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   10th March 2008   Shoppers opting for green retailers Many shoppers are considering the environmental impact of a product before making a purchase, new research has revealed. According to a Virgin Money study, 20 per cent of shoppers check the eco-credentials of their goods before they buy them. The research highlights the growing importance of the environment to businesses, with green retailers and wholesalers likely to be more successful by adopting a sustainable approach. Jason Wyer-Smith, the spokesman for the firm, confirmed that companies that were perceived to be eco-friendly were likely to perform better. "Everyone is becoming more environmentally aware and that is beginning to have an impact on people's purchasing decisions. We believe companies can be more successful by being 'greener'," he said. "It is obviously important to consumers to have a sense of whether a company is trying to improve its environmental impact or not," he added.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd.   Find wholesalers and distributors of green and eco friendly products here Subscribe to The Wholesaler UK regular newsletter featuring trade news, suppliers offers and trade show reminders. . .