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   12th March 2008   Government could bring in carrier bag legislation The government is poised bring in new legislation requiring supermarkets to begin charging for single use carrier bags. The potential move was announced in today's (March 12th) Budget by chancellor Alistair Darling but such legislation would not be brought in immediately. Chancellor Darling set a tentative introduction date of 2009 if there wasn't "sufficient progress" on voluntary measures to reduce the use of the bags. In anticipation for the potential legal change, Darling also announced that a framework would be drawn up to ensure that the proceeds of the charge would go to environmental charities. It is thought that a charge on single use carrier bags could help to cut usage by up to 90 per cent. Recently, the British Retail Consortium voiced its concern over legislation for carrier bags claiming that it was unnecessary as a number of retailers were already taking steps to reduce the amount handed out.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Find eco friendly bags and other wholesale products here Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .