New research on the UK bathroom market has found bathroom retailers will benefit from shifting consumer preferences toward higher value bathrooms, with product development and sustainability driving growth this year and beyond. 

Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson has announced several new launches this summer, including a new own-brand power tool range and a significantly-extended plumbing offer. 

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) named the 2011 GIMA Award winners at a black-tie dinner at Manchester's Midland hotel last week. 

John Lewis has launched product reviews on its website, with thousands of comments from both customers and staff going live on johnlewis.com yesterday. 

Wholesaler Solus Garden & Leisure has announced the closure of its Newcastle depot, saying the 25,000sq ft site has become too small for the volume of stock the company now handles. 

Thousands of Mill Hill residents are campaigning to save their local Wyevale garden centre. 

Homebase is offering customers the chance to win 100,000 Nectar points if they submit an online review of a product purchased at the retailer. 

Britain's multiple retailers have closed 20 stores a day on average between January and the end of May this year, says new research from the Local Data Company. 

The Garden Centre Group is reportedly taking on the management of Country Homes and Gardens, which trades as Country Gardens. 

Topps Tiles has seen a 1.9% decrease in like-for-like revenues for the 13 weeks to July 2. 

Wholesaler Welch & Tidy welcomed contestants from 'The Apprentice' for last week's episode of the BBC TV show. 

The Government has partnered up with Homebase and B&Q for a series of trials aimed at helping people insulate their homes and reduce fuel bills. 

Total UK retail sales went up 1.5% in June, decreasing 0.6% on a like-for-like basis - a better performance than expected after the month's spate of shop closures and administrations. 

Wolseley UK has agreed to sell its Electric Center business to electrical equipment distributor Edmundson Electrical. 

DIY Week has announced the launch of a brand new awards event - The DIY Week Awards. 

DIY Week's Rachael Lyon and Will Parsons are just two of the 17 individuals taking to the skies for the inaugural Rainy Day Trust tandem parachute jump on Sunday September 25th. 

The Garden Centre Group has reported an 8% rise in sales to £152m for the six months to June 30. 

Homebase is rumoured to be interested in some of the Homeform brands which entered administration this week. 

Toolbank's Christmas campaign will be bigger and better this year, with a comprehensive tv advertising campaign to drive sales instore for Toolbank customers. 

B&Q parent Kingfisher has received clearance from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to acquire 30 Focus DIY stores.