News

21/11/2008
An official source from Cambodian Union Federation (CUF) warns that Cambodia's textile and garment industry will be forced to close 35 factories in late November and December this year because of the global financial crisis.

EU: Belarus clothing trade deal liberalised after review

20/11/2008
A review of the textiles and clothing agreement between the European Union (EU) and Belarus has removed 12 restrictive quotas limiting the amount of textile and clothing goods traded between them.

GERMANY: Adidas Group completes Ashworth acquisition

20/11/2008
The Adidas Group's TaylorMade-Adidas Golf unit has completed its acquisition of golf firm Ashworth.

GERMANY: BASF cuts production as textile slowdown bites

20/11/2008
A massive decline in demand for its chemicals from industries including textiles has forced BASF to temporarily close 80 plants worldwide and reduce production at a further 100 facilities.

UK: Mark One collapses for second time this year

20/11/2008
UK discount fashion chain MK One has gone into administration for the second time this year after being buffeted by a combination of tough trading conditions and intense competition from cut-price rivals.

UK: Sales volumes fall 0.1% in September and October

20/11/2008
Total sales volume on the UK high street during September and October decreased by 0.1%, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

US: Apparel firms lead climate change crusade

20/11/2008
Nike, Levi Strauss and Timberland have formed part of a coalition demanding strong climate and energy legislation in the US next year under the tenure of president-elect Barack Obama.

US: Casual Male narrows Q3 loss, withdraws guidance

20/11/2008
Casual Male Retail Group Inc has narrowed its third quarter loss, but says it is not revising earnings guidance for the rest of the year "due to the current economic conditions."

US: Charlotte Russe board rejects buyout approach

20/11/2008
Women's fashion retailer Charlotte Russe Holding has rejected a buyout bid for the company and expressed confidence in its new leadership team.

US: Forever 21 slates Japanese launch for next year

20/11/2008
US fast fashion chain Forever 21, which launched in Korea this year, plans to open its first store in Japan in 2009.

US: Gymboree reports 15% third quarter earnings boost

20/11/2008
Children's wear retailer The Gymboree Corporation posted third quarter earnings of US$30.9m, up 15% from $26.9m in the same period last year.

US: Hot Topic Q3 profit climbs 10.4%

20/11/2008
Fashion and music retailer Hot Topic Inc has reported a 10.4% rise in third quarter profit helped by higher sales at its namesake stores, and reiterated its outlook for the fourth quarter.

US: Limited Brands Q3 profit falls 65%, lowers outlook

20/11/2008
Limited Brands Inc, operator of the Victoria's Secret, Pink, La Senza and Henri Bendel stores, has posted a 65.3% drop in third quarter profit and lowered its outlook for the rest of the year.

US: Men's Wearhouse Q3 profit tumbles 61%

20/11/2008
Tuxedo rental sales held steady at The Men's Wearhouse during the third quarter, but a reduction in store traffic and a 61% drop in profit prompted the retailer to lower its guidance for the year.

US: Perry Ellis income slumps 70% during Q3

20/11/2008
Perry Ellis International said its third quarter net income was $5.0m compared to net income of $8.5m for the comparable period last year, after sales were hit by the US retail slowdown.

US: Warnaco to cut 7% of corporate workforce

20/11/2008
US apparel maker Warnaco Group is to cut 7% of its corporate staff - representing 45 jobs - in a bid to adapt to the difficult economic climate.

CHINA: Government confirms rebate plans for textile firms

19/11/2008
Textile and clothing makers will be among the main beneficiaries of new tax breaks, lower fees and charges unveiled by the government on Wednesday (19 November) in a bid to help protect firms from the effects of the global financial slowdown.

DENMARK: IC Companys lowers outlook as Q1 profit drops

19/11/2008
Danish fashion group IC Companys A/S, which owns brands such as Peak Performance, Matinique, Part Two, By Malene Birger and InWear, has posted a 13.2% drop in first quarter profit and lowered its outlook for the year.

ISRAEL: Delta Galil launches ReaLasting Cotton

19/11/2008
Intimate apparel and underwear maker Delta Galil has launched a new fabric technology which it says helps cotton fabrics last longer.

UK: Dawson in talks to sell Todd & Duncan

19/11/2008
Scottish based textile firm Dawson International Plc revealed today (19 November) that is in talks to sell its Todd & Duncan cashmere yarn spinning business to a Chinese fibre firm.

