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   3rd March 2008   Retailers reject government plastic bag claims Retailers have claimed that proposals to introduce legislation over the use of plastic bags are not needed. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), most retailers are already making concerted efforts to reduce the usage of plastic bags in shops and other outlets. Stephen Robertson, the director general of the BRC, revealed that small businesses and independent retailers should be allowed to remain flexible in their usage of carrier bags. "Retailers made a bold commitment to voluntarily reduce the environmental impact of bags by a quarter," he said. "The latest figures show they are more than half way to meeting these commitments and confound critics who say bans or taxes are the only way." Mr Robertson added: "Retailers know their customers best. They should be allowed to continue achieving results in ways that work best with their own customers." Meanwhile, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and the BRC recently announced their intention to petition the government's plans to legislate. The new rules would give councils the power to seize bags and fine retailers, with the consequences expected to negatively affect plastic bag wholesalers.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .