Web briefs

DJ's need for speedo
NATIONAL: True Alliance owned brand Speedo has signed an important contract with national department store David Jones. The sportswear label has inked a deal to have all its ranges stocked exclusively at David Jones from August, making it the only department store to carry all men's and women's ranges. These include the brand's new 'Beach' range and its soon-to-be released 'Well Being', kids, toddlers and performancewear ranges. The summer 2008/09 ranges will be available from all David Jones stores nationally, the Speedo stores at Westfield Bondi Junction, Chatswood Chase and Chadstone Shopping Centres.

A model citizen
MELBOURNE:New Model Beauty Queen has officially converted to the No Sweat Shop label. The Fitzroy-based brand is the most recent manufacturer to successfully undergo the Homeworkers Code of Practice (HWCP) accreditation process, which makes labels eligible to display the No Sweat Shop label on Australian-made garments. Director Dale Cornell said he was dedicated to keeping production local and differentiating his garments from cheap imports. The company officially unveiled No Sweat Shop signage at its retail outlet, Forest, earlier this month.

Yellow Brick Road
MELBOURNE: Country Road has announced a rise in profit before tax to $8.0 million for the six months to December 31 2007, up 55 per cent on the same period last year. Total sales grew by 35 per cent on the first half last year, with retail sales up by 21.5 per cent and 16.5 per cent on comparable store terms. Country Road is expecting second half performance to show a strong improvement in profit before tax over the same corresponding period last year.

General Mayhem
NATIONAL:Youthwear retailer General Pants has taken its marketing and promotional strategy to a new level. Aiming to pitch itself as the "one-stop-shop" for denim, the retailer took to the streets this month and plastered Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne with posters offering free pairs of jeans. Attached to the posters were dockets which consumers ripped off and presented at General Pants stores to claim their complimentary denim. The retail chain boasts over 140 denim choices, 12 fits and 18 brands including Ksubi, Nudie, Lee, Wrangler, Cassette Society, Ben Sherman and Volcom. 

Gazal Looking Good
SYDNEY: Gazal Corporation has announced an increase in after tax profit of $7.034 million for the six months ended December 31 2007, up 4.6 per cent on the previous year. Sales revenues from continuing operations for the half year ended December 31 2007 were $141 million, up 7.6 per cent on the previous corresponding period. Gazal CEO Michael Gazal said generally positive consumer sentiment in the retail sector during the period helped the group's key brands Calvin Klein, Van Heusen, Davenport, Bisley and Midford to achieve solid growth in the wholesale business as well as a strong sales result from Trade Secret outlets during the six months.