The book, a second edition of Richard Jackson's 150 Top Gardening Tips proved so popular with QVC customers, all 10,000 copies were sold in just 36 minutes. 

The number of empty units in retail parks has dropped as more high street retailers make the move to out-of-town stores. 

Swedish home retailer picks up accolade at the 2011 Cannes Lions Awards and is praised for its "creative, unconventional and humorous advertising". 

The first 10 Focus stores shut their doors yesterday, with 112 set to follow this week, as shoppers loaded up on cut-price items. 

Wickes md Jeremy Bird has been promoted to chairman of parent company Travis Perkins' retail arm. 

More than 400 senior executives from 35 countries gathered in Brussels last week to attend the inaugural Global DIY Summit, organised by EDRA and fediyma. 

The unemployment rate for the three months to April 2011 fell to 7.7%, down 0.3% on the previous quarter and the largest quarterly drop since August 2000. 

Almost one in two shoppers would shun brands that don't take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, according to new research from the Carbon Trust. 

Retail sales volumes fell 1.4% in May compared with the previous month, according to the latest report from the Office of National Statistics. 

Private equity firm ECI has invested £12m in plastics manufacturer Stewart, the company announced today. 

B&Q teams up with the Scouts to help plug the skills gap and teach DIY to half a million under 15s with the launch of a new badge. 

The latest email from Focus liquidators hammers home the point that the first Focus stores will close this Sunday. 

Argos launched its own home shopping channel today on Sky, available to view in 10m homes. 

Easter and the Royal wedding boost general merchandise ranges despite tough trading environment but supermarket chain predicts continued pressure on consumer spending and a competitive market. 

B&Q was one of only three retailers to make The Sunday Times Best Green Companies List 2011, coming in at 18th place. 

Paint firm's factory in Prudhoe, Northumberland is now harvesting rainwater to produce brands, such as Dulux and Cuprinol, as part of the company's operational Eco-Efficiency programme. 

Department store chain announces plans for its 10th at home, set to open by autumn 2012. 

Independents are weathering the recession better than the multiples, and are capable of reviving UK high streets if "freed from the shackles that hamper them", the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said. 

Carphone Warehouse is considering the future of its Best Buy roll out following losses at the 10-strong chain of more than £60m for the full year to March 31 2011. 

Distributor Proteam UK has entered administration, owed £3m by Focus.