International Business

New York -- Abercrombie & Fitch plans a big share buyback to appease investors, the New York Post reported, and is also likely to cut back on its aggressive expansion plans in Europe.

The report, which quoted unnamed “insiders,” said the chain is likely to announce its plans on or before its next quarterly earnings report in mid-August.

Philadelphia -- Visionworks, the largest wholly owned U.S.-based optical retailer, has opened its first store in the Philadelphia area. Located in Deptford Township, N.J., it is the first of more than 25 stores expected to open in the market through 2013.

The San Antonio-based retailer plans to open 17 stores before the end of 2012 and additional locations by April 2013.

PADUA, Italy — Hugo Boss Group and Safilo Group, premium eyewear manufacturer, hav agreed to an early renewal of their license deal with a term until 2020 for the design, production and worldwide distribution of Boss Black, Boss Orange and Hugo frames and sunglass collections.

Mexico City – Walmex, Mexico’s largest retailer, reported Monday that same-store sales for the month of June rose 5.3%. Total sales in June jumped 15%.

The retailer opened 26 stores and restaurants in June, after announcing it was reducing planned store openings to between 325 and 335 this year from a previously announced 410 to 436 stores.
 

ROCKFORD, Mich. — Wolverine Worldwide reported slight revenue growth as it looks to build its portfolio with the acquisition of the Performance and Lifestyle Group from Collective Brands.

Wolverine Worldwide reported quarterly revenue of $312.7 million, an increase of 0.8% compared with the prior year's second quarter when revenue grew over 20%. 

Reported diluted earnings per share in the quarter were 42 cents, compared with prior year's earnings per share of 48 cents.

Allegations of worker abuse prompted Walmart to suspend a small seafood supplier earlier this week pending the outcome of an investigation, according to a Reuters report.

The rhetoric over allowing foreign direct investment in India is reminiscent of the rhetoric that would have occurred in the United States 30 years ago had Walmart’s critics knew then what they profess to know now.

New York -- Ikea has been rebuffed by India on a request to relax rules on buying goods locally, Reuters reported, citing a government source. The rebuff is likely to delay Ikea’s entry into the Indian retail market.

In June, Ikea said it would invest approximately $1.86 billion and open 25 stores in India. But the chain was seeking a 10-year window to comply with India’s rule that foreign retailers source 30% from local small and medium-sized firms. The requirement is seen by overseas companies as a hindrance to investment.