Retail News Briefs - Mind Reading And Other Things

Aldi Teams Up With Fashion Designer - Aldi is to release a limited edition range of children's clothing designed by Collette Dinnigan, priced from $11.99 to $29.95. Aldi said they were committed to using natural fabrics and combining their "stringent quality assurance and testing program" which "reflects Collette's principles of impeccable design detail and premium quality established over a 25 year career in fashion."


Marks & Spencer Cools Off  Australian Expansion - iconic British retailer, Marks & Spencer, was reported to be eyeing off a presence in Australia following the unsuccessful tryst with Just Jeans in 2011 but according to the Australian Financial Review they may have cooled on the idea.

Farmer's Markets Under Fire - in an interesting test case in South Australia, Salisbury Council is being challenged over development plans that allow a new farmer's market to set up. The legal argument against the market is based on the definition of shops. According to the market operator "someone very big in the grocery industry" might be involved.

Extended Trading On Boxing Day - the NSW Government may push for legislation to allow Boxing Day trading beyond the current designated areas of Sydney CBD and eastern suburbs.

New Technology Reads Customers Minds - Uniqlo is to trial neuroscience technology at its Sydney stores. Customers are asked to place wearable technology on their foreheads and then shown a series of still images and videos. An algorithm then helps select a T-shirt from their range. We assume that the technology could be used across a broad range of consumer needs.

Hugo Boss Cuts Sales Outlook - the iconic German fashion house has blamed the slowdown in China and "timid shoppers" in the USA for its disappointing 3rd quarter results.