Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Storm Katie counteracts positive Good Friday high street footfall

High street shops suffered the brunt of Storm Katie over the Easter bank holiday weekend, according to market research company Springboard. 
29 March 2016

Homebase's new owner pledges to pay living wage to under-25s

Bosses at Homebase's new Australian owner Wesfarmers have pledged to pay workers aged under 25 the new living wage. 
29 March 2016

Cookshop chain Steamer Trading acquires Divertimenti

The Steamer Trading cookshop chain has acquired up-market London cookshop Divertimenti. 
29 March 2016

Geka links with London & Lancs for UK distribution

London & Lancs has taken on the UK distribution of Geka, one of Europe's leading horticultural and gardening brands. 
29 March 2016

'Do-it-for-me' boosts paint and wallcoverings

The paint, wallcoverings and woodcare market has enjoyed a welcome boost in recent years - thanks in no small part to the 'do-it-for-me' trend. 
29 March 2016

Indies told to target the grey pound at BHETA forum

An upbeat group of speakers gave key advice tailored especially for independent DIY and hardware retailers at a recent forum hosted by the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA). 
29 March 2016

Brad Pitt stocks up on DIY supplies at B&Q

The weather may have put many DIYers off shopping this Easter bank holiday, but A-lister Brad Pitt was apparently not one of them. 
29 March 2016

GC worker takes to hot coals for charity

Squire's Garden Centre staff member Lynn Street recently took part in a charity fire walk in West Byfleet to raise money for the Woking and Sam Beare Hospices. 
24 March 2016

Rainy Day Trust marks 173rd anniversary today

Founded in 1843, the home improvement industry's own charity, Rainy Day Trust, celebrates its 173rd anniversary today, March 24. 
24 March 2016

Next reveals 5% rise in pre-tax profits but warns of tough times ahead

Fashion, home and garden retailer Next posted its annual results today, revealing overall sales up 3.7% and pre-tax profits up 5% to £821m. 
24 March 2016

Homeworking and leisure drive garden buildings growth

The relative affordability of garden buildings as a way of adding to accommodation is just one of the factors that helped grow the market by around 3.5% last year. 
24 March 2016

Rowlinson takes on ShelterLogic outdoor storage

Rowlinson Garden Products has been appointed by ShelterLogic as its UK distributor of the ShelterLogic lawn and garden range. 
24 March 2016

Thousands sign petition on B&Q 'pay cut' D-day

On the day that B&Q employees are being asked to put their names to new terms of employment or face the sack, a petition urging a management rethink is gaining thousands of signatures. 
24 March 2016

Fiskars launches Easter TV campaign

With Easter starting early this year, Fiskars has released its fifth multi-media Spring campaign just ahead of the bank holiday weekend. 
24 March 2016

Kingfisher results: UK retail profit +18%, statutory profit -20%

B&Q's parent company Kingfisher has released its annual results for the year ending January 31, 2016, with total sales up 3.8% for its entire operation despite a 20.5% fall in statutory pre-tax profits to £512m. 
23 March 2016

£166,000 garden centre fraudster faces jail

A garden centre company secretary who was "trusted implicitly" is facing a stretch behind bars after she stole almost £166,000 from the business. 
23 March 2016

Baby Bio air ambulance support gets off the ground

Baby Bio has signed a one-year sponsorship deal with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust to support the charity's new Summer of Open Gardens fundraising initiative. 
22 March 2016

Squire's holds 'plant-athon' for charity

Green-fingered employees at Squire's Garden Centres recently held a 24-hour "Plant-athon" on March 17 and 18, raising over £4,000 for the charity Greenfingers. 
22 March 2016

Hundreds of Argos stores and jobs could vanish under Sainsbury's

More than 300 Argos stores could be in danger of closing should Sainsbury's £1.4bn bid for the retailer go through, according to reports. 
21 March 2016

Screwfix given top employer award

Screwfix was recently awarded Employer of the Year and Multi-channel Retailer of the Year at the Retail Week awards. 
21 March 2016
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