International Business

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores announced that it has named Michael Bloom to the position of president and COO and promoted Dorlisa Flur to the position of vice chair strategy and chief administrative officer. Both Bloom and Flur will report to Howard Levine, chairman and CEO. These appointments follow the announced retirement of R. James Kelly as Family Dollar’s president and COO after 15 years with the company.

Boca Raton, Fla. -- Office Depot said Monday that the president of its international division has been terminated effective immediately, for having what the retailer called an “improper relationship” with a co-worker.

“Charlie Brown was terminated for having an improper relationship with another associate,” said Neil Austrian, Office Depot’s chairman and CEO. “The company has a zero tolerance policy in this regard.”

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples has promoted Christine Komola to CFO effective Feb. 1, 2012. She will report to John Mahoney, Staples’ vice chairman. The responsibilities of the CFO will transition to Komola the next year.

New York City -- High-end Swiss cosmetic retailer La Prairie will expand its Fifth Avenue location, between 53rd and 54th Streets.

According to its real estate representative Cushman & Wakefield, La Prairie will expand and occupy an additional 9,400 sq. ft. and the entire 11th floor of its existing building. The company also occupies the entire 13th and 14th floors.

La Prairie will occupy a total of 22,110 sq. ft. in the 26-story building.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores is in search of a new head of its global ecommerce and global sourcing businesses now that Eduardo Castro-Wright announced his retirement effective July 1, 2012. Walmart said it intends to name new leadership for these businesses by the end of January, after which Castro-Wright will assist in the transition.

BOCA RATON, Fla. — Office Depot has fired the president of its international business for "having an improper relationship."

Charlie Brown, president of the international division, has left the organization, effective Monday, the company announced in a press release.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores announced that Eduardo Castro-Wright, 56, vice chairman and CEO of the company’s Global eCommerce and Global Sourcing businesses, will retire on July 1, 2012. The company said it plans name new leadership for these businesses by the end of January, after which Castro-Wright will assist in the transition.
 

STELLARTON, NS  and MINNEAPOLIS — Details for Target's entry into Canada continue to fall into place as the retailer announced last week a long-term wholesale distribution agreement with Sobeys Inc.

Beginning in early 2013, Sobeys will supply Target’s food and grocery requirements for frozen, dairy, and dry grocery products, inclusive of both national brand and Target’s private label brands.