BIRA Direct, the buying arm of the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), significantly increased sales for the trading months of June and July.
Turnover rose by more than 7% in June and more than 5% in July over the same months in 2013.

Currently celebrating its 50th year, BIRA Direct provides independent retailers with exclusive buying terms, carriage-paid values and regular buying promotions from over 200 suppliers and associated brands.

BIRA says that by having many of the big suppliers and distributors in the DIY, hardware, housewares, tabletop and giftware markets on board the majority of retailers on the high street can stock their store through the service.

BIRA Direct managing director Paul Woolley commented: "This is excellent news. To see such growth of members' usage of BIRA Direct - especially as every month in 2014 has increased over the previous year - suggests things are returning to a positive state for many retailers."

Meanwhile, BIRA Direct has reduced carriage-paid values by 50%, which it says will help retailers manage both stockholding and cash flow.

For a limited period, 27 leading BIRA Direct suppliers are supporting the move. Orders placed between September 1 and December 31 2014 will qualify.

BIRA Direct buyer Steve Akers said: "With this promotion we're focusing on one of the key issues that restrict independents when it comes to re-ordering stock. As the key trading period approaches this campaign will help BIRA members address a fundamental issue that often frustrates independent retailers, whilst at the same time potentially opening up new accounts to our suppliers."