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   4th March 2008   New retailers agree Grand Arcade leases Five retailers have agreed to occupy part of the Grand Arcade development in Cambridge. The Grand Arcade will open for business on March 27th, with LK Bennett, Fraser Hart and Swarovski all opening new stores, while Phase Eight and Warehouse will increase their exposure in Cambridge with new stores in the centre. The move will come as good news to wholesalers involved with the companies, who may see orders increase as a result of new business. Neil Barber, head of retail, revealed that the move could safeguard the immediate future of the new development. "The recent strong trading of Cambridge retailers and the strength of our new retail signings predict a bright future for the Grand Arcade," he said. "The quality of the names attracted to the development and the fact that many are new to Cambridge is testament to the potential offered by the city's retail market." He added: "In addition to those just announced we also have a significant number of high-quality deals in solicitors hands which we expect to complete very soon."   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .