The news on the neighbourhood retailing front came from this week's The Grocer 4 Independents survey of 100 independent traders who, in the main, said business was either better or the same as it was this time last year. The survey revealed that 40% of those questioned ­ the same as last month ­ believed sales are showing an upturn, while 36% reported no change and 24% said there was a downturn. Last month, 41% said sales were static and 19% believed business was declining. Recent good weather prompted 60% ­ 6% down on last month ­ to predict a sales upturn over the next three months. Of the remainder, 28% believed sales would remain the same, with 12% predicting a decline. Last month's respective figures were 27% and 7%. On margins, 23% (compared with 21% last month) pointed to an increase, while 46% (49% last time) said net margins remained unchanged. There were 25% who said they would be investing more in their businesses, while 42% claimed their spend would remain unaltered. Last month's respective figures were 28% and 40%. The survey showed a continuing drop in the number of independents who believe customers see them as price competitive. In February, 98% thought they were seen as competitive. Last month the figure dropped to 80% while this month, it dipped further to 74%. There were 4% who felt they were seen as very expensive ­ the first time since last July that any retailer in the survey felt that to be the case. A quarter used only one cash and carry, 32% used two and 27% used three. Across the spectrum of price, range and stock levels, 24% said their wholesaler was very good, 59% said good and 14% said poor. {{GROCER CLUB }}