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   31st March 2008   Clothing spending falls early Retail spending on clothing has dropped earlier than expected, when viewed against the possibility the UK is entering an economic downturn, according to one expert. Speaking to the Financial Times (FT), Tony Shiret, an analyst at Credit Suisse, states that people would normally cut their spending on more substantial items at the beginning of any economic slowdown. However, he states that current clothing spending has fallen "early on in this situation". He also said that fashion chains are currently experiencing trading that is "really, really terrible". Mr Shiret also said that consumers made the most of the festival sales, telling the FT that they "won the war of wills over Christmas" and that the public made the most of the discounts that were on offer. Earlier this year, the analyst told the Telegraph that Christmas trading may demonstrate a change in how people buy computers. He said the "British stupid way" of purchasing PC - which involves bundles of accessories - may be coming to an end and retailers may have to focus on accessories and other goods that have high margins. Mr Shiret also told the newspaper at the end of January that the clothing sector would have a difficult 2008.   (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