UK: Jaeger opens first store in Bahrain

19/11/2008
British luxury brand Jaeger has opened its first stand-alone store in Bahrain, in the central Seef Mall, in partnership with Specialty Fashion Group.

UK: M&S to cut clothing prices by 20% in one-day sale

19/11/2008
Marks & Spencer is to slash the prices on all its clothing items by 20% tomorrow (20 November) as it holds a one-day, one-off sale, a spokesperson for the retailer confirmed to just-style today.

US: Bebe merchandise chief leaves after four months

19/11/2008
Women's apparel retailer Bebe Stores Inc has announced the departure of its chief merchandise officer Dyan Jozwick after just four months.

US: Hanesbrands to cut 400 jobs, close yarn plant

19/11/2008
T-shirt, underwear and sock maker Hanesbrands Inc is to cut nearly 400 jobs and close its yarn production plant in China Grove, North Carolina as part of its latest round of cost-cutting measures.

US: Pacific Sunwear posts $3.5m Q3 loss

19/11/2008
Casual apparel and footwear retailer Pacific Sunwear of California Inc has swung to a third quarter loss amid a brake consumer spending, and says it expects to report a loss for the fourth quarter as well.

US: Phillips-Van Heusen cuts outlook as Q3 profit slips

19/11/2008
An increase in earnings and revenues from its Calvin Klein business helped Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation to a better-than-expected third quarter, but the apparel maker has lowered its fourth quarter and full year guidance amid a rapidly deteriorating economic environment.

US: Ross Stores Q3 profit jumps 18%, cuts outlook

19/11/2008
Off-price retailer Ross Stores Inc has posted a 17.7% jump in third quarter profit, helped by higher margins, lower inventory and expenses, but cut its outlook for the fourth quarter in expectation of "a very promotional" holiday season.

US: Sport-Haley widens Q1 loss on lower sales

19/11/2008
Golf apparel and outerwear maker Sport-Haley Inc has widened its first quarter loss on lower sales of its Sport Haley and Ben Hogan brands.

US: Taryn Rose names ex-Lululemon boss as CEO

19/11/2008
Footwear firm Taryn Rose International has named former Lululemon Athletica and Reebok executive Robert Meers as its new CEO.

US: Tween Brands withdraws H2 outlook on Q3 loss

19/11/2008
Tween Brands Inc has swung to a third quarter loss after being hit by restructuring charges, lower sales, and has withdrawn its outlook for the second half of 2008.

CHINA: Government mulling new textile tax breaks?

18/11/2008
The Chinese government is said to be mulling further tax breaks for the country's texile exporters, who continue to be hit by increased competition, slowing orders and higher wage demands.

CHINA: Textile firms to report on social compliance

18/11/2008
Chinese textile companies are to start reporting on social responsibility under an initiative to implement high standards across the industry.

FRANCE: Carrefour names Nestle exec as new CEO

18/11/2008
French retail giant Carrefour today (18 November) named Nestlé veteran Lars Olofsson as its new chief executive.

SLOVAKIA: Gabor to shutter shoe plant

18/11/2008
Footwear maker Gabor is to shut its shoe upper plant in Liptovsky Mikulas, with the potential loss of more than 400 jobs, according to local media reports.

Taiwan textile makers to gain from closer China ties

18/11/2008
Thawing relations between Taiwan and China are set to generate closer trade ties between the two former political rivals - a move that should have a positive effect on Taiwan's textile and apparel industry. Vicky Sung reports.

UK: Burberry H1 profit up 3%, warns of difficult H2

18/11/2008
Profit at Burberry Group Plc has crept up by 3% in the first six months of its current financial year, helped by revenue growth in both its retail and wholesale channels - but the British luxury goods brand warned that trading has become more difficult since start of its second half.

UK: Burberry sets up Middle East joint venture

18/11/2008
British luxury goods firm Burberry Group Plc is eyeing growth in the Middle East through a new joint venture company set up to manage its retail and wholesale distribution in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as Qatar, Oman and Kuwait.

UK: George Davies leaving Per Una post at M&S

18/11/2008
UK retail chain Marks & Spencer has announced that George Davies is to retire as part-time chairman of clothing brand Per Una, prompting a number of other personnel changes within its clothing division.

US: China's share of apparel imports reaches all-time high

18/11/2008
China's share of US apparel imports reached their highest ever level in September 2008, a new analysis says, contradicting earlier fears that China was becoming uncompetitive.

