An Icelandic firm with interests in Wyevale Garden Centres and two leading UK department stores has asked for protection from creditors. 

Part of the struggling furniture business Sofa Workshop has been sold to one of the original founders of the business. 

B&Q reported sales of shovels were up 450% this week on the previous seven days as the country battled against snow and ice. 

DIY sales are taking a hammering as shoppers cut back on home improvement spending, analysis of Virgin Money Card data shows. 

Carpetright the carpet and floor coverings retailer has today published its Interim Management Statement for the 13 weeks to 31 January 2009.
 

Shop Direct, the owners of Littlewoods, has snapped up the Woolworths name with plans to trade online. 

Garden centre chain Hurrans is the latest retail victim of the economic downturn, as the five-strong group has gone into administration. 

Kingfisher plc has announced it has completed the sale of its Castorama Italy business to Leroy Merlin Italy for total cash proceeds of €615m (£591 million), including an adjustment for profit generated between 1 July 2008 and completion. 

TJX Europe - owners of TK Maxx - is to expand its HomeSense chain to eight outlets. 

22 jobs saved as Mascot Metal Manufacturers acquires the Birmingham-based hardware fittings distributor for an undisclosed sum. 

The department store chain has reported a group loss before tax of £1.52m rising from last year's £1.39m. 

The logistics and administration of the sister firms will come together, allowing both companies to focus on new developments and improving efficiencies. 

A management buy-out (MBO) by three of BDC's senior management team, has meant the north-London based distribution brand will continue. 

Supermarket Asda has said it will create more than 7,000 new jobs in 2009 as it expands the non-food format. 

Kingfisher, owner of B&Q, are planning to double its business in Poland over the next five years as waves of Poles head back to the country. 

An east-London museum is showcasing innovative and ethically designed products for the home and garden. 

Woolworths Group plc was last night granted an application for an order of administration. 

The spotlight was turned on pre-pack administrations as an influential panel of MPs looked into whether companies were abusing the system. 

Kitchenware company ProCook has been forced to close 18 stores across the country. 

Marks and Spencer outlets earmarked for closure are possible targets for the supermarket chains, according to the high street retailer.