Online retail searches are growing as people use the internet to hunt down bargains, according to the latest BRC-Google Online Retail Monitor. 

Shopping channel's 'Be Aware, Show You Care' broadcast saw funds roll in for charity partner Breast Cancer Care on Wednesday. 

TJ Morris, which trades as Home Bargains, has reported record financial results, with operating profit up 24% to £59.5m for the year to June 2011. 

Planters Garden Centre has opened a second centre under its Garden King brand after acquiring Bradley Nurseries in Staffordshire. 

Garden & Leisure Group operations director was voted in at the HTA AGM yesterday, replacing Scotsdales Garden Centre md Caroline Owen, who stepped down from the role after two years. 

Dencon has this week bought the UK distribution rights for the Commtel Innovate range of aerials, telecom accessories and audio accessories. 

Wickes has reported a 1.2% increase in delivered turnover for the 39 weeks to October 1, with like-for-like delivered sales down 0.5%. 

The Government is proposing to reduce financial reporting requirements for small businesses in a move which could save UK firms more than £600m every year. 

B&Q is launching a new retail management graduate programme, providing on-the-job retail experience. 

Garden group takes on Badger Nurseries in Studley for undisclosed sum - the second garden centre acquisition in Redditch in the space of a month. 

AkzoNobel has unveiled a single global brand identity for its retail consumer paint range, entitled Let's Colour. 

A team of cyclists from DIY chain Wickes have completed a punishing 520k ride to Mount Everest's Base Camp in aid of blood cancer charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. 

More than 50 firefighters called in to tackle blaze on Southend Arterial Road in Upminster on Saturday. 

Sussex DIY independent Green DIY celebrated its 20th birthday on October 4, and marked the event with a special promotional weekend over the weekend of October 7-9. 

Glee visitor numbers dropped nearly 15% this year, falling to 11,149 from 13,050 in 2010, unaudited figures released by the show's organisers have revealed. 

Verdict retail practice leader Maureen Hinton painted a gloomy picture of the DIY, garden and housewares market, forecasting that tough times will persist for the next two years before recovery in a new 'low-growth environment'. 

The latest BDO sales tracker revealed a 4% slump on the high street in September due to the unseasonal heat, while promotions helped drive sales in the homewares sector. 

Sales at John Lewis declined last week as customers enjoyed the hot weather outside rather than hitting the shops. 

Following a period of consultation with their members, the Lighting Association and Lighting Industry Federation held extraordinary annual general meetings on September 29 where members of both organisations voted to merge. 

Ironmongery Direct officially opened its new purpose-built headquarters in Basildon, Essex yesterday.