Author Archives: EPR Retail News Editor

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Asda’s latest Income Tracker May 2017: UK households’ discretionary income available per week down 1.9% from May 2016

  • Families across the UK had £194 of discretionary income in May, £4 per week less than the same month last year
  • Families with the lowest income see the biggest reduction in disposable income
  • Vehicle fuels and electricity show the greatest inflation year on year, with an increase of 7.5% and 7.7% respectively
  • Asda’s pulse of the nation insight shows that over half of customers believe their disposable income will fall again over the next month

LEEDS, England, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Asda’s latest Income Tracker today revealed that in May, UK households had £194 of discretionary income available per week, which is down 1.9% from May 2016.

May’s data shows the strongest contraction in spending power since September 2013.

Income Tracker report May 2017

The latest tracker also provides a breakdown of the data by income groups splitting UK households in five equally sized groups across the income distribution. This month, the data shows that families with the lowest income have seen the biggest reduction in disposable cash, whilst those in the top bracket have stayed flat year on year.

The below chart shows the average weekly income along with spending power and growth in spending power year on year of each income group:

Income Bracket Weekly income Weekly income growth Weekly disposable income Weekly disposable income growth
Highest income £1,920 1.6% £690 0%
2nd highest £927 1.4% £255 -1%
3rd highest £601 1.0% £109 -5%
4th highest £377 0.5% £47 -12%
Lowest Income £179 0.1% -£26 -28%

Gross income growth (including wages, benefits and income from investments) was still positive for four of the five income groups in May, with the highest earners seeing the largest year on year income increase of 1.6%, meaning their pre-tax income was just short of £2000 per week on average.

The lowest quintile saw no growth at all in income year on year, with an average gross income of £179 per week. Flat wage growth, the cash-freeze on benefits and rising prices for essential items and goods lead to the lowest earners having a negative discretionary income, leaving them with £26 less in their pockets each week.

In addition to the Income Tracker data, Asda’s pulse of the nation insight has shown that consumers are feeling slightly more pessimistic about the economy in June than they have in previous months. More than half of the customers surveyed said that they think their disposable income will fall further over the next month, with only 2% believing their cost of living will decrease.

83% of consumers believe that it will become more expensive to buy essential items over the next month. Compared March, close to 10% more customers feel less positive about their household finances.

This month, the cost of essential items increased by 2.3% for families across the UK. One of the main contributors was an increase in electricity prices for households. While headline CPI inflation increased to 2.9% in May – up 0.2 percentage points from April 2017 – electricity was whopping 7.7% more expensive than in the same month a year earlier. Asda’s insight has shown that over two thirds of customers think their electricity bills will continue to rise as the summer month approach.

Vehicle fuels also posted a significant increase in price at 7.5% higher year-on-year. However, price increases in fuels are down from their peak earlier this year when inflation in this category clocked in at just under 20% year-on-year. Filling up the car in May was 1% cheaper than it was in April this year.

Kay Neufeld, Senior Economist, Cebr, said: “The second consecutive month of falling family spending power confirms our expectations of a trend change in the Income Tracker. Families are faced with broad-based increases in the prices of essential goods and services as wage growth falls further behind.

“While the low oil prices help to bring down prices at the pump, households need to dig deeper into their pockets for most other goods and services. Unfortunately, the squeeze in households’ finances is expected to continue over the next months as we see little evidence that wage growth will pick up and neither have we reached peak inflation just yet.“

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT

Amy Garbutt
Head of Consumer Media Relations
0113 826 2829

SOURCE: ASDA

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Asda colleague Julie McCaffery wins ‘Woman of the Year’ award for her commitment to improving logistics services at Asda distribution centres

Asda colleague Julie McCaffery wins ‘Woman of the Year’ award for her commitment to improving logistics services at Asda distribution centres

Julie McCaffery from Dunipace has won a prestigious ‘Woman of the Year’ award in recognition of her efforts continually improving the logistics services at the Asda Grangemouth and Falkirk distribution centres.

LEEDS, England, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — The award was given at the Every woman in Transport and Logistics ceremony in London, where Julie McCaffery was congratulated for her efforts delivering projects that improved safety and customer service on sites that employ over 1000 colleagues and deliver 3 million cases of products to 79 Asda stores across Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Julie was commended for the way she encouraged and engaged colleagues to work together to deliver improvements. Julie has now started to work on a national basis to drive further improvements across the whole of the Asda estate.

The awards also recognized Julie’s contributions outside the depot. Since 2010, she has worked on a part-time basis as an associate lecturer at the University of West Scotland, delivering the MSc programme to quality management, project management and logistics and distribution students. By sharing her personal and professional experiences, Julie uses her lectures to encourage and inspire students, to venture into the industry.

Commenting on her award win, Julie said, “I’m still in absolute shock, it was such a lovely surprise to be recognized for the job that I do.

“I’m very passionate about my career, and with the Grangemouth and Falkirk depots servicing all stores in Scotland and Northern Ireland it’s important to continuously be looking at ways to improve the running of the sites.

“My favourite part of the job is the colleagues I work with, it’s a real team effort and we all work hard at implementing ideas and solutions to continuously improve Asda’s logistics services.”

For more information on Julie’s role and why she was nominated for the award, read her blog here.

June Jones, Senior manager for Asda Logistic Services, spoke about the award win: “We’re all very proud of Julie’s recognition at the everywoman awards, she does a fantastic job of supporting the team to ensure any ideas we have for improving service are followed through and implemented.

“Her enthusiasm and passion for her role and engaging colleagues in improvement activity and ideas is refreshing and delivers fantastic results for colleagues, the depots she works with and Asda.”

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman, comments, “The role models celebrated today, from women excelling at the beginning of their career to those well-established in their journey, are a reflection of the many rewarding opportunities within the transport and logistics industry. We are proud to recognise individuals who are transforming the industry through their tenacity, passion for innovation and commitment to mentoring the next generation”

SOURCE: ASDA

Media contact:

Natalie Cullington
Press Office Manager
0113 826 2829

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. to host 2Q 2017 financial results conference call on Tuesday, July 25, 2017

DENVER, 2017-Jul-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today (June 28, 2017) announced that it will host a conference call to discuss second quarter 2017 financial results on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 4:30 PM Eastern time. A press release with second quarter 2017 financial results will be issued at approximately 4:10 PM Eastern time that same day.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-451-6152 or for international callers by dialing 1-201-389-0879. The call will also be webcast live from the Company’s website on the investor relations page at ir.chipotle.com. An archived webcast will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call.

ABOUT CHIPOTLE

Steve Ells, Founder, Chairman and CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in an interactive style allowing people to get exactly what they want. Chipotle seeks out extraordinary ingredients that are not only fresh, but that are raised responsibly, with respect for the animals, land, and people who produce them. Chipotle prepares its food using real, whole ingredients, and is the only national restaurant brand that prepares its food using no added colors, flavors or other industrial additives typically found in fast food. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in Denver in 1993 and now operates more than 2,300 restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.
SOURCE: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.

Contact:

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Mark Alexee
303-605-1042
malexee@chipotle.com

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Retail Industry Leaders Association praised nominations of Marvin Kaplan and William Emanuel to the NLRB

Arlington , VA, 2017-Jul-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (June 28, 2017), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) praised the nominations of Marvin Kaplan and William Emanuel to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). President Trump nominated Kaplan who currently serves as a counsel at the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and Emanuel, an attorney with the law firm Littler Mendelson.

“We are thrilled to see Marvin and William nominated to the NLRB. A full and complete NLRB has been one of the top priorities for companies that are grappling with the misguided decisions of the previous Board,” said Evan Armstrong RILA’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “The Board’s decisions that created micro unions, ambush elections, and a new joint employer standard threaten the flexibility and upward mobility that retail employees value. It is critical that the Board is made whole so it can begin the important work to interpret the law in a way that supports innovation, growth, and opportunity. We encourage Senate leadership to move swiftly and look forward to a smooth and seamless confirmation process.”

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

SOURCE: Retail Industry Leaders Association

Contact:

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

 

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Intershop named as Company of the Year 2017 by Quadrant Knowledge Solutions

  • Intershop Commerce Suite praised for supporting multiple brands, countries, and touchpoints
  • Intershop highlighted as best-in-class vendor with leadership in strategy, business, and growth performance excellence

Jena, Germany, 2017-Jul-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Intershop Communications AG has been recognized as Company of the Year 2017 in the global digital commerce platforms market by global market research and consulting firm, Quadrant Knowledge Solutions. The Quadrant research identifies Intershop as a best-in-class vendor that ‘exhibits leadership in strategy, business, and growth performance excellence, and has the potential to cause major disruption in the marketplace’.

The research firm analyzed Intershop’s technological capabilities and strengths as part of a comprehensive market study, titled ‘Market Outlook: Digital Commerce Platforms, 2017-2022, Worldwide’. In a Knowledge Brief, published by Quadrant on 6 June 2017, the consultants stress the ability of Intershop’s integrated digital commerce platform to enhance customer relationships across various sales channels including retail, wholesale, mobile, and social media.

The Knowledge Brief highlights the complete set of digital commerce functionalities provided by the Intershop Commerce Suite – from online retail management to customer experience management to order management and fulfillment –, the platform’s operational excellence, as well as the fact that it can be implemented on-premise, in the cloud, or as a managed service.

According to Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, ‘Intershop’s flexible and integrated digital commerce suite is well positioned to help businesses from multiple industry sectors and sizes in overcoming their unique challenges in creating a successful and competitive commerce solution’.

Piyush Dewangan, Industry Research Manager, Quadrant Knowledge Solutions said: “Technology disruption, digital transformation, and the widespread adoption of mobile devices means that organizations are increasingly facing challenges to drive growth. To stay competitive, brands should transform their commerce processes with the customer experience in focus, while streamlining their commerce operations for maximum efficiency. Intershop with its extensive and highly scalable platform is well positioned to enable business growth for companies with multiple brands, countries, and touchpoints, which is why we nominated them Company of the Year in this market.”

Axel Köhler, COO of Intershop Communications AG, said: “We are delighted to be recognized as a leader by Quadrant Knowledge Solutions. Digitalization is opening exciting new opportunities for companies in all industries. Our focus is on supporting our customers in the successful transformation of their commerce processes and customer relationships. A comprehensive, powerful and adaptable platform is key in driving this transformation.”

