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   Retailers retain confidence in the industry The vast majority of retailers are confident in the immediate future of the sector, new research has revealed. According to a study by Hartnell Taylor Cook LLP, some 77 per cent of UK retailers are confident about the prospects of the market in 2008. The data also revealed that the primary concern for retailers was the credit crunch, which was a worry for 65 per cent of retailers, with 42 per cent concerned with the amount of additional retail space coming onto the market. Andrew Bradley, a retail agency partner at Hartnell Taylor Cook, revealed his worries that the market could dip if the credit crunch worsens. "It comes as little surprise that the well-documented credit squeeze is the number one concern for UK retailers," he said. "Although the full impact has yet to become clear, it could put a lot of extra pressure on some businesses." However, with retailers confident for the overall prospects over the coming year, sales may grow during 2008, with wholesalers benefited from increased stock purchase. The research also revealed that 59 per cent of retailers were concerned by the growth of online retailers.     (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .