Briefs
Private branding
MELBOURNE: The evolution of private labels will be up for discussion at an upcoming seminar hosted by the Australian Centre for Retail Studies (ACRS). Scheduled for April 15, the two-hour seminar will explore the private label's role within the retail brand proposition as well as leading practices and global private label trends. The Melbourne event will also offer a private label case study in the form of US-based department store Nordstrom. For more: 03 9903 2455.
Westfield name change
MELBOURNE: Shopping centre giant Westfield has announced a change of name for its redeveloped Westfield Bay City centre in Geelong. When the first stage of the centre's $200 million redevelopment opens in mid April, the centre will become Westfield Geelong. Westfield regional general manager for VIC/SA Tim Roberts said the change would ensure the centre was clearly identifiable on a national level. The redeveloped centre will expand from 35,000 to 51,000 square metres of retail space, providing an upgraded fashion offer with over 100 new speciality stores, as well as the first Big W in the region. It will create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and is expected to generate more than 800 retail jobs when completed.
Range extended
NATIONAL: Shop fitting company Mei & Picchi has extended its offering by incorporating a range of wall systems and gondolas. Boasting an anodised aluminium finish, the units are available in two height sizes of 2500mm or 2750mm and can be installed at 645mm and 1245mm centres. Other accessories include hang rails, forward arms, shelf brackets and glass shelving. The new units are currently on display at the company's showrooms in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and through its New Zealand office in Auckland. For more: 02 9550 2544.
Designers wanted
TOWNSVILLE: The country's richest student fashion awards have now been opened to national entrants. Traditionally open only to Queensland students, from this year the NOMA Opal Fashion Bash - which offers more than $100,000 in cash prizes - will now allow any Australian high school or tertiary student to enter the contest. The event, staged April 10 to 13 at Thuringowa Riverway Arts Centre in Townsville, boasts more than 10 different categories including fashion drawing and design, surf swimwear design, race, street and resortwear design and amateur fashion photography. For more: fashionbash.com.au
Tailoring a cut above
MELBOURNE: LookSmart Alterations has opened its first Myer concession store in Melbourne, to provide customers with onsite clothing alterations. It is thought to mark the first a tailoring service has made the fashion floor of a department store in Australia. The new service, located on the third floor of the Bourke Street store, guarantees that it will shorten pants within an hour or it's free. Other offerings include garment resizing, restyling and repairs.
Following the launch of the concession at Myer Melbourne, LookSmart Alterations will also open stores in Myer Adelaide and Sydney between March and May this year.
Clarification
In the March 7 issue of Ragtrader 'Unzipped' section a photo was run of the head designer of Candy Footwear Fiona Lancaster. This was incorrect. The photo should have been of State of Georgia designer Georgia Hall.