TRADE NEWS Return of cash ideal for small firms Mayoral candidates urged to engage small businesses High street stores could decline in the face of online retailers Sainsbury's to increase non-food retail Wholesalers could be hit by rising manufacturing costs Technology easing wholesale operations Government urged to tackle corporation tax Carrier bag charges receive consumer backing Credit crunch not dampening online retail spirits Domain name important for small firms Retailers urged to act on climate change Councils urged to help small businesses Borough Market wins prestigious accolade Small retailers web presence vital London retailers thriving despite crunch Thornaby shopping centre to provide space for small retailers Sir Phillip advises retailers to be inventive Retailers property prospects not harmed by crunch Chamber launches new eco-shopping bag Retailers confident despite crunch Small retailers could face legal changes Online fashion retailers drive women to the internet Interest rate cut provides wholesaler boost Online sales set to break £100b mark Independent retailers spring up in the north-east Small retailers face taxation worries Training could boost performance of independent retailers Independent retailers increase online advertising spend Dragon's Den contestant boosts business Google advises independent e-retailers Complex legal changes confusing independent retailers Online retailers urged to address consumer concerns Web sales increase over the Easter period M&S provide green example for independent retailers Retailers back BBFC control of video games Shoppers reject plastic bag tax New regulations unlikely to threaten retailers right to offer 'buy one get one free' Mothercare sales boost retail hopes New campaign to help under-prepared retailers Independent retailers receive legal boost bssa Sales Monitor survey launched Brighton Gift Fair is back Wholesalers and retailers slam property tax changes   Trade News Archive   April 08   March 08   February 08   January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 21st April 2008 London retailers thriving despite crunch Retailers across London are defying the effects of the credit crunch due to the steady flow of tourists to the capital, new research has revealed. Despite many cities across the UK suffering from a lack of business, hitting both local retailers and wholesalers, figures from the British Retail Consortium show that London is still experiencing growth. With the capital enjoying a stream of tourists over the last few months, retail sales grew by 10.5 per cent in February. In addition, New West End Company research showed a footfall increase of 4.3 per cent in March. Richard Dickinson, chief executive of the New West End Company, claimed that shoppers from emerging nations were helping provide a boost for British retailers. "The West End is benefiting from international tourists with retailers reporting a boost in Russian and Middle Eastern [tourists]," he told the Telegraph. Meanwhile, according to StartupCo, small retailers would massively benefit from selling their goods online - saving the independent firms both time and money.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd