Every edition Ragtrader takes stock of a previously profiled brand to see how it has evolved over a five year period. This issue Tracey Porter caught up with Robert Morris, marketing director at suiting label Berkley Apparel.

We recently revealed our new look Unzipped column. To celebrate its relaunch each issue we will be introducing you to a member of the Ragtrader team. This issue it's the turn of Belinda Smart, the magazine's web editor and Melbourne reporter.

"Cha-ching!" would be an apt way of describing Port Fairy's retail climate during the annual folk festival. Just ask local boutique owner Lizzie Carter-Gapes, who's been manning the register for more than eight years. "The business that I make in that one weekend pays for my entire winter order."

NEW ZEALAND: International sportswear brand Canterbury of New Zealand (CNZ) has signed a three-year apparel sponsorship deal with national rugby league side the Vodafone Warriors. The deal, which takes effect from the 2009 season, will see Canterbury provide all on and off the field apparel for the team's NRL campaign.

NATIONAL: Surfwear giant Billabong has issued a double-barrelled profit announcement, delivering a net profit after tax result of $176.4 million for fiscal 2008 and a brand acquisition to boot. The profit result, up from $167.25 million from fiscal 2007, was an improvement of 5.5 per cent in reported terms of 12.6 per cent when currency fluctuations are removed.

<p>MELBOURNE: Victoria headquartered discount department stores Target and Kmart - owned by mixed conglomerate Wesfarmers - have released their results for the period from November 23 2007 to June 30 2008. Target's revenue for the period was $2.198 billion, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $256 million, total revenue growth of 7.4 per cent and an earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) margin of 10.1 per cent. Meanwhile Kmart's revenue was $2.454 billion, with EBITDA of $145 million, total store sales growth of 2.2 per cent and EBIT margin of 4.6 per cent.</p>

NATIONAL: Prominent apparel and accessory suppliers Diesel, Champion and Oroton have signed up for one of Australia's largest menswear consumer initiatives, citing traditional trade showcases as less profitable.

NATIONAL: The Australian wool industry is set to outlay a multi-million dollar spend to strike back at its outdated reputation.

JCPenney in Aus BRISBANE: Leading American retailer JCPenney has launched into Australia via an online portal.

At risk of attracting untold ridicule I have decided to dedicate this edition's musings to a topic held dear to many Kiwis - sheep - or more specifically, wool.

NATIONAL: A $50 million Federal Government scheme aimed at supporting retrenched textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) workers has been branded a "shameful failure" by peak industry bodies.

Rent review UNITED KINGDOM: The man who controls 12 per cent of the UK's clothing retail market, Sir Philip Green, will join other retail heavyweights in a meeting with landlords next month to discuss demands for wide-ranging rent reform.

MELBOURNE: Harrolds is capitalising on new labels, store revamps and a fresh marketing campaign as part of a long-term strategy to cement its international brand profile.

NATIONAL: A unique new supply chain initiative by a New Zealand-based outdoor apparel company could potentially revolutionise the way consumers purchase their garments.

Students from Australia's top fashion colleges will go head to head in a new competition being staged as part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival in Brisbane next month.

MELBOURNE: Childrenswear distributor Optimel has broadened its offer following the acquisition of exclusive Australasian rights to three Italian brands.