NOVEMBER TRADE NEWS Woolworths confirms administration Textile maker claims innocence in fake goods case VAT cut drives Irish shoppers north of the border Woolworths close to administration Chancellor cuts VAT to 15% Retail sector 'being driven by discounts' Lingerie business to focus on wholesale operations Christmas delivers online shopping BRC warns government of pressure on retailers Wholesaler helps small retailers fight Asda Fraudster made £12,000 from eBay scam Scottish consumers 'tightening their belts' Luxury fashion brand enjoys rise in wholesale activity Weak pound benefits Northern Irish retailers Internet helps small retailers to fight downturn London sales superiority over UK 'dwindling' Cambridge retailers fight proposed Tesco opening Wholesale slump for designer clothing company Small retailers 'under threat Post Office to keep card accounts Wind forces trade fair inland Young consumers 'susceptible' to brands Christmas cheer in store for small retailers Local shops play vital community role Retailers told to expect flat sales this Xmas Keep Trade Local campaign comes to London Park Cameras bags Retailer of the Year award Retail sales plummet to three-year low Christmas 'make or break' for small retailers UK traders invited to enter Retail Week Awards Mary Queen of Shops to help Birmingham retailers Scottish Asda store criticised by local resident Low interest rate good news for small firms Markets must support each other, says CGTA Banks urged to pursue small business funding BRC to launch new online retail sales indicator Small retailers voice optimism in Kendal Portsmouth hosts bash for local newsagents Argos under fire for 222% APR store card Emergency funding for ailing small firms Stolen goods warning for Worcestershire retailers Trade News Archive November 08 October 08 September 08 August 08 July 08 June 08 May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory  12th November 2008 Local shops play vital community role Local stores are of vital importance to the wellbeing of communities, according to a new study commissioned by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). Researchers found that one in five people lack access to a convenience store within five minutes of their home, while a third believe the availability of local shops within walking distance has declined over the past five years. Calling for policy intervention to ensure that people enjoy access to local shops, ACS chief executive James Lowman affirmed his belief that such stores are instrumental in "strengthening community links". He said of the report: "It supports our view that local shops play a vital economic and social role. It also challenges policy makers to consider the interventions that are necessary to support these stores. "One of the key findings of the research is that consumers want easy access to local shops and it also shows that these shops bring economic and social benefits that extend beyond simple customer choice." Recent research carried out by My Shop is Your Shop found that more than 20 million Brits walk to their local convenience store every single day. (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story