Retailers in Wales are being given a louder voice with the launch of the BRC's sister body, the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC). 

Ilfracombe hardware store Chas N Pedlar & Son has taken part in a new initiative that aims to promote and recognise good manners in business. 

With sales of pet products growing rapidly at value retailer QD Stores, the company has decided there is no better way to make the right new stock selection than to run it past the end users first. 

The rise in town centre shop vacancy rates appears to have peaked, according to new research released this week. 

Argos has successfully defended itself against an accusation that its advertisement showing a trampolining alien was irresponsible. 

Dobbies Garden World in Liverpool is open for business as usual despite a fire breaking out on the premises in the early hours of yesterday. 

Tough conditions in the floorcoverings market have taken a heavy toll on annual profits at Carpetright and on the performance of United Carpets stores. 

B&Q has today announced two new permanent appointments to its board and a shake-up of board responsibilities. 

The Beatties department store in Burton-on-Trent is to close at the end of September. 

A Gloucestershire garden centre is hoping to enjoy a boost to business by more than tripling the size of its café. 

A "ground-breaking" new collaboration setting out to reduce the environmental impact of everday products, from DIY materials to dairy produce, is being spear-headed by more than 80 organisations of retailers and suppliers. 

Tribunal rules that collapsed DIY chain "failed to fully consult" with trade union Unite when it let employees go last year, meaning around 1,500 former Focus store workers could be in line for compensation. 

...And the sector saw the largest year-on-year growth in internet sales out of all other retail categories, tying in with a recent report showing more and more people are looking to the internet for their home improvement purchases. 

The Horticultural Trades Association has agreed a new debit and credit card processing deal with Barclaycard Payment Acceptance which it says will mean the industry will have around £350k per annum out of its card processing costs. 

A nationwide survey by online interior specialist Wayfair has revealed that the majority of people look online to purchase items for the home, and most of these are aged 18 to 24 years old. 

The Next chain's venture into DIY and garden retailing will be extended tomorrow - June 21 - when it opens its second Home and Garden superstore. 

The Staffordshire-based bathroom manufacturer Bristan, which has been the target of negative publicity for increasing its payment terms by 60 days, has now relented. 

The DIY market saw a year-on-year sales increase of 4.2% over the Jubilee weekend. That's according to new GfK data, which also revealed mass merchandisers' sales of DIY seasonal products increased by 22.4% over the long Bank holiday. 

A new survey conducted by Shoppercentric has revealed that 75% of all UK shoppers believe good value means paying more than the lowest possible price. 

Home improvement chain's figures for first quarter reveal an 8.1% decline in total sales to £421m, impacted by disappointing sales of seasonal goods in poor weather, while HRG stablemate Argos recorded a 0.2% increase.