International Business

Sales at Walmart’s international division increased 11.5% to $27.9 billion, aided to a large degree by a $1.3 billion currency exchange benefit, without which the sales increase would have been a more modest 6.2%.

New York City -- Target Corp. plans to spend more than it had forecast this year on its entry into the Canadian market as it nails down more of the best retail locations sooner than expected.

The retailer said it will be able to “clarify” within weeks the number and locations of the first 100 to 150 stores it will open in Canada.

“We expect to close on higher value lease transactions sooner than expected,” Target CFO Doug Scovanner told analysts on a conference call Wednesday.

Everett, Wash. -- Zumiez reported Thursday net income of $1.9 million in the first quarter, compared with a loss of $1.9 million in the year-ago period. The retailer said it plans to open 44 new stores in fiscal 2011, including its first stores in Canada.

The results for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 include costs of approximately $1.2 million associated with the relocation of the company's distribution center from Everett, Wash., to Corona, Calif.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma reported Thursday that net income for the quarter ended May 1 jumped 62% to $31.6 million, from $19.5 million a year earlier, topping company expectations.

Revenue rose 7.4% to $770.8 million, better than expected.

Same-store sales, which includes direct-to-consumer revenue, rose 9%. Same-store sales rose 3.1% at the namesake brand, 7.9% at Pottery Barn and a record 11% at Pottery Barn Kids.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Bath and Body Works announced that it has named Nick Coe, formerly president of Lands' End, as its new CEO. The current CEO of Bath and Body Works, Diane Neal, will remain in her role as CEO through summer and then transition into an advisory role with the company from San Francisco. 

New Albany, Ohio -- Abercrombie & Fitch Co. said Wednesday that overseas strength pushed its net income to $25.1 million for the first quarter, compared with a loss of $11.8 million a year earlier.

As previously reported, revenue rose 22% to $837 million, helped by a 64% surge in international revenue.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples reported Wednesday that first-quarter profit rose 5% to $198.2 million, compared with $188.8 million a year earlier. Results were boosted by overseas strength and increased buying by small businesses in North America.

But results were softer than expected, and the company cut its full-year earnings guidance. Its earnings outlook for the second quarter and the year are below Wall Street estimates.

Revenue rose 2% to $6.18 billion, from $6.06 billion a year ago. Same-store sales slipped 1%.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart reported first-quarter earnings that were above the company's guidance, reflecting stability and strength in global operations, according to president and CEO, Mike Duke.

Walmart's net income was $3.4 billion, or 98 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.3 billion, or 87 cents per diluted share. 

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores reported Tuesday that net income for the first quarter ended April 30 rose 3% to $3.39 billion, beating Wall Street estimates. Overall results were powered by overseas stores and stringent cost controls, but business in the United States remains soft as U.S. Walmart stores posted an eighth straight quarter of same-store declines.

Wal-Mart's U.S. division recorded a 0.3% dip in same-store revenue, dragged down by a 1.1% drop at its namesake stores. Same-store sales increased 4.2% at Sam’s Club warehouse stores.

Wallingford, Conn. -- Edible Arrangements announced on Tuesday aggressive expansion plans, with the goal of opening 150 new locations in 2011, and 200 additional locations in 2012.

During the next several weeks, 19 stores are scheduled to open in 10 states and two Canadian Provinces.

Additionally, two international locations are expected to open soon in Saudi Arabia and another in Oman. Currently, Edible Arrangements has over 934 open locations, including in 10 countries outside the United States and Puerto Rico.