International Business

Toronto -- Loft, a division of Ann Inc., is expanding in Canada, with four new stores by the end of fall 2013.

Loft entered Canada last November, at Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The chain will open a store in Toronto Eaton Centrer, Toronto, in late May, followed by additional units at Lime Ridge Mall in Hamilton in July, Markville Shopping Centre in Markham in August and Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga in October.

Melville, N.Y. -- Sbarro is expanding its international growth with plans to open 20 eateries in Ontario, Canada. This announcement is the latest in a series of franchise agreements that have recently expanded Sbarro's presence across Europe, the Middle East, South America, Asia and the Pacific.

New York – Anthony Ludru has been named senior VP of North America by Tiffany & Co.

Ledru, 40, has luxury industry experience including with Cartier in Latin America and the U.S., as well as serving as global VP of sales with Harry Winston International.

“As a member of the senior management team, Anthony will drive sales results in our largest region, composed of the United States and Canada, while contributing a key voice to the articulation of the global brand.,” said Tiffany executive VP Frederic Cumenal.

New York -- Foot Locker Inc. has appointed Paulette Alvitti as senior VP and chief human resources officer. Alvitti will begin her new role on June 3 and oversee the development and delivery of global human resources, including compensation and benefits, organization and executive development/succession planning, employee engagement, talent management, human resources management systems, and corporate communications. She comes to Foot Locker from PepsiCo, where she spent 17 years, most recently serving as senior VP and chief human resources officer at PepsiCo Asia, Middle East and Africa.

NEW YORK — Foot Locker has appointed former PepsiCo human resources executive Paulette Alviti as the company’s SVP and chief human resources officer. 

Alviti has an extensive background in human resources, both domestically and internationally, with experience in organizational capability and training, talent acquisition and development, employee engagement and communications for the corporate office and field organization.

New York -- Tiffany & Co.’s net income rose a better-than-expected 3% to $83.6 million in its first quarter, up from the prior year’s $81.5 million, boosted by sales improvement across all its regions, particularly Asia. Global same-store sales rose 8% during the quarter.

The earnings bump came on a 9% worldwide net sales increase to $895 million. In the Americas region, total sales rose 6% to $408 million. Same-store sales rose 3% with relatively stronger growth in the New York flagship store.

Cincinnati – Former CEO A.G. Lafley, 65, is returning to Procter & Gamble in his former position. Lafley is assuming the role of CEO, president and chairman of the board immediately, and will replace current CEO Bob McDonald, who is retiring June 30. Procter & Gamble has been involved in restructuring efforts, including thousands of layoffs, for the past year and a half.

British retailer Marks & Spencer takes a giant leap forward in its goal to becoming a multichannel leader with the opening of its new concept store in Amsterdam.