Quadrant’s research study also provides detailed competitive positioning of other major commerce platform vendors. It can be downloaded here: http://www.intershop.com/quadrant-solutions-study

About Intershop

Intershop Communications AG (founded in Germany 1992; Prime Standard: ISH2) is the leading independent provider of omni-channel commerce solutions. Intershop offers high-performance packaged software for internet sales, complemented by all necessary services. Intershop also acts as a business process outsourcing provider, covering all aspects of online retailing up to fulfillment. Around the globe more than 300 enterprise customers, including HP, BMW, Würth, and Deutsche Telekom run Intershop solutions. Intershop is headquartered in Jena, Germany, and has offices in the United States, Europe, Australia, and China. More information about Intershop can be found online at www.intershop.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial and operational performance of Intershop. Actual events or performance may differ materially from those contained or implied in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could lead to such difference could include, among other things: Intershop’s limited operating history, the unpredictability of future revenues and expenses and potential fluctuations in revenues and operating results, significant dependence on large single customer deals, consumer trends, the level of competition, seasonality, risks related to electronic security, possible governmental regulation, and general economic conditions.

SOURCE: Intershop Communications AG

Contact:
Intershop Public Relations
HEIDE RAUSCH
Head of Corporate Communication
Phone: +49 3641 50-1000
Fax: +49 3641 50-1309
mailto: pr@intershop.de

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H&M brand Arket to open its first store in Stockholm in spring 2018

H&M brand Arket to open its first store in Stockholm in spring 2018

ARKET will open its first store in Stockholm (0 0 4 0 0 8 – 9 4 0 ) in spring 2018, following openings in London, Brussels, Copenhagen and Munich, and the launch of the online store in autumn 2017.

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 2017-Jul-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Located at Biblioteksgatan 9, in the heart of Stockholm’s shopping district Bibliotekstan, ARKET will offer essential products for men, women, children and the home. The store will also include a café based on the New Nordic Food Manifesto. ARKET’s mission is to democratise quality through widely accessible, well-made, durable products designed to be used and loved for a long time.

The new store will be housed in a building that dates from 1897 and boasts a number of distinctive features of Sweden’s ‘National Romantic’ style. But apart from its architectural pedigree, the building also has an interesting history. It accommodated the original shop of Svenska Hem (Swedish Home), the women’s food cooperative founded in 1905 by the famous Swedish educator and women’s suffragist Anna Whitlock. Members included the Nobel-prizewinning author Selma Lagerlöf, singer-actress Harriet Bosse (wife of the playwright August Strindberg) and the early Swedish feminist Ellen Key.

“We are very fortunate to be opening our first hometown store on Biblioteksgatan, where we’ll find ourselves in great company,” says Managing Director Lars Axelsson. “The Stockholm ARKET store opens spring 2018, but the brand will be present online in Sweden as well as 17 other countries from the first day of our launch on Regent Street in London this autumn.”

For more information, please contact press@arket.com

SOURCE: H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB

Head of Media Relations
Camilla Emilsson Falk
+46 8 796 39 95

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Walgreens Boots Alliance to purchase 2,186 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid

New agreement replaces previous merger agreement with Rite Aid and proposed divestiture transaction with Fred’s

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Jul-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: WBA) announced today (June 29, 2017) a new definitive agreement with Rite Aid Corporation under which Walgreens Boots Alliance will purchase 2,186 stores, three distribution centers and related inventory from Rite Aid.

The consideration for the transaction will be $5.175 billion in cash, the assumption by Walgreens Boots Alliance of the related real estate leases and the grant of an option to Rite Aid, exercisable through May 2019 and subject to certain conditions, to become a member of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s group purchasing organization, Walgreens Boots Alliance Development GmbH. Walgreens Boots Alliance will also assume certain limited store-related liabilities as part of the new transaction.

This new agreement replaces the previous merger agreement with Rite Aid, announced in October 2015 and amended in January 2017, and the agreement to divest certain Rite Aid stores to Fred’s, Inc. announced in December 2016. Both of these agreements have been terminated, and Walgreens Boots Alliance will pay Rite Aid the $325 million termination fee with respect to their merger agreement.

The new transaction is subject to the expiration or termination of applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and other customary closing conditions. The initial closing of the new transaction is expected to occur within the next six months.

Upon the initial closing of the new transaction, Walgreens Boots Alliance will begin acquiring the stores and related assets on a phased basis over a period of approximately six months, and intends to convert acquired stores to the Walgreens brand over time.

Walgreens Boots Alliance expects the new transaction to be modestly accretive to its adjusted diluted net earnings per share in the first full year after the initial closing of the new transaction, and expects to realize synergies from the new transaction in excess of $400 million. These synergies are expected to be fully realized within three to four years of the initial closing of the new transaction and derived primarily from procurement, cost savings and other operational matters.

“This new transaction extends our growth strategy and offers additional operational and financial benefits,” said Walgreens Boots Alliance Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Stefano Pessina. “It will allow us to expand and optimize our retail pharmacy network in key markets in the U.S., including the Northeast, and provide customers and patients with greater access to convenient, affordable care. We believe this new transaction addresses competitive concerns previously raised with respect to the prior transaction and will streamline and simplify the transition for customers, team members and other stakeholders.”

Notes to Editors:

About Walgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens Boots Alliance (Nasdaq: WBA) is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.

The company was created through the combination of Walgreens and Alliance Boots in December 2014, bringing together two leading companies with iconic brands, complementary geographic footprints, shared values and a heritage of trusted health care services through pharmaceutical wholesaling and community pharmacy care, dating back more than 100 years.

Walgreens Boots Alliance is the largest retail pharmacy, health and daily living destination across the USA and Europe. Walgreens Boots Alliance and the companies in which it has equity method investments together have a presence in more than 25* countries and employ more than 400,000* people. The company is a global leader in pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing retail and, together with the companies in which it has equity method investments, has over 13,200* stores in 11* countries as well as one of the largest global pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution networks, with over 390* distribution centers delivering to more than 230,000** pharmacies, doctors, health centers and hospitals each year in more than 20* countries. In addition, Walgreens Boots Alliance is one of the world’s largest purchasers of prescription drugs and many other health and wellbeing products.

The company’s portfolio of retail and business brands includes Walgreens, Duane Reade, Boots and Alliance Healthcare, as well as increasingly global health and beauty product brands such as No7, Botanics, Liz Earle and Soap & Glory.

In October 2016 Walgreens Boots Alliance received the United Nations Foundation Global Leadership Award for its commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The company also ranks No. 1 in the Food and Drug Stores industry of Fortune magazine’s 2017 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies.

More company information is available at www.walgreensbootsalliance.com.

* As of 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

** For 12 months ending 31 August 2016, using publicly available information for AmerisourceBergen.

(WBA-GEN)

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this release that are not historical statements, which include, without limitation, those regarding the pending asset purchase agreement between Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid and the transactions contemplated thereby and the termination of the merger agreement with Rite Aid and the transactions contemplated thereby and the possible effects thereof, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected timing of the closing of the transactions contemplated by the pending asset purchase agreement between Walgreens Boots Alliance and Rite Aid and the transactions contemplated thereby, the ability of the parties to complete the transactions considering the various closing conditions, and the outcome of legal and regulatory matters, the termination of the merger agreement with Rite Aid and the transactions contemplated thereby (including the termination of the divestiture agreement to sell certain Rite Aid assets and stores to Fred’s, Inc.) and their possible effect. Words such as “expect,” “pending,” “potential”, “likely,” “preliminary,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “can,” “will,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “continue,” “synergy,” “on track,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “may,” “possible,” “assume,” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, known or unknown, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those indicated or anticipated. Such risks include, but are not limited to, risks related to the proposed transactions and acquisitions generally, including the risk that the transactions may not close due to one or more closing conditions to the transactions not being satisfied or waived, such as certain regulatory approvals not being obtained, on a timely basis or otherwise, or that a governmental entity prohibited, delayed or refused to grant approval for the consummation of the transactions or required certain conditions, limitations or restrictions in connection with such approvals, risk that the business of Walgreens Boots Alliance or the Rite Aid stores proposed to be sold to Walgreens Boots Alliance may suffer as a result of uncertainty surrounding the transactions, risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transactions, the outcome of legal and regulatory matters, including with respect to the outcome of discussions with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and otherwise in connection with the pending acquisition of certain Rite Aid assets by Walgreens Boots Alliance, the risk of unexpected costs, liabilities or delays, changes in management’s assumptions, the risks associated with the integration of complex businesses, and risks associated with changes in laws, regulations or interpretations thereof. These and other risks, assumptions and uncertainties are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference, and in other documents that Walgreens Boots Alliance files or furnishes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except to the extent required by law, Walgreens Boots Alliance does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any duty or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the date of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

SOURCE: Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

Contacts:

Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.
Media Relations
USA / Michael Polzin
+1 847 315 2935

International / Laura Vergani
+44 (0)207 980 8585

Investor Relations
Gerald Gradwell and Ashish Kohli
+1 847 315 2922

 

 

 

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British Land: Finastra to occupy three floors at 4 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central

British Land: Finastra to occupy three floors at 4 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central

London, 2017-Jul-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — British Land announces today (June 29, 2017) that it has let three floors at 4 Kingdom Street, Paddington Central, to software company Finastra, and the office space is now 89% let or under offer.

Finastra, formed in 2017 by the combination of Misys and D+H, develops software for financial institutions, including 48 of the world’s 50 largest banks. The company has signed a ten year lease to occupy the first, second and third floors at 4 Kingdom Street, totalling 42,400 sq ft.

The announcement follows the formal launch of 4 Kingdom Street on 28 June. The building, which provides 147,000 sq ft across nine floors, is the first building to be developed by British Land at Paddington Central. The building reached practical completion in April 2017.

On acquiring the campus 2013, British Land appointed architects Allies and Morrison to review and update an existing planning consent for 4 Kingdom Street. The revised design includes the relocation of the core to increase the openness and flexibility of the floorplates, the introduction of large outside terraces on Levels 2 to 9, and the creation of a ‘glass pod’ on each floor which provides flexible meeting space outside the main floorplate and offers views across west London.

The building also features an active roof terrace including a café, outdoor seating area and London’s highest basketball court.

Tim Roberts, Head of Offices and Residential at British Land, said: “It is a tremendous achievement to be 89 per cent let or under offer as we formally present the space to market.

“The commitment from Finastra and strength of interest in the other floors is an endorsement of our decision to re-configure the building to deliver greater flexibility, more collaborative spaces and a truly unique roof space, along with the substantial improvements we’ve made to the campus environment.

“We believe the delivery of 4 Kingdom Street is well-timed given the lack of supply in the West End market, and the arrival of Crossrail at Paddington in 2018, and hope to announce further occupier commitments in the near future.”

Paddington Central comprises 11 acres and is home to leading international businesses including Microsoft, Vodafone, Shire, VISA and Prudential.

British Land acquired part of the Paddington Central office campus for £470 million in 2013 and completed the purchase of One Sheldon Square for £210 million in 2015. Since then, the company has invested nearly £100 million in transforming of the public realm and the construction of 4 Kingdom Street.

In May al-fresco dining experience Pergola opened a new 850-capacity venue at Paddington Central, and British Land is continuing to develop a new retail and leisure offer at the campus.

Cushman & Wakefield and CBRE are the joint agents on 4 Kingdom Street. CBRE advised Finastra.

Notes to Editors

About British Land
Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on Retail around the UK and London Offices. We own or manage a portfolio valued at £19.1 billion (British Land share: £13.9 billion) as at 31 March 2017 making us one of Europe’s largest listed real estate investment companies.

Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles – Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance.

Our Retail portfolio is focused on Regional and Local multi-let centres, and accounts for 48% of our portfolio. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 49% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 46 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London.

Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. Our industry-leading sustainability performance led to British Land being named a European Sector Leader in the 2016 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark for the third year running.

In April 2016 British Land received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK’s highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years.

Further details can be found on the British Land website at www.britishland.com.

SOURCE: British Land

Media Contact:

Andrew Scorgie
FTI Consulting
020 3727 1458

 

 

 

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Whole Foods Market earns the Cage-Free Award from Compassion in World Farming

AUSTIN, Texas, 2017-Jul-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (June 28, 2017) Whole Foods Market receives the Cage-Free Award from Compassion in World Farming (CIFW), an international nonprofit that promotes farm animal welfare and consumer transparency.

Whole Foods Market representatives will accept the award at CIFW’s annual Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards ceremony, which recognizes industry leaders for policies and commitments that result in better animal welfare across supply chains.

Whole Foods Market is honored to receive this award in recognition of our animal welfare standards that prohibit cages of all types for animals,” said Liz Fry, Whole Foods Market’s global quality standards coordinator for animal products. “We’re proud that our partnerships with innovative, forward-thinking producers have led to changes in the way farm animals are raised. It’s been both rewarding and exciting, and we look forward to continuing to set the bar in the industry.”

The Cage-Free Award recognizes leading food companies that are taking steps to end the use of cages across supply chains. In 2002, Whole Foods Market banned cages for any animal raised for meat production, and in 2004, began requiring that all eggs sold in store come from cage-free hens. Most recently, the company announced new egg standards for its 365 Everyday Value eggs, providing additional requirements for the comfort, physical safety and health of the birds.

Find out more about Whole Foods Market’s mission and values at wholefoodsmarket.com/our-mission-values.

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market

Global Press Contacts:

WFM Media
media@wholefoods.com

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Whole Foods Market announces new Whole Foods Market 365 store in Weehawken, New Jersey

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., 2017-Jul-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market announced it has signed a new lease for a Whole Foods Market 365 store in Weehawken, New Jersey. This will be the first Whole Foods Market 365 location in New Jersey. The news was announced this morning during a groundbreaking ceremony in Lincoln Harbor at the corner of Waterfront Terrace and Riverview Drive.

“We are excited to announce that our region’s second Whole Foods Market 365 store will be located in Hudson County,” said Christina Minardi, president of Whole Foods Market’s Northeast Region. “Our 365 stores deliver the same quality that our customers have come to expect, but in a convenient and fun new format that provides exceptional value.”

The retailer announced earlier this year that it had signed its first New York 365 store lease in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

Whole Foods Market 365 stores focus on an affordable and convenient shopping experience through design, technology and customer experience. The carefully curated product selection at Whole Foods Market 365 stores provides a streamlined and modern experience, while still adhering to Whole Foods Market’s industry-leading quality standards.

Customers can also look forward to unique in-store experiences with the “Friends of 365” program, and the free 365 Rewards program to save even more.

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

SOURCE: Whole Foods Market

Global Press Contacts:

WFM Media
media@wholefoods.com

 

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Zalando and BESTSELLER UNITED enter into joint venture agreement for shared ownership of FashionTrade.com

Zalando and BESTSELLER UNITED enter into joint venture agreement for shared ownership of FashionTrade.com

Zalando and BESTSELLER UNITED have entered into a joint venture agreement for the shared ownership of the B2B online fashion wholesale marketplace FashionTrade.com.

BRANDE, Denmark, 2017-Jul-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — FashionTrade.com is at the forefront of digitising fashion wholesale using digital innovation and optimisation to improve everyday working processes that maximize customer profits. The company provides a global B2B fashion marketplace where brands and retailers can connect, trade and grow their business through empowered buying and smarter selling.

The company was founded in 2015 by BESTSELLER UNITED on the back of learnings gained from BESTSELLER.

Zalando enters into the joint venture with a capital increase at FashionTrade, providing the company with funds to accelerate its growth, and the future ownership will be equally shared between BESTSELLER UNITED and Zalando.

“Digitising the wholesale experience and connecting brands and retailers in a simple online solution holds a great potential for the future of B2B fashion,” says Anders Holch Povlsen, owner of BESTSELLER UNITED. “That’s why we are pleased to welcome Zalando and their expertise into this partnership that we expect will bring beneficial insights to brands and retailers alike.”

HOME IN AMSTERDAM

FashionTrade currently has 30 international employees working from their Head Office in central Amsterdam, where they benefit from the highly international atmosphere and available infrastructure. Located in the heart of Europe, Amsterdam boasts a strong digital community and availability of major talent in the technical/digital/big data field.

SOURCE: BESTSELLER

For more information about FashionTrade and the joint venture, please see www.fashiontrade.com

Contact:

Kavita Kooijman
Marketing & Communications
FashionTrade.com
kavita.kooijman@fashiontrade.com
+31 6 11 24 28 43

 

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Amazon: New animated series Niko and the Sword of Light to premiere on July 21 on Prime Video

New animated series, based on the motion graphic comic by Imaginism Studios, Inc. and Studio NX, features the voice talent of Tom Kenny, Andre Robinson, Steve Blum, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jim Cummings, and Kari Wahlgren

SEATTLE, 2017-Jul-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon today (June 29, 2017) announced its original animated series for kids ages 6-11, Niko and the Sword of Light, is scheduled to premiere on July 21 on Prime Video. The new fantasy adventure series—the first Amazon Original to win an Emmy Award for the pilot before the series launch–features the voice talent of Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), Andre Robinson (Doc McStuffins), Steve Blum (Star Wars: Rebels), Kevin Michael Richardson (The Penguins of Madagascar), Jim Cummings (Shrek), and Kari Wahlgren (Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness). The pilot is now available to stream exclusively for Prime members via the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs; connected devices, including Fire TV, mobile devices; and online—Prime members can also download the pilot to mobile devices for offline viewing at no additional cost to their membership.

“We’re excited for kids and families to enter into Niko’s unique, rich world and meaningfully connect with the series characters as they tag along on epic adventures together,” said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. “The series pilot was extremely popular among viewers, who were won over by the show’s quirky engaging storylines and humor, and we can’t wait to present them with many more exhilarating escapades in Season 1.”

Niko and the Sword of Light follows 10-year-old Niko, the last of his kind in a strange, fantastical world, as he embarks on an epic quest to defeat the darkness and bring the light back to his land. Armed with his magic sword, brave Niko journeys to the Cursed Volcano, making new friends and powerful foes along the way, all while uncovering secrets about his mysterious past. Based on the motion graphic comic byImaginism Studios, Inc., the studio behind character and concept designs for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Men in Black 3, and Studio NX (The Carrot and Rabbit Show, Tree Fu Tom), Niko and the Sword of Light is animated by Titmouse (Motorcity, Metalocalpyse, Turbo FAST,Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja) and executive produced by Rob Hoegee (Generator Rex, League of Super Evil, Storm Hawks, Teen Titans) who also serves as showrunner.

Below are what customers have said about Niko and the Sword of Light:

  • “Best new animated kids show in a long time.”
  • “This show is amazing!! It provides a rare place where both my son loves it and I love it for him to watch.”
  • “Watched this with my 4.5 year old daughter and we both LOVED it. She immediately asked to watch the next episode. I love the characters designs and motivations.”
  • “Great characters and animation featuring young children of color. We are thirsty for this!”
  • “Wonderful, imaginative, uplifting.”

The Niko and the Sword of Light pilot is currently available to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Prime Video app for TVs; connected devices, including Amazon Fire TV and mobile devices; and online at www.amazon.com/originals. Customers who are not already a Prime member can sign up for a free trial at www.amazon.com/prime. For a list of all Amazon Video compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream. Niko and the Sword of Light is also available as part of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, the all-you-can-eat subscription service designed from the ground up for kids. FreeTime Unlimited is available exclusively on Amazon devices, including Amazon Fire TV and Fire tablets, and a year-long subscription is included with every Fire Kids Edition.

About Amazon Originals Kids Programming

In 2014, Amazon Studios began introducing Original Kids Series for Prime Video, kicking off with the Emmy award-winning series, Tumble Leaf, about a delightfully curious blue fox, and his best friend Stick, a quirky caterpillar, as they embark on a fun and nature-filled adventure. Today, customers can enjoy 13 Original Kids Series including Just Add Magic, Annedroids, Dino Dana, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street, and An American Girl Story which consists of four separate specials. Five additional series are confirmed to debut later this year including Danger & Eggs, Emmy award-winning Niko and the Sword of Light, Emmy award-winning Lost in Oz, Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

The mission of Amazon’s original preschool series is to inspire lifelong creative learning in children beginning at the preschool age. The aim is to validate, maintain and foster young children’s creative, joyful, and curious learning spirit through offering core content that is integrated with skills children need now and for the future. This is accomplished by integrating a curriculum thread through all preschool shows including The Stinky & Dirty Show, Creative Galaxy and Wishenpoof, working with established creators and educational advisors that comprise the Thought Leader Board and developing learning experiences that extend beyond the screen. All of this is to give parents confidence that these programs will provide valuable skills and life lessons that children can use in their real life—while being entertaining at the same time.

To date, Amazon Original Kids Series has won numerous awards including 16 Daytime Creative Arts Emmys, 3 Annie Awards, 20 Parent’s Choice Awards, 1 Annecy, and many more. Prime Video’s growing line-up of award-winning and critically-acclaimed Originals for kids and families are available to stream and enjoy using the Amazon Prime Video app for compatible TVs, connected devices, including Amazon Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at www.amazon.com/kidsoriginals.

About Amazon Video

Amazon Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service that offers customers the greatest choice in what to watch and how to watch it. Amazon Video is the only service that provides all of the following:

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, Love & Friendship, and kids series Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Prime Video is also now available to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe at www.primevideo.com.
  • Amazon Channels: Over 100 video subscriptions to networks like HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, PBS KIDS, Acorn TV, and more, available to Amazon Prime members in the US as add-ons to their membership. To view the full list of available channels, visit www.amazon.com/channels.
  • Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers.
  • Instant Access: Customers can instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on compatible TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices, visit www.amazon.com/howtostream.
  • Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads for offline viewing of select content.

In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalog with Audible Channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more, visit: www.amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

SOURCE: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

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Amazon: Third annual Prime Day will be a massive global deals event in 13 countries on Tuesday, July 11

Amazon: Third annual Prime Day will be a massive global deals event in 13 countries on Tuesday, July 11

China, India and Mexico join the celebration, making Prime Day a massive global deals event in 13 countries

Prime members can enjoy 30 hours of deal shopping this year – with deals starting on July 10 at 6pm PT/9pm ET

Nearly 40 percent of Lightning Deals worldwide will come from small businesses and entrepreneurs on Prime Day

SEATTLE, 2017-Jul-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — The third annual Prime Day will be Tuesday, July 11, with hundreds of thousands of deals exclusively for Prime members around the world. New this year, members can enjoy 30 hours of deal shopping starting at 6pm PT/9pm ET on Monday, July 10 – and new deals as often as every five minutes. Prime Day has expanded to 13 countries this year, and Amazon is bringing new and existing members in the U.S., U.K., Spain, Mexico, Japan, Italy, India, Germany, France, China, Canada, Belgium and Austria the best deals of the year. Members will find millions of items in stock, including deals from thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs. As the company gears up for Prime Day, Amazon offers an inside look to show our global preparations. To participate in Prime Day, sign up or start a free Prime trial any time before or on July 11 by visiting amazon.com/primeday.

“Our members love Prime Day and we have been thrilled by the response over the last two years. It is inspiring us to make it even better this year for Prime members,” said Greg Greeley, Vice President, Amazon Prime. “Every part of our business is working to deliver more deals for a record number of shoppers. This year’s Prime Day is too big for 24 hours – so we’re giving Prime members 30 hours to shop!”

New for Prime Day this Year

Prime Day 2017 is made especially for you – with personalization, deal watching and the fun of discovery across Prime and Amazon.

  • 30 Hours to Shop – Prime Day will start at 6pm PT/9pm ET on Monday, July 10, giving Prime members 30 hours to shop.
  • Explore Deals You’re Into – Find deals organized by more than 20 of the most-shopped-for themes. From pet lovers to gardeners and techies to artists – find your deals even faster.
  • Voice Shopping – There will be even more Alexa-exclusive deals for members with an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, Amazon Tap, compatible Fire TV or Fire tablet.
  • Watch A Deal – The Amazon App allows early deal watching in every country. Preview, track, and shop deals while at home or on-the-go with deal alerts on the Amazon App. Learn more at amazon.com/watched.
  • Amazon Global Store – Prime members in China and Mexico will be able to shop both local deals as well as select deals from other countries from the Amazon Global Store.
  • Amazon’s Big TV Deal – Prime Day will include amazing TV deals, with a variety of great brands including the all new Element 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV – Amazon Fire TV Edition. Amazon is planning one of its largest total volume TV deals in history with a record level of inventory but once again, the TV deals will likely sell out.

Deals Start Now

Every day leading up to Prime Day on July 11 members will find all kinds of exclusive promotions and deals. The following start today:

  • Amazon Music Unlimited – Prime members who haven’t yet tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get the best deal in Amazon Music history – four months of the full catalog on-demand service with access to tens of millions of songs, for just $0.99.
  • Prime Video – Get $10 to shop on Amazon.com anytime on or before Prime Day when you stream a video included in Prime for the first time on your TV. Restrictions apply. Stream award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Original Series and Movies as well as thousands of other popular titles included with your Prime membership.
  • Kindle Unlimited – Prime members can save up to 40% on a Kindle Unlimited membership. Enjoy unlimited reading from over one million titles on any device.
  • Audible – Enjoy the world’s largest library of audiobooks plus original audio programming from Audible for 40% off your first 6 months (just $8.95/month for 6 months).
  • Everyday Essentials – Prime members can save up to 35% off with onsite coupons on select food and household items in Prime Pantry.

The Grand Tour Season 2 Prime Day Sneak Peek

As a Prime Day exclusive, Amazon will reveal a brand new tease of The Grand Tour for Prime members. The new footage, which is the first look at any filming from the hugely anticipated second season, sees Jeremy, Richard and James in Mozambique, Switzerland and the U.K. Prime members will get this exclusive Prime Day sneak preview ahead of the full The Grand Tour season 2 launch later this year.

Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs on Prime Day

Prime Day 2016 was another record-breaking success for small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide participating in the event. Small businesses and entrepreneurs on Amazon offering deals to Prime members saw orders nearly triple year-over-year on Prime Day – both worldwide and in the U.S. And this year, there will be thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs participating, representing nearly 40 percent of all Prime Day Lightning Deals. Feedback from small businesses and entrepreneurs includes:

  • “Prime Day provides young brands like ours the opportunity to reach new customers and gain greater exposure through deals and increased traffic,” said Caron Proschan, Simply Gum. “We are really excited to offer customers our best deals of the year and expect to see a huge sales lift that will help us prepare for the upcoming holiday season.”
  • “Prime Day last year was tremendous. We did 20 times our normal daily sales, it was simply amazing,” said Lawrence Bibi, Light Accents. “Prime Day gives us a peak sales day in the middle of the summer.”

Everyday Made Better with Prime

Prime was designed to make your life better every single day. Tens of millions of members around the world enjoy the many benefits of Prime. In the U.S. that includes unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video; unlimited access to Prime Music, Audible Channels for Prime, Prime Reading, Prime Photos, Twitch Prime; early access to select Lightning Deals, one free pre-released book a month with Kindle First, and more. Plus, Prime members around the world can enjoy exclusive deal shopping on Prime Day. Prime was built on the foundation of unlimited fast, free shipping and members receive unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on more than 50 million items, Prime FREE One-Day Shipping and Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery in more than 5,000 cities and towns, and two-hour delivery with Prime Now in more than 30 major cities. Start a free trial of Amazon Prime at amazon.com/primeday.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

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Amazon Studios: Comrade Detective to premiere August 4 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video

Romanian-filmed live action half hour action series features an all-star cast of unique voice over performances including Channing Tatum andJoseph Gordon-Levitt in the series’ leading roles

SEATTLE, 2017-Jun-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon Studios (NASDAQ: AMZN) today (June 29, 2017) announced Comrade Detective, a new half-hour live action series that will premiere August 4 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A co-production with A24, Comrade Detective comes from creators and executive producers Brian Gatewood (The Sitter) and Alex Tanaka (The Sitter) with Rhys Thomas (Documentary Now!) directing and executive producing. Free Association’s Tatum, Reid Carolin (Logan Lucky), Peter Kiernan (Mad Love) and Andrew Schneider are executive producers along with A24’s Ravi Nandan (The Carmichael Show) and John Hodges (Safety Not Guaranteed).

Comrade Detective is a one-of-a-kind cop show and comedy set in 1980’s Romania. True to its nostalgic inspiration, the series is presented in Romanian and dubbed in English—as a Romanian show of that time would have been. Channing Tatum (Logan Lucky) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Looper) provide voice over dubbing performances for the series’ two leading roles, Detectives Gregor Anghel and Iosef Baciu—both characters played on screen by leading Romanian actors, Florin Piersic Jr. (Killing Time) and Corneliu Ulici (The Devil Inside).

In addition to Tatum and Gordon-Levitt, the illustrious roster of talent dubbing other roles includes Jenny Slate (Obvious Child), Chloë Sevigny (Bloodline), Jake Johnson (New Girl), Jason Mantzoukas (The House), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), Fred Armisen (Documentary Now!), Kim Basinger (LA Confidential), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Tracey Letts (The Lovers), Bobby Cannavale (Boardwalk Empire), Richard Jenkins (The Visitor), Debra Winger (The Lovers), Mark Duplass (Safety Not Guaranteed), Katie Aselton Duplass (Legion), Jerrod Carmichael (The Carmichael Show), Bo Burnham (The Big Sick) and John Early (Search Party).

“In a world of global television it was inevitable that the best comedy of the year would come from Romania. Well that day has come,“ said Joe Lewis, Head of Comedy, Drama and VR at Amazon Studios. “Comrade Detective is unbelievably compelling, visually brilliant, and Gregor and Iosef are the heroes we need. Thanks to A24, Channing Tatum, Rhys Thomas, Brian Gatewood, Alex Tanaka, as well as the incredibly creative team behind this wild new series.”

“As passionate fans of cinema and television, we have long heard about this genre defining show and are thrilled to work with Free Associationand Amazon to bring it to audiences,” said A24.

About Comrade Detective

In the thick of 1980’s Cold War hysteria, the Romanian government created the country’s most popular and longest-running series, Comrade Detective, a sleek and gritty police show that not only entertained its citizens but also promoted Communist ideals and inspired a deep nationalism. The action-packed and blood-soaked first season finds Detectives Gregor Anghel (played by Piersic) and Iosef Baciu (played by Ulici) investigating the murder of fellow officer Nikita Ionesco and, in the process, unraveling a subversive plot to destroy their country that is fueled by—what else—but the greatest enemy: Capitalism. Though the beloved show was sadly forgotten about after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it has been rediscovered and digitally remastered now with its main heroes voiced by Tatum and Gordon-Levitt. Comrade Detective is a true portal into a time and place and a powerful reminder of what art can be—and it is now ready to be seen by the modern world on a larger scale than ever before.

About Amazon Video

Amazon Video is a premium on-demand entertainment service that offers customers the greatest choice in what to watch, and how to watch it. Amazon Video is the only service that provides all of the following:

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Amazon Original Series and Movies from Amazon Studios like Transparent, The Man in the High Castle, Love & Friendship and kids series Tumble Leaf, available for unlimited streaming as part of an Amazon Prime membership. Prime Video is also now available to customers in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe at www.primevideo.com.
  • Amazon Channels: Over 100 channel subscriptions that Prime members can add to their membership, including HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, PBS KIDS, Acorn TV and more, plus Anime Strike – the first curated on-demand subscription by Amazon Channels. To view the full list of channels available, visit www.amazon.com/channels
  • Rent or Own: Hundreds of thousands of titles, including new-release movies and current TV shows available for on-demand rental or purchase for all Amazon customers
  • Instant Access: Instantly watch anytime, anywhere through the Amazon Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, and Fire tablets, or online. For a list of all compatible devices visit www.amazon.com/howtostream
  • Premium Features: Top features like 4K Ultra HD, High Dynamic Range (HDR) and mobile downloads for offline viewing of select content

In addition to Prime Video, the Prime membership includes unlimited fast free shipping options across all categories available on Amazon, more than two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with Prime Music, secure photo storage with Prime Photos, unlimited reading with Prime Reading, unlimited access to a digital audiobook catalogue with Audible Channels for Prime, a rotating selection of free digital games and in-game loot with Twitch Prime, early access to select Lightning Deals, exclusive access and discounts to select items, and more. To sign-up for Prime or to find out more visit: www.amazon.com/prime.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

About A24

Launched in the summer of 2012, A24 is a New York-based media company focused on the distribution, financing, development and production of feature films and television projects. Recent TV series include the wildly original buddy cop action-comedy Comrade Detective, produced with Channing Tatum’s Free Association; the critically acclaimed and culturally groundbreaking The Carmichael Show, currently in its third season on NBC; USA’s Playing House, also in its third season; and the hilarious standup comedy special Jerrod Carmichael: 8, which premiered this past Spring on HBO.

