A bid to revive a moribund sector

Summer sales are starting early to kick-start falling levels of consumer high street spending. And carpet retailer Carpetright has seen its share value fall further - an indication of the problems facing the housing market.

Summer sales are starting early this year: it's "what our customers want", said a spokesman from Marks & Spencer, whose seasonal sale has begun over two weeks earlier than usual. Meanwhile, other shops are staying open for longer to catch passing trade.

What the commentators said

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