US: Saks swings to $42.8m loss in Q3

18/11/2008
Retailer Saks Incorporated has swung to a third quarter loss after being hit by weak sales and a charge for the closure of its Club Libby Lu chain, which was announced earlier this month.

mudpie office to open in australia (gbr/aus)

13/11/2008
Mudpie is pleased to announce that it will be opening a new office in Sydney, Australia in January 2009. The office, which will officially open on January 5th, will be run by Jo Little, Marketing Manager, who will relocate to Australia in December this year.

trading update debenhams (gbr)

24/10/2008
Bearing the credit crunch in mind, Debenhams’ preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended on 30th August 2008 are not too bad as the gross transaction value for the year increased by 1.3% to £2,336.0 million.

rise in demand for ethical fashion (global)

21/10/2008
Nearly 72% of British consumers think ethical production of the clothes they buy is important – up sharply from 59% last year. The findings were published this week according to the latest Ethical Clothing Report from TNS Worldpanel Fashion, conducted in June this year.

m missoni in hong kong (hkg)

16/10/2008
After opening five M Missoni mono brand boutiques in the US and one in Macao, the Valentino Fashion Group that owns the worldwide licensee of the brand, is launching M Missoni's first shop in Hong Kong. Located in the largest shopping and entertainment centre in Hong Kong with the total area of 2 million square feet. Located at the 2nd floor of the shopping mall, this store aims to be the first of a series of new door openings in Hong Kong and will be followed by another launch in 2009.

"competing with the giants" tcdc/mudpie trend seminar & workshop (tha)

15/10/2008
The TCDC-Mudpie seminar on trends will help you understand the trend process and how to use the trend books in your business. It will also help you understand how the Fashion Industry in Thailand can compete against the huge growth of economies such as India and China.

burberry sees consecutive growth (gbr)

15/10/2008
Burberry, the English luxury company founded in 1856, reported its total revenue increased by 13% on an underlying basis for the first six months of 2008.

fashion law seminar to be held by fox williams: protecting and growing your business in a difficult climate (gbr)

15/10/2008
On 6 November 2008 Fox Williams will be holding a fashion law seminar. The fashion industry is facing difficult economic times. Consumer demand is stalling and costs are rising. Many well known high street brands have become victims of the credit crunch, while others are taking drastic measures to avoid a similar fate. With this backdrop, what should you be doing to protect and grow your business?

fachinetti exits valentino (ita)

14/10/2008
Valentino has let go its new designer, Alessandra Facchinetti, after just two seasons. Rumours she discovered to have lost her job by reading it in the papers have many wondering the future credibility of the fashion house, and others.

payless shoesource to launch green footwear line (gbr)

14/10/2008
Footwear retailer Payless ShoeSource is to launch a low-priced eco-friendly shoe and handbag line and has signed an eco consultant to help drive 'green' innovation across the range.

house of fraser distances itself from baugur issues (gbr)

13/10/2008
The chairman of UK department store chain House of Fraser has stressed its resilience to difficulties facing part-owner Baugur Group after the Icelandic banking collapse.

jjb faces landlord showdowns for vacated stores (gbr)

13/10/2008
Troubled UK sporting goods retailer JJB Sports is in talks to settle rental payments for stores where it has ceased trading, after reports last week that bailiffs had been sent to several of its locations.

macy's lowers 2008 forecast as sales slide (usa)

13/10/2008
Department store retailer Macy’s Inc has lowered its full year earnings guidance after third quarter sales look set to be lower than expected.

ss10 trend inspiration from mudpie’s latest trendbooks (gbr)

13/10/2008
The need for spring/summer 2010 trend inspiration is here and leading trendbook publisher, Mudpie, delivers the answer by releasing the latest edition of their ever popular five trendbooks for the SS10 season in plenty of time.

tannery lists carbon footprint of leather products (chn)

13/10/2008
Leather manufacturer ISA Tan Tec is to disclose information on the environmental footprint of all its products so that customers such as shoe firms Timberland, Hush Puppies and New Balance can calculate the emissions of their own products.

topshop owner eyes baugur (isl)

13/10/2008
Topshop-owner Sir Philip Green is in talks with Icelandic government officials about investing up to £2bn in Baugur, the retailing group which includes House of Fraser, Karen Millen and Hamleys. Baugur has seen part of its assets frozen in the fallout from the Icelandic banking crisis and Sir Philip, who has steered clear of equity markets and kept his assets safe, could emerge from the UK's economic slowdown with some of the Icelandic group's stores.

china printing & dyeing “facing bankruptcy” as shares suspended (chn)

10/10/2008
The future of the China Printing & Dyeing Company was plunged into doubt after trading in its shares was halted amid reports of impending bankruptcy.

lawmaker calls for monitoring of chinese apparel imports (usa)

10/10/2008
A US lawmaker has asked the government to start monitoring textile and clothing imports from China next year in a bid to pre-empt any sudden surges in imports when existing restrictions are lifted at the end of the year.

lvmh bucks trend with nine-month sales surge (fra)

10/10/2008
A strong performance from its fashion and leather goods businesses helped luxury goods giant LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton to post a double-digit sales rise for the first nine months of the year.

saez merino goes into liquidation- reports (esp)

10/10/2008
Lois brand jeans maker Sáez Merino has gone into liquidation with the loss of 435 jobs after years of decline, according to reports in the Spanish press.

brooks brothers buys stake in cashmere firm ballantyne (gbr)

09/10/2008
Cashmere knitwear manufacturer Ballantyne has sold a controlling stake in the company to Massimiliano Zegna Baruffa and US retailer Brooks Brothers .

No financial details were revealed, but under the terms of the deal, Baruffa has taken a 55% stake, and Brooks Brothers 25%.

Ballantyne retains the remaining 20% interest in the Scottish company.

Ballantyne, which has been in operation for 230 years, will continue to produce its own cashmere knitwear, but will operate under the name JJ & HB 1788 Cashmere Mills Ltd, with the initials recalling the founders of the business.

Footwear exports grow 10% in 2008 (ina)

09/10/2008
Indonesian footwear are forecast to have grown 10% during fiscal year 2008, despite economic slowdowns in the US and EU markets.
The two regions account for around 60% of Indonesia's total exports turnover.

According to Eddy Widjanarko, president of Indonesian Footwear Association (Aprisindo), its target of US$1.76bn of 2008 is possible, representing growth of 10%, with local enterprise credited with diversifying their products and expanding to more exporting markets.

wal-mart september sales climb 5.8% (usa)

09/10/2008
September sales at discount retailer Wal-Mart Stores Inc rose 5.8% as shoppers flocked to its stores in search of bargains.
For the five weeks to 3 October, total company sales were up to US$36.2bn from $34.2bn a year earlier the company said yesterday (8 October).

Total US same-store sales climbed 2.4%, driven by a 2% rise at its Walmart US division and a 4.6% hike at its Sam's Club warehouse unit.

The company said the impact of hurricanes in many areas of the US in September knocked about 0.5% from its US comparable

liz claiborne ends deal with narciso rodriguez (usa)

08/10/2008
Apparel maker Liz Claiborne Inc and designer Narciso Rodriguez are to go their separate ways after struggling to agree on how to develop the luxury brand. The announcement today ends an 18 month business deal signed in May 2007 in which the mid-market apparel firm bought a 50% stake in the name and trademark of Narciso Rodriguez. Narciso Rodriguez will now regain full ownership of the trademarks and business bearing his name. Read More

oxford street gets a gbp1.5 bn makeover (gbr)

08/10/2008
London's West-end is to get a fashionable makeover. Details of a £1.5bn investment to spruce up Oxford Street's main shopping area is the brainchild of Dame Judith Mayhew-Jonas, the newly appointed chairman of the New West End Company. The company has been handed the remit to revamp Oxford Street and Mayhew-Jonas' task will be to champion improvements within the Regent Street and Bond Street areas, and to coordinate the private and public sector. Read More.

prologis to develop facility for rip curl (fra)

08/10/2008
Industrial property developer ProLogis has unveiled plans to build a 137,000 sq.ft distribution centre in south-west France for international surf, ski and mountain wear firm Rip Curl. Construction on the building, which is set to have a 250 kilowatt solar array installed on the roof, is slated for the first half of 2009. Read More.

retailer adili upbeat despite gbp1.6m maiden fy loss (gbr)

08/10/2008
Ethical fashion online retailer Adilii plc remains positive about the company's future despite posting a maiden full-year loss of GBP1.6m (US$2.8m). Sales for Adili's first full year of trading to 30 April reached GBP354,000, boosted by a 250%-plus revenue hike in the second half alone. Read More.

bhs full-year pre-tax profit down 34% (gbr)

07/10/2008
"A solid performance in an exceptionally challenging market," is how billionaire Sir Philip Green today (7 October) described the 34% drop in full-year profit posted by his department store group Bhs.
For the 12 months ended 29 March, pre-tax profits were down to GBP32.6m from GBP49.4m a year earlier.

further blow to jjb as insurers withdraw cover (gbr)

07/10/2008
Retailer JJB Sports' hopes of survival were dealt a further blow after credit insurers withdrew cover for the company's suppliers, sending shares into a renewed nosedive.

Insurer Coface confirmed that it was withdrawing credit insurance from JJB suppliers amid growing concerns over the future of the UK sports goods retailer.

moschino and altana sign children’s wear deal (ita)

07/10/2008
Moschino SpA, the fashion label owned by Italy's Aeffe Group, has signed a licensing deal with Altana SpA to create a Moschino branded children's clothing range.

vietnam: ministry to inspect us garment exporters (vie/usa)

07/10/2008
Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) yesterday (6 October) said it will set up two teams to inspect businesses producing and exporting textiles and garments to the US.
The teams will visit companies that exported low price textile and garment products (less than US$24 per dozen FOB) to the US during the first eight months this year, where they will check production capacity and facilities.

The teams will also inspect businesses that produced and exported to the US

faCshion reports successful results (gbr)

06/10/2008
For two days, trade buyer and consumer show FaCshion played a successful host to emerging fashion at the Old Truman Brewery in East London. The new trade show, where buyers can source new collections and fashionista’s are offered cutting-edge independent fashion, attracted over 1100 visitors, including buyers from the likes of Topshop and Warehouse.

finish line names glenn lyon as next ceo (usa)

06/10/2008
Athletic apparel and footwear retailer The Finish Line Inc has named Glenn S Lyon, currently president of Finish Line, as the company's next chief executive officer following the retirement of Alan H Cohen on 1 December.

levi strauss q3 profit up 14% to $69m (usa)

06/10/2008
Lower interest payments and currency effects helped apparel company Levi Strauss & Co to a third quarter net profit of US$69m, up 14% on last year.

new benetton megastore opens in the historic setting of the former orfeo cinema (ita)

06/10/2008
Genoa, 3 October 2008 - h. 04:55 p.m. CET. Benetton's most prestigious megastore in Liguria opens today in Genoa in the magnificent setting of the former Orfeo Cinema in Via XX Settembre.

bronx fashion chooses it suits i.t. (ned)

03/10/2008
Footwear brand Bronx Fashion BV has chosen Microsoft partner It suits IT to support its IT solutions.

next buys lipsy fashion brand for gbp17.4m (gbr)

03/10/2008
High street and catalogue retailer Next Plc has bought women's fashion brand Lipsy for GBP17.4m (US$30.8m) in cash.

schutt sports to launch branded apparel line (usa)

03/10/2008
Schutt Sports is to expand its product line from football helmets and faceguards to include a new line of on-field gear, as well as off-field branded apparel.

speaking with style: brian brink, executive director, texfed (rsa)

03/10/2008
South African restrictions on imports of Chinese textiles and clothing have not come to the rescue of the country's ailing textile sector as effectively as had been hoped. Brian Brink, executive director of South African industry group Textile Federation (Texfed), tells just-style why firms continues to struggle.

walking company to wind down big dogs chain (usa)

03/10/2008
Footwear and branded lifestyle retailer The Walking Company Holdings Inc will close most of the stores in its Big Dogs chain by the end of January 2009 as part of a restructuring plan to focus on its Walking Company operations.

george e-commerce site online “by end of year” (gbr)

02/10/2008
Supermarket retailer Asda will have a trial e-commerce website for its George clothing brand online by the end of the year, the company said yesterday (1 October).

m&s cuts capital spending as q2 sales drop 6.1% (gbr)

02/10/2008
Clothing to food retailer Marks & Spencer Group Plc has cut capital spending by up to GBP200m (US$352m) after reporting second quarter like-for-like sales in the UK down 6.1%.

miss sixty uk business in administration (gbr)

02/10/2008
Sixty UK Ltd, the company trading the Miss Sixty and Energie fashion brands, has gone into administration.

buoyant asos more than doubles h1 sales (gbr)

01/10/2008
Internet fashion retailer Asos Plc has bucked the trend of retail gloom by more than doubling its first half sales. Company chief executive Nick Robertson admitted that the UK e-tailer faced tougher second half comparables, but voiced his pleasure at Asos.com's 104% increase in sales for the six months to 30 September.

chinese retail sales still strong - but for how long? (chn)

01/10/2008
Marks & Spencer will open its first store in mainland China on Thursday (2 October), hoping to shore up flagging sales at home with new sales in one of the world's fastest growing fashion markets. But while Chinese consumers are increasingly interested in foreign brands, will rising inflation and slower income growth dampen their enthusiasm to spend? asks Dominique Patton.

