NATIONAL: Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has sets its sights on the lucrative Asian and Middle East market by teaming up with an Indian clothing label.

MELBOURNE: High-end jewellery brand Bvlgari has selected Melbourne as the place to open its largest Australian store.

AUCKLAND: New Zealand apparel company Hallenstein Glasson Holdings is set to pursue new growth opportunities in Australia, following a net profit announcement of $8.1 million.

SYDNEY: Cult Japanese streetwear label Graniph has launched into the Australian retail market.

<p>BRISBANE: Fanny Lam is shopping for stores.</p>

NATIONAL: Australian department store David Jones is optimistic about trading through the expected lull in consumer spending, following a record first half year profit result.

<p>NEW ZEALAND: Some of New Zealand's biggest designers have signed up to be trampled over in the lead up to New Air Zealand Fashion Week (ANZFW).</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

NATIONAL: The Australian Retailers Association has branded the government's latest proposal to phase out plastic bags as nothing more than &quot;populist emotional rhetoric&quot;.

GOLD COAST: Queensland retailers saw significant financial gains as a result of the National Retail Association (NRA) Fashion Design Awards and Festival staged in the Gold Coast recently.

SYDNEY: Issues surrounding sizing standards, labelling certification, skills and training will be at the forefront of Fashion Group International's upcoming business seminar.

SYDNEY: Classic Sportswear has continued its run of success adding Australian Rugby League Development (ARLD) to its list of clients.

Trading in a town that's less than 15 minutes drive from a business centre can faze even the most seasoned of ragtraders. But fashion retailers in Ulverstone can see some real benefits.

SYDNEY:A young entrepreneur has launched into the national e-tail market with a double barrelled proposition. Twenty-two-year-old Kath Purkis, founder of leblack.book.com.au, entered the competitive sector yesterday with a bulging designer portfolio and a moderately priced house brand.

As sectors of the TCF&LÊ training institutions utilise the updated TCF training package, Samantha Docherty asks what industry can do to help boost education.

The American shapewear phenomenon that racked up $1 million in sales during its opening weekend is headed down under. In an exclusive interview with Ragtrader magazine, Australian fashion entrepreneur Bruno Schiavi revealed his collaborative range with Hollywood personality Dr Robert Rey would make its nationwide debut in May.

David Jones' FY09 to FY12 strategic plan has revealed an ambitious store expansion and refurbishment scheme underpinning its 'home of brands' positioning.