TRADE NEWS Advertising on social networks will not be invasive Mexx to withdraw from UK retail industry Waterstones aims to improve supply chain Retailers can use domain name to boost online presence Online shoppers unsure of risks Counterfeit goods harming retail industry Majority of internet users shop online Dragon's Den duo see product take off Online sales increase in January Retail sales slow in February Retailers set for Mother's day windfall Mamas & Papas begin retail expansion Independent retailers urged to assess everything Retailers hope to increase internet exposure Ambitious Britons hope to own businesses Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retailers retain confidence in the industry Women prepared to walk the earth for retail Retailers urge chancellor to ease burden Retailers urged to curb discounting Internet claiming increasing numbers of high-street shoppers FPB urges competition commission to help smaller retailers Competition commission set to replace code of conduct London retail sales below par in January Online retailers drive to attract new consumers Retailers taking legal obligations seriously UK wholesalers could be shunned by supermarkets US retailers enjoy shock sales rise Women opt for ethical Valentines gifts Retail sales set to face 2008 dip Sales boost January retail figures Retailers set for prosperous Valentine's Day Groups warn on danger of toy imports Government needs to raise small business legal awareness FWD outline annual conference plans Shop price inflation rises eBay abandons buyer negative comments European retail sales dip in December Demand for British goods increases Cashback websites battling high street for customers US wholesale prices increase Organisations to petition bag ban Capital Gains Tax may not be compatible with EU law Archive January trade news 2008   26th February 2008   Online sales increase in January Online retail sales surged in January to a record £4.5 billion, new research has revealed. The massive increase in online activity was underlined by the year-on-year 75 per cent jump in sales. The IMRG Capgemini figures also revealed that a 38 per cent share of the e-sales were in the electrical goods field, making it the most popular purchase. A further 32 per cent was spent on clothing. Anthoula Madden, head of Capgemini's UK consumer products and retail team, claimed that the month's sales contributed to the figures. "The results show the maturity of the online market, with consumers being more confident about buying goods online," she said. "On Christmas Day, more people were online than went to church. At the same time, the economic situation has been tough and people may have held their spending back until the January sales started this year." She added: "The growth in revenues was probably driven by seasonal discounting." The figures, which equate to an average spend of £75 per person, will be welcomed by wholesalers who are likely to see an increase in activity.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .