A gang of thieves who stole thousands of pounds' worth of goods from branches of B&Q has been jailed for a total of six years. 

Early reports from the high street suggest that hardware and garden independents for the most part enjoyed good sales over the Christmas 2013 trading period. 

John Lewis has published its trading report for the five weeks to December 28. It revealed new "bricks and clicks" records as total sales amounted to £734m, up 7.2% from last year, 6.9% like-for-like. 

Kingfisher group ceo Ian Cheshire has been recognised in the New Year Honours list with a knighthood. 

DIY Week publisher Datateam has expanded its presence in the medical communications sector with a new acquisition. 

Joe Inzani, managing director of independent builders merchant Lawsons, was involved in a fatal car accident on Christmas Eve, and died in the early hours of Christmas morning. 

French DIY retailers have moved a step closer to full freedom to trade on Sundays with a new ruling from the country's government. 

B&Q has come first in a list of the top 20 DIY and hardware stores in Britain that has been compiled by The Telegraph. Companies range from country-wide chains to "independent gems". 

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has revealed the names of the two winning garden centres for its Christmas display competition. 

Boundary Mill Stores has unveiled plans to expand its existing business at its site in Colne, near Burnley, to include a new garden centre and farm shop. 

Retail sales have recovered strongly in the year to December, bouncing back after two disappointing months, the CBI has announced. 

The Leekes Retail & Leisure Group has reported strong profits for its recent financial year and it looks set for a successful consecutive year too. 

As Brits prepare to spend Christmas day with family and friends, many fear they could experience a festive disaster at home. 

Online shopping sales across the main Christmas period this year are expected to total £890m, with 45 million hours spent browsing sites over the main festive days. 

As part of the Garden Re-Leaf Day campaign next year, participating garden centres could win a "money-can't buy, footfall-boosting" visit from ITV gardener David Domoney next March. 

Kingfisher is among a group of leading UK PLCs and multinationals working with NGOs to encourage businesses to make commitments to become "Net Positive". 

The UK's best and worst online retailers have been named, and more retailers have fallen into the category of "underperforming", including B&Q. 

Forty per cent of households plan to buy some kind of garden furniture over the coming year, a comprehensive new report from the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) reveals. 

John Lewis today announced plans to open a new At Home outlet in Horsham as early as autumn 2015. 

Home superstore The Range has announced it is to open two new stores early next year, in Sheffield and Gloucester.