Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

News Archive December 2016

B&Q to install 'emergency kitchen' for couple after order blunder 23 December 2016

A Bristol couple have been left “frustrated and appalled” after B&Q delivered them the wrong kitchen three times, leaving them without a kitchen in the run up to Christmas.


Pre-Christmas rush expected to bring in £900m 23 December 2016

Last minute purchases today (Friday, December 23) are expected to account for £900m spent in stores across the UK, according to the Centre for Retail Research.


GCA delegates to get ‘fascinating explanations for everyday numbers’ 22 December 2016

A world-renowned behavioural economist, award-winning Financial Times columnist and BBC broadcaster will be offering delegates at the Garden Centre Association (GCA) annual conference in January an insight into the economics of daily life.


Rainy Day Trust looks to deliver new services after being granted CIO status 22 December 2016

?The Rainy Day Trust has announced that it has been granted Charitable Incorporated Organisation status by the Charity Commission which will means that it can evolve and grow, delivering new services in partnership with both industry and other charities. The change will take place on January 1, 2017


2016: A Year to Remember 21 December 2016

With the multi-million pound sales and purchases of three major players in the DIY and garden industry, the repercussions of a Brexit vote and the announcement of all new business rates, not to mention the introduction of the living wage, 2016 has been quite a year.


Staff at new B&M store to face Christmas Eve redundancy 21 December 2016

It is not shaping up to be a very merry Christmas for 11 members of staff at the new Pwllheli B&M store, who are facing redundancy on December 24.


Garden centre faces closure after vicious arson attack 21 December 2016

The cafe of family-run Acton Garden and Aquatic Centre in Long Eaton was recently the target of an arson attack which has left the owner “gutted and devastated” and facing possible closure.


B&Q slashes the price of Christmas trees as the big day approaches 21 December 2016

B&Q has cut the prices of its real Christmas trees – some to as low as 10p – as the countdown to Christmas Day narrows.


Victorian Plumbing set to launch appeal against Victoria Plum ruling 19 December 2016

Online bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing is set to launch an appeal against a recent court judgement in relation to a claim brought against the company by rivals Victoria Plum.


Thieves steal garden centre's centre stage Christmas feature 19 December 2016

A three metre, light-up cherry tree, which stood in pride of place at the front of Fermoys Garden Centre in Ipplepen, Devon, has been stolen.


Blackbrooks Garden Centre celebrates record year 19 December 2016

Staff at Blackbrooks Garden Centre rounded off the year with a celebration party held at Leeford Place Hotel, Battle on December 13 in recognition of the business' outstanding achievements in 2016.


Santa draws a crowd at Sturmer Nurseries GC 19 December 2016

More than 620 children and their families visited Santa's grotto at Sturmer Nurseries Garden Centre this weekend, helping raise over £3,000 for charity via the Haverhill Lions Club.


'Panic Saturday' set to bring in £2.6bn 16 December 2016

The last weekend before Christmas is almost upon us, and payments processor Worldpay has predicted a £2.6bn boost to retail over the weekend as consumers flock to make their last minute purchases.


Black Friday boosts retail sales in November 15 December 2016

The quantity of goods bought in retail was estimated to have grown by 5.9% this November compared with the same month last year, with all shop types showing growth.


Thieves raid £6k worth of power tools from B&Q 15 December 2016

B&Q in Stanmore was recently targeted by thieves, who made off with £6,000 worth of power tools from brands including DeWalt and Makita.


Booking now open for GCA conference 14 December 2016

Booking has now opened for the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference next January.


GIMA conference features Brexit, omnichannel and garden centre discussion 14 December 2016

The second of two GIMA Day Conferences held last week saw over 90 delegates enjoying talks from industry experts, networking opportunities, and the chance to meet representatives from Wilko and the British Garden Centres Group.


Homebase opts out of Nectar scheme 13 December 2016

Homebase has announced that, as of December 31, customers will no longer be able to redeem Nectar points with the retailer.


Carpetright blames profit drop on fall of pound 13 December 2016

First half profits plummeted by 42% at Carpetright as the retailer suffered the consequences of the weak pound as well as a downturn in sales.


PM refuses calls for shops to shut on Boxing Day 12 December 2016

Prime Minister Theresa May has said that Government should not tell businesses how they should operate, and has refused calls to ban shops from opening on Boxing Day.


GCA announce festive display winners 9 December 2016

Barton Grange and Castle Gardens have been announced as the national winners of the 2016 Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual Christmas competition.


Online sales of garden products double since 2011 9 December 2016

The last five years have seen online garden sales double, according to AMA Research.


Christmas tree thieves devastate independent GC owners 9 December 2016

Christmas tree thieves have struck again, this time targeting family-run Three Springs Nursery in Pershore where they made off with 40 trees worth around £2,500.


Stranger Things fans clear B&Q out of LED lights 9 December 2016

B&Q has reported a shortage of LED multi-coloured lights due to fans of Netflix series Stranger Things attempting to recreate an iconic scene from the show.


Screwfix named in top ten places to work 8 December 2016

Kingfisher retailer Screwfix has been named as number nine in the top 50 best businesses to work for 2017 based on employee review.


Homebase is hit by Christmas tree thief 7 December 2016

Kent police are appealing for witnesses following the theft of 50 Christmas trees from Homebase in Herne Bay.


Blue Diamond expands its garden centre empire 7 December 2016

Polhill's Coton Orchard garden centre in Cambridge is set to become the 19th Blue Diamond centre.


Marlows GC unveils beginnings of £1m redevelopment 6 December 2016

Marlows Garden Centre has completed the first part of a £1m redesign, including a new cafe at its Bury St Edmunds base.


BHETA members rub shoulders with Dunelm buying team 6 December 2016

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA)’s latest Meet The Buyer day with new retail partner, the home décor retailer, Dunelm was a resounding success.


Barry DIY independent celebrates 125 years of trading 5 December 2016

Silver Star DIY of Barry, Wales, is celebrating 125 years of business, spanning depression, recession and two world wars.


M&S could face £500m bill for re-organisation plans 5 December 2016

Marks and Spencer could have to pay at least £500m to fund its plans to close 60 of its stores and invest more heavily in its food business.


Schneider Electric joins BHETA 5 December 2016

Schneider Electric is the latest company to join the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA). 


Paving company pledges £500 for charity in memory of employee 2 December 2016

Following the tragic death of employee Tony Marshall earlier this year, groundwork and civil engineering specialist Rudridge will be donating the £500 usually spent on Christmas cards and postage to charity.


Animal rights campaigners accuse Scotsdales of cruelty 1 December 2016

A Facebook group and petition have been launched calling for Scotsdales Garden Centre in Cambridgeshire to stop using live reindeer in their Christmas displays, claiming it is cruel and "completely inadequate for their welfare."


Centurion gains ISO accreditation 1 December 2016

Doncaster-based Centurion Europe, supplier of hardware, garden, housewares and safety products, has been awarded ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification after thorough external audits by an accredited registrar company.


*

Latest reader comments

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

John Hart
After applying for a green homes how long will it take for a decision? thanks...

re: SX Rainproof Exterior Caulk

Wally
I need the exterior sx rain resistant caulk! Can't get it anywhere so please help! How can I order it? Need it yesterday...

re: BCT can replicate any material in a ceramic tile

Christina Tiritanou
Not sure if you can help as I require a tile which has the measurements of 6”x 6”? Thank you....

re: Latest update on Green Homes Grant and implications for homeowners and landlords

colin thompson
SarahVery clear and helpful information.Thanks...

Most read stories