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   19th March 2008   Easter sales 'moving online' The annual hunt for children's Easter eggs shows signs of shifting from the high street to online, it has been claimed. Shopper's website MyVoucherCodes has revealed that it has seen a 50 per cent increase in Easter egg and gift sales as compared to last year. Other retail periods such as Christmas and Valentine's Day have experienced a gradual move towards the internet, but high street purchases have always dominated Easter. However, 2008 has seen a sudden jump in online Easter sales, with MyVoucherCodes alone estimating a £1.1 million windfall from the holiday. Mark Pearson, managing director of the site, said: "2008 has seen a massive increase in people using the web to make Easter-related purchases. People want to get the best deals and are hunting down the best bargains and discounts via the web." Around 80 million Easter eggs, with a total value of £336 million, were sold in the UK in 2007, according to e-shopfair.   (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