TRADE NEWS Clothing spending falls early Government agencies 'should be more proactive' CBI asks mayor candidates to support firms Growth is 'main problem for new retailers' No need to be wary online, say experts Minimum wage hike could affect retail employment Retailers should update websites regularly BRC expects victory in Visa investigation UK to spend £8bn over Easter Retail slows in Scotland Easter sales moving online Pet clothing retail growing Niche retailers should sell their benefits to landlords London retail sales up on 2006 Weak high street sees profits drop for French Connection Older consumers well informed about online security Government could bring in carrier bag legislation British take-up of fair-trade highlights importance of ethical retailing Dragons' Den entrepreneur to help launch academy Economic downturn could hit retailers hard Sales continue sluggish performance into February Shoppers opting for green retailers Independent retailers fear bad news budget User-generated content could be the key to online independent retailers Shopping centres urged to rethink consumer perceptions UK shoppers lead the way for online continental spending Consumers reveal interest in ethical trading BRC urge bank to make cuts to help retailers Asda pledge to remove disposable carrier bags CBI calls on Darling to cut tax on retailers New retailers agree Grand Arcade leases Defra unveil new packaging targets ISPs should be more accountable for online counterfeit goods sales Retailers reject government plastic bag claims Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Archive March trade news 2008 February trade news 2008 January trade news 2008   26th March 2008   BRC expects victory in Visa investigation The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has welcomed an EU investigation into fees levied by Visa, which it claims could be of benefit to retailers. According to the BRC, the move follows its own efforts to highlight the "excessive" nature of the charges. Such "interchange fees", which have been applied to retailers for cross-border credit and debit card transactions are higher than the costs firms pay to process such payments, the BRC states. Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC, said: "Card companies have clearly been abusing their position to bolster profits while retailers and their customers bear the cost." Current financial conditions means that the need to bring an end to such costs is "greater than ever", he added. Wholesalers may be interested to know that the European commission has opened antitrust proceedings against Visa, reports Reuters. It is thought that the company may be in breach of EU rules.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . . Return to The Wholesaler UK directory