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The five most read news stories on ragtrader.com.au in the past two weeks.

Monti's dubious comeback

NATIONAL: Collapsed fashion house Monti Australia re-enters the ragtrade - with some burnt creditors footing the bill. Montgomery Textiles and other suppliers are believed to have helped fund the new venture, dubbed the LYF Group and founded by former Monti owners Yuval and Leisa French.

Luxury heist

SYDNEY: Reports emerge confirming that thieves have raided the Hugo Boss flagship site in Paddington, Sydney. It is understood two men in dark clothing smashed the Oxford Street store's glass door at around 3.40am on January 19, using a sledgehammer or similar object.

Retail battlers

NATIONAL: Preliminary results released January 14 from parent company Wesfarmers confirm "solid sales" for Target and a shakier outlook for Kmart. Target's operating revenue for the six months to December 31 2008 emerges at $2.09 billion, while Kmart continues to focus on improving performance.

American dream

ADELAIDE: The launch of American Apparel's third Australian retail site is buoyed by strong results, with the LA headquartered company announcing same store sales defied economic conditions in the fourth quarter of 2008, up by 10 per cent on the same period last year.

UK: Ugg booted

NATIONAL: Iconic Aussie footwear label Ugg looks set to re-think its UK export strategy following the closure of its leading distributor of the brand there, Kate Kuba. Kate Kuba went into administration early January, closing its nine London stores and ceasing online trade.

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