The Trade Counter
Practical reading for independent retailers and online sellers. Margins, regulation, sourcing, and what is actually selling.
Planning Q4 stock: a September checklist for independent retailers
A September stock checklist for UK independents and marketplace sellers covering last year's sales, essentials, gift sets, cash, carrier weeks and autumn rule changes.
Online sellingAmazon UK peak season 2026: inbound dates, capacity and FBA fees
UK FBA arrival dates for Prime Big Deal Days and Black Friday Week, the October storage rise, festive fees and how wholesale sellers should time peak orders.
Retailer storiesRetailer story: planning Christmas gift sets without overbuying
How a North West health and beauty independent reviewed last year's gift set sales in August, bought in stages and cut its post-Christmas markdown by more than half.
MarginsBusiness rates after April 2026: what changed for independent shops in England
The 2026 revaluation, new retail multipliers and the end of 40 per cent relief explained for shops in England, with how to check your bill and challenge a valuation.
RegulationDeposit return scheme 2027: what independent shops need to prepare now
The drinks deposit return scheme starts on 1 October 2027. What independent shops need to know about the 20p deposit, return points, exemptions and cash flow.
RegulationHFSS in 2026: what the rules now mean for independent retailers
HFSS advertising enforcement began in January 2026 and on-pack volume promotions end in October. What independent retailers need to do now.
Retailer storiesRetailer story: rebuilding margin across a three-store convenience group
How one Midlands convenience group consolidated suppliers, cut dead stock, and added meaningful margin in six months. A composite story from our trade accounts.
MarginsFive practical ways independents are protecting margin in 2026
Sector margins are around 4 per cent and falling. Five things independent retailers are actually doing about it, from consolidating suppliers to auditing dead stock.
Retailer storiesSeller story: from rejected applications to four approved categories
An online seller's route from repeated Amazon ungating rejections to approved listings and steady reorders, built on invoice-grade sourcing. A composite story.
Online sellingGetting ungated on Amazon UK: what your wholesale invoices need to show
Amazon approves category and brand applications on the strength of your supplier invoices. Here is exactly what reviewers look for, and why distributor choice decides the outcome.
SourcingGrey market stock: the questions to ask any wholesale supplier
Cheap stock with no traceable origin costs retailers accounts, listings and money. Six questions that separate authorised distribution from the grey market.
CategoriesWhat is selling in 2026: FMCG categories worth watching
Functional drinks, pet care, and reformulated snacking are pulling ahead while some traditional categories flatten. Where UK independents are finding growth this year.