News Archive April 2008
HRG warning as Homebase sales drop
30 April 2008
Homebase saw its sales drop 4.1% in the 12 months to March 1 as its owner the Home Retail Group (HRG) warned of tough times ahead.
The retail week: April 20 - April 26
29 April 2008
Sainsbury's encourages shoppers to bring their own bags; Cash makes a comeback; Britons write positive product reviews online.
Ironmongery Direct lays out consumer plans
29 April 2008
Direct supplier looks to broaden appeal to encompass more diy-ers.
New B&Q trade discount card offers up to 25% discount
29 April 2008
Card holders entitled to cash back.
Nigel Wright sponsors Industry Awards for fourth consecutive year
28 April 2008
The sponsorship marks an excellent opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of individuals and teams in the industry, says market manager.
Focus DIY claims take-away kitchens are 'head and shoulders' above competition
28 April 2008
Chain introduces strong range to challenge market leaders.
Jack's back
28 April 2008
One of the highest selling tools in the UK, the Irwin Jack 880 launches this week.
Godfrey DIY celebrates 25 years trading with customers
26 April 2008
It's a great honour to reach our 25th birthday and lovely to treat our customers, says md.
Home Retail warns of difficult year
25 April 2008
Human resources head calls the diy market 'tricky'.
Sowing the seeds of expansion
23 April 2008
Nursery plant business Plants R Ross receives planning permission for a rural-themed garden centre with related shops.
Gilman undecided on future plans
23 April 2008
B&Q Asia ceo tells management magazine he'll consider his options over the summer.
Busy month for Homebase
22 April 2008
Retailer moves to strengthen home enhancement credentials.
B&Q angers plant suppliers
21 April 2008
Retailer accused of using 'strong-arm' tactics to withdraw from orders.
Leekes looks to capitalise on home expert branding
21 April 2008
Welsh retailer considers options to add to store estate.
DIY & Garden Show changes to Totally DIY
21 April 2008
New range of initiatives and fresh look for shows in 2009.
Strength of Euro drives shoppers to London
21 April 2008
Western European visitors helped maintain sales growth across stores during March.
Solex highlights inspiration behind today's outdoor lifestyles
21 April 2008
Provision of photo sets can be used to promote the benefits of modern outdoor materials, say organisers.
Robert Dyas appoints Steven Round as ceo
20 April 2008
Former Kingfisher and MFI director Steven Round named chief executive of Robert Dyas.
The retail week: April 13 - April 19
20 April 2008
High street news
BBC presenter to compere 2008 Industry Awards
18 April 2008
BBC news reporter, Louisa Preston, will be the compere for next month’s 2008 Industry Awards.
Sam’s Trade Centre joins awards sponsors
18 April 2008
Sam’s Trade Centre has joined the distinguished list of sponsors of the 2008 Industry Awards.
BHF Finance reduces lending rates
17 April 2008
Following last week’s interest rate cut, BHF Finance has reduced its lending rates to members.
Straight: we've put the problems of 2007 behind us
16 April 2008
Recycling business looks forward to 2008 with new orders and new products.
Weather hampers diy and garden sales, say BRC
16 April 2008
Poor March sees dip in like-for-likes.
Scotsdales joins Tillington Group
16 April 2008
Md says joining will help develop ideas and share information.
Non-food gains for Tesco
15 April 2008
'Robust' performance helped by Direct catalogue.
Entries accepted for GIMA Awards 2008
15 April 2008
Entries are now being accepted for the GIMA Awards 2008 – the ‘Oscars’ of the garden industry.
Digital boost for Hozelock
15 April 2008
Watering, spraying and pond equipment leader to educate consumers with interactive microsite.
OFT considers 'undertakings' in Home Retail-Focus deal
15 April 2008
Proposed divestment would remedy merger questions.
Walker Greenbank continues progress
11 April 2008
Walker Greenbank, the luxury interior furnishings group, has continued its progress after reporting an increase in profits from £1.4m to £3.1m in its preliminary results for the 12-month period ended January 31, 2008.
Space-saving programme progressing well, says B&Q
11 April 2008
'Win-win' scenario will lead to additional space let throughout 2008.
The retail week: April 6 - April 12
11 April 2008
High street news
Social networking and chatrooms help build Screwfix's popularity
11 April 2008
Visitors continually return to site to offer advice and share tips.
Travis Perkins to become a major player online
11 April 2008
There's room for us, says company ceo Geoff Cooper.
New members for HTA retail group
10 April 2008
Two new members have joined the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Retail Management Group.
BRC welcomes interest rates cut
10 April 2008
The Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates this morning by a quarter point to 5% has been welcomed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Tesco moves to outmanoeuvre Sir Tom Hunter
9 April 2008
Share offer on the basis of six for every five existing shares, at a price of £12 a share could cost Scottish entrepreneur £43m.
Travis Perkins invests in Toolstation
7 April 2008
Builders' merchant and retail operator acquires 30% stake from Screwfix founder with right to purchase remaining 70% after four years.
Wyevale patio decision took ten minutes, Professor Alan Knight tells conference
7 April 2008
Speaking at Kent 2020 Vision event, Alan Knight says he asked the question whether such products would make the world a better or a worse place?
McCann's DIY Centre to close its doors
7 April 2008
'It'll be a wrench, but the time has come,' says owner.
Warehouse goes up in flames
7 April 2008
Wolverhampton site destoyed.
Metalrax praises housewares division for 'satisfactory start'
4 April 2008
Profit improves; plans in place to launch exclusive products.
Blue Diamond buys three garden centres
4 April 2008
Group acquires three sites from Garden Centres of Excellence.
The Co-op strengthens environmental credentials
4 April 2008
Grocer introduces a peat-free compost product into its own-label gardening range.
Dobbies adds Sandyholm to portfolio
4 April 2008
£8m acquisition extends reach, says James Barnes.
Demand for green domestic products expected to climb
4 April 2008
Government announces measures to help reduce environmental impact in homes and communities.
Travis Perkins acquires Tile It All
3 April 2008
Acquisition provides opportunity to become a 'major force' in this attractive and growing market, says Travis Perkins chief executive.
Abbotts selected as Dulux colour advice centre
3 April 2008
Devon diy store is first and only to receive accreditation in county.
Met office: expect a typical British summer
3 April 2008
The coming summer is expected to be a 'typical British summer', according to long-range forecasts.
Hozelock announces £1m investment
3 April 2008
Hozelock has announced that it plans to invest £1m in new state-of-the-art machinery at its plant in Birmingham.
Housewares prices polarising, conference told
3 April 2008
Middle-market cookware is being squeezed by value and top-end alternatives, delegates at this week’s Housewares Conference learned.
Akzo Nobel puts £200m price tag on Crown
2 April 2008
Akzo Nobel has put its UK Crown Paints business up for sale for £200 million.
Woolworths lays foundations for 'challenge ahead'
2 April 2008
Advances in customer offer and store portfolio across 2007 leaves business well placed to make continued progress, says chief executive.
Key appointment at Kingfisher
2 April 2008
Experienced executive heads up home improvement group’s newly formed UK division.
GIMA director highlights significance of grow-it-yourself at The Housewares Conference
2 April 2008
Specialist cookware and home-grown food present year-round sales opportunity.
Consumers getting a better deal
2 April 2008
Research reveals that the cost of household goods has fallen by nearly 50% since the 1970s.
Ringing endorsement for The Housewares Conference
2 April 2008
Guests and speakers praise inaugural all-industry networking event.
Queueing for a pee-k
1 April 2008
Flower-shaped urinals cause a stir at Barton Grange
Retail footfall suffers badly over Easter fortnight
1 April 2008
Figures point to 'quietest Easter this decade'.
In tune with your cooking needs
1 April 2008
Outdoor barbecue with built in ipod dock wins red dot award
Colin and Justin battle the beige
1 April 2008
On behalf of the 97% who want to indulge their own tastes rather than that of the 'bland beige brigade' colourful duo Colin & Justin are at the front-line of the fight-back.