Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Debenhams to close 10 stores as part of “Destination Store” plan

The new CEO of Debenhams Sergio Bucher, who joined the business last October, has revealed plans to transform the retailer into a “destination for social shopping”, improve online services and potentially close up to 10 of its 176 UK stores. 
20 April 2017

Plans to demolish B&Q Stratford put on hold

B&Q has signed a new three year lease for its store at the Maybird shopping centre in Stratford-upon-Avon, quelling fears for the store's short-term future after plans to demolish the building were approved back in September. 
20 April 2017

Hillier to introduce 'Memory Tree' at this year's Chelsea show

Visitors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show are invited to play their part in Chelsea history by leaving a lasting memory in the Hillier show garden. 
19 April 2017

Sainsbury's reveals plans for Argos and Habitat

Last week saw the opening of the 50th Argos Digital store in a Sainsbury's – and the supermarket has taken the milestone as an opportunity to share some of its plans for the businesses it acquired in its multi-million pound takeover of Home Retail Group last year. 
19 April 2017

B&Q CEO Michael Loeve to step down

The chief executive officer of Kingfisher retailer B&Q Michael Loeve will be stepping down from his role after two years. 
19 April 2017

Watlington hardware shop goes up in flames

More than 50 firefighters were called to DG Homecare in Watlington on Friday (April 7) when the hardware store went up in flames. 
18 April 2017

Whitefurze named as one of 50 fastest growing companies

BDO’s Growth Barometer celebrates the best of Coventry and Warwickshire and has recognised UK manufacturer Whitefurze as one of the top 50 fastest growing companies in the region. 
18 April 2017

B&Q to transform Soho square into 'Open Garden'

London is set to get a little greener this April as home improvement retailer B&Q opens the gates to the Open Garden, a new pop up outdoor space in Soho for Londoners to relax, enjoy and entertain in. 
18 April 2017

LFL sales slip at Dunelm in “volatile environment”

Homewares retailer Dunelm posted a 2,2% decline in like-for-like sales for Q3 but maintains the business is outperforming the rest of the market. 
13 April 2017

Melitta joins BHETA

Coffee filters company Melitta UK, part of the German, family-owned Melitta Group has joined the British Home Enhancement Trade Association. 
13 April 2017

Vacancy rate dips but non-food outlets show no growth

New shop openings and demolitions lead to a dip in vacancy rate for most outlets in March but decline continues for non-food stores and multiples. 
13 April 2017

Gardman reports 36% growth in sales of wild bird care

Garden products supplier, Gardman has recorded additional retail sales worth £16million of its wild bird care products in its latest year-to-date figures. 
13 April 2017

Second UK Bunnings Warehouse opens for trading

Australian retail giant, Wesfarmers Group has opened a new Bunnings Warehouse in St Albans today – the second of its kind in the town and in the UK as a whole. 
12 April 2017

Amazon slashes prices on DIY and garden goods ahead of Easter

Online retail giant, Amazon, has launched a huge sale ahead of the Easter Bank holiday weekend, hoping to capitalise on consumers sprucing up their homes. 
10 April 2017

Montgomeryshire nursery opens new site

King’s Nurseries in has opened a new state-of-the art retail site and is increasing its production of specialist plants to meet growing retail and wholesale demand, thanks to a six-figure finance package from HSBC. 
7 April 2017

Floradecora offers virtual tour experience

Following its successful premiere alongside Christmasworld in January, the trade-fair concept has created a virtual tour that brings to life the fresh flowers, decorative plants and flower arrangements showcased in its 2017 debut. 
6 April 2017

B&Q employees take centre stage in new TV ad

This week sees the launch of B&Q’s latest TV advert, part of its fully integrated spring campaign. According to B&Q, the aim of the campaign is “to remind customers that whatever their home improvement need or challenge, B&Q always has a brilliant solution, and that B&Q colleagues are enthusiastic problem solvers – always on hand to help them achieve their projects.” 
6 April 2017

Argos to grow own-brand homeware ranges

Following its takeover by Sainsbury's last year, Argos has revealed plans to grow its own-brand product ranges, with a particular focus on homewares. 
5 April 2017

ManoMano celebrates £4.4m turnover within first year of trading

European DIY marketplace ManoMano is celebrating the first year of trading in the UK, having achieved a £4.4m turnover. 
5 April 2017

Hultafors Group Acquires Puvab

The Hultafors Group has acquired Swedish specialist protective clothing supplier Puvab, with a view to complementing its own Snickers workwear range 
4 April 2017
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