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   19th March 2008   Pet clothing retail growing Clothing for animals is an upcoming retail trend, with an increase in retailers supplying designer gear for pampered pets, it has been claimed. According to ukpets.co.uk, the market for pet clothes is rapidly expanding to incorporate specialist and designer retailers as well as mainstream stores. UK pet retail store Pets at Home reports a hike in sales for pet clothes, which it believes was caused by celebrity pets and their many outfits sparking consumer awareness of 'canine couture'. Stores catering the various niches of this trend have sprung up, with websites such as the Punky Pup selling punk t-shirts, hoodies and collars to the more alternative pets out there. Meanwhile, the high-fashion end of the market sees firms such as Pet London selling "a selection of fashionable pet apparel [and] chic carriers". Also noted is the fact that brands have not yet become established in the market, so new retailers and designers will have the opportunity to develop brands with little competition. In the US, this trend is firmly a part of pet culture, with American Pet Products Manufacturers Association president Bib Vetere telling Reuters that pet owners "are treating their pets like members of the family".   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Find wholesale pet products here Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .