News Archive November 2009
BRC warns of rise in attacks on cash delivery vehicles
30 November 2009
Organisation offers set of security guidelines to help retailers thwart robbers.
Retailers positive for Christmas
30 November 2009
Sales growth at fastest pace in two years, say the CBI, with predictions it will pick up further in the run-up to Christmas.
B&Q response to redundancy rumours
27 November 2009
DIY giant issues statement and says any job losses will be a "last resort".
John Lewis sees 32% jump in furniture sales
27 November 2009
Department store chain sees "another excellent week's trading", with home up 15.5% and some stores reporting double-digit growth on 2008 figures.
Exclusive: Mica retail chairman resigns as business model changes
26 November 2009
Jan Nicolson of Jan's Mica Hardware on the Isle of Skye steps down as chairman and resigns from the board of Mica DIY.
Exclusive: Chempak saved from liquidation
26 November 2009
An mbo led by managing director John Richardson has saved fertiliser supplier Chempak Products after its parent company went into liquidation earlier this month.
Debenhams slashes prices in pre-Christmas sale
25 November 2009
Department store chain launches £250m price war with four-day sale, designed to "infuriate rivals".
Redundancy threat for B&Q staff
25 November 2009
B&Q staff across the UK face possible redundancy, despite the home improvement retailer reporting a 66% jump in first half profits.
Encouraging October for DIY and garden
24 November 2009
The latest figures from GfK show some somewhat surprising results in the gardening sector.
Topps Tiles issues 17 million shares
24 November 2009
Topps Tiles has announced a rights issue in which it will place more than 17m shares at 3.3p each in the company's capital, in the face of across-the-board declines in its full year figures.
UK business community at its strongest since last summer
24 November 2009
Latest Insolvency Index reveals that businesses are in a stronger financial position, with a smaller chance of failure in the coming year.
Credit crunch could lead to change in business behaviour
23 November 2009
Tough economic climate is expected to become the catalyst for a new era, with firms adapting fresh approaches to financing and supply chains.
Robert Dyas reaches 100
19 November 2009
High street hardware and housewares chain Robert Dyas will open its 100th store tomorrow, Friday November 20th.
Homebase store flasher gives shoppers an eyeful
19 November 2009
53-year old drunk man who exposed himself on a visit to a Homebase is given a suspended sentence and banned from being drunk in public.
Recession leads to department store closure
19 November 2009
Rushden-based department store Peter Crisp is to close after 50 years with a loss of 35 jobs.
Wolseley profits fall 50%
18 November 2009
Plumb Center and Bathstore parent company reports significant drop in profit, as net debt increases to £1,223m.
B&Q recalls faulty Christmas lights
18 November 2009
DIY giant highlights "potential electrical safety issue" with indoor Marble lights and urges customers who have purchased the sets to return them.
John Lewis home sales see pre-Christmas boost
18 November 2009
Retailer experiences strong sales surge in furniture and home accessories for the week as shoppers plan for the festive period.
Businesses report struggle to get finance
17 November 2009
Despite the Bank of England pumping £200bn into the economy, a third of companies reported that access to finance has become harder.
London sales show positive signs for Christmas
16 November 2009
Latest BRC figures reveal retail sales up 4.2% in October, giving cause for "greater optimism" among the capital's retailers.
Brits lack the confidence to DIY
16 November 2009
While 78% of the population enjoy getting handy with a hammer, a large number of people shy away from DIY for fear of a job going horribly wrong.
BBRA winners announced
13 November 2009
Awards dinner a huge success as the industry turns out to celebrate the best of the best at the Hilton Deansgate last night.
Armed robbery at B&Q store
13 November 2009
Two men threatened shop assistant with knives before making off with three-figure sum in incident on Wednesday night.
Isaac Lord sold to private investors
12 November 2009
Award-winning tool retailer Isaac Lord has been sold, ending 117 years of ownership by the Lord family.
Akzo Nobel fined €40.6m for price fixing
12 November 2009
Decorative paints and chemicals firm ordered to pay out following an investigation by the European Commission.
Toolbank buys Olympia Tools
11 November 2009
Olympia Tools (UK) Ltd has been acquired by Dormole Ltd, the parent company of Toolbank.
Non-food outperforms food at Sainsbury's
11 November 2009
Strong sales and profit growth, with like-for-like figures up 5.7%, boosted by non-food offer.
B&Q invests heavily in tools for Christmas
10 November 2009
Home improvement retailer announces the launch of a £30 million investment in power and hand tools both in store and online this Christmas.
Grafton continues with 'challenging trading conditions'
10 November 2009
Irish builders merchants and DIY group Grafton, which owns the Buildbase, Plumbase, Jacksons and Selco merchant brands in the UK has issued an interim management statement for the period to November 2009 which shows UK turnover down 4%.
October sales best for seven years
10 November 2009
UK retail sales values up 3.8% compared with last year, boosted by mild weather and increase in consumer confidence.
Crown adds its weight to Britain's Best Retailer Awards
9 November 2009
DIY Week is delighted to announce that Crown Paints have lent their support to Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2009 by sponsoring Britain's Best Décor Retailer.
Dunelm Mill trading "ahead of expectations"
6 November 2009
Dunelm Mill has reported 'very strong' sales for the first 17 weeks of its financial year (to October 31 2009) and continues to expand its store portfolio.
BDC restructures following £2.5m investment
6 November 2009
Future looks bright for North London-based electrical distributor, as it's given opportunity to expand with new openings and increased workforce.
Prices flat in October
5 November 2009
Latest BRC-Nielson Shop Price Index reports a zero rate of inflation, with prices no more than a year ago, leaving retailers to 'battle it out' over Christmas.
Marks & Spencer sees half year lift
4 November 2009
This morning's half-year figures from M&S show a somewhat healthier picture than city analysts had predicted.
Britons re-engage their love of shopping as UK employment shows positive signs
4 November 2009
Non-food shopping trips were up 1.2% in October, boosted by good weather and signs of recovery in the job market.
Stanley Works acquires Black & Decker
3 November 2009
Two of the industry's leading tool brands to merge in a $4.5bn (£2.7bn) all-share deal in the US.
Croydon DIY store prosecuted in knife 'sting' operation
3 November 2009
Home Style ordered to pay £1,015 in fines and costs after selling snap-off knife to underage volunteers.
New website will make Ambiente visits easier
2 November 2009
Frankfurt's Ambiente fair has a completely redesigned website with a new layout and greater functionality.
B&Q extends Scottish offer
2 November 2009
Home improvement retailer, announces expansion of installation services available to customers in Scotland.
Retailers set for a merry Christmas
2 November 2009
As consumer confidence reaches 18 month high, 20% of shoppers plan to splash out this Christmas.