International Business

DALLAS — Zale has named Beth Pritchard to its Board effective March 9. This appointment will increase the total number of board seats to eight.

A phenomenon that continues to boggle my mind and, in many cases impress me, is how the Texas economy continues to flourish. Even in the midst of the recent economic downturn that left few retail markets untouched, the Lone Star State remained one of the few bright spots in a recessionary sky.

Omni-channel, seamless customer experience, empowered consumers and mobile commerce were among the buzzwords at the National Retail Federation’s Annual Convention & EXPO in New York City. The show attracted a record 25,000 retail executives, suppliers and consultants, the most in its 101-year history. Reflecting the global nature of retail, there were some 5,500 international participants from 78 countries.

New York City -- Iconix Brand Group reported that its fourth-quarter net income rose 23% on increased sales. The company also announced it was forming a joint venture with Reliance Brands Limited, a part of the Reliance Industries Group, to expand in India. Iconix currently has other similar partnerships in Greater China, Europe and Latin America.

Iconix said its net income totaled $27.2 million in the three months ended Dec. 31, up from $22.1 million in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 8.5% to $95.5 million, from $88 million.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation expressed its support for President Obama's proposal for business tax reform, and pledged to work with the White House and Congress to win passage of legislation that would significantly lower rates in order to help retailers and other businesses create jobs.

By HeeSun Kim and Young Rok Park

Imagine a place where department stores are destinations for retail and social activity, where the mere mention of the term “department store” still conjures fond memories of day-long family outings in the city. Fifty years ago, this could have been any major city in the United States, but the current epicenter of the design revolution in large-format retail, culture and fashion is on the opposite side of the planet, specifically in Seoul, South Korea.

Washington, D.C. -- The National Retail Federation expressed its support for President Obama's proposal for business tax reform, and pledged to work with the White House and Congress to win passage of legislation that would significantly lower rates in order to help retailers and other businesses create jobs.

Today promises to be a special one for 25 Toronto area residents -- assuming their definition of special involves waiting in line for the opportunity to purchase up to three Jason Wu products at a Target pop-up store in Toronto and have their photo taken with the designer and Target’s mascot dog Bullseye.

Wu’s line of goods sold out quickly when it hit U.S. Target stores earlier this month and that’s sure to be the case in Toronto as the notion of limited quantities and the air of exclusivity tend to ignite the urgency gene in shoppers.