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   Retail sales slow in February Sales among retailers slowed this month, new research has revealed. According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) Distributive Trades Survey, 34 per cent of retailers saw a rise in sales, while 36 per cent of respondents suffered a dip. The survey also showed that prices of goods continued to increase , culminating in the fastest rise for more then ten years. Some 55 per cent of respondents said that their prices had increased year-on-year, while just six per cent claimed that their sales prices were down. The increase has been attributed to the rise in energy, raw material and food costs. Commenting on the figures, Ian McCafferty, chief economic adviser of the CBI, said: "The high street has been slowing gradually since last April and sales earlier this month were very subdued, while prices have risen strongly. "Reflecting the increasingly tough conditions faced by the sector, business sentiment and investment plans have both taken a hit." The figures could also be bad news for wholesalers, who may now face a slight drop in orders due to the sales dip.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .