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 18th February 2010 Asda expansion could threaten independent stores Supermarket chain Asda has revealed it is to open a number of non-food stores in the coming years. According to analysts JPMorgan, the superstore intends to launch 150 of the non-food shops in the next three to five years.   The supposed move will likely cause apprehension among owners of small independent stores which will face stiff competition from the chain's new outlets. Of particular concern might be Asda's financial clout - it is owned by US giant Wal-Mart - and its apparent desire to dominate the non-food market. JPMorgan said: "Asda said that in the next five years, it wants to be the clear number one in non-food, which means it would have to double sales." The analysts went on to say that the superstore believes 75 per cent of future growth would come from its smaller outlets, online sales and non-food products. The non-food stores will be part of an increased drive to rollout the chain's Asda Living format, with alternative attempts at setting up non-food stores proving unsuccessful. © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January