As consumer confidence reaches 18 month high, 20% of shoppers plan to splash out this Christmas. 

GCA's senior inspector Ian Boardman completes the national round of judging for the competition. 

As negotiations over licensing come to an end it is announced that from next August, retailers will no longer be able to purchase locks under the Chubb brand. 

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association is moving to its new offices in Birmingham tomorrow. 

British Property Federation (BPF) calls for greater government support for businesses, as new figures reveal that 10% of retailers closed in just nine months. 

Home improvement retailer plans to bring lost skills back to hundreds of schools with its Job Done! Programme. 

Retail giants, including Focus and Homebase slash prices on energy saving products, even offering 'buy one get three free' deals, to entice customers to spend in autumn. 

Paint and Coatings manufacturer reports 10% sales drop but mitigates UK decline with price increases. 

JML Direct has successfully defended its claim that its Twista Mop wrings out every last drop of water. 

CBI reports most positive growth rate in almost two years but DIY and hardware stores report fall in sales. 

Focus, Britain's fourth largest retail DIY chain, took a step closer back towards break-even – and perhaps towards profitability – in the year to February 22, according to latest results filed at Companies House. 

A drug supplier has been sentenced to five years in prison after he was arrested trying to smuggle amphetamines into Bolton in a delivery of conifer trees at Holland Nurseries. 

Homewares chain approached by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners in takeover bid. 

Eliza Tinsley's Peter Stone will take up the role in the New Year. 

Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd gains double planning permissions for ambitious development at 14-hectare joint Forest Lodge and Birdworld site. 

Parent company orders strategic review of loss-making homewares chain. 

Conversion of 53,000sq ft of sales space from concession to own-bought ranges pays off, as department store reports increase in sales and gross margin in 2009. 

Leading paints and coating specialist is the latest big name to come on board for Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2009. 

Essex-based Household2U offers top brands, including Delonghi, Morphy Richards and Panasonic and hopes to create a more user-friendly shopping experience. 

Garden machinery company fined £3,420 for failing to meet recycling obligations.