For a company which built its early reputation on eye-catching TV ads, it comes as some surprise to read that Gap's current US holiday campaign is its first for three years.

The wide gulf that exists between US retailers, importers and textile makers was highlighted this week as Congress embarked on the first steps of a review of trade preference programmes and how they fit into US trade policy.

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

Women's wear retailer Ann Taylor Stores Corporation has swung back into profit during Q3, as its restructuring programme began to reap its rewards.

This week's third quarter figures suggest that US fashion retailers appear to have steadied the ship - at least on the bottom line.

Plans to extend anti-dumping duties against footwear imports from China and Vietnam have hit a snag after a panel of EU Member States' anti-dumping experts voted against the idea.

Action sports retailer Zumiez Inc has posted third quarter net income below that of last year but ahead of its expectations, with net sales slightly down.

Legislation that would extend the US' largest duty-free trade preference programme by ten years and allow textiles, apparel and footwear to be included for the first time, has been welcomed by apparel retailers and importers.

US clothing retailer Gap Inc is teaming up with fashion designer Stella McCartney for a second collection of kids' and baby wear.

Apparel retail group Gap Inc is aiming to build market share this holiday season after posting a 25% gain in third quarter net profit to US$307m.

Women's fashion chain The Cato Corporation has bolstered its third quarter net income amid strong sales and increased margins.

The Wet Seal, a US retailer to young women, saw third quarter net income fall 34%, with same-store sales at its flagship Wet Seal chain slumping 7.8%.

Year-on-year retail sales in the UK grew by 3.4% during October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Retailer Hibbett Sports increased its full-year earnings guidance after posting a third quarter profit of US$8.8m, up 14.7% on last year.

Retailer Foot Locker slipped to a third quarter loss of US$6.1m, hurt by $22m of impairment charges linked to write-downs of the company's US operations.

The latest proposed reforms to create a harmonised and modernised European Union (EU) customs code could increase duties textile and clothing products.

Stony Apparel, maker of branded and private label fashion for girls and juniors, is implementing the Global Enterprise System software suite from NGC (New Generation Computing) to help streamline business processes and improve efficiency.

Dutch lingerie company Van de Velde is seeing slight group turnover improvements, but continued problems for its Andres Sarda brand.

Apparel retailer Dress Barn raised its full-year earnings forecast after posting a 10.2% increase in first quarter profit to US$21.7m.

True Religion Apparel Inc has appointed Sarah Lassek as the vice president of US wholesale sales, under plans to grow its business with premium apparel and jeanswear customers.