TRADE NEWS FEBRUARY 2010 Retailers experience sales growth in February Online retailers to benefit from universal broadband Retailers face disproportionate utility costs Counterfeit goods seized in Norfolk BPF calls for public debate on CVAs NFRN quits JIG Tories reveal new supermarket planning laws NI independent fashion retailers folding Clothing retailers buck sales trend Isle of Man Tesco could 'impact' independent retailers Asda expansion threatens independents Scarborough's independent shops suffer rise in closure rate Small retailers 'not understanding shoppers' needs' Oxfordshire retailers come together to encourage local trade Scottish retailers left exposed to business rates UK retailers facing closure epidemic Computer chip counterfeiter prosecuted Village Shop of the Year named Family furniture retailer sees sales soar Counterfeit goods recycled Retailers receive grants to bolster security Inflation slow as retailers ignore VAT rise Uncertainty over economic policy Britons are biggest online shoppers   European visitors to The Wholesaler please click here   What’s New At The Wholesaler UK New Categories added recently Wholesale Fabric Tents and Camping Equipment Nautical and Marine Gifts Wholesale Golf Products Fireside Nostalgia, Nostalgic gifts, retro and vintage Wholesale Haberdashery Trade News Archive 2009  January   February   March   April   May   June   July   August   September   October   November   December Subscribe to our newsletter   Go to The Wholesaler UK Directory 9th February 2010 Village Shop of the Year named The country's finest small retailer for 2009 has been named as The Village Shop in Feckenham. Despite the fact that the store has only been open since January 31st of last year, it came top of a list of 900 shops to be voted Village Shop of the Year, according to the BBC. The store is run entirely by the local community, with 90 local residents chipping in with a few hours each a week in order to staff the retail outlet. Simon Hart, a member of the judging panel, said that the store represented a desire among the villagers to better the locale as well as provide a necessary service. He told the news provider: "After 20 years without a shop, a group of volunteers, with no previous retail experience bought, upgraded and opened a new one. "Villagers raised over £40,000 in just seven months, and over 300 parishioners signed up as shareholders." Mr Hart went on to say that the introduction of the store to the village had provided the area with a "feel-good factor". The prize is awarded by the Countryside Alliance. © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January