Category Archives: Human Resources

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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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Citycon approves two new share-based incentive plans for the Group key employees

ESPOO, Finland, 2018-Feb-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Board of Directors of Citycon Oyj has approved two new share-based incentive plans for the Group key employees, a Matching Share Plan 2018—2020 and a Restricted Share Plan 2018—2020.

The aim of the new plans is to combine the objectives of the shareholders and the key employees in order to increase the value of the company in the long-term, to bind the key employees to the company, and to offer them competitive reward plans based on acquiring and receiving the company´s shares.

Matching Share Plan 2018—2020

The new Matching Share Plan 2018—2020 includes three matching periods, calendar years 2018—2019, 2019—2020, 2020—2021. The prerequisite for participation in this plan and for reward payment is that a key employee invests in the company’s shares a pre-determined percentage of the bonus earned from the company’s performance bonus scheme during the calendar year preceding a matching period (the “Share Ownership Prerequisite”). If a key employee´s Share Ownership Prerequisite is fulfilled and his or her employment or service is in force with a Citycon group company upon reward payment, he or she will receive free matching shares for shares subject to the Share Ownership Prerequisite.

The Matching Share Plan 2018-2020 is directed to the CEO and the other members of the Corporate Management Committee. The rewards to be paid on the basis of this plan from the matching period 2018—2019 correspond to the value of an approximate maximum total of 200,000 Citycon Oyj shares. In addition, a cash proportion is included in the reward to cover taxes and tax-related costs arising from the reward to the participant. The rewards from the matching period 2018—2019 will be paid in 2020.

Restricted Share Plan 2018—2020

The rewards from the new Restricted Share Plan 2018—2020 may be allocated in 2018—2020. The reward will be based on a valid employment or service contract of a key employee upon the reward payment, and it will be paid partly in the company’s shares and partly in cash after the end of a vesting period. A vesting period will last 12 to 36 months from a reward allocation.

The Restricted Share Plan 2018-2020 is directed only to selected key employees, excluding the CEO and other members of the Corporate Management Committee. The rewards to be paid on the basis of this plan in 2018—2020 correspond to the value of an approximate maximum total of 200,000 Citycon Oyj shares including also the cash proportion to be used for taxes and tax-related costs.

CITYCON OYJ
The Board of Directors

For further information, please contact:
Marcel Kokkeel, CEO
Tel. +358 40 154 6760
marcel.kokkeel@citycon.com

Citycon Oyj (Nasdaq Helsinki: CTY1S) is a leading owner, developer and manager of urban grocery-anchored shopping centres in the Nordic and Baltic region, managing assets that total almost EUR 5 billion and with market capitalisation of close to EUR 2 billion. For more information about Citycon, please visit www.citycon.com

Citycon has investment-grade credit ratings from Moody’s (Baa1) and Standard & Poor’s (BBB). Citycon Oyj’s share is listed in Nasdaq Helsinki.

SOURCE: CITYCON OYJ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

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

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LVMH launches a groundbreaking program for students from 50 leading schools and universities in Europe

Paris, 2018-Feb-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — LVMH has launched INSIDE LVMH Program, a groundbreaking program for students from 50 leading partner schools and universities in Europe, as well as interns working within the Group. Built around a digital platform, the program gives these young talents a deeper understanding of the strategic challenges in luxury, and an opportunity to propose solutions by working on the subject “Imagine the Luxury Experience of Tomorrow”. The top students will have a chance to join the 6,500 interns and 1,000 young graduates recruited each year by the Group and its Maisons around the world.

More than 3,500 young talents have already joined the INSIDE LVMH program, which is open to students in engineering, business, creative and design and technology courses at schools in six European countries (France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany), as well as interns and students in work/study programs within the Group. Designed in close collaboration with its professor-ambassadors, INSIDE LVMH Program enables the Group to position itself as a preferred employer while preparing and recruiting the next generations of managers and leaders at LVMH. By bridging the university and business environments with a 360° immersion into the LVMH Group, the program brings participants a better understanding of the luxury industry.

“Given our ambitious recruitment goals, we have designed the INSIDE LVMH Program to be a stepping stone between the academic world where the young talent is being nurtured, and the professional world. At LVMH, we believe that people make the difference, so we are delighted to be able to offer them a unique opportunity to discover the various aspects of our Group, and to imagine themselves joining our Maisons’ teams.” Chantal Gaemperle, Group EVP Human Resources & Synergies, LVMH.

The program revolves around a four-month digital immersion behind the scenes at the LVMH Group where students discover key skillsets in the luxury industry: Design & Creation, Brand Management, Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship and Customer Excellence. A series of 50 short videos have been produced to guide the students “Inside”. These educational videos were created in collaboration with professors from prestigious schools (including Central Saint Martins, Bocconi University, HEC, ESSEC, CentraleSupélec and the Institut Français de la Mode), and joined by first person accounts from managers at over 20 LVMH Maisons.

Students are also invited to work as part of teams to imagine and develop their vision of the luxury experience of tomorrow, guided by professor-ambassadors from their school and by LVMH managers involved in the program. The 200 students with the most compelling ideas will present their concept to a Jury comprising executives from LVMH Maisons and members of the LVMH Executive Committee on May 3, 2018 in Paris. Following the program, the top students will be invited to join LVMH Maisons.

With this major initiative, LVMH is strengthening its relations with top European schools and universities and creating a pool of young talents for recruitment of the next generations of managers and leaders within LVMH Maisons.

Contact:

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 22
Fax: +33 (0)1 44 13 22 23

Source: LVMH

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

Company Now Offering Enhanced Benefits Including Paid Parental Leave

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About CarMax

CarMax is the nation’s largest retailer of used cars and operates more than 185 stores in 41 states nationwide. CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. For nearly 25 years, CarMax has made car buying more ethical, fair and stress-free by offering a no-haggle, no-hassle experience and an incredible selection of vehicles. CarMax makes selling your car easy too, by offering no-obligation appraisals good for seven days. At CarMax, we’ll buy your car even if you don’t buy ours®. CarMax has nearly 25,000 associates nationwide and for 14 consecutive years has been named as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®. During the 12 months ending February 28, 2017, the company retailed 671,294 used cars and sold 391,686 wholesale vehicles at its in-store auctions. For more information, access the CarMax website at www.carmax.com.

 

Source: CarMax, Inc.

Media Contact

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE The Home Depot

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Lowe’s to fill more than 53,000 jobs on its first National Hiring Day, Feb. 21

Anyone interested in a full-time, part-time or seasonal role can visit any of Lowe’s 1,700-plus U.S. stores on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to participate in open interviews during the company’s first National Hiring Day. (PRNewsfoto/Lowe’s Companies, Inc.)

MOORESVILLE, N.C., 2018-Feb-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Lowe’s is looking for people with customer service experience who have a passion for helping people love where they live. With a goal of filling more than 53,000 jobs, Lowe’s stores nationwide will open their doors to candidates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 21 during the company’s first National Hiring Day.

Candidates interested in a full-time, part-time or seasonal role can visit any of Lowe’s 1,700-plus U.S. stores to participate in open interviews and learn more about working at Lowe’s. The event is an opportunity to meet hiring managers, speak with associates and enjoy behind-the-scenes tours in an open house atmosphere.

“Our employees are the heart of our business and make a difference for the customers and communities we serve every day,” said Jennifer Weber, Lowe’s chief human resources officer. “Lowe’s is a great place to build a career, and we’re excited to host our largest-ever job fair to introduce people to our culture. We’re looking to hire customer-centric and service-minded people who are passionate about being a part of something bigger.”

Those who can’t make it to the open house can tune in to a Facebook Live event on the Lowe’s Careers channel at 2:15 p.m. EST on Feb. 21 to hear more from Weber about building a career at Lowe’s.

Recently named one of the top 10 most customer-engaged companies by Forbes, Lowe’s is hiring employees to serve customers and communities during the busy spring and summer seasons. Seasonal employees typically support stores between March and September. Available roles include cashiers, lawn and garden associates, loaders, stockers and assemblers of outdoor products. Lowe’s seasonal employees benefit from competitive pay, a 10 percent employee discount and flexible hours, including the opportunity to see their schedule 17 days in advance and swap shifts with others as needed.

Lowe’s employs nearly 250,000 people across its U.S. stores and provides career advancement opportunities at all levels. Last year, nearly 40 percent of Lowe’s seasonal employees transitioned into permanent part-time and full-time positions. Nearly 200 current store managers started as seasonal employees.

Jordan McGee was 19 when she took a seasonal job as a cashier in Gastonia, N.C. Just four years later, she was promoted to assistant store manager of sales in Clover, S.C.

“Lowe’s has supported me through my career journey by helping me develop into a stronger leader. When I started, I was only 19, with no management experience, so I’ve always had a mentor or someone helping me, just giving me that encouragement in my ear,” McGee said. “If there’s one word that describes Lowe’s, I would say ‘career,’ just because you can come in and be whoever you want to be. You have the potential to move all the way up through the ranks, and they’ll support you through that.”

Lowe’s also will hold open interviews and make conditional job offers on the spot for part-time and full-time positions, including service and support managers, cashiers, stockers and sales specialists. Eligible part-time and full-time employees can take advantage of Lowe’s health and wellness benefits, incentive programs, 401(k), a discounted stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules.

Earlier this month, Lowe’s announced plans to enhance its benefits, including expanded maternity and parental leave as well as adoption assistance. Eligible full-time hourly and salaried U.S. employees will qualify to receive:

  • Ten weeks of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paid parental leave.
  • An adoption assistance benefit to cover up to $5,000 of expenses related to agency, legal and other fees.
  • Eligibility to enroll in health benefits sooner, as early as the first of the month following 30 days of service.

To learn more about available jobs in your area, Lowe’s benefits or to apply online, visit Lowes.com/SpringHire. Applying takes just 20 minutes on average. To learn more about career opportunities, and to hear directly from employees who transitioned from seasonal roles into store management positions, visit Lowe’s newsroom.

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

SOURCE Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Media Inquiries

704-758-2917
PublicRelations@Lowes.com

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The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2018 now open for applications

  • Trade apprentices expected to earn an extra £2,000 per year above the national
    average by 2022
  • Plumbers and electricians set to be highest trade earners, with a forecasted wage of over £31,000 per annum
  • Research launched as Screwfix searches for the 2018 top Trade Apprentice, an initiative which aims to identify the rising stars of the trade

Westminster, United Kingdom, 2018-Feb-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Screwfix is calling for the next generation to consider a career in the trade as new research shows a job in building and construction trades could lead to higher wages than other career choices.

Future plumbers, plasterers, roofers, carpenters, electricians and bricklayers are set to earn at least £2,500 a year more than the national average by 2022, bringing their average salary to over £27,500. In addition, apprentices can enter their chosen career free from the debt of university fees, which now average £50,000*. This comes from new research commissioned by Screwfix which examined ONS salary data from 2010-17 to forecast future earnings of apprentices entering a profession.

Along with the benefits associated with a long-term career in the trade, including flexible working hours, becoming a skilled expert, being your own boss and working with a wide range of people, research has found that pay really cements why a career in the trade is the right choice.

The research predicts the highest earners will be plumbers and electricians with a forecasted wage of over £31,000 per annum. However, carpenters and plasterers are forecast to see the biggest increases between 2018 and 2022.Carpenters are expected to see a rise of eight per cent (over £2,000), while plasterers should see an increase of nine per cent (over £2,100).

The research was commissioned by leading trade retailer Screwfix as part of its Trade Apprentice initiative, which aims to celebrate and champion the best trade apprentices and future stars of construction.

Graham Bell, Screwfix CEO, said: “The research supports our belief at Screwfix that a trade apprenticeship is a strong career choice for young people in this country. Apprenticeships lead to careers in highly skilled jobs, which are in high demand and therefore attract a healthy, competitive salary. For young people starting out they offer a great career choice without the burden of large debts from university fees.”

Meanwhile, in a separate piece of research conducted with tradespeople it was revealed that more than half (57 per cent) struggle to find skilled labour. For those who struggle to recruit skilled employees, more than one third (37 per cent) believe it is because apprenticeships are not given the same level of respect as a university education, while 31 per cent say poor public perception of a career in the trade means school leavers are not interested in pursuing a future in construction.

“We believe the whole industry should play a part in encouraging and inspiring more people to undertake an apprenticeship. There is an ongoing focus on the importance of trade apprenticeships for the UK economy and for construction in particular, which is facing a significant skills gap. That’s why we are continuing to support the industry with The Screwfix Trade Apprentice initiative, which not only supports young people to kick-start their career but also inspires a strong future for the UK’s construction industry,” added Graham Bell.

One winner will walk away with the title of The Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2018, receiving a business and trade bundle worth £10,000, including a laptop with accessories, £5,000 worth of Screwfix products and funds for future training courses to help kick start their career.

Gross Annual Pay (median) £ 2018 2022

forecast
Electricians and electrical fitters 30,478 31,248
Bricklayers and masons 24,108 24,840
Plumbers and heating and ventilating engineers 29,493 31,048
Carpenters and joiners 26,001 28,017
Plasterers 24,757 26,949
ALL UK employees 23,474 25,009

For more information visit https://www.screwfix.com/landingpage/tradeapprentice/

* ONS’ Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). The forecasts were produced by calculating the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for each job code for the period 2010-2017 and applying this to the next 5 years.

For more information about Screwfix please visit our media centre: www.screwfixmedia.co.uk

PRESS information:

Matthew Allen, McCann Public Relations, Tel: 0121 713 3579 / Matthew.thomas-allen@Mccann.com

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Chipotle announces enhancements to its employee benefits

More than 71,000 hourly and salaried employees will receive a new suite of benefits as a result of changes in U.S. tax law
DENVER, 2018-Feb-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — In celebration of its dedicated employees, Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced enhancements to benefits that will reach all of its 71,000 employees. These enhancements, which include special cash and stock bonuses and enhanced paid parental leave, are part of the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing both the professional and personal lives of its employees. Resulting from savings due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the new benefits have already begun rolling out to Chipotle employees.

“We have always been proud of our ability to attract and retain top talent who share our passion for cooking delicious food by hand and creating an extraordinary guest experience,” said Steve Ells, founder, chairman and CEO at Chipotle. “We’re giving back to these committed, motivated, and hardworking team members who have made Chipotle what it is today.”

Chipotle will reinvest more than one-third of its anticipated savings from tax law changes into its employees. The remainder of the reinvestment will be dedicated to improvement of restaurant facilities and operations. New employee benefits include:

  • Accelerated Training Programs. More training programs for employees, including a formalized classroom program with a dedicated faculty that will focus on a range of topics related to operational excellence and leadership.
  • Cash & Stock Bonuses. Qualified hourly and salaried restaurant employees will receive a special one-time cash bonus of up to $1,000. Qualified staff employees will receive a one-time stock grant.
  • Maternity/Paternity Coverage. Additional paid parental leave coverage for everyone from hourly managers to salaried employees.
  • Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability. The company has added life insurance and short-term disability insurance coverage for hourly restaurant managers.

These new offerings are in addition to a unique set of benefits the company already offers to employees, including both hourly and salaried workers. Chipotle currently provides twice annual merit increases for hourly employees, paid vacation and sick time, and stock awards to the restaurant manager level. Additionally, the company has made a significant investment in educational benefits for employees. Chipotle offers up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement, and through a partnership with Guild Education, the company offers reduced-cost courses and degree programs at a number of colleges and universities. The educational program includes more than 10,000 class and program options and since the inception of the program, nearly 6,000 Chipotle employees have taken advantage of the program.

“We have always been committed to making Chipotle a great place to work with excellent compensation and benefits,” said Ells. “With these expanded offerings, we’re thanking our employees for their hard work and dedication to our company.”

ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Steve Ells, our founder, chairman and CEO, started Chipotle with the idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared using classic cooking methods and served in an interactive style allowing people to get exactly what they want. Chipotle seeks out extraordinary ingredients that are not only fresh, but that are raised responsibly, with respect for the animals, the land, and the people who produce them. Chipotle prepares its food using real, wholesome ingredients and without the use of added colors, flavors or other additives typically found in fast food. Chipotle opened with a single restaurant in Denver in 1993 and operates more than 2,400 restaurants. For more information, visit Chipotle.com.

SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chris Arnold, carnold@chipotle.com

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Wegmans Food Markets to hire full-time employees for its Lancaster store opening in early fall 2018

Lancaster, PA, 2018-Feb-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Wegmans Food Markets is looking for full-time employees at its Lancaster store, set to open in early fall 2018 at The Crossings at Conestoga Creek in Manheim Township, on the southwest corner of Harrisburg Pike and U.S. Route 30. The 120,000 sq. ft. store is currently under construction.

“Lancaster has long been one of our most requested areas for a store, and we’re eager to begin hiring and training here,” said Wegmans Lancaster Store Manager Jimmy Bellis, who will oversee the hiring process. Recently ranked #1 on the Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE list of Best Workplaces in Retail for the second year in a row, the family-owned company is lauded for flexible scheduling, competitive pay and benefits, and an employee-first culture.

Available full-time positions include everything from customer service and overnight stocking to entry-level management, restaurant, and culinary professionals like chefs and line cooks. Hiring for part-time employees will begin at a later date.

Wegmans Lancaster will employ approximately 475 people, including 175 full-time positions. Full-time applicants are invited to apply online at www.wegmans.com/careers or call 717-358-9494 for more information. Wegmans will begin scheduling interviews in March and new employees will start training soon after being hired. Applications are not accepted at the store or construction site, nor will interviews be conducted there.

“Whether you want to build a career or just have a solid, enjoyable job, this is a great place to work,” said Bellis. “Experience in the grocery business isn’t the most important thing. We’re looking for friendly, enthusiastic people who share our values and have a passion for food and for helping others. We’ll provide the training needed for success.”

Wegmans currently operates 17 stores in Pennsylvania.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 95-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The family-owned company, recognized as an industry leader and innovator, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Wegmans has been named one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 20 consecutive years, ranking #2 in 2017.

Press Contact:
Valerie Fox
Media Relations Coordinator
585-720-5713
valerie.fox@wegmans.com

Source: Wegmans Food Markets

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Lowe’s to hire more than 53,000 employees across its U.S. stores

Lowe’s to hire more than 53,000 employees across its U.S. stores

Mooresville, North Carolina, 2018-Jan-25 — /EPR Retail News/ — In preparation for home improvement’s busiest season, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is hiring more than 53,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees across its U.S. stores, adding to the company’s nearly 250,000 current U.S. store employees.

In-store seasonal positions, which typically support stores between March and September, include cashiers, lawn and garden associates, stockers, assemblers of outdoor products and loaders. Lowe’s seasonal employees benefit from competitive pay, a 10 percent employee discount and flexible hours, including the ability to see their schedule 17 days in advance and swap shifts with others as needed.

Available part-time and full-time positions include service and support managers, customer service associates, cashiers, stockers and sales specialists. Part-time and full-time employees can take advantage of Lowe’s health and wellness benefits, incentive programs, 401(k), a discounted stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement and flexible work schedules.

Named one of the top 10 most customer-engaged companies by Forbes, Lowe’s provides leadership development and career advancement opportunities at all levels to support employees and customers. In fact, approximately 200 current store managers started as seasonal employees, and last year nearly 40 percent of the company’s seasonal employees transitioned into permanent part-time and full-time positions.

“When employees join Lowe’s, they are joining more than a Fortune 40 company,” said Jennifer Weber, chief human resources officer. “They are joining a supportive network of caring, inspiring team members who are here to serve customers, communities and each other.”

• In 2017, for the third consecutive year, 100 percent of Lowe’s 1,700-plus U.S. stores served their communities through a Lowe’s Heroes volunteer community project – from restoring parks to improving schools.
• In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, in addition to the company’s $2.5 million donation to disaster relief, more than 3,000 store employees volunteered to provide necessary support to impacted stores and communities.
• Lowe’s full-time employees can take advantage of the company’s paid time off for community volunteering each year.

To learn more about available positions in your area and apply online, visit Lowes.com/SpringHire. You can also apply at your local Lowe’s store. Applying takes just 20 minutes on average.

For more information about seasonal hiring and Lowe’s investment in your community, click here.

 

Market Estimated Number of Seasonal Positions*
Atlanta 1,000
Baltimore 400
Boston-Providence-Hartford-Nashua 1,800
Charlotte, N.C. 1,250
Chicago 800
Cincinnati 300
Columbus, Ohio 250
Dallas-Fort Worth 900
Denver 650
Detroit 850
Indianapolis 1,000
Los Angeles/Long Beach/Orange County 1,500
Minneapolis-St. Paul 200
Nashville 500
New York 1,200
Phoenix 400
Pittsburgh 650
Portland, Ore. 400
Raleigh-Durham, N.C. 1,100
Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, Calif. 700
San Antonio 350
San Diego 250
Seattle-Tacoma 950
St. Louis 700
Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. 550
Washington D.C. 550
*Not all jobs have been posted. For the estimated number of positions in other locations, email PublicRelations@Lowes.com.

SOURCE: Lowe’s

MEDIA CONTACT

704-758-2917
PublicRelations@Lowes.co

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RILA welcomes new Board Chairman Brian Cornell chairman and CEO of Target Corporation

Semi-Annual Meeting Brings New Chairman, Four New Board Members​

Arlington , VA, 2018-Jan-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced today (1/22/2018) that four top retail executives have been selected to join the association’s Board of Directors in an election that took place during the Board’s semi-annual meeting, held Sunday in Tucson, Arizona. In addition, RILA welcomed a new Board Chairman, Brian Cornell, chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corporation. Cornell, who succeeds former Chairman Bill Rhodes of AutoZone, will serve a two-year term.

New to the association’s Board of Directors are:

  • Gina Boswell, President, Customer Development, Unilever
  • Mark Breitbard, President & Chief Executive Officer, Banana Republic, Gap Inc.
  • Michele Buck, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Co.
  • Richard Keyes, President & Chief Executive Officer, Meijer, Inc.

“The past year was one of tremendous change in retail as we saw fundamental shifts in where and how people choose to shop. We also saw firsthand the power of our industry when we find common ground and advocate for consumers.  As RILA’s Chairman, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to build upon our shared successes and help drive positive change for our customers, our teams and our industry,” said Brian Cornell, chairman and chief executive officer, Target Corporation.

For a full Q&A with Brian Cornell about his upcoming chairmanship, click here.

“RILA is fortunate to be led by such an exceptional Board of Directors. Our success is in large part a result of their commitment to collaborate with one another and provide us with critical insights and direction,” said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. “We’re thrilled to welcome four additional Board members this year and we’re confident that we will continue to accomplish great things under Brian’s leadership.”

The 2018 RILA Board of Directors:

  • Brian Cornell, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Target Corporation (Chairman)
  • Mary Dillon, Chief Executive Officer, ULTA Beauty (Vice Chairman)
  • Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, AutoZone, Inc. (Immediate Past Chairman)
  • James Myers, Chairman, Petco Holdings, Inc. (Treasurer)
  • Robert Niblock, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (Secretary)
  • Gina Boswell, President, Customer Development, Unilever*
  • Mark Breitbard, President & Chief Executive Officer, Banana Republic, Gap Inc.*
  • Shelley Broader, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chico’s FAS, Inc.
  • Michele Buck, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Co.*
  • James Dinkins, President, Coca-Cola North America, The Coca-Cola Company
  • Marvin Ellison, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, J.C. Penney Company, Inc.
  • Alexander Gourlay, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Walgreens Boot Alliance and President, Walgreen Co.
  • Alan Hoskins, Chief Executive Officer, Energizer Holdings, Inc.
  • Joe Jensen, Vice President, Internet of Things Group, and General Manager, Retail Solutions Division, Intel Corporation
  • Richard Johnson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Foot Locker, Inc.
  • Hubert Joly, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Best Buy Co., Inc.
  • Richard Keyes, President & Chief Executive Officer, Meijer, Inc.*
  • Stephen Laughlin, Vice President & Global Industry Leader, Retail, IBM Corporation
  • Craig Menear, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President, The Home Depot, Inc.
  • Michael Polk, Chief Executive Officer, Newell Brands
  • Steve Rendle, President & Chief Executive Officer, VF Corporation
  • Gregory Sandfort, Chief Executive Officer, Tractor Supply Company
  • Jill Standish, Senior Managing Director, Global Retail Consulting Practice, Accenture
  • Todd Vasos, Chief Executive Officer, Dollar General Corporation
  • Sandra Kennedy, President, Retail Industry Leaders Association

*Denotes Newly Elected Member

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

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

Source: RILA

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Price Rite Marketplace invites applicants for its new Amherst, NY store

Amherst, NY, 2018-Jan-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Price Rite Marketplace today (January 3, 2018) announced that it is accepting job applications for its 66th store, the 28,000 square-foot Price Rite of Amherst, located at 4220 Maple Rd., scheduled to open early in 2018.  The supermarket chain, known for its streamlined shopping experience and exceptional prices, is looking to hire approximately 85 employees for full- and part-time positions including cashiers, stocking clerks, produce and meat department team members and supervisory roles. In addition to its new store, Price Rite Marketplace is also hiring for leadership positions in its three other area locations, which include stores on Elmwood Avenue and Kenmore Avenue in Buffalo and in Cheektowaga.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online by visiting www.PriceRiteSupermarkets.com/Join-Our-Team, clicking “apply today” and selecting Amherst, NY from the dropdown menu to view available positions and fill out an online employment application. Prescheduled interviews will be conducted Tuesday,January 16, andWednesday, January 17, at its Elmwood Avenue location in Buffalo. Price Rite Marketplace is seeking applicants with the personality to provide customers with friendly, efficient service, and previous supermarket or other retail experience is preferred, but not required. A great place to shop and work, Price Rite Marketplace offers its employees flexible scheduling, competitive pay rates, holiday, sick and vacation pay along with the opportunity to begin a career.

“Price Rite Marketplace greatly values its associates, as it takes a team effort to deliver a great shopping experience for our customers,” said Jim Dorey, president of Price Rite Marketplace. “We look forward to welcoming new team members to our Amherst store and making them a part of our tight-knit Price Rite Marketplace family.”

The new Price Rite of Amherst will employ the supermarket chain’s core values of low price, high quality and service while creating a simpler and more streamlined way to shop, with a curated selection balancing local products, national brands and top private label lines to make it easier for shoppers to find their favorite products. The store will offer a centerpiece produce department brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, and a variety of ethnic products to cater to Price Rite Marketplace’s diverse customer base; a large selection of baked goods, seafood, dairy and frozen food; packaged meats include organic and natural items, grass-fed offerings, Grade A poultry and USDA Choice cuts and Certified Angus® Beef products; and an assortment of organic and natural items including the new Wholesome Pantry line, a popular store brand line of organic and clean ingredient products.

Price Rite of Amherst will also feature some of the industry’s leading “green technologies,” including glass doors on dairy cases and energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration throughout the entire store.

For more information, please visit www.PriceRiteSupermarkets.com.

About Price Rite Marketplace
Price Rite Marketplace is a registered trademark of Wakefern Food Corp., a retailer owned cooperative based in Keasbey, NJ and the largest supermarket cooperative in the United States. Price Rite Marketplace opened its first store in 1995 under the name Price Rite Supermarkets, and currently operates 65 grocery stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland and Virginia. Committed to providing the best value for customers, Price Rite Marketplace delivers a simplified shopping experience with top name brand foods and products and expanded fresh produce and organic offerings at exceptional prices. Price Rite Marketplace is also dedicated to fighting hunger through its annual Check-Out Hunger fundraising campaign and partnerships with Feed The Children and local food banks. For more information, please visit www.priceritesupermarkets.com.

Contact:

Karen O’Shea

Maureen Gillespie
Phone: 732-906-5295
Manager

Source: Price Rite Marketplace

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Nordstrom to hire 250 employees for its new Men’s Store in Manhattan opening in April 2018

Interested Applicants Encouraged to Apply When Jobs Post January 3

SEATTLE, 2018-Jan-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — Leading fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc. will hire 250 employees for its first stand-alone Men’s Store in Manhattan, which will open on Broadway between West 57th and West 58th Streets in April 2018. The company will also open a New York City flagship store in 2019 at the base of Central Park Tower, an Extell Development Company Project. Sales and support positions will be posted on Wednesday, January 3 and interested applicants are invited to apply for jobs online at careers.nordstrom.com. The retailer also announced Cailin Caro, as store manager of the NYC Men’s Store, and company veteran Chris Wanlass, as vice president of its Manhattan full-line stores.

“This is an exciting and historic time to be a part of Nordstrom as we prepare to open our first full-line store in one of the best retail cities in the world,” said Caro. “We’re building an empowered team of people focused on service and providing customers with an elevated experience that reflects the best of what we have to offer.”

Sales positions are available in all areas, including men’s apparel, designer, furnishings, shoes and grooming. Hiring will also take place for various support positions in building services, housekeeping, loss prevention, as well as jobs in the store’s food offerings. Nordstrom offers employees a competitive benefits package including a retail discount, medical coverage, 401(k), commuter benefits (up to $100 a month towards transit elections) and paid parental leave. New hires will participate in extensive product-knowledge seminars, selling immersion and a day of shadowing at one of the neighboring full-line stores.

To promote the start of employee hiring, the retailer wrapped the exterior of its Men’s Store with larger-than-life ‘help wanted’ banners incorporating witty job descriptions like “Desperately Seeking Sock Svengali,” “Now Hiring: Sneaker Obsessives,” and “People People Wanted.” The recruiting campaign also includes digital and social media placements.

“Nordstrom is a great place to build your career, something I’ve been fortunate to have experienced firsthand over the course of my 25 years with the company,” said Wanlass. Adding that he and Caro are “committed to creating an environment that fosters career development and growth opportunities, not only within our Manhattan stores, but the company as a whole.”

Wanlass began his career in 1992 as a stockperson at Nordstrom Fashion Place in Salt Lake City, Utah. He relocated to Atlanta in 1997 to open the company’s first store in the southern U.S. at Perimeter Mallas a department manager. In 1999, Wanlass made the move to Seattle, where he worked as an assistant buyer and then buyer in the men’s division. Relocating again in 2003, he accepted a new challenge as the Assistant Store Manager of the Downtown San Francisco store. Over the past 10 years, Wanlass has been the store manager at Stonestown (San Francisco), The Westchester (White Plains, N.Y.), Arden Fair(Sacramento, Calif.), Bellevue Square (Bellevue, Wash.), and most recently Pacific Centre (Vancouver, B.C.).

Caro joined the company as a seasonal salesperson in Lingerie in 2006 at the Nordstrom Downtown Seattle flagship store, and then went on to hold various store and regional management positions in the Lingerie division in Oregon, California and Washington D.C. In 2012, she became store manager of the Nordstrom Rack Towson in Baltimore, and later served as the store manager at Nordstrom Rack Union Square. Most recently Caro was store manager of The Westchester full-line store in White Plains, N.Y.

Nordstrom has been recognized as an employer of choice by Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For (for 20 consecutive years); Human Rights Campaign’s Best Places to Work for LBGT Equality (for 13 consecutive years); Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity 2017; and Business of Fashion’s The Best Companies to Work For in Fashion 2017.

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.’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.

Editor’s Note: Renderings of the Nordstrom NYC Men’s Store can be downloaded in the Nordstrom Press Room at Nordstrom.com/pressroom.

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.

CONTACT:
John Bailey
Nordstrom, Inc.
(206) 303-3018

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Kroger and IBT establish the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Consolidated Pension Fund designed to provide associates with secure pension

Associates Approve Kroger Withdrawal from Central States Pension Fund

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. and International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced today the ratification of a new labor agreement that provides for Kroger’s withdrawal from the Central States Pension Fund. The new labor agreement covers associates represented by the IBT at three distribution centers and two dairy manufacturing facilities operated by Kroger.

Kroger and IBT have been working together for several years on a plan to protect the pensions of Kroger associates at these facilities, who are participants in the Central States Pension Fund.  The Central States Pension Fund projects it will go insolvent in 2025.

Kroger and IBT have established a new fund, called the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Consolidated Pension Fund that is designed to provide Kroger associates with a secure pension.

Included in this agreement are current Kroger associates/IBT members working at facilities in Hutchinson and Goddard, KS; Houston, TX; Memphis, TN; Indianapolis, IN; and Livonia, MI.  The total number of active associates covered is about 1,800. In February, Roundy’s associates working at a distribution center in Oconomowoc, WI ratified the same agreement.

Kroger’s withdrawal from Central States Pension Fund is effective December 10, 2017.  Kroger’s withdrawal does not require the approval of Central States. Kroger will make payments to Central States to fulfill its withdrawal liability obligation.

Under the ratified agreement, the benefits current associates have earned as participants of Central States will be protected.  Here’s how –

  • The new IBT pension fund will make up benefits that are reduced by Central States as a result of Kroger’s withdrawal.
  • Should Central States become insolvent and benefits are reduced, the IBT Consolidated Pension Fund will restore benefit reductions above the level guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC).

Moving forward, current associates also will begin earning a new pension benefit through a formula negotiated by Kroger and the IBT and ratified by members.

“Given the uncertain future of Central States and the potential adverse impact on our members, the National Committee felt the move to the IBT Consolidated Plan will ensure they have a stable and reliable retirement benefit in the future,” said Steve Vairma, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President.”

“This is a good agreement for our current associates and our company. It provides our current associates security for their future retirement and the company financial certainty regarding this important investment in our associates,” said Mike Schlotman, Kroger’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In 2015, the Company and the IBT negotiated, and members ratified, an agreement that would have transferred Kroger associates and retirees from Central States to the new IBT fund.  This transfer required the approval of Central States. The Central States Trustees have not agreed to the transfer. This led Kroger and the IBT to negotiate an agreement providing for Kroger’s withdrawal from Central States, while preserving the possibility of a transfer.

About IBT
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

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

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

The Kroger Co. – General Office
Kristal Howard
Head of Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Email: kristal.howard@kroger.com

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ascena retail group earns top score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index

Company has long history of support for the LGBTQ community — having hosted special shopping events for the transgender community as early as 1965

MAHWAH, N.J., 2017-Dec-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — ascena retail group, inc. announced that it received the top score of 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index. The CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality.

The leading women’s specialty retailer, participating for the first time, is among a record-breaking 609 employers that achieved the top score this year, along with the distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality.”

The CEI rating criteria includes non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ workers and their families, internal education and accountability metrics to promote LGBTQ inclusion competency, and public commitment to LGBTQ equality.

ascena’s long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion is felt at all levels of the organization. David Jaffe, Chairman and CEO of ascena, reflects on the early inclusion that his mother, Roslyn Jaffe, founder of dressbarn, exhibited when she hosted after-hours shopping events for the transgender community.

“My mother, or ‘Mrs. J’ as our associates affectionately refer to her, was a pioneer on many levels. She knew back in the 1960s that diversity and inclusion were good for business,” said Jaffe. “I’m proud that ascena is being recognized by HRC for a culture that was established decades ago and is nurtured today. The rich diversity of our 64,000 associates makes us stronger together as we deliver best-in-class fashion and experience to all women and girls.”

Jaffe acknowledged, “As yesterday marked the anniversary of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it makes this recognition that much more significant.”

Jaffe’s leadership team owns the culture and ascena’s results in the marketplace and workplace. “Earning the HRC distinction of being a ‘Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality’ reflects the commitment we’ve made as a company and to diversity and inclusion as a whole,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer John Pershing, who also serves as executive sponsor of ascenaPRIDE, the Company’s associate resource group for LGBTQ associates and their allies.

The focus of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) aligns with ascena’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and diversity and inclusion. Earlier this year, ascena was among 104 top businesses that sponsored the HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act, landmark federal legislation that affirms the same non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ people as other protected groups under federal law.

For more information about the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About ascena retail group, inc. ascena retail group, inc. (NASDAQ: ASNA) is a leading national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes, and accessories for women under the Premium Fashion segment (Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey), Value Fashion segment (maurices and dressbarn), Plus Fashion segment (Lane Bryant and Catherines), and for tween girls under the Kids Fashion segment (Justice). ascena retail group, inc. operates ecommerce websites and approximately 4,800 stores throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

For more information about ascena retail group, inc. visit:  ascenaretail.com, AnnTaylor.com, LOFT.com, louandgrey.com, maurices.com, dressbarn.com, lanebryant.com, Catherines.com, and shopjustice.com.

About the Human Rights Campaign Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

Media Contact:
Sue Ross
ascena Corporate Affairs
218-491-2110
sue.ross@ascenaretail.com

SOURCE: ascena retail group, inc.

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CBRE named a 2017 Best Workplace for Diversity in the United States by FORTUNE and Great Place to Work®

LOS ANGELES, CA, 2017-Dec-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBG) today announced that it was named a 2017 Best Workplace for Diversity in the United States by FORTUNE and Great Place to Work®.

“We are honored to be named a FORTUNE Best Workplaces for Diversity,” said Bobby Griffin, CBRE’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Americas. “This award highlights the work CBRE is doing to continue to fulfill our mission of providing a work environment that attracts, develops and celebrates the professional success of every individual.”

FORTUNE and Great Place to Work considered more than 440,000 employee surveys from organizations in a wide range of industries across the U.S.

Great Place to Work, a research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included professional development, behaviors linked to innovation, leadership confidence and consistent treatment among employees of different backgrounds.

More information on CBRE’s diversity and inclusion efforts can be found here. Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com

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

Robert McGrath
Senior Director
tel +1 212 9848267
fax +1 212 9848207

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NRF Foundation announces 25 individuals named to The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future

WASHINGTON, 2017-Dec-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — The NRF Foundation today (December 6, 2017) announced the 25 individuals named to The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future. The honorees represent the best and brightest individuals impacting the retail industry and will be celebrated January 14, 2018, at the NRF Foundation Gala during NRF 2018: Retail’s Big Show in New York City. Proceeds from the Gala benefit the NRF Foundation, NRF’s nonprofit arm, which is committed to shaping the future of retail talent.

“An industry as dynamic as retail needs leaders with a range of talents from creatives to humanitarians to entrepreneurs,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Ellen Davis said. “Each person on The List embodies these qualities in some way and is helping to steer the retail industry toward a bright future.”

Now in its fourth year, the Gala brings together hundreds of industry executives to honor those named to The List and awards scholarships to talented students working to become the next generation of retail leaders. In addition to celebrating The List at the Gala, NRF will also recognize Walmart President and CEO Doug McMillon as “The Visionary,” an award for an inspiring leader with a long record of spearheading change in the industry.

The 2018 Gala is expected to raise more than $2.5 million for NRF Foundation programs – including educational and inspirational initiatives, student scholarships and RISE Up, a powerful, industry-backed credentialing program – and is on track to sell out by the end of 2017.

The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future 2018:

Disruptors:

Jeff Barnett – CEO, Commerce Cloud, Salesforce
Adam Goldenberg – Co-CEO, TechStyle Fashion Group
Paul Hennessy – CEO, Vroom
Jeff Kearl – CEO, Stance
Chris McCann –President and CEO, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.
Emily Weiss – Founder and CEO, Glossier

Dreamers:

Isabelle and Katherine Adams – Co-CEOs, Paper For Water
Michael Lastoria – Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director, &pizza
Carley Ochs – Founder, CEO and Designer, Bourbon and Boweties
Kate Ross LeBlanc – CEO and Co-Founder, Saje Natural Wellness

Givers:

Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale – Owner and Philanthropist, Gallery Furniture
Brittany Merrill Underwood – Founder and CEO, Akola Project
Karin Norington-Reaves – CEO, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Buddy Teaster – President and CEO, Soles4Souls
Hamdi Ulukaya – Founder, Chairman and CEO, Chobani

Influencers:

Matthew Boss – Managing Director, Equity Research, Consumer Discretionary/Retailing, J.P. Morgan
Amanda Curtis and Gemma Sole – Co-Founders, Nineteenth Amendment
Jonathan Sokoloff – Managing Partner, Leonard Green & Partners
Rob Sweeney – Global Head of Consumer and Retail Investment Banking, Goldman Sachs
Barbara Thau – Contributing Retail Writer, Forbes.com

Power Players:

Mary Campbell – Executive Vice President, Commerce Platforms, QVC, Inc.
James ‘JC’ Curleigh – President, Levi’s Brand
Jane Elfers – President and CEO, The Children’s Place, Inc.
Helena Foulkes – Executive Vice President, CVS Health, and President, CVS Pharmacy
Greg Scott – CEO, New York & Company

About The NRF Foundation 
The NRF Foundation shapes retail’s future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stories; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail. The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters. NRF.com/Foundation.

Contact:

Ana Serafin Smith
(202) 626-8189
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press

Source: NRF

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Great Place to Work and FORTUNE named Old Navy one of the 2017 Best Workplaces for Diversity

SAN FRANCISCO, 2017-Dec-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have named Old Navy one of the 2017 Best Workplaces for Diversity. The ranking considered more than 440,000 employee surveys from organizations in a wide range of industries across the U.S. Great Place to Work, a research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These included professional development, behaviors linked to innovation, leadership confidence and consistent treatment among employees of different backgrounds. The ranking also accounted for the share of women, people of color, Baby Boomers and LGBT individuals in the workplace. Old Navy was also named to the 2017 “Best Workplaces in Retail” list.

“Old Navy’s mission is to democratize style and make great fashion accessible to everyone, and we celebrate a workplace that’s just as diverse as our customers,” said Sheila Peters, Senior Vice President, Old Navy Human Resources and Communications. “Our employees are what make us unique, and it’s important that they feel respected and empowered at work, every day.”

“At Gap Inc., we strive to create a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion and treats every individual with dignity and respect. By upholding these values, we are able to attract and retain talented people, deliver the best products and experiences to our customers and support positive change across business and society,” said Kisha Modica, Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Gap, Inc.

The Best Workplaces for Diversity stand out for their consistent leadership and the meaningful ways that all employees contribute to their organizations. Tenure for women and people of color was higher at the leading employers than at their peers. In several business sectors, the winning organizations also reported turnover two to three times lower than industry averages.

“The Best Workplaces for Diversity have achieved something beyond basic fairness. They find ways to connect with each and every employee, listening to their challenges and building on their talents,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work.

The Best Workplaces for Diversity is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations. Old Navy also was ranked as a Best Workplace for Retail by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE.

Learn more about careers at Old Navy on LinkedIn and the Old Navy Careers Blog.

About Old Navy

Old Navy is a global apparel and accessories brand that makes current American essentials accessible to every family. Originated in 1994, the brand celebrates the democracy of style through on-trend, playfully optimistic, affordable and high quality product. A division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), Old Navy brings a fun, energizing shopping environment to its customers in more than 1,000 stores around the world. For more information, please visit www.oldnavy.com.

About the Best Workplaces for Diversity

Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses from 442,624 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with FORTUNE, visit Greatplacetowork.com.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance.

Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT:
press@gap.com

SOURCE: Gap Inc.

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NEW ZEALAND: Foodstuffs to send seven young butchers to Ireland for the World Butchers’ Challenge

Auckland, New Zealand, 2017-Dec-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Foodstuffs is sending seven young butchers to Ireland for the World Butchers’ Challenge in Belfast, in March 2018.

Alana Empson, Amy Jones, Ben Henry, Jeremy Garth, Luka Young, Samantha Weller and Zak Grammer are among the top young butchers in New Zealand, and all of them work in Foodstuffs’ supermarkets. Amy, Ben and Luka are competing in the World Young Butchers event, and Samantha will also represent New Zealand in the World Apprentice Butcher event.

 

Zak and Jeremy are members of the Pure South Sharp Blacks – New Zealand’s national butchery team. Zak is the Butchery Manager at New World Eastridge in Auckland and Jeremy is the Butchery Manager at New World Ferry Road in Christchurch.

Jeremy joined the trade straight out of secondary school.

“I went on work experience to a retail butcher shop and they offered me a job, so that was it. I love the different challenges of the job and the potential to be creative.”

Jeremy is enjoying coming up with new sausage flavours.

“Beef, blue cheese and mushrooms is a favourite with our customers. I’ve also just made a lamb, garlic and mint sausage which is starting to take off too.”

He is looking forward to the learning opportunities the Ireland trip will bring.

“There will be 11 other countries there and we’ll learn a lot from the other butchers. We’re also going to do a retail study tour while we’re there, so I think we’ll pick up some ideas for new products too.”

Zak Grammer followed his father’s footsteps into the industry, having helped in the family butchery from the age of 5. At 13 he started helping out with the Christmas rush, and at 17 he began his apprenticeship under his father’s tutelage.

“I think butchers are becoming the next rock stars of the food industry. We’re starting to get recognised more, in the food industry especially,” he says.

“It’s given me the opportunity to spend time overseas. I spent four years in London and learned new skills while I was there. I got to work for Jamie Oliver as well, which was pretty cool.

“You get to work with a good bunch of people. It’s a good environment. We have a laugh and a bit of a sing out the back – there’s a fair bit of camaraderie,” he says.

Luka works with Zak at New World Eastridge and is one of the young butchers who will be competing in Ireland. He has been working as a butcher since finishing school and now regularly competes at butchery competitions and says the level of talent coming through the industry gets better every year.

Ben Henry is also one of the young butchers representing New Zealand in Ireland next year. He did his apprenticeship in Dunedin at New World Centre City and quickly proved his talent by winning the Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year competition. He moved to Wellington last year and now works at New World Thorndon. Ben also made this year’s final of the Alto Butcher of the Year competition.

Butchery has traditionally been a male-dominated trade, but Foodstuffs has several female butchers working in its supermarkets, including three who are going to Ireland.
Amy Jones works at New World Taumarunui. She won last year’s Alto Young Butcher Competition and will be competing next year in Ireland.

“I started my apprenticeship in 2011 at New World Taumarunui after four years in in the freezing works at Te Kuiti. I am still thoroughly enjoying the trade.

“I’m really looking forward to competing in Ireland. It is such an amazing outcome, all from entering into the Alto and Competenz butchery competitions! I highly recommend that other apprentices and butchers give it a shot, it’s inspirational to see what else goes on with other apprentices and butchers at these competitions, and after that you might just win the experience of a lifetime,” she says.

Samantha Weller is the 2017 Competenz Butcher Apprentice of the Year and works at New World Rangiora.

“I started working here about four-and-a-half years ago as a meat packer, when I was 19. I was working part-time and studying to be an early childhood educator. I finished my course but then my manager at New World offered me the apprenticeship. I’ve always found the trade interesting, so it was a no-brainer.

“I’d tell anyone looking into the apprenticeship that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. So I’d recommend it to anyone with a genuine interest. Breaking down the carcases and creating cuts is one of my favourite things. Last year my pork and fennel sausage won gold in the Devro New Zealand Sausage Competition,” Sam says.
Alana Empson works at PAK’nSAVE Clarence Street in Hamilton, where she is second in command in the butchery department. She is not competing in Ireland but is joining the group for the retail study tour.

“I have had some amazing opportunities over the last couple of years. After winning NZ Young Butcher of the Year 2015, I was invited to compete in the inaugural International Young Butcher of the Year competition as part of the World Butchers Challenge held on the Gold Coast in September 2016. I was competing against some incredible butchers from New Zealand, Australia, France and England and managed to get the win.

“Earlier this year I competed in the Butcher Wars competition at Meatstock in Auckland and in Sydney. These two competitions really tested me, as we only had 30 minutes to cut, display and present a side of lamb and a half saddle of pork. I was up against 19 highly skilled and experienced butchers – all of them male. I was so chuffed to come away with fourth place at the Auckland event.”

Alana started her career in the grocery industry as a check-out operator at New World Waiuku. A position came up in the butchery, and after one lesson in boning out beef, she was hooked.

“I love my job because each day is different,” Alana says. “One day I could be doing a stocktake or placing orders and the next I could be down on the back bench with the boys, filling vol-au-vents and making Beef Wellington.

“My favourite part of the job is when we do a specialised cut for a customer and they come back and give us feedback on how well it cooked and how good it tasted.”

Alana encourages other young women to consider butchery as a career.

“I have seen a gradual change away from the physical tasks butchers are more commonly known for (breaking and boning beef etc) to being more about value-added cuts; building relationships with customers and having a solid knowledge about cooking and flavour combinations. It’s a great career for anyone that loves cooking, loves food and has creative flair.”

Contact:

Foodstuffs Communications Team Phone:
0800 376 3342

Source: Foodstuffs NZ

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Macy’s to hire an additional 7,000 seasonal associates for 2017 Christmas and holiday season

CINCINNATI, 2017-Dec-04 — /EPR Retail News/ — Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE:M) today (Dec. 1, 2017) announced plans to hire an additional 7,000 seasonal associates for positions at its Macy’s stores nationwide for the 2017 Christmas and holiday season.

To discover open positions and opportunities for on-site interviews, candidates should apply in advance at macysJOBS.com. Positions in all stores nationwide are searchable on the easy-to-navigate hiring sites. Candidates who submit applications online will receive a response via email.

“Macy’s has had a great start to this holiday season with high customer volume across our business. Due to the strong traffic in our stores, we are adding associates in our stores across the country to ensure that customers continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from us,” said John Harper, Macy’s chief stores officer. “We are excited to be further expanding our seasonal workforce. Seasonal workers play an important role in the Macy’s holiday shopping experience and, in addition to a competitive hourly income, they will experience a flexible working environment and benefit from a merchandise discount.”

Seasonal store associates at Macy’s serve customers on the selling floor and work in store operations positions, including fulfilling buy online, pick-up-in-store orders. Most seasonal positions are part-time, often with flexibility to fit the availability of the individuals hired.

About Macy’s, Inc.

Macy’s, Inc. is one of the nation’s premier retailers. With fiscal 2016 sales of $25.778 billion and approximately 140,000 employees, the company operates more than 700 department stores under the nameplates Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and approximately 160 specialty stores that include Bloomingdale’s The Outlet, Bluemercury and Macy’s Backstage. Macy’s, Inc. operates stores in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico, as well as macys.com, bloomingdales.com and bluemercury.com. Bloomingdale’s stores in Dubai and Kuwait are operated by Al Tayer Group LLC under license agreements. Macy’s, Inc. has corporate offices in Cincinnati, Ohio, and New York, New York.

Media:
Blair Fasbender Rosenberg
646-429-6032
media@macys.com

Investors:
Monica Koehler
513-579-7780
investors@macys.com

Source: Macy’s, Inc.

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Office Depot Receives 100 percent on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Scorecard on LGBTQ Workplace Equality

BOCA RATON, Fla., 2017-Dec-01 — /EPR Retail News/ — Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ:ODP), a leading omnichannel provider of business services, products and technology today (November 30, 2017) announced that it received a perfect 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The CEI is a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality.

“We are proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality for the seventh consecutive year,” said Zoë Maloney, senior vice president of human resources for Office Depot, Inc. “Office Depot is committed to an inclusive work environment that values and respects the talents and contributions of every associate. We recruit a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and offer equal opportunities for advancement, encouraging all employees to develop to their full potential.”

The 2018 CEI rated 947 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community. Office Depot’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc. is a leading provider of office supplies, business products and services delivered through an omnichannel platform.

The company had 2016 annual sales of approximately $11 billion, employed approximately 38,000 associates, and served consumers and businesses in North America and abroad with approximately 1,400 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organization – with a global network of wholly owned operations, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company operates under several banner brands including Office Depot®, OfficeMax®, BizBox, CompuCom®, Complete Office and Grand&Toy®. The company’s portfolio of exclusive product brands include TUL®, Foray®, Brenton Studio®, Ativa®, WorkPro®, Realspace® and Highmark®.

Office Depot, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ODP.”

Office Depot, Foray, Ativa and Realspace are trademarks of The Office Club, Inc. OfficeMax, TUL, Brenton Studio, WorkPro and Highmark are trademarks of OMX, Inc. CompuCom is a trademark of CompuCom Systems, Inc. and Complete Office is a trademark of Complete Office Solutions, LLC. Grand&Toy is a trademark of Grand & Toy, LLC in Canada. ©2017 Office Depot, Inc. All rights reserved. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Contact:
Rebecca Rakitin
561-438-1450
Rebecca.Rakitin@officedepot.com

Source: Office Depot, Inc.

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Walgreens marks the 12th year of earning a perfect score from the Corporate Equality Index

Company scores 100 percent for the 12th year on Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 16th Annual Scorecard

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2017-Nov-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This marks the 12th year Walgreens has earned a perfect score from the CEI index.

“It’s an honor to be acknowledged once again by the Human Rights Campaign for our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce,” said Kendrick Cox, interim chief human resources officer at Walgreens. “We recognize the importance of fostering the growth and development of all our employees. Our Walgreens Pride Alliance business resource group continues to be especially helpful with evolving our policies and practices to help ensure a welcoming workplace for all.”

The 2018 CEI rated 947 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagement with the LGBTQ community.

Walgreens efforts satisfied all of the CEI’s criteria resulting in a 100 percent ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Walgreens joins the ranks of 609 major U.S. businesses that also earned top marks this year.

For more information on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, 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.

Contact(s):

Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

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2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists announced

2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists announced

 

Ten Outstanding High School Seniors from Across the Country Compete for two $10,000 Scholarships

DUBLIN, Ohio, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — The cut has been made and Wendy’s High School Heisman® names the Top Ten Scholar-Athletes in the U.S. These young men and women will now compete to become the Wendy’s High School Heisman National Winners.

For more than 20 years, Wendy’s franchisees across America celebrate the outstanding youth in their communities who put in countless hours on the athletic field and in their academic pursuit while also overcoming some intense obstacles. One hundred students will receive a total of $150,000 in scholarships, with eight National Finalists each receiving $5,000 and the two National Winners receiving $10,000.

Visit www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com to learn more about the 2017 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists. Each of their complete profiles (including photos for use in press materials) will be populated by Wednesday, November 15.

FEMALE FINALISTS

  • Audrey Ernst, St. Charles North High School, St. Charles, Illinois
  • Soleil Gaylord, Telluride High School, Telluride, Colorado
  • Wells Johnstone, Madison Academic Magnet High School, Jackson, Tennessee
  • Natalie MacEwan, El Camino Real Charter High School, Woodland Hills, California
  • Laura Murphy, East Greenwich High School, East Greenwich, Rhode Island

MALE FINALISTS

  • Jackson Destine, Atlantic High School, Delray Beach, Florida
  • Karsten Householder, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, Arizona
  • Ian McGrory, Queen Anne’s County High School, Centreville, Maryland
  • Brendan Siefker, Ottoville High School, Ottoville, Ohio
  • Brandon Staple, Longmont High School, Longmont, Colorado

“Wendy’s proudly supports high school students as they pursue their passions by providing a platform for recognition, growth and success,” said Liliana Esposito, Wendy’s Chief Communications Officer. “We have the great privilege to celebrate and honor the best student-athletes in every community who do more than excel on the field and in the classroom. They are leaders in their community and believe in making the world a better place by giving back with their time and talents. The 2017 National Finalists are worthy bearers of the Wendy’s High School Heisman name and we are fortunate to be a part of their stories.”

