The total retail search volumes rose 11 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared with the same quarter a year ago, providing more evidence of the growing importance of mobile, according to the lastest BRC-Google Online Retail Monitor.

Health secretary Andrew Lansley 'open-minded' but attack on branding seen as next step in campaign.

U.K. retail sales increased in March as warm weather boosted the sales of non-food goods, at the same time the permanent job placements increased for a third straight month giving an indication that the British economy is recovering slowly.

Food prices surge more 5.4% to lift "High Street" measure of consumer prices

British Retail Consortium claims government proposals are no silver bullet to solve binge drinking.

David Cameron announces price hike alongside ban on supermarket multi-buy offers.

Strong sales boost hopes for high street, although conditions remain tough.

Department of Health regulation to hide stocks of tobacco on sale condemned as irrational if plain packaging to be enforced.

UK retailers group says discounted luxury goods pushing up consumer confidence.

Electronic goods store Dixons is the latest high street retailer to suffer from the consumer crunch during the pre-Christmas period.

Incidents of violence against retail staff soar by staggering 83 percent in 2011.

West End store expect sales to soar because of Queen's Diamond Jubilee and Olympics.

British retailers experienced an increase in administrations in 2011 and predictions look bleak for growth in 2012.

Britain's high streets swamped with bargain-hunting shoppers determined to beat economic gloom.

As shoppers feel the wintry economic bite, so do the shopkeepers, with latest figures showing a drop in retail sales figures from October to November.

UK household food waste generation down 13 percent over the last three years.

It is not the food prices that are causing the monthly household expenditure going over the roof for the British citizens, according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) report on Shop Price Index 2011. Rising utility, fuel and insurance bill are the real culprits and driving the household spending to a higher range.

British retailers face tens of millions of pounds in costs and losses

JD Sports Fashion has estimated the financial impact of the riots spreading across the country is most likely to be more than £10m for the retailer.

The pound was down against the dollar this afternoon ahead of a statement due today from the U.S. Federal Reserve and following weak economic data from Britain.

House prices have started to fall say the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, RICS after July's figures showed that 25 pct of them, found a weakness in the market compared with 11 pct showing house price rises.

Shares in British banks fell in morning trading on the FTSE 100 after economic data on retail sales, and house prices suggested the recovery is progressing slower than previously hoped for.

Retail sales in June are up 1.2 pct, stronger than May's rise of 0.6 pct after the World Cup began and summer weather contributed to continued food sales growth.

Kesa Electricals has beaten its profits targets as it reported full year profits of £81.9m - above the £75 million it had predicted for for the 12 months ended 12 April.

Retail sales have risen 0.6 pct in May, month-on-month, after predominantly food sales growth came in at one percent, whilst non-food sales showed no change, held up by strong electrical sales up 1.7 pct.

The British Retail Consortium has welcomed the revised growth forecasts provided by the newly created Office of Budget Responsibility, saying the new forecasts "better reflect reality".

John Lewis, a major national retailer in the UK has said its TV sales are rising ahead of today's kick-off.

$305 million - the amount top sponsors such as Hyundai, Sony and Coca-Cola are reportedly paying to be 'FIFA Partners' - including worldwide rights to two World Cups over seven years ($40 million per year).

The British Retail Consortium, which publishes its figures today say that May was a 'good' month for sales, with clothing and DIY helping total sales to rise 3 pct amongst its retailers.