Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Wolseley to double number of kitchen showrooms

Build and Plumb Center parent plans to double number of kitchen studio showrooms it will open across the UK. 
14 April 2010

No buyer found for FADS

Administrators see 'no prospects of recovery for the ongoing business', and have initiated a closing down procedure of the decorating chain. Twelve of the 16 retail outlets that were still trading have already closed. 
13 April 2010

Retail administrations fall to lowest level in four years

The number of retailers entering into administration fell to its lowest level in four years in the first quarter of 2010. 
13 April 2010

Easter boosts sales on the high street

Total sales up 6.6% in March, with homewares driven by mid-season sales but BRC warns of consumer caution and a 'gloomier picture'. 
13 April 2010

Sales up at Golden Acres

Garden centre group Golden Acres has reported a 20% retail sales increase. 
12 April 2010

Consumers shop home categories over Easter period

Sales of furniture and textiles saw a boost on the high street in March, with shoppers attracted by 'cleverly targeted promotions'. 
12 April 2010

John Newcomb to stand in BHETA presidential election

BHETA has announced that vice president John Newcomb will stand as president at the June 3 agm, with the full backing of the board and the sector committees. A number of other representatives will also stand for key positions on the board and on the committees. 
12 April 2010

Home Retail shares climb after bid rumours

Home Retail Group was a top riser on the stock market today after media speculation suggested Asda parent Wal-Mart is eyeing the British retailer as a potential acquisition. 
12 April 2010

EPE wins at Home Hardware show

EPE International was voted the 'best display stand' at Home Hardware's Spring Trade Show at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter on March 9. 
9 April 2010

Easter and price competitor check drives sales at John Lewis

Department store's weekly sales up 30% on 2009, with its Never Knowingly Undersold campaign boosting sales in home categories. 
9 April 2010

Brits lack interest in DIY compared with Europe

British houses are in the worst state of repair compared to the rest of Europe, with nearly every second home in need of renovation, according to research released last week by Bosch. 
8 April 2010

Employee theft causes significant losses, says G4S

Almost one in ten retail employees have committed a crime against their employer in the last 12 months, says new research from G4S Secure Solutions. 
8 April 2010

Mica DIY becomes a co-operative

Trading group changes business model and appoints new board of directors, while managing director Steve Ball takes up role of chief executive. 
8 April 2010

Wickes trials new-format stores

Wickes is trialling smaller format kitchen and bathroom stores in a bid to soak up market share left by the collapse of MFI in 2008. 
7 April 2010

Brits' spending power continues to decline

Average UK family £6 a week worse off in February 2010 than they were a year ago. 
7 April 2010

Shop price inflation slows in March

Non-food inflation drops 0.6% – the first time since the VAT reversal – as retailers drive footfall with promotional activity over the Easter period. 
7 April 2010

Garden Centre Group tests Easter Sunday opening

The Garden Centre Group tested trading laws last weekend by opening 74 stores across England and Wales on Easter Sunday despite the ban. 
7 April 2010

UK's upturn still on course but recovery is fragile, says the BCC

British economy avoids a double-dip recession but the country is still at serious risk of a setback, according to results of recent survey. 
7 April 2010

Charity Shoot in aid of the Rainy Day Trust attracts top retailers

Thursday 3rd June - a date for the diary and not to be missed. An opportunity to spend a day at the UK's premier clay shooting school along with some of the UK's Top DIY & Home Enhancement Suppliers and Retailers. 
6 April 2010

MBO of ADP commercial division

The commercial division of ADP has returned to private ownership, four years after its acquisition from Kerridge. 
6 April 2010
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