The National Finalists, five female and five male high school seniors, will receive an all-expense paid trip to the Wendy’s Heisman Weekend, including the National Awards Banquet in New York City, a gold medal and a Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalist Heisman patch. The eight National Finalists who do not qualify as National Winners will walk away with a $100 Wendy’s gift card and a $5,000 college scholarship. The two National Winners, who will receive a Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy, a National Winner patch, a $500 Wendy’s gift card and a $10,000 college scholarship, will be announced on December 8 and recognized during ESPN’s national telecast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation.

For more information about Wendy’s High School Heisman visit www.wendysheisman.com.

About Wendy’s High School Heisman

Wendy’s High School Heisman was created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1994.  Dave Thomas dropped out of high school when he was 15 years old to work full-time and went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history.  While this nontraditional path led to his prosperity, it always worried Dave that others would follow in his footsteps and expect to achieve similar fame and wealth by not finishing high school or attending college.

Faced with this dilemma, at 61 years old, Dave enrolled at Coconut Creek High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and received his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Inspired by this moment and with a desire to celebrate the outstanding achievements of youth in America, he launched the Wendy’s High School Heisman program.

Twenty-two years later, Wendy’s High School Heisman has honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors who share Wendy’s values of giving back to their communities, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling on the athletic field.

Wendy’s High School Heisman is a joint program between Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust, host and custodians of the Heisman Memorial Trophy®.

About Wendy’s

The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ: WEN) is the world’s third largest quick-service hamburger restaurant chain. The Wendy’s system includes more than 6,500 restaurants in 29 countries and U.S. territories. For more information, visit www.wendys.com.

The Wendy’s name and design and the Wendy’s High School Heisman and design are trademarks of Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC. The Heisman Memorial Trophy, Heisman name and Heisman Trophy figure are registered trademarks of the Heisman Trophy Trust, used with permission.

MEDIA CONTACT:

BryAnn Roth
614.764.3138
bry.roth@wendys.com

Source: Wendy’s Company

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CVS Health to hire 5,000 new apprentices by 2022

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2017-Nov-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — In an ongoing commitment to workforce development, CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) today (November 14, 2017) announced it has set a goal of hiring 5,000 new apprentices by 2022. The newly established goal, which coincides with the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week, reflects an expansion of the company’s Registered Apprenticeship program to seven additional states, including Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, bringing the total number of statewide apprenticeship programs supported by CVS Health to 18.

Registered Apprenticeships provide participants with structured training to maintain the high level of skills needed in complex fields such as pharmacy care and prescription benefit management, and equips participants with a nationally recognized credential that will help them advance in their careers.

“Apprenticeships help job creators fill open positions with skilled job seekers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “CVS Health’s goal to hire thousands more apprentices reflects the strength of the apprenticeship model. The Administration is pleased to see the creation of more opportunities for Americans to learn the skills they need to find family-sustaining jobs.”

CVS Health became the first employer to launch a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for pharmacy technicians in 2005. Through 2017, the company has had more than 4,700 colleagues join its Registered Apprenticeship career tracks for retail pharmacy, prescription benefit management and retail store management.

CVS Health is among a growing number of U.S. companies investing in earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs, due in part to the nation’s skills gap. Today, there are more than 6 million vacant jobs that American workers are unable to fill the highest level on record, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reported in 2015 that the country is projected to produce one million fewer technical workers than is needed over the next decade.

“The widening skills gap in the U.S. is a significant business concern, and companies large and small are seeing this workplace strategy that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction as a viable solution to build a pipeline of future skilled talent,” said Lisa Bisaccia, EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer for CVS Health.

As part of its apprenticeship strategy, CVS Health works with community organizations across the country to source a consistent pipeline of apprentices including federal, state and local government organizations, public workforce agencies, community colleges, community-based nonprofits and faith-based organizations to provide candidate referrals from untapped pools of talent.

“Meaningful work and a defined career track can provide a source of dignity, pride and identity, which participants are able to gain through our Registered Apprenticeship programs,” added Bisaccia.

The U.S. Department of Labor has designated November 13 – 19, 2017 as the third annual National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide opportunity for companies, trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, unions, labor-management organizations, and educational institutions to highlight how apprenticeships prepare American workers for the jobs of today and the future.

About CVS Health

CVS Health is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its 9,700 retail locations, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 90 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:

Mary Gattuso
Mary.Gattuso@CVSHealth.com
401-770-9811

SOURCE: CVS Health

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LVMH announces appointments to its Executive Committee

Paris, 2017-Nov-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Group announces the following appointments to its Executive Committee:

Sidney Toledano becomes Chairman and CEO of the Fashion Group after 20 years at the helm of Christian Dior Couture. The CEOs of Céline, Givenchy, Loewe, Pucci, Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Rossimoda and Nicholas Kirkwood will report into him. Sidney Toledano becomes a member of the LVMH Executive Committee.
Pietro Beccari has been appointed Chairman and CEO of Christian Dior Couture after heading up Fendi since 2012. He also becomes a member of the LVMH Executive Committee.

Pierre-Yves Roussel steps down as head of the Fashion Group after ten years and becomes Special Advisor to Bernard Arnault. He will shortly assume new operational responsibilities within the LVMH Executive Committee, of which he has been a member for 14 years.

Bernard Arnault commented: “Sidney Toledano is the driving force behind the huge success of Christian Dior Couture across the world. Over the past 25 years, he has done an outstanding job of developing the exceptional House of Christian Dior Couture and of promoting its elegance and modernity through its highly talented team of designers. I want to offer my profound gratitude and am delighted that we will continue to work together and benefit from his expertise.”

“The appointment of Pietro Beccari as head of Christian Dior Couture signals a new era,” added Bernard Arnault. “Having been an integral member of our Group for 12 years, Pietro has an excellent track record. After several years as Marketing Director of Louis Vuitton, he oversaw strong growth at Fendi by expertly harnessing the creativity of Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi and closely aligning it to the Roman influence of the House. He will be an excellent leader who will steer Dior towards ever greater success in the future.”

Bernard Arnault added: “I am sincerely grateful to Pierre-Yves Roussel for his excellent work. Thanks to his leadership, the Fashion Group’s various brands have achieved remarkable success over the last 10 years. In particular, he has played an instrumental role in the selection of the best creative talents and in implementing innovative strategies and high-performing teams within the different Houses.”

These appointments will take effect from the beginning of 2018.

The new CEO of Fendi will be announced in the near future.

Media Contacts:
Jean-Charles Tréhan
LVMH
+33 1 44 13 21 22

France: Michel Calzaroni / Olivier Labesse /
Hugues Schmitt / Thomas Roborel de Climens
DGM Conseil
+33 1 40 70 11 89

UK: Hugh Morrison / Charlotte McMullen
Montfort Communications
+44 203 770 7903

Italy: Michele Calcaterra / Matteo Steinbach
SEC and Partners
+39 02 62 49 991

US: Jim Fingeroth / Molly Morse / Anntal Silver
Kekst & Company
+1 212 521 4800

Source: LVMH

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Kroger to hire 14,000 part-time and seasonal roles this holiday season

CINCINNATI, 2017-Nov-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that it is hiring for an estimated 14,000 part-time and seasonal roles across its family of companies this holiday season. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at jobs.kroger.com.

“We are delighted to welcome new associates to our team this holiday season,” said Lanell Ohlinger, vice president of talent development. “At Kroger, we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of more than nine million customers who shop with us every day. If you love people and you love food, our stores are a wonderful place to help make customers’ lives and celebrations easier and a little bit brighter.”

Talent Development is a core driver of the company’s recently-announced Restock Kroger Plan. As part of Restock Kroger, the company plans to invest an incremental $500 million in human capital over the next three years. This will be in addition to Kroger’s continued efforts to rebalance pay and benefits while also focusing on certifications and performance incentives, career opportunities, and training.

“Now more than ever, Kroger is a great place to come for a job and stay for a great career,” Ms. Ohlinger added.

Kroger also remains committed to hiring veterans, military service members and their families. Kroger has hired more than 43,000 veterans since 2009 and more than 9,600 veterans in 2017.

At The Kroger Co., we are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are 450,000 associates who serve nearly nine million customers daily in 2,793 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Our Family of Companies operates an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized order online service – in addition to 2,258 pharmacies, 783 convenience stores, 307 fine jewelry stores, 222 retail health clinics, 1,472 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Our Company has been recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for our support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. As a leader in supplier diversity, we are a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.

Contact:

(Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; northern Kentucky, southeastern Indiana)
Patty Leesemann
513-782-8745
patty.leesemann@kroger.com

SOURCE: The Kroger Co.

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Carrefour currently employs more than 12,000 persons with disabilities and intends to continue its disability inclusion efforts

Carrefour currently employs more than 12,000 persons with disabilities and intends to continue its disability inclusion efforts

 

Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 2017-Nov-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — Carrefour, a partner of the 2017 European Disability Employment Week organized by LADAPT, has launched far-reaching initiatives to help disabled individuals enter the workforce since 1999. The retailer has posted a 25% increase in the employment rate in Europe in five years and currently employs more than 12,000 persons with disabilities, including more than 8,600 in Europe. In France, where the “Mission Handicap Hypermarchés” agreement has already been renewed seven times, Carrefour hypermarkets and Carrefour Market stores have surpassed the 6% legal threshold thanks to ongoing efforts to promote the inclusion of disabled workers.

With 12,000 stores that reflect their local communities and neighbourhoods and as a signatory of the Diversity Charter since 2004, Carrefour takes concrete actions year-round in the 10 countries in which it operates to ensure that diversity is a key feature of all the company’s professions and at all levels.

In France, Carrefour employs 6,737 disabled individuals
The “Mission Handicap” agreement, which raises employee awareness and supports disabled workers every day, was launched in Carrefour hypermarkets in 1999 and has since been renewed seven times. Thanks to this agreement, the median disabled employment rate at Carrefour hypermarkets is 6.55% and as high as 14% for some.

Carrefour Market celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Mission Handicap agreement this year. It was awarded the Diversity Label by AFNOR (the French national organization for standardization), confirming the commitments and concrete actions taken by the retailer to promote diversity and gender equality and combat all forms of discrimination. Disabled individuals account for 6.71% of its workforce (figures at end-2016).

In addition, Carrefour Supply Chain participates each year in the “Free Handy’s Trophy”, a relay race in which able-bodied and disabled employees pair up to cover a 700 km route on tandem bicycles and in canoes.

Lastly, since 2016 Carrefour has helped those with psychological disorders by working with the French Army to provide immersion traineeships to soldiers wounded in the line of duty. The aim is to support them in finding a new civilian career and offer them appropriate retraining. To date, eight people have been offered immersion training and two people have obtained employment.

Carrefour partners with LADAPT in Europe
As the first company to enter into a partnership with the ILO Global Business and Disability network in 2011, Carrefour supports inclusion on a Europe-wide scale and the dissemination of best practices to promote the employment of persons with disabilities.
In joining forces with LADAPT, Carrefour further demonstrates its diversity policy and intends to continue its international efforts alongside it.

Elsewhere in Europe, an overview of Carrefour’s initiatives
As the first company to enter into a partnership with the ILO Global Business and Disability network in 2011, Carrefour is stepping up its efforts to promote the employment and professional development of disabled individuals not only in France but also in Belgium, Spain, Italy, Poland and Romania. The number of disabled employees working at Carrefour has increased by 25% since 2011.

Here are a few examples of the initiatives carried out:

>In northern Europe:
In Belgium, Carrefour organizes the “Duo Day” program in partnership with AWIPH (Walloon agency for the integration of disabled persons). Each year in March, store employees are invited to work in tandem with a disabled person for several days. The goal is to provide an introduction to the workplace and help employees and customers change the way they perceive disability by showing them how individuals who are full of potential can be employed.

>In Eastern Europe:
In Poland, the retailer works with the Ekon association, which has led to the recruitment of 150 mentally disabled individuals. It employs 315 persons with disabilities, which represents a 20% increase between 2015 and 2016. In Romania, Carrefour introduced an action plan in 2016 to hire 70 disabled individuals.

>In southern Europe:
In Spain, Carrefour has signed agreements with the local authorities and associations to promote the employment of people with disabilities. Thanks to the various initiatives undertaken, Carrefour Spain received the European prize for best company in terms of workplace integration. This prize is awarded by EAPSD (European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities), which recognizes the company’s efforts to support the integration of persons with disabilities into the workplace. In Italy, Carrefour has made disability one of the four key priorities of its Diversity strategy. The retailer employs more than 600 disabled people in the country.

For all request about the Carrefour Group (sales, financial results, governance, international,…), please contact the Carrefour Group media relations office:

By phone:

Switchboard: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 00

For journalists: +33 (0)1 41 04 26 17

. By e-mail: presse_groupe@carrefour.com

Source: Carrefour Group

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Lowe’s Canada to fill up more than 130 permanent positions for its new store in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Job Fair slated for November 9th and 10th in anticipation of new Lowe’s store opening in early 2018

Boucherville, QC, 2017-Nov-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — As part of its ongoing growth in Canada, Lowe’s Canada has announced hiring plans for its new Lowe’s store in Winnipeg, Manitoba, slated to open in early 2018. Located at 1799 Kenaston Boulevard, at the intersection of Scurfield Boulevard, this new Lowe’s store will create more than 130 permanent positions including full time, part time and seasonal roles.

Lowe’s will be holding a Job Fair on Thursday November 9, from 10 am to 7 pm, and Friday November 10, from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry located at 1824 Pembina Hwy, in Winnipeg. The store will employ a total of more than 130 permanent roles, with about 60 of those roles being full time. Most roles will start in late November and December of 2017. Available positions include Department Managers, Sales Specialists, Customer Service Associates, a Plumbing Pro, an Electrical Pro, Head Cashiers, Cashier/Returns Associates, Night Crew, a Receiving Clerk, and Janitorial/Maintenance.

In addition, 30 to 40 seasonal contract positions will be opened in the spring and summer seasons.

Interested candidates are invited to bring their resume and attend the Lowe’s Job Fair to learn more about available employment opportunities and apply in person. The store’s management team will be onsite ready to accept applications and conduct on-the-spot interviews. Those unable to apply in person can go to www.lowes.ca/careers at any time to submit their application.

“We are excited to be joining the Winnipeg community and have a lot of great employment opportunities available,” said Fred Pagotto, Market Director, Lowe’s Canada Big Box Retail. “The new Lowe’s will create many new jobs in Winnipeg and we are committed to filling as many positions as possible locally. We are looking for passionate people who are ready to help our customers love where they live, and achieve their project goals and dreams.”

“We are excited to be joining the Winnipeg community and have a lot of great employment opportunities available,” said Fred Pagotto, Market Director, Lowe’s Canada Big Box Retail. “The new Lowe’s will create many new jobs in Winnipeg and we are committed to filling as many positions as possible locally. We are looking for passionate people who are ready to help our customers love where they live, and achieve their project goals and dreams.”

Highlights of Reno-Depot’s Click-Buy-Renovate program

What: Lowe’s Job Fair to support hiring in anticipation of the opening of the new Lowe’s store in Winnipeg, creating more than 130 permanent positions. Interested candidates can apply in person and Lowe’s management team will be onsite to conduct on-the-spot interviews.

When: Thursday, November 9 – 10 am to 7 pm Friday, November 10 – 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Canad Inns Destination Centre Fort Garry 1824 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg

Interested candidates can visit www.lowes.ca/careers for more information and are encouraged to visit the site often for details on employment opportunities.

About Lowe’s Canada

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving more than 17 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With fiscal year 2016 sales of $65.0 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,370 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 290,000 people. Based in Boucherville, Quebec, Lowe’s Canadian business, together with its wholly owned subsidiary, RONA inc., operates or services more than 600 corporate and independent affiliate dealer stores in a number of complementary formats under different banners. These include Lowe’s, RONA, Réno-Dépôt, Marcil, Dick’s Lumber and Ace. In Canada, the companies have more than 25,000 employees, in addition to nearly 5,000 employees in the stores of RONA’s independent affiliate dealers. For more information, visit Lowes.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Valérie Gonzalo
Media Relations
Lowe’s Canada – RONA
Tel 514.626.6976
media@rona.ca

Source: Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

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UK: Sainsbury’s earns the highest tier of accreditation in the government’s Disability Confident Programme

UK: Sainsbury’s earns the highest tier of accreditation in the government’s Disability Confident Programme

LONDON, 2017-Oct-31 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that Sainsbury’s has achieved Disability Confident Leader status – the highest tier of accreditation in the government’s Disability Confident Programme. Sainsbury’s, which employs over 190,000 colleagues, is the largest retailer to achieve this status.

  • Largest retailer to achieve highest tier of accreditation in the Department for Work and Pensions’ Disability Confident Programme
  • Awarded to organisations who take positive action to employ disabled people and encourage other employers to do the same

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that Sainsbury’s has achieved Disability Confident Leader status – the highest tier of accreditation in the government’s Disability Confident Programme. Sainsbury’s, which employs over 190,000 colleagues, is the largest retailer to achieve this status.

In order to be granted this status, which is underpinned by an independent validation, Sainsbury’s had to demonstrate not only that it takes positive action to employ disabled people and follows best practice, but that it proactively encourages other employers to make the journey to becoming Disability Confident.

The Disability Confident Programme was launched by the Department for Work and Pensions a year ago with the aim to help employers recruit and retain disabled people and people with health conditions for their skills and talent. As part of the scheme, the Department for Work and Pensions also set up the Disability Confident Business Leaders Group, which is engaging with the business community on disability employment. Tim Fallowfield, Sainsbury’s Company Secretary and Corporate Services Director was appointed as Chair of the group last December. Over 5,000 businesses have signed up to the group.

Tim Fallowfield, who is also Sainsbury’s Board Sponsor for Disability and Carers, commented: “We want to be the most inclusive retailer, where all our colleagues can fulfil their potential. We are very proud to have achieved the status of Disability Confident Leader, which recognises our hard work in this area. We have developed a number of initiatives, from our You Can programme which enables us to recruit colleagues who may face barriers to employment, to creating a guide to workplace adjustments for our managers. Through our involvement in the Disability Confident Business Leaders Group, we hope to encourage as many employers as possible to feel confident in employing people with a disability, providing those colleagues with the opportunity to realise their potential.”

Penny Mordaunt, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, commented: “As the largest retailer to become a Disability Confident Leader, Sainsbury’s is acting as a champion within the industry and leading others to make the most of the talents that disabled people can bring to the workplace.

“Disabled people make up almost a fifth of the working age population, and becoming a Disability Confident employer sends a powerful message to potential employees that they will get the support they need to thrive.”

SOURCE: Sainsbury’s

MEDIA CONTACT

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