International Business

Uniqlo is in the final stages of an extensive makeover of its first-ever store in New York City.      Located in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood, the 10-year-old, 36,000-sq.-ft. store is being redone to the theme of "a new Tokyo in Soho." Scheduled to unveil its new look on Sept. 2, the store was the chain’s first global flagship. Hiroshi Taki, Uniqlo U.S.A. CEO, described it as “an important milestone in the company's plans to expand internationally.”  

VF Corporation announced the promotion of Jim Pisani to the position of global brand president, Timberland, effective immediately.   Pisani most recently served as president of VF’s licensed sports group.  

A company relatively unknown outside its home base has entered the U.S. retail market in a deal to acquire Mattress Firm Holding Corp., the largest mattress retailer in the United States.   

Three current franchisee groups will introduce a total of 17 new Dunkin’ Donuts shops to the Atlanta area following deals signed with Dunkin’ Brands. Four of the units will be co-branded with Baskin-Robbins.  

Costco's comparable sales for the month of July declined 2%, with a 3% decrease in U.S. a 3% rise in Canada and other decreases internationally.  

Ikea has tabbed a 123-acre parcel 17 miles north of downtown Denver as the potential site of its second location in the metro. The Swedish furniture retailer made its debut in the area with a store in Centennial in 2011.   Ikea set no time frame for the opening of the second store, though the city of Denver has begun the process of incorporating a new Ikea into the master-planned retail center destined for the site in Broomfield at the intersection of Interstate 25 and State Highway 7.  

Macy’s, Inc. has named Elisa D. Garcia as chief legal officer, effective Sept. 7, succeeding Dennis J. Broderick, who is retiring after 29 years.   Garcia, 58, has served in the same capacity for Office Depot since 2013. She was executive VP/general counsel for Domino’s Pizza prior to that.  

Ice cream lovers in Lebanon will soon have a new confectionary option, as Cold Stone Creamery has announced plans to open multiple locations throughout the country over the next few years, beginning with the capital city of Beirut.    Kahala Brands, the parent company of Cold Stone Creamery, has granted MNM Investments Lebanon SAL, part of M1 Group, the master franchise rights to Lebanon under a 10-year master franchise agreement.  

A premium children’s brand is planning a growth spurt.    Private equity firm L Catterton has acquired Hanna Andersson for an undisclosed sum, with the intent of expanding the Swedish children’s apparel retailer across its channels.   Hanna Andersson currently operates a robust e-commerce and catalog business in addition to 55 retail stores and 11 outlet locations.  

One of the earliest adopters of the build-your-own pizza concept has notched North Louisiana in its expansion belt.   PizzaRev, the fast-casual pizza banner backed by Buffalo Wild Wings, announced that a franchise agreement has been signed to develop the chain throughout the northern part of Louisiana. Franchisees are lrestaurateurs Cassidy King and Mark Florsheim.