Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

Red Rose blames 'severe financial difficulties' for closure

Bournemouth-based manufacturer and distributor Red Rose Cookware ceased trading this week. 
11 March 2010

Staff share in £151m bonus pot as John Lewis posts positive results

Waitrose and John Lewis employees set to receive 15% of their salary as a bonus, as the Partnership reports a 6.5% sales increase for 2009. 
11 March 2010

Harrison to stand for BHETA president

BHETA member Charles Harrison has announced that he is seeking election as president of the trade association at its AGM in May. 
11 March 2010

Argos compromises customers' security online

Catalogue-based retailer is revealed to have sent out customers' credit card details in unencrypted emails confirming orders. 
10 March 2010

QVC sales reach £367.9m in 2009

Shopping channel's UK sales bolster after challenging start to the year, with strong second half and online sales over the Christmas period. 
10 March 2010

Homebase offers £10,000 community makeover

Home improvement retailer asks the public to nominate projects in their local area as part of its Transforming the Nation campaign. 
10 March 2010

Shop vacancies rise again

Over 10% of UK high street shops are vacant or available to lease, according to latest Retail Availability survey from real estate adviser Cushman & Wakefield. 
10 March 2010

February sales up but figures distorted by snow

UK retail sales values rise 2.2% in February, with homewares returning to growth but BRC stresses that comparisons are weak as a result of snow and a poor economic outlook last year. 
9 March 2010

New VAT rules

New legislation, which comes into force in April this year, will see changes to the way businesses pay VAT and file their annual returns. 
9 March 2010

Sale DIY to relocate

Sale DIY in Cheshire is relocating after almost 40 years of trading. 
9 March 2010

Poundland founder to launch mid-market chain

The man behind the hugely-successful Poundland business is launching a new mid-market variety chain called Hub, whose offer will include hardware, garden and housewares. 
9 March 2010

FPB warns against 'cowboy' rating surveyors

As the deadline for retailers to appeal against business rates approaches, companies are urged to be wary of dodgy firms who may rip them off rather than help. 
8 March 2010

Price deflation a threat to garden industry

While 2% growth is forecast for the garden products industry in 2010, price competition looks set to have a serious effect on the sector's profitability. 
5 March 2010

Tesco launches children's gardening range

Tesco has begun its spring garden activity with the launch of a new children's gardening range. 
5 March 2010

Rustins sees strong paint sales

Specialist woodcare and paint company Rustins, has reported a 10% increase in sales in its paint division for 2009. 
5 March 2010

Product of the Year Awards - deadline extended

Deadline for entry into the Product of the Year Awards 2010 has been extended to March 19. However, this will be the absolute cut off as the independent panel of retail judges will meet the following week. 
4 March 2010

TV series to examine small businesses

New TV series The Business Inspector is aiming to help people turn their businesses around. 
4 March 2010

Focus supports the National Vegetable Society for 2010

Focus DIY is continuing its support of the National Vegetable Society (NVS) during 2010. 
4 March 2010

Potting compost linked to Legionnaire's cases in Scotland

Health experts call for warning labels on compost following reports of three cases of Legionnaire's disease in Scotland, including one fatality. 
4 March 2010

Grafton mitigates weak DIY demand with job cuts

Merchant and DIY chain compensates for 26% drop in sales with cost base reduction of €85m. 
4 March 2010
*

Most read stories