The number of shops has dropped by 0.5% over the past quarter in comparison to last year - representing 88 fewer retail outlets - according to the latest BRC-Bond Pearce retail employment monitor for Q2 2012. 

"A quintessential cottage-garden plant" is how the Horticultural Trades Association is describing the latest plant of the month - phlox. 

The Horticultural Trades Association's latest market update has shown a depressing slump in garden trade, with May sales down 8% on last year and June up just 3%, bringing the total to -11% for the year to June 30, 2012 

The president of the British Home Enhancement Trades Association is departing the housewares industry to join the Builders Merchants Federation, leaving the future of BHETA's presidency uncertain for the time being. 

An extension lead set and a brand of electric cable that can both give the user an electric shock have been recalled from the market. 

Launched this week, Argos' new autumn/winter 2012 range and catalogue include Habitat products for the first time. 

Local government minister Grant Shapps today named 15 more towns and cities that will become Portas Pilots and so receive regeneration funding. 

The latest Gross Domestic Product estimate has revealed a 0.7% drop, and despite making a 0.3% increase last quarter, the distribution, hotels and restaurant sector fell by 0.4%, with retail and wholesale held responsible for the majority of this. 

A "pub shed" in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has been crowned the 2012 Shed of the Year. 

Casswells in Midsomer Norton, Somerset, has scooped the first prize in Home Hardware South West's Olympic-themed window dressing competition. 

The wettest June on record saw the UK homewares retail market slump 26% compared with May, according to GfK. 

Retail theft and fraud are rising at an alarming rate but expenditure on prevention measures is falling. 

The Prince of Wales formally opened a Jubilee show garden during the East of England Show in Peterborough. 

Rose Canham from Northamptonshire, has been awarded the title of Young DIYer of the Year by B&Q. 

B&Q and Screwfix's parent company reported sales up 3.7% in current currencies, but down 0.4% like-for-like for the 10 weeks to July 7, 2012. 

A successful one day training event held at Home Hardware Sctoland's Ayrshire head office gave attendees a crash course in all things colour - from planning schemes to interpreting psychology and language. 

With the opening of the London Olympics just days away, employers are being reminded that flexible working arrangements and a fair approach to time off will make for a more productive workforce. 

The provider of flood solutions, UK Flood Barriers, has formed an exclusive partnership with builders' merchant Jewson, which will be selling the company's Flood Angel defence products through a number of its branches. 

Two men have been put behind bars for their part in running an illicit cannabis-plant factory at a Kent nursery. 

A Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) programme involving nearly 2,000 young people aged 14 and up across the country launched last week with the backing of Wickes, which has dedicated its tradespeople to train and mentor the participants.