Limited Brands looks to grow internationally

COLUMBUS, Ohio Limited Brands announced plans to build its presence in Canada and the Middle East.

The retailer said it is creating Limited Brands Canada, a Montreal-based company that will support all Limited Brands retail stores and strategic expansion in Canada, including La Senza, Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret Pink and Victoria's Secret (launching later this year).

In addition to her current role as president of La Senza, Joanne Nemeroff has been named president of Limited Brands Canada.

"We believe a Canadian-based team dedicated to the execution of our brands will provide a foundation for effectively leveraging talent and resources across key operating disciplines. Our Canadian team, being close to the stores they support, will be most efficient and ensure a consistent, satisfying customer experience across all stores in the country," said Martin Waters, president of international for Limited Brands.

Additionally, the company said it will consolidate the creative and merchant leadership of its international businesses to the Limited Brands World Headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, to better support customers and associates. As a result, La Senza's creative and merchandising functions will relocate to Columbus. This structure will better connect La Senza to enterprise resources and support its advances in product, store experience and brand position, according to Limited Brands.

La Senza's financial, legal, human resources, distribution, technology and all other key operational functionswill remain in Canada and report up to Limited Brands Canada.

Limited Brands also announced today a franchise partnership with M.H. Alshaya, Co. to operate stores in the Middle East. Under this agreement, initial plans are to open Bath and Body Works stores later this year in the region.