TRADE NEWS Return of cash ideal for small firms Mayoral candidates urged to engage small businesses High street stores could decline in the face of online retailers Sainsbury's to increase non-food retail Wholesalers could be hit by rising manufacturing costs Technology easing wholesale operations Government urged to tackle corporation tax Carrier bag charges receive consumer backing Credit crunch not dampening online retail spirits Domain name important for small firms Retailers urged to act on climate change Councils urged to help small businesses Borough Market wins prestigious accolade Small retailers web presence vital London retailers thriving despite crunch Thornaby shopping centre to provide space for small retailers Sir Phillip advises retailers to be inventive Retailers property prospects not harmed by crunch Chamber launches new eco-shopping bag Retailers confident despite crunch Small retailers could face legal changes Online fashion retailers drive women to the internet Interest rate cut provides wholesaler boost Online sales set to break £100b mark Independent retailers spring up in the north-east Small retailers face taxation worries Training could boost performance of independent retailers Independent retailers increase online advertising spend Dragon's Den contestant boosts business Google advises independent e-retailers Complex legal changes confusing independent retailers Online retailers urged to address consumer concerns Web sales increase over the Easter period M&S provide green example for independent retailers Retailers back BBFC control of video games Shoppers reject plastic bag tax New regulations unlikely to threaten retailers right to offer 'buy one get one free' Mothercare sales boost retail hopes New campaign to help under-prepared retailers Independent retailers receive legal boost bssa Sales Monitor survey launched Brighton Gift Fair is back Wholesalers and retailers slam property tax changes   Trade News Archive   April 08   March 08   February 08   January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 23rd April 2008 Credit crunch not dampening online retail spirits The credit crunch's spending grip on the high street is only having a limited effect on the fortunes of online retailers, new research has revealed. According to figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index, around £13 billion was spent at online retailers in the first three months of 2008 - the equivalent of £213 for every person in the UK. Anthoula Madden, vice president at Capgemini UK's consumer products and retail team revealed that the weather may have contributed to the impressive figures. "The poor Easter weather appears to have paid off for online retailers as more people seem to have spent more time inside, shopping online in March," she said. The figures, which could provide a boost for the wholesale industry in increased orders, represent a 50 per cent increase on the sales for the first quarter of 2007.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd