International Business

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores detailed a number of moves, including opening smaller stores in the United States, cutting back on overseas growth and increasing its investments in technology and e-commerce,  on the occasion of the  company’s 20th annual investor meeting.

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple Inc. has hired a much-admired fashion industry veteran to run its retail stores. The company announced Tuesday that Angela Ahrendts, CEO of British luxury giant Burberry Group Plc, has been appointed to the newly created position of senior VP of retail and online stores. She will join Apple in the spring from Burberry.

At Apple Ahrendts, 53, will become a member of the executive team and report directly to CEO Tim Cook. She will be the first woman on Apple’s 10-member executive team.

Johnson & Johnson saw its growth initiatives pay off in the third quarter and increased its earnings guidance for 2013.

The company had sales of $17.6 billion for the quarter, an increase of 3.1% as compared to the third quarter of 2012. Operational results increased 4.7% and the negative impact of currency was 1.6%. Domestic sales increased 1.7%. International sales increased 4.2%, reflecting operational growth of 7.1% and a negative currency impact of 2.9%.

Rogers, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores is focused on near-term execution to grow its same-store U.S. sales, improve returns in Walmart International and leverage expenses for the full year, company president and CEO Mike Duke said Tuesday at the company’s 20th annual meeting for the investment community.
    

Apple has announced that Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry, will be joining the company as SVP of retail and online stores — a newly created position — and as a member of its executive team. Ahrendts will report to CEO Tim Cook.

Ahrendts will be charged with overseeing the strategic direction, expansion and operation of both Apple retail and online stores.

The Coca-Cola Company is focusing on the positive following third quarter results for the period ended Sept. 27. The company experienced continued global value share gains in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) beverages for the 25th consecutive quarter.

The company also reported worldwide volume growth of 2% in the third quarter against the backdrop of increasing volatility in several emerging markets. Coca-Cola Americas grew volume 1% in the quarter, with North America volume up 2% and Latin America volume flat in the quarter.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, a leading marketer of branded consumer lawn and garden products, has reached an agreement with Bell Laboratories, Inc., a leading rodent control technology developer, to acquire the Tomcat consumer rodent control business.

New York -- Chico's FAS is expanding outside of the United States, opening a White House Black Market store at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto on Oct. 24. The women's apparel retailer will open its second Canadian location at Square One, Mississauga on Oct. 29, followed by Upper Canada Mall, Newmarket on November 12.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre and Square One are owned by Oxford Properties Group and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo).Upper Canada Mall is owned by Oxford Properties Group and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).