Foreign bid for Katies and Rivers stores

Popular shoppping centre retail brands Katies, Millers and City Chic are the subject of a $135 million takeover bid for listed owner Specialty Fashion Group.

Pencils and pyjamas prove the winning formula for Premier

Solly Lew's Premier Investments has moved to reassure investors its brands have not been hurt by the weak sales conditions at the back of last year.

Myer's lead fashion buyer defects to David Jones

Myer's high profile fashion buyer Teneille Ferguson has defected to David Jones as the apparel sector battles falling sales and rising costs along with the constant battle to remain relevant.

Herringbone, Rhodes & Beckett add to retail carnage

The collapse of the premium suiting chains comes just a week after high-profile labels Marcs and David Lawrence faltered under the weight of almost $30 million in debt.

Alibaba's Jack Ma vows to use government funds to grow small businesses

Launching Alibaba's Australian headquarters, billionaire founder Jack Ma said the Chinese e-commerce giant would help Australian and New Zealand businesses share their products with the world.

Retail rot spreads to big-name fashion chains

The collapse of national fashion brands Marcs and David Lawrence has added another 1130 workers to the retail rout that claimed close to 2000 jobs in the sector before Christmas.

1130 jobs in danger at Marcs, David Lawrence

An administrator has been appointed to fashion brands David Lawrence and Marcs amid deteriorating sales.

Struggling supermarkets rely on beer, babies and smokes

• IN DEPTH

A discounting war could make mincemeat of our supermarkets.

It can cost $500,000 to put a child through school

The spiraling cost of getting kids back into the classroom is driving investment in specialist education businesses at the major retailers.