The British Retail Consortium Training Academy is to launch a new retail managers' development programme this September. 

Independents selling DIY/hardware and garden machinery were the two star performers in a pretty gloomy Q2 for retailers. 

While this year's weather has proved disastrous for many garden products, new figures show that the rain and snow have also benefited sales within certain garden categories. 

The retailer's new owner, Dragon's Den star Theo Paphitis, is strengthening his senior management team across his existing Ryman and Boux Avenue businesses as well as the newly-acquired Robert Dyas. 

Fastening specialist Rapid is to join The European Federation of DIY Manufacturers (Fediyma) as an individual member in August. 

Banks are increasingly cutting credit facilities to independent retailers. And there have been examples where banks are pushing shopkeepers to take out personal loans to cover their business lending. 

A permanent relaxation of the Sunday trading laws may become inevitable sooner rather than later as the current younger generation of shoppers matures. 

The HTA Bedding Plants Group has re-named itself the HTA Seasonal Plants Group, in order to better reflect its product range to a younger generation of gardeners. 

The managing director of Hayes Garden World in Ambleside, Cumbria, has been put behind bars after an appeal over a drink-drive conviction failed. 

The owner and founder of Devon-based Abbotts DIY, Tony Abbott, has passed away following a short illness. 

Insolvency figures in retail have risen sharply, and it is now one of the worst-performing business sectors. 

Thieves who raided Andover Garden Centre were thwarted after being disturbed. 

Year on year sales and orders at high street retailers were up for the third consecutive month in July, according to the CBI. However, the business body noted that "growth slowed to a greater extent than had been expected." 

Two housewares products have been recalled as they can potentially burn the user or give them an electric shock. 

A massive 12-seater table was stolen in a raid at Carpenders Park Garden Centre. 

Jack Yaffe, until January, the UK's oldest retailer, has died aged 103. 

Sales of DIY adhesive products had a tough time during the first six months of the year, although a rise in the value of the adhesive tapes sector provided one bright spot. 

A roll out of new stores helped boost sales at Hobbycraft in the twelve months to February 19. 

The rollercoaster ride continues for Liverpool independent hardware retailer Rapid Hardware since moving in 2009 from its long-term Renshaw Street base to the former John Lewis department store in the heart of the city. 

The latest half-year trading results from Wickes' parent company Travis Perkins Plc have revealed Wickes' like-for-like estate has increased its market share from 2011 levels, despite competitors "getting a greater sales benefit" from the closure of Focus DIY.