International Business

It’s a record that most retailers are envious of, particularly in today’s competitive and disrupted marketplace.    TJX Cos. on Wednesday posted its 21st consecutive year of same-store sales increases, as well as better-than-expected income and revenue results for its fourth quarter. The off-price retailer also raised its quarterly dividend and announced a share repurchase program.  

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is about to get a new owner.    Restaurant Brands International Inc., owner of Burger King and Tim Hortons, announced it would acquire Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for $1.8 billion in cash.  

The Tori Richard brand is a staple in Hawaii, but it’s taking steps to expand sales across the continental United States.   A company founded as a women's wear brand 60 years ago in Honolulu, has since become an internationally recognized men's and women's resort wear brand available in its 17 stores and approximately 2,500 wholesale accounts, including in Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. This breadth contributes to sales that span across the main-land U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. 

The Wendy’s Co. is bullish on expansion.   The chain wants to add approximately 1,000 locations by 2020, reported Nation’s Restaurant News.    

A new company is interested in The Limited.   Sunrise Brands LLC has bid for the bankrupt apparel retailer’s e-commerce business and intellectual property, a move that challenges a $26.3 million offer from private equity firm Sycamore Partners, Reuters said.   

DWM Facilities Maintenance has opened a new office in Orlando, Florida. The new office will help facilitate the company’s recent growth.   

The Retail Design Institute has extend the deadline for submission of entries to the International Store Design Competition to March 1, 2017   Design firms and in-house retail design teams from around the globe are invited to submit projects for the Retail Design Institute’s annual competition. Eligible projects are those completed between January 1 and December 31, 2016.     

IBM is taking the next step in its IoT journey.   The technology provider has opened the doors of its new $200 million global headquarters for its Watson Internet of Things (IoT) business in Munich, Germany. The space will also serve as an innovation space for the European IoT standards organization, EEBus.   "We have reached a tipping point with IoT innovation,” said Harriet Green, general manager, IBM Watson IoT, cognitive engagement and education.