Sunny weather helped give sales volume of household goods a like-for-like boost of 2.5% this March, according to the Office for National Statistics, with the value of sales rising by 2% - the largest increase since January 2011. 

Garden, leisure and home décor wholesaler Solus has joined forces with the Greenfingers charity for its 2012 fundraiser - auctioning unwanted stock from horticultural businesses all over the UK. 

The supermarket retailer has opened 129 temporary garden centres in recent months - and it looks as if these are here to stay as it revealed this week that the new additions to its stores will remain open over the lucrative summer period. 

The south east-based tile retailer has confirmed it has joined the association, which provides technical support to members and customers as wells as promoting high standards in the tiling industry. 

In a repeat of a scam previously publicised by DIYWeek.net, a Mexican-based company is once again targeting exhibitors at the Totally shows to update 'free' listings in the Expo Guide which could ultimately end up costing them thousands of pounds a year. 

Room specific products during the Easter 2012 weekend saw a 16.4% boost according to a new report by the GfK, which said the dismal weather meant people spent more money - as well as time - indoors. 

The DIY retailer has recently been in the spotlight for a deal which saw social housing tenants in South Shields given vouchers only valid at a B&Q superstore, described as "grossly unfair" by neighbouring independent DIY traders. 

The retailer said the sector was "almost entirely impacted by our decision to withdraw from technology." 

Garden products supplier announces move into a new market with the launch of a pet care accessories range. 

Following the success of last year's visit to the Canton Fair, Home Hardware Scotland's general manager, Chris McEwan and senior buyer, Derek O'Ware are set to make a return 10 day visit at the end of April. 

In the wake of the sky-rocketing interest in garden centre catering, Glee organisers have got in on the action and for the first time visitors to the September show will be able to take advantage of the newly launched Food and Catering Zone. 

The Mica co-operative group has just gone live with brand new upgrade, featuring additional supplier resources alongside a contemporary new look for consumers. 

Billy + Margot, a unique new iced treat made especially for dogs was launched across 27 Dobbies Garden Centres today, making it the first and only garden centre to currently stock the new iced treat in its pets department. 

Notcutts has teamed up with Greencup Coffee in an exclusive deal to provide the garden centre chain's customers with a unique, recycled coffee garden fertiliser that uses beans from coffee sold at its Notcutts centres. 

An area of wasteland in Kettering is currently under construction to be transformed into new retail units including a Dunelm Mill store, as the retailer announced a 0.6% like-for-life sales growth in Q3. 

In celebration of all things shed-related, Cuprinol recently commissioned famous shed-lovers Vic Reeves, Christian O'Connell, Joanne Harris, Alex Johnson and Sarah Beeny to create their ultimate "garden havens" which are now open to the public in beauty spots across the country. 

Gordon Thompson, 34, who admitted to starting a fire which destroyed a 144-year-old furniture store in Croydon during the London riots last summer, is expected to receive a significant jail sentence today. 

The garden products supplier announces the purchase of Cranswick - a leading manufacturer in the wild bird and small animal markets. 

Gordon Thompson, 34, has been sentenced to 11 years and six months in jail for setting fire to House of Reeves in Croydon in what was described in court as "an act of cynical cowardice." 

It was a mixed report of trading for garden centres across the country following the long-anticipated Easter Bank Holiday weekend, with many seeing an initial bright start on Friday, followed by poor footfall during Monday's rainy weather.