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114 Ethel Austin and Au Naturale stores to close

In a statement by MCR, the administrators of clothing trailers Ethel Austin and Au Naturale, the imminent closures of 114 stores have been confirmed

House of Fraser to open Middle East stores

British department store chain House of Fraser is to announce plans for a new store in the Middle East, it was revealed today

Primark continues to enjoy strong sales

The clothing chain has seen a strong performance over the last six months

Flannels proposes CVA

British designer retailer, Flannels, has written to suppliers outlining plans for a proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement.

Versace cuts workforce

Italian fashion house Versace said yesterday it will cut a quarter of its workforce and expects to report a loss for this year, blaming a decrease in the demand for its luxury and designer goods.

Arcadia and Debenhams both see profits rise

The Arcadia Group has reported a 13 percent rise in pre-tax profits, growing to 213.6 million pounds in the year to 29 August; while Debenhams said pre-tax profits rose 13.7 percent to 125.2 million pounds in the same period.

Gap to open in China

The characteristically American brand, Gap, has announced strategic plans to open its first store in China, in a bid to expand its international presence.

Japanese suit fights swine flu

Western Japan-based Haruyama Trading Company Limited, a chain of men's clothing stores, has spent a year developing a business suit that claims it will protect the wearer from the widespread H1N1 strain of influenza.

Yohji Yamamoto fashion house files for bankruptcy

Hugely influential Yoji Yamamoto, the internationally known Japanese fashion designer based in Tokyo and Paris, has said the global downturn and stronger yen has negatively affected sales.

Versace pulls out of Japan after 30 years

Gianni Versace SpA will close its Japanese stores and review its entire business strategy; highlighting the depth of the consumer slump in the world’s second largest economy.

Marks & Spencer delivers to 73 additional countries

Major British retailer, Marks & Spencer, has broadened its global reach through the expansion of its online international delivery service to a further 73 countries.

Tesco launches online fashion store

Tesco’s online fashion store, tesco.com/clothing, went live this weekend, introducing 3,500 product lines and 20 brands for women, men and children – representing an additional 1,000 lines not available in store.

Gap’s Co-founder has died

On Sunday, Don Fisher, American retailer Gap’s Co-founder died, aged 81 and retailers have been paying tribute throughout this week.

ASOS enjoys 47% sales increase

Yesterday, online fashion retailer, ASOS, posted a 47 percent rise in first-half sales; a slight slowdown from first-quarter levels, but “marginally ahead” of last year, as expected.

Next claims Tesco has ‘copied’ clothing designs

British clothes retailer, Next plc, has filed claims with law courts alleging that Tesco illegally copied up to five clothing lines and two design motifs.

French Connection cuts staff and closes stores

French Connection has announced first half losses forcing it to close its Northern European retail division and make staff cuts.

Next sales improve as consumer confidence begins recovery

UK retailer Next today raised its full-year profit forecast for a second time after reporting better than expected interim growth.

Boris Johnson backs LFW for positive economic impact

London mayor, Boris Johnson, who will officially open the event this Friday, has shown his support for London Fashion Week, outlining its positive effect on the UK economy through sponsorship and media coverage.

John Lewis set to increase sales through fashion site re-launch

The UK-based chain of department stores, John Lewis, has re-launched its online fashion offerings in a bid to drive sales by 30 percent this year and add 70 million pounds to fashion sales by 2011.

Asda launches Asian clothing collection

In a move that is thought to be the first of its kind amongst high street retailers, supermarket giant, Asda, has launched a traditional Asian clothing collection in 21 of its stores.

Tillman and Earl reveal plans for Aquascutum

Harold Tillman and Belinda Earl are preparing for growth within the luxury clothing manufacturer and retailer through international wholesale, new product categories and a transactional website.

Jaeger owner acquires Aquascutum

Harold Tillman, owner of British high-end fashion brand Jaeger since 2003, has confirmed that he and Jaeger Group’s CEO, Belinda Earl, have acquired Aquascutum.

John Lewis to launch value range

The new lower priced collection named ‘John Lewis Value’ will launch next week in an attempt to counter the threat of customers being lured by cheaper rivals.

HMV snaps up 7digital stake

HMV says it has bought half of online music store 7digital.

NuRock Soccer purchases United Soccer Leagues from Nike

Nike Inc has sold its ownership of United Soccer Leagues to Atlanta-based NuRock Soccer Holdings LLC.

Positive forecasts for Asos

As fashion was revealed to be the sector that drove online sales in July, online clothing specialist, Asos, looks set for strong growth.

Burberry quarterly sales climb 8%

Burberry Group Plc said Wednesday first-quarter sales increasd 8 percent, helped by store openings.

