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   26th March 2008   Retailers should update websites regularly Small retailers should continue to update their websites after launching them, an IT expert has advised. The British Computer Society's (BCS's) internet specialist group believes that small retailers lose out on the benefits of having a website by failing to update content. Howard Gerlis, chairman of the BCS's internet specialist group, says that after the "excitement" of a launch, websites can "languish very quickly" unless maintained on a regular basis. The advice comes after research by Netflare showed that 23 per cent of small businesses have not updated their website once since launching it, and 38 per cent do not spend money to update it. "A good website must catch the eye and provide good content which is quick and easy to find," he notes. Mr Gerlis advises firms to bear in mind they are expecting repeat viewings and to provide content that will encourage the customer to return. A website can also service different purposes to different types of retailer, he admits, saying some will use them to bring in online sales while others use them to gain recognition with a wider audience.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . . Return to The Wholesaler UK directory