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   1st February 2008   Organisations to petition bag ban The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC) are set to petition the government's plans to reduce carrier bag usage. Under new rules London Councils will be given the power to seize bags and impose fines on retailers, with the move likely to effect the fortunes of wholesale suppliers of packing goods. James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS, revealed that the move would be particularly detrimental to smaller firms. He said: "London Councils are proposing a measure that would severely harm retailers of all kinds, but especially small stores. "The proposal would ban not only giving bags away free but also making bags available for sale." He added: "This is excessive and economically very dangerous. As it stands they have done no analysis of the likely impact of this measure on the retail economy in London." Retail organisations are particularity perturbed by the ban as efforts are already under way to reduce carrier bag usage by 25 per cent.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .