Ikea UK & Ireland has reported a like-for-like sales rise of 1% to £1.2bn for the year to August 31, 2010. 

B&Q and Homebase have come bottom in the latest Which? consumer survey of 78 online retailers, with low ratings for both price and product. 

Best Buy opened its fifth UK store this morning at Trafalgar Way Retail Park on the Purley Way in Croydon. 

In-store ordering service 'Asda Extra' to be trialled in three Asda outlets in the north of England. 

DIY Week readers who are fans of The Apprentice will have enjoyed last night's episode, which featured B&Q, Wolseley and Rowlands Home Hardware. 

Retail employment went up by 2.1% in the third quarter of 2010 compared with the same period in 2009, according to the latest BRC-Bond Pearce Retail Employment Monitor. 

X Factor-style competition has whittled contestants down to top 50 retail employees in a quest to find the best vocal performer for 2010 and raise funds for retail charity. 

Department store chain continues roll out of at home format with 40,000sq ft outlet on Mannington Retail Park. 

Carpetright has reported a decline in group sales of 5.2% for the 12 weeks to October 23, 2010. 

DIY retailer to continue support of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, after vote is put to Wickes employees. 

Prime Minister backs the "businesses of tomorrow" for economic growth, stresses the importance of competition and wants to get banks back lending to smaller firms. 

Focus DIY brand director Richard Bird has stepped down from his role to become a director of Focus' parent company FLP2. 

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will officially open the new carbon neutral Bramall Learning Centre library at RHS Garden Harlow Carr. 

ONS reports 0.2% drop in sales volumes on previous month, despite positive growth seen in household goods categories and non-specialised stores. 

Avery Truman, the oldest independent store in Eltham, re-opened its doors earlier this month as the latest to adopt the Home Hardware name and fascia. 

Pace picks up for department store following temperature drop, with sales of Christmas merchandise ahead of last year and shoppers wrapping up in winter clothing. 

Rising travel expenses result in Brits spend more than £770 a year getting to the shops - before they have even bought anything. 

Some of the sights and stands spotted by DIY Week at this year's show. 

Retailers are "surprised and dismayed" after a £1bn environmental stealth tax was revealed in the Comprehensive Spending Review yesterday. 

Despite weak housing and construction market, Dulux parent company reports revenue increase but remains 'cautiously optimistic'.