Italy

QVC is planning to expand into France, betting that the television-shopping network can thrive even in a heavily regulated country with a stagnant economy. France may seem like an odd pick for a company whose most recent foray overseas came about 18 months ago in faster-growing China, but that's not stopping QVC CEO Mike George from pressing ahead. The company will begin broadcasting from Paris in the second quarter of next year. George said he couldn't care less about sluggish economic growth or high unemployment. He's done it before when QVC entered Italy during a steep recession three-plus years ago.

As retailers are tallying their holiday profits and setting a course for 2014, there are five ways that merchants can capitalize on their earnings and avoid pitfalls. The responsibility of retail profit margin and loses largely falls on marketers and merchandising leaders. By working together, they can improve their understanding of customer demands and product preferences.

Chic apparel and accessories retailer Tory Burch is leveraging digital channels to fuel its dynamic growth. In addition to its thriving e-commerce business, the retailer has opened company-owned brick-and-mortar stores in growing markets such as Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore, not to mention its wholesale presence in leading department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. Yet there's one constant within all these different channels: a commitment to providing customers the best experience possible.

Amazon.com launched a new marketplace in India that's open to third-party sellers in that country. This is the first local Marketplace launch since 2011, when Amazon launched its Marketplace in Italy and Spain. Amazon is offering cash on delivery in addition to electronic payments, and its Indian marketplace will allow "sellers of all sizes" to list on the site through the Selling on Amazon and Fulfillment by Amazom programs.

Amazon launched a new marketplace in India open to third-party sellers in that country. This is the first local Marketplace launch since 2011 when Amazon launched its Marketplace in Italy and Spain....

Benetton Group is the latest global apparel company to join Greenpeace’s Detox Program. The Italy-based retailer, which operates 6,500 stores in 120 countries, is another coup for Greenpeace. With its commitment to eliminate the release of toxic chemicals...