Following their win of the Totally DIY prize draw at the trade show in February, Nibletts Mica Hardware owners Robert and Wendy Evans recently travelled to the US National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. 

Today sees the launch of a new group that will encourage and help to secure investment in failing town centre retail premises. 

The Met office has confirmed that double the normal amount of rain has fallen over the past month, making this June the wettest since records began in 1910, but more positive forecasts for the rest of the summer means there is hope yet for retailers to cash in on outdoor products. 

Despite wet weather, which looks set to last all week, the Hampton Court Flower Show got off to a good start yesterday ready for RHS members and public who will flock to the showground from today. 

With more than 80% of the floor space for the garden care sector now booked for the fast-approaching show, Glee has announced several brands making their debut at the NEC event. 

Learning about plastics and how they are moulded into household products was brought to life recently for a party of 27 school children who visited What More UK's Lancashire factory. 

With countless garden centres reporting adverse sales as a result of bad weather, the majority of big name concession operators currently trading from garden centres have reported more favourable conditions. 

The md of online garden centre Gardening Express has said the season "is pretty much over" following months of bad weather on the tail of drought restrictions which saw garden centre sales plummet across the country. 

A new look 'Inspiration Centre' is one of the new interactive features of the flagship Topps Tiles store, newly opened in Milton Keynes. 

A vacuum flask is being withdrawn from the market because it is partially made with asbestos. 

Poundland's full-year sales have increased by 21.6%, as the one-price retailer continues to open new outlets. 

B&Q is set to boost its green credentials with the launch of a new advice service for customers on how to save energy within the home. 

Paints and coatings firm PPG has established a partnership with the Geneva-based Paint a Smile Foundation. 

Retailers in Wales are being given a louder voice with the launch of the BRC's sister body, the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC). 

Ilfracombe hardware store Chas N Pedlar & Son has taken part in a new initiative that aims to promote and recognise good manners in business. 

With sales of pet products growing rapidly at value retailer QD Stores, the company has decided there is no better way to make the right new stock selection than to run it past the end users first. 

The rise in town centre shop vacancy rates appears to have peaked, according to new research released this week. 

Argos has successfully defended itself against an accusation that its advertisement showing a trampolining alien was irresponsible. 

Dobbies Garden World in Liverpool is open for business as usual despite a fire breaking out on the premises in the early hours of yesterday. 

Tough conditions in the floorcoverings market have taken a heavy toll on annual profits at Carpetright and on the performance of United Carpets stores.