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   17th March 2008   London retail sales up on 2006 London retailers have reported a sales hike on the year before, show figures from the London Retail Sales Monitor. An increase of 10.5 per cent on 2007 was recorded this February, while the previous year was up 8.1 per cent on 2006. Footfall rose when compared to the last year for the first time since October, which the study believes is because of last February's drop in footfall caused by heavy snow. Stephen Robertson, director general of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Average spend rose only slightly while total shopper numbers were up on last February when many were put off by a bout of wintry weather." The importance of promotions and discounting was highlighted in the report, with a rush on beauty products caused by Valentine's Day and an early Mothering Sunday helping February's figures. Around 14 per cent of all the UK's retail firms are based in London, while 19 per cent of the nation's wholesale enterprises are based there.     (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