mosaic h1 loss widens on flat sales (gbr)

01/10/2008
Mosaic Fashions is predicting a "very tough time ahead" for fashion retail after revealing a wider first-half loss of GBP12.9m (US$22.8m) on flat sales. Revenues at the UK-based company, which includes the Oasis, Warehouse and Karen Millen retail brands, were flat at GBP410m for the six months to 26 July, but moved up 5% excluding the performance of the sold Whistles chain.

textile groups step up china monitoring pressure (usa)

01/10/2008
The US textile industry is stepping up its pressure on the country's government to expand the Textile Monitoring Program (TMP) currently in place on apparel imports from Vietnam to cover imports from China as well.

wal-mart bans suppliers from using uzbek cotton (usa)

01/10/2008
Wal-Mart Stores Inc, the world's biggest retailer, has told its global suppliers to stop sourcing cotton and cotton materials from Uzbekistan in an effort to persuade the Uzbek government to end the use of forced child labour in cotton harvesting.

baugur fashion chains caught in icelandic bank bail-out? (gbr)

30/09/2008
A major shareholder in Icelandic investment group Baugur - which owns UK fashion retailers including House of Fraser, Karen Millen, Oasis and Principles - was forced to file for administration yesterday (29 September) prompting fears that some of Britain's biggest high street names may be put up for sale.

foot locker to buy ccs from delia’s for $102m (usa)

30/09/2008
Athletic footwear and apparel retailer Foot Locker Inc is to buy Delia's Inc's direct-to-consumer skate-wear business CCS for $102m in cash as part of plans to broaden its appeal to teenage boys.

liz claiborne shuffles management at mexx europe (usa)

30/09/2008
Apparel maker Liz Claiborne Inc is searching for a new boss for its Mexx fashion business in Europe as part of a number of steps outlined today (29 September) to reinvigorate the brand.

gq launches india edition (ind)

29/09/2008
GQ, the men’s lifestyle magazine, is launching an Indian publication this month, marking the magazine's 15th edition around the world. GQ India Editor Che Kurrien explained that ‘the new Indian man is earning and spending like never before, driving consumption in Asia's third-largest economy, attracting a slew of luxury lifestyle brands. GQ will be his guide to all things cool and stylish.’ Read More.

hardy amies fashion house on brink of bankruptcy (gbr)

29/09/2008
Savile Row fashion house Hardy Amies Plc is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy after failing to secure additional funding from its major investor. The AIM-listed company suspended trading in its shares on Friday (26 September) while it tries to clarify its financial position. In a statement, it said directors are considering a number of options "which may involve placing Hardy Amies into administration." Read More.

shock h1 loss decimates jjb share value (gbr)

29/09/2008
The value of retailer JJB Sports fell by more than half in early trading today (26 September) after the company slumped to a shock first-half loss of GBP9.7m (US$17.8m). That was enough to send JJB's share price down by more than 50% in early trading. Read More.

h&m gets green light for champs-elysees store (fra)

26/09/2008
Swedish fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz AB H&M has finally been given approval to open a store on Paris' prestigious Avenue des Champs-Élysées after the project was challenged by city council.

in the money: wall street crash knocks retail confidence (usa)

26/09/2008
Last week, an unprecedented series of events in the US financial sector shook global markets, leaving retailers and brands anxious that already tough trading conditions could worsen still. Joe Ayling reports on how the Wall Street meltdown dealt a further blow to fashion operators and could mean that international expansion is the best short-term fix.

olsen twins sign licensing deal with steven madden (usa)

26/09/2008
Footwear manufacturer Steve Madden has agreed a shoe licensing deal with Dualstar Entertainment Group for Elizabeth and James branded footwear.
The company is set to establish its own infrastructure including a dedicated designer and salesperson for the brands, under the creative division of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

uco sportswear cuts 379 jobs as denim unit shuts (bel)

26/09/2008
Belgian denim major Uco Sportswear is to close its manufacturing unit in Ghent with the loss of 379 jobs.

Production will be transferred to the Uco textile mill in Giurgiu in Romania, and just 30 commercial employees will continue to work at the company's facilities in Ghent.

anthropologie expands to europe (usa)

25/09/2008
Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters anticipates its the transatlantic expansion of its Anthropologie brand with the appointment of James Bidwell to the new position of managing director of Anthropologie Europe. Bidwell joins the company from Visit London, previously the London Tourist Board, where he was chief executive since 2005. He was previously marketing director at department store Selfridges.

bubble london bought by moda (gbr)

25/09/2008
Kidswear show Bubble London has been acquisitioned by ITE Moda, the same organization behind the middle market trade exhibitions in Birmingham.

gola and eboy art collaboration (gbr)

25/09/2008
Iconic British sports brand Gola Classics is teaming up with German pixel art collective eBoy for SS09. It is for the third time the two are joining forces.

laura ashley h1 profit leaps 13% (gbr)

25/09/2008
Shares in UK retail group Laura Ashley soared in early trading today (24 September) after the company unveiled a 13% improvement in first-half pre-tax profits.

nike 10% q1 profit dip beats forecasts (usa)

25/09/2008
Sportswear giant Nike has posted first quarter profits of US$510.5m, down 10% on last year but still ahead of expectations on Wall Street.

alexon h1 profit plunges 40% on soft sales (gbr)

24/09/2008
Women's wear retailer Alexon Group has seen first-half operating profits slump 40% as the company's like-for-like sales dipped 7.3%.

m&s stands by lily cole ahead of playboy pose (gbr)

24/09/2008
UK retailer Marks & Spencer says it will not interfere with its cover model Lily Cole's decision to pose in Playboy magazine.

nrf forecasts bleak holiday season for retailers (usa)

24/09/2008
The National Retail Federation today has predicted that US retail sales in the upcoming 2008 holiday season will rise just 2.2%, hit partly by the recent banking turmoil.

polo ralph lauren to open first women's wear store (fra)

24/09/2008
Polo Ralph Lauren is poised to open its second store in Paris - and its largest women's store in the world - this autumn.

work begins on eco-friendly tannery (vie)

24/09/2008
Demand for environmentally friendly leather from footwear companies such as Timberland, New Balance and Hush Puppies has led to plans to build one of the world's largest eco tanneries in Saigon.

calvin klein promotes tom murry to ceo (usa)

23/09/2008
Tom Murry has been promoted to the post of president and chief executive officer of Calvin Klein Inc.

gap to buy activewear brand athleta for $150m (usa)

23/09/2008
Gap Inc, the US' largest specialty clothing retailer, is to expand its customer base into a new retail sector after buying women's sports and active apparel company Athleta Inc for $150m in cash.

h&m tokyo launch proves a hit (jpn)

23/09/2008
Since Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M) opened the doors of its first branch in Japan last week it has been a hit like nowhere else in the world.

fashion fringe winner announced (gbr)

22/09/2008
Chaired by Donatella Versace, the 2008 Fashion Fringe competition, a platform for talented young designers, has announced Eun Jeong Hong’s label Go By a Secret Path as its winner. Held in Convent Garden, London, this year marks Fashion Fringe's 5th anniversary, which has previously seen Basso & Brooke, Erdem, Gavin Doublas and Aminaka Wilmont grow into established names with the aid of a bursary, programme mentoring and support at all levels of the fashion business. Read more

macy's cites 2010 dubai launch for bloomingdale's (usa)

22/09/2008
US department store chain Macy's is to open its first Bloomingdale's stores outside of the US in February 2010 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The launch is part of a strategic deal with AL Tayer Group LLC, a leading UAE-based company with diversified businesses. Read More.

nike announces $5bn share repurchase (usa)

22/09/2008
Sporting goods giant Nike's board of directors has approved a new four-year US$5bn programme to repurchase shares of its Class B Common Stock. The new programme will commence upon the completion of the company's current $3bn share repurchase programme, a statement said today. Read More.

pumpkin patch fy profits fall (nzl)

22/09/2008
New Zealand-based children's clothing company Pumpkin Patch saw net profits fall from NZD$27.6m (US$18.9m) last year to $20.1m for the 12 months ended 31 July 2008. It posted a 12.3% increase in group revenue to $410.4m for fiscal 2008, despite difficult trading conditions in Australia and New Zealand

gap expands into mexico, egypt and jordan (usa)

19/09/2008
In another move to expand its international presence, Gap Inc has signed a deal with Mexico's leading department store chain to sell Gap brand merchandise in a franchise "store within a store" concept.

The agreement signed by the San Francisco company with Distribuidora Liverpool will begin selling products in the spring of 2009.

Garment makers warn of lower sales and profits (chn)

19/09/2008
Chinese garment makers are seeing business slacken as European demand slows.

