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 23rd February 2010 Tories reveal new supermarket planning laws The Conservative Party has revealed that supermarkets would face new planning regulations under a Tory government. With a focus on the regeneration of high streets, David Cameron has indicated that new superstore developments would be considered with regards to their impact on such schemes. Local councils will be given greater powers to oppose the development of supermarket stores if they feel the construction would jeopardise the health of the local high street. The idea will likely be welcomed by independent store owners who feel threatened by the larger competitors. The Conservatives said: "We will undo Labour's changes to planning rules which have weakened councils' ability to stop unwanted out-of-town development. "We will ensure that a needs test is readopted, and will enable local councils to take competition issues into account when formulating their local plans." According to the Daily Telegraph, the Competition Commission has called for a new competition test to be implemented so as to prevent supermarket's dominating local markets. © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January