<p>DEVONPORT: Local media agencies are speculating that department store Myer could open a new site in the Tasmanian city of Devonport. According to <em>The Advocate</em> and <em>The Examiner</em> newspapers, representatives from the Melbourne-headquartered department store have been scouting Devonport's central business district for potential development sites. </p>

NEW ZEALAND: Elizabeth and Neville Findlay, the founders of successful New Zealand clothing label Zambesi, have been jointly made officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Surfing success BURLEIGH HEADS: Australian headquartered surfwear brand Billabong has dominated proceedings at the Surf Industry Manufacturers Award (SIMA) in the United States.

SYDNEY: The Australian TCF industry should develop an environmental impact code of practice to help it maintain a competitive advantage, according to a pair of Sydney fashion consultants.

Call me a damp squib if you will, but the Federal Government's textile clothing and footwear (TCF) review has already left me feeling a little under-whelmed.

MELBOURNE: Policies affecting the clothing industry require a dramatic shake-up to secure future growth, according to participants in the Government's TCF Review.

Debenhams win UNITED KINGDOM: Debenhams has beaten Marks & Spencer, Selfridges and John Lewis to be named best department store for the third year running in GMTV's 2008 High Street Fashion Awards.

MELBOURNE: Even after more than 70 years in the sector workwear apparel brand Hard Yakka is yet to sit on its laurels.

Australians can't shake their plastic bag addiction. Samantha Docherty asks how strong is consumer sentiment to move away from plastic bags and how are retailers tackling this eco issue?

MELBOURNE: National footwear retailer Joanne Mercer's target market is in for a pleasant surprise. The Melbourne-headquartered brand, which operates 32 stores nationally, will begin rolling out new collections this month, in response to consultation with its customer base of mainly 35-plus women, confirmed managing director John Kirkhope.

MELBOURNE: Lisa Barron, Jenny Bannister, Thurley, Smena and Gwendolynne Burkin could soon be taking their first tentative steps into the burgeoning Chinese fashion market.

Womenswear designer Melanie Cutfield isn't planning to twiddle her thumbs through the current economic slump. The Sydney-based designer has diversified her portfolio with the launch of Muccia, a diffusion brand aimed at a wider range of consumers.

"The most beautiful clothes that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves. But for those who haven't had the fortune of finding this happiness, I am there." (1983)

Acquisition and merger activity in the apparel sector is expected to slow down over the next year as investors focus on building synergies within their existing portfolio, according to a leading industry report.

Queensland's booming fashion retail sector has seen it recognised as housing one of the most expensive "premier fashion retail corridors" in the world.

Adidas score MELBOURNE: Adidas has chosen The Australian Open as the launch site for the global roll out of its new sports apparel line.