The GCA's Barometer of Trade for July reveals that garden centres are still relying on their catering operations to boost overall sales, as other categories struggle. 

Workwear brand gains exposure and reaches millions of viewers via 2012 series of Channel 5's Big Brother, as housemates don Mascot padded range for a week. 

New trend for 'cash mobbing' where customers visit a store en masse at an agreed time to spend money is gathering pace, recently boosting sales for US DIY store Crowder Bros Ace Hardware. 

Broadway characters from Marilyn Monroe to the Cowardly Lion and Mary Poppins entertained hundreds of visitors to the newest Wilko store in Crawley this morning, some of whom had camped out overnight to get the first look at the experimental new format. 

More than 70 retailers, suppliers and wholesalers from the home improvement industry took part in a charity clay pigeon shoot at the Royal Berkshire shooting school recently, raising more than £7,000. 

A general goods retailer in Eastbourne is hosting Santa's workshop this weekend, despite forecasters predicting up to 32C heat in the seaside town. 

The Derbyshire site of tableware manufacturer Denby is poised for a dramatic new development that will see the addition of a garden centre, hotel, pub and retail complex. 

A proposal to cut planning restrictions on retailers who want to install security shutters following the August 2011 riots has allegedly been scrapped by the government, for fear of creating "an unwelcoming environment" in towns. 

Next will continue the rollout of its new DIY and garden centre format when it launches a third outlet later this year. 

Independent stores in Wells, Somerset, are fighting back against competition from online traders by clubbing together and launching a joint ecommerce website. 

A number of centres operated by The Garden Centre Group will be the first in the market to take on Virgin Experience Days concessions. 

Wilkinson trials new store format in Crawley, adopting 'Wilko' name and featuring multi-channel offer with click and collect service. 

Power tool brand Dewalt has announced the launch of a targeted four-week campaign with the UK's biggest national commercial sports radio station, talkSPORT, to promote the launch of its 4.0Ah XR Lithium-Ion battery. 

London-based housewares distributor Chomette has gone into administration, though is continuing to trade. 

A Renfrewshire garden centre is marking its 50th anniversary this year with the introduction of a new customer reward card and an ecommerce website. 

John Lewis has confirmed that it hopes to open its first pop-up store. 

The TV and marketing campaign for the painter's masking tape range will run in the lead up to Autumn and the lucrative bank holiday period. 

Stanley has subjected its FatMax Box Beam level to a challenging aerial stunt to back up its claim that it is the strongest it has ever made. 

A number of pond pumps supplied by German water garden specialist Heissner have been recalled because of a danger of electric shock. 

Screwfix has raised more than £10,000 in just four months for the Everyman prostate and testicular appeal.