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Christmas sales boost for John Lewis

John Lewis has shrugged off last week's profits slump to announce sales of its Christmas products were showing an 11.3% week-on-week increase. 
25 November 2008

Home Hardware names best dressed for Christmas

Watson Home Hardware ‘delighted’ as it bags the top spot in window dressing competition for second year in a row. 
25 November 2008

Dividend scrapped as Topps Tiles sales drop 5.4%

Tile and wood flooring specialist decides not to pay final dividend in order to reduce net debt and improve its ‘financial flexibility’. 
25 November 2008

Grosvenor named best in the North West

Grosvenor Garden Centre has been named 'Green City' regional winner of a brand new award. 
25 November 2008

Woolworths takeover talks ongoing

Talks to save troubled high street chain Woolworths are continuing this week after a revised rescue bid was drawn up. 
24 November 2008

Electrical giant BDC calls in administrators

The UK's largest distributor of electrical appliances, BDC, otherwise known as Bridisco, went into administration on Friday. 
24 November 2008

Powertek DIYtools.com gutted by fire

Watford-based tool supplier suffers heavy damage following a suspicious fire last week. 
24 November 2008

BHETA to help form 'Super Federation'?

Following a unanimous Board decision on October 30, members of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) have been asked to vote on a proposal that will see their Association join forces with the British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation (BJGF) to form a new 'super federation'. 
24 November 2008

John Lewis sales figures show further fall

John Lewis sales figures plunged by 14% last week fueling fears cash conscience customers are trading down from the high-end stores due to the economic turn down. 
21 November 2008

Royal Worcester stockists hold clearance sales

16 outlets across UK to slash prices on Royal Worcester and Spode pottery following firm’s entry into administration. 
21 November 2008

B&Q to teach practical DIY courses

B&Q has joined forces with affordable housing scheme Home to give residents the chance to take practical courses in subjects like flooring and gardening. 
20 November 2008

Stars shine at Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2008

Retailers across the sector are celebrating this week after scooping Gold Awards at this year's Britain's Best Retailer Awards. 
20 November 2008

ONS figures show retail sales up

Figures released today (November 20) by the Office of National Statistics show improved year-on-year sales in the retail sector. 
20 November 2008

Retailers to source more UK Christmas trees due to costs

Businesses looking to boost profits this Christmas with festive trees have been forced to source them closer to home, according to the British Christmas Tree Grower's Association. 
19 November 2008

Woolworths in talks to sell stores

Restructuring specialist Hilco in the picture to snap up the troubled chain if board members are able to secure support of Woolworth’s lenders and shareholders. 
19 November 2008

90% of paint strippers could be banned by Brussels proposals

A possible European Commission led ban on the use of dichloromethane would affect 90% of all paint strippers currently on the market, according to a Scottish MEP. 
19 November 2008

M&S goes international

Marks & Spencer has launched an international delivery service giving potentially millions of customers access to its home accessories range through the internet. 
18 November 2008

Wolseley to axe further 2,300 jobs

Majority of job losses will take place in UK as building materials supplier reacts to market with ‘aggressive but measured cost reduction’. 
18 November 2008

Garden centres compete for Ruxley Rose prize

Ten Garden Centre Association stores from around the country are battling it out for the Ruxley Rose plant retailing competition. 
18 November 2008

Workmen opt for ‘labourer’s latte’ over builder’s brew

Wickes poll reveals 60% of Britain’s tradesmen now down tools for a cup of coffee rather than the nation’s favourite, a cup of tea. 
18 November 2008
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