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Customers reveal their ideal bathrooms

Survey reveals customers' dream bathroom features, including underfloor heating, walk-in shower and even a bar with topless waitresses. 
9 July 2009

Mica enters administration

Hardware buying and marketing group Mica entered administration last night citing the pressure of the recession. Stax Trade Centres will take over the wholesaling responsibility. 
9 July 2009

BHETA issues injunction over confidential emails

The debate on our sister site HousewaresLive.net regarding the proposed merger between BHETA and the BJGF continues to rage following news that the association has been granted a restraining injunction against member Charles Harrison to stop him from publishing confidential BHETA material that has come into his possession. 
9 July 2009

Chainsaws stolen in garden centre raid

Police appeal for witness to burglary at St John's Garden Centre in Barnstaple. 
8 July 2009

Ikea owner warns of further job cuts

Swedish retailer counts the cost of property slump 
8 July 2009

Footfall strong in June

Synovate Retail Traffic Index (RTI) figures reveal UK shopper numbers fell marginally against last year, with June one of the best months of the year so far. 
8 July 2009

Exclusively visitors up 6% despite tube strikes

Despite the recessionary gloom and a tube strike, last month's Exclusively Housewares delivered another good year for visitors and exhibitors alike, according to organiser Brooke House Exhibitions. 
7 July 2009

Exhibitors support Totally move

Show organisers pleased at positive reaction to relocation of Totally Tools, DIY and Secure to Birmingham, with a number of exhibitors returning to show as a result. 
6 July 2009

Grafton Group sees further falls

Builders merchant and DIY chain Grafton Group has released its trading update for the six months to June 30, and, as expected, the news isn't good. 
3 July 2009

GIMA raises more than £3,000 for Greenfingers Appeal

Fundraising activities at annual Awards dinner sees garden retailers and suppliers dig deep for charity. 
3 July 2009

Further protests over proposed HRG bonus scheme

More than 40% of Home Retail Group's shareholders refused to back the company's remuneration scheme, which could see directors rewarded up to 150% of their salaries in cash. 
3 July 2009

£7m Dobbies centre gets go ahead

The environment minister has finally approved plans for a £7m Dobbies garden centre just outside Lisburn in Northern Ireland, four years after the initial application was submitted. 
3 July 2009

Carpetright sees profits drop 72%

National floorcovering retailer Carpetright has announced a 72% slide in pre-tax profits for the 12 months to May 2. 
2 July 2009

GCA pulls plug on GRO buying group

Associated Independent Stores (AIS) takes over GRO after the GCA was unable to generate a sustainable number of members for the scheme. 
2 July 2009

M&S home sales 'outperform market'

Marks and Spencer trading statement reveals retailer performed better than expected in first quarter. 
1 July 2009

Plasplugs loses out to power dispute

Refusal to connect electricity costs firm dear 
1 July 2009

Crown Paints enters into partnership with I-Plas

Leading paint manufacturer teams up with Halifax-based company to see its waste material transformed into recycled building material. 
1 July 2009

Wolseley boss leaves with immediate effect

Wolseley chief executive Chip Hornsby stepped down from the position yesterday after almost three years. He leaves with immediate effect. 
1 July 2009

Home Retail Group bonus scheme attacked

A new bonus scheme introduced by the Homebase and Argos parent company, which could see some executives paid up to 150% of their salaries in cash, has come under fire from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), The Times has reported. 
30 June 2009

Beales feels effect of administrations

Turnover remains stable with a small drop in post tax profit, but concession sales hit by administrations. 
30 June 2009
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