most memorable sandwiches begin with the best bread, and at Valley-based Danielle Leoni’s Leoni’s Focaccia, the freshly baked, Roman-style focaccia bread isn’t just the best in the Valley—it’s in a memorable league of its own. Leoni’s Focaccia brings innovative, chef-driven spins on classic Italian sandwiches, keeping jetsetters and local fans, coming back for more.

Ajo Al’s Mexican Café (North Concourse)—Using the freshest ingredients and authentic recipes, Ajo Al’s Mexican Café provides a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern Sonoran style twist and a casual, fun atmosphere they have been famous for since 1986. With fresh, handcrafted house specialties locals have known and loved for years, Ajo Al’s is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious, handmade Mexican food in Phoenix.

Crave Grounds (North Concourse)— Jim Murphy’s Crave Grounds in North Scottsdale brings America’s favorite breakfast time, snack time, any time coffee and donuts combo into the modern day. Offering a unique and inviting local coffee and donut experience, Crave Grounds features an endless variety of hot & fresh, made-to-order mini donuts, specialty tea, and a full espresso bar using a locally roasted four bean coffee blend, offered only at Crave Grounds.

Peet’s Coffee (Ticketing)—As one of the nation’s favorite premium coffee companies, Peet’s Coffee delivers a deep, rich coffee drinking experience. Guests will enjoy fresh roasted and handcrafted hot espresso drinks and an assortment of cold brewed coffee drinks all prepared from Peet’s full line of fair trade, responsibly sourced coffee beans. Peet’s ticketing location will offer other retail items—from bestselling newspapers, magazines and books, to travel related sundries, luggage, souvenirs and gifts; the range will offer passengers the conveniences they need.

These incredibly successful, award-winning brands and restaurateurs don’t just represent the Valley’s culinary landscape, they define it. Each brand sources locally wherever possible and is considered an integral component of the wider Phoenix community, helping to drive economic prosperity across the region. Sense of place, taste of place and commitment to the community combined with optimum choice for the passenger and exceptional customer service are the hallmarks of SSP America’s new contract with PHX.

SOURCE: SSP Group plc.

If you are a journalist and have a press enquiry, please contact Templemere Public Relations on +44 (0) 1306 735574 or press.office@ssp-intl.com

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Carrefour Poland’s C4 Retail Lab incubator recognised at the 2017 Heart Open Innovation Awards

Carrefour Poland’s C4 Retail Lab incubator recognised at the 2017 Heart Open Innovation Awards

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour Poland’s C4 Retail Lab incubator, which started up in 2017, has got through to the finals of the Open Innovation Awards in the “Initiative” category.

The C4 Retail Lab was set up last year as part of Carrefour Poland’s omnichannel strategy. Its purpose is to look for and implement innovations for the whole mass merchandising sector, as well as supporting the development of entrepreneurship in Poland and fostering young talent. The incubator already has 12 start-ups and five projects are in the test phase.One of the first companies to join the C4 Retail Lab was Smart Cart – a Polish company which has developed a system that involves traditional shopping trolleys and self-service checkouts. The award given by the Heart Warsaw is the first that Carrefour’s incubator has received.

The 2017 Heart Open Innovation Awards is a competition for companies which innovate in collaboration with start-ups. Their aim is to showcase companies which use sources of external innovation, setting up partnerships and implementing the best solutions. The competition was organised by The Heart Warsaw, the European centre for cooperation between major groups and start-ups.

SOURCE: Carrefour Group

MEDIA CONTACT

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00
For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17
By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

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Sainsbury’s: Gemma Atkinson launches this year’s official Sport Relief merchandise

Sainsbury’s: Gemma Atkinson launches this year’s official Sport Relief merchandise

LONDON, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Dancing queen, Gemma Atkinson, has a wheelie good time in Sainsbury’s for Sport Relief.

The stunt was promoting the Sport Relief merchandise, available now in Sainsbury’s stores and online with at least 50 per cent of every sale going to Sport Relief. Gemma put her own spin on the everyday task in a four-wheeled routine which dazzled unsuspecting Sainsbury’s shoppers.

For the first time ever, Sport Relief is challenging the nation to beat a billion steps a day, every day from 17th-23rd March, tracking their progress through the brand-new Sport Relief app and looking the part in the official merchandise.

Gemma, who racked up her steps using the app – downloadable via the app store or sportrelief.com, said: “Dancing with a trolley is not as easy as it might look! There were a few near misses, but I had a lot of fun. I hope today has shown just how easy it is to get active, raise money and change lives this Sport Relief.

“So, on your next trip to Sainsbury’s, cha-cha down those aisles to pick up your Sport Relief merchandise and look the part doing your steps.”

Gemma was paired up with one of the store’s trolley collectors in Sainsbury’s Ashton Moss store, Manchester to learn the basics, then let loose in the car park to put her coordination to the test, impressing shoppers with the unusual routine.

One Sainsbury’s colleague who Gemma put in a spin was Lee Mottershead, 23 from Ashton-under-Lyne who said: “I wasn’t expecting to be dancing when I came into work today, least of all with Gemma Atkinson! We do something for Sport Relief in store every year, but nothing quite like this. It’s been really fun, Gemma was a great dance partner.”

Rachel Carrington, Sponsorship Manager at Sainsbury’s said: “We’ve been proud partners of Sport Relief for many years. In 2016, Sainsbury’s colleagues and customers raised over £7 million, making a huge difference to those in need. We’re hoping that our efforts this year will make an even bigger difference and are delighted to have Gemma on board to give this year’s campaign an extra push.”

Sainsbury’s is the official retailer of the Sport Relief merchandise. A donation from each sale will go towards helping vulnerable people across the UK and the world to live happier, healthier and safer lives.

SOURCE: Sainsbury’s

MEDIA CONTACT

press_office@sainsburys.co.uk or call 0207 695 7295.

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Lowe’s launches Track to the Trades program to provide career alternatives and financial support for employees to pursue a skilled trade

Lowe’s launches Track to the Trades program to provide career alternatives and financial support for employees to pursue a skilled trade 

MOORESVILLE, N.C., 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (February 22, 2018), Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) announced Track to the Trades, a new workforce development initiative that aims to provide innovative career alternatives and financial support for employees to pursue a skilled trade. The program will be supported in partnership with Guild Education, an adult education company. The initiative comes at a time when the skilled trade industry is experiencing a rapidly declining workforce.

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, more than 60 percent of skilled trade professionals agree that there is a shortage of labor in the construction industry. The same study reports ongoing hiring challenges for professional contractors, with 40 percent of pros looking to expand their job site workforce.

To begin addressing this critical trade skills gap while also providing employees with a variety of career paths and economic opportunity, Lowe’s is offering employees:

  • Upfront tuition funding for trade skill certification
  • Academic coaching and support
  • Placement opportunities for full-time pre-apprenticeships in Lowe’s nationwide contractor network or continued growth with Lowe’s

Beginning March 1, Lowe’s will debut Track to the Trades in four cities: Charlotte, Denver, Pittsburgh and Richmond. Following the four-city pilot, the program will be expanded to qualified Lowe’s part-time and full-time employee nationwide by the end of 2018.

Eligible employees will receive up to $2,500 to gain a certification and serve as a pre-apprentice in carpentry, HVAC, electrical, plumbing or appliance repair careers. Pre-apprenticeships take approximately six to 10 months, and participants will also receive enrollment guidance and a field mentor.

“The trade profession is a high-demand, high-opportunity field for the next generation workforce, and today, there is a massive unmet need,” said Jennifer L. Weber, Lowe’s chief human resources officer. “With Track to the Trades, we are providing unique career alternatives for our associates while also building a pipeline for the next generation ofLowe’s,Track to the Trades ,skilled trade, Guild Education CEO, Rachel Carlson, Home Improvement Research Institute,  Jennifer L. Weber, skilled trade workers, allowing us to better meet the demands of customers while creating long-term educational benefits and economic opportunity for our people.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the nation’s need for workers in the skilled trades is increasing much faster than the growth of employment overall, according to a recent forecast. In fact, Lowe’s analysis of BLS data projects we will experience a skilled trades gap of more than a half million jobs across construction-related fields by 2026. Lowe’s Track to the Trades program is a first step toward rebuilding the skilled trades workforce and infusing pride back into trade professions that are vital to society.

“Lowe’s is leading the way on pre-apprenticeship models that prepare employees for jobs of the future, both while working at Lowe’s and beyond in their careers,” said Guild Education CEO, Rachel Carlson. “The education pathways offered by Lowe’s eliminate the all-to-common false choice between trades programs and advancement in higher education. At Guild, we’re honored to be working with the Lowe’s team on this first-of-a-kind partnership.”

About Lowe’s
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving more than 17 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With fiscal year 2016 sales of $65.0 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,370 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 290,000 people. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

About Guild Education
Guild Education is transforming the way employers offer Education as a Benefit to their employees. Guild Education’s platform makes offering education benefits an easy choice for leading companies, with a platform to help innovative HR leaders turn their education programs into a long-term positive ROI for their company. The company’s diverse network of online, nonprofit universities offer a range of programs from GEDs and apprenticeship programs through bachelor’s and master’s degrees, along with advising and retention coaching to help each student navigate the worlds of work and post-secondary education. As of today, Guild Education has raised a total of $31.5 million in funding from Bessemer Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Harrison Metal, and Cowboy Ventures. To learn more about Guild Education, visit www.GuildEducation.com.

SOURCE: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Media Inquiries
704-758-2917
PublicRelations@Lowes.co

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Asda announces a cheesy twist on an Easter classic with the launch of NEW Cheester Egg

Asda announces a cheesy twist on an Easter classic with the launch of NEW Cheester Egg

LEEDS, UK, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — It’s the eternal question that continues to grip the nation – chocolate or cheese? With recent stats revealing 60%* of Brits would choose the sandwich staple over the sweet-shop favourite, Asda has hatched a plan to make this Easter the cheesiest Britain has ever seen.

A NEW Cheester Egg – that’s right, Cheester Egg – will be available for customers to take home from Asda stores from 16th March. The half egg-shaped cheese, half condiment product will offer the entire cheeseboard egg-sperience, with crumbly mini oatcake crackers and a sachet of sweet and sticky caremelised onion chutney all included – sweet dreams really are made of cheese!

This cheesy twist on an Easter classic has been crafted using Blacksticks Blue Cheese and is made using freshly sourced milk and traditional Farmhouse Dairy methods to create a delicious (top secret) Blacksticks recipe.

Ever versatile, the soft and crumbly blue cheese can be the centerpiece of a cheeseboard, deliciously spread onto hot cross buns for egg-sperimental sweet and savoury lovers, or fit perfectly into an Easter Egg hunt for real cheese lovers.

The Cheester Egg is the latest addition to Asda’s Easter offering, complete with traditional favourites to satisfy all Easter cravings.

James Clapham, commercial manager of Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, says: “We’re a nation of cheese fanatics, so we know consumers will love the Cheester Egg. It’s an un-expected yet delicious twist on a traditional Easter favourite, and we can’t wait for Asda customers to enjoy our handmade quality blue cheese”.

Jo Miller, Asda’s head of cheese comments: “We’re so excited to launch the Cheester Egg. Following the incredible response to our Christmas cheese advent calendar, the Cheester Egg was the obvious next step to show our customers that we’re constantly listening and ensuring there’s something for everyone at Asda this Easter.”

The NEW Blacksticks Blue Cheester Egg is available in Asda stores from 16th March. Please see http://butlerscheeses.co.uk/for further details and use @asda @ButlersCheese #BlacksticksBlue when posting on social.

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CarMax opens its 4th store location in the Denver area, located at the city of Golden

RICHMOND, Virginia, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — CarMax, Inc. (NYSE: KMX), the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, today celebrated the grand opening of its 4th store location in the Denver area, located at 16500 W. Colfax Avenue in Golden. The Golden location has the capacity to stock approximately 200 used vehicles of nearly every make and model and CarMax customers can also request transfers of almost any vehicle to this store from other CarMax locations throughout the country.

In celebration of the Golden store opening, CarMax and The CarMax Foundation awarded $7,500 in donations and grants to the Jefferson County Boys & Girls Club. The donation for this organization came at the recommendation of the Golden CarMax associates.

“CarMax associates know the importance of being a good neighbor and make it a priority to give back to the communities where we live and work,” said Michael Bean, location general manager at the Golden CarMax. “We are continuing to grow and serve more customers in the Denver area and are excited to announce the opening of our newest store in the city of Golden.”

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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Meijer’s advertising team won 30 awards at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of West Michigan’s annual ADDY® Awards

Retailer’s 2017 ad campaigns lauded by West Michigan’s advertising community

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer announced today that its advertising team won big at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) of West Michigan’s annual ADDY® Awards with a record 30 awards.

The retailer’s in-house creative team earned accolades for a variety of 2017 creative advertising campaigns in multiple categories, including The Hambassador social media campaign, Grocery Store Love Songs radio commercial, and its Come Home television commercial.

“I am incredibly proud of our talented Meijer creative team who delivered such a range of outstanding work that engaged and inspired our customers in 2017,” said Lisa Henriksen, Senior Vice President of Marketing. “It’s quite a testament to their talent, collaboration and hard work to be recognized to that extent by our industry colleagues.”

Meijer received the following ADDY Awards, which is the industry’s largest and most representative competition:

  • Gold, Photography Campaign: Halloween Food
  • Gold, Social Media Campaign: The Hambassador
  • Silver, Illustration Series: Holiday Gift Cards
  • Silver, Photography Campaign: Easter Ham Photography
  • Silver, Photography Campaign: Halloween Cocktail Photography
  • Silver, Social Media Single Execution: Coach McCarthy – Cans
  • Silver, Social Media Single Execution: Coach McCarthy – Garbage
  • Silver, Social Media Single Execution: The Hambassador – Basket
  • Silver, Social Media Single Execution: The Hambassador – Tablescape
  • Silver, Social Media Campaign: Coach McCarthy
  • Silver, Out-of-Home Multiple Installation: Halloween In-Store
  • Silver, Regional/National Television Commercial: Come Home
  • Silver, Regional/National Television Commercial: Meijer Beer – Founders
  • Silver, Regional/National Television Commercial: Meijer Beer – Leinenkugel’s
  • Bronze, Social Media Single Execution: Farmer to Table – Cabbage
  • Bronze, Social Media Campaign: Come Home
  • Bronze, Social Media Campaign: Halloween Scary Candy Scenes
  • Bronze, Social Media Campaign: Meijer Basket(ball)
  • Bronze, Social Media Campaign: Style for Every BODY
  • Bronze, Copywriting: Tender Meat Matching
  • Bronze, Website-Based App: Tender Meat Matching
  • Bronze, Point of Purchase: Purple Cow Display
  • Bronze, Branded Content & Entertainment: ArtPrize Palate
  • Bronze, Out-of-Home Multiple Installations: Meijer Little Caesars Arena
  • Bronze, Out-of-Home Multiple Installations: Mercato Italiano
  • Bronze, Print Campaign: Never Saw the Light of Day – Purple Cow
  • Bronze, Regional/National Radio Commercial :30 Seconds or Less: Grocery Store Love Songs Radio
  • Bronze, Integrated Advertising Campaign – Regional/National – Consumer: Mercato Italiano
  • Bronze, Integrated Advertising Campaign – Regional/National – Consumer: Oh My Gourd
  • Bronze, Cinematography: Farmer to Table: Cabbage

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

SOURCE:  Meijer

Contact: Christina Fecher, 616-735-7968, christina.fecher@meijer.com

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JCPenney launches collection of JoJo Siwa apparel

JCPenney launches collection of JoJo Siwa appare

Company appeals to “Siwanatorz” with a bright and colorful selection of apparel, bedding and bows promoting Siwa’s positive, anti-bullying outlook

PLANO, Texas, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — JCPenney (NYSE: JCP) is joining the JoJo Siwa craze and launching a line of licensed apparel dedicated to the 14-year-old Nickelodeon star and social media sensation. Available now at JCPenney.com and in 600 stores beginning March 2, girls will find a curated collection of tops, dresses, jackets and leggings exclusively designed for JCPenney, featuring Siwa’s love of inspirational messages, bows, emojis and the color pink. Fans, dubbed “Siwanatorz” by the popular teen herself, will also find JoJo Siwa-inspired bedding and her signature oversize hair bows, which have become a symbol of confidence for young girls.

“JCPenney introduced JoJo’s trademark hair bows to its girls’ assortment last fall and we were blown away by the response. By creating a comprehensive destination for specially-designed JoJo Siwa apparel and other related merchandise, JCPenney has an opportunity to reach an entirely new customer who loves her confident and upbeat personality,” said James Starke, senior vice president of merchandising for JCPenney. “This young generation of shoppers holds an unprecedented influence over family purchasing decisions and by bringing brands to JCPenney that appeal to this demographic, we can introduce her, and her family, to our store.”