Paul Zheng, general manager of Beijing Guanghua Textile whose customers include the Bestseller Group, says: "It's definitely slower. The quantity of orders is much smaller.

"They may have wanted 10,000 pieces of one style in the past but now it could be as little as 1,000 pieces."

mudpie talks to new york times (usa)

19/09/2008
Claire Miller, New York Times, speaks to Fiona Jenvey about leading UK based trend agency, Mudpie. Fiona, CEO of Mudpie, started her business 18 years ago: Claire asks Fiona about the trend forecasting and fashion industry, and delves into how online web based services are a growing attraction for fashion professionals.

sir philip green delays topshop's us launch (gbr)

19/09/2008
Arcadia Group owner Sir Philip Green has postponed the US launch of Topshop from November to spring next year, due to "major logistical problems" at its New York location.

Sir Philip ruled out a November opening for the US flagship store, located on Broadway and Broome in Manhattan, after a disappointing visit to the construction site this week.

executive at hilfiger licensee admits $19m fraud (usa)

18/09/2008
The former chief financial officer of Tommy Hilfiger Handbags and Small Leather Goods Inc (THHB) - a licensee to Tommy Hilfiger in the US - has pleaded guilty to fraud charges after draining US$19m from the handbag designer

london fashion week: british fashion council 25 years (gbr)

18/09/2008
At Downing Street a sparkling soiree was hosted by Mrs. Sarah Brown to celebrate the British Fashion Council’s plans for next year’s 25th anniversary. The audience of ministers, business leaders, designers and media heard BFC Chairman Harold Tillman announce the launch of the UK’s largest ever fashion fund to support emerging design talent in London.

mark lee to step down as gucci ceo (ned)

18/09/2008
Luxury goods firm Gucci Group has announced that Mark Lee, the CEO of its Gucci brand, is to leave the company at the end of the year and will be replaced by Patrizio di Marco.

inditex first-half profit rises 3% (esp)

17/09/2008
Spanish fashion retailer Inditex, owner of the Zara chain, has reported a 3% rise in first-half profit to EUR406m (US$577m), helped by the addition of new stores.

steve & barry's to close 103 stores as part of rescue plan (usa)

17/09/2008
Casual apparel retailer Steve & Barry's has begun liquidation sales at 103 of its stores slated for closure as part of restructuring plans that will also see the firm proceed with a new store in New York.

triumph workers agree to end strike (tha)

17/09/2008
A group of striking workers at Triumph International's Thai production facility are to return to their jobs following talks between the company's management and its union committee to settle the dispute.

vauxhall fashion scout at london fashion week (gbr)

17/09/2008
One of London's main platforms for emerging fashion talent, Vauxhall Fashion Scout is presenting 20 shows over six days this London Fashion Week. It is the car company's largest sponsored fashion presentation to date. On Sunday, the showcase started with Spijkers en Spijkers. The Dutch design duo took over the catwalk with their contemporary feminism embodying the 60s housewife ideal. The two sisters are known for their intellectual approach towards fashion, which was translated in classic flounces taking new futuristic twists. Manipulated thick organza layers remained semi-transparent, shades of pastel became metallic, and feminine fabrics were stiff and electrifying at the same time.

zara hopes kid’s wear has adult appeal (kor)

17/09/2008
Zara has opened a flagship store in the heart of Seoul emphasising a unique selling point - that its clothes designed for children are cheaper than adult's and will fit many of South Korea's super petite slender women.

london fashion week opening (gbr)

16/09/2008
With a champagne reception held at the Moët Room designed by enfant terrible Gareth Pugh on Sunday 13th, London Fashion Week's mayhem officially started. This season promises to welcome over 1100 international press and buyers, here to see London’s fashion designers and discover more future international stars.

oakley launches snowboard apparel line (usa)

16/09/2008
Sunglasses brand Oakley has announced the launch of its first ever signature series collection of apparel, with snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler.

tom morgan named svp of global sales at keds group (usa)

16/09/2008
Footwear firm The Stride Rite Corporation has named Tom Morgan to the newly created position of senior vice president of global sales of its Keds Group, and general manager of the PRO-Keds brand.

wall street journal launches fashion magazine (usa)

16/09/2008
So fashion is getting serious. Or are we getting serious about fashion. The Wall Street Journal last week introduced a glossy magazine to broaden its appeal beyond its core business reader focusing on high fashion, preppy sports and luxury travel.

apparel exports to reach $25bn by 2013 (nag)

15/09/2008
Bangladeshi apparel ma