Primark Founder to step down

Reports suggest that Primark’s founder Arthur Ryan will step down as Managing Director of the discount fashion retailer in September.

Topman to introduce music sales

Men’s fashion retailer Topman will begin selling music in September as part of a deal with independent music outlet Rough Trade Retail Group.

Gap to enter Thailand

Struggling fashion retailer Gap Inc has inked an agreement to enter Thailand by next spring, as U.S. sales remain weak.

Primark continues success with sales increase

Discount fashion retailer Primark has reported a 20 percent jump in sales for the current financial year, helped by new stores, expansion and improved demand.

JJB Sports announces capital raising

Sports retailer JJB Sports has confirmed it is planning to raise at least 50 million pounds in new capital.

American Apparel workers may be ineligible

American Apparel Inc said Wednesday the U.S. government has found that 1,800 of its employees are either illegally working in the U.S. or potentially illegal to work.

American Apparel Melrose Ave. Storefront

Crabtree & Evelyn unit in U.S. files for bankruptcy

Crabtree & Evelyn Ltd filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States as the tough economy led to falling sales and rising losses.

ASOS full-year profit doubles

Internet fashion retailer ASOS has posted a 93 percent rise in full-year profit.

H&M profit beats estimates

Hennes & Mauritz AB, Europe’s second-largest clothing retailer, reported a 6 percent increase for the second quarter.

Luxury groups expect strengthening demand

Executives in the luxury sector say consumer confidence is already re-emerging.

H&M teams up with Jimmy Choo

Hennes & Mauritz AB has said that its next designer collection team-up will be British accessory brand Jimmy Choo.

TSI warns against buying ‘knock-offs’

The Trading Standards Institute (TSI) has warned against the temptation of buying counterfeit goods during the recession.

Net-a-Porter posts sales increase

Online luxury fashion retailer Net-a-Porter said its pre-tax profits more than trebled in the 12 months to January 31.

JD Sports Fashion sales improve

Clothing and footwear retailer JD Sports Fashion said on Monday its sales growth improved in its latest trading period.

Laura Ashley buoyed by sales increase

Home furnishings and fashion retailer Laura Ashley said UK sales increased 8.4 percent in the first four months of this year.

Christian Lacroix files for bankruptcy protection

French fashion house Christian Lacroix has filed for protection from creditors.

Tiffany quarterly profit down; keeps outlook

Tiffany & Co said quarterly earnings fell a worse-than-expected 62 percent as jewelry sales suffered amid the recession.

Shoppers walk down Fifth Avenue past Tiffany & Co in New York December 6, 2008. REUTERS/Chip East

Blacks Leisure swamped by charges

Outdoor goods retailer Blacks Leisure Group plunged into a pretax loss as its surfwear business continued to struggle and said it needs a good camping season this year to boost its fortunes.

Aquascutum may be sold to Chinese distributor

Aquascutum Group Plc may be sold to YGM Trading Ltd after the luxury brand’s Japanese owner Renown Inc rejected a management buy-out.

Gap “encouraged” by Q1 performance

Chief Executive Glenn Murphy said Gap Inc was pleased with the way it navigated the challenging economic environment, despite posting a 14 percent drop in first quarter profit.

1,200 jobs go at Bay Trading

Bay Trading is to shed about 1,230 jobs and close 125 outlets after administrators agreed a deal to sell the fashion chain to Rinku Group.

Saks posts better-than-expected Q1 loss

Luxury retailer Saks Inc says it lost $5.1 million, or 4 cents per share, in the first quarter ended May 2.

M&S cuts dividend

Marks & Spencer Group on Tuesday cut its final dividend by a third after posting a 40 percent slide in full-year profits.

Burberry year profit falls

Luxury goods group Burberry met forecasts with a 12.5 percent fall in full-year profit and said it was pressing ahead with expansion plans despite continued tough trading conditions.

In this file photo a pedestrian walks past a Burberry shop in London November 19, 2008. Burberry met forecasts with a 12.5 percent fall in full-year profit and said it was pressing ahead with expansion plans despite continued tough trading conditions. REUTERS/Suzanne Plunkett

Online fashion sales fall 2%

UK online clothing sales fell for the first time in nine years in April, Capgemini UK Plc said Monday.

H&M April sales rebound

Fashion chain Hennes & Mauritz said sales rebounded at a faster rate than expected in April.

In this file photo people shop in the newly opened Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) store in Moscow, March 13, 2009. Hennes & Mauritz said sales rebounded at a faster rate than expected in April as the retail bellwether ended eight months of declines, adding to signs of a tentative recovery in consumer spending. REUTERS/Denis Sinyakov

Fossil Q1 above estimates

Shares in Fossil Inc rose as much as 20 percent on Tuesday after the company posted a better-than-expected first quarter profit and raised its outlook for the year.

