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   18th March 2008   Niche retailers should sell their benefits to landlords Landlords should offer more flexibility to smaller, niche retailers, according to a speaker at the Retail Week Conference. William Landale, chief executive of furniture retailer Lombok, told the conference that landlords which do not allow smaller firms to negotiate leases are not compromising in the tough market conditions, reports Retail Week. The article highlights that smaller businesses do not have the bargaining power of larger companies and can find lease terms dictated to them by demanding landlords. This can then cause further problems as higher rents eat into the firm's profits. However, niche retailers are advised to play on their strengths to negotiate better deals, with Retail Week pointing out that "unique retailers are essential to get shoppers through the doors". Specialist shops are needed to add variety to shopping centres and districts and can attract customers who are looking for something different to big-brand chain stores. The Retail Week Conference 2008 presented a line-up of speakers, such as Mike Barry of Marks & Spencer and Sir John Collins of DSGi, confronting the issues faced by the UK retail sector.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Find wholesalers of handmade giftware here Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .