Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Carpetright set to for store closures ahead of CVA announcement

Carpetright have announced it is considering a company voluntary agreement in a bid to rescue the business with a restructuring plan.Carpetright chief executive Wilf Walsh said: "I am pleased that we have secured this additional support from one of ... 
21 March 2018

D.W. Nye acquires Redhill business

Independent builders’ merchant D.W. Nye has acquired Fixings and Powertool Center in Redhill, Surrey. This is the first acquisition for family-run D.W. Nye, which has been operating for over 30 years and is based in Kingsfold on the Sussex/Surrey ... 
21 March 2018

Softer sales at B&Q & Screwfix reflect “uncertain” UK outlook, says Kingfisher

Despite Screwfix posting a robust performance for the year, with LFLs up 10.1%, “softer sales patterns” were reported across Screwfix and B&Q, as demand for big-ticket lines slowed. Sales across Kingfisher UK & Ireland operations were up 0.4% (... 
21 March 2018

HTA introduces recycling scheme for members

The HTA has launched a Recycling Scheme for its members which will enable businesses of all sizes to responsibly recycle their plastic and other waste and enhance their green credentials.Partnering with Ecogen, based in Winchester, the scheme will ... 
20 March 2018

Distribution market for garden products in the UK worth around £5bn says AMA Research

The UK domestic garden products distribution market was worth an estimated £4.9bn in 2017 at retail selling prices (RSP), representing an increase of 3% compared to the previous year. Both the weather and the state of the economy influence growth ... 
16 March 2018

Bunnings Warehouse opens for business in Walton-on-Thames

Home improvement and garden retailer Bunnings Warehouse officially opened its doors in Walton-on-Thames on 15 March.The new store, which is on the site of the former Homebase on New Zealand Avenue, is 34,000 square feet and offers customers a wide ... 
16 March 2018

Number of homeowners renovating instead of moving increases five-fold in five years

The number of homeowners choosing to stay put and invest in their existing property instead of moving has soared in the past five years, according to a new report from specialist insurer Hiscox.In 2013 just 3% of homeowners took the decision to ... 
14 March 2018

Chancellor's statement paints a mixed picture for retail

Chancellor Philip Hammond, released the Spring Statement today, which although announced upgraded projections for growth, as well as predictions of falling inflation, debt and borrowing - his speech also addressed various issues in the retail sector,... 
13 March 2018

Huge blaze engulfes Gardman warehouse in Daventry

More than 50 firefighters were called to the building, owned by garden centre suppliers Gardman, in Parsons Road late on Sunday (March 11 2018).The roof appears to have collapsed and smoke could be seen for miles around on Monday afternoon.Nobody is ... 
13 March 2018

Wyevale Nurseries staff celebrate two award wins

Staff at one of the UK’s leading nurseries is celebrating this month (March, 2018) after winning two awards from two garden centre groups it supplies plants to.Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford was awarded Plant Supplier of the Year 2017 from Klondyke ... 
13 March 2018

Wilko to open new store in Meadowhall Centre

One of Britain’s best loved value home and garden retailers, Wilko, will open the doors to its new store at Meadowhall Centre, on Wednesday March 21 at 10am.To mark the special occasion, Dancing on Ice star Jake Quickenden will be in attendance as ... 
13 March 2018

Global DIY Summit: Last chance for Early Bird Offer

You only have until Thursday, March 15 to take advantage of the discounted rate to attend the sixth Global DIY Summit this June, which is themed ‘DIY Next – Reinventing Our Industry’. Book now to save up to 300 Euros.The international industry event ... 
12 March 2018

DIY Week Awards product finalists revealed

Judges convened last month at the Dulux Academy at Akzo Nobel’s UK head office in Slough to discuss the entries and test out products, resulting in 27 products being shortlisted across nine categories.There were some tough decisions to be made ... 
9 March 2018

Home Hardware trade show raises £400 for charities

A very successful draw held at Home Hardware Southwest’s Spring Trade Show raised £400 to be split equally between Cancer Research and The Rainy Day Trust.Home Hardware Southwest extended its thanks to all members, suppliers and staff who generously ... 
9 March 2018

Ocado forum explores new opportunities for BHETA members

BHETA’s February 21 networking forum featured Ocado’s senior buying manager, Martin de la Fuente, Richard Butler from the CBI, Glynn Jones from the Bank of England, and Rob Ingram from Root 7. In a positive and entertaining session, each of the ... 
9 March 2018

QVC certified as top employer

Home shopping channel QVC UK is one of only 85 companies to be certified as a Top Employer UK by the Top Employers Institute, the global certifier of excellence in employee conditions.The certification shows that QVC “provides exceptional employee ... 
9 March 2018

Bunnings Warehouse opens in Penge

Home improvement and garden retailer Bunnings Warehouse officially opened its doors in Penge today (8 March 2018).The new store is over 40,000 square feet and offers customers leading home improvement and garden products from a wide range of global ... 
8 March 2018

John Lewis expect trading to be "volatile" in 2018/19

John Lewis Partnership Plc has released its full year results for the 52 weeks ended January 27, 2018.For the first five weeks of the year, Partnership gross sales were up 0.6% on last year. Waitrose gross sales were up 2.7% (up 2.4% like-for-like, ... 
8 March 2018

Bathroom Takeaway awarded quadruple Feefo gold trusted service awards

Bathroom Takeaway has been awarded four prestigious Feefo Gold Service awards across its European operations, recognising its exceptional multi-lingual customer service team.Feefo Gold Trusted Service is an independent seal of excellence that ... 
7 March 2018

New Screwfix store to arrive in Malton

Trade retailer, Screwfix is set to officially open its first store in Malton on 8 March 2018 at Malton Enterprise Park. The new branch will create 12 new jobs in the area and will help local tradespeople get what they need as quickly as possible to ... 
7 March 2018
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