Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Tile Depot opens 18th store

Tile Depot has opened a brand new store in Newbury, Berkshire, taking the total store portfolio to 18. 
2 August 2011

Like-for-like sales improve at Carpetright

Carpetright has reported a 2.3% decline in UK sales for the first quarter of its financial year, but like-for-like sales were flat (down 0.2%) against a 6% decline for the full year to April 2011. 
2 August 2011

Government scraps restrictions on town centre parking

Government-imposed limits on town centre parking spaces are to be scrapped to boost struggling high streets. 
2 August 2011

Internet retailer enters garden category

Online retailer Pixmania-Pro has entered the garden market with the addition of more than 100 garden tools and equipment lines to its site. 
2 August 2011

Wilkinson expands wallpaper range

General merchandise retailer to change more than 30% of its offer and continue own-brand push with new coloured wallpaper collection. 
1 August 2011

K&B sales drop 13% at Wickes

Wickes has seen a 2% increase in delivered revenue for the first half of 2011, despite a 13% drop in kitchen and bathroom sales as consumers scaled back big-ticket spending. 
1 August 2011

Residents lose battle to save Mill Hill Garden Centre

Barnet Council has approved plans to turn Mill Hill Garden Centre into a primary school, despite protests from local residents. 
1 August 2011

Buyer found for TJ Hughes brand

Lewis's Home Retail Ltd agrees to buy TJ Hughes name, website and assets of four stores for an undisclosed sum. 
1 August 2011

Packed church for Harrison funeral

It was 'standing room only' at Charles Harrison's funeral on Thursday July 28. 
29 July 2011

GCG acquires Country Homes & Gardens

The Garden Centre Group (GCG) has confirmed its acquisition of Country Homes & Gardens. 
29 July 2011

AkzoNobel becomes RDT Partner

AkzoNobel has become the latest company to sign up for the Rainy Day Trust's Partnership scheme. 
29 July 2011

Dramatic drop in number of carrier bags used by shoppers

Latest figures from WRAP reveal total weight of thin plastic bags used has almost halved since 2006, despite an 8% increase in retail sales volumes. 
29 July 2011

B&Q Ireland fined €250k after customer death

B&Q Ireland has been ordered to pay a quarter of a million Euros following the 2009 death of a customer killed by falling fencing in one of its stores. 
28 July 2011

Store numbers increase in Q2 but staff levels continue to fall

The retail sector reports 3,100 fewer jobs, compared with last year, despite a further 743 shops opening during the three month-period. 
28 July 2011

Vince Cable reveals plans to cut retail red tape

The Government has announced proposals to scrap or simplify more than 160 regulations affecting retailers, in response to thousands of comments made during its Red Tape Challenge. 
28 July 2011

Spate of thefts at garden centres in St Albans

Notcutts and Burston Garden Centre both targeted this month, with camping equipment and plants stolen during break-ins. 
28 July 2011

RDT charity shoot raises £7k

Retailers and suppliers from across the home improvement industry took part in the annual clay pigeon shooting challenge on July 7, on behalf of industry charity the Rainy Day Trust. 
27 July 2011

SMEs spending £16.8bn a year on red tape

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has found that small firms are spending more time and money on complying with regulations, despite the Government's attempts to reduce legislation. 
27 July 2011

New home for B&Q

B&Q is moving its headquarters to a brand new, eco-friendly building named B&Q House. 
27 July 2011

New Wickes ad to focus on doors

Wickes has launched a new TV advert focusing on its range of more than 800 doors. 
26 July 2011
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