Retail

Bridal Cosmetics E-Commerce Luxury Office Products Supply Chain Management
News Release Digital Asset Direct

CITY GEAR DROPS PART ONE OF LATEST 'FRESH OFF THE BLOCK' ST. LOUIS FEATURING BOTH A RAPPER & FILMMAKER

Hibbett, Inc.

Hibbett, Inc., (NASDAQ:HIBB), an athletic-inspired fashion retailer with more than 1,100 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores nationwide, today announced a new two-part episode of City Gear Fresh Off The Block (FOTB), featuring two men from St. Louis, Missouri. Part one of the episode launches today and part two drops on May 4, 2023 and both will be viewable on You Tube at @CityGearOfficial. The FOTB series first launched in the fall of 2022 to spotlight the stories and lifestyles of sneaker fashion enthusiasts from urban cities across America. The newest FOTB episode introduces viewers to St Louis locals Muhammad Austin, @Mvstermind, rapper, producer and creator of “Mvstercamp" and Drew Brown, @thefilmlord, a digital photographer and cinematographer. Both share their love of St. Louis culture, food and music and how this city has influenced them, their careers and their style. “It’s been fun to bring our Fresh Off The Block project to life with our partners at Nike to emphasize the fashion lifestyle influence of culturally-rich cities like St. Louis,” said Sarah Sharp-Wangaard, VP Marketing, Hibbett. “St. Louis has a great mix of both southern and midwestern culture and as we see through the lens of Muhammad and Drew, there is an abundance of inspiration and creativity there.” The FOTB crew followed and filmed both Austin and Brown in their hometown and visited some favorite places. In part one, 32 year-old rapper, Muhammad “Mvstermind” Austin takes the crew around to a couple of his favorite dining spots Lefty’s Fried Rice and Seoul Taco. “Man, when I’m not out there soaking up the culture in the city, you can usually find me out in nature, taking in the sights and sounds that St. Louis has to offer, like picnicking in Tower Grove Park with my fam, hiking through the nearby state parks and just strolling through Forest Park and letting my mind unwind. I remember when I was a kid, my dad taking me to City Gear, trying on shoes and picking the perfect outfit for the first day of school. To this day, whenever I go to the City Gear store, I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic for those simpler times. If I were to describe the music I create, it’s a reflection of everything I love and everything in my past that’s led me to be my city’s hometown hero.” Austin talks fashion and says St. Louis weather is unpredictable and comfort is key, so he is ready for anything when it comes to his wardrobe. “I’m talking about layering up, mixing and matching pieces so I can add or remove them as needed to stay comfy and look fresh at the same time. Yo, when it comes to sneakers, I need em to pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Give me colors that scream out to the world like neon orange. A bold pair of kicks can elevate my whole mood and energy. But that’s just the start, cause I need my sneakers to have some real intention behind em. I ain’t talking about just looking good, I need a story, a purpose, a reason for existing. Whether it’s a collab that brings together two worlds or a shoe that’s made with the planet in mind, I wanna know what’s going on behind the scenes. At the end of the day, sneakers ain’t just shoes to me, they’re a whole vibe, a way to show the world who I am and what I’m about. And when I find a pair that’s got the color, the intention and the innovation all in one, I’m rockin em.” Drew Brown @thefilmlord, 27, has a bachelor’s degree in digital film and video production and is usually on the go, filming projects on location. Since his father gave him his first video camera in high school, Brown has made a career in cinematography and has filmed hundreds of documentaries, music videos and commercials all over the country and is currently on tour with St. Louis born performer Smino. Brown takes the FOTB crew around St. Louis to visit his favorite stylists at The Chop Shop and then to Bus Loop Burgers for his favorite burgers, fries and shakes. They visit The Show Me League, where he played youth basketball and learned life skills both on and off the basketball court. “St. Louis is a melting pot of the United States because we have so many different cultures here.” “St. Louis influenced the way I dress because I have to be comfortable but also have my own unique style,” said Brown. “No one wants to dress like another here, so we venture off and find our own personal style, which sets a tone for our personality. In St. Louis we get fly for every occasion, it’s just how we show who we truly are and how original we are. What drives me to a pair of shoes is the story behind the shoe and how comfortable it can be because as a filmmaker I must be comfortable while carrying heavy cameras and while moving around the city. Three things a shoe must have for me are style, comfort and a colorway to match a high percentage of my wardrobe.” Part one of FOTB debuts today with the second part launching on May 4 th and both can be viewed across multiple social platforms and @CityGearOfficial on You Tube. About Hibbett, Inc. Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with 1133 Hibbett and City Gear specialty stores, located in 36 states nationwide. Hibbett has a rich history of convenient locations, personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan, and adidas. Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks and make purchases online or in their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com. Follow us @hibbettsports and @citygear on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. ### Contact Details Wendy Yellin pr@hibbett.com Company Website https://www.Hibbett.com

