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CLEVELAND – The 2018 Sherwin-Williams Student Design Challenge is accepting submissions for residential and commercial projects through March 15. The eighth annual competition celebrates emerging talent and gives students a chance to be nationally recognized for their work with cash prizes up to $2,500, including $1,000 for their design school.

“Sherwin-Williams is proud to encourage excellence among the future leaders of the interior design industry,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “The Student Design Challenge provides students a unique opportunity to showcase their work to top designers and celebrates their creativity.”

Wadden will be judging the contest, with help from Nancy Fire in the residential design category and Vanessa Deleon in commercial design. Fire, co-founder and creative director of Design Works International and design director of HGTV HOME, is known for her trend-forward print and fabric designs. Deleon is the owner of Vanessa Deleon Associates. Her modern-glam aesthetic has been featured on NBC, HGTV, Bravo and more.

To enter, students can easily submit an original residential or commercial design project online. Separate submissions can be made for each category, and students may enter as individuals or as a design team of up to three students. There is no fee to enter. The top winner from each category will receive a $2,500 cash prize, and their design school will receive $1,000. Second-place winners will win a $1,000 cash prize and third-place winners will win a $500 cash prize. The two first-place winners will also have their work featured in the 2018 edition of Sherwin-Williams STIR magazine, a print magazine dedicated to design professionals, and all winners will be featured on the Sherwin-Williams Facebook page and in a future issue of the STIR eExtra email newsletter.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For more than 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,200 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

PLANO, TX – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced its Columbus, Ohio-based card services business, a premier provider of branded private label, co-brand and business credit card programs, has signed a new agreement to provide branded credit card services in the United States for IKEA Group (www.ikea.com), the world’s largest furniture retailer. The IKEA Group operates 47 stores in the U.S. and a total of 362 in 29 countries around the world. IKEA aims to offer consumers home furnishing solutions of good design and function at affordable prices.

Alliance Data will create a loyalty-driven credit card program that combines customer insights and industry benchmarking to develop a customized rewards and benefits package tailored for the unique IKEA customer base. The co-branded rewards card can be used for both IKEA purchases and for everyday spending needs such as gas, groceries and utilities. The card will incorporate custom program perks designed to recognize customers for their loyalty. In order to make the card as affordable and rewarding as possible, IKEA Group in the U.S. has designed the card without an annual fee, and will reinvest resources from the card to offer customers more generous rewards. Alliance Data will leverage its digital and mobile expertise throughout the customer’s shopping journey, including its Frictionless Mobile CreditSM, which provides a seamless application experience–throughout the store or online–and puts customers in control of how and where they want to initiate the experience.

In addition, the new IKEA Projekt Card in the U.S. will function as a store-branded financing solution for qualified customers doing major home decorating and renovation projects, such as a dream kitchen. It will provide special financing options, allowing customers to pay for larger purchases over time.

“Making life better and easier for the many people drives everything we do at IKEA, and we were looking for a like-minded credit marketing partner that is passionate about the same values,” said Jacqueline DeChamps, chief operating officer at IKEA U.S. “Alliance Data really understands our company and will deliver meaningful credit and loyalty programs, while constantly innovating based on our customer needs. Leveraging Alliance Data’s skillset in loyalty and marketing, we are excited about how this new partnership will enhance our customers’ shopping experience across channels with added convenience and benefits.”

“Alliance Data and IKEA share a common culture focused on doing what is right for customers, the community, and the environment,” said Melisa Miller, president of Alliance Data’s card services business. “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new partnership to provide an unparalleled customer experience through our credit programs. We are confident that our lifecycle marketing approach will attract existing and new IKEA customers as lifelong cardmembers, motivated by a credit and loyalty experience that reflects the deliberately different approach that has earned IKEA its leadership position in the industry.”

IKEA U.S. utilized the services of the International Law Firm of Alston & Bird to consummate the transaction.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices. The IKEA Group operates 362 IKEA stores in 29 countries, including 47 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About Alliance Data’s card services business
Alliance Data’s card services business is a leading provider of tailored marketing and loyalty solutions, delivered through branded credit programs that drive more profitable relationships between our brand partners and their cardmembers. We offer private label, co-brand, and business card products to many of the world’s most recognizable brands across a multitude of channels.

We uphold our Know more. Sell more.® promise by leveraging unmatched customer insights, advanced analytics, and broad-reaching innovative capabilities. It’s how we deliver increased sales to our partners, build enduring loyalty to their brands, and provide more value to our cardmembers. Alliance Data’s card services business is a proud part of the Alliance Data enterprise. To learn more, visit www.KnowMoreSellMore.com or follow us on Twitter @Know_SellMore.

About Alliance Data
Alliance Data® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today’s most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 17,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data’s card services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon® is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant®, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne® owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

PLANO, TX – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced its Columbus, Ohio-based card services business, a premier provider of branded private label, co-brand and business credit card programs, has signed a new agreement to provide branded credit card services in the United States for IKEA Group (www.ikea.com), the world’s largest furniture retailer. The IKEA Group operates 47 stores in the U.S. and a total of 362 in 29 countries around the world. IKEA aims to offer consumers home furnishing solutions of good design and function at affordable prices.

Alliance Data will create a loyalty-driven credit card program that combines customer insights and industry benchmarking to develop a customized rewards and benefits package tailored for the unique IKEA customer base. The co-branded rewards card can be used for both IKEA purchases and for everyday spending needs such as gas, groceries and utilities. The card will incorporate custom program perks designed to recognize customers for their loyalty. In order to make the card as affordable and rewarding as possible, IKEA Group in the U.S. has designed the card without an annual fee, and will reinvest resources from the card to offer customers more generous rewards. Alliance Data will leverage its digital and mobile expertise throughout the customer’s shopping journey, including its Frictionless Mobile CreditSM, which provides a seamless application experience–throughout the store or online–and puts customers in control of how and where they want to initiate the experience.

In addition, the new IKEA Projekt Card in the U.S. will function as a store-branded financing solution for qualified customers doing major home decorating and renovation projects, such as a dream kitchen. It will provide special financing options, allowing customers to pay for larger purchases over time.

“Making life better and easier for the many people drives everything we do at IKEA, and we were looking for a like-minded credit marketing partner that is passionate about the same values,” said Jacqueline DeChamps, chief operating officer at IKEA U.S. “Alliance Data really understands our company and will deliver meaningful credit and loyalty programs, while constantly innovating based on our customer needs. Leveraging Alliance Data’s skillset in loyalty and marketing, we are excited about how this new partnership will enhance our customers’ shopping experience across channels with added convenience and benefits.”

“Alliance Data and IKEA share a common culture focused on doing what is right for customers, the community, and the environment,” said Melisa Miller, president of Alliance Data’s card services business. “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new partnership to provide an unparalleled customer experience through our credit programs. We are confident that our lifecycle marketing approach will attract existing and new IKEA customers as lifelong cardmembers, motivated by a credit and loyalty experience that reflects the deliberately different approach that has earned IKEA its leadership position in the industry.”

IKEA U.S. utilized the services of the International Law Firm of Alston & Bird to consummate the transaction.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices. The IKEA Group operates 362 IKEA stores in 29 countries, including 47 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About Alliance Data’s card services business
Alliance Data’s card services business is a leading provider of tailored marketing and loyalty solutions, delivered through branded credit programs that drive more profitable relationships between our brand partners and their cardmembers. We offer private label, co-brand, and business card products to many of the world’s most recognizable brands across a multitude of channels.

We uphold our Know more. Sell more.® promise by leveraging unmatched customer insights, advanced analytics, and broad-reaching innovative capabilities. It’s how we deliver increased sales to our partners, build enduring loyalty to their brands, and provide more value to our cardmembers. Alliance Data’s card services business is a proud part of the Alliance Data enterprise. To learn more, visit www.KnowMoreSellMore.com or follow us on Twitter @Know_SellMore.

About Alliance Data
Alliance Data® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today’s most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 17,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data’s card services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon® is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant®, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne® owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

Conshohocken – IKEA Group co-workers around the globe will receive a special thanks from the company as part of the IKEA Tack! retirement fund. IKEA recently announced that Tack!, which means ‘thank you’ in Swedish, will allocate $113 million* total into the retirement funds of 123,000 IKEA co-workers throughout its corporate, retail and distribution centers. For U.S. co-workers, each will receive $1,403 into their Tack! retirement fund.

“At IKEA, no matter where you work in our organization you are contributing to our success and continued growth. We believe it’s important to recognize our co-workers for their hard work and loyalty and celebrate our successes together,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. President. “Our contribution to each co-worker’s Tack! retirement fund is just one way we can show our gratitude and demonstrate our commitment to being a great place to work.”

The global funding is divided between all IKEA Group countries, based on each country’s proportion of the total salary and wages. Every co-worker gets the same amount regardless of position or salary, and part-time co-workers are rewarded in proportion to their hours worked. Tack! was introduced in 2013 and since then the IKEA Group has paid out $600 (€509) million globally.

IKEA U.S. has been recognized as an employer-of-choice for its outstanding co-worker benefits including parental leave policy and minimum wage structure. The company has recently received these awards: FORTUNE 2017, Best Companies to Work For; FORTUNE 2017, 50 Best Workplaces for Diversity; Glassdoor 2017 Best Places to Work; 2017 PEOPLE Companies that Care; Fatherly: The 50 Best Places to Work for New Dads in 2017; and three Glassdoor 2017 Awards: Best Places to Work, Highest Rated CEOs, Best Places to Interview.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 392 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 46 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

CLEVELAND – A fusion of rich blue with jewel-toned green, the 2018 Color of the Year, Oceanside SW 6496, represents the growing desire for color that is both accessible and elusive. A complex, deep color, Oceanside offers a sense of the familiar with a hint of the unknown, bridging between old and new, light and dark.

“Green-blues in deep values, such as Oceanside, respond to changes in light, which is a quality that creates intense dimension,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “It is a tremendously versatile color, and harmonizes with other diverse color groups.”

Bringing the Color of the Year into the home
Blues evoke a multitude of moods and associations depending on hue, shade and application. Despite this variety, they are universally perceived as intelligent, honest and interesting—making blue the most beloved color worldwide. Oceanside’s multi-dimensional look could create a welcoming statement as a lively color for a front door. This green-meets-blue tone can also boost creative thinking and clarity of thought in a home office, or invite meditation and introspection in bedrooms or reading nooks.

“People today have a growing sense of adventure, and it is making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes. We are craving things that remind us of bright folklore, like mermaids and expeditions across continents. Oceanside is the color of wanderlust right in our own homes,” says Wadden.

Oceanside’s versatility allows it to play well with many colors. It is a bright counterpart to equally eye-catching colors, such as Exuberant Pink SW 6840 or Honey Bees SW 9018, or it can rest relaxingly alongside other blues, such as In The Navy SW 9178.

It is also the ideal companion for corals and copper metallic tones. Oceanside is universally embraced by design styles from mid-century modern to Mediterranean-inspired, and traditional to ultra-contemporary.

The Color of the Year in commercial spaces
Oceanside offers familiar inroads to bold color for developers, builders and interior designers. As with other colors found in nature, Oceanside can channel healing and tranquil emotions, but also spur heightened levels of creativity—making for a peaceful first impression in an office or hotel lobby and a bright, imaginative environment in classrooms.

“Oceanside is reminiscent of the multi-tonal blues found in nature, offering a memorable, yet calming effect for public spaces,” says Wadden. “It is a new twist on navy, a common color for use in commercial spaces. When placed correctly, it is refreshing and offers dimension and depth as a statement color.”

Channeling the inspiration of indigenous patterns and artisan styles embraced by many community spaces, Oceanside pairs best in commercial settings with camel-colored neutrals such as Tatami Tan SW 6116 and Tamarind SW 7538. As a base color, it effortlessly accents pops of red, like Heartthrob SW 6866 or Borscht SW 7578.

About Sherwin-Williams 2018 Colormix® Forecast
A part of the ‘Unity’ palette that was announced earlier this year, Oceanside is one of the colors in the 2018 Colormix Forecast. For more information on the annual Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast, visit the 2018 Colormix Forecast.

About Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year
Led by Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden, the Sherwin-Williams global color and design team travels the world to research and identify key trends that influence the way we interact with color. From those findings, the team selects the strongest influence and then decides the Color of the Year. This is the eighth year Sherwin-Williams has named an official Color of the Year with the 2018 selection, Oceanside SW 6493. A list of colors selected includes: 2011: Indigo Batik SW 7602, 2012: Argyle SW 6747, 2013: Aloe SW 6464, 2014: Exclusive Plum SW 6263, 2015: Coral Reef SW 6606, 2016: Alabaster SW 7008, 2017: Poised Taupe SW 6039. For more information visit 2018 Color of the Year.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For more than 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,200 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams unveiled its latest tool for painting professionals seeking ways to work more efficiently: the all-new Sherwin-Williams PRO app.

With the new and improved PRO app by Sherwin-Williams, it’s easier than ever for professionals to get their work done while on the go. Professional customers have faster access to money-saving offers, product details, online account information, store locations and more. Pros who have already set up an online account profile can use the app to access purchase history, invoices and statements, as well as make payments. In addition, the new app allows for quick access to data sheets and an enhanced paint calculator for cost estimates. Later this year the new PRO app will enable online ordering.

“We developed our new app with the evolving needs of our professional customers in mind,” said Pam Gillikin, senior director e-business marketing, Sherwin-Williams. “The completely redesigned and reimagined app allows us to seamlessly incorporate additional capabilities over time.”

The new PRO app is available now. It replaces Sherwin-Williams ProBuy+ app, and all ProBuy+ users are encouraged to now download the PRO app from the Apple App store or Google Play.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,100 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

Conshohocken, PA – IKEA U.S. announces today a new gift registry which allows customers to create and fulfill wish lists for weddings, baby showers, housewarmings, back to college, or any other special occasion. Whether seeking cozy bedding, the perfect set of wine glasses, a new crib or even a new kitchen, shoppers can easily choose their favorites from thousands of affordable products for every area of the home to add to their registry. To celebrate the new registry, IKEA is offering the chance for three registry entrants to win a $1,000 IKEA gift card to use for their special moment (giveaway period is 2/14/17 – 5/31/17).* IKEA will also offer registrants additional giveaways, prizes – and other surprises! – on an ongoing basis.

“A gift registry has been on our customers’ wish list for years,” said Ashley Wahl, IKEA Gift Registry Project Leader and CRM Specialist. “The new IKEA Gift Registry makes it easy for your loved ones to help you celebrate your special moments, whether it’s your wedding day, a new baby, an exciting move—or just any other reason to shower you with love. We’re thrilled to be able to now offer them this service and to play a small part in helping people celebrate special moments in each other’s lives.”

IKEA Gift Registry:
To create a registry, customers can choose from several options:
1)Download the IKEA Gift Registry app (available for iOS and Android; text “Registry” to 62345 to receive link to download)
2)Visit the IKEA Gift Registry website (www.IKEA-USA.com/registry)
3)Go to an IKEA store and use the IKEA Gift Registry kiosk.

The IKEA Gift Registry is powered by IKEA FAMILY, so to create a registry, shoppers must be a registered IKEA FAMILY member** (simply log in using an existing account, or sign up for IKEA FAMILY – the free IKEA loyalty program – when creating the registry account).

Adding items to a registry list is easy. When in-store, the IKEA Gift Registry app can be used to scan product barcodes, manually enter article numbers or to capture and add entire room settings (multiple products) using the special “snap photo” function. The “snap photo function” also allows shoppers to add IKEA services – like home delivery or delivery with assembly – to their list. On the IKEA Gift Registry website, shoppers can add products by entering their article numbers or by searching/choosing from a categorized product list. Registrants can also select product suggestions from the inspiration section, as the website features gift ideas for any occasion, from weddings to baby basics to new home needs. Additionally, users can add items to their list directly from the IKEA website product pages (www.IKEA-USA.com).

Once completed, the registry list can be shared with guests via text message, email or social media. Users can manage their registries online or on-the-go with their mobile device and can follow what friends and family have purchased, read messages from guests and to send thank you notes.Purchasing products from the IKEA Gift Registry is also easy! Guests can obtain the registry list from the kiosk in the local IKEA store or from the website (www.IKEA-USA/registry). There are four ways to purchase from the registry:

1)Chip-in: Via the IKEA Gift Registry site, users can “chip in” a desired dollar amount towards the total purchase price of the product, a great option for big-ticket items.***
2)Add to Gift Card: Via the IKEA Gift Registry site, users can virtually “buy” an item; the value is then applied to an IKEA Gift Card, as opposed to buying the physical product.
3)Buy Online: Users can purchase a registry item online at IKEA-USA.com and choose to have an item sent to them or directly to the recipient.
4)Buy In-Store: Users can purchase a registry product in any IKEA U.S. store.

For more information on the new IKEA Gift Registry, visit www.IKEA-USA.com/registry. To download the IKEA Gift Registry app, visit the app store (iOS and Android) or text “REGISTRY” to 62345 to get a link to download the app.

The IKEA Gift Registry Giveaway
To celebrate the new registry, IKEA is offering the chance for three registry entrants to win a $1,000 IKEA gift card to use for their special moment (giveaway period is 2/14/17 – 5/31/17).* To enter, customers must create an IKEA registry between February 14, 2017 and May 31, 2017. No purchase necessary. For official rules and additional information about the “IKEA Gift Registry Giveaway,” visit www.IKEA-USA.com/registrylink.

IKEA will also offer registrants additional giveaways, prizes – and other surprises! – on an ongoing basis.

* The Giveaway begins at 12:00:01 AM (ET) on 2/14/2017 and ends at 11:59:59 PM (ET) on 5/31/2017. Visit www.IKEA-USA.com/registrylink for Giveaway rules.

** IKEA FAMILY is a free loyalty program with benefits such as product discounts, free coffee or hot tea in the restaurant, 90 day price protection, extra Småland time, special offers, ideas and inspiration, and more. Visit IKEA FAMILY for more information.

*** Chip-in is only available on single items greater than $50 in value. Not available if registry creator adds 2 or more of an item to their registry

**** Not all IKEA products are available to purchase online. To find out if a product is available to purchase online, when looking at the registry list online on the IKEA Gift Registry website, click on “purchase” to reveal the purchase options for a specific item. Adding the registry number in the shopping cart during the online checkout process will ensure the purchase is attributed to registry. To do this, enter the registry number in the “IKEA FAMILY card number” field in the shopping cart at checkout.

***** Present a gift registry print out or pull up and present the registry number and barcode via a mobile device to the cashier at checkout. The cashier will scan the registry barcode at the register. If the product has a special IKEA FAMILY price, it will be applied once the barcode is scanned as well.

ABOUT IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 392 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – IKEA U.S. is inviting IKEA FAMILY members and their loved ones to join a special in-store event* on Saturday, November 5, 2016 called “Cook and Eat Your Way.” Keeping in line with the theme of the new 2017 IKEA catalog “Goodbye expectations, Hello you,” this day is meant to encourage people to let go of stressful expectations around the kitchen – from setting the perfect table to baking from scratch. During the event, IKEA FAMILY members will enjoy fun and inspirational activities to help them break a few food-related “rules,” as well as delicious treats, exclusive deals and giveaways throughout the day.

