Whether at home or abroad, shopping has become the national pastime in many regions around world, but according to consumer experts, why we buy is either sub-conscious or unconscious. Samantha Docherty investigates.

Ragtrader learns what it takes to look good from three visual merchandising experts.

There are certain habits I just can't kick even though they are patently bad for me.

Following successful showings on the catwalks of Australia at events such as the recent Rosemount Australian Fashion Week, the fashion forecasts for autumn/winter 2008 and beyond are being set.

Smart retailers aren't just relying on a shop window to lure shoppers inside their doors these days. Specially created mood music, strategically placed racks of clothing, dim lighting and even special aromas are being used to entice shoppers inside the front door.

What do forecasters look for when sourcing the next big thing and what elements are unique to cities that are the leaders in setting trends? Samantha Docherty investigates.

The shape of things to come... what's in store for autumn/winter 2008/09?

Name Rebecca Thompson

NATIONAL: Australian fashion group Noni B is moving cautiously into the 2008 fiscal year, admitting the past 12 months have been "very challenging" for womenswear retailers in Australia.

<p>MELBOURNE: Research body CSIRO has been granted $2 million to investigate carbon based materials with the ability to enhance the body armour used by the Australian Defence Force. </p>

<p>BRISBANE: One of Queensland's most successful independent retailers has made the leap into e-commerce.</p>

SYDNEY: Sports apparel company Classic Sports has beefed up its payroll.

NATIONAL: Australian&nbsp;retailer Country Road has attributed strong sales growth&nbsp;to a shift in its business model.<br />

<p>MELBOURNE: The womenswear label created by Teresa Liano and Christopher Wood has expanded its retail presence into the heart of the Victorian capital with a new store at QV shopping centre.</p>

NATIONAL: Charlie Brown, Nina Maya and Gina Kim are about to unravel the lucrative purse strings of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) fashion market.

<p>MELBOURNE:&nbsp;One of Australia's leading shopping centre's is aiming to set a billion dollar record. </p>