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 22nd February 2010 Clothing retailers buck sales trend Clothing retailers saw sales rise during January as many other outlets suffered from the cold weather. That is according to figures from the Office for National Statistics, which reveal that textile, clothing and shoes sales increased by 4.7 per cent during the month compared to December's totals. By contrast, the retail sector in general saw sales figures decrease by 1.2 per cent, with household goods stores registering a 13.4 per cent reduction in volumes. Richard Lowe, head of retail and wholesale at Barclays, said that the fall in overall sales was due to the poor weather and the financial hangover of the Christmas period. He said: "The drop in retail sales in January comes as no surprise as consumers reined in spending after Christmas. Treacherous weather conditions [also] deterred shoppers from the high street. "However, the magnitude was far greater than commentators expected."   Mr Lowe went on to say that Christmas appeared to be the biggest factor as internet retailers were also unable to avoid lowered sales. © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January