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   6th March 2008   BRC urge bank to make cuts to help retailers The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has urged the Bank of England to consider making a cut in interest rates to help ailing retailers. Making its announcement today (March 6th) the Bank decided to hold interest rates at their current level. But Stephen Robertson, the director general of the BRC, revealed that the economy might need a kick start to help retailers sooner rather than later. "We appreciate that the Bank of England felt its hands were tied this month given its fears over inflation and so left rates on hold," he said. "But each new indicator confirms the economy is slowing. As interest rate cuts take several months to take effect, the Bank needs to take action sooner rather than later to ensure that the slowdown doesn't risk turning into something more serious," he added Meanwhile, thriving online retailers have been urged by a new Royal Mail study to provide clear policies on delivery. According to the research, 84 per cent of web shoppers would like more detailed delivery information prior to purchase.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .