Sao Paulo

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. said Tuesday it will open its first stores in Brazil next year as part of its plan to grow its presence and sales internationally. It will open the first Brazilian stores in Sao Paulo in fall 2013, followed by Rio de Janeiro.

As part of a steady international push ,Kate Spade New York announced that it intends to buy its Japanese joint venture partner, Sanei International, out of their 51 percent share in the jointly owned company, Kate Spade Japan. This is part of a robust international expansion,which includes recent store openings in the UK, 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.

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

/PRNewswire/ -- Brooks Brothers Group, Inc. today announced the appointment of Matteo Del Vecchio to the position of Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development. In this newly created position, Mr. Del Vecchio will be responsible for leading specific business development projects across a variety of areas including finance, technology, wholesale and manufacturing. He will also be responsible for evaluating internal and external strategic growth opportunities. "Matteo brings a wealth of experience to this position," said Diane Ellis, President & COO of Brooks Brothers. "His background in business development will benefit us tremendously as we position the company for significant

Macy's will soon have a Brazilian feel when the company debuts "O Mercado, the Market at Macy's" on April 22 in about 300 stores and online at Macys.com. The company describes O Mercado as a curated shop of Brazilian products, and it's the next installation of the retailer's "Brasil: A Magical Journey" campaign, which will officially kick off on May 16. "Brazil's burgeoning international appeal and enchanting culture inspired us to create a unique shopping environment that will bring even more newness, color and excitement to our stores," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer.

London-based Topshop recently announced plans to open a new flagship store in Chicago, according to www.wwd.com. After opening a flagship in New York’s SoHo neighborhood in March 2009, the fast-fashion retailer will unveil its second and largest U.S. store along Chicago's Michigan Avenue on Sept. 7. The 49,000-sq.-ft., three-level corner location was formerly a Borders bookstore. Design features include a sleek, urban decor, complete with a white tile floor, brushed steel, suspended glass fixtures and a ceiling partially covered by a mirrored Union Jack flag. The Chicago store opening will coincide with the company's ongoing international expansion, which includes