The collection of JoJo Siwa apparel at JCPenney is inspired by Siwa’s positive messages and incorporates bright colors, sequins and hair bows for young girls, in sizes 4 to 12. Shoppers will find fun, age-appropriate looks including bow-adorned tank tops, pink tutu skirts, ruffle dresses and satin bomber jackets with Siwa’s signature bow print. Sale prices include $15.99 for a sequin pocket tee, $21.99 for leggings and $31.99 for a jean jacket with satin patches. In addition to the retailer’s unique apparel collection, shoppers will also find a robust assortment of JoJo Siwa merchandise, including a hot pink, emoji-decorated comforter set, a bow-shaped decorative pillow, a singing JoJo doll and knee-high bow socks.

“From school to the mall and everywhere in between, girls will feel strong and confident when they are rocking a JoJo outfit,” said JoJo Siwa. “My new styles at JCPenney are fun and colorful and I can’t wait to see girls rocking them.”

Siwa is the star of Nickelodeon’s Lip Sync Battle Shorties, a social media sensation, singer, anti-bullying advocate and New York Times best-selling author. Her YouTube channel, It’s JoJo Siwa, promotes self-confidence and positivity with 5.6 million subscribers. Siwa’s hit music video, Boomerang, boasts more than 500 million views on YouTube and reinforces her messages of inclusion and friendship. She also has 6.6 million followers on Instagram and 15 million fans on Musical.ly.

To download the news release and access product images, please visit: https://www.jcpnewsroom.com/news-releases/2018/0126_launches_jojo_siwa_apparel.html

JCPenney Media Relations:
(972) 431-3400 or jcpnews@jcp.com
Follow @jcpnews on Twitter for the latest announcements and Company information.

About JCPenney:
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE: JCP), one of the nation’s largest apparel and home furnishings retailers, combines an expansive footprint of approximately 875 stores across the United States and Puerto Rico with a powerful e-commerce site, jcp.com, to connect with shoppers how, when and where they prefer to shop. At every customer touchpoint, she will get her Penney’s worth of a broad assortment of products from an extensive portfolio of private, exclusive and national brands. Powering this shopping experience is the customer service and warrior spirit of over 100,000 associates across the globe, all driving toward the Company’s three strategic priorities of strengthening private brands, becoming a world-class omnichannel retailer and increasing revenue per customer. For additional information, please visit jcp.com.

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SOURCE:  J.C. Penney Corporation, Inc.

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BESTSELLER partners with local schools in Brande area to increase children’s overall well-being, motivation and learning

BESTSELLER partners with local schools in Brande area to increase children’s overall well-being, motivation and learning

BRANDE, Denmark, 2018-Feb-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — BESTSELLER partners with local schools: A well-being project at the local schools in the Brande area – home of BESTSELLER’s main office –  will focus on setting the stage for children and young people to flourish and grow into strong and enabled young adults.

Over the next three years, pupils in the middle and upper levels of the public schools in the Ikast-Brande Municipality will take part in a project to increase their overall well-being, motivation and learning.

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY MIND

A healthy, active body creates a healthy, active mind. This seems to be the mantra for Skoleglæde.nu, the organisation behind the initiative. The organisation uses exercise and movement as a lever to increase motivation and learning among pupils. So far, more than 7,500 pupils across Denmark has been part of the initiative, and the results have been very positive increasing the pupils’ power of concentration, engagement and sense of community.

Skoleglæde.nu will be hosting different workshops for pupils and teachers alike, and a key element in the programme will be the daily integration of exercise and academia. During classes, pupils will become acquainted with everything from classic squat jumps and push-ups to yoga and mental fitness.

‘We know that variation in the daily grind is a top priority for pupils, and the well-being among pupils and the relationship between them and their teachers are crucial for the pupils’ motivation and learning outcomes,’ says Henrik Leth from Skoleglæde.nu.

PROUD PARTNER

‘We are proud to announce our collaboration with the local schools in the Brande area. Children and teens are key to a well-functioning future society, and by incorporating healthy habits and exercise directly into the daily teaching situations, we can help build a culture that forms happy and whole young individuals,’ says BESTSELLER Communication Manager Jesper Stubkier.

‘In BESTSELLER, we look forward to following the project at close hand, and we will be inviting our local colleagues to take part in workshops and training sessions throughout the course of the programme,’ Jesper Stubkier adds.

The three-year project in the public schools in Brande area is a result of a private-public partnership between Ikast-Brande Municipality, Skoleglæde.nu, travel agency Apollo and BESTSELLER. The project will be launched this august.

SOURCE: BESTSELLER

BESTSELLER COMMUNICATION
+45 99 42 16 62 / communications@bestseller.com