NATIONAL: The founders of a rogue "designer brand" outlet website have been banned from operating a similar business for at least five years after an appearance in the Federal Court.

NEW ZEALAND: Aucklander Trelise Cooper is set to rival Leona Edmiston as the Australasian designer with the most diverse portfolio after announcing she intends releasing an interiors collection.

QUEENSLAND: The completion of a $90 million fashion outlet centre in Beenleigh has been put on hold as pressure from the global credit crunch slows construction.

NATIONAL: Sydney-based businessman James Strong has resigned from his chairmanship of surfwear retailer Rip Curl after seven years of service.

PERTH: Over 36 major new retail developments and extensions are expected in Western Australia over the next five years, an industry survey has revealed.

SYDNEY: Luxury retailer OrotonGroup has been handed the ultimate gift for its 70th anniversary, posting a net profit after tax of $16.7 million for fiscal 2008.

SYDNEY: Australian retail and wholesale giant Pacific Brands has had salt rubbed into its trading wounds, with news that its underwear and hosiery division head Bernadette Hannagan is set to walk early next year.

MELBOURNE: California-headquartered adventurewear brand Patagonia will this week make its first retail foray into Australia, opening a self-titled store in Victoria's Torquay.

SYDNEY: Fashion youthwear label Fiona has launched its online store in an attempt to capitalise on the lucrative Christmas market.

SYDNEY: The administrator appointed to sort out the finances of embattled retailer Herringbone claims to have received "more than half a dozen" enquiries from buyers seeking to obtain a stake in the 11-year-old suiting brand.

SYDNEY: Two local designers who famously turned down an internship with couture powerhouse Galliano are set to venture into the mainstream retail market.

Plus size womenswear label City Chic has taken its unique brand of high street fashion across the ditch.

NATIONAL: Textile, clothing and footwear businesses (TCF) have been urged to apply for grants worth $2.5 million in the latest round of the Federal Government's TCF Small Businesses Program.

MELBOURNE: Danish retail fashion label Olrik Denmark has released a men's shoe collection.

High-end suit and shirt retail group Herringbone has sunk under a debt of around $7.5 million.

NATIONAL: Australian swimwear brands pursuing wholesale opportunities in the Asia Pacific region have leapt at the idea of a dedicated trade show to service the market.