Benetton record 38% decline in Q1 profits

Italian clothing retailer Benetton said the first quarter of 2009 was influenced by the cooling in demand as net profit declined to 18 million euros.

United Colors of Benetton store, Hong Kong

JD Sports mulling JJB takeover?

A report by The Sunday Times has revealed that the sports-fashion retailer JD Sports may make a bid for its struggling rival.

Signet same-store sales decline 2.9%

Signet Jewelers Ltd, the world's largest specialty retail jeweler, on Thursday said its same-store sales declined to $762.6 million hit by weakness in U.S. consumer spending.

Gap reports better-than-expected April sales

Gap Inc said Thursday its same-store sales fell 4 percent in April, but beat analyst expectations.

Next raises first-half guidance

Fashion and homewares retailer Next on Wednesday raised its first-half guidance after reporting a fall in like-for-like sales at its retail stores.

Avon records 36% fall in Q1 profits

Shares in Avon Products Inc sank 7.4 percent in morning trading Tuesday after the beauty products firm posted a 36 percent drop in first-quarter profit.

Abercrombie laying off 170 positions at headquarters

Abercrombie & Fitch Co is to cut 9 percent of its staff at its 2,000-strong Columbus, Ohio, headquarters after a steep fall in sales.

Asos 2008 profit to be ahead of estimates

Online fashion retailer Asos said profits for last year would be "slightly ahead of market expectations" after reporting a 104 percent rise in sales to March 31.

Bay Trading enters administration

British fashion chain Bay Trading said on Friday it had entered administration, putting about 1,000 jobs in 268 branches at risk.

Liberty 2008 sales rise 9%

Liberty, owner of the London department store, reported a 9 percent rise in full-year sales, but higher interest costs caused losses to widen slightly.

H&M on course to open 225 new stores in 2009

Hennes & Mauritz AB on track to open 225 new stores this year, as the retailer looks to expand its global footprint.

Coach Q3 profit falls

Coach Inc, the U.S. leather goods company, on Tuesday said profit fell 29 percent in the third quarter.

Burberry annual profits to meet expectations

Burberry said it expects to meet market expectations for full-year profit, despite a 2 percent drop in second half revenue.

H&M March sales below estimates

Hennes & Mauritz AB, the world's third-largest fashion chain by revenue, on Wednesday posted a 3 percent fall in March same-store sales.

M&S lost clothing market share in February

Marks & Spencer lost market share in the clothing sector during February, the Daily Telegraph reported.

In this file photo a man walks past outside British retailer Marks and Spencer's flagship Marble Arch store in central London, January 6, 2009. REUTERS/Andrew Winning

Gap comparable sales slide

Gap Inc on Thursday said comparable sales fell 8 percent but showed an improvement on the same period last year.

Macy’s sales down 9.2%

Department store Macy’s saw same-store sales drop 9.2 percent in March, beating forecasts by Wall Street analysts.

John Lewis weekly store sales fall 6.7 percent

John Lewis , the employee-owned group seen as a barometer of retail spending, said weekly sales at its department stores fell 6.7 percent from the same week last year, hit by the timing of Easter.

A couple look into the window of a John Lewis store in Edinburgh, Scotland in this file photo from March 11, 2009. REUTERS/David Moir

Senior management team buys Robert Dyas

Retailer Robert Dyas has been bought by its senior management.

JD Sports Fashion posts 9% rise in FY profits

Apparel group JD Sports Fashion Plc has reported a surge in full-year sales and profits.

Danier Leather to cut 78 jobs

Danier Leather Inc said it would reduce about 78 jobs and halve its domestic manufacturing capacity to cut costs.

Chairman Wrigley relinquishes executive duties at New Look

New Look Chairman Phil Wrigley has stepped down from his executive duties to become Non-Executive Chairman.

Phil Wrigley, Non-Executive Chairman, New Look

JJB Sports finalises CVA

Struggling sportswear retailer JJB Sports said Tuesday it has finalised the terms of company voluntary arrangements (CVA) with its landlords.

Paphitis in talks to buy back a majority stake in La Senza

Theo Paphitis is in talks to buy back a majority stake in La Senza, the lingerie chain that he sold to private-equity group Lion Capital.

Topshop brings the UK High Street to New York

Topshop, the British clothing chain, will open its first store in the U.S. on Thursday.

Laura Ashley retail sales up 4%

Fashion and homewares retailer Laura Ashley said its total retail sales grew four percent for the seven weeks to March 21 due to promotional activity.

Gap to open first store in Republic of Ireland

US fashion retailer Gap will open its first store in the Republic of Ireland in Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin.

GAP store in Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose, CA

Hobbs full-year profits decline

Upmarket fashion retailer Hobbs has reported pre-tax profits of 18.8 million pounds from 21.3 million pounds.

New Moss Bros CEO unveils improvement strategy

Moss Bros Chief Executive Brian Brick has laid out his immediate focus for the menswear retailer.

H&M Q1 profit declines, hit by currency

Hennes & Mauritz AB, Europe’s second-largest clothing retailer, said it had been “negatively affected by currency effects” as net income fell to 2.58 billion kronor.

Next sales to keep on falling

UK retailer Next on Thursday said sales would continue to fall in 2009 as it posted a 13.9 percent decline in 2008 profit.

A window cleaner works on the window of a Oxford Street in London January 6, 2008. REUTERS/Andrew Winning

Inditex’s 2008 sales rise 10%

Inditex Group, Europe’s largest clothing retailer, beat analysts’ profit estimates and said it will continue to expand its low-cost Zara fashion chain.

Signet takes goodwill writedown

Signet Jewelers has unveiled plans to cut costs and investment to cope with tough trading.

Nike to discontinue orders with Asian contract factories

Nike Inc plans to stop production from three factories in China and one in Vietnam as part of a global review of its supply chain.

Ted Baker profit falls, 2009 to be worse

Ted Baker reported an 11.4 percent fall in annual profit and said earnings in 2009 would be lower.

Agent Provocateur trading strong

Luxury lingerie firm Agent Provocateur said total sales have grown by eight percent since the end of March last year.

Brian Brick appointed CEO of Moss Bros

Moss Bros has announced that Brian Brick, formerly Managing Director of Speciality Retail Group, has been appointed Chief Executive.

Hermes 2008 profit beats forecast

Hermes posted better-than-expected profits for 2008, and said revenues had risen slightly due to currency fluctuations.

Eddie Bauer risks violating debt obligations

Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc said it faced significant risk of violating its consolidated secured leverage ratio as early as the first half of fiscal 2009.

Qube, Original Shoe Company outlets close

More than 120 jobs have been axed at Original Shoe Company and Qube after a further 10 stores were closed by administrators KPMG.

Gap to shrink board, cut director pay

Gap Inc will reduce the size of its board to 10 from 13 and cut directors' pay as it focuses on cost management.

Pedestrians pass by a Gap clothing store in Washington August 17, 2007. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

French Connection slumps to loss

French Connection said it was preparing for another difficult year as the fashion group swung to a full-year loss.

American Apparel receives $80m investment

American Apparel said on Friday it had received $80 million in financing from British private equity firm Lion Capital LLP.

JJB confirms interest in Fitness Clubs unit

JJB Sports confirmed it has received a number of offers for its Fitness Clubs business.

TM Lewin to open Singapore store

The City’s shirtmaker, TM Lewin, is to open a store at Changi international airport, the Times has reported.

Principles jobs to go after Debenhams buys its stock

About 2,000 jobs at fashion chain Principles are under threat after department stores group Debenhams agreed to buy most of the brand's stock, but none of its stores.

Pedestrians walk past the Debenhams store on Oxford Street, in central London October 19, 2008. REUTERS/Andrew Winning

Ann Taylor loss worse than expected; shares plunge

Ann Taylor Stores Corp posted a loss almost twice as big as Wall Street expected on Friday, weighed down by charges, and said it would close 46 more stores as women buy less clothing during the recession.

Foot Locker beats Street, won't provide outlook

Foot Locker Inc posted a net loss compared with a year-ago profit on Wednesday due to impairment charges and the costs of store closure, and declined to provide a 2009 outlook.

Dune buys Shoe Studio and saves 1,660 jobs

Footwear specialist Dune has bought the bulk of The Shoe Studio out of administration, saving 1,660 jobs, Deloitte said on Wednesday.

Mosaic deal saves 8,700 jobs

Icelandic bank Kaupthing put Mosaic Fashions into administration and announced a deal to buy back some of its brands immediately, saving around 8,700 jobs while leaving about 4,200 at risk Monday.

A man walks past a branch of Iceland's Kaupthing Bank in Reykjavik October 9, 2008. REUTERS/Bob Strong

Mosaic may be put in administration on Monday

Mosaic Fashions, the owner of Karen Millen and Principles, will be broken up and placed into administration on Monday, according to a report in the Sunday Times.

JJB Sports rejects Chris Ronnie’s resignation

Christopher Ronnie, the suspended Chief Executive of JJB Sports, said yesterday that he had left the sportswear retailer after reaching a financial settlement - only for the group to say that it had reached no such deal and that his resignation was "not effective".

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