Author Archives: Retail News Editor

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Raley’s announces the promotion of Kevin Konkel to Chief Operations Officer and Paul Gianetto to SVP, Sales & Merchandising

Raley’s announces the promotion of Kevin Konkel to Chief Operations Officer and Paul Gianetto to SVP, Sales & Merchandising

Fair Oaks, CA, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Raley’s announced the promotion of two key leaders within the organization; Kevin Konkel’s promotion to a newly created role as Chief Operations Officer and Paul Gianetto’s promotion to Senior Vice President, Sales & Merchandising.

“This is an exciting time for Raley’s – we have built a strong leadership team that will support the advancement of our vision and purpose,” said Mark Foley, Chief People Officer.

Kevin Konkel previously held the title Senior Vice President, Operations and in his new role will lead operations in all Raley’s banners and pharmacy operations. He will also lead store design and construction, operations administration, distribution and asset protection. Konkel is a proven industry leader with nearly 40 years of service to the Raley’s organization.

Paul Gianetto will serve as Senior Vice President, Sales & Merchandising. Gianetto is an industry leader with more than 35 years in the grocery business and a graduate of the USC Food Industry Management program. He joined Raley’s in 2008 and has held many roles in merchandising. In 2017, Gianetto was promoted to Vice President of Center Store. In his new role, he will manage strategic pricing, private label, sales & merchandising for both center store and perishable departments.

“We are fortunate to have such experienced and proven leaders in Kevin and Paul. Both epitomize servant leadership and Raley’s family values,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s President. “I am confident, Kevin and Paul will continue to help guide the organization toward our vision of infusing life with health and happiness.”

Konkel and Gianetto will continue to report to Keith Knopf, President who, along with Michael Teel, Chairman & CEO, will continue to lead the strategic direction for Raley’s.

Learn more about Raley’s Leadership team.

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

Source: Raley’s

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CVS Health recognized with 2018 PBMI Excellence Award for Care Management Strategies

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) announced today (March 7, 2018) that the Pharmacy Benefit Management Institute (PBMI) awarded the company the 2018 PBMI Excellence Award for Care Management Strategies. The award recognizes the ScriptPath Prescription Schedule, which was developed by CVS Health to help provide a consolidated view of a patient’s current CVS Pharmacy prescriptions with an easy-to-understand schedule showing how and when to take each medication.

“We are pleased to be recognized with this award for our industry-leading work to bring the ScriptPath Prescription Schedule to patients as we help them on their path to better health,” said Troyen A. Brennan, MD Chief Medical Officer, CVS Health. “For CVS Health, this award validates our efforts to develop innovative programs that improve patient engagement and medication adherence, better manage chronic diseases like diabetes and help clients keep their health care costs down.”

The average American adult fills nine prescriptions annually, with people older than 65 filling an average of 20 prescriptions a year. Unfortunately, approximately half of patients report being confused about how and when to take their medications, contributing to the 50 percent of patients with chronic conditions who stop taking their medications within the first year of diagnosis. Further, studies show a 5.7 percent to 6.8 percent decrease in adherence for each dose added to a medication regimen. For patients who are not optimally adherent to prescribed therapies, hospital readmission rates increase by as much as 69 percent, which can result in annual U.S. health care costs between $100 to $300 billion.

The ScriptPath Prescription Schedule offers patients with chronic conditions and complex regimens a personalized prescription schedule with easy-to-understand icons explaining which medication to take, when it should be taken and how much should be taken in each dose. It is designed to improve patient understanding and safety and help simplify how patients take their medications. The schedule is generated by our proprietary Clinical Engine, a robust scientific system created by CVS Pharmacy, which automatically reviews all of a patient’s current CVS Pharmacy prescription information and prescribers’ instructions. Using clinical data, the Clinical Engine slots a patient’s medications into up to four dosing times per day morning, midday, evening and bedtime and recommends dosing times for each medication based on the most effective times of day for the medications to be taken. Deborah Adler, a designer known for her past work on Target’s ClearRx prescription packaging system and the inventor and lead designer of the new ScriptPath system, worked with the CVS Health team to develop the easy-to-understand icons and an intuitive layout for each of the ScriptPath offerings.

In addition to the Prescription Schedule, CVS Pharmacy is in the process of rolling out the ScriptPath Prescription Label and Prescription Overview to all stores nationwide this spring. This will extend the use of the easy-to-understand design of the Prescription Schedule to the label on the prescription bottle as well as the prescription bag tag.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,800 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 94 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contact: 
Christina Beckerman
CVS Health
401-770-8868

SOURCE: CVS Health

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Kroger to host First Pitch and Town Hall events at the Natural Products Expo West event in Anaheim, California

CINCINNATI, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is excited to announce its participation in the Natural Products Expo West event in Anaheim, California to continue building relationships with emerging brands.

“This is Kroger’s 16th year to participate in Expo West,” said Jill McIntosh, Kroger’s vice president of natural foods. “Through our exclusive First Pitch and Town Hall events, we are increasing our presence and accessibility at the Expo. This year is our biggest activation. We will have more than 40 Kroger representatives participate, ranging from buyers and category managers to merchandising executives.”

Kroger anticipates a robust number of suppliers engaging with the company’s representatives during its First Pitch event, which provides innovative, ready-to-go-to-market businesses the opportunity to present their products to the retailer.

“Our customers’ appetite for better-for-you products continues to grow year-over-year. The natural foods category has become mainstream—it is no longer a niche market,” added Ms. McIntosh. “Along with growing our Simple Truth® brand, which reached $2 billion in annual sales in 2017, we will continue to focus on developing new partnerships at micro and macro levels to expand this category. Innovation is key in this space and this is one of the reasons we have attended Expo West since 2002 and recently started our Natural Foods Innovation Summit series.”

Kroger’s Town Hall will focus on its merchandising leaders sharing the Restock Kroger plan along with hosting discussions about ecommerce and Kroger Precision Marketing powered by 84.51° in front of an anticipated group of 500 individuals representing more than 270 suppliers. During the event, industry leaders, including CPGs and Kroger’s own Simple Truth® and sustainability experts, will lead a panel about sustainable practices, a focus of the natural foods industry.

The Town Hall will also feature a celebrity chef tasting that spotlights Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which aims to end hunger in its communities and eliminate food waste in its company by 2025. Kroger is partnering with three distinguished chefs—Roy Choi, Phillip Frankland Lee and Chelsea’s Messy Apron—to host the event.

Kroger will host its third Natural Foods Innovation Summit this June in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human SpiritTM. We are nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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Kroger EVP and CFO Mike Schlotman to present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2018 Consumer & Retail Technology Conference

CINCINNATI, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today (March 7, 2018) announced that Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s executive vice president and CFO, will address investors at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2018 Consumer & Retail Technology Conference at 10:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

The presentation will broadcast online at ir.kroger.com.  Click on “Events, Presentations & Webcasts” to access the event.  The presentation will be available in an archived format for one week following the conference.

At The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly half a million associates who serve nine million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,800 retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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SSP America brings Liberty Diner at Newark Liberty International Airport

SSP America brings Liberty Diner at Newark Liberty International Airport

United States, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, has opened an American diner at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The units join two previously opened markets opened by SSP America in 2017.

Paul Loupakos, Vice President of Business Development commented, “Liberty Diner and our two markets have been tailored specifically for EWR and will result in quality passenger experience that draws higher throughput and ultimately maximizes revenue. The concept of Liberty Diner is on trend given a current focus on nostalgia and elevated comfort food, but it also is a classic concept with broad appeal.”

As the 16th busiest airport in North America, Newark Liberty International Airport welcomes over 40 million passengers per year, and employs approximately 21,000 people. The airport contributes an estimated $27.2 billion in economic activity to the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region, generating about 188,000 total jobs and $10 billion in annual wages and salaries.

“We’re excited to partner with SSP America to continue enhancing the traveler experience at Newark Liberty Terminal B,” said Iris Messina, Westfield Vice President, Leasing. “A tribute to a classic American diner, Liberty Diner will surely delight customers and put smiles on their faces.”

Brand Details

Gateside Fresh Market (two units—Terminal A):  Gateside Market is the traveler’s grab & go haven for healthy eating. At EWR Gateside Fresh Market delivers on the ever-present ethos of using the freshest foods possible to bring travelers a market laden with hand-picked, nutrition-packed, wholesome nourishment that today’s consumers seek. From artisan sandwiches packed with premium fillings, to whole fruits, top-shelf salads and a wide range of snacks and drinks, multiple grab & go options abound for hungry passengers with no time to waste.

Liberty Diner (Terminal B):  Created specifically for Newark Liberty International Airport, Liberty Diner offers a unique and inviting environment that pays full, glorious tribute to the iconic style of the traditional American diner.  Serving classic American dishes—from breakfast favorites of bacon, eggs, pancakes and waffles available all throughout the day, to double-fisted burgers, chocolate shakes, meatloaf sandwiches and expertly grilled sirloin steaks—Liberty Diner’s ample 3,853 square feet space, will sit proudly and majestically in Terminal B’s international, global showroom attracting all passenger demographics with its inviting atmosphere, abundant seating and guaranteed street pricing.  Liberty Diner serves as a gleaming star attraction—relaxed, receiving and retro— the way American casual dining began.

Source: SSP

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SSP opens new premium restaurant bar concept, called Sip & Stone at Belfast International Airport

SSP opens new premium restaurant bar concept, called Sip & Stone at Belfast International Airport

LONDON, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — SSP, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, is set to open a new premium restaurant bar concept, called Sip & Stone at Belfast International Airport.

The new bar, which will open at the beginning of March 2018, will feature a menu that has a focus on local dishes, recipes and ingredients and will offer steaks, burgers, sausages and bacon, all of which will be locally sourced.

The bar will serve international beers, on draft and in bottles, as well as boasting a modern international and eclectic wine list. It will also offer a range of premium spirits.

An in-house bakery will serve a variety of freshly baked cakes and muffins, along with grab and go sandwiches, and freshly ground barista coffee.

Drawing inspiration from Northern Ireland’s Giants Causeway, Sip & Stone highlights the history and heritage of the local area. The modern, contemporary and natural design of the new restaurant creates the perfect “sit back and relax” environment for passengers as they begin their journey at Belfast International Airport, and will be open all day from breakfast to the last flight.

Simon Smith, CEO of SSP UK and Ireland said: “SSP has innovated this space from a traditional food village, to a modern concept, with an environment that is in tune with the needs of the aspirational customer. In the development, we’ve worked closely with the airport to underscore Belfast’s culture and culinary traditions.”

Graham Keddie, managing director at Belfast International Airport, said; “Belfast International Airport is in an exciting phase of growth with over six million passengers expected to travel through the airport in 2018. It is essential to provide facilities that meet the growing needs of our leisure and business customers and we are pleased that SSP has invested in these new facilities.  I’m sure passengers will enjoy sampling some iconic culinary delights that will be on offer at Sip & Stone.”

Source: SSP

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The Starbucks Foundation announces investment and partnership strategy with Malala Fund aimed at empowering women

The Starbucks Foundation announces investment and partnership strategy with Malala Fund aimed at empowering women
  • The Starbucks Foundation’s multi-year strategy will promote leadership and economic empowerment opportunities for women and families in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities
  • Partnership with Malala Fund will expand the organization’s Gulmakai Network of education champions in India and Latin America
  • Malala Yousafzai curates an exclusive playlist for International Women’s Day to be played in 10,000 Starbucks® stores across the U.S. and Canada on March 8

SEATTLE, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — More than 130 million young women and girls around the world do not have the opportunity to go to primary or secondary school, representing a generation of young people with limited ability to access economic opportunities, create their own livelihoods, and become leaders in their communities[1]. In many rural, remote communities around the world, that challenge is made exponentially worse by poverty, conflict, and gender inequality. Recognizing this global crisis – and the opportunity to drive long-term impact and social change – The Starbucks Foundation announced today a multi-year investment and partnership strategy aimed at empowering at least 250,000 women and families in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities globally by 2025.

To launch this effort, The Starbucks Foundation unveiled a new global partnership with Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai’s organization, Malala Fund, towards a shared vision that an investment in young women and families can have a transformative impact on communities. Through this partnership, Malala Fund will work with Starbucks to promote girls’ education and expand leadership opportunities for young women in coffee and tea growing communities in India and Latin America.

“I want to thank Starbucks for believing in my dream of a world where girls can choose their own future. With their support, Malala Fund will help educators and activists in developing countries get more girls in school,” Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate and co-founder of Malala Fund.

The Starbucks Foundation’s partnership with Malala Fund will build on its ongoing investments in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities worldwide with organizations like Mercy Corps, Eastern Congo Initiative, and Heifer International which since 2005 have collectively impacted more than 450,000 people. With a deeper focus on women and families, Starbucks will also be able to accelerate its broader goal to improve the lives of at least one million coffee farmers and workers by 2025.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

The Starbucks Foundation aims to promote leadership opportunities for women and families in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities to break down barriers to education, clean water and sanitation, and economic opportunities. Through its multi-year strategic partnership with Starbucks, Malala Fund will expand its work in advocacy, investment, and amplifying young women and girls’ voices, including growing its Gulmakai Network of education champions to coffee and tea growing communities in India and Latin America. The partnership will help expand non-traditional educational opportunities in those communities and scale leadership opportunities for young women with a goal to inspire the next generation of civically engaged leaders. Starbucks also plans to connect partners (employees) with Malala Fund’s Gulmakai Network champions to create additional leadership and engagement opportunities.

“We believe women and families hold the key to long-term empowerment and social change,” said Virginia Tenpenny, executive director for The Starbucks Foundation and vice president, Global Social Impact at Starbucks. “Looking ahead, we want to ensure our partnerships connect women with education and leadership opportunities needed to create healthy homes and sustainable livelihoods – for themselves, their families, and future generations. We are proud to join with Malala Fund to invest in young women so they may become leaders in their communities and achieve their dreams and aspirations.”

Malala Yousafzai Creates Starbucks Playlist for International Women’s Day 

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, Starbucks today announced Yousafzai will share a specially curated playlist of songs by female artists from 16 countries to be played in more than 10,000 participating stores across the U.S. and Canada. The playlist is also available on the Starbucks page on Spotify.

Towards a Shared Future in Sustainable Coffee  

Starbucks has a long history of working with coffee, tea and cocoa origin communities to address their most critical needs such as access to water, sanitation, health and education. With The Starbucks Foundation’s focus on advancing leadership and economic opportunities for 250,000 women and families by 2025, the organization will build upon this work and help ensure even more families benefit. Through its global partnerships, Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation are helping to improve the lives of at least one million people in coffee communities with the following initiatives:

  • A commitment to 100% ethically sourced coffee – through partnerships with Conservational International and the Sustainable Coffee Challenge, Starbucks is championing a global effort to make coffee the world’s first sustainable agricultural commodity.
  • More than $20 million in Origin Grants from The Starbucks Foundation since 2005 to organizations like Mercy Corps, Eastern Congo Initiative, Heifer International and others to support smallholder farming families with vocational training, increased access to water and health services, and greater economic opportunity in coffee and tea-growing communities.
  • A commitment to invest $50 million in the Starbucks Global Farmer Fund to provide financing to coffee farmers. By providing access to capital, farmers have the ability to make strategic investments in their infrastructure, offering the stability they need to manage ongoing complexities so that there is a future for them and the industry. To date, the Fund has invested more than $22 million in loans impacting more than 40,000 farmers.
  • Farmer Support Centers in key coffee producing countries around the world, including Costa Rica, Colombia, Mexico, China, Guatemala, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. There, farmers get free access to the latest findings of Starbucks top agronomists, including new varietals of disease-resistant trees, and advanced soil management techniques. Starbucks goal is to build upon traditional growing methods to help farmers continue to improve both the quality of their crops, and their profitability, ensuring the future of high quality coffees for everyone.

About The Starbucks Foundation

Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation has strengthened communities around the world by advancing opportunities for youth, veterans, refugees and coffee, tea and cocoa farmers and their families, supporting communities affected by disaster, and promoting civic engagement. The Starbucks Foundation is a U.S. 501 (c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law, and receives funding primarily from Starbucks Corporation and private donations. Learn more at https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/community/starbucks-foundation

About Malala Fund

Malala Fund is working for a world where all girls can learn and lead without fear. Learn more at www.malala.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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

SOURCE: Starbucks Corporation

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Amazon to create more than 1,500 full-time jobs with its first Missouri fulfillment center

SEATTLE, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) today (Mar. 7, 2018) announced plans for the first Missouri fulfillment center to be located in St. Peters, creating more than 1,500 full-time jobs with benefits and opportunities to engage with Amazon Robotics in a highly technological workplace. Amazon currently operates a sortation center in Hazelwood, where it employs hundreds of associates.

“We’re excited to continue growing our team with our first, state-of-the-art fulfillment center in Missouri,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s Vice President of North America Customer Fulfillment. “Our ability to expand in Missouri is the result of two things: incredible customers and an outstanding workforce. Amazon is committed to providing great opportunities for employment and creating a positive economic impact for the region.”

Amazon employees at the more than 800,000 square foot fulfillment center will pick, pack and ship small items to customers such as books, electronics and toys. The facility will feature innovative technology such as Amazon Robotics that will assist employees in fulfilling customer orders.

“Amazon’s choice to locate in Missouri speaks to our strength as North America’s logistics center,” Rob Dixon, Director of Missouri’s Department of Economic Development said. “Our central location, international airports and extensive highway, rail and river networks position Missouri as an ideal location for this new facility.”

“We are excited to congratulate Amazon for yet another investment in Missouri,” said Steve Johnson, CEO of Missouri Partnership. “Amazon is a great partner to Missouri and it was an honor to be a part of the Missouri team. We are thrilled they will be creating jobs and investing to improve the lives of Missouri citizens.”

Full-time employees at Amazon receive competitive hourly wages and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, disability insurance, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one. The company also offers up to 20 weeks of maternal and parental paid leave and innovative benefits such as Leave Share and Ramp Back, which give new parents flexibility with their growing families.

“All of us in St. Peters are excited to welcome Amazon to ‘My Hometown’ and we’re looking forward to them joining the St. Peters family with 1,500 jobs for our region’s well-trained workforce,” said St. Peters Mayor Len Pagano. “With Amazon’s tremendous investment in our region and our commitment to facilitating quality economic development projects with our ‘FasTrac’ process we believe this will be one of their most successful projects – ever.”

“We are pleased that Amazon has chosen the City of St. Peters as the site for its new fulfillment center,” says County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “This is a major investment that reflects the growing shift to e-commerce and will add more than 1,500 new, full-time jobs in St. Charles County. Amazon’s decision is just one more indication that St. Charles County is being recognized as an exceptional place to live, work and do business.”

Amazon also offers full-time employees innovative programs like Career Choice, where the company will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, over 12,000 employees have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, to name a few.

“We were thrilled to work with Amazon in partnership with the City of St. Peters, St. Charles County and Missouri state officials on the company’s new investment in our region that will bring more than 1,500 jobs,” said Tom Chulick, President & CEO of the St. Louis Regional Chamber. “Amazon’s decision to continue investing in the St. Louis region by locating their first fulfillment center in St. Peters highlights our region’s strategic national location, strong transportation infrastructure and superior quality workforce.”

To learn more about working at an Amazon fulfillment center, visit amazondelivers.jobs.

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.

Media Hotline:
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Amazon Studios closes directing and writing deal with Oscar-winning filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan

The “Manchester by the Sea” Filmmaker will have an Exclusive Directing and Writing Deal with the Studio

SEATTLE, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon Studios has closed an exclusive first-look deal with Oscar-winning filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan. The two-year deal for directing and writing will cover both film and television projects.

Lonergan and Amazon Studios worked together last year on the critically acclaimed Manchester by the Sea, which won Lonergan an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and a nomination for Best Director. Manchester by the Sea is available now for streaming and download on Prime Video.

“I’m thrilled to renew my connection to Amazon Studios. They’ve done amazing work wherever they’ve turned their attention, they did a perfect job with Manchester by the Sea, and it’s a pleasure to be in business with them again,” said Lonergan.

“Kenny is one of the finest directors and storytellers of our time,” said Jason Ropell, VP of Worldwide Motion Pictures, Amazon Studios. “Following our successful and memorable partnership on Manchester by the Sea, we are excited to further our relationship and continue supporting his visionary work.”

Lonergan’s upcoming projects include Howards End, a four-part limited series starring Hayley Atwell, and the play “Lobby Hero” starring Chris Evans, Michael Cera, Bel Powley & Brian Tyree Henry, set to premiere on Broadway in March at the Helen Hayes Theater as a Second Stage Production.

Lonergan is represented by WME and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham LLP.

About Amazon Studios

Amazon Studios brings bold and innovative series and films from top tier and up-and-coming creators to customers in over 200 countries and territories. Original productions range from daring and timely subject matter such as Amy Sherman-Palladino’s award-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq; to the critically hailed The Grand Tour, Mozart in the Jungle and Man in the High Castle. In film, Amazon Studios produces and acquires original movies for theatrical release and early window distribution exclusively for Amazon Prime members. At the 2017 Academy Awards, Amazon Studios became the first streaming service to win Oscars for Manchester by the Sea(Best Screenplay, Kenneth Lonergan and Best Actor, Casey Affleck) and The Salesman (Best Foreign Film). Recent notable releases include the box office success The Big Sick, which is one of the top streaming films on Prime. Upcoming films in 2018 include Nash Edgerton’s Gringo, Lynne Ramsay’s You Were Never Really Here, Lauren Greenfield’s Generation Wealth and Gus Van Sant’s Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot.

About Prime Video

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

  • Prime Video: Thousands of movies and TV shows, including popular licensed and self-published content plus critically-acclaimed and award-winning Prime Original series like The Grand Tour, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Sneaky Pete, and kids series, Tumble Leaf, and Amazon Original Movies such as Academy Award-winning Manchester by the Sea and The Salesman, and Academy Award-nominated The Big Sick, 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.
  • Live Sports: Sporting events, including AVP volleyball and ATP tennis, are available to watch live on Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories around the globe.
  • Amazon Channels: Over 140 channel subscriptions that Prime members can add to their membership, including HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, Cinemax, PBS KIDS, Acorn TV and more. 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 Prime Video app on TVs, mobile devices, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Fire tablets and Apple TV 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), X-Ray 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.

Media Hotline:

206-266-7180
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Marks & Spencer appoints Starcount to help enhance customer understanding and predict future buying behaviour

LONDON, 2018-Mar-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Marks & Spencer today (06 February 2018) announces the appointment of data science company, Starcount, as part of its ongoing programme of change under its five-year transformation plans. The partnership will help enhance customer understanding and insight through personalisation of M&S’ loyalty and CRM programmes including M&S’s Sparks Card.

Sparks, which currently has over 6 million members, is a key tool for customer insight and engagement and central to helping M&S become a digital-first retailer. Starcount, led by Edwina Dunn and Clive Humby, will utilise its pioneering and innovative approach and technology to map out customer passions in order to predict future buying behaviour.

Starcount’s appointment follows a Marketing Team restructure last month to ensure that the team is more closely aligned to the strategic priorities of the business. Marketing and customer engagement play a significant part in M&S’ transformation ensuring it is faster, more commercial and acutely focused on our customers.

Rob Weston who was appointed Marketing Director, Brand & Customer as part of the restructure, said: “I am really looking forward to working with Starcount in my new role. Sparks plays a huge part in helping with our transformation and having the best partners will enable us to focus on achieving a seamless experience for our customers.”

Edwina Dunn, CEO, Starcount, said: “We are delighted to be working with M&S and partnering with them on predicting their customers’ wants and needs. Starcount’s expertise is the science of purchase and intent, understanding the ‘why’ behind M&S customer purchases to help deliver growth, profitability as well as a seamless customer experience.”

Notes to Editors:

Making M&S Special 

In November 2017 Marks & Spencer set out a transformation programme for the business concentrating on Restoring the Basics, Shaping the Future and Making M&S Special.

Under this transformation programme, Making M&S Special, M&S has to date announced:  

  • A slowdown in the Simply Food store opening programme
  • An acceleration of the UK store estate programme
  • The sale and franchise of its retail business in Hong Kong and Macau
  • A new Technology Transformation Programme
  • Improvements to its Clothing & Home Logistics Network
  • The restructure of the Customer, Marketing & Digital Team

For further information, please contact:

Corporate Press Office:
020 8718 1919

Source: Marks & Spencer

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CVS Health installs 14 new medication disposal units inside CVS Pharmacy locations in Rhode Island

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) announced today (March 6, 2018) that the company has expanded its safe medication disposal program inside select CVS Pharmacy locations in Rhode Island to help facilitate proper and timely disposal of opioids and other medications that could be diverted or misused if left in people’s homes. Attorney General Peter Kilmartin, U.S. Attorney Stephen Dambruch, and Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves joined representatives from CVS Health at a Pawtucket CVS Pharmacy store to launch the program today.

“With a presence in nearly 10,000 communities across the country, we witness the impact of the alarming and rapidly growing epidemic of opioid addiction and misuse,” said Tom Davis, Vice President of Professional Services for CVS Pharmacy. “Expanding our safe medication disposal efforts in Rhode Island is an extension of the initiatives in place across our company to fight the opioid abuse epidemic and fulfil our purpose of helping people on their path to better health.”

The 14 new medication disposal units that will be installed inside CVS Pharmacy locations in Rhode Island will supplement an additional 14 units CVS Health has donated to police departments across the state. Nationwide, CVS Health has donated more than 850 units to local law enforcement, collecting more than 140 metric tons, or more than 300,000 pounds of unwanted medication.

Attorney General Kilmartin said, “I applaud CVS Health for recognizing that to effectively tackle and defeat the opioid epidemic in this country, all stakeholders need to work together in a coordinated effort. Expanding the company’s prescription drug disposal kiosks to stores across Rhode Island will make it easier for customers to safely dispose of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription opioids and other prescription drugs before they can be abused or diverted for illicit purposes.”

The expansion of the safe medication disposal program to 750 CVS Pharmacy locations across the U.S. was included among the enhancements to the company’s strategy to address and prevent opioid abuse announced in September 2017. As part of that effort, the company also said it would align opioid utilization management with CDC Guideline for CVS Caremark clients and members, complementing measures already in place.

This work builds on ongoing company initiatives, including the Pharmacists Teach program, which brings CVS Pharmacists to local schools to talk to teens and parents about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs. More than 300,000 teens nationally including more than 3,600 in Rhode Island have already participated in the program. CVS Health has also worked to expand access to the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone in 46 states, including Rhode Island.

About CVS Health
CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,800 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with more than 94 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, expanding specialty pharmacy services, and a leading stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contacts:

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

Amy Lanctot
Corporate Communications
(401) 770-2931
Amy.Lanctot@CVSHealth.com

SOURCE: CVS Health

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US Foods announces the appointment of Harvard Business School professor Sunil Gupta to the Board of Directors

ROSEMONT, Ill., 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD) announced today (March 06, 2018) that Sunil Gupta, the Edward W. Carter Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School, has been appointed to the Board of Directors effective March 1, 2018.

“Sunil is among the most sought-after experts in how technology is shaping business strategies in the digital era,” said Pietro Satriano, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of US Foods. “His experience working with companies across a variety of industries, in addition to the breadth and depth of his marketing insight, will bring a unique expertise to our board.”

“We’re excited to welcome Sunil to the board as an independent director,” said Robert Dutkowsky, Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. “His leadership in digital strategy and marketing will be a tremendous asset.”

Gupta joined Harvard Business School in 2006. He has served as the Chair of the General Management Program for senior executives, Co-Chair of the Driving Digital Strategy executive program since 2013, and served as the Chair of the Marketing department from 2008 to 2013. He is the author of the forthcoming book, Driving Digital Strategy: A Guide to Reimagining Your Business.

Before joining Harvard Business School, Gupta held positions at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business, including serving as the Meyer Feldberg Professor of Business. He’s served on the advisory boards of several startups, as well as the board of the American Marketing Association.

He received his Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management, and holds a doctorate in marketing from Columbia University.

About US Foods

US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 25,000 employees and more than 60 locations, US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. and generates approximately $24 billion in annual revenue. Visit usfoods.com to learn more.

Contact:
Sara Matheu
Director of Media Relations
(847) 720-2392
Sara.Matheu@usfoods.com

Source: US Foods Holding Corp.

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Hudson Pacific and Macerich to transform Westside Pavilion into state-of-the-art creative office space in a Prime Los Angeles Location

  • Hudson Pacific Brings Deep Expertise in Successfully Redeveloping and Repositioning Properties as Creative Offices to Attract Top-Tier Tenants in Technology, Entertainment, and Other High-Growth Industries
  • Redevelopment to Provide Approximately 500,000 Square Feet of Creative Office in a Prime Los Angeles Location Adjacent to Freeways and Public Transportation

LOS ANGELES, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HPP) and Macerich (NYSE: MAC) today (03/05/18) announced the formation of a joint venture through which Hudson Pacific and Macerich will work together to transform the approximately 600,000 square-foot Westside Pavilion into approximately 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art creative office space, while retaining the approximately 100,000 square feet of existing entertainment retail space. The joint venture will be held 75% by Hudson Pacific and 25% by Macerich.

The companies estimate total project costs, including the asset value at contribution, in the range of $425-475 million, with each partner contributing their pro rata share. The construction is expected to be completed by mid-2021. Hudson Pacific will serve as the joint venture’s Managing Member and the property’s day-to-day operator and developer.

Victor Coleman, Chairman and CEO of Hudson Pacific, said: “Westside Pavilion is a perfect opportunity for us to reposition a marquee asset in a premier location—this is what we do best. The project is poised to capture the strong demand from tenants for creative office space on the west side of Los Angeles. We look forward to working with Macerich and to making our signature improvements to the property, which we believe will greatly benefit the surrounding community.”

Art Coppola, Chairman and CEO of Macerich, said: “Our joint venture with Hudson Pacific will enable us to maximize the value of this incredibly well-situated real estate with dynamic new uses—something Macerich has always excelled at. Hudson Pacific brings great expertise in the creative office space segment, and we are pleased to partner with them on this exciting, high visibility project.”

Westside Pavilion is located proximate to the I-405 and I-10 freeways and steps from the Expo Line light rail’s Westwood/Rancho Park station. The property is immediately adjacent to the residential enclave of Cheviot Hills, and less than three miles from the business and residential communities of Century City, Westwood, Culver City, Mar Vista and Brentwood. The property’s proximity to these neighborhoods, excellent access to freeways and public transit, and its large footprint and parking areas make it ideal for redeveloping office space.

About Hudson Pacific Properties

Hudson Pacific Properties is a vertically integrated real estate company focused on acquiring, repositioning, developing and operating high quality office and state-of-the-art media and entertainment properties in select West Coast markets. Hudson Pacific invests across the risk-return spectrum, favoring opportunities where it can employ leasing, capital investment and management expertise to create additional value. Founded in 2006 as Hudson Capital, the company went public in 2010, electing to be taxed as a real estate investment trust. Through the years, Hudson Pacific has strategically assembled a portfolio totaling over 17 million square feet including land for development, in high growth, high-barrier-to-entry submarkets throughout Northern and Southern California and the Pacific Northwest. The company is a leading provider of design-forward, next-generation workspaces for a variety of tenants, with a focus on Fortune 500 and leading growth companies, many in the technology, media and entertainment sectors. As a long-term owner, Hudson Pacific prioritizes tenant satisfaction and retention, providing highly customized build-outs and working proactively to accommodate tenants’ growth. Hudson Pacific trades as a component of the Russell 2000® and the Russell 3000® indices. For more information visit HudsonPacificProperties.com.

About Macerich

Macerich, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. Macerich currently owns 53 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 48 regional shopping centers. Macerich specializes in successful retail properties in many of the country’s most attractive, densely populated markets with significant presence in the Pacific Rim, Arizona, Chicago and the Metro New York to Washington, DC corridor. A recognized leader in sustainability, Macerich has earned NAREIT’s prestigious “Leader in the Light” award every year from 2014-2017. For the third straight year in 2017 Macerich achieved the #1 GRESB ranking in the North American Retail Sector, among many other environmental accomplishments. Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the company’s website at www.macerich.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or “potential” or the negative of these words and phrases or similar words or phrases that are predictions of or indicate future events, or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are beyond the company’s control that may cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements reflect the company’s good faith beliefs, assumptions and expectations, but they are not guarantees of future performance. Furthermore, the company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, data or methods, future events or other changes. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause the company’s future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on February 16, 2018, and other risks described in documents subsequently filed by the company from time to time with the SEC.

Contacts:

Investor/Media Contacts:
Hudson Pacific Properties
Laura Campbell
Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
310.622.1702
lcampbell@hudsonppi.com

Macerich
Karen Maurer
602.953.6471
karen.maurer@macerich.com

Source: Macerich

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Intershop client Alko named Digital Leader of Nordics brands in e-commerce

  • Finnish food retail sector still in beginner phase of digital maturity
  • Alko exceeds expectations with precise digital product information
  • Top positions in Finnish food retail, e-commerce and Nordics e-commerce

Jena, Helsinki, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Finnish state owned monopoly for retailing alcoholic drinks, Alko, was announced Digital Leader of Nordics brands in  e-commerce. Additionally, the Intershop-based web shop was granted more top positions for the industry sectors “food retail” and “e-commerce” in Finland.

In comparison to other Finnish brands, Alko’s web shop offers dedicated product information, relevant pictures and adjoining data to the catalogs in the most appealing way. Basic but crisp e-commerce functionality resulted in superior customer satisfaction. A wish list, a detailed shopping basket, a real-time chat service and feedback form have proved to be beneficial to sell alcoholic products in a challenging environment of government regulations.

The shop was already awarded “IT project of the Year 2017” for its omnichannel initiative. Paula Kujansivu, Vice President, Online and Supply Chain at Alko Oy: “We see our customers appreciating our offering well in our daily business and we will improve the online shopping experience based on our customers’ feedback. Getting it acknowledged also by standards of sophisticated scale is additionally motivating for us in terms of exceeding those expectations.”

Axel Köhler, COO at Intershop, adds: “A state-of-the-art technology, combined with skilled implementation talents, resulted in a successful e-commerce business. Intershop´s software is built to deliver exactly this.”

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.

Contact:

Intershop Public Relations

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

Source: Intershop Communications AG

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ShopRite celebrates the grand opening of its newest supermarket in Philadelphia

ShopRite celebrates the grand opening of its newest supermarket in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — ShopRite today (March 05, 2018) announced the grand opening of its newest full-service supermarket in Philadelphia on Sunday, March 4. A special luncheon to introduce the new store to the community was held Feb. 28.

Located at 5597 Tulip St., the ShopRite of Bridge and Harbison will be operated by the Ammons family and their Ammons Supermarkets, LLC, which also owns the ShopRite of Aramingo Avenue and a ShopRite store in Mullica Hill, NJ. The family’s newest store offers a large selection of freshly prepared foods, organic products and popular store brands, along with a community room, café, and store dietitian. To mark the opening, the Ammons family presented a $10,000 donation to the Philabundance Food Bank during Wednesday’s community luncheon.

The store, which will serve as the anchor of the Shoppes at Wissinoming, will bring affordable fresh food and produce to an area with little access to full service supermarkets. Planning for the store began five years ago, before the city’s beverage tax was proposed by the mayor and enacted in January 2017. That tax has led to beverage sale losses of nearly 60 percent for grocery store and supermarket operators in the city.

“Despite the challenging business climate in the city since the beverage tax was implemented, our family made a decision to move forward with this new store and keep our commitment to the community. We are excited to open another great ShopRite and are confident that this new, full-service supermarket will become a destination location in the neighborhood,” said Peter Ammons, who works alongside his father, brother and sister in the family’s supermarkets.

Customers who visit the new store will see that commitment fulfilled. The state-of-the-art supermarket includes fresh bake and floral shops; a seafood department with fresh, daily deliveries; meat department with trained butchers, and a large selection of organic and popular store brands such as ShopRite’s Wholesome Pantry line. An on-site dietitian will also be available to offer free, one-on-one consultations, store tours and meal planning for customers.

The store itself is anchored with a large produce department and food court with grill, pizza station and custom bake shop. A conference room at the supermarket will also be available to civic groups for meetings.
ShopRite of Bridge & Harbison will employ close to 300 full- and part-time workers when it opens and the new shopping center and supermarket is expected to stimulate more investment in the community while giving local residents more healthy food options.

The store officially opened Sunday, March 4, at 6 a.m. and will operate seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

About ShopRite 
ShopRite is the registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer-owned cooperative based in Keasbey, NJ, and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. With more than 270 ShopRite supermarkets located throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware and Maryland, ShopRite serves more than six million customers each week. Through its ShopRite Partners In Caring program, ShopRite is dedicated to fighting hunger in the communities it serves. Since the program began in 1999, ShopRite Partners In Caring has donated $43 million to food banks that support more than 2,200 worthy charities. As a title sponsor of the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer, ShopRite has donated $30 million to local organizations, hospitals and community groups. For more information, please visit www.shoprite.com.

Contact:
Karen O’Shea
Maureen Gillespie
Phone: 732-906-5295
Manager

Source: ShopRite

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Morrisons and FareShare partnership saved over 100,000 meals from waste and diverted to charities

Bradford, UK, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Morrisons formalised a partnership between its food production sites and the food redistribution charity FareShare in April 2017, to use surplus food occurring at their manufacturing sites to benefit people in need. After nine months, the partnership has resulted in enough good quality food for over 100,000 meals being saved from waste and diverted to charities supporting vulnerable people across the UK.

Numerous Morrisons production sites have committed to work with FareShare, including the retailer’s fish processing plant in Grimsby which was the first to come on board, followed by their fruit packing house Cutler Heights and most recently, vegetable packing house Clayholes Farm in Carnoustie and the Gadbrook Regional Distribution Centre.

The recent addition of Clayholes Farm in December 2017 means that FareShare in Scotland now receives a regular supply of surplus potatoes. The Morrisons team recognised that potatoes used as quality samples could be collected and bagged up for donation to FareShare, rather than going to animal feed. The samples are now sent to FareShare Glasgow once a fortnight, where they are redistributed to local frontline charities.

The provision of off-cut grapes from the retailer’s fruit packing house Cutler Heights has grown from strength to strength since the project started in November 2017. FareShare now receives surplus grapes three times a week from the Bradford site, which are distributed nationwide to the charity’s network of Regional Centres. Three months since the project began, FareShare has received 40 tonnes of off-cut green grapes, which has directly benefited over 1,400 charities, including children’s breakfast clubs, day centres for older people and community centres in deprived areas. As of this week, the project has been expanded to include red surplus grapes, which is projected to significantly increase volumes donated.

Following the success of the partnership, Morrisons will work with Fareshare to embed the FareShare redistribution model further into their wider manufacturing network.

Lindsay Boswell, CEO of FareShare says: “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Morrisons. Thanks to collaboration across multiple production sites, FareShare is able to access a range of fresh, nutritious food that is in such high demand by the thousands of frontline charities we support – items like fresh fish, potatoes and fruit. These types of surplus foods go a long way to helping local charities provide hot, nutritious meals for those who might otherwise go without. The fact that we have already reached a milestone of providing over 100,000 meals is testament to Morrisons commitment to putting their surplus food to the best possible use.”

Steven Butts, Head of Corporate Services at Morrisons says: “As a foodmaker that makes most of the fresh food we sell, our manufacturing sites represent the best opportunity to make a real difference by working with FareShare. We want more and more people to be able to eat well and that means ensuring as little as possible is wasted. Working with FareShare means we get surplus food made into wholesome meals where they are needed.”

For further information contact:

Morrisons Press Office
0845 611 5111

Source: Morrisons

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Costa Coffee introduces innovative new Flat Family range

  • All new Costa Coffee Flat Family launches with Flat Mocha, Flat Black and Coconut Flat White joining the classic Flat White
  • All hail the mighty White Hot Chocolate; fan favourite makes a comeback for a limited time only
  • Easter Choc-O-Crunch and Lemon Layer Cake do the bunny hop onto the seasonal sweet menu

London, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Costa Coffee, the Nation’s Favourite Coffee Shop*, is springing into March with an innovative new Flat Family range, putting the smooth Flat White style centre stage. Proudly the first branded UK coffee shop to introduce the Flat White in 2010, the new range of styles and flavours offers exciting new ways to enjoy this speciality drink.

The Costa Coffee Flat Family includes the Flat Mocha, Flat Black, Coconut Flat White and of course the classic Flat White. Each member of the Flat Family is handcrafted by an expert barista using the purest coffee extraction method, a cortissimo shot – 21 grams of coffee extracted over 15 seconds to create a shorter extraction. This process ensures a shorter, purer espresso for a strong but smooth taste, blended with velvety milk that makes a Flat White heavenly and creamy.

Also, on the drinks list this spring is the White Hot Chocolate, making a triumphant return after customers mourned its absence from the Christmas menu. Sweet and warming, it’s the perfect chocolatey treat this Easter. Fans must be quick – it’s available for a limited time only.

Chocoholics will also rejoice as Lindt bunnies hop in store for Easter. Costa Coffee will be giving away a free golden Lindt bunny with the purchase of any hot chocolate.

The new Insta-worthy Easter Choc-O-Crunch is a pastel inspired treat topped with white chocolate in baby pink, powder blue and lemony yellow. Those with a sweet tooth could also choose a Lemon Layer Cake; a triple packed lemon-flavoured sponge, topped with lemon butter frosting and finished with a candied lemon peel kiss.

Costa Coffee will also be rolling out a scrumptious savoury addition to the menu. The Pork Sausage Roll makes the perfect partner for any hot drink at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Gennaro Pelliccia, Master of Coffee at Costa said: “We’re bouncing into March with the launch of our new seasonal menu. At Costa Coffee we are constantly introducing innovative and exciting ways for customers to enjoy great coffee. We were the first branded coffee shop to introduce the Flat White to the UK in 2010 and we’re looking forward to now sharing new ways to experience the smooth and creamy coffee favourite with the introduction of the Flat Family. There’s something for everyone in the Flat Family – from the Flat Black, for those who prefer their coffee pure, to the Flat Mocha, for those who can’t resist a touch of chocolate.”

The Costa March menu is in stores now and can be viewed online here: www.costa.co.uk.

Drinks Menu

  • Flat Black – from £2.25 NEW!
  • Flat Mocha – from £2.90 NEW!
  • Coconut Flat White – from £2.95 NEW!
  • White Hot Chocolate – from £2.95 LIMITED EDITION!
  • Mango & Passion Fruit Cooler – from £2.95 NEW!
  • Pineapple & Coconut Fruit Cooler – from £2.95 NEW!
  • Red Summer Berries Fruit Cooler – from £2.95 NEW!

Food Menu

  • Easter Choc-O-Crunch – from £1.95 NEW!
  • Pork Sausage Roll – from £1.99 NEW!
  • Lindt Chocolate Rabbit – from 45p NEW!
  • Chocolate Cornflake Nest – from £1.95 NEW!
  • Lemon Layer Cake – from £2.55 NEW!

All new menu items are subject to availability.

Founded in London by Italian brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa in 1971, Costa is now part of Whitbread PLC, which this year celebrates its 275th Anniversary as a great British business.

With over 2,200 coffee shops in the UK and more than 1,200 in 29 international markets we are the fastest growing coffee shop business in the UK and are proud to be the UK’s favourite coffee shop, having been awarded “Best Branded Coffee Shop Chain in the UK and Ireland” by Allegra Strategies for seven years running (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015 and 2016).

Looking after coffee growers is extremely important to us, which is why we established The Costa Foundation, a registered charity with the aim to relieve poverty, advance education and the health and environment of coffee-growing communities around the world. So far, The Costa Foundation has funded the building of 72 schools and improved the social and economic welfare of coffee-growing communities.

Media enquiries:

CostaPR@whitbread.com

Source: Costa Coffee

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DFS Group hosts its seventh Masters of Wines and Spirits event on March 24-25

DFS Group hosts its seventh Masters of Wines and Spirits event on March 24-25

HONG KONG, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — One of the most celebrated and revered events in the wine and spirits industry returns to Singapore this year, as DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, hosts its seventh Masters of Wines and Spirits event. On display will be more than 120 masterpieces from 60 of the world’s most legendary wine and spirits houses.

For the first time, the event will take place across two days; on Saturday March 24 and Sunday March 25 at The Warehouse Hotel, a meticulously-restored heritage building on the banks of the Singapore River. Once again, Masters of Wines and Spirits captures the heritage and craftsmanship of selected brands and pays tribute to DFS’ long-standing relationships with some of the world’s most exceptional wineries and distilleries.

This year’s event will highlight the influence of the distillers’ countries of origin, their personalities and unique and varied approaches to craft. As the only event where customers can purchase bespoke, rare, limited edition, first edition, and world-class wines and spirits in one location, the seventh Masters of Wines and Spirits offers an exclusive and immersive brand experience for DFS’ guests.

Masters of Wines and Spirits showcases a highly specialized and curated collection of products, many of which are DFS exclusives, celebrating the world’s finest industry expertise as well as the knowledge of DFS’ own merchants. New brands, as well as signature classics from legendary houses, will all be on display, reveling in rarity, heritage and innovation.

“DFS is delighted to bring the seventh Masters of Wines and Spirits to Singapore, a fitting location for us to host our esteemed guests, connoisseurs and collectors to experience a range of the best globally sourced Cognacs, wines and whiskies,” said Sibylle Scherer, DFS President Merchandising and Consumer Marketing.

“This year’s selection has been handpicked by our expert merchants at DFS to inspire and delight our customers. This really is a celebration of the diverse talents of the world’s most renowned distillers and winemakers, and a true adventure for the senses,” she said.

“At DFS, we take great pride in bringing together our valued brand partners and loyal customers in an intimate and exclusive environment that encourages sharing and discovery,” said Brooke Supernaw, DFS Group’s Senior Vice President Wines, Spirits, Tobacco, Food and Gifts. “The 2018 Masters of Wines and Spirits collection sets a new bar for this dynamic category, comparing the nuances between traditional versus craft and providing an opportunity for our guests to enjoy the very best products from around the world.”

Master Classes and Whisky Panel

The 2018 Masters of Wines and Spirits event will feature two exceptional master classes to inspire and enrich guests, as well as a whisky panel discussion featuring four of the world’s leading experts.

The first in this year’s Classes with the Masters is The Balvenie Master Class Workshop – Single Malt Whisky hosted by The Balvenie Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE.

Mr Stewart will discuss how craftsmanship is brought to life at The Balvenie and guide guests through the entire Chapter 3 set of the DCS Compendium, including a tasting of the oldest Balvenie expression ever released. The second Master Class, the Château Latour Master Class Workshop – Wine, hosted by Rufus Beazley, Sales and Marketing Manager for Château Latour Asia Pacific, will take visitors through a vertical tasting across decades of exceptional Château Latour products.

Presented by The Whiskey House, The Whisky Panel will be moderated by DFS’ own Director of Spirits, Frederik Vanden Bulcke and will feature a panel discussion on whisky experts Stephanie MacLeod from John Dewar & Sons (Aultmore – Single Malt Whisky), Dr Kirstie McCallum from Bunnahabhain (Single Malt Whisky), Chole Wood from Bruichladdich (Single Malt Whisky) and David Croll from The Kyoto Distillery (Whisky and Gin).

The Collection

More than 30 Cognacs and whiskies include The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter 3: Secrets of the Stock Model, an eagerly anticipated release that pays tribute to Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE’s masterful skill, knowledge, and custodianship in managing The Balvenie’s precious aged stocks. The Model comprises five extremely rare single-cask single-malt bottling, ranging in age from 13 to 55 years.

The Jean-Paul Camus 1945 Private Reserve, an exclusive blend for DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits, comes in a hand-carved crystal carafe with silver details that recreates a model designed in 1883 by the Cristalleries de Baccarat for Jules Grévy, President of the French Republic. The outstanding Louis XIII Le Jeroboam with T.T. Trunks Paris piece is a contemporary design that brings a radical new twist to trunk accessories. The aluminum and steel structure holds three small cases made of okume wood, each encased in natural milled buckskin with Alcantara trimmings.

A rare cellar release from Japan is the Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627. Possibly the oldest cask of Japanese whisky ever bottled, this 1960 single cask yielded just 41 bottles, achieving legendary status amongst connoisseurs and collectors.

From the world of Scotch Single Malts, The Aultmore 31 Year Old Exceptional Cask (Cask no. 1635) is part of John Dewar & Sons Fine Scotch Whisky Emporium which showcases the rare releases of some of the finest and most delectable single cask and single malt expressions. Specially created for Masters of Wines and Spirits, Aultmore Cask no.1635 has the color of antique leather and on the nose, the Oloroso sherry adds weight and complexity, complimented by notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and Seville oranges. The Bruichladdich Special Release showcases three exceptional distillery releases from 1988, 1989 and 1990, presented as the oldest and rarest whiskies of Bruichladdich. Created and bottled on the remote Hebridean island home of Islay, there are only six bottles per edition. From the Bunnahabain distillery, built in 1881, and deriving its name from the Gaelic, Bunnahabhain (Bu-na-ha-venn), meaning “mouth of the river”, comes the Bunnahabhain 1980 Canasta Finish. With only 20 units available, this rare cellar release offers a rich oakiness balanced with sweet dried fruit, treacle toffee, black coffee, cocoa, roasted nuts, and a hint of coastal brininess.

Also from Scotland is The Macallan Fine & Rare Master’s selection, specially created for Masters of Wines and Spirits, this unique collection features five fine and rare vintages in 70cl, complemented by savoring samples in 5cl miniatures. The Glenglassaugh Single Cask Collection 1972-1976 is an elegant, unique and rare selection of bottles, offering the whiskey connoisseur a lush, ripe Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky experience. A rare release from The Ladyburn distillery is the Ladyburn 1974, a single malt from William Grant & Sons’ treasured ancient reserves of maturing whisky.

More than 30 prestige wines and champagnes are showcased in this year’s collection, including the Harlan Estate Double Magnum 100 Point Trifecta from the United States, a special collection created for DFS as an exclusive release of three vintages in double magnum format and representing three of the most highly regarded vintages produced by Harlan to date. From Australia comes the Penfolds G3, a unique wine entwining three vintages of an Australia icon, Penfolds Grange, spanning seven years. French wines in this year’s collection include The Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux 2010 Double Magnum; the epitome of great Pavillon Blanc vintages. A fine and elegant wine, the 2010 has an exquisite richness and a perfect balance on the palate, thanks to higher than average acidity. Chateau Latour’s Vertical Magnum release provides a rare opportunity to collect six of the most exceptional vintages produced by Latour; the 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2010.

With only one set being released of the Petrus Magnum Collection 2006, 2007 and 2011, one lucky wine lover will experience one of the famous wine labels in the world.

After March 25, the Masters of Wines and Spirits curated collection will be available for travelers and shoppers at DFS, Singapore Changi Airport’s Wines and Spirits Duplexes at Terminals 2 and 3.

DFS Masters of Wines and Spirits is part of the DFS Masters Series, a signature program of exhibitions that also includes the highly-anticipated 10th Masters of Time set to take place in Macau this December. The Masters Series is a showcase of the pinnacle of DFS’ leadership and innovation in curating and creating exceptional experiences across its five pillars of luxury: Wines and Spirits, Beauty and Fragrances, Watches and Jewelry, Fashion and Accessories, and Food and Gifts.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
press.enquiries@dfs.com

Source: DFS Group

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7‑Eleven announces its ‘W.E. Take the Lead’ Women’s Franchise Giveaway Contest targeting female entrepreneurs

7‑Eleven announces its ‘W.E. Take the Lead’ Women’s Franchise Giveaway Contest targeting female entrepreneurs

IRVING, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — In conjunction with National Women’s Month, 7‑Eleven, Inc. announces its ‘W.E. Take the Lead’ Women’s Franchise Giveaway Contest, targeted exclusively to female entrepreneurs.

7‑Eleven opened the contest to all eligible women who are interested in becoming an independent business owner with the world’s largest convenience retailer. One deserving woman will be awarded an initial franchise fee-free* 7‑Eleven franchise, for an initial franchise fee value of up to $190,000.

This is the second year 7‑Eleven has targeted women for the franchise giveaway.  The multiphase contest include, submitting a detailed franchise application, meeting company franchising qualifications, preliminary interviews, a video submission, an in-store hands-on experience, and a final one-on-one interview with 7‑Eleven senior leadership for the top finalists, all of which will occur over an eight-month period.

“Last year we had such an incredible response and we are excited to open the contest again to women who are interested in joining the 7‑Eleven team,” said Dan Soper, 7‑Eleven Vice President of Operations Support. “7‑Eleven encourages women entrepreneurship everywhere, especially in the neighborhoods in which we operate.”

The winner can choose any of the company’s corporate-operated 7‑Eleven convenience stores available for franchising in the continental U.S. at the contest’s culmination. Interested women can enter online at Franchise.7‑Eleven.com/franchise/we-take-the-lead now through 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 7, 2018. The winner will be announced in October 2018.

In addition, 7‑Eleven will make a donation to the winning woman’s charity of choice that aligns with the 7‑Eleven Project A-Game® grant program. Project A-Game funds youth programs focused on education, fitness, safety and hunger relief.

To qualify, an entrant must be age 21 or older, a legal resident of the U.S., have sufficient financial resources, be able to move, at their own expense, to an area with 7‑Eleven convenience stores available for franchising, have excellent credit and at least three years of leadership, retail or restaurant experience, and meet 7‑Eleven’s new franchisee qualifications. Contestants will go through the same qualification process as all 7‑Eleven franchise applicants including, but not limited to, credit evaluation, background check, a leadership test, business plan development, budget and store location preferences. Please refer to the contest’s Official Rules for a full description of all eligibility requirements for entering the contest.

This year marks the 54th year of franchising for the world’s largest convenience store, and today, Franchisees operate almost 90 percent of the 7‑Eleven stores across the U.S. An interactive map at http://franchise.7‑Eleven.com/franchise/franchises-for-sale indicates stores available for franchising.

*The maximum value of the initial franchise fee will be up to $190,000.  The winner will be required to pay any portion of the initial franchise fee for a store they select that is more than $190,000.  There are additional fees and expenses that the contest winner will be required to pay as part of franchising a 7‑Eleven convenience store in addition to the initial franchise fee.  Please refer to 7‑Eleven’s Franchise Disclosure Document for a full description of all fees and costs associated with acquiring a 7‑Eleven convenience store franchise.

For details and Official Rules, visit Franchise.7‑Eleven.com/franchise/we-take-the-lead .

About 7‑Eleven, Inc.
7‑Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience-retailing industry. Based in Irving, Texas, 7‑Eleven® operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 65,000 stores in 18 countries, including 11,600 in North America. Known for its iconic brands such as Slurpee®, Big Bite® and Big Gulp®, 7‑Eleven has expanded into high-quality salads, side dishes, cut fruit and protein boxes, as well as pizza, chicken wings, cheeseburgers and hot chicken sandwiches. 7‑Eleven offers customers industry-leading private-brand products under the 7-Select® brand including healthy options, decadent treats and everyday favorites, at an outstanding value. Customers also count on 7‑Eleven for bill payments, self-service lockers and other convenient services. Find out more online at www.7‑Eleven.com, via the 7Rewards® customer-loyalty platform on the 7‑Eleven mobile app, or on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

7‑Eleven, Inc.
Corporate Communications
media@7-11.com

Source: 7‑Eleven, Inc.

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Chick-fil-A® introduces its newest seasonal menu item, Frosted Sunrise

Chick-fil-A® introduces its newest seasonal menu item, Frosted Sunrise

ATLANTA, 2018-Mar-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — Today (March 5, 2018) Chick-fil-A® introduces its newest seasonal menu item, Frosted Sunrise, which is available at restaurants nationwide through June 2. The creamy and tart treat is a combination of Chick-fil-A’s signature vanilla Icedream® and Simply Orange® Juice. The treat launches in all restaurants following a successful test in Jacksonville, Fla. last fall.

Frosted Sunrise follows Chick-fil-A’s first frosted beverage, Frosted Lemonade, which was added to the menu in 2015 and was so popular that Chick-fil-A added Frosted Coffee, made with cold-brewed iced specialty coffee and Icedream, to the menu in 2016. Last year’s seasonal menu item, Frosted Strawberry Lemonade, a hand-spun combination of Chick-fil-A’s fresh squeezed Lemonade (or Diet Lemonade), Icedream and strawberry purée, was on the menu for a limited time as a seasonal offering. Icedream, inspired by founder Truett Cathy’s original recipe, is a delicious, dairy treat with an old-fashioned vanilla taste.

“Spring is the perfect time of year to introduce a new seasonal Frosted beverage. Our seasonal Icedream offerings have become customer favorites over the last few years,” said Amanda Norris, senior director of menu development for Chick-fil-A. “Frosted Sunrise combines simple but flavorful ingredients into a tasty treat that customers can enjoy throughout the day.”

Frosted Sunrise is available in small (14-ounce) and large (20-ounce) servings with prices starting at $2.85. A small is 320 calories and a large is 390 calories – both sweet treats have fewer calories than a milkshake.

For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the company’s food, people and customers across the country, visit thechickenwire.chick–fil-a.com.

About Chick-fil-A, Inc. 

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its original chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,200 restaurants in 47 states and Washington, D.C.

Chick-fil-A reported over $9 billion in revenue in 2017, which marks 50 consecutive years of sales growth. A leader in customer service satisfaction, Chick-fil-A earned the Chicken Restaurant Brand of the Year honors for the fourth consecutive year in the 2017 Harris Poll EquiTrend Study. Chick-fil-A also received the top score among fast food brands and one of the top 10 scores overall for customer experience in the 2017 Temkin Experience Ratings survey, and was named one of the top 100 best places to work by Glassdoor. Continuing its founder’s legacy of generosity and service, in 2017 the company’s philanthropic Chick-fil-A Foundation awarded $1.23 million to 23 not-for-profit organizations across 13 states through the True Inspiration Awards and almost $9 million in scholarships to restaurant team members nationwide. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com.

Media Hotline:

(800) 404-7196
Email: cfapressroom@chick-fil-a.com
Twitter: @ChickfilANews

Source: Chick-fil-A, Inc.

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John Lewis Partners undergo theatrical training with National Theatre

LONDON, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Over 500 John Lewis Partners are being trained in theatrical skills by actors working for the National Theatre to help them deliver outstanding customer service at the retailer’s new shop at White City, Westfield which opens later this month.  The initiative forms part of the retailer’s plans to respond to growing customer expectation for its shops to be inspiring places where customers go for style advice, exciting events and beauty treatments, as well as to buy products.

Every Partner recruited to work at the new shop from those who work in the stockroom to the Head of Branch is undergoing the training, which is run by Theatreworks, the National Theatre’s training service. John Lewis has turned to theatrical training because actors are outstanding communicators, and skilled at being on show and using their voices for long periods of time as people in retail do.  The training covers voice and body language skills used by actors to communicate authentically with confidence.

Peter Cross, Customer Experience Director for John Lewis said: ‘Retailers have talked about ‘retail theatre’ but as shopping habits change this has never been more important.

‘We’re investing in this training with one of the world’s leading theatre companies because actors are outstanding communicators and that’s an important element in offering outstanding personal service.’

The training sessions are led by experienced actors including Sarah Thom who originally trained with Jacques Lecoq in Paris and regularly works for BBC Radio 4, playing the character of Joan in the long-running comedy, ‘Clare in the Community’ and has often appeared on TV and on stage. Her TV credits include ‘Taboo’, Home Fires’, ‘Not Going Out’, ‘Doctors’ and ‘Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle’.

Sheila Chawla from the National Theatre who manages the training, said: ‘Our training sessions focus on the idea that communication is made up of not just what you say but how you say it.  So body language, voice and expression are all as important as our words.  We all find it more engaging when someone brings some of their personality to a conversation, meeting or presentation – and our training is all about giving you the confidence and the tools to do that.  It’s all about being yourself just with a bit more skill. We’re excited to be working with John Lewis on this project and to be able to share skills from the theatre that can help John Lewis Partners engage with customers in a fresh and authentic way.’

John Lewis’s White City, Westfield shop is the anchor shop of the new £600m extension at Westfield London, which has built a reputation as a world-leading shopping experience and entertainment destination.

Over four floors, the shop will include features not offered in other John Lewis London shops, including Loved& Found – a stand-alone boutique for new and contemporary brands – and &Beauty, John Lewis’s spa concept. The fashion floor will also showcase a new look including a dedicated personal styling studio, which is just one of the 23 services customers will be able to book via the new Experience Desk, offering a  a ‘concierge style’ service to help them make the most of the shop and its services.

Notes to editors

John Lewis – John Lewis operates 49 John Lewis shops across the UK (35 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. John Lewis,  ‘Best In-Store Experience 2017’, ‘Best Furniture Retailer 2017,’ ‘Best Homewares Retailer 2017’1, stocks around 350,000 separate lines in its department stores and johnlewis.com across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK.  John Lewis Finance offers a range of comprehensive financial services products – including Insurance, Foreign Currency, International Payments and the Partnership Card – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand. www.johnlewisfinance.com

1Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2017

You can follow John Lewis on the following social media channels:
www.johnlewis.com/twitter 
www.johnlewis.com/facebook 
www.johnlewis.com/youtube.

Enquiries:

For further information, please contact:

Mandy Pursey
Communications Manager, Corporate
Telephone: 07889 230522
Email: mandy.pursey@johnlewis.co.uk

Source: John Lewis

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Whole Foods Market 365 to open its first store in Long Beach on Wednesday, April 25, 2018

LONG BEACH, Calif., 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Whole Foods Market 365 will open its first store in Long Beach and eighth store nationwide on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. The 28,000 square foot store at 3881 Lakewood Boulevard will be the third Whole Foods Market 365 location in Southern California, joining Santa Monica and Silver Lake. Whole Foods Market 365 stores offer exceptional value, in a fun and convenient new format, all while maintaining Whole Foods Market’s rigorous quality standards.

That means all products sold in the store are free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives, hydrogenated fats and high-fructose corn syrup. The store will feature an array of organic products, GAP 5-Step Animal Welfare rated meat, sustainable seafood, freshly prepared grab-and-go items and a variety of products tailored for individuals with special diets.

“We are very excited to serve the Long Beach community with this new Whole Foods Market 365 store,” said Jeff Turnas, president of Whole Foods Market 365. “Customers will find a fun and modern take on the neighborhood grocery store, with great deals and convenient shopping options.”

The store will also include a dedicated restaurant by Yellow Fever and café by Groundwork Coffee as part of the Friends of 365 program. Through the program, the company partners with outside chefs, food and lifestyle brands and culinary influencers to bring shoppers innovative in-store experiences. These Friends share Whole Foods Market’s quality standards and have unique expertise in a cuisine, concept or product.

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

Contact:

NCmedia@wholefoods.com

Source: Whole Foods Market

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Amazon and Whole Foods Market launch Prime Now free two-hour delivery in Atlanta and San Francisco

Amazon Now Delivery at Whole Foods Market Lamar in Austin, Texas on February 5, 2018.

Prime customers can enjoy free 2-hour delivery for orders over $35 from Whole Foods Market; Ultrafast delivery from Whole Foods Market is now available in six cities through Prime Now, more to come in 2018

AUSTIN, Texas and SEATTLE, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Amazon and Whole Foods Market today (March 6, 2018) launched free two-hour delivery of natural and organic products from Whole Foods Market through Prime Now in Atlanta and San Francisco. Starting today, Prime customers in neighborhoods of Atlanta and San Francisco can shop through Prime Now for bestselling items including fresh produce, high quality meat and seafood, everyday staples and other locally sourced items from Whole Foods Market. The service first launched last month in Austin, Cincinnati, Dallas and Virginia Beach with plans for continued expansion across the U.S. throughout 2018. Customers can start shopping from Whole Foods Market selection at www.primenow.com or by using the Prime Now app available on Android and iOS devices.

“We’re happy to bring our customers in San Francisco and Atlanta the convenience of free two-hour delivery through Prime Now and access to thousands of natural and organic groceries and locally sourced favorites,” said John Mackey, Whole Foods Market co-founder and CEO. “Together, we have already lowered prices on many items, and this offering makes Prime customers’ lives even easier.”

Prime customers can shop thousands of items across fresh and organic produce, bakery, dairy, meat and seafood, floral and everyday staples from Whole Foods Market available for free two-hour delivery. Select alcohol is also available for delivery to customers in San Francisco. Prime members receive two-hour delivery for free and ultra-fast delivery within one hour for $7.99 on orders of $35 or more.

Delivery from Whole Foods Market through Prime Now is available daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Customers can visit www.primenow.com or download the Prime Now app to enter their zip code to see if they are in the delivery area.

Contact:
SOmedia@wholefoods.com

Source: Whole Foods Market

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Walgreens granted with URAC accreditation in Specialty Pharmacy

The designation demonstrates the highest level of commitment to quality healthcare

Deerfield, Ill., 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens has earned URAC accreditation in Specialty Pharmacy at select Walgreens community-based specialty pharmacy sites across the United States. URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification and measurement. By achieving this status, Walgreens has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes.

“We are honored to have been granted this prestigious and respected accreditation from URAC in communities from Honolulu and Sacramento to Wilmington, Boston, and New York, and other markets in between, covering a majority of the nation,” said Rina Shah, PharmD, vice president of pharmacy operations, Walgreens. “Receiving accreditation from URAC, the independent not-for-profit leader in healthcare quality, is a true symbol of excellence in specialty pharmacy.”

For a list of Walgreens specialty pharmacy locations that have been accredited by URAC for Specialty Pharmacy, please visit www.urac.org.

“It’s necessary for specialty pharmacies to provide a higher level of treatment for patients so desired outcomes are achieved,” said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. “Walgreens shows a dedication to patient education and safety through the recognition of quality it received with URAC’s independent accreditation. With URAC accreditation, people know that Walgreens strives to adhere to industry best practices.”

Walgreens community-based specialty sites on hospital campuses and in communities throughout the country are unique to the industry and offer unparalleled access to medications and personalized service.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

About URAC
Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification and measurement. URAC is a nonprofit organization developing evidence-based measures and standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability.

Contact(s):
Scott Goldberg
Walgreens
(847) 315-7649

Source: Walgreens

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Shopify Inc. announces the appointment of Amy Shapero as Chief Financial Officer

Ottawa, Canada, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Shopify Inc. (NYSE:SHOP)(TSX:SHOP), the leading cloud-based, multi-channel commerce platform, today (Mar 5, 2018) announced the appointment of Amy Shapero as Chief Financial Officer, effective April 2, 2018.

Shapero joins Shopify from Betterment, an online wealth-management service, where she has served as Chief Financial Officer since 2016. Previously, Shapero was Chief Financial Officer at Sailthru, a SaaS marketing technology provider, and Senior Vice President of Strategy, Corporate Development and Corporate Communications at DigitalGlobe, a big data and analytics provider. Prior to that, she held Chief Financial Officer roles at Spot Holdings, a financial services company, and Standard & Poor’s, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Shapero began her career as a CPA at Ernst & Young, followed by positions at Credit Suisse and Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

“We’re excited to welcome Amy to Shopify as our new CFO,” said Shopify CEO, Tobi Lütke. “Amy brings extensive financial, operational, and strategic experience. This, combined with her deep knowledge of the technology industry and experience scaling high-growth companies, will be a huge asset to Shopify as we enter our next phase of growth and further our mission to make commerce better for everyone.”

Shapero will succeed Russ Jones, who has served as Shopify’s Chief Financial Officer since 2011. Jones will remain a strategic advisor to the company during a transition period.

“Russ was Shopify’s first CFO, and now he’s our first official retiree. He leaves behind an incredible legacy at Shopify, which includes taking us public. In the last seven years, Russ has been instrumental in growing Shopify from a 50 person company to a leading public SaaS company with over 3,000 employees. We’re very grateful to Russ for his valuable contributions and wish him all the best as he begins his well-deserved retirement,” said Lütke.

Shopify is also pleased to announce the recent addition of Jeff Weiser as Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Shopify, Weiser served as Chief Marketing Officer at Shutterstock (NYSE), held multiple senior level positions with Beachbody (P90X and Shakeology), and performed strategy and analytics roles at SGN (Social Gaming Network), MySpace and Yahoo!. Weiser holds a Bachelors of Arts in English from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

Craig Miller, Shopify’s former Chief Marketing Officer, will now focus exclusively on his role as Chief Product Officer.

About Shopify

Shopify is the leading cloud-based, multi-channel commerce platform. Merchants can use the software to design, set up, and manage their stores across multiple sales channels, including web, mobile, social media, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations, and pop-up shops. The platform also provides merchants with a powerful back-office and a single view of their business. The Shopify platform was engineered for reliability and scale, making enterprise-level technology available to businesses of all sizes. Shopify currently powers over 600,000 businesses in approximately 175 countries and is trusted by brands such as Nestle, Red Bull, Rebecca Minkoff, and Kylie Cosmetics.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding Shopify’s appointment of its new Chief Financial Officer. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “will”, and “intends” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release represent Shopify’s expectations as of the date of this news release, or as of the date they are otherwise stated to be made, and subsequent events may cause these expectations to change. Shopify undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Press Inquiries:
press@shopify.com

SOURCE: Shopify

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Nordstrom introduces Anthropologie Home collection in stores and online

Nordstrom introduces Anthropologie Home collection in stores and online

Anthropologie Home collection to be available in 15 Nordstrom stores and on Nordstrom.com, beginning March 19

SEATTLE, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) announced today (March 5, 2018) a partnership with Anthropologie (Nasdaq: URBN) to introduce more than 200 items from Anthropologie Home at select Nordstrom full-line stores and on Nordstrom.com, beginning March 19th. The Anthropologie Home collection will encompass categories including kitchen, dining and entertaining, bed and bath textiles, room décor, stationery and hardware.

“We are thrilled to be launching the best of Anthropologie Home into 15 Nordstrom stores and on Nordstrom.com. Home is a category we continue to evolve and being Anthropologie’s partner will allow us to introduce dynamic home product with a regular cadence,” said Gemma Lionello, executive vice president and general merchandise manager, Nordstrom. “We look forward to providing our customers with another way to shop one of their favorite home brands.”

Anthropologie Home at Nordstrom represents a mix of classic and iconic pieces, new seasonal designs and exclusive artist collaborations. Work from 20 artists, discovered around the world, is reflected in the wide range of techniques, mediums and styles in the collection. They include Massachusetts-based ceramicist Molly Hatch’s whimsical creations, painter and UK native Sally Muir’s dog portraiture, Los Angeles studio All Roads Design’s artisanal textiles and North Carolina’s Suite One Studio’s watercolor inspired designs.

“Anthropologie Home has evolved significantly over the past several years, becoming a sought-after design resource for every room of the home. We are thrilled to take this important next step with Nordstrom as our partner in the United States,” said Andrew Carnie, president of Anthropologie home, garden and Europe. “We look forward to sharing our unique voice in home with their customers in a meaningful and engaging way.”

Nordstrom store locations that will feature Anthropologie Home include:

Arden Fair (Sacramento, Calif.) NorthPark Center (Dallas, Texas)
Bellevue Square (Bellevue, Wash.) Park Meadows (Lone Tree, Colo.)
Brea Mall (Brea, Calif.) Perimeter Mall (Atlanta, Ga.)
Downtown Seattle (Seattle, Wash.) Scottsdale Fashion Square (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Fashion Valley (San Diego, Calif.) The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (Arlington, Va.)
Garden State Plaza (Paramus, N.J.)
Mall of America (Bloomington, Minn.) The Galleria at Tyler (Riverside, Calif.)
Michigan Avenue (Chicago, Ill.) The Mall at Short Hills (Short Hills, N.J.)

ABOUT NORDSTROM:

Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 366 stores in 40 states, including 122 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 232 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; two clearance stores; seven Trunk Club clubhouses; and its Nordstrom Local service concept. Additionally, customers are served online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com, HauteLook and TrunkClub.com. Nordstrom, Inc.’scommon stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

ABOUT ANTHROPOLOGIE:

Founded in 1992, Anthropologie is an omnichannel lifestyle brand that celebrates fashion, art, culture, design and discovery. Led by David W. McCreight, President of Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) and CEO of the Anthropologie Group, Anthropologie currently maintains 226 stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe, as well as a popular catalog and website. The company is part of URBN’s portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN, Terrain and the Vetri Family.

Media Contacts:
Nordstrom
Meliz Andiroglu
Meliz.Andiroglu@nordstrom.com
206.303.1255

Anthropologie
Sara Goodstein
Sgoodstein@anthropologie.com
646.728.2155

SOURCE: Nordstrom, Inc.

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Amazon surpasses the milestone of 10,000 full-time employees in Illinois

Between 2014 and 2016, Amazon’s investments contributed more than $200 million into Illinois’ economy, indirectly creating 7,000 additional jobs on top of the 10,000 the company employs directly

SEATTLE, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — This year, Amazon will celebrate its third year fulfilling customer orders out of Illinois and surpassing the milestone of 10,000 full-time employees in the state with job opportunities for people with all types of experience, education and skill levels—from human resources, engineers and facilities technicians, to those seeking entry-level positions and on-the-job training.

“We couldn’t be prouder to be part of the Illinois family. Our team in the Land of Lincoln has been instrumental in providing outstanding customer experiences, raising the bar on our operational excellence, and continuing to innovate on behalf of the customer. We feel fortunate to have been able to create more than 10,000 jobs in just three years and gratified by the amazing support we’ve received from the community,” said Sanjay Shah, Amazon’s Vice President of North America Customer Fulfillment.

Amazon’s first fulfillment center in Illinois, located at 205 Emerald Drive in Joliet, opened in 2015 with a team of 1,000 full-time employees. Since the initial building’s launch, Amazon has opened eight other fulfillment centers, two Prime Now hubs, an Amazon Fresh site, a sortation center, four delivery stations, an Amazon Books store, and a corporate office in the Prairie State.

This expansion has resulted in Amazon investing hundreds of millions of dollars into Illinois’s economy, both in fulfillment infrastructure and compensation to its 10,000 current employees. As a snapshot, according to a report by the company’s Economics team, Amazon’s investments in Illinois from 2014 through 2016 resulted in an additional $200 million to the state’s economy. Using Input-Output methodology and multipliers developed by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Amazon estimates its investments in the state have created an additional 7,000 indirect jobs on top of the company’s direct hires.

“We welcome Amazon’s growth and creation of more than 10,000 jobs, which speaks to the quality of our work force here in Illinois,” said Governor Bruce Rauner. “We’re proud of Amazon’s commitment and contributions to the local community and broader state economy. We congratulate Amazon on yet another enterprise milestone and look forward to working with the company to build on this momentum.”

“Illinois is full of people willing and wanting to work and grow,” said Intersect Illinois President and CEO Mark Peterson. “Amazon exceeding their projections is great news and a testament to our dedicated, skilled and extensive workforce.”