April 20, 2023 01:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Gaviota Slashes Inventory While Boosting Service Levels 36% with ToolsGroup’s AI-Powered Planning

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization, has partnered with Gaviota, the automated sun and shutter specialists, to fuel its supply chain planning transformation, resulting in significantly reduced inventory levels, increased customer satisfaction, and substantial business benefits. By implementing ToolsGroup Service Optimizer 99+ (SO99+), Gaviota has achieved the supply chain trifecta – lower inventory, higher service levels, and improved operational performance. Thanks to ToolsGroup Demand Forecasting and Planning and Inventory Optimization, the manufacturer has: ● Raised service levels for top items from 70% to 95% ● Reduced stock levels from 61 days in inventory to 35 days, a reduction of approximately 43% ● Improved production performance by 37%, increasing factory-to-sales service levels from 60% to 82% Present in 75 countries, Gaviota is a world leader in components, accessories, and systems for shutters, awnings, and similar sun protection products. Thanks to continued business growth, Gaviota now manages an extensive network of production plants, subsidiaries, and distributors worldwide, as well as 25 manufacturing divisions operating from 50 warehouses. The company manages a portfolio of over 40,000 products, many of which are seasonal and involve heavy industrial processes. “We wanted to broaden our business scope while minimizing inventory investments and ensuring sterling customer service,” said Francisco Javier Fernández, Supply Chain Director. “Amid increasing complexity, we recognized the need for a dynamic, reliable tool to help us plan quickly and accurately, along with a technology partner to accompany us on our digital transformation journey. We chose ToolsGroup as a partner for its intuitive, scalable solution and its sharp supply chain acumen. SO99+ helped us align inventory with demand and streamline day-to-day operations for maximum customer satisfaction, inventory reduction, and business performance. This level of efficiency and flexibility is yielding strong benefits and positions us to seize and pursue future growth opportunities.” “Customer-centric supply chain planning is the key to catalyzing and sustaining business expansion,” said ToolsGroup CEO, Inna Kuznetsova. “By employing AI-driven planning solutions that power rapid, demand-driven decisions, companies unlock their supply chains’ untapped potential for improved customer satisfaction and business performance. Gaviota has embraced both the technology and the growth-oriented mindset needed to seize these manifold opportunities for business evolution. We’re thrilled with their success and look forward to new opportunities to continue our outstanding partnership.” Want to learn more? Read Gaviota’s full story and discover the secrets behind ToolsGroup’s unique probabilistic forecasting and inventory management solutions here. About Gaviota Gaviota is a leader in the manufacture of components, accessories and systems for rolling shutters, awnings and enclosures. It has an international presence based in Spain (Alicante) and 50 years of experience in the sun protection sector, with a high industrial production capacity, able to respond to any demand and always at the service of its customers. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory - delighting customers and achieving financial and ESG KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com

April 20, 2023 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference (LMCC) Spring 2023 Edition Returns To Hudson Yards, NYC: May 18 & 19

LMCC Ventures LLC

The Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference (LMCC) today announced its first wave of speakers, retail attendees, and showcasing brands for its Spring 2023 Edition, which returns to Hudson Yards in New York City on May 18 & 19, 2023. Launched in 2018 as a first-of-its-kind B2B event, LMCC has grown into the go-to biannual venue for product discovery and extensive education, connecting visionary CBD and Cannabis wellness, beauty, food/beverage, and lifestyle accessories brands – and their founders – to a powerful combination of hundreds of traditional retail buyers, luxe dispensaries, editorial press, and investors from around the world. 2023: The Year of the Brand “We’ve reimagined the boutique trade show experience by providing an immersive luxury retail environment for our business attendees to discover the finest wellness, beauty, and food & beverage brands in the space,” said LMCC’s Co-Founder & Executive Director Jed Wexler. “And as Cannabis retail comes alive in New York, 2023 truly is ‘The Year of the Brand’ with LMCC being the bridge to a massive new, elevated mainstream CPG wellness category.” In a testament to the mainstreaming of the category, LMCC will welcome a robust roster of industry leaders for two full days of panel discussions – each moderated by a veritable who’s who in media. Speakers: Jacques Tortoroli, CEO, Charlotte’s Web (“The Official CBD of Major League Baseball”) Jake Bullock, Co-Founder & CEO, Cann Tremaine Wright, Cannabis Control Board Chair, New York Office of Cannabis Management Arana Hankin-Biggers, President, Union Square Travel Agency Emily Schildt, Founder & CEO, Pop Up Grocer Amir Zwickel, Founder, SHOWFIELDS Melany Dobson, CEO, Hudson Cannabis & Ben Dobson, President, Hudson Cannabis Media: Tiffany Kary, Bloomberg News Chala June, Contributor, Bon Appétit Brian Underwood, Women’s Health Michael Kusek & Brit Smith, Different Leaf Kelly Kovack, Founder & CEO, BeautyMatter Oset Babür-Winter, Food & Wine Claire McCormack, Beauty Independent Erica La Sala, Beauty Independent Jeremy Berke (‘Cannabis Business Reporter of the Year”) Recently named one of BeautyMatter’s “Top Global Wellness & Beauty Trade Events” and Trade Show Executive Magazine’s “Leading Upcoming Trade Events in North America,” LMCC will present its signature Brand Showcase Studio — a pre-vetted, store-ready exhibition throughout the two-day program featuring keynotes and conversations with speakers, founders, and journalists. The LMCC 2023 Spring Edition will welcome hundreds of buyers from A-tier retail outlets, 50 accepted showcasing brands, 50 industry-leading speakers, and close to 900 global business attendees. Indicating the excitement and opportunity surrounding New York’s just-opened legal Cannabis market, LMCC is slated to host its largest and most impactful event to date. Exclusive New York and National Brand Launches at LMCC Spring 2023 From Charlotte’s Web and the re-rise of CBD wellness to Hudson Cannabis, 1906, Rose Los Angeles, Drew Martin, Dad Grass, PAMOS, and a slew of pioneering New York Cannabis brand launches exclusively during the show, LMCC presents the world’s finest store-ready product portfolios in and outside of the space. View the LMCC Spring 2023 peaker schedule and Brand Showcase Studio line-up at lmccshow.com. Follow LMCC Instagram or LinkedIn. LMCC SPRING 2023 BRAND SHOWCASE STUDIO DIRECTORY Brands can still apply to activate their brands at LMCC Spring 2023 HERE. View the latest Brand Showcase Studio directory HERE. LMCC SPRING 2023 RETAIL BUYER PREVIEW Admission is complimentary only for qualified retail buyers and their teams. Register representatives from traditional/online retailers, hotels/spas, independent wellness boutiques, luxe dispensaries, natural markets, and more HERE. ### Attendee Tickets: Two-day, all-access passes to LMCC Spring 2023 are $695. Purchase passes HERE. About LMCC: Founded in 2018, LMCC Ventures LLC is the parent company of the annual Luxury Meets Cannabis Conference (LMCC) in New York City. LMCC is the premier B2B event connecting A-tier retailers, media, investors, leading dispensaries, and CPG executives to premium CBD, hemp and Cannabis brands — with a keen focus on beauty, wellness, food & beverage. Past participants include retailers like Sephora, Nordstrom, Credo Beauty, and Bloomingdale’s; media including The New York Times, Glossy, Travel & Leisure, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Robb Report; and speakers from Mitch Baruchowitz (Merida Capital Holdings) and Cindy Capobianco (Lord Jones) to Bobbi Brown and Frederic Fekkai. Guidelines & Legal: Cannabis in name only; No smoking or vaping on any kind permitted inside the venue; Illegal products will NOT be allowed on-site Local laws strictly apply. Badge or Pass Required: LMCC is an invite-only B2B trade event not open to the public. A badge or pass is required. Contact Details LMCC Press Katie Shapiro +1 303-882-5596 katie@katieshapiromedia.com Company Website https://www.lmccshow.com/

