Sports-apparel maker Quiksilver Inc will receive only 40 percent of the originally agreed price for its Rossignol business, given the current turmoil in credit markets, but got an extension on a credit line that was due to mature on Friday.

China appears to be tightening supervision of foreign investments in the country amid a widening investigation of two senior commerce ministry officials, people with direct knowledge of the matter said.

John Lewis Partnership, the employee-owned store chain seen as a barometer of the retail sector, said on Friday last week's sales at its 27 department stores fell 9.8 percent year on year.

The German fashion company Hugo Boss said on Thursday, October 30 that its nine-month net profit had fallen and dropped its forecasts owing to the economic slowdown.

Dutch-British food and cosmetics giant Unilever posted a 60-percent rise in third-quarter net profits Thursday, October 30rd in spite of the global economic downturn.

An enormous shopping complex billed as the biggest in-town retail centre in Europe opened its doors in London on Thursday, October 30rd even as shoppers here struggle with the credit crunch and a slumping economy.Westfield London, a 1.

Avon Products Inc AVP.N, the world's largest direct seller of cosmetics, posted a quarterly profit that missed Wall Street expectations due to a drop in North American sales, sending shares down nearly 22 percent.

French cosmetics group L'Oreal on Thursday cut its full-year sales forecast for the second time in three months, citing tougher trading conditions, and posted third-quarter sales that came below forecasts.

Fashion designer Tom Ford is getting the cast in place for his long-awaited move into features.

Victoria Beckham, a regular on lists of the best-dressed celebrities, is following the lead of her famous footballer husband and stripping down to her designer underwear for an advertising campaign.

Even the wealthiest consumers are cutting spending in the face of the global economic turmoil, which will likely push the worldwide luxury retail market into recession in 2009, a survey showed Wednesday, October 29th.

Underwear maker Hanesbrands Inc posted a 59 percent fall in third-quarter profit, partly hurt by restructuring charges, and said it would raise domestic prices effective mid-first quarter of 2009.

Indians thronged stores for last-minute shopping on Tuesday for the Hindu festival of lights, largely ignoring the global financial crisis that has slowed down the economy.

Under Armour Inc posted a higher-than-expected third-quarter profit on Tuesday, helped by strong sales, but the athletic apparel maker lowered its full-year outlook, citing the current economic environment. Net income rose to $25.

Cosmetics maker Estee Lauder Cos Inc posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Tuesday on higher sales, but slashed its full-year outlook, citing a weak economy and stronger U.S. dollar.