On the film side, the company recently released Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight, which won 3 Academy Awards® at the 2017 Oscars – Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor. Other film releases include Yorgos Lanthimos’ critical and commercial hit The Lobster, a 2017 Oscar® nominee for Best Original Screenplay starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz; Robert Eggers’ horror smash The Witch; Room, winner of the 2016 Academy Award® for Best Actress for Brie Larson; Amy, Asif Kapadia’s Oscar® winning portrait of Amy Winehouse; Alex Garland’s sci-fi smash Ex Machina; Jonathan Glazer’s singular Scarlett Johansson sci-fi thriller Under the Skin; and Harmony Korine’s record-breaking Spring Breakers.

About Free Association

Free Association, with principals Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin and Peter Kiernan, is currently producing Magic Mike Live Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel. The company also produced Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky which will be released by Bleecker Street on August 18, 2017. Free Association has produced films including 22 Jump Street and the Magic Mike franchise, among others. On the television side, Free Association is in production on Step Up, the series for YouTube Red.

SOURCE: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

 

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Amazon holds first-ever Boost with FBA summit for small business and entrepreneurs

Inaugural Boost Summit Brings Together More Than 1,000 Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses to Meet with Amazon

Fulfillment by Amazon Empowers Small Businesses to Attract Prime Members and Grow their Business

Half of Items Sold on Amazon are from Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

SEATTLE, 2017-Jun-30 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) today (June 28, 2017) held Boost with FBA, a first-ever summit in the U.S. for small business and entrepreneurs participating in the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service. The inaugural event, held in New York City, brought together over 1,000 entrepreneurs and small business owners to meet with Amazon leaders face-to-face and learn about the tools and services that can help them further grow their business on Amazon. With access to more than 300 million active customer accounts worldwide, Amazon provides small businesses the opportunity to quickly reach customers in their neighborhood and around the globe.

“Small businesses are thriving on Amazon and we’re thrilled to bring these entrepreneurs together to help them take their business to the next level,” said Cynthia Williams, Vice President for Fulfillment by Amazon. “Entrepreneurs on Amazon are expanding their businesses worldwide and increasingly using the logistical expertise of the FBA service to reach new customers in Europe and Asia.”

FBA enables sellers to attract Prime members by having Amazon store and ship their products directly to customers while offering Prime benefits, including FREE two-day or same-day shipping and simple exporting around the world. At Boost with FBA, sellers met with Amazonexperts to learn about how they can sharpen their business strategies, grow their sales, reach new customers and sell in new marketplaces. They also heard from seasoned sellers and fellow small business owners.

Facts about Fulfillment by Amazon:

  • FBA was first launched in 2007.
  • In 2016, Fulfillment by Amazon delivered more than 2 billion items on behalf of small business and entrepreneurs.
  • In 2016, active sellers worldwide using the FBA service grew more than 70 percent.
  • In 2016, outside the U.S. FBA units shipped grew more than 80 percent.
  • In 2016, FBA items shipped worldwide grew more than 50 percent year-over-year during the holiday season.
  • In Q4 2016, FBA units represented more than 55% of total third-party units.

“FBA is a terrific fit for us. We don’t have the warehouses or shipping capacity to fulfill direct-to-consumer orders, and it means I can focus on listening to customer feedback and refining my designs,” said Lawrence Bibi, CEO of LightAccents. Based in Paramus, NJ, Bibi has leveraged FBA since 2011 and in 2016 expanded sales of his light fixtures and home décor into Italy, France and Germany. “FBA allows us to keep our profits and sell across the world.”

“The performance of our products on FBA has really surpassed anything I could have ever imagined,” said Caron Proschan, founder and CEO of Simply Gum, a New York-based company selling all-natural gum. “FBA lets us focus on more strategic questions of marketing and growing our business, knowing that fulfillment is well taken care of.”

Half of the items sold on Amazon worldwide are from sellers that offer their products through Amazon Marketplace. Small businesses and entrepreneurs selling on Amazon come from every state in the U.S., and from more than 130 different countries around the world. Amazon began inviting small businesses to sell on Amazon to increase selection and ensure customers could find and discover anything they wanted to buy online.

Businesses interested in selling on Amazon can visit http://services.amazon.com. To view inspiring stories of inventors, authors, and small business owners who are transforming their lives and pursuing their dreams with Amazon, check out Transformations.

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

SOURCE: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

 

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Stanley Black & Decker to host 2Q 2017 earnings conference call on Monday, July 24, 2017

NEW BRITAIN, Conn., 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) will broadcast its second quarter 2017 earnings conference call on Monday, July 24, 2017. The call will begin at 8:00AM EDT.

A news release outlining the financial results will be distributed before the market opens on Monday, July 24, 2017. A slide presentation, which will accompany the call, will be available at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com and will remain available after the call.

The call will be accessible by telephone within the US at (877) 930-8285, from outside the U.S. at +1 (253) 336-8297, and via the Internet at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com. To participate, please register on the web site at least fifteen minutes prior to the call and download and install any necessary audio software. Please use the conference identification number 44653952. A replay will also be available two hours after the call and can be accessed at (855) 859-2056 or +1 (404) 537-3406 using the passcode 44653952.

Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, electronic security solutions, healthcare solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. Learn more at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com.

SOURCE Stanley Black & Decker

Contact:

Stanley Black & Decker
Greg Waybright
Vice President, Investor Relations
(860) 827-3833
greg.waybright@sbdinc.com

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GGP to report 2Q 2017 financial and operational results on Wednesday, August 2, 2017

CHICAGO, 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — GGP will report financial and operational results for the second quarter 2017 before the market opens on Wednesday, August 2, 2017. The company will host a conference call for investors and other interested parties on August 2, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. Central (9:00 a.m. Eastern). The information to be discussed during the call will be contained in the earnings release and supplemental financial package which will be available on the Investors section of GGP’s website at www.ggp.com.

The conference call will be accessible by telephone and through the Internet. Interested parties can access the call by dialing 877.845.1018 (international 707.287.9345). A live webcast of the conference call will be available in listen-only mode in the Investors section at www.ggp.com. Interested parties should access the conference call or website 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call in order to register.

For those unable to listen to the call live, a replay will be available after the conference call event. To access the replay, dial 855.859.2056 (international 404.537.3406) conference ID: 44508800.

GGP

GGP is an S&P 500 company focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing, and redeveloping high-quality retail properties throughout the United States. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol GGP.

SOURCE: GGP Inc.

Contact:

Investor & Media Contact:
Kevin Berry
SVP Investor & Public Relations
kevin.berry@ggp.com
(312) 960-5529

 

 

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The National Grocers Association calls for entries for its annual Creative Choice Awards

Winners will be revealed and highlighted at The NGA Show

Arlington, VA , 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ —  The National Grocers Association (NGA) is calling for entries for its annual Creative Choice Awards to honor and recognize the best marketing and merchandising programs in the grocery industry. Creative Choice winners will be honored at The NGA Show, February 11-14, 2018 in Las Vegas, NV.

Retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, suppliers, and advertising agencies engaged in the creation and use of marketing and merchandising programs for grocery stores may enter.  However, the Creative Choice Awards Contest is a retailer awards competition, and therefore the retailer will be awarded for the entry if it is chosen as a category winner.

This year’s contest will once again feature 10 categories from which two winners for each category, one entry from a 1 – 15 store operator and one entry from a 15+ store operator will be selected.

Entries will be judged based on the criteria of creativity, clarity, and effectiveness by a panel of industry experts. From the category winners, one “Outstanding Marketer” and one “Outstanding Merchandiser” winner will be selected from a list of category winners and determined by both the judges, and through online voting. The “Outstanding Merchandiser” and “Outstanding Marketer” titles are the highest award of the Creative Choice Awards Contest.

The annual Creative Choice Awards Contest, sponsored by Kellogg’s and Unilever, honors the best marketing and merchandising programs in the independent supermarket industry that have boosted store traffic, increased item or department sales, positively impacted overall store sales or provided a unique benefit to the community. Marketing campaigns and merchandising events or promotions held between December 1, 2016 and December 1, 2017 are eligible for this year’s contest. All entries are due via online submission portal by Monday, December 11, 2017. More information, as well as the online submission portal, can be found at www.NGACreativeChoice.com.

For over 30 years, The NGA Show has been the place where independents gather, connecting grocery retailers and wholesalers, food manufacturers and service providers from around the world to share innovative solutions and best practices that support and strengthen the independent supermarket channel. More information on The NGA Show can be found at www.theNGAshow.com.

SOURCE: NGA

Contact:

Tel: (703) 516-0700
Fax: (703) 516-0115

 

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CBRE and PwC survey: 23% of companies have not yet started to implement the new lease accounting standards

Those who have begun implementation report greater-than-expected effort

Los Angeles, 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — Twenty-three percent of companies have not yet started to implement the new lease accounting standards, nearly 18 months after they were promulgated by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), according to a new survey from CBRE and PwC US.

Of those who say adoption is “in progress,” 52 percent say they are only 0 to 25 percent complete. The new lease accounting standards go into effect in 2019 for public companies.

“The survey results confirm that many public companies, for various reasons, including concentrating on implementing the new revenue recognition standard in 2018, have not been focused on the new lease accounting standards. These companies are now beginning to realize they are only six quarters away from the effective date and that it is time to pick up their pace,” said Jeff Beatty, Senior Managing Director of CBRE’s Financial Consulting Group and leader of the company’s Global Lease Accounting Task Force.

The survey results do indicate greater focus in this area, with 66 percent having formed an internal working group to address the adoption of the new standards. This is an important first step for any company as the complexity and nuances of the new standards will require greater collaboration and sharing of information between business units than they are accustomed to.

Of the companies who have started implementing the new standards, 47 percent report expending a greater-than-expected effort.

“Given the breadth and potential systems and process changes associated with implementing the new standards, companies should consider a phased approach that begins with a current-state assessment focused on lease inventory, processes and data and system capabilities,” said Sheri Wyatt, Partner within PwC’s Capital Markets & Accounting Advisory Services practice. “Some companies may be underestimating the time and effort required, but a comprehensive assessment will ultimately provide better clarity around the length and complexity of adopting these new standards.”

The survey found that data collection and systems are among the biggest challenges facing most companies, with 75 percent of respondents indicating these implementation issues are “somewhat or very difficult.”

“Many companies will find that they will likely need to consider the integration of third-party lease administration software into their process given the complexity and additional data required to comply with the new standards,” said Peter Kitchin, Director of Portfolio Services for the Americas, CBRE.

For the full survey results, key findings and methodology, click here.

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

SOURCE: CBRE Group, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert McGrath
212.984.8267
robert.mcgrath@cbre.com

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CBRE recognized with Realcomm’s Digie award for its smart building solutions innovations

CBRE Recognized for “Best Use of Automation” for Second Consecutive Year

Los Angeles, 2017-Jun-29 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE has earned Realcomm’s Digie award for its smart building solutions innovations.  This marks the second consecutive year that CBRE has been recognized by Realcomm, a worldwide research and event company focused on real estate technology, for the company’s use of automation and technology.

CBRE’s smart building solutions business, CBRE|ESI, was recognized for several achievements, including:

  • First service-provider to deploy a Smart Building Client Experience Center
  • Designing and building one of the first of the LEED Triple Platinum buildings in the U.S. as its headquarters
  • Ongoing pursuit of leading-edge smart building strategies and industry leadership going far beyond “normal” industry best practices

CBRE|ESI, led by Paul Oswald, is an integral part of CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) business.

“CBRE|ESI’s automation and smart building solutions create tremendous value for both individual facilities and portfolios,” said Matt Werner, President, Enterprise Facilities Management for CBRE’s GWS business.  “As master system integrators, our passion is making client facilities as efficient as possible while enhancing the workplace experience. We are thrilled that the experts at Realcomm once again recognized the hard work and pioneering innovation of our colleagues at CBRE|ESI.”

Realcomm’s “Digie” awards recognize companies, real estate projects, technologies and people that go above and beyond to positively impact the real estate industry using technology, automation and innovation.

In 2016, CBRE earned Realcomm’s Digie award for its CORE Asset Services operating platform, which allows property management professionals to assess and track key performance indicators and operational data to help clients make timely and strategic decisions.

For more information about CBRE|ESI, please visit: www.cbre.com/smarterbuildings.

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

SOURCE: CBRE Group, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Robert McGrath
212.984.8267
robert.mcgrath@cbre.com

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PVH participated in the NYC Pride March 2017 as a Platinum Level Sponsor

PVH participated in the NYC Pride March 2017 as a Platinum Level Sponsor

Over 800 PVH associates and guests brought the “Runway to Pride” to Fifth Avenue with the company’s first-ever custom designed float.

NEW YORK, 2017-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of the national celebration of Pride Month in the US, PVH participated in the NYC Pride March 2017 as a Platinum Level Sponsor on Sunday, June 25. The initiative was led by the company’s newly formed LGBTQ Business Resource Group (BRG) and marks another step in PVH’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is valued.

Over 800 PVH associates and guests, wearing PVH Pride Logo t-shirts, brought the runway to Fifth Avenue, marching alongside the company’s first-ever custom designed float, “Runway to Pride.” Both corporate and retail associates expressed their individual style by customizing their t-shirts and showing off their designs on the runway.

“I continue to be inspired by our associates who showcase their individuality every day,” said Emanuel Chirico, Chairman & CEO, PVH Corp. “I was incredibly proud to see over 800 members of the PVH family come together to celebrate the NYC Pride March.”

Rainbow colored Pride underwear, specially designed for LGBTQ Pride Month, was distributed to the crowd by models wearing CALVIN KLEINand Tommy Hilfiger underwear and makeup by Leo Alonzo and PVH associate Jillian Zino. DJ Lina Bradford spun live from the top section of the float.

PVH’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube channels featured livestreams and live updates, capturing all of the best moments throughout the day. A custom “PVH Runway to Pride” Snapchat filter was available for the entire parade route. Visit PVH Corp. on YouTube to view the highlights video.

PVH has been celebrating Pride around the world throughout the month of June. On Sunday, June 25, associates in Canada participated in Toronto Pride March activities, and on June 17, the Calvin Klein Underwear store in Brazil hosted a pre-celebration for the São Paulo Pride Parade. Retail stores across the US and Canada have been displaying custom decal window stickers in their windows and doors to show their support. The company will continue to participate in Pride events globally, including Pink Dot Hong Kong in October.

Photo credit: Provided by PVH Corp.

About PVH Corp.

With a history going back over 135 years, PVH has excelled at growing brands and businesses with rich American heritages, becoming one of the largest apparel companies in the world. We have over 30,000 associates operating in over 40 countries and over $8 billion in annual revenues. We own the iconic CALVIN KLEIN, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, IZOD, ARROW, Speedo*, Warner’s and Olga brands, and market a variety of goods under these and other nationally and internationally known owned and licensed brands.

*The Speedo brand is licensed for North America and the Caribbean in perpetuity from Speedo International, Limited.

SOURCE: PVH Corp.

Media:

PVH Corp.
Dana Perlman
212-381-3502
Treasurer and Senior Vice President
Business Development and Investor Relations
communications@pvh.com

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Nordstrom launches its 2017 Anniversary Sale marketing campaign

Nordstrom launches its 2017 Anniversary Sale marketing campaign

Russell Wilson, Ashley Graham, Taye Diggs And More Team Up With Nordstrom To Celebrate The Retailer’s One-Of-A-Kind Anniversary Sale

SEATTLE, 2017-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom, Inc. announced the launch of its 2017 Anniversary Sale marketing campaign, which debuts today in the U.S. and Canada. The company partnered with six artists, designers and stylemakers as brand ambassadors for the sale, which takes place from July 21 through August 6.

Anniversary Ambassadors include Russell Wilson, co-founder of Good Man Brand, entrepreneur, Super Bowl Champion and Franchise NFL Quarterback; Ashley Graham, model, body activist, author and designer of Ashley Graham lingerie; actor, singer, dancer and author Taye Diggs; actress and aspiring recluse Hana Mae Lee; choreographer and dancer Keone Madrid (with wife and dance partner, Mari); and artist and textile designer Kindah Khalidy.

The company looked for a diverse group of individuals who are renowned in their field, passionate about what they do and thought would appeal to customers.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale originated in the 1960’s and is the company’s biggest event of the year featuring brand-new merchandise for men, women and kids at super-sale prices for a limited time – prices go back up after two weeks.

“Our Anniversary Sale is one of the most exciting Nordstrom events of the year for our customers” said Nordstrom Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Scott Meden. “It’s a sale like no other. We’re thrilled to make it come to life with this campaign, and to showcase new arrivals from our hottest fashion brands in partnership with our ambassadors.”

The campaign will feature sale picks from brand ambassadors in the Anniversary Sale catalog and online at nordstrom.com/anniversarysale. The campaign was shot in-house and also includes videos that will be posted on Nordstrom.com and the retailer’s social platforms. Advertising components include digital, print, out of home, as well as store windows and in-store displays.

“I love the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because you can find all of the quality brands you love at such great prices,” said Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Ambassador Ashley Graham. “I like to shop investment pieces, like designer bags and shoes, and it’s also a great time to stock up on well-fitting bras because they are the foundation to every outfit.”

“This year I am especially excited for the Anniversary Sale,” said Russell Wilson, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Ambassador. “Shopping at Nordstrom is always fun and easy, and who doesn’t love finding the newest styles of the season. What an honor for Good Man Brand to have been selected to be a part of this event alongside some the best and biggest brands in the world.”

To view additional images, videos and interviews with all six Nordstrom Anniversary Sale ambassadors, visit https://blogs.nordstrom.com/fashion/ and nordstrom.com/anniversarysale.

Nordstrom first launched its Anniversary Sale brand ambassador campaign in 2016 and featured actress and designer, Melissa McCarthy; Dallas Wings point guard, All-Star player Skylar Diggins; actor, artist and activist, Rhi Blossom; activist and founding editor of SUNU: Journal of African Affairs, Critical Thought + Aesthetics Amy Sall; Australian model Fernanda Ly; YouTube star Joey Graceffa and musician Jon Batiste.

About Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 354 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 221 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and two clearance stores. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its seven clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

CONTACT:

Anya Pavlovic
Nordstrom, Inc.
206.303.3015

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Tesco now offers one hour grocery delivery service via Tesco Now app

Tesco now offers one hour grocery delivery service via Tesco Now app

CHESHUNT, England, 2017-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — From 26 June customers will be available to order, via the new Tesco Now app, up to 20 items from a range of 1000 products.

The range will include everyday products, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, bakery goods and dairy, as well as pet, baby, health and beauty products. Orders will be picked in a local store and delivered to customers via moped within 60 minutes.

Customers will also be able to track their order via the Tesco Now app, receiving live updates on the progress of their order.

Tesco Now is available to customers in some central London postcodes between 8am until 11pm on weekdays and 9am until 11pm at weekends. The service is priced at £7.99 with no minimum spend on each order.

Adrian Letts, Online Managing Director at Tesco, said: 

“From forgotten essentials to that crucial final ingredient, Tesco Now can get them to our customers’ door within the hour.

“Shoppers’ needs are changing and we want to offer a range of services that allow them to shop with us in a way that suits their needs. We look forward to hearing what they think of the new service.”

ENDS

Notes

  • In addition to the one hour delivery, a two hour delivery option will also be available priced at £5.99.
  • Tesco Now complements Tesco’s existing online grocery options available in London and the South East including Same Day Delivery and Same Day Click and Collect.
  • Items will be picked from a local store and delivered via moped by third party fulfilment specialist, Quiqup, who have partnered with Tesco.
  • The Tesco Now app is available for download on iOS and Android Devices via the AppStore and Google Play Store.
  • The full list of postcodes where this service is available can be found below:

E1, E2, EC1, EC2, EC3, N1, N16, NW1, NW10, NW3, NW5, NW6, NW8, SE1, SE11, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW1, SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, W1, W10, W11, W12, W14, W2, W7, W8, W9, WC1, WC2

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

SOURCE: Tesco PLC

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701    

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Starbucks Coffee Company signs licensing agreement with Alsea to develop and operate Starbucks® stores in Uruguay

SEATTLE and MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, 2017-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today (June 26, 2017) announced a new licensing agreement with its long-time strategic partner Alsea, a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Spain. The agreement grants Alsea the exclusive rights to develop and operate Starbucks® stores in Uruguay, with the first store set to open in early 2018 in Montevideo. Starbucks and Alsea have worked together since 2002, now serving millions of customers in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia in 841 Starbucks® stores and employing more than 10,500 Starbucks partners (employees). Uruguay will become the fifth market in this partnership, and Starbucks 18th market in the Latin America and Caribbean region.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the Starbucks Experience to customers in Uruguay – a critical emerging market as we continue our expansion across South America,” said Ricardo Rico, general manager and vice president for Starbucks Latin America. “As we position the brand for continued growth, Alsea continues to be an invaluable strategic partner in the region as we pursue disciplined and profitable growth in a way that celebrates local cultures and coffee traditions.”