April 20, 2023 06:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DataWeave’s New U.S. Apparel Report Analyzes 40,000+ SKUs: Pricing, Discounting, and Availability Changing in Inflationary Times

DataWeave

Stock Availability for Premium products averaged 80%—higher than for regular products Discounting rose sharply from July 2022 to January 2023 Regular prices dropped across most retailers during this period DataWeave, a leading provider of Competitive Intelligence and Digital Shelf Analytics for consumer brands and retailers globally, recently released a new report, US Apparel eCommerce: Pricing and Stock Availability Trends on the Backdrop of Inflation. The report provides a data-rich overview of the fashion and apparel market, with pricing changes, stock availability, and discounting tracked across top retailers and brands. Across more than 40,000 leading fashion apparel SKUs between July 2022 and January 2023, DataWeave analyzes price changes, discounting, and product availability across top retailers in light of post-pandemic market dynamics and an inflationary environment. DataWeave’s US Apparel eCommerce industry report 2023 looks at the impact of inflation on pricing in apparel, tracking consistent price drops across five major retailers over the past few months (with slight prices increases across two more). Analysis on pricing and availability of fashion apparel provides insight into broader trends during economic downturns or inflationary periods. “Apparel is seen as a discretionary spend, and as consumers feel the pinch of inflation, many are likely to cut down on their apparel purchases.,” said Karthik Bettadapura, CEO of DataWeave. “Amid this, our analysis identifies a trend of reducing prices across retailers and brands. This is also a sign that inventory has caught up with and overtaken demand.” The US Apparel eCommerce report analyzes product availability in the last six months, and finds that across most retailers, it has risen and leveled out during this period. It goes on to compare stock availability of premium versus regular products. The report also includes a section on the complexities of product matching in apparel and how retailers can use this to improve their competitive price positioning. “Pricing competitively is an important area of focus not only for retailers but also for brand manufacturers who sell on marketplaces,” said Krish Thyagarajan, President and COO of DataWeave. “With the price-conscious consumer market we’re experiencing, this includes keeping an eye on their online presence and benchmarking their discounting and pricing against competitors across all their products. Our US Apparel eCommerce report provides retailers and brands with a view into the current state of online apparel retail, as inflation continues to inform pricing decisions, and stock availability has rebounded after months of pandemic-driven supply chain challenges.” # # # Report Methodology To reach its findings, DataWeave tracked the data of 40,000+ leading fashion apparel SKUs to analyze stock availability and discounts. The timeline of the analysis spans July 2022 to January 2023, capturing the state of the market as the economy moved from a supply-rich post-pandemic environment to a belt-tightening inflationary one. DataWeave is a SaaS-based digital commerce analytics platform that provides competitive intelligence to retailers and digital shelf analytics to consumer brands globally. With DataWeave, retailers can make smarter pricing and merchandising decisions while consumer brands can optimize their digital shelf for KPIs like share of search, content quality, price competitiveness, and stock availability. DataWeave’s AI-powered proprietary technology aggregates and delivers actionable eCommerce insights across 500+ billion data points globally, 400,000 brands, 1,500+ websites, 20+ verticals, and 25+ languages. Learn more at DataWeave.com. Contact Details Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC (MKPR) Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://dataweave.com

April 18, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Executive VP & Director of Training Michael Jutt Talks Minuteman As We Celebrate 50 Years of Minuteman Press

Minuteman Press International Inc

As Minuteman Press International celebrates 50 years in business, we are continuing the celebration of our history. Michael Jutt first started with Minuteman Press as a press operator in the original Farmingdale shop in October of 1974, which was the second location that opened after Plainview. At just 19 years-old, Mike was hired by Roy Titus, and the rest is history. When Minuteman Press decided to become a franchise, Mike was promoted to Director of Training; he created the first Minuteman Press training program and became an integral part of the company’s expansion into franchising. Mike remains a huge part of our success today as Minuteman Press International’s Executive VP & Director of Training. How did you first get started with Minuteman Press and the Titus family? Mike Jutt: “I was hired in October of 1974 by Roy Titus. George Holzmacher worked for Roy already and he said I should meet with Roy about a job in Farmingdale. At the time, I was working two jobs, one being in printing, and I wanted to be an attorney. I wasn’t sure I wanted to commute to Farmingdale since I lived and worked in Merrick and was attending Nassau Community College. I went to the Farmingdale shop to meet with Roy. When he arrived, we went outside of the shop, behind the building. Roy and I spoke about what he wanted for the Farmingdale shop, as he was looking to make some changes. He asked me how much I was making. At the time, I was making $110/week at the printing job. Roy offered to match, but I explained the extra gas money and time I’d be spending on the commute. He smiled and then offered me $120/week to get started, and I accepted the offer. That’s how my time with Minuteman Press started, working in the Farmingdale shop that Bob Titus was managing. We worked very hard to get the business up and running, it was fun.” What was it like working in the Farmingdale shop when you first started? Mike Jutt: “I had worked in one other neighborhood quick print shop before Minuteman Press, and I was very impressed my first day of employment when I saw Bob Titus come back to the shop with a marketing assistant. The fact that they were out knocking on doors and direct marketing our printing service was to me very different and unheard of at the time for printers. I asked the other press operator who that was that just walked in, and he said that was Roy’s son Bob. The differences between Minuteman Press and other print shops were a few things. First, I saw that they were actively marketing to build the business. We had a ton of work. Second, the type of equipment that we had – Multi-Graphics equipment – had better capabilities than what other quick printers were using. Third, we also had a huge focus on customer service, shop appearance, and quality work. Another game-changer is when Roy came in one day and handed me a brochure for a new piece of equipment made by 3M, which was a superior plate system to enable multicolor printing. This was the missing piece of what we needed to bring Minuteman Press to the next level. We had the press, we just needed a better plate system that could handle color inks as well as it did black ink. We thoroughly tested the plate system with the press and evaluated the cost. The result was that we now had the perfect package to achieve multicolor printing when other quick printers did mostly single-color or just black. The 3M plate was the ticket.” When Minuteman Press started franchising, what was it like for you creating the first training program? Mike Jutt: “The next major thing that happened was Roy discussing expanding the business and moving into franchising. He promoted the business opportunity and brought interested parties into the Farmingdale location to see what we were doing. The interest was really high from the people that Roy brought in, and years later, Roy told me it was during this time where he really noticed and recognized my abilities as a hardworking young man. At age 20, Roy made me Director of Training, and it was my responsibility to teach the new franchise owners everything about our business.” What do you think are the key reasons for the success of Minuteman Press as the franchise kept growing? Mike Jutt: “I credit the success of Minuteman Press as a franchise to leadership, hard work (long days and long weeks), treating the owners as true partners, caring and supporting our owners, and helping them achieve their success. Roy Titus said you need to treat people like you want to be treated. Roy not only preached it, but he also practiced it, and that was one of the biggest keys of our success as we grew and expanded the company.” What are some of the key aspects of the original training program that remain as core principles today? Mike Jutt: “From the launch of the training department, we have focused and communicated the importance of owners becoming experts in 5 major areas: Customer service Marketing their business Delivering quality products Keeping an incredible top appearance of their business and anything that represents their business Management with an emphasis on financial management Within each of these areas, there is extensive training today covering every detail of what these items actually encompass.” What are some of the key ways that the training program and Minuteman Press have evolved over the years? Mike Jutt: “The biggest areas that we’ve always been at the forefront of are research, development, and technology. Printing technology and enhancements with 3M products in the early days got better and better. With that said, one of the big first big efficiencies was added when our first pricing program was developed. In 1977, a new franchise owner from Dallas, Texas named Cal Baker came to the training program. Cal previously worked for EDS (Electronic Data Systems). He noticed that all of our formulas were mathematically logical and that they could be automated to save hours and hours when pricing jobs. I was intrigued by Mr. Baker’s knowledge and what he was going to do, and after he wrote the software, I told Roy I had to go to Dallas to look at what he created. Roy told me, “Whatever you have to spend to research anything that helps our owners and our company, spend it. If it’s going to help our owners, it’s going to help all of us. So, I went to Dallas and saw that the computer was made by Radio Shack. The original model was called a TRS 80 and it had 16K of memory. The program was stored on a regular cassette and at the time, this was a real game changer. After the trip to Dallas, myself and Dave Scadin enrolled in a programming course offered by Radio Shack and we learned basic programming to enhance and modify what we had. We would never ask our owners to buy equipment such as a computer until we tested it. I contacted the Tandy Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas and convinced them to give us 10 computers as a trial, which we distributed to owners to test at 10 locations. We let the owners test it for 60 days and then they had to either give it back or buy the computer. 100% of the owners purchased the computer and none of us have ever looked back. From that point forward, we continued to invest in software development uniquely written to our policies and production. This protected us from software companies going out of business and gave us long-term advantages that we still benefit from to this day.” Mike continues: “Another key milestone for us was the advent of digital printing. The first Apple Mac computer that came with a printer was released in 1984. Digital printing technology emerged with desktop publishing thanks to companies like Apple, IBM, and HP. For our industry, this was great because we could create various different styles and designs on very economical equipment. It also replaced photo typesetting, which took a lot longer and was a very big investment. We quickly recognized that digital printing would evolve. In the beginning, we also recognized that the two technologies could coexist. Today, approximately 40 years later, that is absolutely what happened. The ability, production, and ease of use of the digital equipment has only made Minuteman Press an even better company. And partnering with our key suppliers Xerox, Konica-Minolta, and Hewlett-Packard has brought us improved productivity and profits.” Is there anything else you’d like to share? Mike Jutt: “Minuteman Press today has evolved to be so much more than what it was when we first started. We have developed and refined systems, policies, procedures, and a company that has a long-standing culture of caring for our owners in 5 countries. And from a personal perspective, with the diversity of products and the need for those products, the opportunity for entrepreneurs is incredible. I personally feel honored to be able to experience the emergence of such a fantastic company, Minuteman Press International.” For more information on Minuteman Press products and services, visit https://minuteman.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities and read Minuteman Press franchise reviews at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

April 18, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

RISI Teams Up with ToolsGroup to Fuel Supply Chain Transformation and Drive Business Enhancements Amid Network Expansion

ToolsGroup

ToolsGroup, a global leader in retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, is proud to announce it has been selected by RISI, a leading Spanish snack brand, to help transform its supply chain operations, strengthen retail partner relationships, accelerate business growth, and maximize customer satisfaction. RISI produces a broad assortment of snacks, turning out 250 million units every year, most of which are fast-moving items. Embracing recent growth opportunities, the company has opened up new sales channels, widening its network to include larger markets and major retail chains. This resulted in increased promotional activity and heightened customer demand. “With 50 years of experience, RISI focuses on creating the perfect snack break for customers,” says Javier Paniagua Martínez, Director of Technology and Projects at Risi. “Now, with our proliferating sales channels, we’re able to reach even more people and spread RISI’s iconic smile. We recognized that this endeavor required a planning tool that could increase the speed and accuracy of our operations, improving supply chain visibility and driving fast, effective decision making to help us meet consumer demand. In ToolsGroup, we found not just the right technology, but also the right long-term partner who could help us establish sustainable inventory management practices, while achieving critical KPIs like demand fulfillment and margin protection.” With RISI’s dynamic business growth and the need to make better decisions faster, the company selected ToolsGroup Service Optimizer 99+ (SO99+), a full suite of planning solutions that includes Demand Planning and Forecasting, Inventory Optimization, and Replenishment. Thanks to AI-powered capabilities, RISI can now forecast at multiple levels of aggregation, achieving a more in-depth understanding of consumer behavior. Equipped with automated, highly-adaptable inventory management solutions, the company can anticipate and respond quickly to market developments, aligning stock to location-specific demand. This way, regardless of how quickly its delicious snacks are flying off the shelves, RISI can meet demand with fast, accurate planning decisions that support its growing market share. “As supply chains evolve, sustainable and rapid business growth hinges on the speed and precision of a company’s response to market changes,” said ToolsGroup CEO, Inna Kuznetsova. “Supply chain visionaries recognize that AI-driven dynamic planning solutions power fast, effective decisions. They outmaneuver uncertainty, achieve sustainability, expand market share, and deliver a superior customer experience. That’s why we’re excited to help RISI drive this digital transformation, leveraging smart, data-driven planning to maximize customer satisfaction and propel company growth, now and in the future.” Learn more about how manufacturers successfully navigate supply chain uncertainty while reducing inventory up to 40% here. About Risi Founded in 1971, Risi is a leading Spanish company that specializes in the production of snacks and appetizers. Headquartered in Madrid and a workforce of over 350 across four sites, Risi produces around 250 million packs of snacks in over 60 formats, all bearing its iconic branding. The company recently diversified its activities through the acquisition of biscuit and confectionery brands. About ToolsGroup ToolsGroup’s innovative AI-powered solutions enable retailers, distributors, and manufacturers to navigate through supply chain uncertainty. Our retail and supply chain planning suites empower a new level of intelligent decision making and unlock powerful business improvements in forecast accuracy, service levels, and inventory - delighting customers and achieving financial and ESG KPIs. Stay in touch with ToolsGroup on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or visit www.toolsgroup.com Contact Details Meir Kahtan +1 917-864-0800 mkahtan@rcn.com Company Website https://www.toolsgroup.com

April 18, 2023 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image

New Alvarez & Marsal Spring 2023 Consumer Sentiment Report Highlights Impacts of Inflation, Recession Expectations, Newfound Optimism

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

· Category spend up from fall 2022 for basic needs, experiences, gifts & indulgences · Half of consumers are taking a vacation this spring/summer, up 14% from last year · Consumers believe inflation has yet to peak and majority are preparing for a potential recession Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group (A&M CRG) today released its newest consumer report, Consumer Sentiment Survey Spring 2023, which looks at the impacts of inflation and resultant changes in consumer spending over the last year, as well as spending expectations for the coming six-month period. This is the fourth installment of its bi-annual Consumer Sentiment Report, based on a survey of 1,500+ consumers matching the U.S. adult population according to gender, age, ethnicity, region and income. The report covers various changing behaviors in response to personal finances and the state of the economy, including consumers’ shopping priorities by category, concerns over rising prices, vacation plans, and other factors that will affect purchase decisions this spring/summer, and more. “Our objective was to understand how the financial headlines American consumers have been hearing is affecting them in terms of their optimism or lack thereof, their buying patterns and expectations, and their preferred shopping channels,” noted Jonathan Sharp, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group, and lead author of the study. “What we found is that the ‘recession is coming’ drumbeat has got through to US consumers and they expect a slowdown in the coming months. That’s all theoretical for now and the reality is that the US consumer is still punching – spending plans are up, inflation-fatigue is being overcome and optimism is back in fashion.” The study found that: · Consumer expectations on things getting better, saving more, having more money, and plans to spend the same or more on basic needs were all up from fall 2022 · Among shopping priorities by category, all non-essential categories were up this season compared to fall 2022 · Vacation spend is up year over year – half of respondents are taking a vacation this spring/summer, and 31% of those taking a vacation plan to travel internationally (+12% y-o-y) · 65% of consumers believe that prices will continue to rise, and two thirds believe the U.S. will be in a recession within the next year “Retailers should capitalize on this optimistic mindset by balancing consumer preferences, managing inventory, and driving traffic in-stores & online” added Jonathan Sharp. “But smart retailers will remain agile should consumer mindsets revert.” To download a pdf of Consumer Sentiment Survey Spring 2023, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/consumer-sentiment-survey-spring-23/ The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities toward their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://www.alvarezandmarsal.com/industries/retail/retail

April 18, 2023 08:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. Reaches Significant Milestone with Over 5 Million Products on its Multi-Seller Automotive Parts Marketplace, Autoparts4less.com

Auto Parts 4Less Group Inc

McapMediaWire -- Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. (OTCQB: FLES) (“Company”, “FLES”) – the operator of AutoParts4Less.com, a specialized automotive parts marketplace, is excited to announce a significant milestone: exceeding 5 million automotive products and featuring over 8,000 brands on its rapidly-growing multi-seller marketplace. Launched on November 3, 2022, with approximately 2 million products, the platform's adoption rate has more than doubled in size while surpassing management's initial expectations. Tim Armes, CEO of FLES, said, "We believe that achieving this milestone in such a short period showcases the trust and enthusiasm our seller community has placed in our platform while highlighting a pent-up demand for a dedicated marketplace capable of consolidating the many diverse sellers within the booming $38 billion annual automotive parts e-commerce sector." Christopher Davenport, COO and founder of FLES, added, "Surpassing 5 million products on AutoParts4Less.com signifies the growing momentum behind our platform. We are deeply grateful for the growing support from our sellers and remain dedicated to constantly enhancing our platform and expanding our offerings to better serve the automotive parts market." AutoParts4Less.com offers a wide variety of products ranging from tires and wheels to automotive paints as well as OEM replacement parts, performance parts as well as classic car parts. Additionally, the marketplace is adding parts for marine, heavy-duty trucks, ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles. This extensive range makes it a true one-stop-shop for everyone's automotive parts needs. The Company believes that the growth of AutoParts4Less.com demonstrates the platform's potential to revolutionize the automotive parts e-commerce industry by providing a dedicated, user-friendly marketplace that benefits sellers and buyers alike. With its swift expansion and commitment to driving maximum value, management is optimistic that AutoParts4Less.com is poised to become a dominant force in the $500 billion annual U.S. automotive parts market. About Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. (the “Company”) entered the online auto parts business in 2015, selling lift kits and other aftermarket accessories for Jeeps, Trucks, and SUVs on eBay and Amazon. In early 2020, the company began developing AutoParts4Less.com as a multi-seller enterprise-level marketplace dedicated to consolidating the $500 billion annual aftermarket automotive parts industry, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, and RVs, on a single platform. AutoParts4Less.com officially launched with around 2 million parts from over 25 parts sellers in November 2022. For more information about Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc., please visit AutoParts4LessGroup.com Safe Harbor & Disclaimer This information also contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are identified by the use of the words “could”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “continue”, “predict”, “potential”, “possible,” “project” and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Industry data provided herein is of no predictive value regarding the future sale of the Company’s products. No information in this press release should be construed as any indication whatsoever of the Company’s future financial results, revenues, or stock price. For more information, contact: Email: PR@The4LessCorp.com Contact Details Auto Parts 4Less Group, Inc. PR@The4LessCorp.com Company Website http://autoparts4lessgroup.com/

April 18, 2023 08:20 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Green Leaf Innovations CEO Robert Mederos Issues Letter to Shareholders and Provides Corporate Update Focusing on Long-Term Growth and Value Creation

Green Leaf Innovations, Inc.