“Traditional expectations around how things are supposed to be done can kill inspiration and be overwhelming. That’s why we believe that there isn’t a right way in the kitchen, just one’s own personal way,” said Wanda Fisher, Regional Marketing Manager, IKEA U.S. “With this event, we invite everyone to shrug off what’s expected and celebrate all the offbeat solutions in and around the kitchen.”

Designed as a special reward for IKEA loyalists and their friends, “Cook and Eat Your Way” will include the following in-store offerings**:

•Kitchen Know-how: Learn fun and unique kitchen tips and tricks, discover tasty new recipes, and enjoy activities for the entire family. Specific workshops and activities vary by store, but could include “A Dinner Without Dishes,” “Slow Food in a Jiffy,” or “Personal Table Settings.”

•Food Storage Giveaway: The first 100 IKEA FAMILY members to check in at the IKEA “Cook and Eat Your Way” Event will receive a 17-piece PRUTA food storage set, a $4.99 value! These stackable, BPA-free containers are safe for the microwave, freezer and dishwasher to give you greater flexibility with portions and leftovers.

•FIKA Workshop: FIKA is a Swedish word that means “coffee break”. Traditionally, this is a time for one to take a small break with friends, colleagues or family and enjoy some coffee with a snack such as cookies, candy, or baked goods. We’ll show you the art of putting together the perfect fika for friends and co-workers. Additionally, attendees of the workshop can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 IKEA gift card (five winners per store; excludes IKEA Burbank*).

•Delicious Food Offers: Friends love to bond over food, and IKEA makes it even easier with a Buy One, Get One Free dessert offer from 2:00-4:00pm in the IKEA Restaurant. IKEA FAMILY members can enjoy complimentary tea & coffee, including our new specialty coffee drinks. Foodies can take advantage of $5 off $25 at the Swedish Food Market with a coupon. Free food samples will also be a part of the day.

•Big Discounts: IKEA FAMILY members can save more, with offers such as:
o20% off VARDAGEN kitchen accessories
o20% off HENRIKSDAL chairs
o20% off OMAR shelving
o$3.59 MALINDA chair cushions (reg. $4.49)
o15% off all Mattresses and Bedframes
oAdditional special local offers**

For more information on “Cook and Eat Your Way” and specific activities/offers at your local store, please visit https://info.ikea-usa.com/Cook-and-Eat-Your-Way/. Participants can share their experiences of the day using #IKEAYourWay.

Beyond this one-day special event, IKEA shoppers can continue to get more out of each IKEA store visit by becoming an IKEA FAMILY member. The no-cost membership includes perks like special discounts, gift card giveaway entries with each purchase, complimentary coffee and tea in the IKEA Restaurant, and more. During the Cook & Eat Your Way event, shoppers will have the opportunity to sign up for the ongoing rewards program.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 385 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Montvale, NJ — Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced its highly anticipated Color of the Year 2017 – Shadow 2117-30, a rich, royal amethyst. The color leader also unveiled Color Trends 2017, a corresponding palette consisting of deep, saturated hues. The Color of the Year was unveiled last night to leading interior designers, influencers and media at an exclusive event in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of The New York Public Library.

“Allusive and enigmatic, Shadow is a master of ambiance. It is a color that calls to mind a ‘past’, yet it can also make a contemporary, color-confident statement,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Creative Director. “Shadow is sophisticated, provocative and poetic, it can bring energy to a space or harmony and a moment of respite.”

The Benjamin Moore Color Studio forecasts color trends after a year of research attending major industry shows around the world, while also taking cues from standouts in architecture, fashion, textiles, home furnishings and the arts. Fine art emerged as a leading inspiration, highlighting the correlation between an artist’s use of color and light to create mood.

The Color Trends 2017 palette features 23 rich and sophisticated hues ranging from muted pales to saturated deeps. In curating the palette, the Color Studio lent significant consideration to the pairing of colors and relationships between color families, as well as a newfound level of color confidence in deeper hues among design professionals and consumers. The inspirational Color Trends 2017 color card illustrates the use of color in ways that celebrate how shadow and light travel throughout a space during the course of a day. The 23 colors of the Color Trends 2017 palette include the following:

Shadow 2117-30
Amulet AF-365
Salamander 2050-10
Guacamole 2144-10
Sandlot Gray 2107-50
Sea Star 2123-30
Etruscan AF-355
Chalk White 2126-70
Porcelain 2113-60
Sea Life 2118-40
Stormy Monday 2112-50
Grandfather Clock Brown 2096-30
Wet Concrete 2114-40
Cloud Cover OC-25
Dinner Party AF-300
Wish AF-680
Night Shade 2116-10
Knoxville Gray HC-160
Ebony King 2132-20
Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20
Pink Bliss 2093-70
Iceberg 2122-50
Dark Burgundy 2075-10

The richness and nuance demonstrated through the Color of the Year and Color Trends 2017 palette can only be achieved with Benjamin Moore products. Offering residential and commercial paints for any project, the Benjamin Moore portfolio includes Aura®, Aura® Bath & Spa, Regal® Select, Natura® ben®, ADVANCE®, ARBORCOAT® and Aura® Grand Entrance®. All 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors are available in pint samples at local retailers along with Color Trends 2017 curated palette cards. Benjamin Moore products are exclusively found at the more than 5,000 Benjamin Moore independently owned paint and decorating retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year & Color Trends 2016 can only be achieved with Benjamin Moore paints. Offering residential paints for any project, the Benjamin Moore portfolio includes Aura®, Aura® Bath & Spa, Regal® Select, Natura® ben®, ADVANCE®, ARBORCOAT® and Aura Grand Entrance®. All 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors are available in pint samples at local retailers along with Color Trends 2016 curated palette cards. Benjamin Moore products are exclusively found at the more than 5,000 Benjamin Moore independently owned paint and decorating retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more about the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year and Color Trends 2017 palette, or to find the closest Benjamin Moore retailer, visit www.benjaminmoore.com. For more information, search #ColorTrends2017 on social media channels including Facebook (Benjamin Moore Paints), Instagram (@benjaminmoore), Twitter (@Benjamin_Moore), Pinterest (Benjamin Moore) and YouTube (BenjaminMoorePaints).

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, Natura®, and ben®. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designers more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

IRVING, Texas, – North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, Michaels, today unveiled a new, free loyalty program designed to deliver exciting and customized benefits for Michaels’ customers. As part of the new, experience-focused program, Michaels Rewards, customers will receive member-only offers tailored to their interests, receipt-free returns, access to exclusive in-store and partner experiences as well as advanced notice and preview shopping hours for special events, all without a point or purchase level requirement.

“At Michaels, we are focused on strengthening our relationship with our customers and improving their overall shopping experience,” said Steve Carlotti Executive Vice President of Marketing. “This program not only further deepens our focus on customer engagement but it will provide valuable data to help us tailor our customer communications and promotions more effectively.”

Today, customers nationwide can sign up for the Michaels Rewards program in any Michaels store in North America or online. There is no cost to customers to join the program. To celebrate the launch of the program, Michaels Rewards members will have the chance to win one of 1,000 $100 gift cards.

The new loyalty program is focused on the Michaels experience, and members will enjoy member-only events to meet and mingle with other like-minded makers while also enjoying special shopping hours. Members will be the first to know about big sales with early alerts and will be able to utilize receipt-free returns. In addition to access to exclusive and tailored deals and department-specific coupons for Michaels, loyalty members will also receive member-only offers from other special partners.

To learn more about the Michaels Loyalty Rewards Program and to sign up for free today to get started with savings please visit www.michaels.com/rewards.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc. is North America’s largest specialty provider of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall décor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. As of April 30, 2016, the Company owned and operated 1,352 stores in 49 states and Canada under the brands Michaels, Aaron Brothers, and Pat Catan’s. The Michaels Companies, Inc., also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of high quality custom and specialty framing merchandise, and Darice, a premier wholesale distributor in the gift and decor industry. The Michaels Companies, Inc. produces a number of exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor™, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Make Market®, Foamies®, LockerLookz®, and Sticky Sticks®. Learn more about Michaels at www.michaels.com

CLEVELAND – Homes and communities across North America are preparing for a bold and colorful new look, as Sherwin-Williams kicks off its fifth annual National Painting Week, which runs from May 22-30, 2016.

According to a new survey conducted by Nielsen on behalf of Sherwin-Williams, the timing for National Painting Week couldn’t be better. More than half of all homeowners surveyed said they plan to take on a painting project in the next 12 months, and nearly three out of four state there is a positive emotional impact after painting a space. Sherwin-Williams is making it easy for homeowners to follow through on their plans with a National Painting Week sale and by helping them find the right colors, paint and tools.

In addition, during National Painting Week and throughout May, thousands of Sherwin-Williams associates across North America will be volunteering to refresh more than 275 locations in need of a fresh coat of paint, such as community centers, parks and historic landmarks.

Renowned architect and interior designer, John Gidding, will be joining Sherwin-Williams by participating in a community project and offering tips about how to make bold impressions. DIY bloggers and design professionals will also be sharing their inspirational ideas in the form of before-and-after reveals and project renderings.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Sherwin-Williams again this year to help inspire consumers to make bold impressions with paint, while also making a difference in local communities,” Gidding said. “Homeowners know that even simple projects can make a big transformation in homes and communities, and we’re looking forward to sharing tips, tools and inspiration to help get them started.”

Sherwin-Williams will be partnering with local affiliates of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Canada, and will be donating the paint and supplies for these projects. Painting contractors and builders are also participating in several community projects along with the teams from their local Sherwin-Williams stores. They will be sharing expertise and offering promotions in celebration of National Painting Week as well.

Survey reveals homeowner sentiment is high for projects
The Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week survey conducted by Nielsen revealed insights into homeowners’ mind-sets when it comes to painting projects and future plans, notably showing that most homeowners (56 percent) are planning to paint an area in their home in the next 12 months. Among key findings from the survey include:

Most homeowners (59 percent) are confident when considering a painting project
Nearly three quarters (74 percent) of millennial homeowners plan to paint an area in their home in the next 12 months
When asked how best to make a room stand out, nearly half (44 percent) of respondents chose painting an accent color on one wall
Almost three in five homeowners (59 percent) said they’d be willing to spend more than $100 on a DIY painting project
Among homeowners who have worked with a painting contractor in the past, 70 percent are planning a painting project in the next 12 months
For some homeowners, it may be time for a door refresh, as the survey also indicated that nearly a quarter (24 percent) haven’t had their front door painted in six or more years
“I’ve worked on many projects and above all, I’ve learned that there are endless ways to make a sophisticated, bold impression in your home and that small changes can make a big impact. With only 1 gallon of paint and a little time, people can achieve a positive, lasting outcome they’ll appreciate and enjoy for some time,” Gidding said.

Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week
In celebration of National Painting Week, Sherwin-Williams will be offering 30 percent off its branded paints and stains, and an additional 20 percent off wallpaper, from May 22-30. Visit your local Sherwin-Williams store to learn more. More information on National Painting Week is available at Sherwin-Williams stores and swpaintingweek.com.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – IKEA today announced the release of a pilot virtual reality app, the IKEA VR Experience, on Valve’s world leading game platform Steam. The test app, featuring a virtual kitchen experience, is the first foray from IKEA into VR technology. The launch of the app is intended to solicit consumer feedback as IKEA continues to explore the possible implications of the technology for the home. In recent years, IKEA has explored new technology as a way to improve its offer and empower customers. The launch of IKEA VR Experience is one of the steps taken in this effort.

“Virtual reality is developing quickly and in five to ten years it will be an integrated part of people’s lives. We see that virtual reality will play a major role in the future of our customers. For instance, someday, it could be used to enable customers to try out a variety of home furnishing solutions before buying them,” says Jesper Brodin, managing director at IKEA of Sweden and Range & Supply Manager at IKEA Group.

The IKEA VR Experience brings the user a virtual IKEA kitchen in real world size. Using an HTC Vive headset, consumers can use the app to explore one of three differently-styled kitchen room settings. The user can change the color of cabinets and drawers with a click. Another feature is the ability to view the kitchen from different perspectives by either shrinking or stretching yourself to move around the kitchen at the size of a 3.3 foot-tall child or a 6.4 foot-tall adult. This could be useful for the user, since walking around the room in someone else’s shoes enables you to discover hidden dangers or possible design solutions.

“We also see IKEA VR Experience as an opportunity to co-create with people all around the world. We hope that users will contribute to our virtual reality development, by submitting ideas on how to use virtual reality and how to improve the virtual kitchen,” says Martin Enthed, IT Manager for IKEA Communications, the in-house communication agency at IKEA of Sweden.

The app was made in collaboration with developers at the French company Allegorithmic, using Unreal Engine 4 from Epic Games, and has been developed for HTC Vive, a first of its kind, award winning, virtual reality system created by HTC and Valve.

Feedback and suggestions on how to improve the IKEA VR Experience can be submitted to VRDevelopment@IKEA.com. The IKEA VR Experience will be continuously updated until August when this particular pilot test ends.

About IKEA U.S.
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. here are currently more than 380 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About IKEA Group
Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people and we offer well designed, functional and affordable, high quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. The IKEA Group has 332 stores in 28 countries. In addition there are more than 40 stores run by franchisees outside the IKEA Group. The IKEA Group had 771 million visitors during FY15 and 1.9 billion people visited IKEA.com (www.ikea.com).

About HTC
HTC Corporation aims to bring brilliance to life. As a global innovator in smart mobile devices and technology, HTC has produced award-winning products and industry firsts since its inception in 1997, including the critically acclaimed HTC One and HTC Desire lines of smartphones. The pursuit of brilliance is at the heart of everything HTC does, inspiring best-in-class design and game-changing mobile and virtual reality experiences for consumers around the world. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

About Allegorithmic
Allegorithmic develops the new generation of 3D texturing software: Substance Painter, Substance Designer and Substance B2M. With most AAA game studios using these tools, Substance has become the industry standard for creating next-generation PBR (Physically Based Rendering) assets. These tools are also rapidly expanding to the VFX/Film and Design/Architecture industries.

About Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, the Unreal Engine brings high-fidelity experiences to PC, console, mobile, the Web and VR. Unreal Engine accelerates the creation of games, applications, visualizations and cinematic content. Download Unreal Engine for free at unrealengine.com, and follow @UnrealEngine for updates.

LAS VEGAS, NV – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced it has begun the coworker recruitment process for its future Las Vegas store, opening Summer 2016 along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. Candidates interested in working at the future IKEA Las Vegas should apply online at IKEA-USA.com.

“We are thrilled to offer interested jobseekers diverse positions with limitless opportunity at a global company known for being a great place to work,” said Amy Jensen, IKEA Las Vegas store manager. “At IKEA, we offer a variety of positions for different coworkers’ interests so they can enjoy their job and contribute successfully. We believe it is as fun to work at IKEA as it is to shop at IKEA.”

As IKEA Las Vegas progresses through the construction process, a variety of positions are open to local residents. Prospective coworkers can apply for the approximately 300 diverse positions now available in: home furnishings sales, interior design, customer service, safety and security, cashier, facility management, receiving, stock replenishment and warehouse. Also, setting itself apart from other local retailers, IKEA Las Vegas will offer approximately 60 food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Café Bistro and coworker cafeteria.

Drawing from the company’s Swedish heritage, IKEA offers family-friendly initiatives and diverse workplace benefits including full medical/dental insurance to coworkers working 20 hours or more per week with eligibility for domestic partners and children. Other benefits include: vacation, paid maternity/paternity leave and paid time off for child adoption, tuition assistance, a bonus program, 401(k) matching, a pension plan, professional development, training and mentoring programs, free uniforms, and – of course – a discount at IKEA.

IKEA recently was voted by coworkers as a Great Place to Work® on the ‘Fortune 20 Best Retail Workplaces’ list, received a 100 percent perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI,) and listed as #3 on Forbes’ list of “Happiest Retailers to Work For.” Previously, the company has been included in rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years.

IKEA BEGINS RECRUITMENT FOR LAS VEGAS STORE

The organization puts career opportunity into the hands of the individual, encouraging coworkers to consider assignments within different functions, at other IKEA stores or even in other countries. IKEA prides itself on the fact an opportunity at IKEA truly can evolve into a career, potentially paving the way for a global experience as well. The company also places value and emphasis on coworkers’ personal lives and the importance of a work/life balance.

Under construction on 26 acres in the Spring Valley area of Clark County, the 351,000-square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas and its approximately 1,300 parking spaces is located along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. IKEA also will be installing Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array, consistent with the IKEA renewable energy presence at its 90% of its U.S. locations.

The store will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking.

IKEA will generate significant tax revenue for state and local governments. When IKEA Las Vegas opens in Summer 2016, the new store will welcome the newly hired 300 coworkers to the IKEA family of more than 14,000 in the United States and 147,000 globally. Until IKEA Las Vegas opens, customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores: Covina, CA; Tempe, AZ, or Draper, UT; or online at IKEA-USA.com.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 370 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

LAS VEGAS – Sherwin-Williams introduces its latest innovation: ColorSnap®, the company’s most comprehensive, integrated color selection system ever offered. Designed to help consumers and professionals make confident and efficient paint color selections, ColorSnap® includes a first-of-its-kind, in-store display that makes color selection fast and easy, in addition to enhanced online and off-line tools, and new colors.

“With the ColorSnap® system, we’ve created a completely new way to navigate color. Whether in their neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store, at home or on the go, ColorSnap® provides a solution to easily explore and find color any way the consumer chooses,” said Jackie Jordan, director, color marketing, Sherwin-Williams.

ColorSnap® began rolling out last year and will be available in all Sherwin-Williams stores across the U.S. and Canada by the end of first quarter.

Easy, intuitive and fast
Customers can explore color in an entirely new way with the interactive, in-store ColorSnap® Studio display, which groups color by family, such as red, yellow or blue, then displays color by saturation level from bright to neutral with a new category just for whites. Each color family is set on one of 24 rotating panels. By turning a panel, customers can see a curated selection of nearly 50 paint chips of specific colors within that color family — making the selection process simple and fun.

The display, which will be the centerpiece of every Sherwin-Williams store, also features new 2-by-3-inch take-home color chips, rather than strips, so customers can get a bigger, better idea of how colors will look in their space.

Sherwin-Williams conducted extensive testing to ensure the new ColorSnap® system would improve the overall customer experience. During in-store testing, on average, customers found their paint color of choice in 60 percent less time than with the previous display.

Sherwin-Williams collaborated with IDEO, an award-winning global design and innovation consultancy, on the in-store display, which uses a human-centered, design approach to help simplify the color-selection experience for both DIYers and professionals.

“We were honored to work with Sherwin-Williams to reimagine the color selection journey through the lens of the company’s many diverse customers. After a thoughtful and iterative design process, we’re excited to see ColorSnap® come to life,” said Michelle Ha Tucker, portfolio director, IDEO.

As part of the new display, a central work area will be added for customers to arrange and review their color choices, explore Sherwin-Williams color tools and interact with store experts. Customers will also be able to browse and take home nine new color guides and 12 postcards that are designed to inspire, educate and simplify color selection.

In addition to ColorSnap® Studio, the redesigned in-store color display, the all-new system includes a refreshed and integrated online set of tools including ColorSnap® Visualizer for iPhone, iPad, Android and online (at sherwinwilliams.com). The tools allow users to explore color before ever picking up a paintbrush. With the mobile app, customers can scan the new 2-by-3 inch color chip with their iPhone or Android smart phone for instant access to room scenes featuring that color, options for coordinating colors, and more. ColorSnap® Visualizer also inspires by matching a color in a photo to a specific Sherwin-Williams color, allowing users to virtually paint a room or simply browse details on the full range of Sherwin-Williams colors. The iPad app also features inspirational room scenes that showcase expert color picks.

