International Business

NEW YORK — Uniqlo has introduced a new tennis line modeled after the performance apparel worn by top-ranked male professional tennis playe, Novak Djokovic. The line will launch in the United States on Aug. 27 and in other markets around the world at a later date, details of which will be announced in due course.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma Inc. said its second-quarter net income rose 10%, fueled by double-digit sales growth at its Pottery Barn and West Elm stores. The results beat analysts’ expectations and the company also raised its profit and sales predictions for the full year.

For the quarter ended July 29, Williams-Sonoma earned $43.4 million, up from $39.3 million in the same period last year.

New York -- A group of Rona Inc.'s dealers on Wednesday released an open letter on Wednesday that criticized the proposed takeover of the Canadian home-improvement retailer and distributor by Lowe’s Cos., Reuters reported.

The letter, which was addressed to Lowe's CEO Robert Niblock, was signed by merchants that operate 164 affiliate or franchise Rona stores.

Chicago -- A report released Monday by Jones Lang LaSalle found that the U.S. retail real estate continued to show signs of stability in second quarter 2012.

According to Jones Lang LaSalle’s Mid-Year Outlook, the modestly positive outlook was led by major markets with strong demographic and population growth, a lack of new, high-quality supply and improving leasing velocity.

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands stockholders voted at a special meeting on Tuesday to approve the sale of the company for about $1.32 billion.

Collective, which owns the Payless and Stride Rite shoe store banners, had announced in May that it accepted a purchase offer from a group that includes Wolverine Worldwide Inc., Blum Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital.

New York -- Reebok has opened its first Reebok Fit Hub in the United States, on Fifth Avenue at 37th Street in Manhattan.

The 2,500-sq.-ft. store is located on the top of a Reebok CrossFit Box gym, which is on the street level. It sells a wide range of fitness apparel and footwear for men and women. Customers can also get fitness advice from in-store experts.

Designed by Reebok’s global environmental design division and Ziba, Portland, Ore., Fit Hut has a raw, industrial look, with an exposed ceiling.

DALLAS — Karen Katz, president and CEO of The Neiman Marcus Group, announced that Joseph Weber will be joining the company Sept. 4, as SVP, chief human resources officer.  Weber will be responsible for all areas of human resources and loss prevention including associate relations, learning and development, recruitment, compensation, internal communications and benefits.

Dallas -- Neiman Marcus Group said Tuesday it has named Joseph Weber as senior VP and chief human resources officer, effective Sept. 4.

Weber joins the retailer from Bank of America Corp., where he was most recently head of human resources EMEA, Latin America and Canada.