China's retail sales unexpectedly fell in July from a year ago amid signs the recovery in the world's second-largest economy remains fragile.

U.S. retail sales in July increased less than expected and could slow further in the months ahead because of spiraling new COVID-19 infections and a reduction in unemployment benefit payments.

​American off-price retailer Stein Mart Inc filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, becoming the latest apparel seller to crumble under the economic stress caused by coronavirus-led lockdowns.

As Marimekko announced a 20% fall in sales, it also said it’s planning to restructure its ops. It blamed the pandemic, saying the “global fashion and specialty retail sector is facing the worst crisis in decades”.

Marimekko, a Finnish lifestyle design company, has announced its second quarter (Q2) financial results for fiscal 2020. The company’s net sales fell 20 per cent to €23.3 million.

Online fashion and general merchandise shopping giant Very Group said Thursday that it has seen strong revenue growth and expects to return to profit for FY20.

Mall operator Simon Property Group has been in talks with Amazon.com about turning some of its department-store sites into Amazon fulfillment centers, The Wall Street Journal reported.

​Tradeshows giant Hyve is launching three virtual forums next month, Fashion Together (comprising Pure, Pure Origin, Moda and Scoop), Autumn Fair @ Home and Glee Gathering.

​Lifestyle fashion brand Joules reported its preliminary annual results on Thursday and despite the numbers including its toughest trading period ever that resulted in a pre-tax loss, seemed upbeat.

Retail sales volumes in the eurozone rebounded in June to levels seen in February before lockdowns, official estimates showed on Wednesday, completing a recovery that began in May after record drops in March and April.

Marcus Rashford, whose campaigning pushed the government to change policy on free school meals, has won further recognition for his poverty-fighting efforts - on the cover of British Vogue celebrating black leaders.

Amazon.com Inc has started preparations to launch in Sweden, marking its first step to establish a local presence in a Nordic country.

Ralph Lauren Corp said on Tuesday its quarterly revenue plunged by nearly $1 billion, as it struggled with coronavirus-led store closures and a slowdown in demand for luxury goods across the world.

Alphabet Inc's Google Cloud unit is poised for a surge in fourth-quarter sales from U.S. retailers, as they brace for record online shopping during the holidays because of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Australia's second-biggest city Melbourne already under night curfew announced fresh restrictions on industries on Monday, including retail, as it steps up desperate efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Swiss airport retailer Dufry has announced its cash flow estimates in a still-uncertain world and is planning for potential full-year declines in turnover of 40%, 55% and 70%.