McapMediaWire -- Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., (“Green Leaf” or the “Company”) (OTC: GRLF), an emerging growth company engaged in the manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of handmade premium cigars, today issued the following letter to its shareholders from Green Leaf Innovations CEO Robert Mederos: Dear Fellow Green Leaf Innovations Shareholders, I hope this letter finds you in good health and in high spirits. On behalf of our employees, partners, and other key stakeholders, I am delighted to have you as shareholders and valued members of our corporate family, and it is my pleasure to provide you with this update to share our vision for the future of our company. Who We Are For investors new to our company, our business focuses on marketing and distributing handmade premium cigars manufactured in Nicaragua. We strategically import and distribute premium cigar brands and private label brands to cigar lounges, smoke shops, convenience stores, and vape shops across the United States and in international markets. Additionally, we distribute packaged whole-leaf tobacco to other wholesale distributors of consumer tobacco products. The Importance of Our Foundational Operations in Nicaragua Nicaragua is a land rich with volcanic soil, which gives our tobacco its unique character. The fertile valleys of Jalapa and Estelí and the increasing tobacco cultivation in Condega and Ometepe have provided us with exquisite filler, binder, and wrapper leaves essential for our premium cigars. The importance of having a long-standing operation in Nicaragua cannot be understated. In fact, during the first eight months of 2022, Nicaragua-based cigar firms shipped 167 million cigars to the United States, an 8.9 percent increase over the same period in 2021. Our partnership with a third-generation, family-owned Nicaraguan business has been instrumental in crafting high-quality boutique cigars. Their passion and attention to detail have allowed us to maintain consistency and deliver unique flavors to our customers. Our production process, from greenhouse seedlings to fermentation and final product, is carefully managed to ensure the highest quality of cigars. We employ traditional techniques, such as row plowing with oxen and eucalyptus stick curing, alongside modern technology, like custom water filtration and drip irrigation systems, to balance tradition and innovation perfectly. Every cigar product I ship out reflects my commitment to delivering the best possible customer experience. I would even say I am obsessed with our quality control, rooted in being from a third-generation Cuban tobacco family. My cigars reflect the pride of my family, and I will never compromise quality for a quick buck. A Growing Industry on the Rise The global luxury cigar market was valued at USD 11.61 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2021 to 2028. According to Cigar Aficionado Magazine, more than 307 million imported handmade, premium cigars were shipped to the United States in just the first eight months of 2022, an increase of 4.3 percent. Shipping 300 million cigars was once considered the benchmark for a good year in the cigar business: now, it’s just a starting point. In fact, according to the Cigar Association of America, imports through November 30, 2022 have continued an upward trend for premium cigar imports at a 2% year-over-year growth rate, while imports of popular price cigars are down 12% in the same period. Key Growth Initiatives for Green Leaf Looking ahead, we see significant growth potential in the premium cigar market. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships, expand our distribution network, and explore new domestic and international markets. We have discovered unattended markets ripe for growth, including targeting golf courses, hotels and resorts, sporting events, and business gatherings. These markets have untapped potential, ignored by major brands and large industrial producers who continue to focus on traditional channels. Nearly 10% of all U.S. premium cigar sales occur on golf courses or in relation to golf. Yet, point-of-sale displays at golf clubs are generally ignored by major brands. We have the capabilities to deliver bespoke, white-label orders that meet the customer’s unique specifications for style, volume, and quality. We have been approached by several large potential customers in the wine and liquor industry, along with retailers that are interested in pairing our cigars with complementary products. Our cigars can pair with other premium products for an all-encompassing customer experience. Our B2B customers in the market are increasingly launching e-commerce websites in large, lucrative markets owing to the rising internet penetration and increasing propensity for mobile shopping among consumers. Our cigars can pair with other premium products for an all-encompassing customer experience. Corporate Updates It is fair to say that up to this point, we have not made any public comments or addressed investors, only making our regulatory filings and issuing occasional press releases. Going forward, Green Leaf will be more transparent in our investor communications. As we announced earlier this month, I have hired an investor relations agency to address investor concerns, answer questions, and help bring new investors to our company. Running this operation between our offices in Florida and our factory in Nicaragua, I’ve had to wear many different hats, and regretfully I couldn’t keep up with all the investor inquiries. This will no longer be the case, and I urge everyone to contact our investor relations agency with their questions. I invite everyone to subscribe to our distribution list to stay informed on upcoming developments. Please visit: https://greenleafinnovations.co/subscribe-for-free-newsletter/. In the coming weeks, we will update everyone on the progress we’ve made in growing our business. We intend on actively marketing our company, putting more resources into social media and popular online investor forums to generate greater awareness of our story. We are working on updating our investor presentation and website. We will inform everyone of these updates in a timely manner. Regarding our tier 1 Regulation A Offering, we recently filed an amended Offering Circular where we amended the final pricing of the offering to a price of $0.08 per share of Series B Preferred Stock (from $0.10) for a total aggregate offering amount of $8,000,000. The cigar manufacturing and distribution business is capital-intensive, from raw materials and equipment to SG&A (and being a public company). We need growth capital to fulfill purchase orders and scale our business through the growth initiatives I’ve described. I don’t take stock dilution lightly and will only look to raise capital to grow our business and deliver value to shareholders. Going Forward Our commitment to providing exceptional cigars remains unwavering, and we are confident that our products will continue to delight cigar enthusiasts around the world. In closing, I would like to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and investment in Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. Our success is a testament to your belief in our vision, and I remain committed to delivering outstanding returns for our shareholders while preserving the rich tradition of hand-crafted, premium cigars. Sincerely, Robert Mederos Chief Executive Officer Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. About Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. Green Leaf Innovations, Inc., a Florida corporation, is an emerging growth company engaged in the marketing and distribution of handmade premium cigars. The Company strategically imports and exclusively distributes some of the best-known premium cigar brands in the marketplace. The Company was created by the Mederos family, a third generation Cigar maker with Robert Mederos at the helm, who has owned and operated handmade cigar operations in Nicaragua and the U.S. for over 20 years with a rich family history in the craft dating back to the 1800s in Cuba. Green Leaf features brands such as CUBANACAN, MEDEROS, and TABACALERA SERRANO. The Company also distributes packaged whole leaf Tobacco to cigar lounges, smoke shops, C-stores, and vape shops across the United States and soon in international markets. Additional information can be found on our website, www.greenleafinnovations.co, or follow us on Twitter @otcgrlf. Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives, and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words believes, project, expects, anticipates, estimates, intends, strategy, plan, may, will, would, will be, will continue, will likely result, and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects on a consolidated basis include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions, legislative/regulatory changes, availability of capital, interest rates, competition, and generally accepted accounting principles. These risks and uncertainties should also be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Company Contact: info@greenleafinnovations.co Investor Relations Contact: Matthew Abenante, IRC President Strategic Investor Relations, LLC Tel: 800-303-6268 x4 Email: matthew@greenleafinnovations.co Contact Details Green Leaf Innovations, Inc. info@greenleafinnovations.co

April 18, 2023 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

1 ... 133 134 135 136 137 ... 250