Global Vibes

Westfield beefs up
UNITED KINGDOM: Multi-national shopping centre landlord Westfield has signed British retailers Marks & Spencer and Debenhams to its new 340 million pound ($A774 million) shopping centre in Derby. The site, set to open six months ahead of schedule, is already 98 percent leased with 16 major fashion outlets among the first to sign. The East Midlands site is the first in a series of centres planned throughout Britain with further centres opening at White City in west London and Stratford. For more: westfield.com

Deal struck
CHINA: The German Association of Textiles has reportedly reached an agreement with China over the protection of intellectual property. The move follows similar agreements with India and Russia. The purpose of these agreements is to implement stricter controls on trade fairs to fight counterfeiting while also raising awareness in the countries involved and taking measures against companies counterfeiting trademarks which cost manufacturers millions of dollars each year. According to the latest figures by the OECD, product counterfeiting costs more than $US200 billion ($A223 billion) worldwide annually. For Germany alone, annual damages are estimated to amount to 25 billion Euros ($A39 billion).

HoF demands
UNITED KINGDOM: Dozens of angry suppliers have hit out at new supplier trade terms set to be implemented by UK department store House of Fraser. The new terms feature such conditions as retrospective incentive bonus scheme payments relative to a brand's sales growth, a 3 percent marketing contribution, an "exceptional premium location" levy and supplier status tiers. However many suppliers have claimed the brand has gone too far and fear accepting the terms will encourage other retailers to adopt similar ones. The new terms are set to come into effect on November 1.
 
Fair adds women
ITALY: More than 40 brands have signed up to take part in fashion trade show Pitti Uomo's inaugural womenswear collections.  Dubbed the Pitti W_Woman Precollection, the January 9 to 12 event will focus on the spring collections. Pitti Uomo director Gaetano Marzotto said adding womenswear to the event was a necessary step. "Times change and so does fashion. Pitti Uomo is not just a menswear tradeshow, but also a fashion platform where the needs of the entrepreneur play an important role. Visitors from Paris, London, Berlin and Barcelona expect an excellent service, special events, but most importantly an overview of inspiring fashion." For more: pittimmagine.com

Suit demand
HOLLAND: Dutch suit shop Suitsupply, is planning a march on Europe. The brand is set to open its first foreign branch in Antwerp and has announced plans to launch a store in London later this year. Suitsupply director Fokke de Jong has told UK press he intends opening 100 stores in the next ten years spread over Europe. It is understood De Jong believes the company is ready for expansion following the opening of the brand's 20th store in the Netherlands. The brand intends engaging a special design team to focus on the British market after research showed the British designers prefer to use plain fabrics compared to striped.