“As the world’s largest inland port, Will County is proud to be home to four Amazon fulfillment centers,” said Will County Executive Larry Walsh.

Amazon in Illinois by the numbers:

  • 9 fulfillment centers, 6 of which are located in Chicagoland
  • 3 locations in Chicago city proper: Prime Now hub, delivery station, and a corporate office
  • Amazon’s corporate office in Chicago has created jobs for 200 engineers and cloud infrastructure professionals, and is being expanded to host up to 400 people
  • 400+ restaurants leverage Amazon’s technological expertise to offer customers superfast delivery on hot food through Amazon Restaurants
  • 8,500+ full-time employees in the greater Chicago area
  • 7,000+ estimated indirect jobs created as a result of Amazon’s investment between 2014 and 2016
  • 95,000+ authors, sellers, and developers in Illinois growing their businesses and reaching new customers on Amazon products and services
  • $100,000+ donated to charities in Illinois through monetary and in-kind donations
  • $200 million added into Illinois’ economy between 2014 and 2016 due to Amazon’s investments
  • More than 6,000,000 sq. ft. footprint for the nine fulfillment centers

Amazon’s statewide impact can be seen in the local small businesses it empowers. For example, Kristin Rae is an Illinois resident and founder of Inspire International, an independent, woman-founded brand that sells modern clothing and travel accessories. Inspire International uses Fulfillment By Amazon, a service that enables small businesses to use Amazon’s resources to sell directly to customers.

“I truly wouldn’t be able to be in business without Amazon,” said Rae. “It’s not only the visibility that Amazon offers boutique brands like mine, but also the resources and support that are so valuable to small businesses. I am able to efficiently operate a global business from the heartland of Illinois, something that years ago wouldn’t have been possible for sellers like me who live in more rural areas of the country. Amazon is revolutionizing what it is to be a small business.”

Full-time fulfillment center Amazon associates receive competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, 401(k) and company stock awards starting on day one. Amazon also offers regular full-time employees maternity and parental leave benefits and access to innovative programs like Career Choice, where it will pre-pay up to 95 percent of tuition for courses related to in-demand fields, regardless of whether the skills are relevant to a career at Amazon. Since the program’s launch, more than 10,000 employees have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, to name a few.

To learn more about working at Amazon, visit www.amazon.jobs.

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.

Media Hotline:
Amazon-pr@amazon.com
www.amazon.com/pr

Source: Amazon.com, Inc.

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Albertsons Companies welcomes Jim Donald as President and Chief Operating Officer

Boise, Idaho, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Albertsons Companies announced today (Mar 05, 2018) that Jim Donald, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, has been appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Albertsons Companies, effective immediately. Donald is an experienced retail operator with extensive knowledge of Albertsons Companies, having previously held senior leadership roles at both Albertson’s, Inc. and Safeway, Inc. Donald also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Rite Aid from 2008 to 2013.

As President and Chief Operating Officer, Donald will have responsibility for the operations of the retailers’ 2,300+ store portfolio and help with the acceleration of the company’s growing omnichannel platform. Following the close of the recently announced merger with Rite Aid, subject to customary regulatory approvals and approval by Rite Aid shareholders, Donald will continue in this role and work alongside the rest of the combined company’s leadership team. Donald replaces Wayne Denningham, who retired earlier this year. Susan Morris, who was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in January 2018, will continue in her role.

“Jim Donald has built an exceptional career in retail. His knowledge of our company and industry is unmatched, and I know his contributions will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of Albertsons Companies,” said Bob Miller, Albertsons Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to tapping his expertise in leading large consumer brands as we work every day to meet our customers’ needs, both in-store and online.”

Most recently, Donald served as Chief Executive Officer of Extended Stay America, a large US-based hotel chain, from 2012 to 2015. From 2009 to 2011, Donald served as President and Chief Executive Officer of food and pharmacy retailer Haggen, Inc. Prior to that, he spent six years at Starbucks, leading the company through a period of strong growth and performance, working his way up from President of its North America Division to President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation. Earlier in his career, Donald led Pathmark Stores, Inc. and held a variety of senior management positions with Albertson’s, Inc., Safeway, Inc. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Said Donald, “Having first worked at Albertsons 42 years ago, I have watched as an insider and from afar how their keen focus on customer service maintained a solid foundation for their team through the years. Their acquisitive nature combined with their recent innovation efforts and strong Own Brands portfolio have helped them to build an even stronger company today. I look forward to being a part of the team that takes this great company into the future and continues to serve the food, health, and wellness needs of today’s busy customers.”

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with both a strong local presence and national scale. We operate stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood.

Important Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our perspectives and expectations, are forward looking statements. The words “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions, when related to the Company and its subsidiaries, indicate forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the current view of management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions and factors, including general economic, market, industry and operational factors. Any changes to these assumptions or factors may lead to practical results different from current expectations. Excessive reliance should not be placed on those statements. Forward-looking statements relate only to the date they were made, and the Company and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made.

MEDIA CONTACT:

208-395-6200

Source: Albertsons Companies/globenewswire

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SONIC® Drive-In launches new advertising campaign featuring comedic powerhouses Jane Krakowski and Ellie Kemper

Television and Film Stars and SONIC “Two Guys” collaborate in commercial spots

OKLAHOMA CITY, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) brings the laughter with the launch of a new take on its iconic advertising campaign featuring comedic powerhouses Jane Krakowski and Ellie Kemper. In collaboration with the iconic “Two Guys” – consisting of improvisational comedians Peter Grosz and T.J. Jagodowski – the two pairs will be showcased in TV and online advertising while enjoying one-of-a-kind SONIC menu items from the front seats of their cars.

“Jane and Ellie are the ideal pair to cast for this new chapter of the campaign with their strong representations of our brand personality and they bring a fresh female perspective,” said Lori Abou Habib, chief marketing officer for SONIC. “They exude the brand’s good-natured and fun-loving culture with their lively humor, in addition to being SONIC fans themselves. Jane and Ellie radiate authentic personalities ideal for the SONIC brand and audience.”

For more than a decade, the “Two Guys” have been synonymous with the brand’s amusing and energetic strategy to advertising. Krakowski and Kemper join the comedic, iconic campaign to mark an evolution of the SONIC commercials showcasing female comedians.

“Ellie and I have been the biggest fans of SONIC – and the hilarious commercials – for years. When we were presented with the opportunity to join a campaign that fully embraces comedy and improv, we knew right away this was going to be fun,” said Jane Krakowski. “We have always appreciated the comedy that Peter and TJ have brought to the SONIC ads and Ellie and I are honored to be the first female comedy duo to be in the SONIC car.”

The new commercial spots will feature upcoming SONIC products and promotions including the launch of the SONIC Signature Slingers, new cheeseburgers starting under 350 calories made with three simple ingredients: 100-percent pure beef blended with savory mushrooms and bold seasoning, becoming the first of its kind in fast food*.

“Joining the ranks of Peter and TJ feels momentous,” said Ellie Kemper. “Jane and I are so excited to share our take on a couple of friends hanging out at SONIC.”

Additionally, the spots will feature exciting new products throughout the summer and the SONIC Nights promotion, offering Half-Price Floats, Shakes and Ice Cream Slushes all made with SONIC’s Real Ice Cream, after 8 p.m. every day, starting today, March 5**.

*See menu for details
** For a limited time only at participating SONIC® locations. See menu for details.

About SONIC, America’s Drive-In

SONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every day. Nearly 94 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. For 64 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC’s Limeades for Learning philanthropic campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated $9.5 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in today’s youth. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com and please visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit LimeadesforLearning.com.

Contact:
Rebeka Mora
512-542-2804
Rebeka.Mora@Cohnwolfe.com

Source: SONIC

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SONIC introduces guilt-free SONIC Signature Slingers cheeseburger

SONIC introduces guilt-free SONIC Signature Slingers cheeseburger

America’s Drive-In® introduces the first QSR mushroom-blended burger starting under 350 calories

OKLAHOMA CITY, 2018-Mar-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) revamped the traditional American cheeseburger with its new SONIC Signature Slingers, a first of its kind in fast food. The perfect-sized cheeseburger patty is made with three simple ingredients: 100-percent pure beef blended with savory mushrooms and seasonings to create a juicy, flavorful patty that is almost too good to be true. Starting under 350 calories, the SONIC Signature Slingers lets you get away with all the flavor of a cheeseburger with none of the guilt starting at $1.99*.

“The Signature Slingers is a first-of-its-kind fast food cheeseburger, which delivers the juicy savory deliciousness you expect from a burger in a way that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something,” said Scott Uehlein, vice president of product innovation and development for SONIC. “Adding mushrooms right into the burger patty amps up the incredible flavors of the 100-percent pure beef and seasonings you get in each bite. This burger truly raises the bar for every other restaurant.”

Beginning Monday, March 5, guests can enjoy two Signature Slingers cheeseburger options to satisfy their guilt-less burger cravings. The Classic SONIC Signature Slinger is topped with fresh lettuce and tomato, diced onions, crinkle-cut dill pickles, mayo and melted American cheese served on a bakery-quality brioche bun. The Bacon Melt SONIC Signature Slinger is made with crispy bacon, layered with melted cheese and mayo served on a bakery-quality brioche bun.

“We are excited to be a partner on the new Signature Slingers, which brings together the craveability of pure beef with the juiciness of mushrooms, creating a great tasting cheeseburger that guests will only be able to get at SONIC,” said Bart Minor, president of the Mushroom Council, which provides marketing and education on behalf of the nation’s mushroom growers and importers. “The trend of blending mushrooms into a burger patty has been atop a number of food trend lists this year and we can’t wait for guests to experience SONIC’s uniquely delicious creation.”

Guests can pair the new SONIC Signature Slingers with a SONIC Fruit Fizz™ for the ultimate lunch, dinner or snack, but only for a limited time.

* Tax not included. Classic SONIC Signature Slinger contains approximately 340 calories. See menu for details.

About SONIC®, America’s Drive-In®

SONIC, America’s Drive-In is the nation’s largest drive-in restaurant chain serving approximately 3 million customers every day. Nearly 94 percent of SONIC’s 3,500 drive-in locations are owned and operated by local business men and women. For 65 years, SONIC has delighted guests with signature menu items, 1.3 million drink combinations and friendly service by iconic Carhops. Since the 2009 launch of SONIC’s Limeades for Learning philanthropic campaign in partnership with DonorsChoose.org, SONIC has donated $9.5 million to public school teachers nationwide to fund essential learning materials and innovative teaching resources to inspire creativity and learning in their students. To learn more about Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ/NM: SONC), please visit sonicdrivein.com and please visit or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about SONIC’s Limeades for Learning initiative, please visit LimeadesforLearning.com.

Contact:
Rebeka Mora
512-542-2804
Rebeka.mora@cohnwolfe.com

Source: SONIC Drive-In

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