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 15th April 2008 Retailers confident despite crunch Independent retailers and wholesalers are remaining optimistic despite the economic effect of the credit crunch, new research has revealed. According to a recent study, reported by Retail Bulletin, 72 per cent of small retailers are confident about their industry future, 33 per cent hope to launch new products and just under 50 per cent hope to expand current operations. Kamala Panday, publisher of Credit Today, confirmed that small retail based businesses, such as wholesalers, were still looking to grow, despite the crisis. "For some, the credit crunch is beginning to bite. However this survey shows that their hunt for growth has not been affected, no more so than with the retail sector. Businesses are now playing a more strategic game, with over half admitting to chasing slower payers more vigorously," he said. "What's encouraging to see from our point of view is the increasing role that the credit control function is playing with the SME strategy," Mr Panday added. The research also revealed that just one per cent of companies were planning to scale back their operations in the face of the crunch.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd