Planning for the upcoming sale of a fashion business is essential to ensure a smooth transition, so Provident Cashflow's Matthew Nolan shares some vital tips.

Myer's newest recruit Third Millennium designer Claire Dickson-Smith was on the receiving end of an extraordinary welcome late last month.

She's made a killing on real estate and is willing to spend big on the right outfit. So why can't the older woman find anything to wear? Melissa Gulbin gets the insiders' take on the glaring gap in the over-sixties market.

"In my experience it is absolutely certain that if you are buying a cheap unbranded mannequin [then] you are buying a product made in an inferior factory whose processes would not meet best pratice standards. As in all retail, cheap usually does mean nasty."

Walk the Talk It's not all that uncommon to spot a familiar face at the Australian Shoe Fair - even if the dedicated industry event happens to be in its fifth season.

Historically worn by teens and hard core boarders, surfwear has undergone its own form of seachange. Still in sync with its traditional customer it now boasts a new wave of tech-savvy, art and music-inspired fans, as Samantha Docherty discovered.

Every edition Ragtrader talks to a previously profiled brand about how it has developed in the intervening years. This week Tracey McEldowney caught up with Kooey swimwear owneer Joanne Pellew.

Name: Georgia Hall

NATIONAL: New Zealand label Moontide has been sold to Swimwear Couture in Hong Kong, one of the shareholders in Moontide Europe.

NATIONAL: The Australian Retailers Association is undertaking a major rebranding exercise in an attempt to recapture its position as the retail sector's most prominent voice.

SYDNEY: London-based fashion chain Topshop has drawn inspiration from down under - yet again.

Pac a Punch NATIONAL:Australian apparel giant Pacific Brands has defended its slumping share price.

Strong wool SYDNEY: Swedish retailer H&M has agreed to continue using Australian merino wool providing it is sourced from farmers who no longer practice mulesing.

Get a Gripp MELBOURNE: Gripp Jeans has released its first autumn/winter collection under the gaze of its new designer Dianne Grgat.

Camperdown-based sports merchandise company Classic Sportswear has secured a massive contract to supply supporter and mascot apparel to the National Rugby League (NRL).

SYDNEY: Fashion Exposed will showcase environmentally conscious clothing and accessories in an "eco precinct" at its upcoming Sydney round. AEC fashion director Jane Harris said the designated area would be a first for the fair - which takes place from March 9 to 11.