Alsea, a leading restaurant operator of global brands in the quick service, coffee shop, casual and family dining segments, has a diversified portfolio including Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza, Burger King, Chili’s, California Pizza Kitchen, P.F. Chang’s, Italianni’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Vips, El Portón, Archie’s, Foster’s Hollywood, LAVACA and Cañas y Tapas. The company operates more than 3,200 stores and has more than 67,000 employees in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Spain. The new agreement with Starbucks also represents Alsea’s first foray into Uruguay, representing a critical business opportunity in a new South American market.

“I am pleased to announce the entry of Alsea into a new market such as Uruguay, which allows us to continue with our solid growth strategy, reinforcing the presence of our brands in the region,” said Federico Tejado, Chief Executive Officer of Alsea International. “We will build on our knowledge of the Starbucks brand, which we have operated for 15 years now and of which we currently have 841 stores operating in four countries.”

For more than 45 years, Starbucks has built its brand by delivering a consistent, authentic in-store experience to customers around the globe that is rooted in high-quality arabica coffee and engaged, knowledgeable baristas. Since launching the brand in Latin America, Starbucks has grown to over 1,100 stores employing more than 13,000 partners (employees) across 16 markets, 15 of which are operated by trusted licensing partners. Starbucks will open next in Jamaica in the fall of 2017, and Uruguay in early 2018.

About Alsea

Alsea is the leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Spain of global brands in the quick service, coffee shop, casual and family dining segments. It has a diversified portfolio, with brands such as Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, Burger King, Chili’s, California Pizza Kitchen, P.F. Chang’s, Italianni’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Vips, El Portón, Archie’s, Foster’s Hollywood, LAVACA and Cañas y Tapas. The company operates more than 3,200 units and has more than 67,000 employees in Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Spain. Alsea’s business model includes support for its brands through a Shared Services Center that provides all the Administrative and Development Processes, as well as the Supply Chain. For more information, visit: www.alsea.com.mx

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 26,000 stores around the globe, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit our stores or online at news.starbucks.com and Starbucks.com.

SOURCE: Starbucks Corporation

MEDIA CONTACT:

Global
Phone: 206 318 7100
Email: press@starbucks.com

 

 

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Nordstrom Rack at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, Wisconsin scheduled to open in fall 2018

SEATTLE, 2017-Jun-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc. announced today (June 22, 2017) plans to open a Nordstrom Rack at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, Wisconsin. The approximately 26,800-square-foot store is scheduled to open in fall 2018.

Bayshore Town Center is a 45-acre complex on the North Shore of Milwaukee featuring an assortment of retail, dining, entertainment, office space and residential units. The new Nordstrom Rack location will anchor the redeveloped north end of the project which will also feature a new mall entry, expanded convenient parking and other retail space. Nordstrom Rack will join existing retailers such as H&M, Ulta Beauty, iPic Cineplex, Trader Joe’s and Kohl’s.

“We look forward to opening a store at Bayshore Town Center – a more convenient location for our customers in the North Shore area,” said Karen McKibbin, president of Nordstrom Rack. “We’re excited to bring customers here the great brands at great prices they’ve come to expect when we open our doors in 2018.”

This will be the second Nordstrom Rack store in the Milwaukee area. The company also operates a full-line store at Mayfair Mall.

“We are thrilled to once again be partnering with Nordstrom Rack at another one of our leading multi-use shopping destinations,” said Ken Marshall, Head of Retail at Olshan Properties.  “We are very proud of our roster of tenants that includes the best brands in fashion, technology, entertainment and dining who are thriving at Bayshore Town Center, and are excited to welcome Nordstrom Rack into the mix to provide the customers of Milwaukee with another desirable name brand retailer to enjoy.”

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc., offering customers a wide selection of on-trend apparel, accessories and shoes at an everyday savings of 30-70 percent off regular prices. Nordstrom Rack merchandise, available at Rack stores and at Nordstromrack.com, comes from Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com as well as specially purchased items from many of the top brands available at Nordstrom. The Rack is designed to provide the ultimate treasure hunt to style-savvy customers.

About Nordstrom
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 354 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 221 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and two clearance stores. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its seven clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

About Bayshore Town Center
Bayshore Town Center, owned and operated by Olshan Properties, is a mixed-use town center located in Glendale, Wisconsin.  Originally constructed in 1954 and converted into an enclosed mall in 1974, Olshan Properties fully redeveloped the project into a vibrant mixed-use town center in 2006.  The 45-acre, 1.3 million-square-foot complex features an eclectic mix of retail, dining, entertainment, office and residential uses all woven together by Bayshore Town Center’s signature gathering spaces where visitors and community members shop, dine, relax and have fun. The center currently includes 255,000 square-feet of office space, 113 residential apartments and nearly one million-square-feet of retail and restaurant space. Bayshore Town Center is a desirable address and an exciting, convenient place to “live, work, and play” that draws millions of visitors annually. For more information, visit www.bayshoretowncenter.com.

About Olshan Properties
Olshan Properties is a privately owned real estate firm specialized in the development, acquisition, leasing and management of commercial real estate for more than 55 years.  The close integration of investment and operating capabilities has given Olshan Properties a reputation as one of the leading private owner/operators of commercial real estate in the country.

Olshan Properties currently owns and/or manages, individually or with its affiliated companies, a diverse portfolio of commercial properties including Retail, Hotel, Office, and Residential in eleven states.  For more information, click here.

SOURCE: Nordstrom, Inc.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Brenna Sussman
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 303-2316
Brenna.Sussman@nordstrom.com

Mary-Kate Morrow
Rubenstein
(212) 843-9326
mmorrow@rubenstein.com

 

 

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Wine.com on 1st place in the 6th edition of the e-Performance Barometer international rankings of wine websites

Bordeaux Business School study ranks Wine.com #1 on global stage  

San Francisco, CA, 2017-Jun-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wine.com, the nation’s number one online retailer, received 1st place in the 6th edition of the e-Performance Barometer international rankings of wine websites conducted by the prestigious KEDGE Business School. The 2017 results were announced at VINEXPO, the bi-annual international exhibition attended by more than 45,000 wine and spirits professionals. The report, released on June 21, is now available.

To conduct the analysis, over 2,300 internet users in nine countries (France, Spain, Germany, the UK, Italy, Australia, the United States, Canada and China) evaluated 23 e-commerce wine websites selected from over 400 candidates. The study analyzed and ranked each site on seven performance criteria: information, navigation, product offering, aesthetics, security and privacy, interactivity and reliability.

“I am thrilled to see Wine.com recognized on the world stage at Vinexpo. Whether from my family estates in Burgundy, the Rhone Valley or the South of France or from our historic California wineries of Buena Vista Winery, DeLoach Vineyards or Raymond Vineyards, Wine.com has continually represented the breadth of our family wines,” said Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Boisset Collection.  He added, “Wine.com is passionate about telling the stories of vintners like us and the future of e-commerce holds dynamic growth opportunities.”

“The e-Performance Barometer highlights many of the key differentiators that we set out to accomplish – offering the largest selection, live chat guidance, and rich content – conveniently delivered,” said Michael Osborn, Wine.com Founder and VP Merchandising. “We continue to inspire the wine lifestyle through innovation, and this award further validates our strategy.”

About KEDGE Business School
Headquartered in Bordeaux, France, KEDGE was founded from the merger of two internationally renowned business schools, BEM and Euromed Management. Its activities fall within two inter-related categories: applied research and education, including 31 formal higher education courses and a thriving Executive Education program, and four recognized areas of research expertise and six management centers of excellence. This dual expertise in education and research has earned it its status among the 1% of the world’s business schools that are triple accredited by EQUIS, AMBA and AACS. https://kedge.edu

About Wine.com
Wine.com is the nation’s leading online wine retailer, offering selection, guidance and convenience not found in brick and mortar stores.  The company provides its customers access to the world’s largest wine store, with live chat wine experts available 7 days a week on its mobile and full websites. With multiple fulfillment centers and the most sophisticated retail wine distribution network in the United States, Wine.com delivers in 1-2 days to most addresses, offering date-certain delivery and the convenience of shipping for pickup at 3,500 FedEx pick-up sites.  The company’s popular StewardShip program provides unlimited wine delivery and exclusive access to new releases for $49 per year.  Just launched, the Wine.com iOS app allows users to scan, rate and purchase wines on the go.  Wine.com’s mission, to inspire the wine lifestyle through innovation, is captured in its brand manifesto video, viewable here.  For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.wine.com.

SOURCE:  Wine.com

Press Contact:

Gwendolyn Osborn
Gwendolyn@wine.com
415-248-4402

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Rakuten and LIFULL enter the vacation rental business in Japan; establishes Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Inc.

Rakuten LIFULL STAY represents innovative step into sharing economy in Japan

Tokyo, 2017-Jun-24 — /EPR Retail News/ —  Rakuten, Inc. and LIFULL Co., Ltd. today (June 22, 2017) announced that the two companies will enter the vacation rental business in Japan with the establishment of Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Inc., a subsidiary of RAKUTEN LIFULL STAY PTE. LTD., which is jointly owned by Rakuten and LIFULL. (Investment ratio: Rakuten: 51%; LIFULL: 49%).

As a vacation rental intermediary registered with the Japan Tourism Agency in accordance with the recently passed Private Lodgings Business Law, Rakuten LIFULL STAY will develop a new platform connecting owners of unoccupied homes or rooms who are looking to provide accommodation with people who are wishing to rent. The service, tentatively titled “Vacation Stay,” will provide property owners with new opportunities to make use of their unutilized assets and give users a greater variety of options for accommodation.

By offering a diverse range of more than 70 services, Rakuten has built a user base of approximately 90 million members in Japan and developed a strong network with local governments nationwide. LIFULL operates a real estate and housing information site with around 8 million properties listed and has a network of more than 22,000 affiliated real estate stores. Representing an innovative step into the sharing economy for both companies, Rakuten LIFULL STAY will draw on Rakuten’s membership base as well as LIFULL’s resources and expertise in the real estate industry.

To make it easier for individuals or organizations to make their properties available through the service, Rakuten LIFULL STAY also plans to offer comprehensive support options, assisting with everything from the preparation of properties to day-to-day operations. Operational burden will also be reduced through the development of outsourcing options with external partners. It is hoped these services will result in more properties being made available and the creation of an environment in which the service can be used safely and with greater peace of mind by guests.

In recent years, the growing number of vacant homes in Japan caused by the declining population and stagnating housing market has become a major social issue. At the same time, Japan is facing an acute shortage of accommodation as tourist numbers grow in the lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Increasing the amount of accommodation available is a pressing issue that the government hopes to address in part through the new Private Lodgings Business Law. Under the law, individuals and businesses meeting certain requirements will be able to utilize their unoccupied homes or rooms to provide vacation rental services without needing a license under the Inns and Hotels Act.

By providing a vacation rental service through Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Rakuten and LIFULL aim to meet the broad demand for accommodation from both domestic and overseas tourists, and address the serious problem of vacant homes while supporting the development and expansion of the accommodation industry.

Overview of Rakuten LIFULL STAY
Company name: Rakuten LIFULL STAY, Inc.
Address: Otemachi Financial City Grand Cube 3F
1-9-2 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Representative Director Munekatsu Ota
Details of business: Providing services related to vacation rental platform
Date of establishment: March 2017
Website: https://www.rakuten-lifull-stay.co.jp

About Rakuten
Rakuten, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to more than 1 billion members around the world. Since 2012, Rakuten has ranked in the top 20 of Forbes Magazine’s annual “World’s Most Innovative Companies” list. The Rakuten Group has over 14,000 employees, and operations in 29 countries and regions.
For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.

About LIFULL
LIFULL Co., Ltd. (former company name: “NEXT Co., Ltd.”; TSE First Section: 2120) is a company that operates real estate and housing information services. It was established in 1997 based on an aspiration to change the real estate industry. Its main service is the operation of LIFULL HOME’S, a website providing real estate and housing information, which provides the industry’s most extensive library of property information in Japan. * LIFULL has been expanding its domains from its mainstay housing business, to peripheral areas including nursing care, interior, and insurance. The company has expanded LIFULL HOME’S overseas and is operating Trovit, one of the world’s largest aggregation sites. LIFULL has operations in 53 countries.
LIFULL Group’s corporate message is “Make every LIFE FULL.” LIFULL provides “LIFE solutions” that will offer security and pleasure to people around the world.
For more information visit https://LIFULL.com/en/

Based on the survey conducted by Sankei Medix (announced on January 26, 2017)

SOURCE: Rakuten, Inc.

 

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LCP converts Miller House into an office-to-residential property; its first PDR scheme completed in the north-west of England

LCP converts Miller House into an office-to-residential property; its first PDR scheme completed in the north-west of England

London, 2017-Jun-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading property investment group LCP has completed its first office-to-residential conversion in the north-west of England.

LCP has created Miller House, a development of two one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments on the first floor of a shopping parade in Church Road, Bebington.

The residential scheme is the first that LCP has completed in the north-west under permitted development rights. An offer has already been put in for one apartment while viewings are also underway for the other five.

Matt Pegg, LCP asset manager, said the contemporary-styled homes have a number of high-quality features, including entry phone/video link, high-specification bathroom and fully fitted kitchens plus oak-veneer and carpet flooring.

As part of the conversion plans, it also installed new windows and created foyer access for the private residential scheme.

“The offices were empty for a number of years and there was no interest in take-up,” she said. “Thanks to permitted development rights, we were in a position to convert the space into good quality homes without having to apply for planning permission.

“It was the ideal opportunity to put back into use space that has lain empty for a long time and now that the work is completed, we anticipate quick sales to private buyers.”

Joe Pollard, of Jones and Chapman, which is marketing the apartments, said: “The properties are a testament to the carefully considered planning that took place prior to putting these properties on the market. The apartments have fantastic specification and healthy, naturally light spaces, and are suitable for every demographic – homeowners and investors alike.”

Situated above four shops, including a Co-op Food store and Barnardo’s, the Miller House apartments are now on sale and are priced £115,000 to £125,000. They are being marketed by Jones and Chapman.  More information available at Rightmove.

SOURCE: LCP

For details, contact:

Joe Pollard
0151 644 8666
joe.pollard@jonesandchapman.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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iD Mobile launches new campaign ‘#WeGotThis’ with and starring BAFTA award-winning actor Asim Chaudhry

iD Mobile launches new campaign ‘#WeGotThis’ with and starring BAFTA award-winning actor Asim Chaudhry

Bafta-winning actor stars in mobile network’s new tongue-in-cheek campaign

LONDON, 2017-Jun-22 — /EPR Retail News/ —iD Mobile is spreading happiness today with the launch of its new campaign ‘#WeGotThis’, created with and starring BAFTA award-winning actor Asim Chaudhry.

Chaudhry brings his trademark deadpan humour to the launch film, ‘Control Room’, available to watch on iD Mobile’s YouTube channel. Hard at work in iD Mobile’s ‘Secret Customer Happiness HQ’, Chaudhry gets to grips with his new job as ‘Customer Happiness Officer’. Going the extra mile, he successfully takes on his customer happiness mission, spreading news of the network’s simple new plan that offers bill capping, inclusive roaming and data rollover.

Fans of Chaudhry and iD Mobile can follow the action as it unfolds in three further films – ‘Beach’, ‘Shower’ and ‘House Party’. Each one is based around one of the plan’s key features and will see the Customer Happiness Officer’s misguided attempts to go the extra mile for iD Mobile customers.

The campaign, created by digital engagement agency AllTogetherNow, will run across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Vevo and, for the first time ever, iD Mobile will also get snap happy on Snapchat.

Mark Bowles, Head of Marketing for iD Mobile, comments: “These films humorously bring iD Mobile’s commitment to customers and our new plan’s features to life for our 18-34-year-old audience. The digital-only strategy has been designed to maximise views and we couldn’t think of anyone better than Asim Chaudhry to partner with here as he perfectly embodies our obsession with our customers and light-hearted spirit. We hope you enjoy it!”

Sam Willard, Creative Director at AllTogetherNow, says, “From day one, iD Mobile has built the business around its customers. Nowhere is this more evident than in the creation of this new plan. Asim’s turn as bumbling Customer Happiness Officer, mixed with the bright, youthful and in-your-face art direction has resulted in a vibrant campaign that we’re confident will resonate with our audience.”

iD Mobile was launched in May 2015 and now has more than half a million subscribers across the UK. Built around the customer, the MVNO provides even greater value and control for UK mobile customers. For more information on iD Mobile go to: www.idmobile.co.uk and follow @ID_Mobile_UK, www.facebook.com/idmobileuk and www.youtube.com/idmobile

The creative campaign from AllTogetherNow will be amplified by M&C Saatchi PR, with media planning and buy from Blue 449.

ENDS

For more information please contact M&C Saatchi PR on: ID@mcsaatchi.com / 0207 544 3600

Credits:
Brand: iD Mobile
Head of Marketing: Mark Bowles
Marketing Manager: John Annoh
Social Media & Content Marketing Manager: Wasim John

Creative Agency: AllTogetherNow
Managing Director: Steve Parker
Creative Director: Sam Willard
Creative Team: Sam Willard & John McDonnell
Account Team: Joe Chalmers & Jess Shearing
Strategy: Flora Proudlock
Talent Broker: Melsie Bourne

Director: Jon Riche
Production Company: Hoot Entertainment
Production Company Producer: Dominic Bunjevac & Mathias Giley
Director of Photography: Carl Burke

Offline Edit: Matt Chodan @ Gorilla Editors
Post Production: Smoke & Mirrors
Audio Post Production: Unit Post Production
Agency Producer: Jo Dillon

Media Agency: Blue 449
Managing Partner: Lindsay Payne
Emma Putnam: Group Account Director (Planning)
Beth Abood: Account Director (Planning)
Francesca Darvill: Account Director (Digital Investment)
Daniel Hoey: Senior Planner Buyer (Digital Investment)

PR Agency: M&C Saatchi PR
Director: Danielle Heximer
Associate Director: Jessica Silver
Account Director: Amy Rowlatt
Senior Account Executive: Imogen Turner
Junior Account Executive: Olivia Simpson

Notes to editors:

About iD Mobile
Launched in May 2015, iD Mobile UK is Carphone Warehouse’s 4G network operator. Its flexible 4G plans are amongst some of the best value in the UK. These range from great value SIM Only deals, to plans that include the very latest flagship smartphones.

iD Mobile UK is built around its customers, and puts them firmly in control – they can cap their monthly spend, roll over unused data to the next month, and even roam like at home in 50 destinations at no extra cost. iD Mobile UK customers can manage their account online or by using the free smartphone app, where they can buy add-ons, and view their usage whilst they’re on the move. iD Mobile UK runs on the Three network.

About Dixons Carphone
Dixons Carphone plc is Europe’s leading specialist electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over 42,000 people in eleven countries.

Focused on helping customers navigate the connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive range of electrical and mobile products, connectivity and expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and Knowhow.

Dixons Carphone’s primary brands include Carphone Warehouse, CurrysPCWorld and Simplifydigital in the UK & Ireland, Elkjøp, Elkjøp Phonehouse, Elgiganten, Elgiganten Phonehouse, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of UK & Ireland airports and Phone House in Spain. Our key service brands include Knowhow in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, and Geek Squad in the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Business-to-business (B2B) services are provided through Connected World Services (including honeyBee software products), PC World Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected World Services aims to leverage the Group’s existing expertise, operating processes and technology to provide a range of services to businesses.

Dixons Carphone was voted ‘Retailer of the Year’ at the Retail Week Awards 2016.

SOURCE: Dixons Carphone plc

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Signet Jewelers Limited appoints R. Mark Graf as an Independent Director

HAMILTON, Bermuda, 2017-Jun-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Signet Jewelers Limited (the “Company”) (NYSE: SIG), the world’s largest retailer of diamond jewelry, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed R. Mark Graf as an Independent Director effective July 1, 2017. Mr. Graf currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Discover Financial Services and has more than 30 years of experience in treasury, financial planning, accounting, corporate development and business line management.

H. Todd Stitzer, Chairman, commented, “Mark brings to Signet a deep, balanced and diversified finance, credit and leadership experience, which will make him a valuable addition to the Signet Board of Directors. On behalf of the Board, I welcome him, and we look forward to benefiting from his knowledge and insight.”

Prior to joining Discover Financial Services, Mr. Graf was an Investment Advisor at Aquiline Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in investments in the financial services industry. Prior to that, he served as Partner at Barrett Ellman Stoddard Capital Partners from 2006 to 2008 and Chief Financial Officer of Fifth Third Bancorp from 2004 to 2006.

Mr. Graf holds a BS in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School.

Additionally, Mr. Dale W. Hilpert notified the Company of his decision to retire from the Board of Directors for personal reasons, effective June 28, 2017.

Mr. Stitzer added: “On behalf of the Board, I thank Dale for his significant and valued contribution to Signet over the last 14 years and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

SOURCE: Signet Jewelers

Contacts

Investors:
James Grant
VP Investor Relations
1-330-668-5412
James.Grant@signetjewelers.com

Media:
David Bouffard
VP Corporate Affairs
1-330-668-5369
David.Bouffard@signetjewelers.com