International Business

New York – Fast-fashion retailer H&M estimates that it will continue to expand annually at a rate of 10% to 15%, which would take the U.S. store count to more than 400 and the total store count to almost 4,000 stores by the end of the year.

During 2015, the Swedish retailer has thus far announced it will open 61 stores, including the Herald Square flagship in New York City, which will become the largest H&M in the world when it opens on May 20.

Skechers USA Inc. is making a big donation to support children affected by the earthquake in Nepal.

The company says it will give more than 62,000 pairs of new shoes to children in that nation. The company has distributed 11 million pairs of shoes to children in need worldwide since its BOBS charitable program launched in 2011.

Secaucus, N.J. – A reduction in cost of sales helped The Children’s Place Inc. boost net income 15% to $15.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 from $13.6 million in the same quarter a year earlier. The Children’s Place achieved this increase in profitability even as net sales dropped 1% to $404.9 million, from $410.15 million.

Negative impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuations drove the reduction in net sales. Same-store sales rose 0.7%.

Strong growth in its e-commerce divisions couldn't lift profits at Nordstrom Inc., which reported a drop in earnings for the first quarter. 

For the period ended May 2, Nordstrom reported a profit of $128 million, or 66 cents a share, down from $140 million, or 72 cents a share, a year earlier. The retailer also reported that Nordstrom.com and Nordstromrack.com had a combined 70% increase in sales in the first quarter.

Jackson, Miss. – As part of a larger plan to open 30 new corporate and franchised stores by the end of 2015 and 200 new stores by 2018, Newk's Eatery has entered a new development agreement with New Orleans-based Southeast Restaurant Group (SRG). The veteran operator of franchise and independent restaurants plans to open 15 Newk's locations throughout Southern Louisiana and in Houston.

On the heels of Walmart's decision to acquire 13 Target locations in Canada comes an announcement from Lowe's, which has also decided to acquire 13 Target Canada leases as well as distribution center in Ontario.

The deal is worth about $125 million.

Washington, D.C. – The National Retail Federation (NRF) is publicly criticizing the Senate for blocking consideration of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act, which would renew Trade Promotion Authority. Trade Promotion Authority is legislation from Congress outlining objectives and oversight for trade negotiations between the U.S. and other countries.

Walmart is partnering with Chinese e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba to allow customers to make purchases using mobile devices in 25 of its stores in southern China.