International Business

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot said Monday that it has promoted current executive VP, corporate strategy and new business development Steve Schmidt to the position of president international.

Schmidt, who will report to CEO Neil Austrian, will oversee Office Depot’s multichannel International business.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation announced that it has urged the Senate to approve legislation that would help create jobs by making it quicker for citizens of Brazil, China and India to obtain visas needed to travel to the United States on business or to shop in U.S. stores.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s announced that it has named Eric Wiseman, president and CEO of apparel manufacturer VF Corp., to its board of directors. Wiseman will serve on the board’s compensation and governance committees. 

Wiseman has been CEO of VF Corp., whose brands include The North Face, Timberland, Vans and Wrangler, since January 2008. Before being named CEO, Wiseman served as president and chief operating officer from 2006 to 2007, responsible for VF’s global business and day-to-day operations.

BENTON HARBOR — Whirlpool Corp. is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a number of local events and recognition of employees throughout the world.

Northbrook, Ill. -- Crate and Barrel announced Friday that its president and CEO Barbara Turf, who is retiring spring 2012, will be succeeded by current company COO Sascha Bopp, who becomes CEO effective April 2012.

Current CB2 director Marta Calle will become president, in charge of merchandising and marketing, and will report to Bopp.

New York City -- Uniqlo, the fast-growing apparel retailer from Japan, has implemented queue management systems from Lawrence, a Tensator Group Company, at its two new flagships in New York City (Fifth Avenue and 34th Street).

The custom-designed sleek, stainless steel Tensabarrier guidance system is designed to echo the ultra-modern store interior while helping guide customers easily through the checkout process and increase efficiencies in customer flow.

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters Monday announced leadership changes at Anthropologie, Terrain and Urban Outfitters.

David McCreight has been appointed CEO Anthropologie Group, effective Nov. 15. In this new role, McCreight will be responsible for Anthropologie North America, Anthropologie Europe and BHLDN.

Seattle -- Online jewelry retailer Blue Nile announced that CEO Diane Irvine has resigned from the company, effective Nov. 11.

Vijay Talwar, senior VP and general manager of international, has been appointed interim CEO. During the transition period, chairman Mark Vadon will take an active role in the leadership of the company, working closely with Talwar. Vadon will also lead the search for a permanent CEO.
 

MINNEAPOLIS — Best Buy Co. said Monday it is buying out its joint venture partner, Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, in its fast-growing North American mobile business for $1.34 billion. As part of the reorganization of its relationship with the U.S. consumer electronics giant, Carphone Warehouse will shutter the 11 pilot big-box Best Buy stores it opened last year in the United Kingdom.

New York City -- Best Buy Co. said Monday it is buying out its joint venture partner, Carphone Warehouse Group PLC, in its fast-growing North American mobile business for $1.34 billion. As part of the reorganization of its relationship with the U.S. consumer electronics giant, Carphone Warehouse will shutter the 11 pilot big-box Best Buy stores it opened last year in the United Kingdom.