Iconic Australian designer Peter Morrissey has lashed out at critics of his budget clothing collaborations, ahead of a potential 450-store deal with Sears.

Shopping giant Westfield confirms its $1.2 billion Sydney CBD development will open in late October, with the second stage scheduled for the second quarter of 2011.

International retail giant Next has continued its tumultuous relationship with the Australian market, losing its second trademark dispute in as many months while forging ahead with the domestic launch of its Lipsy label.

Shopping centre operator Colonial will hold its biggest-ever fashion campaign next month, with 29 stores including Chadstone (Melbourne), Chatswood Chase (Sydney) and QueensPlaza (Brisbane) hosting special events throughout September.

Ragtrader and consumer magazine New Idea will host a business lunch in Melbourne next month, bringing together key retail marketing executives to discuss developments within the sector.

TCF consultant Serena Beirne chairs Fashion Exposed's advisory panel, working on new ways to make the trade fair successful for all involved.

Buyer registrations have opened for the newest event to hit the local fashion trade fair circuit.

Discount department store Target is unlikely to spearhead the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC) campaign next year, after organisers reaffirmed their commitment to a new format involving more retailers.

SYDNEY: Melbourne accessories store Tilkah is set to launch its first Sydney store at the new Westfield Sydney city centre complex.

BRISBANE: Women's footwear boutique Zomp is scheduled to launch its first Queensland venture in October, bringing its total store number to eight nationally.

MELBOURNE: Pacific Brands has announced plans to increase its local retail presence following the renewal of two key footwear licences.

MELBOURNE: Pacific Brands bounced back to profit in 2009/10, citing "the strength of our key brands and the benefits of our transformation program".

NEWCASTLE: David Jones is set to close the doors on its Newcastle (NSW) store in the wake of the shelving of a city redevelopment project.

BRISBANE: A group of university students have taken a business savvy approach to their forthcoming graduation, launching a pop up store to sell their designs.

SYDNEY: The company behind The Athlete's Foot retail chain has announced a record net profit after tax for the financial year to June 27, 2010.

GOLD COAST: Billabong has entered into a joint venture with one Australian surfwear retail business so far this financial year, and is now set to acquire another.