News Archive September 2008
The City says: Kingfisher
30 September 2008
City broker Investec has cut its pre-tax forecasts for B&Q parent Kingfisher by 2% for the current year, and by 9% for the next.
Ikea recall after injury
30 September 2008
Ikea has recalled a chest of drawers after a design fault left a user injured.
Decco day gathers momentum
30 September 2008
Decco Ipswich open day, which will take place on Wednesday October 8, has secured more than 50 exhibitors.
Tesco delivers 'robust' results
30 September 2008
Supermarket chain's interim results reveal sales and profit rise in the face of credit crunch.
Argos in hunt for 15,000 Christmas staff
30 September 2008
Argos has announced it has begun the search for thousands of extra staff to man its 700-plus branches over the Christmas period.
Another homewares chain in administration
30 September 2008
Joy, the high street fashion and homewares chain which is parent company of the Hob cookshop and food stores, is the latest casualty of the economic downturn.
Parent buys brand after retailer collapses
29 September 2008
It has been announced that the Indian parent company of home textile and soft furnishings retailer Rosebys, has bought the brand name after the chain entered administration on Friday.
First woman president for BHF Group
29 September 2008
Sadie Chalkley, managing director of Tenbury Wells hardware and housewares retailer J G Banfield will assume the BHF Group chain of office in 2009. In doing so she will become the first woman to lead the trade association.
Akzo Nobel announces 3,500 job cuts
29 September 2008
World's largest paint manufacturer also plans to defer share buyback programme.
Manor Reproductions voted 'Best Display Stand' by Home Hardware
26 September 2008
Fireside accessories company rewarded for innovation and 'high standard' on stand at Autumn Trade Show.
GIMA Business Meeting looks at 'what's around the corner'
26 September 2008
Association aims to help answer questions about economic downturn and believes retailers and suppliers alike have 'good times' ahead.
Rainy Day Trust launches collecting tins
26 September 2008
Hardware and diy retailers throughout the UK are being encouraged to support the Rainy Day Trust's latest fund-raising initiative: collecting tins.
Eden Project co-founder and chief executive wins coveted Roy Hay Award
25 September 2008
Dutch-born Smit rewarded for considerable contribution to world-class horticulture via his transformation of the Lost Gardens of Heligan into one of the most visited gardens in the UK, and creating a cradle of life at the Eden Project.
Malcolm Scott Consultants get go ahead for Hayes redevelopment
25 September 2008
Planning permission granted for a new 'World of Plants' at Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside, in the Lake District National Park.
William Sinclair issues price increase warning
25 September 2008
'Significantly' escalating costs from suppliers, and weather-hit peat harvest forces producer of commercial horticulture and branded garden products to seek alternative suppliers.
Irish economy in recession
25 September 2008
Central Statistics Office figures show the economy has technically entered recession.
Kelkay and Farplants named suppliers of the year at Klondyke Awards
25 September 2008
Plant wholesaler and aggregates supplier rewarded for consistency of supply, merchandising and customer service.
Top comic booked for retail awards dinner
24 September 2008
Award-winning Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert has been confirmed as the guest compere at the 2008 Britain's Best Retailer Awards dinner in Manchester on Tuesday November 18.
Bahco merges with Eurotools Group
24 September 2008
The tool sector has a 'new market force', which will offer a complete tool range says John Lovatt, managing director at SNA Europe.
Scotsdale shines at Haddonstone Stockist Awards
23 September 2008
Cambridgeshire garden centre named top performer in awards that celebrate the hard work of independent garden centres across the country in display and sales.
Belle Group and Altrad in merger talks
23 September 2008
Proposed merger will assist in meeting customer expectations and allow the new company to offer a wide range of products that meet all sourcing criteria, says md of Belle.
Best of Glee Awards announced
23 September 2008
Innovation of suppliers and retailers from across the garden, pet and leisure industries recognised in the coveted Glee Awards.
First day of autumn brings out crowds at Glee
22 September 2008
Surge in visitor numbers on second day of show, makes up for a quiet opening.
Kingfisher willing to part company with Hornbach
19 September 2008
'It has to be an option, because it's not core', says Kingfisher chief executive.
Personnel changes give new look to HTA
19 September 2008
Support for garden retailing figures heavily in restructuring.
Glee director is 'In the Spotlight'
19 September 2008
As Glee prepares to open its doors, DIY Week gets to know the man in charge and puts show director Dan Thurlow 'In the Spotlight'.
'Solid set' of interims says Kingfisher
18 September 2008
Rises in group retail sales and profits but prospect of 'very tough times ahead' calls for hard work to maintain progress, announced Ian Cheshire this morning.
Show is 'Totally' on track for great 2009
18 September 2008
Plans move on apace for January's Totally shows with new exhibitors, new speakers, new layout and another small screen appearance...
Obituary: Mark Skelton
18 September 2008
Mark Skelton, former publisher of DIY Week, Hardware & Garden Review and Housewares Magazine died on Friday September 12. He was 48.
Record interim losses prompts denial of sale at Woolworths
17 September 2008
Chairman maintains the retail business is not for sale but is open to suggestions about its future.
Tesco joins ranks with Asda and Argos
17 September 2008
Supermarket chain becomes latest retailer to slash prices in bid to entice value-conscious consumers.
Interbuild show director leaves to launch own exhibition
16 September 2008
James Gower confirms departure; details of new exhibition expected in October.
London continues to buck sales trend
16 September 2008
Figures from BRC indicate restaurants and fashion the main beneficiaries as rain and discounts force shopper indoors.
