Member-owned buying group reports a record number of more than 1.3 million orders for its Christmas brochures and leaflets, which feature'3 for 2' deals to get shoppers spending over the festive period. 

More than 1,000 jobs at risk as Carphone Warehouse announces plans to close loss-making UK electronics chain by the end of the year. 

Father Christmas impersonator creates petition to get his job back after he is let go from the temporary festive role. 

Prize draw at dinner dance event brings in £20,000 for buying group's chosen charities RDT and Crash. 

The Totally Shows has introduced a new strapline - 'It's where the trade trades' - along with a new tool box image to promote the show this year. 

John Lewis is launching a 'Made in UK' logo to highlight British-made products instore. 

A man has been jailed for stealing a snake from Dobbies Garden World in Stirling. 

Next Directory reported a 17% sales increase for the quarter, while retail sales were down 3.3%. 

Festive DIY demos for parents and children will be on offer in B&Q stores across the UK, supported by online videos and tips for creating a homemade Christmas. 

UK manufacturers are expecting significant falls in activity over the next three months, according to the latest Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI. 

Among the latest group of fundraisers, BHETA housewares director Will Jones finally achieved his charity parachute jump on Saturday, raising £1,205 for the Rainy Day Trust. 

John Guest Speedfit helped represent the UK in the plumbing skills section of the recent WorldSkills London 2011 event. 

Reality TV star Louie Spence marked the launch of Christmas ranges at B&Q's Wandsworth store, as the retailer predicts its best sellers.
 

DIY co-operative offers tool gift ideas for consumers to get them spending in hardware stores this Christmas. 

B&Q has been named the worst online shop by the latest Which? customer survey, closely followed by Homebase. 

Scotts Miracle-Gro has reported a sharp improvement in its delivery performance since it opened its 154,000sq ft Quattro distribution centre at Doncaster earlier this year, with logistics handled by DHL. 

Independent retail chain Leekes has reported a 5.2% increase in turnover to £53.3m for the year to March 2011. 

Retail jobs declined by 23,000 in September, compared to the same month last year, according to the latest BRC-Bond Pearce Retail Employment Monitor. 

Retailer will provide customers with free wireless internet access in its stores across the UK and announces plans to develop a new iPhone app. 

The Range has updated its website to simplify the process of buying online.