Next Directory reported a 17% sales increase for the quarter, while retail sales were down 3.3%. 

Festive DIY demos for parents and children will be on offer in B&Q stores across the UK, supported by online videos and tips for creating a homemade Christmas. 

UK manufacturers are expecting significant falls in activity over the next three months, according to the latest Quarterly Industrial Trends Survey from the CBI. 

Among the latest group of fundraisers, BHETA housewares director Will Jones finally achieved his charity parachute jump on Saturday, raising £1,205 for the Rainy Day Trust. 

John Guest Speedfit helped represent the UK in the plumbing skills section of the recent WorldSkills London 2011 event. 

Reality TV star Louie Spence marked the launch of Christmas ranges at B&Q's Wandsworth store, as the retailer predicts its best sellers.
 

DIY co-operative offers tool gift ideas for consumers to get them spending in hardware stores this Christmas. 

B&Q has been named the worst online shop by the latest Which? customer survey, closely followed by Homebase. 

Scotts Miracle-Gro has reported a sharp improvement in its delivery performance since it opened its 154,000sq ft Quattro distribution centre at Doncaster earlier this year, with logistics handled by DHL. 

Independent retail chain Leekes has reported a 5.2% increase in turnover to £53.3m for the year to March 2011. 

Retail jobs declined by 23,000 in September, compared to the same month last year, according to the latest BRC-Bond Pearce Retail Employment Monitor. 

Retailer will provide customers with free wireless internet access in its stores across the UK and announces plans to develop a new iPhone app. 

The Range has updated its website to simplify the process of buying online. 

Fashion and home chain Debenhams has published a home catalogue for the first time, featuring living, dining, kitchen, bed and bath and electricals products. 

Peat-free compost manufacturer named as East Midlands' Business of the Year and picks up regional Sustainability Award at the BCC's annual Chamber Awards. Firm now set to compete for national UK titles and £25,000 prize. 

Carpetright has reported a 5.2% decline in group sales for the 12 weeks to October 22, and warns full-year profits will be at the lower end of current expectations. 

My House Group, which owns a range of home improvement companies throughout the UK, has launched a new interiors division. 

Garden retailers much reach out to younger customers and embrace new technology to make the most of future sales opportunities, the HTA has said. 

Kingfisher has renewed and extended its contract with Yusen Logistics to manage its European import supply chain. 

The Federation of Small Businesses is calling for a targeted VAT cut and a National Insurance Contributions (NICs) holiday for small firms as small business confidence fell by 9.6 points in Q3.