But there are now more than 30 supermarkets and cash-and-carry stores in Calais specifically catering for the cross-Channel booze trade, including outlets of Britain's biggest supermarkets, Tesco and Sainsbury.

ECONOMIST: Smuggling

I'd like to channel Adam Smith on trade.

FORBES: Digital Rules

Until now, the main channel through which global turmoil has dragged down American growth has been international trade.

ECONOMIST: No longer boom, but not yet doom

"The ability to use cash and trade credits as currency is a powerful tool and SCEE recognizes that it provides a new channel for gamers to access and purchase exclusive digital content, " said Mike Mauler, GameStop's executive vice president of international.

ENGADGET: Sony to sell downloadable content at GameStops in Europe and Australia