For executives travelling to these places, this could mean longer journeys due to the lack of reasonably priced seats on direct flights.

BBC: Prices predicted to rise in emerging markets

Mr. Frankfort said the retailer continues to expand its Web presence: Online sales are its fastest-growing full-priced channel in the U.S. Direct-to-consumer sales, which are largely made up of online sales, grew 17% in the second quarter.

WSJ: Coach to Shift Production From China; Profit Rises 26%

Though direct mail has worked well for luxury and mid-priced goods, catalogues may not be the right conduit for Proffitt's more standard fare.

ECONOMIST: Retailing takeovers

Instead, he says, early next year Dell will begin offering lower-priced printers for individuals and work groups, and will likely offer direct delivery of cheap replacement cartridges.

FORBES: Carly, You Got A Dell