The Middle East

For any business owner or executive who has spent years contemplating international expansion, now is undoubtedly starting to feel like the right time to act. The media is abuzz with stories about the global economy and technology advancements make it seem easier than ever to reach burgeoning new markets. It's true that markets are opening up and there's enormous potential for retailers that make the right decisions about online content and lead generation, but easy? International expansion isn't easy, even in the age of online retail. Growing beyond borders requires the right mix of people, knowledge and technology.

Destination Maternity said Wednesday it earned $8.5 million in its fiscal third quarter, exceeding projections. The profit compared with year-earlier earnings for the quarter of $6.8 million.CEO Ed Krell said cost cutting and the availability of its products in new areas are garnering results.“Our improved earnings performance is driven primarily by the expense savings from our cost-reduction initiatives and our strong merchandise gross margin performance, as well as from the growth in sales of our leased department relationships and increased Internet and international sales,” he said.Revenue in the period, however, was $142 million, down 0.3% from $142.5 million a