NOVEMBER TRADE NEWS Woolworths confirms administration Textile maker claims innocence in fake goods case VAT cut drives Irish shoppers north of the border Woolworths close to administration Chancellor cuts VAT to 15% Retail sector 'being driven by discounts' Lingerie business to focus on wholesale operations Christmas delivers online shopping BRC warns government of pressure on retailers Wholesaler helps small retailers fight Asda Fraudster made £12,000 from eBay scam Scottish consumers 'tightening their belts' Luxury fashion brand enjoys rise in wholesale activity Weak pound benefits Northern Irish retailers Internet helps small retailers to fight downturn London sales superiority over UK 'dwindling' Cambridge retailers fight proposed Tesco opening Wholesale slump for designer clothing company Small retailers 'under threat Post Office to keep card accounts Wind forces trade fair inland Young consumers 'susceptible' to brands Christmas cheer in store for small retailers Local shops play vital community role Retailers told to expect flat sales this Xmas Keep Trade Local campaign comes to London Park Cameras bags Retailer of the Year award Retail sales plummet to three-year low Christmas 'make or break' for small retailers UK traders invited to enter Retail Week Awards Mary Queen of Shops to help Birmingham retailers Scottish Asda store criticised by local resident Low interest rate good news for small firms Markets must support each other, says CGTA Banks urged to pursue small business funding BRC to launch new online retail sales indicator Small retailers voice optimism in Kendal Portsmouth hosts bash for local newsagents Argos under fire for 222% APR store card Emergency funding for ailing small firms Stolen goods warning for Worcestershire retailers Trade News Archive November 08 October 08 September 08 August 08 July 08 June 08 May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory  10th November 2008 Christmas 'make or break' for small retailers This Christmas will "make or break" the livelihoods of many small retailers, one industry expert has claimed. According to John Dean, chief executive of the British Shops and Stores Association, the run-up to the festive period will provide independent retailers with a last-ditch opportunity to overcome the challenging financial environment. He noted that last month saw record-high numbers of shop-owners fall into the red as the banking crisis and the credit crunch combined to create a perfect storm for those looking to refinance. And with the latest report from the Confederation of British Industry showing that sales on the high street have fallen for seven consecutive months, Mr Dean said retailers would be banking on a festive boost in sales. "The lead-up to Christmas is going to be absolutely critical," Property Week quoted him as saying. "It will undoubtedly be make or break for small retailers. With consumer sentiment as it is, there will be a lot of independent retailers under a great deal of pressure from the slowdown in trade." Verdict Research recently warned shop-owners to prepare for the "toughest trading environment ever" this festive period.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story