U.S. gold demand in the second quarter rose 10 percent year-over-year as nearly doubled investment demand offset weaker jewelry buying, according to an industry report by the World Gold Council.
World gold demand fell 9 percent in the second quarter to 719.5 tonnes as rising prices and the impact of the global recession curbed jewellery consumption, the World Gold Council said.
Children's clothing retailer Gymboree Corp's earnings are expected to top market expectations in the second quarter, as promotions and a product mix in line with fashion trends resonate with customers.
Heelys shoes saw a loss of $1.6 million in the second quarter, owing to a drop in sales and a legal dispute.
Hennes & Mauritz, the world's third-biggest clothing retailer, reported a bigger-than-expected 3 percent drop in year-on-year sales at established stores in July.
Sporting goods maker Puma expects to set a record for soccer product sales next year with the world championship in South Africa, but its CEO said this would still not lift group results from 2009 levels.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co reported a quarterly loss versus a year-earlier profit as sliding sales pummeled the teen retailer.
LVMH rose 6.7 percent to top the CAC-40 .FCHI gainers list on the back of a jump in Swatch shares which rise on better-than-expected results, and market talk of a reorganisation of the French purveyor of luxury products.
American Apparel Inc posted a second-quarter profit that beat market expectations, but said it might post a full-year loss as the clothing retailer sees lower sales.
The luxury London jeweler which created British artist Damien Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull and provides jewels to the royal family is moving house.
Swatch Group, the world's largest watchmaker, expects demand for its timepieces to pick up in the second half of the year after first-half net profit dropped by less than expected.
Cosmetics and perfume company Estee Lauder Cos Inc posted a net loss due to restructuring charges, and met analysts' expectations even though revenue fell more than anticipated.
T-shirt maker Gildan Activewear Inc reported a 24 percent decline in quarterly profit on Thursday 13 August, hurt by a drop in demand and lower gross margins.
Urban Outfitters Inc reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit after the clothing and home goods retailer saw a modest improvement in sales.
A German court said that fashion group Escada filed for insolvency on Thursday 13 August, throwing in the towel as announced after bondholders refused to back a make-or-break debt restructuring deal.
