TRADE NEWS Advertising on social networks will not be invasive Mexx to withdraw from UK retail industry Waterstones aims to improve supply chain Retailers can use domain name to boost online presence Online shoppers unsure of risks Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Majority of internet users shop online Dragon's Den duo see product take off Online sales increase in January Retail sales slow in February Retailers set for Mother's day windfall Mamas & Papas begin retail expansion Independent retailers urged to assess everything Retailers hope to increase internet exposure Ambitious Britons hope to own businesses Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retailers retain confidence in the industry Women prepared to walk the earth for retail Retailers urge chancellor to ease burden Retailers urged to curb discounting Internet claiming increasing numbers of high-street shoppers FPB urges competition commission to help smaller retailers Competition commission set to replace code of conduct London retail sales below par in January Online retailers drive to attract new consumers Retailers taking legal obligations seriously UK wholesalers could be shunned by supermarkets US retailers enjoy shock sales rise Women opt for ethical Valentines gifts Retail sales set to face 2008 dip Sales boost January retail figures Retailers set for prosperous Valentine's Day Groups warn on danger of toy imports Government needs to raise small business legal awareness FWD outline annual conference plans Shop price inflation rises eBay abandons buyer negative comments European retail sales dip in December Demand for British goods increases Cashback websites battling high street for customers US wholesale prices increase Organisations to petition bag ban Capital Gains Tax may not be compatible with EU law Archive January trade news 2008   18 February 2008   Competition commission set to replace code of conduct The Competition Commission looks set to replace the existing code of practice governing the relationship between retailers and wholesalers. The commission concluded its investigation into the activities of the UK's largest supermarket chains, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisions, on Friday (February 15th) and outlined its intentions to make changes to the existing codes, Just Food reports. In addition, the organisation could establish an ombudsman to enforce the new code of conduct. But Tesco revealed its view that the potential changes were could add unnecessary bureaucracy. Tesco's executive director for corporate and legal affairs, Lucy Neville-Rolfe, told the publication: "Tesco considers that introducing a new ombudsman could be bureaucratic and an unnecessary cog in a supply chain which has worked well for consumers." She added: "More red tape is likely to stifle innovation and investment and reduce the ability of retailers and suppliers to work together flexibly to deliver the best deals for customers." The plans could come into place as early as May when the report will be finalised following a period of consultation.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.     Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .