SYDNEY: High-profile fabric and garment importer Smouha has failed in its first bid to sell of its business estate in Waterloo, as speculation over its financial future continues to mount.

NATIONAL: The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has accused the banking sector of ignorance regarding the needs of small business.

MELBOURNE:Designers and celebrities will shortly be on hand to entertain shoppers at one of the Victorian capital's key retail hubs.

SYDNEY: A New Zealand brand has trumped local competitors to take out a major category in the 2009 Fashion Exposed Debut awards.

NATIONAL: Firefighters have taken up the campaign against Pacific Brands' decision to move its manufacturing operations offshore.

MELBOURNE: Shoppers with a taste for the finer things - and cash to spare - look set to find contentment at Melbourne's newest top notch retail destination.

NATIONAL: Speculation collapsed businesswear retailer Herringbone would be snapped up by an offshore player has proven to be correct.

MELBOURNE: The swanky environs of GPO shopping centre are usually witness to nothing more disturbing than shoppers in search of high end threads and bling. But not today.

MELBOURNE: High-end fashion label Willow has ignored doom and gloom predictions to open its first Melbourne store.

NATIONAL: Luxury womenswear brand Josh Goot will exit the Myer stable, as the department store looks to grow its value-end offerings.

MELBOURNE: Beyond Sportswear International (BSI) is hoping a rights issue will see it through the worst of the economic doldrums.

SYDNEY: For a label aimed at youthful chicks, touting the opposite of "new" is a daring strategy.

AUCKLAND: One of New Zealand's biggest retailers has pleaded guilty to several breaches of the Fair Trading Act.

MELBOURNE: High street womenswear chain Sportsgirl has heeded the calls of curvy customers.

Applications for the second season of Project Runway will close on March 6, 2009. Take a look at the moment last year's winner was revealed.

Witchery Man ambassador 'Heidi' comes clean on the brand's viral campaign.