The new color selection system is powered by Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® Precision, a proprietary technology that delivers exceptional color accuracy and control in every gallon of paint. From initial product formulation to final tinting, ColorSnap® Precision provides gallon to gallon color consistency that is available only at Sherwin-Williams more than 4,000 neighborhood stores.

Faster and easier for design professionals
Professionals will also find color selection easier and faster, thanks to the variety of new resources available to them, whether in the office or on the job site. The ColorSnap® Design Pro Suite includes an updated and expanded suite of tools for professionals (including a new ergonomic fan deck, portable and desktop kits and more), along with the ColorSnap® Visualizer online tools. The ColorSnap® Design Pro Suite creates a powerful color selection system that can differentiate a design practice. It will be available in early 2016.

To learn more about the ColorSnap® system, visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store or www.colorsnap.com.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. Sherwin-Williams has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Paint Retailers, Three Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power 2015 Paint Satisfaction StudySM. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

(Conshohocken, PA – November 6, 2015) IKEA US announced today that the company continued to grow in FY15;1 IKEA US store sales increased by 4.5 percent and total sales – including ecommerce – increased by 8.6 percent outperforming both retail and home furnishing sectors.2 Additionally, IKEA US wind farm investments in Hoopeston, Ill and Cameron, TX are expected to generate between three and four times the amount of energy IKEA used in its US operations during FY14.

“We are pleased that IKEA US continues to grow. Our investment in our co-workers’ new minimum wage structure and our positive environmental programs demonstrate IKEA is a great place to work as well as a business that positively impacts our planet,” commented Lars Petersson, IKEA US President. “We also see great opportunities for significant future growth as we expand the number of U.S. stores 12 percent by fall 2017.”

IKEA US investment in its co-workers was exemplified when it announced in June 2015, it would once again raise its minimum hourly wage in existing stores, effective January 2016. This follows the new minimum wage structure that was implemented on January 1, 2015, which resulted in a 4 percentage point reduction in turnover by the end of FY15.

IKEA is a Leader in Life at Home
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people, which includes offering products that are well-designed, functional, and cost-efficient. During FY15, this was demonstrated by the following actions and programs:•IKEA lowered the prices on a considerable number of articles including some of the best-selling IKEA products like the MALM storage bed and BRIMNES wardrobe.

•With a focus on a sustainable life at home, IKEA became the first major U.S. retailer to convert to selling only LED lamps and replacement bulbs.
•During FY15, IKEA completely changed its kitchen offer. The new range of kitchens, SEKTION, offers customers advantages such as – improved integration of lighting into drawers, new drawers within drawers and more options to customize cabinet interiors.

Business Growth & Expansion•As online shopping is growing among all customer sectors; IKEA Ecommerce experienced strong growth, up 23%.
•Life has become busier for most people and IKEA home deliveries has seen an increase of 73% in the last two years.
•Growth in the bed and bath departments contributed nearly half of total IKEA US sales growth.
•IKEA loyalty shopping has proven successful resulting in IKEA FAMILY memberships at 9.8 million in FY15, a 43% increase from FY14.
•FY15 saw improved IKEA food menu choices (seasonal, well priced) including the introduction of new healthier and more sustainable options; the IKEA food sector was up 5%.

Great Place to Work•IKEA cares about its co-workers and the lives they live. With a focus on more predictable scheduling, IKEA US provides co-workers with their schedules three weeks in advance, more than required by federal legislation.
People & Planet•IKEA aims to produce as much renewable energy as the company consumes in its operations by 2020. To that end, IKEA continued to invest in renewable energy in FY15 by expanding solar installations and investing in wind farms in the U.S. Today, 90% of IKEA US units – store, distribution centres and offices – have solar installations.

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 328 IKEA Group stores in 28 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 41 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 15, IKEA Group had 771 million visitors to the stores and 1.9 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

Montvale, NJ – Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced its highly anticipated 2016 Color of the Year – Simply White OC-117. The company also unveiled Color Trends 2016, a corresponding palette of 23 colors to illustrate how white works within the color spectrum.

“The color white is transcendent, powerful and polarizing – it is either taken for granted or obsessed over,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Creative Director. “White is not just a design trend, it is a design essential. The popularity of white, the necessity of white, the mystique of white is quantifiable in our industry. Of the top ten best-selling Benjamin Moore colors, variants of white occupy five spots. It was inevitable that we would ultimately recognize white as our Color of the Year.”

The Benjamin Moore Color Studio forecasts color trends after a year of research attending major industry shows around the world, while also taking cues from standouts in architecture, fashion, textiles, home furnishings and the arts. White transcends style, and is seen in traditional, transitional and modern interiors. The color also presents attractive exterior looks for the home, from colonial to contemporary and virtually everything in between.

The Color Studio arrived at Simply White OC-117 after careful review of the company’s more than 250 white selections. According to the Color Studio, it was the most neutral, level and constant in the various light sources used in today’s design environments. The 22 colors of the Color Trends 2016 palette include the following:
•Simply White OC-117
•Paper White OC-55
•Ice Mist OC-67
•Mascarpone AF-20
•Ballet White OC-9
•White Heaven 2068-70
•Morning Sky Blue 2053-70
•Gray Owl OC-52
•Lemonade 2024-60
•Cream Puff 2174-70
•Enchanted 2070-50
•White Satin 2067-70
•Kittery Point Green HC-119
•Banana Yellow 2022-40
•Ravishing Red 2008-10
•Gentle Violet 2071-20
•Luxe AF-580
•Blue Echo AF-505
•Weimaraner AF-155
•Royal Flush 2076-20
•Patriot Blue 2064-20
•Black Ink 2127-20
•French Press AF-170

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year & Color Trends 2016 can only be achieved with Benjamin Moore paints. Offering residential paints for any project, the Benjamin Moore portfolio includes Aura®, Aura® Bath & Spa, Regal® Select, Natura® ben®, ADVANCE®, ARBORCOAT® and Aura Grand Entrance®. All 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors are available in pint samples at local retailers along with Color Trends 2016 curated palette cards. Benjamin Moore products are exclusively found at the more than 5,000 Benjamin Moore independently owned paint and decorating retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more about the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year and Color Trends 2016 palette, or to find the closest Benjamin Moore retailer, visit www.benjaminmoore.com. For more information, search #ColorTrends2016 on social media channels including Facebook (Benjamin Moore Paints), Twitter (@Benjamin_Moore), Pinterest (Benjamin Moore), Instagram (@benjaminmoore) and YouTube (BenjaminMoorePaints).

