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 24th February 2010 NFRN quits JIG with immediate effect The National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) has resigned from the Joint Industry Group (JIG) with immediate effect. The decision has been made on account on JIG's inability to deliver supply chain improvements and associated benefits to the independent retail sector. Having suspended its membership in July 2009, the NFRN has revealed it has finally lost faith with the industry support group and feels its future lies elsewhere. NFRN president Suleman Khonat said that JIG had been at its most successful and impactful in the late 1990s when it was much larger and heralded greater influence. He said: "With JIG … riddled with politics and company strategic agendas that manifest in procrastination and stifled progress, the NFRN believes that it can deliver far more for its members through bilateral negotiation with its industry partners." The NFRN has revealed that it hopes an alternative system can be implemented whereby minimum standards of service to retailers can be encouraged and maintained. This includes the independent resolution of disputes. © 2010 Comment on this news story   Trade News Archive 2008  December   November   October   September August   July   June   May   April   March   February   January