Colorado tactics
QUEENSLAND: Footwear and apparel retailer Colorado Group will open 30 new stores by Christmas in a bid to boost sales after it reported a 41 per cent drop in half-yearly net profit to $7.6 million. Earnings before interest and tax came in at $10.2 million for the period, only slightly ahead of the company's guidance. Despite remaining tight-lipped about the planned expansion, the company revealed it would also refurbish 33 of its existing 404 stores to help fuel sales.
Converse cubes
SYDNEY: Renowned footwear brand Converse has released a limited edition sneaker that pays homage to 1980's puzzle, the Rubick's cube. Dubbed Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star RQ high-tops and priced at $160, the shoes are hitting Australian footwear and fashion stores - including Glue and 1917 - this month.
Room with a view
PERTH: Perth's Designedge fashion incubator is on the hunt for Western Australian designers seeking to flaunt their work after being invited to host an agents showroom at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week in Melbourne October 25 to 28. The private showroom will be hosted by TCFWA vice chair Margaret Farrell and viewing will be by appointment. For more: 08 9479 6777 or designedge.belmont@tcfwa.com.
Michele magic
SYDNEY: Accessories group Fossil has introduced international watch brand Michele into the Australian marketplace. Described as "every lady's dream", many of the time pieces in the range feature diamonds and other gems and each boasts an interchangable face and strap. The brand, available through David Jones, is priced at between $1800 and $15,000.
La Senza sizzles
SYDNEY: International lingerie brand La Senza has opened its first Australian store deep in the heart of Westfield Bondi Junction. The intimate range stocked at the store includes bras, knickers and sleepware and is targeted at females between the ages of 15 and 35. Price points range from $12.95 for boy briefs to $79.95 for a lace bustier.
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MELBOURNE: An extensive range of designers including Wayne Cooper, Rebecca Davies and FashionAssassin have joined forces with Jeans West to launch a new range of t-shirts aimed at raising money for the Cancer Council. The range is available through Jeans West stores for $29.95 with $10 from every sale donated to the charity.
Brunsdon expands
SYDNEY: Designer Jayson Brunsdon has announced plans to open his first store in Sydney's The Strand Arcade. Opening in November, the designer will find himself in fine company with Alannah Hill, Alex Perry, Bettina Liano and Lisa Ho already boasting stores in the complex. The expansion is viewed as a natural progression for Brunsdon who started his own label in 2004 after making his name as a creative designer at Morrissey.