NOVEMBER TRADE NEWS Woolworths confirms administration Textile maker claims innocence in fake goods case VAT cut drives Irish shoppers north of the border Woolworths close to administration Chancellor cuts VAT to 15% Retail sector 'being driven by discounts' Lingerie business to focus on wholesale operations Christmas delivers online shopping BRC warns government of pressure on retailers Wholesaler helps small retailers fight Asda Fraudster made £12,000 from eBay scam Scottish consumers 'tightening their belts' Luxury fashion brand enjoys rise in wholesale activity Weak pound benefits Northern Irish retailers Internet helps small retailers to fight downturn London sales superiority over UK 'dwindling' Cambridge retailers fight proposed Tesco opening Wholesale slump for designer clothing company Small retailers 'under threat Post Office to keep card accounts Wind forces trade fair inland Young consumers 'susceptible' to brands Christmas cheer in store for small retailers Local shops play vital community role Retailers told to expect flat sales this Xmas Keep Trade Local campaign comes to London Park Cameras bags Retailer of the Year award Retail sales plummet to three-year low Christmas 'make or break' for small retailers UK traders invited to enter Retail Week Awards Mary Queen of Shops to help Birmingham retailers Scottish Asda store criticised by local resident Low interest rate good news for small firms Markets must support each other, says CGTA Banks urged to pursue small business funding BRC to launch new online retail sales indicator Small retailers voice optimism in Kendal Portsmouth hosts bash for local newsagents Argos under fire for 222% APR store card Emergency funding for ailing small firms Stolen goods warning for Worcestershire retailers Trade News Archive November 08 October 08 September 08 August 08 July 08 June 08 May 08 April 08 March 08 February 08 January 08 Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 4th November 2008 Small retailers voice optimism in Kendal Independent retailers in the market town of Kendal remain optimistic about their prospects, despite a raft of worrying economic reports. The Westmorland Gazette reports that even though the UK appears to be on the brink of a recession, local shopowners are retaining their "positive, forward thinking" attitudes. It cited the recent launch of a number of new stores as evidence that the local economy is thriving and the sector remains buoyant. Among the independent retailers defying the credit crunch by starting trading are Room 19 - a home-ware and gift boutique on Highgate - and lingerie and shoe boutique Bijou Blue. Peter Boyd, manager of Elephant's Yard Shopping Centre in Kendal, emphasised the resilience of local entrepreneurs. He said: "South Lakeland has lived though many crises and it will live through this one. "I came here because of the positive, forward thinking attitude of the people in the area. People are always thinking ahead and not talking themselves into a doom and gloom state of mind." According to Federation of Small Businesses, about 280 small businesses currently declare bankruptcy each week.   (c) 2008 Adfero Ltd. Comment on this news story