Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.

Retailers still selling knives to children

Some of the UK’s biggest retailers including Tesco and Asda are still selling knives to children, according to Trading Standards.

Retailers sold knives to children under the age of 18 on 344 occasions during 2,231 “test purchases” in England and Wales, carried out during the year to March 31, even though it is illegal to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18.

Tesco, Asda, Poundland and Home Bargains were highlighted as retailers who allowed shoppers under the age of 18 to buy knives on at least 15 occasions during the tests.

Online test purchases were also carried out for the first time, with children buying knives on 41 out of 100 occasions.

Last year, B&M was ordered to pay £480,000 in fines after selling knives to children.

US to slap further tariffs on Chinese goods

The US will slap 15% tariffs on another $300bn of Chinese goods by the end of this year.

The new tariffs will be implemented in two rounds, with the first of those due on Sunday.

Products to be hit at the end of the week include meat, cheese and musical instruments.

The second round of duties, on products such as clothing and footwear, will come into force on December 15.