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   Consumers reveal interest in ethical trading Consumers' number one responsible retailing concern is ethical trading, new research has revealed. According to a study, compiled by the Co-operative Group, some 27 per cent of shoppers revealed that they were concerned about fair trade. Judging by the thoughts of the respondents, retailers carefully selecting the right wholesalers could be the key to pleasing respondents. Peter Marks, chief executive of the Co-operative Group, revealed that the firm's approach to ethics was popular among its customers. "Our members have endorsed our ethical approach to business and provided us with some real challenges going forward," he said. "We have listened to what they have had to say and are taking action in key priority areas now and not at some far off or unspecified point in the future," he added. The research also revealed that just four per cent of consumers were concerned about the effect of the retail industry on climate change.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Find fair trade wholesalers here Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .