Briefs
Busy Park
AUCKLAND: An extra 1000 car spaces have been made available for the opening of 50 further stores at the Sylvia Park shopping complex in New Zealand. The announcement follows news that the $388 million development has been causing serious traffic congestion on the Mt Wellington Highway and surrounding streets and suburbs. Auckland City Council said it has been working with developer, Kiwi Income Property Trust, to manage the traffic congestion around the shopping centre. Developers are hoping that a 10am opening hour, multiple entries and a total 2600 carparks will also help overcome the problem.
Here Kitty, Kitty
PRAHRAN: Boutique lingerie store Kitty K has opened its second store in Melbourne. Littered with golden frames and small chocolate boxes filled with underwear, the boutique features a bronze backdrop with elaborate peacock feathers. Stocking local and international brands such as Mimi Holliday and Boda, the boutique offers silk slips, dresses and a small range of jewellery, handbags and handmade underwear. The new Prahran store will complement the company's flagship boutique in Albert Street which opened in 2003.
Fashion Source
AUCKLAND: Fashion forecasting seminars will be held at New Zealand's Fashion Source trade show from September 18 to 19. Jill Carrol from Colour Waves and Neil Henson from Australian Business will present speeches on marketing and forecasting designs as well as trends and colours for upcoming seasons. Held at the Ellerslie Convention Centre, guest speakers will also include Steve Brown from Display Arts who will offer tips on how to create memorable window displays for fashion businesses. For more: fashionsource.co.nz
Fashion on Fire
BRISBANE: Some 30 Queensland firefighters will take to the catwalk as part of the annual fashion charity event, Fashion on Fire. Set to showcase a selection of Brisbane designer apparel, the gala dinner event will include an auction with all proceeds donated to the Royal Children's Hospital Burns Unit. Last year's parade attracted around 600 people raised a whopping $10,000 for the children's charity. Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 27, the event includes a three-course meal, alcoholic beverages, auctions and entertainment. For more: 07 3406 2763.
Athlete's acquisition
NATIONAL: Multinational sportswear retailer The Athlete's Foot has been sold to US-based company Aether Holdings. The sale, worth $A67.5 million in cash and stock, includes a performance agreement which enables Athlete's Foot to earn an additional $A11.1 million based on financial results. The Athlete's Foot president and CEO Robert Corliss will continue with Aether, taking on the role as president and CEO of Aether's retail franchise division. The company currently boasts 575 locations in 40 countries around the world, including 100 franchise and company stores throughout Australia and New Zealand.