Many top U.S. retailers posted disappointing monthly sales on Thursday and some lowered their quarterly forecasts as a global financial crisis spurred consumers to clamp down even more on household budgets.

Turkish polyester yarn and fibre producer Sonmez Filament has halted output permanently as the global crisis worsens market conditions, the company said on Thursday November 4th.

A Bangladesh export group called on Thursday for the government to allow a depreciation of the taka against the U.S. dollar so the country can better compete against rivals on world markets.

World No. 2 sporting goods maker Adidas abandoned its 2009 outlook in light of growing economic uncertainty but still confirmed on Thursday its forecasts for this year. Adidas shares dropped 9.4 percent to 26.71 euros by 1025 GMT underperforming a 4.

Warnaco Group Inc, which makes Calvin Klein jeans and underwear, posted better-than-expected third-quarter profit on Thursday, but cut its earnings forecast for the year, citing the weak economy.

Shoe maker Steven Madden Ltd posted better-than-expected quarterly results, helped by strong sales in its Madden Girl and Daniel M. Friedman brands, and raised its 2008 outlook.

British fashion and homewares retailer Next expects underlying sales at its stores to fall by a greater amount in November and December than they did in its third quarter, said finance director David Keens. "We don't expect the minus 4.

Athletic-shoes maker K-Swiss Inc posted better-than-expected quarterly results, helped by the acquisition of Palladium SAS and raised its 2008 outlook.

Target Corp is launching a new fashion program aimed at collaborating with established designers, and the discount retailer will kick off the initiative in March with an apparel line by Alexander McQueen.

Underwear maker Maidenform Brands posted better-than-expected third-quarter results on higher sales across most of its distribution channels, but cut its 2008 outlook.

Heelys Inc , maker of novelty sneakers that double as roller skates, said its board had retained investment bank Houlihan Lokey as financial advisor to help it evaluate possible strategic alternatives.

Facing the weakest holiday season in nearly two decades, retailers and the vendors who keep their shelves stocked are walking a fine line between helping each other stay afloat and protecting their profits.

Outerwear maker Columbia Sportswear Co said on Tuesday it was cutting 75 jobs, or about 4 percent of its U.S. workforce, in the wake of lower spring orders.

Iconix Brand Group Inc posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit, as licensing and other revenue rose 29 percent, but forecast 2008 results at the lower end of its earlier range.

BMO Capital Markets downgraded clothing retailers Reitmans Ltd and Lululemon Athletica to "underperform" from "market perform," and said the companies' margins will be hit by their exposure to a weak Canadian dollar amid a slowdown in the economy.