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New York -- Kate Spade New York announced Thursday that it will buy its Japanese JV partner Sanei International’s 51% share in Kate Spade Japan. The move, said Kate Spade, is part of an aggressive international push that includes recent store openings in the United Kingdom, Dubai and Kuwait, as well as further expansion into Brazil with additional store openings in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo planned for this summer. "Kate Spade New York has a long and successful history in the Asian market,” said Craig Leavitt, CEO, Kate Spade New York. “It is our strategy to build

San Francisco -- Gymboree Corp. reported Thursday net income of $4.2 million for the quarter ended April 28, compared with a loss of $10.4 million in the same period last year. Sales rose 10.2% to $297.8 million, and same-store sales edged up 1%. The retailer said it is on track to open 105 stores in fiscal 2012, which include 80 Crazy 8 locations. Crazy 8 is Gymboree’s discount concept.

/PRNewswire/ -- Products from the most trusted name in pet supplies are now available in Canada! Drs. Foster and Smith, North America's leading catalog and online pet supplies retailer, is pleased to offer select products via ground service to Canadian customers. Sales to Canada began June 4, 2012. In response to increasing customer requests for affordable high-quality, veterinarian-guaranteed pet supplies in Canada, Drs. Foster and Smith successfully arranged an international shipping agreement with a reputable carrier capable of delivering high volumes within dependable timeframes. Canadian customers shopping DrsFosterSmith.com should look for the Maple Leaf on select product pages

Blue Nile, Inc. , the leading online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, today announced the launch of a Japanese language version of its website. The new site allows customers in Japan to shop on Blue Nile in their native language for the first time. Second to only the United States, Japan is the largest luxury goods market in the world and accounts for 10 percent of diamond jewelry sales. "Blue Nile began serving Japan in 2008, and has developed a loyal customer following over the last four years," said Vijay Talwar, Blue Nile President.

Topeka, Kan. -- Collective Brands said Thursday that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting periods under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act in connection with Collective’s impending $2 billion acquisition by Wolverine World Wide, Blum Capital Partners and Golden Gate Capital. As announced on May 1, investment firms Blum Capital and Golden Gate will jointly acquire the operations of Payless ShoeSource and Collective Licensing International. Wolverine will acquire Collective Brands' Performance + Lifestyle Group, which includes Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Stride Rite and Keds.

LuxeYard, Inc.,  the fast-growing boutique luxury flash sale site, today announced plans to expand to India under an exclusive licensing deal with veteran technology and retail entrepreneur Sashi Chimala. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Chimala will establish LuxeYard India - india.luxeyard.com - with a dedicated team to build out product acquisition, marketing and merchandising operations to manage the site. 

Canton, Mass. -- Casual Male Retail Group said Thursday that it has named Derrick Walker as senior VP and chief marketing officer. Walker was previously VP marketing for Lenscrafters. He has also served as VP marketing for Finish Line and as director of marketing for RadioShack.

Meijer Inc. plans to build a new 45,000-square-foot operations facility in Fort Wayne, Ind., to support its retail stores in that region. With more than 30 new full-time employees, the new facility will reportedly use advanced technology and automation...

Seattle -- Tommy Bahama Group said Wednesday that Joel Gardner has been promoted to senior VP retail, and Bornie Del Priore has been named VP of Tommy Bahama Footwear, a new division for the company. Gardner has been with Tommy Bahama since 2006, most recently as VP retail planning and merchandising. Before joining Tommy Bahama, he was VP retail at The Orvis Co. Del Priore has spent the last four years at Tommy Hilfiger USA, most recently as executive VP accessories. She also spent 15 years at Ralph Lauren Footwear.

/PRNewswire/ -- National outdoor gear and apparel retailer REI today announced that co-op members elected Beth Newlands Campbell, Stephen Lockhart and Gerry Lopez to three-year terms on the company's board of directors. The REI board also appointed Bert Quintana to complete the term of an open position. (Logo: photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120306/SF65403LOGO) Sponsored by: Campbell, who resides in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, joins REI's board as a new member. She is the president of Hannaford Supermarkets, a leading supermarket retailer in northern New England that operates 181 stores in five states. Hannaford is known for its commitment to healthy lifestyles, sustainability and volunteerism.