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Tesco and Dobbies first new-build venture in Scotland

Dobbies and parent company, Tesco, have announced plans for a new joint development store in East Kilbride - its first new build in Scotland. 
7 November 2013

Ashford's John Lewis at home now open

John Lewis opened the doors to its new 'at home' store in Ashford, Kent, today, which is the tenth store of its kind for the company. 
7 November 2013

'Encouraging' pre-Christmas sales for October

The British Retail Consortium has reported an "encouraging" sales pick up for October this year; total UK sales were up 2.6%, against a 1.1% increase in October 2012. 
6 November 2013

Free talk on customer service for GCA members

Garden Centre Association members are being offered the chance to sign up for a free online presentation from motivational speaker and success coach, Michael Heppell. 
6 November 2013

DFS acquires Sofa Workshop

DFS has acquired smaller rival company, Sofa Workshop, as it makes a "modest investment" to take on its 14 stores. 
5 November 2013

Multi-channel marketing talk at HTA Seasonal Plants Focus

Peter McDermott, managing director of online garden centre, YouGarden, will share his top tips on multi-channel marketing at the HTA Seasonal Plants Focus Conference 2013. 
5 November 2013

New B&Q Bedford opens for business

A brand new B&Q store has opened in Bedford, as local residents queued up in anticipation of winning a £100 voucher to spend inside. 
5 November 2013

Business costs rising 3.5% ahead of inflation, new research finds

The Forum of Private Business has found that 94% of members it surveyed have seen an increase in business costs and 87% reported an increase in energy costs. 
5 November 2013

The GCA to announce its new chief executive

The Garden Centre Association will finalise and announce its choice of chief executive on November 28. 
5 November 2013

Struggling hardware independents slam business rates

Garden machinery was the stand-out performer amongst independent retailers in the third quarter of this year, but the DIY and hardware sector barely managed to hold its own. 
4 November 2013

Seedy Sunday returns to Brighton Corn Exchange next year

Seedy Sunday, the UK's largest community seed swap event, will return to Brighton for its 13th annual event on February 2, 2014. 
4 November 2013

The Range kicks off its Christmas ads

The Range has launched a new multi million pound Christmas marketing campaign that sees TV adverts hitting our screens today. 
1 November 2013

John Lewis highlights a 'downsize' in furniture this year

John Lewis has reported that furniture items have been getting smaller as the public maximise their "shrinking living spaces", while they have also been making the most of their outside space. 
1 November 2013

Retailers' charity efforts go unnoticed

87% of Britons believe that their favourite retailers fail to support good causes, and DIY was one of the worst named sectors. 
1 November 2013

Westland retains top BRC accreditation

The move means that the UK firm Westland remains the only bird food manufacturer to achieve accreditation from The British Retail Consortium. 
31 October 2013

New website for Axminster Tools

Axminster Tools has launched a new website - a complete revamp of its existing site with a more contemporary style and new features to help the user. 
31 October 2013

Gwynedd garden centre plans expansion

An award-winning Gwynedd garden centre is hoping to gain permission for a significant expansion. 
31 October 2013

Major drive launched to get independents trading online

Today saw the launch in the Houses of Parliament of a powerful new coalition called Target200 that aims to get many more independent retailers trading online. 
31 October 2013

B&Q and Castorama unveil 2014 products at joint show

Smoke alarms that send a text to your mobile, dishwasher-proof barbecues and sheds that can be constructed in an hour - these are just some of the innovations newly unveiled by B&Q and its French sister company. 
30 October 2013

New asbestos safety guidance for retailers

A new guide has been published to help retailers stay within the law when it comes to asbestos on their premises 
30 October 2013
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