Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Tool kit and ceiling fan deemed dangerous

A tool kit and a ceiling fan are amongst the latest dangerous products to have been withdrawn or recalled from the market. 
1 October 2012

Lack of mortgage lending is "hurting DIY retail" says BRC

Enabling "prudent mortgage lending" to first time buyers (FTBs) will help reverse declining sales in DIY, gardening, homewares, furniture and floor coverings that accounted for £34bn in sales last year, according to the BRC and Genworth analysts. 
28 September 2012

Kingfisher boss Ian Cheshire takes over BRC

The newest chairman of the British Retail Consortium started his new job on Monday, October 1. B&Q boss Ian Cheshire succeeds Rob Templeman, who will be staying on as deputy for another year. 
28 September 2012

B&Q recognised for its efforts in sustainability

DIY giant received The Queen's Award this week for its work creating a sustainable business and helping people improve the sustainability of their homes. 
28 September 2012

Victoria Plumb to continue growth with TV ad campaign

Online luxury bathroom retailer Victoria Plumb will be hitting TV screens next week with its first television advertising campaign. 
27 September 2012

Wienerberger employees trek, climb and abseil for charity

More than 50 representatives of bricks and roof tiles manufacturer Wienerberger UK, recently took on a massive challenge on Holy Island, Angelsey, to raise more than £3,000 for CLIC Sargent. 
27 September 2012

Velcro unveils complete rebrand

Velcro Industries has launched an overhaul of its global brand identity, including a new logo, brand architecture, website, packaging system and brand positioning. 
27 September 2012

Solus awarded Supplier of the Year

Solus Garden & Leisure was delighted to be named Greatest Supplier at the recent Greatest Awards held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham. 
27 September 2012

Dunelm overthrows John Lewis as leading homewares retailer

Dunelm Mill is leading the £11bn homewares retail market with 0.1% more market share than former top dog John Lewis, according to Verdict. The consultancy estimated Dunelm now has 6.9% market share, up from 6.1% last year. 
27 September 2012

GfK: optimism for decorative power tools and floorcare

Bad weather over the summer drove consumers to spend more inside, helping to offset the impact of the declining housing market on the decorative and indoor power tools categories, according to market analyst GfK. 
26 September 2012

Topps Tiles back on form after positive Q4

Revenues are estimated to have increased by 3.7% like-for-like during Topps Tiles' fourth quarter, the retailer announced in its pre-close trading update for the 52 weeks ending September 29, 2012. 
26 September 2012

Bayer will continue TV ads next spring

Bayer Garden's weedkiller range will continue its TV campaign in the spring of 2013 following its successful run this year. 
26 September 2012

Retail up in September, but DIY sector remains depressed

A third more DIY retailers reported sales volumes were down during the first two weeks of September than those reporting positive results, according to the latest distributive trades survey from the CBI. 
26 September 2012

M&S is named Responsible Retailer of the Year

Marks & Spencer has received the accolade Responsible Retailer of the Year in a global awards scheme. 
25 September 2012

Convenience and speed are top click-and-collect priorities

Around 44% of shoppers buying online from DIY and out-of-town retailers are choosing to collect their goods rather than have them delivered. 
25 September 2012

Smart Solar distributes Haxnicks range

Smart Solar has announced it is distributing the Haxnicks range of products across the UK, France and Germany under an exclusive licensing deal. 
25 September 2012

B&Q and UK Youth triumph at London Triathlon

Drawing inspiration from the performance of Team GB at London 2012, staff members from Kingfisher took to the water, bikes and track for partner charity UK Youth at this year's London Triathlon. 
25 September 2012

Fraudsters jailed for huge B&Q refunds swindle

A group of criminals who defrauded B&Q of almost a quarter of a million pounds over a five-year period have been put behind bars. 
25 September 2012

Shoppers flock to opening of Leekes' new flagship Coventry store

Leekes says the opening last Saturday of its biggest-yet store was one of the most important milestones in the family business's 115-year history. 
25 September 2012

Wickes employees trek through Alaska and raise £35,000

A team of 19 Wickes workers braved the wilderness of Alaska on an eight day trek, raising £35,695 and counting for partner charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. 
25 September 2012
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