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Manufacturing is child's play at What More

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. 
3 July 2012

Concessions "weather proof" garden centre business

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. 
3 July 2012

Retailer predicts doom for garden centre industry

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. 
2 July 2012

Topps Tiles' debut 'Lab Store' hailed a "huge success"

A new look 'Inspiration Centre' is one of the new interactive features of the flagship Topps Tiles store, newly opened in Milton Keynes. 
2 July 2012

Asbestos vacuum flask is withdrawn

A vacuum flask is being withdrawn from the market because it is partially made with asbestos. 
2 July 2012

Annual sales up 21.6% at fast-growing Poundland

Poundland's full-year sales have increased by 21.6%, as the one-price retailer continues to open new outlets. 
2 July 2012

B&Q launches energy-saving service

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. 
2 July 2012

PPG Industries announces charitable partnership

Paints and coatings firm PPG has established a partnership with the Geneva-based Paint a Smile Foundation. 
28 June 2012

Welsh Retail Consortium launches today

Retailers in Wales are being given a louder voice with the launch of the BRC's sister body, the Welsh Retail Consortium (WRC). 
28 June 2012

Devon hardware shop recognised for courtesy

Ilfracombe hardware store Chas N Pedlar & Son has taken part in a new initiative that aims to promote and recognise good manners in business. 
27 June 2012

Paws for thought: QD Stores consults its canine consumers

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. 
27 June 2012

Empty shops scourge "could have peaked"

The rise in town centre shop vacancy rates appears to have peaked, according to new research released this week. 
27 June 2012

Argos alien cleared of promoting unsafe trampolining

Argos has successfully defended itself against an accusation that its advertisement showing a trampolining alien was irresponsible. 
27 June 2012

Liverpool Dobbies open for business despite blaze

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. 
27 June 2012

Carpetright and United Carpets struggle in weak market

Tough conditions in the floorcoverings market have taken a heavy toll on annual profits at Carpetright and on the performance of United Carpets stores. 
26 June 2012

B&Q board changes "will reflect new customer focus"

B&Q has today announced two new permanent appointments to its board and a shake-up of board responsibilities. 
26 June 2012

House of Fraser calls time on Burton's Beatties

The Beatties department store in Burton-on-Trent is to close at the end of September. 
25 June 2012

Garden centre to triple café size

A Gloucestershire garden centre is hoping to enjoy a boost to business by more than tripling the size of its café. 
25 June 2012

Retailers take the lead with greener products campaign

A "ground-breaking" new collaboration setting out to reduce the environmental impact of everday products, from DIY materials to dairy produce, is being spear-headed by more than 80 organisations of retailers and suppliers. 
21 June 2012

Ex-Focus employees could receive payout of £2,500 each

Tribunal rules that collapsed DIY chain "failed to fully consult" with trade union Unite when it let employees go last year, meaning around 1,500 former Focus store workers could be in line for compensation. 
21 June 2012
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