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   11th March 2008   Sales continue sluggish performance into February February has been a slow month for British retailers with sales remaining sluggish and consumer confidence dipping, new research has revealed. According to the monthly British Retail Consortium (BRC) figures, sales increased 1.5 per cent on a like-for-like basis in comparison with February 2007 and were up 3.3 per cent in comparison with the same month in 2006. Stephen Robertson, the director general of the BRC, revealed that the consumers were reigning in their spending following Christmas and the January sales period. "After a blip at the start of the year as clearance sales temporarily got customers spending, belt tightening began in earnest in February when the Christmas and New Year credit card bills came home to roost," he said. "Although a welcome boost was provided by this year's early Mothering Sunday, which helped food sales as well as health and beauty, customers remained cautious," Mr Robertson added. The research also revealed that health and beauty retailers experienced a Mothers Day related surge, while clothing and footwear sales were down on last year's figures.   (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