International Business

Sweet! Hollywood, at the Hollywood & Highland Center, in Hollywood, Calif., is sure to appeal to anyone in need of a sugar rush. The candy megastore features more than 200 types of gummy candies, 140 flavors of chewing gum, 250 types of lollipops, 300 different chocolate bars and more.

Walmart displayed a powerful commitment to revitalizing U.S. manufacturing this week when the company convened its first ever domestic sourcing summit.

Not only was the event a first for Walmart, it was also unlike anything the retail industry has ever seen. Roughly 1,500 supplier company representatives, government and economic development officials, Walmart’s top executives and dozens of senior merchants participated in the three hour summit held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

NEW YORK — Despite experiencing some challenges, particularly in the U.S., Foot Locker reported a comparable-store sales of 1.8% for the second quarter ended Aug. 3.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday brought together retailers, suppliers and government officials to figure out how they could work together to drive more manufacturing in the United States.

In advance of the Walmart-led U.S. Manufacturing Summit held in Orlando, Walmart U.S. president and CEO Bill Simon wrote an op-ed piece for the Huffington Post titled, "Reviving U.S. Manufacturing Key to Rebuilding the Middle Class." In it, Simon alludes to the vanishing middle class — which found themselves jobless as products once produced in the U.S.

NEW YORK — Weight Watchers International has named Ann Hollins as the company's chief human resources officer. Hollins will report to president and CEO Jim Chambers and will serve as a member of the Weight Watchers executive committee.

Hollins replaces Meredith Shepherd, who left the company in May after 11 years.

New York -- Foot Locker's second-quarter net income increased 12%, partly due to a recent acquisition. (In July, the retailer completed its purchase of German athletic store chain Runners Point Group for $94 million.)

For the period ended Aug. 3, the company earned $66 million, compared to $59 million a year ago. Its results were in line with expectations.

Revenue rose 6.4% to $1.45 billion from $1.37 billion, in line with expectations. Same-store sales rose 1.8%.

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Wolverine Worldwide has appointed Gene McCarthy as president of the Merrell brand. 

"Gene McCarthy is a visionary leader with a passion for brands and consumers," said Blake W. Krueger, chairman, CEO, and president of Wolverine Worldwide. "Merrell has been and continues to be a leader in the outdoor space and a jewel within the Wolverine portfolio — I am thrilled to have Gene join the Merrell team as it continues its drive to be the first billion-dollar-brand in our Company's history."