International Strategy

J.Crew to Open First Canadian Store in August
June 27, 2011

U.S. fashion retailer J.Crew will open its first Canadian store in a Toronto shopping center in August, marking its first international foray. The company joins a number of other U.S. retailers expanding north in a bid to take advantage of Canada's relatively robust economy and eager-to-spend consumers.

Williams-Sonoma Launches International Shipping
June 13, 2011

Williams-Sonoma, a specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home, announced today that Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma will offer international shipping, joining PBteen in its partnership with FiftyOne Global Ecommerce, a provider of international e-commerce services and infrastructure to U.S. retailers. Customers in more than 75 countries will now be able to shop online for Williams-Sonoma products.

Magical World of Disney Comes to Canada
June 8, 2011

Disney Store added magic to Canada last month by opening two innovative shopping experiences in Mississauga, Ontario and Burnaby, British Columbia. The Canadian locations feature interactive areas incorporating state-of-the-art technology.

Debenhams in Talks With Sears to Expand Into US
June 1, 2011

Debenhams and Sears are understood to be in early discussions about Debenhams opening concession or franchise areas in Sears outlets across the U.S. The U.K. department store retailer currently has around 60 franchised stores around the world and has a plan to increase this number to 100 as it looks to expand beyond its domestic market.

Target to Invest More in Canadian Venture
May 23, 2011

Target plans to spend more than it had forecast this year on its entry into the Canadian market as it nails down more of the best retail locations sooner than expected. The retailer said it will be able to “clarify” within weeks the number and locations of the first 100 to 150 stores it will open in Canada.