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 30th April 2008 Early Easter and poor weather slow April sales Retail sales dipped this month due to an early Easter period and wet spring weather, research has revealed. According to figures released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), 25 per cent of retailers reported a monthly rise in sales, while 52 per cent recorded a decline. Ian McCafferty, the chief economic adviser with the CBI, revealed that a need for consumers to cut back on their spending was only half the problem this month. "There is no doubt that consumers are tightening their belts as the mood about the economy and its outlook worsens," he said. However, he added: "The survey needs to be seen in the context of the timing of Easter this year and the poor weather, which have further dampened sales this month." Last April there was a four-day heatwave during the Easter period, helping retailers post their highest year-on-year sales growth for three years.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd