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   25th February 2008   Retailers set for Mother's day windfall UK retailers are expected to take in more than a billion pounds in preparation for Mother's Day, new research has revealed. According to figures produced by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), businesses could take around £1.6 billion from the event. The predicted figures, which are a six per cent increase from last year, are expected to also provide a welcome boost for wholesalers who may see an increase in orders for Mothers Day 2009. Commenting on the study, Mike Watkins, senior manager of retailer services with research company Nielsen, said: "These figures seem to show more of us want to spend on our mothers than our lovers. "Cut flowers will be the nation's number one gift choice this Mothering Sunday, with mixed bouquets the most popular." "With purse strings tight, competition will be even tougher this year. There will be some good deals for customers wanting to make their mothers feel special." The BRC estimate that £230 million worth of flowers will be sold for Mother's Day.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .