Global Vibes

Unsold stock site
FRANCE: A new website is expected to significantly reduce the pressure on apparel and footwear manufacturers to shift unsold stock. Dubbed Private Outlet, the owners of the website buy unwanted stock from big name brands direct to consumers six months after the clothing was available on the high street. It then sells them with discounts of up to 80 per cent via "sale events" with about six such initiatives taking place each month. The company operates in several European countries including France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

Yoga takes space
UNITED STATES: American retailer Dillard's has launched a new department featuring yoga-inspired activewear. The new section, dubbed Tranquilty, features six active apparel lines and can be found in 25 Dillard's locations. There are plans to extend the offering to 100 stores by March.

Lingerie loss
UNITED KINGDOM: Upscale British lingerie brand Agent Provocateur has been bought by private equity investor 3i for £60 million ($A140 million). The label's founders, husband-and-wife Serena Rees and Joseph Corré - the son of Vivienne Westwood - plus several senior employees, are to retain a 20 per cent stake in the company. Corré will remain creative director but his wife Rees will leave the company. It is understood the new owners, who also back footwear and fashion chain Hobbs, plan to introduce the brand to new markets and expand existing product categories.

Indian opulence
INDIA: Indian real estate development group DLF have released details about India's first luxury mall expected to open in Delhi on March 1 next year. The mall, dubbed DFL Emporio, will house 130 brands - including 70 international labels most of which will be making their Indian debut. It is understood Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana will join others such as Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Escada, Cartier in leasing space at the site. DLF said it is preparing a wide promotional campaign for the mall, hoping to tie in both Hollywood and Bollywood stars for the initiative.

Mango moves
SPAIN: Discount fashion chain Mango has announced plans to launch a limited edition menswear line for Northern Hemisphere spring/summer 2008. It is expected the range will sit alongside
collections from Milla Jovovich (a joint collaboration called Jovovich-Hawk) or the Cruz sisters. Mango confirmed it would be a "casual collection, not just focusing on jeans". The announcement coincides with news Mango will open its first New York flagship store later this month.