Just as retailers realise they must keep improving to satisfy customer needs, this year's National Hardware Show, held May 7-9, offered buyers a number of major improvements designed to make it easier to shop and easier to find new items or explore other market opportunities. 

A crowd of well wishers gathered outside Wokingham Borough Council offices with placards and banners reading 'Save our Sheeplands' yesterday to show their support for Hare Hatch Sheeplands garden centre, which could be facing closure. 

Following the success of Axminster Tool Centre's first skill centre, which opened at its Devon-based head office in 2004, the business has launched a brand new facility for its south east customers. 

Hartman UK latest company to sign up, joining a host of other big names in the garden industry. 

Following DIY Week's move to Datateam Publishing last month, new contact details are now available for the editorial and advertising team. 

Troubled Liverpool retailer Rapid Hardware re-opened its doors on Saturday under the new alias Rapid Discount Outlet Ltd. 

The Garden Centre Association has announced a brand new venue for its annual conference, taking place from January 26 to 29, 2014. 

Retail sales decreased by 2.2% like-for-like in April, meaning a total reduction of 0.6% according to the BRC and KPMG sales monitor. 

Cash splashed on DIY goods last year sank to the lowest level in 13 years according to a new report by Lloyds TSB. 

The Rainy Day Trust is offering an opportunity to spend a day at the UK's premier clay shooting school along with some of the UK's top DIY and home enhancement suppliers and retailers. 

More than 600 B&Q employees in Ireland had their jobs saved today as the High Court approved the examiner's recommendations for the Kingfisher-owned retailer. 

A growing DIY skills gap and an empty toolbox are leaving young adults ill-equipped to do basic household maintenance tasks, relying instead on mum and dad for both advice and hands-on help. 

The European Commission has decided to approve a two year ban on all products containing neonicotinoid pesticides due to their potential harmful effect on bees. 

Sales at Howden Joinery increased by 7.6% on a same depot basis for the first 16 weeks of 2013, according to an interim management statement released today, but the group has said it 'remains cautious' about the rest of the year. 

Rumours have surfaced that Rapid Hardware could be back trading again in a matter of weeks. An anonymous caller tipped off DIY Week that the failed Liverpool retailer's original owners, the Dohertys had bought the business from adminstrators and planned to re-open in coming weeks. 

Revenues at Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase and Argos, were reported as 'broadly flat' at £5.48bn for the 52 weeks ending March 2, 2013. 

The controversial former television entertainer Michael Barrymore is now reported to be working in a garden centre. 

Kingfisher scored high in the DIY sector of the Verdict Customer Satisfactions Awards, with Screwfix winning first place and B&Q taking home second. 

Designed to educate and inform consumers about the many uses of Duck Tape, the supplier's new website recently went live. 

Previously banned at the famous gardening show, 150 gnomes will be on display at this year's event as part of its centenary celebrations, but not before they've had a makeover by some high-profile figures.