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   12th March 2008   British take-up of fair-trade highlights importance of ethical retailing New statistics have shown that Britons are the biggest fair-trade spenders, highlighting the growing importance of responsible retailing and wholesaling practices for consumers. According to a new report form Datamonitor, the average spend per person on fair-trade goods in the UK was £6.50 in 2007, making Britons the largest fair trade buying nation. Nick Beevers, the author of the report, revealed that the potential for fair-trade in the UK could grow further. "Ethical consumerism will increasingly come to the fore as people shop for products they feel akin to politically, ethically and aesthetically," he said. "Consumers will choose brands that are actively making a difference in a transparent and trustworthy manner," Mr Beevers added. The research also revealed that the UK was the largest market for fair-trade goods last year, with a total spend of more than £393 million, dwarfing the £152 million and £99 million spends of Germany and France respectively.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Fair trade wholesalers are listed on The Wholesaler UK   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .