The news that, as of today (April 6), employers can no longer issue notices of intended retirement date, ahead of the change in legislation in October abolishing the default retirement age, is not without its problems.

The season is upon us, and the months of preparation, purchasing and, let's face it, prayers, are about to come to a head in a golden window of sales opportunity.

A visit to the Toolbank Trade Zoo

Never having had to manage a stockroom, it's perhaps difficult for me to fully empathise with DIY Week readers when it comes to the trials and tribulations of your back rooms.

Walking the halls at Totally this week has thrown up a question - can anyone explain to me the connection between adhesives and animals?

The Tesco Spring-Summer outdoor living press show last week was dominated by acid bright picnicware and fashion-led items such as coordinating deck chairs, cool bags, tableware and cushions (in a hibiscus flower print with two colour choices - blue and green or magenta and orange). However, there was also evidence of an emerging credible garden offer.

I was in Northern France recently looking in the major DIY stores including Castorama, Leroy Merlin and Brico Depot.

Retail 'guru' Mary Portas has hit the headlines again (remember her televised makeover of Lightwater Homecare?) with her pet retail hates.

Last week I met a guy named Harry. I met Harry on the shopfloor of a leading independent retailer and I liked him immediately. Harry is a man of very few words, and yet he spoke volumes about the business.

With all the talk of the effects of the VAT increase on consumer spending, I notice that many retailers are now using this as a promotional tool ('pre VAT prices held' etc.).