Despite the hype, few retailers are using social media on their websites effectively, writes SEO expert Mark Brixton.

Some of the largest domestic retail chains are based in Melbourne. But their corporate makeup could change as tax breaks from the Australian government’s Living Away From Home Allowance (LAFHA) come to a close, writes Simon James.

Melbourne-headquartered retailer Jeanswest will celebrate an important milestone this year. Assia Benmedjdoub profiles the CEO who will take it to 40 years.

In recent years, Myer and David Jones have injected millions into their cutting-edge flagship sites in Melbourne. Nora Farren looks at the future of department store retailing in the new world.

As well as juggling plans for refurbishments, new stores and a website revamp, Melbourne-based fashion store Gasp is now intent on taking legal action against a courier service which it claims ‘sued the wrong company’.

Each month, Ragtrader profiles one finalist from the 2011 National Retailers Association (NRA) Young Retailer of the Year awards. Here, 24-year-old Myer team member Tegan Kennedy tells her story.

Melbourne High Street giant Sportsgirl is one of the nation’s leaders in m-commerce. Online expert Ross McDonald takes its cue and provides practical tips for all players.

SYDNEY: Surfwear giant Billabong is continuing to forge ahead with its latest retail venture, Co-op Surfection, with plans to take the brand vertical.

As young designers prepare to showcase their collections at L’OrÉal Melbourne Fashion Festival, Pippa Chambers asks emerging talent for their take on those early stages of business.

Every month Ragtrader pairs RMIT fashion and design students with an established designer for a professional one-on-one. In this edition, RMIT graduate Jelena Petrovich asks veteran designer and founder of fashion brand Feathers, Margaret Porritt, for her advice.

SYDNEY: Iconic swimwear brand Seafolly is gearing up for global expansion, with plans to commence a targeted retail roll-out and increase its presence across America and Asia.

Q: How do our local designers compare to those on a world stage?

Hudson jeans has enforced a ban on international websites importing its product into Australia and New Zealand in a bid to protect and support traditional bricks and mortar retailers.

Daniela Aroche asks three independent Melbourne retailers how changing market conditions have impacted on their businesses.

MELBOURNE: Iconic surfwear giant Quiksilver is carrying out a major review which will see stores across Australia close and could lead to the merging of its three core brands.

Some of the nation’s experts in the fashion field have likened the Australian emerging retail market to the notoriously tough LA acting industry, and even high school peer group cliques.