Global Vibes

Suppliers stump up
UNITED KINGDOM: The suppliers of a leading UK based department store are being asked to contribute financially to the store's new £50 million ($A122 million) rebranding program. House of Fraser (HOF) suppliers were recently sent a brochure detailing the plans that will see the store positioned between rivals Selfridges and John Lewis. It is understood the marketing levy will be set at individual rates based on store locations and size of business however if brands achieve a like-for-like sales target HOF will give them a rebate on their levy.

Hot deal
MIDDLE EAST: The surf brand that counts Australian model Elle Macpherson among its executive team will shortly be sold in the Middle East. Hot Tuna has signed a three year deal with distributor Sourcerite, for an undisclosed sum. The move will see Sourcerite open a number of stores for the brand in the Middle East during the contract period. The first store, measuring 2000 square feet, is expected to open in Dubai in autumn 2008.

What Next?
UNITED KINGDOM: Multi-national retail chain Next is fighting to distance itself from media allegations about poor conditions at the factories manufacturing its product. The men's, women's and childrenswear chain has introduced a new logo - with the message Next Committed to Ethical Trading - in an attempt to communicate its ethical stance. The brand was one of several retailers that came under fire in a Sunday Times article linking Next and George at Asda to Mauritius-based supplier Compagnie Mauriicienne de Textile (CMT). The paper alleged the CMT factory used "slave labour". The article came just days before UK broadsheet The Guardian ran a piece questioning the supply chains of Primark, Mothercare, Gap, Matalan and H&M.

Best foot forward
UNITED STATES: International footwear retailer The Athletes Foot has announced an aggressive expansion plan which will see it unveil a host of new stores and an extensive rebrand of existing retail sites. Boasting 620 stores in 45 countries, including Australia, the brand is set to adopt a more cohesive approach in its branding with a new red and white logo featuring a winged foot over the letters "TAF". The brand, which operates a 100 per cent franchised model, is expected to open its first rebranded stores in November, with more than 100 new franchised locations opening by the end of the year.

Valentino retires
ITALY: Australian actress Cate Blanchett and US Hollywood stars Julia Roberts and Elizabeth Taylor will be forced to find someone to dress them for red carpet events after designer Valentino announced he will retire in January from the couture house he founded 45 years ago. The 75-year-old's signature evening gowns and conservative style made him a favourite among names like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. Italian newspapers have suggested former Gucci designer Alessandra Facchinetti is in the running to replace Valentino who is already working on the women's ready-to-wear collection to be shown in Paris in October and a final haute couture show for January.