TRADE NEWS Advertising on social networks will not be invasive Mexx to withdraw from UK retail industry Waterstones aims to improve supply chain Retailers can use domain name to boost online presence Online shoppers unsure of risks Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Majority of internet users shop online Dragon's Den duo see product take off Online sales increase in January Retail sales slow in February Retailers set for Mother's day windfall Mamas & Papas begin retail expansion Independent retailers urged to assess everything Retailers hope to increase internet exposure Ambitious Britons hope to own businesses Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retailers retain confidence in the industry Women prepared to walk the earth for retail Retailers urge chancellor to ease burden Retailers urged to curb discounting Internet claiming increasing numbers of high-street shoppers FPB urges competition commission to help smaller retailers Competition commission set to replace code of conduct London retail sales below par in January Online retailers drive to attract new consumers Retailers taking legal obligations seriously UK wholesalers could be shunned by supermarkets US retailers enjoy shock sales rise Women opt for ethical Valentines gifts Retail sales set to face 2008 dip Sales boost January retail figures Retailers set for prosperous Valentine's Day Groups warn on danger of toy imports Government needs to raise small business legal awareness FWD outline annual conference plans Shop price inflation rises eBay abandons buyer negative comments European retail sales dip in December Demand for British goods increases Cashback websites battling high street for customers US wholesale prices increase Organisations to petition bag ban Capital Gains Tax may not be compatible with EU law Archive January trade news 2008   18 February 2008   London retail sales below par in January Retail sales in London in January fell in comparison with the annual increase for the same month of 2007, research has revealed. According to the London Retail Consortium's Sales Monitor, sales in the capital over the month increased by 3.7 per cent from the previous year on a like-for-like basis, however, the figures fell short of the 6.6 annual increase in January 2007. The figures will also come as bed news to wholesalers hoping that they might see an increase in orders from London-based retailers in the immediate future. Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium, revealed that more interest rate cuts could help revive the fortunes of the London retail sector. He said: "London's January sales growth was the second weakest annual growth since November 2005. "Widespread price cuts gave a boost to clothing, footwear and small homeware items, although usually at the expense of margins. He added: "Last week's rate cut has come at the right time but, given these figures, more cuts will be needed to encourage London's shoppers to spend and ensure the slowing economy lands softly."     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.     Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .