Fashion House Lacroix Seeks Partner (WSJ)
"The owner of the iconic but unprofitable Christian Lacroix couture fashion house is in talks to sell a stake in the firm to private investors, people familiar with the matter said, as cutbacks by U.S. department stores take a toll on apparel designers."

Bamford, Pringle said to be restructuring (WWD)
"Two British luxury labels—Bamford and Pringle of Scotland—are restructuring operations and reducing staffs, sources said." (Subscription required)

Fast Retailing 1H Pft Up, But FY Net Outlook Unchanged (WSJ)
"Fast Retailing Co. Thursday reported a 24 percent rise in net profit for the fiscal first half, highlighting the remarkable strength of its Uniqlo low-cost casual clothing chain amid continued weakness in personal consumption."

Vacancies at U.S. Retail Centers Hit 10-Year High (Bloomberg)
"Vacancies at U.S. malls and shopping centers rose to their highest in more than 10 years as consumer spending fell and stores closed in the recession, according to first-quarter data released today by Reis Inc."