CMD targets men

MELBOURNE: Fashion accessory company Catherine Manuell Design will launch a range of men's accessories in February 2006. The collection, which will be sold in approximately 50 independent stockists nationally, will include backpacks, laptop bags, briefcases, toiletry bags and wallets in colours including kharki, silver grey, brown, black, red and muted navy. Retail price points will range from $45 to $180.

:Pac Brands spend
MELBOURNE: Pacific Brands has acquired several divisions New Zealand-based company Arthur Ellis. The sale, which includes the Bedwares Division as well as the Everwarm (polypropylene thermals) and Survival (merino apparel) brands, was completed last week (November 30). According to New Zealand media reports, the deal is worth an estimated $A12.2 million.

:Kulu breaks out
QUEENSLAND: Swimwear manufacturer Kulu will launch its collections in Canada and the US later this month under a new licencing and distribution agreement. Company owner Carl Birch said he had been approached by a Canadian company in August with the view to selling their swimwear ranges. Future plans could see the Canadian firm broaden the range for its markets to include items such as tops or coverups.

:Rebel results
SYDNEY: Sporting goods retailer Rebel Sport has reported an 8.4 per cent increase in group sales revenue to $103 million for the four months ended October 29, 2005. Sales on a same store basis for the period increased by 2.3 per cent. Group sales for the three weeks ended November 19, 2005 increased by 25.8 per cent when compared to the corresponding period last year. Sales on a same store basis for the period increased by 17.5 per cent. Both results include sales revenue from the Glue lifestyle stores.

:Red faces
NEW ZEALAND: Australian retailers will soon be able to share photos and profiles of suspected shoplifters by logging onto a website, if a Wellington-based company has its way. Dubbed Shared Faces, the website allows subscribers to upload photos of people they catch or strongly suspect of shoplifting and - if they know them - their names, date of birth, height race, a description of what they sold and how they did it. The product, on trial in NZ, will be launched in Australia mid 2006. For more: sharedfaces.co.nz