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura, Regal Select, ben as well as the most environmentally friendly premium paint in the marketplace today, Natura. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designers more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams announces the launch of SpecExpress™, a free specification writing tool that helps architects, designers, and specifiers create paint specifications based on the unique criteria of each project.

“Time is a precious commodity, and SpecExpress helps architects and designers maximize it by easily and quickly narrowing down paint selection options to meet aesthetic, durability and performance requirements for their projects,” said Joe Kujawski, director of wholesale marketing, Sherwin-Williams.

SpecExpress uses a simple five-step process to help select the right paint products for commercial and residential projects. The online system then creates a a proper paint specification document — including paired primers and topcoats — that meet the criteria of the specific project.

A SpecExpress specification can be downloaded as a Word, WP or RTF file, and may be used in its entirety or added to a project master specification.

For more information about Sherwin-Williams SpecExpress, visit SWSpecExpress.com.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. Sherwin-Williams has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Paint Retailers, Three Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power 2015 Paint Satisfaction StudySM. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

IRVING, Texas, – Summer’s hottest book trend – coloring books for adults – will continue through fall and into the holiday season, according to market leader Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), the world’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer.

Michaels, which has sold the books for more than a decade, has a 15 percent market share of the adult coloring book business, based on BookScan data, and has seen about a one-third jump in sales so far this year over last year. Social media has helped drive the trend, with more than 400,000 posts on Instagram with #coloringbook.

“Coloring books for adults, featuring images of mandalas, nature, animals and more, are seen by many as a way for adults to de-stress and remove themselves from technology,” said Michaels Vice President of Trend and Design Idalia Farrajota. “The books are enormously popular, and with their great price point – most are under $20 – they’re an ideal holiday gift for friends, relatives, teachers and co-workers.”

Some psychologists say the creative activity can be helpful for relaxation and focus. It has also become an increasingly popular social activity, with enthusiasts forming groups that gather together regularly to color or organizing coloring meetups through social media.

The books’ intricate designs can be filled in with pens, pencils or crayons. Each book features around 30 designs to provide hours of coloring that can be done anytime, anywhere.

Coloring books for adults, including national bestsellers by Johanna Basford, are available in stores or at www.Michaels.com.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.

The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Aug. 1, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,186 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads® and Imagin8®.

IRVING, Texas, – Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), the world’s largest arts and crafts retailer and top online crafting resource, has partnered with trend-driven online DIY marketplace Darby Smart to make crafting simpler and more accessible to everyone.

The partnership will launch in September to bring the best of Michaels – including its huge variety of innovative products and craft industry leadership – to Darby Smart, and the best of Darby Smart’s on-trend projects and online community to Michaels.

“Aligning with Darby Smart is another way to connect with novice crafters and make it easy for them to engage in creating projects, with simple step-by-step instructions that help them achieve great results,” said Michaels CEO Chuck Rubin. “Michaels and Darby Smart share a deep commitment to the maker movement, and this partnership helps us bring more people into the fold with accessible, modern, designer projects that anyone can make.”

Darby Smart, known for its innovative DIY ideas and active online community, will gain exposure to the more than 9 million people who visit Michaels.com each month through a link on the Michaels site’s project page. Darby Smart users will have access to more craft categories and a wider variety of supplies through the partnership, while Michaels customers will have access to the Darby Smart digital shopping lists, ideas and tutorials.

“I’ve been shopping at Michaels for many years, and there’s no other playground like it for the creative,” said Darby Smart co-founder and CEO Nicole Shariat Farb. “Our community will benefit from Michaels’ unique product offerings that are broad in category, deep in selection and high in quality, and we welcome Michaels customers to our unique, online maker community.”

Initially, the partnership will focus on easy, beautiful projects for personalized fall, Thanksgiving and holiday decorating, entertaining and giving.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of May 2, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,177 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Imagin8® and Make Market™. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.

About Darby Smart
Darby Smart is the destination for DIY -whether it’s made by you or made for you, Darby Smart allows you to browse, share and shop everything DIY. On Darby Smart, you can browse unlimited ideas, share what you’ve made and shop supplies and handmade items. Darby Smart connects DIY enthusiasts across the globe, from aspiring crafters to leading DIYers. With a rapidly growing and passionate community, Darby Smart is the place to find endless DIY inspiration, view tutorials, connect with others and shop products. Founded and headquartered in San Francisco, Darby Smart brings DIY to the masses. To learn more, visit www.darbysmart.com

MONTVALE, NJ – Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced its most environmentally friendly paint, Natura®, has been Certified asthma & allergy friendlyTM by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This certification comes on the heels of Natura becoming the 2015 Product of the Year in the interior paint category and being Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM Silver earlier this year, making Natura the most decorated paint by Benjamin Moore.

Asthma and allergies affect more than 370 million people worldwide, with 70 million in the United States alone. In 2006, AAFA collaborated with Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), an international physician-led certification company, to establish a scientific program to vet and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

“This is the latest step in our long history and commitment to manufacturing green paints that are safer for your family and the environment,” said Chris Connelly, Director of Brand Management, Benjamin Moore. “With zero emissions and no harsh fumes, Natura truly is an eco-friendly paint that delivers on performance and color integrity.”

The asthma & allergy friendlyTM Certification Program independently tests and identities consumer products that are more suitable for those living with asthma and allergies. Natura earned the certification with low odor, zero emissions* and zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs)**.

“We are proud of the scientific achievement that Benjamin Moore has made with this paint,” said Mike Tringale, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for AAFA. “Now every family can be confident they are creating a healthier home when painting.”

To achieve a preferred design aesthetic, Natura is available in three finishes: Flat, Eggshell and Semi-Gloss. To locate a nearby Benjamin Moore retailer and learn more about this certification, visit: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/natura-asthma-allergy-certification.

*Zero emissions – No VOC emissions detected according to CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.1, 2010
**Zero VOC according to EPA Method 24

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® as well as the most environmentally friendly premium paint in the marketplace today, Natura®. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designers more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

About the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program
The AAFA is the leading national nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients’ rights and funds research to find better treatments and cures. The asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program is jointly run by AAFA and ASL, a physician-led global certification company that prepares independent standards for testing a wide range of products to determine their suitability for asthma and allergy patients. The Certification Program is an independent laboratory-based product testing program that helps families with asthma and allergies find more suitable products for their homes. Visit www.aafa.org/certified to see the full catalog of Certified products, and get a free guide on how to reduce allergens and irritants in your home.