Daily apparel and textile news and comment - from just-style.com

EU: Commission to extend VAT grants for apparel repairs - July 7, 2008

The temporary right of European Union (EU) member states to levy reduced rates of VAT on clothing and footwear repair services could become permanent.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101287

UK: M&S to continue with share buyback plan - July 7, 2008

UK retailer Marks and Spencer told just-style today (7 July) that it will continue with a 10% share buyback programme scheduled for completion this summer, despite reports it had been suspended amid poor results.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101286

US: Jockey survey shows shapewear reservations - July 7, 2008

Apparel company Jockey International has found in a survey that many women still have concerns about wearing shapewear, with nearly half saying they would find it uncomfortable.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101285

UK: Figleaves to relaunch online storefront - July 7, 2008

Online lingerie retailer Figleaves.com is set to relaunch its online storefront using software firm ATG's entire e-commerce suite.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101284

US: Wacoal develops 'Top Solution' bra - July 7, 2008

Intimate apparel brand Wacoal has introduced a new type of bra called 'Top Solution', which has been designed for women who experience diminished body tone in the top portion of their breasts.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101283

UK: Crocs to bring out sneaker product - July 7, 2008

Plastic clog manufacturer Crocs is stepping into the sneaker market next summer with the launch of Axis.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101282

UK: Hi-Tech to launch ion-mask treated footwear line - July 7, 2008

Footwear company Hi-Tec is to launch a collection of footwear made waterproof by ion-mask enhancement, a plasma treatment originally developed to protect soldiers from chemical attack and patented by Oxford UK-based P2i Ltd.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101281

COMMENT: If you see a hatch, batten it - July 7, 2008

The kids don't know it yet. They are still dancing till dawn. But some of us who have the benefit of hindsight and the privilege of perspective believe that a serious recession is imminent. A strong view of the outlook is invited by recent announcements by the likes M&S and automotive powerhouse Ford - both legendary marketeers in their respective regions and sectors. Guest columnist Rob Golding reports.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101280

INDIA: Bombay Rayon forecasts 50% profit leap - report - July 7, 2008

Indian textiles manufacturer Bombay Rayon Fashions has told local media that it will boost revenues and profits by 50% in 2009, as it expands production capacity.
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101279

UK: IBL sells southern African Admiral rights - July 7, 2008

International Brand Licensing has sold the trademarks to its Admiral sportswear brand in southern Africa to Admiral IP Limited (AIP), a BVI registered investment company, for a cash consideration of GBP225,000 (US$445,874).
http://www.just-style.com/article.aspx?ID=101278