United Kingdom - Domestic trade



London is the leading wholesale and importing center, accounting for more than half the total wholesale turnover. Other important distribution centers are Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow, and Hull.

Supermarkets have hurried to diversify into other businesses recently because of competition, falling prices, and a mature domestic market. In February 1997, J. Sainsbury PLC, the UK's second-largest supermarket chain, began its own bank in a joint venture with Bank of Scotland PLC. As of 2002, franchises reported about 33% of total retail sales. Direct marketing is common. A value-added tax of 17.5% applies to most goods and services.

Normal banking hours are 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM , Monday through Friday, except for Thursday, when the banks stay open later. Business hours in London are 9:30 AM to 5 PM , Monday through Saturday; shops in certain areas may be open to 7:30 one night a week, usually Wednesday or Thursday. Outside of Lh2ndon, the shops of each town or village may close for a half or full day at midweek. Sunday shopping is becoming increasingly available.

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Mallory
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