A fire that ripped through a Homebase store in Kent at the weekend is being investigated as suspicious, along with the possibility of a link with another fire half an hour later at a local B&Q. 

As US retail chain Best Buy opens the doors on its first UK store this morning there may be a few surprises on offer - including electric vehicles, scooters and bikes. 

Abbeydale Garden Company in Sheffield will close in June, with the land lined up for use as a car park for Dore railway station. 

March saw sales of durable goods rise 3.3% in March compared with the same month last year, with DIY and garden only just behind the average. GfK says "worst of credit crunch appears to be over" but consumers remain cautious. 

B&Q is launching its biggest ever May price investment campaign in preparation for the double May bank holiday DIY season, the retailer announced yesterday. 

US electricals giant Best Buy has set Currys firmly in its sights with a new price comparison advert ahead of its first store opening at Thurrock retail park tomorrow. 

Owner of Essex-based ironmongers blames sheds for demise as it plans to close its door for good next month. 

Retail sales up for third consecutive month as shoppers spend despite fragile economy. 

Home Retail Group (HRG), owner of Argos and Homebase, has reported an 11% drop in pre-tax profits from £328m to £293m in its results for the year to 27 February 2010. 

Hundreds of consumers injured by 'toxic sofas' are to receive a shared payout of up to £20m, the High Court agreed on Monday. 

Homewares retailer reports a slowdown in sales over past four months, despite year-to-date figures up 19.9%, bolstered by strong Easter promotion. 

UK businesses are paying their bills up to three days faster than they did this time last year. 

2010 will see the LA's first Lighting Industry Awards. Closing date for entries Friday, May 28. 

Asda income tracker reveals British households are £2 a week worse off than last year, with rising transport costs and inflation rates putting pressure on spending power. 

Weather permitting; UK gardeners plan to be out in full force this year, with 45% getting set to grow their own produce, according to latest research from the HTA. 

The European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) has confirmed its support for this year's awards by sponsoring the Decorative Product of the Year category. 

Shoppers seek out summer ranges from garden furniture to barbecues, while home and kitchen ranges still strong. 

Akzo Nobel have reported revenue growth of 6% in their Q1 2010 results published today. 

Sales of exhibition floorspace at Glee 2010 are more than 20% higher compared with this time last year, members of the Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association heard at its AGM yesterday. 

Bill Grimsey is stepping down as chief executive at Focus to become chairman at the DIY chain.