During 2012 an average of 20 multiple retailers closed down everyday on the high street, according to new research from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Local Data Company. 

The first two weeks of February saw sales volumes continue to strengthen, but the pace of growth slowed for the third consecutive month, according to the latest CBI distributive trades survey. 

The latest company to sign up with the British Home Enhancement Trades Association is kitchen tools and gadgets supplier Uutensil. 

An overnight transformation saw the Rockfield DIY store in Abergavenny close its doors for the last time one night in December 2012 - only to open as the brand new Baileys DIY the very next day. 

A new specialist plant centre will be launched next month in Shrewsbury. 

John Lewis has today announced an investment of £32m to fund an extensive refurbishment programme in four of its stores this year. 

Around 500 garden centres and industry suppliers across the UK are putting the final plans in place for the second annual Garden Re-Leaf Day, which takes place on Friday, March 8, marking the launch of gardening season. 

As the European Commission pushed back its decision on enforcing restrictions on neonicotinoids, which have been linked to bee decline, environmentalist network Friends of the Earth has circulated a letter urging garden centre managers to ban the controversial pesticides. 

Yorkshire tool wholesaler KDA Wholesale is looking to expand its business after moving into new premises. 

Axminster Carpets, which is urgently trying to find a way out of its financial difficulties, has sold off its tannery business. 

Norfolk chain Roys of Wroxham is adding another garden centre to its portfolio in an acquisition deal expected to go through today. 

Garden centres saw a slower month in January due to snowfall, with indoor departments such as pet care and clothing showing the best performance. 

Horticultural supplier Bayer Garden, which was named as one of the manufacturers of neonicotinoid insecticides by campaigners earlier this week, has hit back at claims that its products are harmful to bees. 

March 1st will see the Builders Merchants Federation re-locate to its new home in Coventry. 

Town & Country has risen to the Garden Re-Leaf challenge to help raise vital funds for the Greenfingers charity by donating money from the sale of its Weedmaster glove range. 

Bents Garden & Home was pleased to present £10,144 to the Clare House Children's Hospice, its charity of the year 2012. 

A 'fashion-forward' feel, inspirational, affordable and helpful shopping experience was how B&Q described its re-vamped store which opened in Banbury today. 

Kingfisher announced its financial results for the 14 weeks to February 2, 2013, today, with the "generally weak consumer backdrop" blamed for B&Q's 6.4% sales drop compared with the same 13 weeks last year. 

December 30, 2012 rounded off another successful year for online and mail order ironmongery supplier Ironmongery Direct, as it posted 22% growth. 

Blue Diamond, Notcutts, Hillier, SCATS, Scotsdales and Squires have joined a campaign to eradicate pesticides containing chemicals linked to bee decline, bringing several high-profile garden manufacturers into the firing line.