Correction

In coverage of the Ragtrader Retailer of the Year Awards, chains finalist Jeans West was incorrectly referred to as Just Jeans on page 4 of the January 27 supplement and page 21 of the February 10 edition. Ragtrader regrets the error.

: TTNA testing course
MELBOURNE: The Technical Textiles and Nonwoven Association (TTNA) has partnered with the International Fibre Centre to deliver a course for workers within the areas of fibre production, spinning, knitting, weaving, dyeing, apparel manufacturing and wholesale. The Fibre, Yarn, Textile and Apparel Tests Course will take place on March 6th and 7th at CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology in Belmont (Geelong) and will address the latest developments in testing equipment and test methods. Robert K. Lattie -- director of product management at global textile testing specialist SDL Atlas in Chicago -- will act as the main facilitator, while Dale Carroll, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology?s consulting services manager will facilitate demonstrations using world class equipment. Themes addressed will include: the value of standards and quality; advances and changes in standard test methods; testing of durability, weatherability, flammability, colour fastness, dimensional stability and protective clothing; apparel performance fabrics; the changing nature of test equipment and occupational health and safety.
For more: lorraine@ttna.com.au

: US distribution
MELBOURNE: Government export body Austrade is to hold presentations on the distribution options of the US market and the services provided by fulfilment warehouses. The first of these will be held in Melbourne?s Austrade office on March 3 from 1.30 to 3.30pm, followed by the Sydney office on March 8 from 1.30 to 3.30pm and in Brisbane at 111 George Street from 9am until noon. The presentations are aimed at companies launching or considering launching products in the US market and the sectors discussed will include fashion categories such as clothing, swimwear and accessories.
for more: caroline.mcintosh@austrade.gov.au

: Manuell drive
MELBOURNE: Bag and accessories label Catherine Manuell Design is to launch a line of men?s fashion accessories dubbed CMD. CMD men?s accessories -- which launch in stores in March ? will include executive satchels, briefcases and luggage. Catherine Manuell Design is also opening a new retail outlet on Melbourne?s Glenferrie Rd and expanded warehouse and office facilities in March.

: New stores for Karen Millen
MELBOURNE: English womenswear brand Karen Millen will open a new boutique in Chapel Street, South Yarra next month. Adding to its existing stores in Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall and Sydney's Westfield Bondi Junction, the company also plans to cross the waters to New Zealand later this year, opening a store in Westfield's Auckland development.