The Australian licensee for international denim giant Lee will announce a local designer collaboration next month as part of efforts to tailor the brand to local consumers.

Tipped to be the largest inland city in New South Wales and a growing student hub, Wagga Wagga’s retail is experiencing an uplift after a 10-year drought. Daniela Aroche takes a look at trade in the area.

Following a buyout and subsequent financial boost, UK-based brand Liberty is ready to ramp up its presence in the Southern hemisphere, with Australia first off the block. Daniela Aroche reports..

Australian supermarket juggernaut Coles has been planning its first fashion venture ‘Mix’ for 12 months, with key representatives required to sign confidentiality agreements ahead of its launch.

Womenswear brand Trelise Cooper is on track to tackle a new market, following its retreat from kid’s fashion and the closure of its girls’ clothing boutique in Auckland last month.

There is always an audible rolling of eyes when a packaged box arrives for me at reception. It is standard form that I track down chunky creditors reports in electronic form, so the box could only contain one thing. A thing that all of my colleagues assure me I have enough of, but a thing I could not bear to receive less than at least once a month.

Online surfwear retailer Surfstitch is reaping the benefits of equity backing from category leader Billabong, with plans to launch a sister website and further extend its brand portfolio.

NATIONAL: Australia’s largest trade union has shot down claims by intimate apparel giant Bras N Things alleging rising penalty rates could force it to reduce employee numbers.

Ragtrader editor Assia Benmedjdoub and designer trade fair premiere staged an online roundtable of independent trade buyers to discuss key issues and innovations in the sector. Here, an edited transcript.

The operator behind Melbourne-based CM’s Fashion outlet is facing court yet again, barely one year after being fined for underpaying staff.

Trade creditors for collapsed denim stalwart Bettina Liano look set to receive 9.6 cents in the dollar,

What can independent buyers expect to see for the Australian autumn/winter 2012 season? Trend forecasting firms WGSN and Ginger Trend Consulting pinpoint popular trends and best sellers for the period.

MELBOURNE: Topshop franchise partner Next Athleisure has revealed the incentives behind its decision to launch through Melbourne shopping complex Jam Factory.

Business consultant Sarah Gale has worked as a buyer for giants including Sportsgirl, Witchery and Target. What’s her best piece of buying advice?

With retail on its knees, assia benmedjdoub asks what items buyers are looking for. With Sylvie Cornu, Phoebe Garland and Kath Purkis

As a new regional ambassador for trade fair Fashion Exposed, Deborah Caldwell has been moving across the country to talk to rural retailers. As she tells Daniela Aroche, the sector has been resilient in the face of very tough conditions.