Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Service from ‘robotic staff’ is negatively impacting UK businesses

In an age of artificial intelligence and automation, new research finds that the inability of workers to improvise and innovate is causing consumers to make negative assumptions about companies. A study of 1,000 workplaces published in ‘Thinking on... 
16 September 2019

Thompson & Parkes opens new DIY retail shop

After much anticipation, the independent builders merchant officially launched its first retail shop serving the DIY market in Stourport on Saturday, September 14.Having taken over the site of an old wedding shop Minster Road, Stourport during the ... 
16 September 2019

Taskers reveals most common British living room fit-out

The furniture retailer says it has identified the average UK living room and, using online data gathered from its own website, has unveiled a photo-fit of the nation’s most likely lounge.The photo-fit was created using sales and search data over the ... 
13 September 2019

Growers and traders urge for caution on oak imports

A group of Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) traders and growers are urging importers to ensure oaks being brought into the UK, not only comply with current legislation to combat Oak Processionary Moth (OPM), but are also not sourced from Italy’... 
13 September 2019

Henry Bell wins major Dobbies listing

Family-run small animal and pet feed producer, Henry Bell & Co has secured a listing with the largest national garden centre group, Dobbies.As well as supplying a number of independent garden centres and retail outlets, Henry Bell has landed a ... 
12 September 2019

John Lewis blames Brexit for slide in home and EHT sales as it posts £25.9m profit loss

Despite trading peaks over the summer period, the department store parent has reported a huge dip in profits during H1, as a result of subdued consumer confidence in the wake of Brexit woes.Publishing its half-year results for the 26 weeks ... 
12 September 2019

Mid-Sussex Timber announces annual Open Day

Mid-Sussex Timber has announced it will be holding its annual Open Day this September, taking place at its East Grinstead branch on the September 18 2019. Mid-Sussex Timber, who was founded in 1929, continues to operate as a family-run business to ... 
12 September 2019

Glee's New Product Showcase 2019 winners revealed

Eleven ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Showcase 2019, at a special award presentation organised and run by Garden Trade News.Selected from hundreds of entries showcased at Glee (... 
11 September 2019

Homebase launches new creative platform with Atomic

Home and DIY giant, Homebase, has announced it is launching a fresh, new-look creative to support its new autumn range and kitchens.The campaign signals a shift towards a more emotionally-led communications approach and is the first under Homebase's ... 
11 September 2019

Wyevale sells last of its centres to BGC

Wyevale Garden Centres has announced it has sold its remaining trading business to British Garden Centres. Since the sale process began in May last year, Wyevale has sold 145 garden centres in 57 separate transactions, with over 90% continuing to ... 
11 September 2019

MarXman awarded retailers choice award at National Hardware Show

MarXman, the UK manufactured professional marking tool, was awarded the prestigious “Retailers Choice Award” at the 2019 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas.A panel of volunteer judges from a wide range of home improvement retailers took on the task ... 
10 September 2019

Sipcam announces new distribution partnership with Thompson & Morgan

As part of the ongoing growth and expansion of Sipcam Home & Garden, the company has announced a new distribution partnership with the seed and horticultural brand supplier, Thompson & Morgan.As of October 2019, Thompson and Morgan will be ... 
10 September 2019

Cornish couple acquire Chacewater Garden Centre in Truro

A Cornish couple have purchased a second garden centre in Truro with the support of a six-figure finance package from HSBC UK, enabling them to expand their blossoming horticultural business. Husband and wife duo Chris and Liz Finney have acquired ... 
10 September 2019

Akzo Nobel announces 2020 colour of the year

Tranquil Dawn has been announced as Akzo Nobel’s Colour of the Year for 2020. The culmination of extensive trend research by experts around the world, the company has said it is designed to capture the essence of what makes us human as the dawn of a ... 
10 September 2019

Hottest July on record sends core gardening lines soaring

Outdoor plants, seeds and bulbs, and garden sundries were amongst the key garden categories that recorded double-digit growth in July, thanks to hot weather over the summer.According to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT )... 
9 September 2019

Toolstation opens three new branches today

The trade chain is continuing its roll out, with seven new branches set to open this month - three of which are officially opening their doors today – and other locations in the pipeline set to take the estate to 381.Toolstation is opening trade ... 
9 September 2019

High street footfall declines further while retail parks rise

Reports from the BRC and Springboard has shown footfall figures for August, which shows a decline by 1.3%, compared to the same point last year when it declined by 1.6%. On a three-month basis, footfall decreased by 2.1%. The six and twelve–month ... 
9 September 2019

SBM Life Science announces strategic partnership with Stax

SBM Life Science has announced it has agreed a sole strategic distribution partnership for the traditional trade business with Stax Trade Centres, due to begin from October 1, 2019.. Nick Walton, who heads up the UK/I operation for SBM Life Science, ... 
6 September 2019

Brits take to Google to answer smart meter queries

Recent research from SafeStyle has shown that customers are turning to Google to solve household queries and DIY conundrums, especially when it comes to new home technology including smart meters.[1] And of those queries, topics range from the ... 
6 September 2019

Outdoor living sales continue to soar at John Lewis

As the good weather continues and consumers seek to make the most of their gardens, the department store chain reported another big spike in sales of barbecues and outdoor furniture last week, despite home sales being down overall.Total sales for ... 
5 September 2019
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