International Business

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. 

After 30 years in the drug store sector, Michael Bloom left CVS Caremark in September 2011 to become president and COO of Family Dollar Stores. The extreme-value chain has adopted an aggressive growth strategy in recent years, and plans to open 450 to 500 stores in 2012.

Family Dollar is equally committed to improving existing locations. Under its ambitious store-reinvention program, an estimated 1,000 locations are scheduled to be renovated, relocated or expanded this year.

By Stephen Wyss

As retailers eye avenues for growth in 2012, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) will be a key area of interest and activity.

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.