Retail optimism soars to highest level since 2002

Retailers are at their most optimistic since 2002, with 51% of respondents reporting higher sales volumes, according to a new survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

Retail sales grew strongly in the year to August with the pace of growth expected to accelerate again in September, according to CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey.

The survey of 142 firms showed that sales were broadly average for the time of the year, with retailers more optimistic about their business situation for the next quarter than at any time since May 2002.

Internet sales continued to pick up in August, with e-sales expected to strengthen in September and in the months up to Christmas.

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Leading UK casting houses embrace Fairtrade gold

Five of Britain’s leading casting houses have upped their offering of Fairtrade gold, in a UK push to ensure Fairtrade becomes a “systemic part of the jewellery industry offering”.

Jewellers can now buy everything from sheet, wire, casting grain, tube to chain from Cred, Cooksons, Hockley Mint, Vipa Designs and Western Beamor who are all offering some or all of their ranges Fairtrade gold.

The move ensures that everyone in the jewellery industry can contribute towards bringing about transformational change to disadvantaged artisanal mining communities and reform the way the jewellery industry works for the better.

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