International Strategy

Gap has opened its first Banana Republic store in Russia, in Moscow's AfiMall City. In related news, the company will open its first Gap store in Belgrade, Serbia today.

H&M has announced plans to enter Bulgaria, with its first location opening in the capital of Sofia in March 2012. H&M also opened its first stores in Romania and Croatia this year. Additionally, the company plans a net addition of approximately 250 stores for the 2010-2011 financial year, with China, the United Kingdom and the United States slated to be the largest expansion markets.

Grocery giant Tesco said it's pulling out of Japan, which means shuttering 129 small, leasehold-owned stores in Tokyo, which employ 4,000 people. The country is the smallest of Tesco’s international retail businesses and the weakest for sales growth in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Office Depot is expanding into the Caribbean as part of its franchise agreement with Benmore International. The company has opened a store in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It plans to open three additional locations in the Dominican Republic in 2012.

The Yankee Candle Company, a manufacturer of premium scented candles, today announced the opening of its first company-owned retail stores in Canada. The company currently operates 528 stores in the U.S. As part of the company's global expansion efforts, Yankee Candle will open a total of five stores in the greater Toronto area before Sept. 16, 2011.

Best Buy U.K. today unveiled a site for use on smartphones as it aims to improve its multichannel presence. The retailer, which launched its first big-box store in the U.K. in April 2010, has had a disappointing first year as the electricals sector continues to struggle during the ongoing economic downturn.

Groupon's joint venture in China has closed offices in some cities and laid off hundreds of employees, raising questions about the online coupon company's strategy in a big market ahead of its planned initial public offering.

The Gap announced plans to open its first stores in Vietnam and Guam through its franchise channel. In Vietnam, the first Gap stores will open this October followed by the first Banana Republic store in 2012.

Lowe’s launched Lowes.com en Español, a Spanish language option that enhances Lowe’s ability to meet the needs and expectations of Hispanic consumers.

J.Crew is packing up and shipping out — the beloved retailer is opening its first store outside of the U.S. in Toronto on Aug. 18th. The company is also exploring partnerships in China and Japan.