BRITAIN'S clothing retail industry will be under the spotlight at a "Question Time" session in Leeds.
The event comes as high street sales for clothing retailers were down for the fourth consecutive month in August.
However discount fashion brands have reported record sales and a 17 per cent increase in online sales year-on-year.
The Question Time session is intended to share success stories and learn from industry experts on how to survive and grow through the downturn.
Entitle The Business of Retail, it is being held in the Corn Exchange on October 21 during the fourth annual Leeds Shopping Week from October 15 to 25. It has been organised by Marketing Leeds and the University's Access and Community Engagement programme.
As well as the debate, the week will include fashion shows, promotions and events across the city.
The panel will feature experts including TV retail guru Mary Portas, who was instrumental in opening the Leeds branch of Harvey Nichols, the first outside London, in 1996.
She said: "I am delighted to be returning to the city for this event which will celebrate retail excellence."
Deborah Green, Chief Executive of Marketing Leeds said: "I look forward to welcoming participants from around the UK to debate issues and share best practice. Fashion retailers are facing uncertain times and the debate will demonstrate our city's positive approach to tackling important issues."
Leeds was once at the hub of the world's clothing industry employing tens of thousands of workers at firms such as Collier's, Burton's, Alexandre and Hepworth.
Marketing Leeds aims to raise the profile of Leeds as a vibrant, dynamic, internationally competitive city. It involves a partnership between the public and private sectors and receives funding from Leeds City Council, the Government's regional develpment agency Yorkshire Forward, and the private sector.
