UBS upgraded Gildan Activewear Inc to "buy" from "neutral" on improving margins outlook for the T-shirt maker and its strong performance in retail and international markets.

Saks Inc sought refuge in cost cuts to post a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss amid falling sales as department stores lose customers to lower-priced outlets like TJX Cos Inc, which reported higher revenue.

"Borsalino”, symbol of the French detective novel, versus “Bernardino”: a battle is raging between the hat-makers which are both attempting to conquer the ultra-orthodox market in Israel.

Shares in Europe's No.1 fashion retailer Inditex fell 3% on Monday 18 May on market concerns about the company's first quarter profits.

U.S. shopping center and mall owners can expect to see a lot of vultures circling this year's International Council of Shopping Centers convention in Las Vegas.

Gap Inc's Banana Republic chain is testing a spin-off store specializing in affordable women's accessories, trade magazine Women's Wear Daily reported on Monday 18 May.

A hedge fund firm with a stake in Saks Inc called for governance reforms, contending the struggling luxury retailer needs to adopt annual elections for all directors and become more responsive to investors.

Sales by chain-stores in the USA have increased, in the week ending the 9th of May, reversing for the first time the decline which started in December, indicated the International Council of Shopping Centres.

Shares of Esprit, the world's No.6 fashion brand by market capitalization, fell more than 6.7% on concern over its earnings outlook amid a recession in its core markets in Europe, in particular Germany, which constitutes half of its revenue.

Sales at top South Korean department stores rose again in April, adding to a batch of domestic data spurring hopes of an early recovery for Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc reported a flat quarterly profit that met Wall Street expectations on Thursday 14 May as the stronger U.S. dollar offset increased sales from shoppers seeking deals in its stores amid a global economic slowdown.

Upscale retailer Neiman Marcus is trying to renegotiate a $600 million credit line due to mature next fall, the New York Post said, citing two sources.

Retailers J.C. Penney Co Inc and Abercrombie & Fitch Co posted results that showed consumers were still wary about buying non-essential items.

Marks & Spencer and luxury goods group Burberry are both expected to post sharp falls in profit on Tuesday 19 May, highlighting the impact of recession on both the middle and premium markets.

Debt-laden tourism and retail group Arcandor is set to ask the German government for up to 700 million euros ($948.9 million) in loan guarantees, financial sources close to the matter told Reuters on Thursday 14 May.