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   7th March 2008   UK shoppers lead the way for online continental spending Online shoppers in the UK may account for around 40 per cent of internet sales in Europe this year, new research has revealed. According to a study by eMarketer, two-fifths of web spending on the continent could originate from the UK in 2008, with the amount spent in Europe over the internet also on the increase. The figures revealed that the average spend per consumer could reach £2,000 by the end of the year, representing a 20 per cent increase on the spend for 2007. In addition the number of online customers is set to increase to 38.1 million, representing 63 per cent of the country's population, up from 36.8 million a year previously. Meanwhile, according to a Royal Mail study, 84 per cent of internet shoppers would like detailed and clear information on delivery information before committing to an online purchase. The study also revealed that 95 per cent of shoppers had abandoned a purchase due to excessive delivery costs.   (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