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Trade News Archive 2009
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3rd June 2009
Wholesalers and independent retailers enjoying sales growth
Sales in the independent retail sector reached £29 billion in the first quarter of 2009, a rise of £1.7 billion over last year.
According to new statistics, launched in conjunction with National Independents' Week, both wholesalers and retailers are enjoying increased visits and sales from local consumers.
The figures indicated a drop in the number of independently owned convenience stores - from 37,536 in April 2006 to 35,534 in April 2009.
However wholesalers supplying the independent sector claimed that their partners have been reporting sustained sales growth right across the UK since the beginning of the year.
James Bielby, chief executive of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, said: "The latest evidence shows that frequency of visits to local shops is increasing."
He stated that local shops have a crucial role to play in their respective communities, adding that there are a large number of high-quality independent outlets in Britain.
"Most people in the UK are now within walking distance of at least one excellent independently-owned local store," Mr Bielby added.
National Independents' Week runs throughout the first week of June and aims to raise awareness of local shops and outlets.
(c) 2009
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