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   21 February 2008   Retail sales enjoy quarterly growth Retail sales enjoyed a slight increase between November 2007 and January 2008 when compared to the previous three months, new research has shown. According to the Office for National Statistics, sales in retail rose by 0.6 per cent during the three months; the biggest was in the food sector which enjoyed a 0.1 per cent rise, while non-food stores remained steady. Total sales enjoyed a higher rise of 4.1 per cent, with sales for non food stores increased by 5.1 per cent. Household goods sales surged by 9.8 per cent. The research also revealed that total sales increase by 0.8 per cent between December and January, with a likely source of the growth being the January sales. The slight increase will be welcomed by wholesale companies, which may see a rise in business in response. Meanwhile, according to the London Retail Consortium's Sales Monitor, retail sales in the capital fell in January in comparison with the increase for the same month of 2007.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .