Here is a roundup of the top five most-read stories on just-style this week. Click on each headline for the full story.

Retail group Sears Holdings Corporation blamed the weak economy after the company swung to a first quarter loss of US$56m and revenues fell 5.1%.

Spanish private equity firm Iame Capital Riesgo has launched a EUR500m buy-out fund to invest in the country’s luxury fashion, jewellery and leathergoods sectors, despite weakening consumer spending in the wake of an economic recession.

The Wet Seal has pledged to continue to cut costs and improve productivity after posting an increased profit for the first quarter â€" despite falling comparable store sales.

Turkish logistics company Sertrans is to open the country’s first textile logistics centre according to local media reports.

Rock climbing-inspired apparel and footwear brand Patagonia has pioneered the use of organic cotton and recycled polyester in its outdoor clothing and posted sales of US$330m last year. Joe Ayling interviews the company's UK sales and marketing manager, Jonathan Petty,

US-based Cotton Incorporated, which specialises in the research and marketing of US-grown cotton, has opened a regional office in Hong Kong.

China’s Touchroad Group is planning to invest US$51m in constructing an industrial park in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, which will include textile factories.

Attention please, veterinarians, dog lovers and those interested in new patents. Best Buddy Pet Products is announcing that patent D560,317 has been received for their invention of the waterproof leg covering for dogs that aids in the healing of leg

Department store operator Gottschalks Inc has widened its first quarter loss on lower sales in what it describes as a †difficult macroeconomic environment.â€

Retailer Delia’s posted an increased first quarter loss of US$3.9m, despite an upturn in revenues and excellent trading during April.

Retailer J Crew Group has lowered its full-year earnings guidance despite posting a 24% hike in first quarter profits.

Sex & The City stylist Patricia Field has launched a new, exclusive capsule collection through footwear retail giant Payless ShoeSource.

China’s Ministry of Finance is to temporarily reduce import taxes on 26 commodities, including cotton and food items, in an attempt to relieve pressure on rising prices.

South African fashion retailer Foschini Limited yesterday (29 May) posted a 1.2% rise in full-year profit after tax for a period it described as †one of the most difficult that the group would experience for many years.â€

Beleaguered outdoor retailer Blacks Leisure Group Plc has confirmed that †radical change†is required to boost its performance, after posting full-year results below expectations.

is going to be a shopping haven, a place where people can meet all of their shopping needs in one location. According to the development’s website, "Liverpool ONE offers more than 160 famous high street stores, ultra-hip fashion brands, cool

Tight inventory and expense control will remain a priority for Shoe Carnival Inc after the value-priced footwear and accessories today (29 May) reported a 34.2% drop in first quarter profit.

First quarter profit at branded footwear retailer DSW Inc has more than halved despite a 2.6% rise in sales.

Lower export apparel sales and the appreciating Chinese currency have prompted China-based direct sales and clothing maker NextMart Inc to switch its business focus to financial advice and direct investment in mainland China.