The retail magnate will head up the speaking slots on the main stage at the home and gift trade show, along with Not on the High Street co-founder Holly Tucker MBE.Autumn Fair has promised a line-up of industry heavyweights at this year’s show, as ... 

Defra has introduced legislation, which comes into force today, to protect oak trees against the imminent danger of introducing Thaumetopoea processionea (oak processionary moth-OPM) into the OPM Protected Zone through import and movement... 

Despite UK online retail sales slipping to their lowest year-on-year (YOY) growth in 2018 this July, with most categories seeing declines, the hot summer boosted garden sales, delivering a record 22.4% YOY increase last month.The uplift in July ... 

Despite being earmarked for closure as part of a CVA this summer, House of Fraser’s outlet on Oxford Street will remain open, as new owner Sports Direct agrees its first deal since acquiring the department store chain.Sports Direct brought in ... 

The builders’ merchant is ploughing funds back into its portfolio, with the £800,000 refurbishment of its Cratfield Road site, changing the layout and enhancing the product offering, as well as creating new jobs.The branch – a 32,000sq m building on ... 

Over 52% of UK shoppers believe that retailers need to offer a more seamless experience between online and offline commerce to retain their custom.This was one of the key findings from a survey of 1,000 shoppers, conducted by e-commerce agency, ... 

Despite a 7% decline in home sales for the past week, the department store chain reported an ongoing interest in outdoor cooking and entertaining.John Lewis trading director Simon Coble said home sales were down for the week ended Saturday, August ... 

As part of its Voice of Colour Program, Johnstone’s has announced that Night Watch (PPG1145-7) – a rich, classic green – is positioned at the forefront of design trends for the year ahead.Every year, a Global Colour Team from Johnstone’s parent firm,... 

Consistent hot weather this summer has helped B&Q and Screwfix deliver what Kingfisher described as “improved performances”, with like-for-like (LFL) sales up 4.2% in Q2 “within the context of a continuing weak UK consumer backdrop”.The ... 

Sales at garden centres across the country continued to soar in June (2018) thanks to the sunny weather according to the Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.Outdoor plant sales were up 26.94% compared to the same month last year (... 

The Grafton Group plc, which has merchanting and DIY operations in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, revealed to refinance its debt by raising funds using 10 and 12-year bonds with 2.5% yield.The group has agreed to raise €160 million (£144 ... 

Homebase has today announced the next phase of its restructuring plan, the company is to launch a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) and is seeking approval from creditors on a proposed plan to reduce its cost base in the UK and the Republic of ... 

Akzo Nobel has announced it has purchased the business and assets of Surrey-based Trade Paints. With three stores in Epsom, East Molesey and Sutton Akzo Nobel takes its total number of Dulux Decorator Centres in the UK to 209.“These stores will make ... 

Town centres measured a 0.3% uplift in footfall in July; the third consecutive month of growth, although a decline across UK retail parks showed consumers lacked the energy for longer shopping trips in the hot weather.Growth on the high street this ... 

The department store chain was acquired by Sports Direct after it appointed administrators this morning and faced ending 169 years of trading.Mere hours after House of Fraser revealed it had called in Ernst & Young when “discussions with ... 

A recent study reveals people are happy to rent long-term and have no plans to purchase a property in the future but still invest in revamping their home, with some spending over £30,000 in the past year.With more people renting in the UK than ever ... 

Time-poor consumers, who crave convenience and speed, are opting for smart technology in their homes, with almost half of Brits now owning at least one smart home product, and video doorbells/security systems proving the most popular choices ... 

Sky News has reported that the DIY chain Homebase, which was sold for £1 by previous Australian owners Wesfarmers, will close around a quarter of its 249 stores.The news comes just one month after the chain was bought by Hilco Capital, where under ... 

Despite some initial spikes early on in the summer season, sales of non-food goods in store struggled in July, as the heat kept shoppers away from the high street.There were still strong sales of fans and cooling equipment during the period but ... 

The BRC – Google Online Retail Monitor for Q2 2018 reported a positive outcome for year on year growth of mobile searches for home and garden products.The key findings were:Overseas mobile searches for UK brands grew by 17% YoY in Q2 2018. This is ...