International Business

Business-to-consumer e-commerce sales in 2012 grew 21.1% to top $1 trillion for the first time, according to new global estimates by research firm, eMarketer. 

The firm predicts that 2013 will be even better, with e-commerce sales up 18.3% to $1.298 trillion worldwide, on the strength of the Asia-Pacific market. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark executives expressed optimism Wednesday morning as the company posted record fourth-quarter results, raised its 2013 guidance and continues to work to leverage its distinctive business model to help people on their path to better health amid a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

TORONTO — Canadian consumers eager to get their hands on a Target loyalty card can now apply for one. Target Canada announced that pplications for its REDcard products - the Target Debit Card and the Target RBC‡ MasterCard - are now available online at Target.ca/redcard. Guests planning to shop at Target stores in Canada with a REDcard will receive an additional 5% off Target's already low prices, applied instantly at the time of purchase.

NEW YORK — Michael Cunningham, Aeropostale president, is retiring effective March 29, the company announced Tuesday. 

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters has agreed to a mutual termination of its license agreement in China, Hong Kong and surrounding markets with Dickson Concepts (International) Limited. Consistent with its long-term global expansion strategy and the importance of this market, the company took the opportunity to exit its agreement and will assume operation of six existing stores in China and Hong Kong.

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold has appointed the former head of one of its European supermarket chains to an executive position in its U.S. division.

Ahold USA said it appointed Jan van Dam as EVP supply chain and e-commerce, in which he will focus on supply chain for the company's four U.S. divisions, Stop & Shop in the New York area and New England, Giant-Landover and Giant-Carlisle. He will also be responsible for the company's e-commerce business with Andrew Parkinson, president and general manager of online grocery company Peapod, reporting to him.

Third party logistic provider Kenco was chosen by Haier America to manage the appliance brand’s U.S. distribution.

NEW YORK — Iconix Brand Group has gained a controlling stake of the apparel brand, Buffalo David Bitton from Buffalo International.

Iconix now owns 51% of the brand and as part of the deal, formed a new joint venture company with Buffalo International. Iconix will control this joint venture and consolidate its results.  Buffalo International will be the core licensee for the new joint venture.