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   3rd April 2008 Mothercare sales boost retail hopes Babywear company Mothercare has bucked the slow down of retail sales by posting impressive results for the last quarter. The company has reported a 3.9 per cent increases in like-for-like sales from the beginning of the year to March 29th. Such favourable results from the firm could provide a welcome boost for wholesalers and similar independent retailers within the sector. Ben Gordon, the chief executive for Mothercare revealed that the sales figures were part of a positive outlook of the company as a whole. "This is another strong performance for the recently enlarged Mothercare group. The multi-channel UK business has performed well, particularly Direct in Home," he said. Much of the company's strong growth has been attributed to the impressive performance of its overseas franchises. Sales for the overseas Mothercare stores rose by 12 per cent over the entire business year until the end of March.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd Find babywear and baby goods wholesalers here.