Kathmandu gets fined

AUCKLAND: Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer Kathmandu has been fined $NZ28,000 ($A23,460) plus costs following an appearance in Auckland District Court to answer charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act. The brand pleaded guilty to advertising goods on sale" when they had been available at the discounted price for months prior. In some cases, they were also available at the same price afterwards. In summing up Judge Kiernan noted that although Kathmandu had now changed the way it displayed its products in store, it had failed to respond to previous approaches by the Commission on the matter.

:Myer merchandising
MELBOURNE: Myer's new owner - US private equity group Texas Pacific Group - has revealed plans to install $50 million-plus merchandising technology to replace the department's store's current outdated system. Linked to point of sale cash registers, the new system will be used to track stock at all levels, from purchase to allocation to stores to replenishment and will be operational by the end of the year. While the system will improve Myer's inventory management, it is anticipated that it will result in between 150 and 200 job losses. Myer has not commented on where these losses will occur, except to confirm that they will not affect shop floor staff.

:Bag one
MELBOURNE: Handbag and accessory label Ms Anna has launched a new high-end collection. Created to sit alongside the label's Daily and MIA ranges, the new collection, dubbed Stephanie, is targeted at the "Gucci/Fendi-type consumer". Each of the five-pieces in the range are constructed from either suede or horsehair with colours including cobalt blue, olive, and black and white. Prices range from $245 to $469. For more: msanna.com

:Desperately seeking space
MELBOURNE: A lack of space has forced Victorian label Gorman to relocate its head office. Formerly sited at 230 Stanley St, West Melbourne, the business is now operating from 92 High Street, Prahan. Existing email addresses and cell phone numbers of staff remain the same, however the office has a new telephone and fax number. For more: 03 9529 3410.

:Footwear flourish
NATIONAL: More than 20 footwear importers have banded together to host a series of mini fairs to showcase their offerings. Featuring labels such as Emporio Italia, E Shoes Global, Treska and Zapatito, the five-day fairs will be staged across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth between Sunday July 9 and Wednesday August 2.

:Bloody Market
SYDNEY: Aiming to provide young designers with a launching pad into the Sydney market, the annual Young blood: designers market will return to the Powerhouse Museum for the second year. Held over two days - August 11 to 12 - the markets are set to come alive with over 50 stalls selling a range of furniture, jewellery, home wares, landscape and lighting design and fashion. For more: sydneydesignweek.com.au/youngblood