International Business

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation said it welcomed legislation that would require the State Department to speed up the visa application process for citizens from three key countries, saying the move would make it easier for tourists and business travelers to spend money in U.S. stores.

NEW YORK — Walmart took the next step in its goal to help build women's economic empowerment by announcing the launch of a dedicated page on Walmart.com that will feature an assortment of products created by women in nearly two dozen countries, including women who work in cooperatives and own small businesses. The site, which the company expects to be available in spring 2012, will feature such products as jewelry from Guatemala, Thailand and Ethiopia; coffee from Central and South America; and dresses from Kenya.

New York City -- Walmart plans to launch a dedicated page on Walmart.com that will feature an assortment of products created by women in nearly two dozen countries, including women who work in cooperatives and own small businesses. Scheduled to be available in spring 2012, products will include jewelry from Guatemala, Thailand and Ethiopia; coffee from Central and South America; and dresses from Kenya.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Gap Inc. announced that its Personal Advancement and Career Enhancement program was recognized by former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative, held in New York City.  Bob Fisher, son of Gap Inc. founders Doris and Don Fisher and a Gap Inc. board member, accepted the honor on behalf of the company.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Express announced Wednesday that it has promoted Matthew Moellering to the position of COO and appointed D. Paul Dascoli as CFO.  Moellering was previously chief administration officer and CFO.  

Prior to Moellering's role as chief administration officer and CFO, he held a number of senior finance positions including CFO since he joined Express in 2006. Before joining Express, he served in various financial positions with Limited Brands and Procter & Gamble. Prior to that, he was an officer in the United States Army.

New York City -- Aeropostale has launched international shipping, and consumers in more than 90 countries worldwide can now purchase directly from Aeropostale.com, The site’s international expansion is being powered by FiftyOne Global Ecommerce.

The Network of Executive Women held its 10th annual leadership summit earlier this week in Orlando, and Walmart’s International CFO Cathy Smith was listed as a featured speaker. Nothing unusual about that, but what made Smith’s appearance unique is that rather than read a canned speech written by someone else, she engaged in a candid conversation with Jan Hill, founder of Hill Enterprises.

NEW YORK — Teen retailer Aeropostale announced that it is expanded its reach to international consumers. Through a partnership with FiftyOne Global Ecommerce, consumers in more than 90 countries worldwide can now purchase directly from Aeropostale.com.