SHOPEX06 expands

BRISBANE: With the majority of exhibitor space already sold SHOPEX06, taking place July 8 to 11 at The Great Hall, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, has doubled its floor plan compared to last year. Running alongside Reed Gift Fairs Brisbane, SHOPEX offers retailers from every sector a total package of store fit-out and retail technology solutions. Products showcased include communication equipment, computer hardware and software, database marketing, EFTPOS, interior design, inventory and stock control, packaging, point-of-sale security, smart cards, supply chain management and touch screens.

Feathers preened
MELBOURNE: TNT Ragtrader Retailer of the year chain finalist Feathers have thrown open the doors of their new look flagship store in the Melbourne CBD. Located in Collins Place, the store has undergone a complete transformation, the basis of which will be used for the chain's new store to be opened in Albert Park later this month. The store was reopened to launch the chain's autumn/winter collection.

Healthy rivalry
SYDNEY: Independent fashion retailers are being offered the chance to get their name up in lights as part of a new competition aimed at finding out which store consumers recognise as their favourite boutique. The online competition, run by Niche Fashion Technology and launched at last week's Fashion Exposed trade fair, offers participants the chance to win $1000 wardrobe at their favourite boutique. All retailers that register with Niche will receive feed back on their voters including demographics such as age and residential area. The competition runs until July 30. For more: nichefashion.com.au

Punk rock yogawear
SYDNEY: For Morgwn Rimel and Gaylee Butler, founders of new yogawear label Yogurt Activeculture, punk rock music and yoga go hand in hand. "It may seem like they're at odds, but if you think about it, punk rock is an attitude, a way of life, just like yoga", said Rimel. The online clothing company explores this philosophy with cheeky tees, priced at $40, that read "Poser" and "Enlighten Me" and yoga mats, $65, emblazoned with electric guitars that encourage you to "Stay Tuned". For women black three-quarter length wide leg combat pants emblazened with gold flames have a drawstring waist and sell at $75. For more: yogurtactiveculture.com

Going soul-o
PERTH: Online personality-branded neckwear maker Soulmark hopes to ramp up interest in its offering having appointed Eclipse Music TV host Jesse Tobin as the new "face" of the brand. The company, which asks wearers to complete an online personality test, offers teardrop-shaped pendants designed to reflect the wearer's personality. The necklaces are made from sterling silver and priced from $19.95. For more: soulmark.com