Homebase faces significant asset write-down
16 September 2008
Home Retail Group to write down 'hundreds of millions' of pounds on value of assets at DIY giant to reflect poor trading conditions.
Pre-Christmas opening for Frosts' energy-efficient garden centre
16 September 2008
Project is part of a £2m development to add departments including a food shop, flower shop, and coffee shop.
Cook's Companion on course to be a sell out
15 September 2008
More retailers have already signed up for more copies of the Cook's Companion than in any previous year, says CHA chairman Caroline Gordon.
GCA names Scotland’s Best Garden Centre
15 September 2008
Caulders Garden Centre in Kirkintilloch has been named as the Garden Centre Association’s Best Garden Centre in Scotland for 2008.
Businesses ready to cash in on green living
15 September 2008
Gordon Brown's energy efficiency giveaway prompts special offers on eco-products.
Housing slump prompts rise in visits to online DIY stores
12 September 2008
Hitwise analysis shows DIY and furniture retailers overtaking estate agents as property downturn hits home.
Extensions boost for DIY retailers
12 September 2008
Revised planning permission requirements could create buzz of activity around home improvements as property owners opt to create more space in their existing homes.
Longmead's failure to plug losses sees administrators called in
12 September 2008
Bathroom accessories supplier appoints Pricewaterhouse Coopers to sell group as a going concern.
Dunelm reports full-year profits rise
11 September 2008
Home furnishings retailer sees pre-tax profits grow 19.8% and strengthens market share; upbeat on future prospects despite dip in like-for-like sales for last 10 weeks.
Home Retail's sales fall
11 September 2008
Argos and Homebase suffer at hands of consumer slowdown; group still expects to meet half-year profit expectations.
Update: Austin White
11 September 2008
Following news that the distribution company has entered administration this week, managing director Geoff Hounslea comments on the situation.
Exhibitors praise quality of visitors to spoga+gafa 2008
11 September 2008
The cathedral city of Cologne, which plays host to the international garden show, once again received praise from exhibitors at spoga+gafa 2008.
Conference returns for 2009
10 September 2008
Following its incredibly successful launch last year, the Housewares Conference will return in Spring 2009.
Advertising watchdog calls on B&Q to remove misleading ad
10 September 2008
B&Q told press ad claiming a spotlight was cheaper than one from John Lewis must not appear again in its current form.
Austin White enters administration
10 September 2008
Begbies Traynor appointed to handle case of national housewares and DIY distributor.
Jane Lawler leaves Bayer Garden
9 September 2008
Head of marketing signs up for same role at the UK garden and leisure company, Gardman.
Glee Awards – retail awards shortlist announced
9 September 2008
Having beaten off stiff competition from dozens of entries to the Glee Awards, the shortlisted entries for the retail categories have been announced.
GCA calls for wow factor at Ruxley Rose
8 September 2008
When the Garden Centre Association opens the Ruxley Rose competition later this month, it will stress entries embrace creativity and consider a changing marketplace.
B&Q staff fear job losses
8 September 2008
Design consultants tell Daily Record they are being 'forced' to sign contracts.
Jo-El: product safety recall notice
8 September 2008
Carbon monoxide detector, Article No: 822611
Early indications of a low-spending Christmas
8 September 2008
Survey finds consumers plan to spend less on decorations and presents, but more on food and drink
Forest Garden restructures with £2.5m investment
5 September 2008
Bank funds development of manufacturing buildings and storage facilities at Hartlebury headquarters. Eardisley site to close this year.
Interest rates: 'No surprise' says BHF Group
5 September 2008
Right decision for now, but we expect the 'inevitable decline' soon, says Alan Hawkins.
Asda Living - the rollout continues
5 September 2008
Five stores this year across the UK
Spread Garden Supplies ceases trading
4 September 2008
Specialist supplier of gardening and leisure products winds down its two depots in St Helens and Beckford.
NWF garden centre sale close to completion
4 September 2008
The sale of the group's garden centre operation could go through imminently.
Ed Byrne to star at DIY charity gala dinner
4 September 2008
Popular TV comedian, panel game and chat show guest, Ed Byrne headlines the entertainment at next year’s DIY gala charity dinner, at the Royal Garden Hotel, in London.
Rainy Day Trust increases readership for Annual Review
3 September 2008
The Rainy Day Trust Annual Review, which reports on the work undertaken by the charity during the previous year, will see its distribution grow to cover the readers of DIY Week, Housewares and BMJ.
Stanley pledges brand investment
3 September 2008
Marketing head highlights support and product development as company commits to creating an extensive portfolio.
Hodkinson leaves Wyevale Garden Centres
2 September 2008
Nicholas Marshall, owner of Country Homes & Gardens, takes on chief executive post to drive next phase of development and expansion.
Letter from Andy Vaughan
2 September 2008
The BHETA DIY sector director Andy Vaughan expresses his thanks to the industry on his return to work.
Fads' owner posts £145,000 loss after tough year
2 September 2008
Strategic Retail hit by market downturn; pulls plug on new store openings.
Scribble gives it 'sum wellie'
2 September 2008
Leisurewear supplier gets involved in world record attempt to launch new wellie range.
PJH goes the distance for children's cancer charity
1 September 2008
Staff, including three board directors, raise over £6,000 at Manchester run.
Clas Ohlson hands advertising brief to Karmarama
1 September 2008
Agency famous for Ikea campaign wins account for all advertising, sales promotion and consumer pr.
Plenty for visitors at Home Hardware's Autumn show
1 September 2008
Over 100 exhibitors plus special offers and stock deals at Exeter-based show.