Topps Tiles achieved a 6% rise in like-for-like revenues in its first quarter, the company said today, although growth slowed from the 9.3% of the same period last year. 

Customer service specialist Andrew McMillan, formerly of John Lewis, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the British Independent Retailers Association's (BIRA) 2015 High Street Conference. 

Following the sale of four of Golden Acres' garden centres to Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC), the group's former owner and managing director Paul Richards has revealed ambitious plans to launch a new chain of garden centres. 

This year will mark a step change for Exclusively Housewares as it opens for the first time alongside new show Exclusively Electrical. 

Vitax has extended its organic product range by purchasing Organico, manufacturer of 6x 100% natural fertiliser and pellets and the Groworganic brand. 

Christmas and catering brought festive cheer to garden centres in November, with sales in those categories well up on those of November 2013. 

Top radio and TV comedian Justin Moorhouse is to host the awards dinner at the Garden Centre Association's conference this month. 

Kingfisher plc announced an agreement to sell controlling stake in its B&Q China business 

Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) has added another four garden centres to its estate with the acquisition of Dorset-based Golden Acres Group. 

Online sales and click and collect delivered a bumper Christmas for John Lewis, the retailer revealed today. 

Axminster Tools & Machinery says its free 2015 catalogue offers the largest range of tools, machinery, accessories and consumables in the UK. 

Stoke on Trent has a new DIY shop, and the Mica cooperative group of DIY independents has a new member, with the opening of Shelton Mica DIY & Home. 

The line-up of speakers for the Global DIY Summit, set to take place in London on June 11-12, has been revealed, boasting representatives from Retail Google, leading suppliers, and international home improvement retailers. 

Two colleague initiatives have brought smiles to the faces of children at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (RMCH) and people living on the streets in Manchester city centre. 

After much speculation The Range has confirmed that they will be opening a new store in Plymouth in early 2015. 

House prices in the UK will see an average increase of 3% over the course of next year, bolstered by recent changes to Stamp Duty, continuing demand and lack of supply of property, according to the RICS housing forecast for 2015. 

In 2013, the DIY/Home Improvement World Market turnover reached approximately €399 billion, according to Fediyma's World DIY Report. 

Home department store group Leekes delivered significant sales and profitability growth in the first six months of its financial year. 

The Gardenex export federation has arranged a stand discount for its members wishing to exhibit at Dubai's Outdoor Design & Build Show in April. 

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has named three more speakers at its conference in January.