International Business

Atlanta -- Global Franchise Group said Wednesday it is expanding its Puerto Rican presence via a multi-unit operator.

A.M.A. Pretzels International opened two Great American Cookies stores in Puerto Rico -- in Plaza Carolina in Carolina, and Plaza Rio Hondo in Bayamon.

"Global Franchise Group is thrilled to have such outstanding multi-unit franchisees expand the Great American Cookies brand in Puerto Rico," said Global Franchise Group chief development officer John Barber.

New York -- Consumer confidence fell sharply in March, according to The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index. The Index, which had improved in February, now stands at 59.7 down from 68.0 last month.

The Present Situation Index decreased to 57.9 from 61.4. The Expectations Index declined to 60.9 from 72.4 last month.

New York -- Kleinfeld Bridal, the iconic New York bridal retailer and star of the hit reality show “Say Yes to the Dress,” will open a 20,000-sq.-ft. salon in Hudson’s Bay’s flagship location in downtown Toronto in early 2014. The Hudson’s Bay Company has exclusive rights to the brand in Canada.

New York -- A Monday report by Reuters said that Limited Brands has temporarily changed its name to L Brands Inc. The report cited a Friday regulatory filing.

The operator of Victoria's Secret and Henri Bendel is implementing a pre-planned transition process that was required after the 2010 sale of Limited Stores, LLC.

The company is expected to announce a new permanent name in the coming months.

PANAMA CITY — U.S.-based Vitamin Shoppe has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store in Panama City, via franchisee, Reprico. The retailer operates more than 600 retail locations across the United States.

"Our grandparents were pioneers in Pharmacy in Panama," said Marta Ferrer, director retail Stores for Reprico. "We are excited to open a store that can help people feel better and live healthier with the best quality products."

Bergen, N.J. -- Vitamin Shoppe said Monday it has opened its first international franchised Vitamin Shoppe store, located in Panama City. The store, which opened March 4, is owned and operated by franchisee Reprico.

"We're excited to partner with Reprico and bring the Vitamin Shoppe to Panama," said Musab Balbale, director of new business for the Vitamin Shoppe. "Our focus on delighting the customer with knowledge and great service will make us a trusted source for our customers in Panama."

New Orleans -- Smoothie King Franchises said Monday it plans to open 70 franchise and 30 corporate locations across the U.S. in 2013.

Since December 2012, the smoothie franchise has acquired six additional locations in Florida and Texas, bringing the total number of corporate stores to seven. The company also has opened six new franchise locations since the start of the year.

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy founder, Richard Schulze, is returning to Best Buy as its chairman Emeritus. In addition, Schulze has nominated Brad Anderson and Al Lenzmeier to serve on the Best Buy Board of Directors, pursuant to a previously disclosed agreement between the company and Schulze.

Schulze had resigned from the company last June over the scandal involving from CEO Brian Dunn. He then made several failed attempts to take Best Buy private.

Schulze expressed support for Best Buy's current chief, Hubert Joly.