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 11th April 2008 Online sales set to break £100b mark Sales of online goods are set to break the $200 billion (£100 billion) mark this year, new research has revealed. According to 'The State of Retailing Online 2008' survey, compiled by Forrester, online sales are likely to rise to $204 billion (£102 billion) by the end of the year, despite the general economic downturn. And with sales continuing to grow for e-retailers, the research underlines the increased opportunity for wholesales to increase supply contracts with their consumers both domestically and overseas. Sucharita Mulpuru, Forrester Research's principal analyst, revealed that the internet was continuing to perform strongly because of its wide appeal. "What's spearheading online retail sales growth is a tale of two shoppers that visit the web for very different reasons," she said. "The casual shopper goes online to look for the best price, leveraging the transparency of the Internet to save money. "However, more affluent customers appreciate the convenience of shopping online and are not necessarily looking for the best deal. Retailers would be wise to recognise there are significant opportunities within both audiences and should market to them accordingly," Ms Mulpuru added.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd