International Business

Hollywood, Calif. -- International gem designer, manufacturer and retailer, Stone Market has opened its first U.S. location, at Hollywood & Highland Center, Hollywood, Calif.

The 319-sq.-ft. shop offers a collection of stylish jewelry, featuring gem and natural stones and silver accessories. Stone Market operates more than 100 retail outlets in Japan.

Indianapolis -- Simon Property Group announced that, in partnership with Shinsegae, it has opened Paju Premium Outlets, its second Premium Outlet Center in South Korea.

The 328,000-sq.-ft. center houses 160 stores, including international and domestic brands. Strategically located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, the center is approximately 50 minutes northwest of downtown Seoul.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe's announced that it will donate $1 million to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort that is assisting victims in Japan. The company said that customers who want to help Lowe's support Japan relief efforts can do so by making a donation on Lowes.com and Lowe’s Canada website, Lowes.ca. Money donated will go to the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross.

New York City -- Global design consultancy Fitch today announced the opening of its first office in China. The new office will service Fitch’s existing clients such as Nokia and Dell, as well as new clients in the buoyant Chinese market.

Ian Bellhouse, managing director for SE Asia & Greater China, Fitch, will lead the new operations.

Northbrook, Ill. -- Pine Tree Commercial Realty said that it has appointed Thomas Seurynck as VP acquisitions and due diligence.

Seurynck was previously a senior investment associate and credit/underwriting manager for Wrightwood Capital in Illinois.
 

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Hasbro announced that it has appointed Margie Chan-Yip to serve as VP global publishing. In her new role, Chan-Yip will be responsible for creating new and innovative ways to bring Hasbro brand stories to consumers worldwide, from traditional print to e-book formats.

Secaucus, N.J. -- The Children's Place Retail Stores said Wednesday it has appointed James Bruce Marshall as senior VP and managing director, International Business Development, effective March 24. He will report directly to Jane Elfers, president and CEO.

Marshall was previously senior VP and managing director international development and operations, for Claire's Stores, where he was responsible for joint venture and franchise operations across 23 countries.

SAN FRANCISCO  -- Levi's announced it has appointed Laurie Etheridge as the global lead of women's merchandising and design.  As SVP women's merchandising and design for the Levi's brand, Etheridge will be responsible for the design, development and merchandising of all of Levi's women's product categories across all its regions. Etheridge joins the company from Perry Ellis International where she leads merchandising and design for women's global fashion brands, including Jantzen, Jag, Perry Ellis and Southpoint.