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 12th February 2010 Scottish retailers left exposed to business rates Scotland's retailers could be among the hardest hit by the Scottish Government's failure to phase in business rate rises, it has been warned. According to the Scottish Retail Consortium, the additional costs will leave shops north of the border at a "distinct disadvantage" to their English counterparts, who are able to take advantage of 'transitional arrangements'. These agreements involve the spreading out of proposed increases in business rates between now and the next revaluation, due to take place in five years. Scotland's retailers have also had to wait until now to find out the size of rates due to come into effect in April, leaving them with little time to calculate what effect the added cost will have on their business and capabilities for ordering stock. Ian Shearer, director of the SRC, said: "A sudden, unexpected increase in business rate costs will damage cash flow and retailers' ability to maintain and create jobs and investment. Retailers are central to the Scottish economy and the recovery." Despite fears over what the future may contain, new figures suggest the present is looking up for many retailers in Scotland. The first official Retail Sales Index conducted specifically for Scotland apart from the rest of the UK indicated that the value of sales rose by 3.9 per cent in 2009 and jumped by 2.7 per cent in volume. © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January