Almost one in two shoppers would shun brands that don't take steps to reduce their carbon footprint, according to new research from the Carbon Trust. 

Retail sales volumes fell 1.4% in May compared with the previous month, according to the latest report from the Office of National Statistics. 

Private equity firm ECI has invested £12m in plastics manufacturer Stewart, the company announced today. 

B&Q teams up with the Scouts to help plug the skills gap and teach DIY to half a million under 15s with the launch of a new badge. 

The latest email from Focus liquidators hammers home the point that the first Focus stores will close this Sunday. 

Argos launched its own home shopping channel today on Sky, available to view in 10m homes. 

Easter and the Royal wedding boost general merchandise ranges despite tough trading environment but supermarket chain predicts continued pressure on consumer spending and a competitive market. 

B&Q was one of only three retailers to make The Sunday Times Best Green Companies List 2011, coming in at 18th place. 

Paint firm's factory in Prudhoe, Northumberland is now harvesting rainwater to produce brands, such as Dulux and Cuprinol, as part of the company's operational Eco-Efficiency programme. 

Department store chain announces plans for its 10th at home, set to open by autumn 2012. 

Independents are weathering the recession better than the multiples, and are capable of reviving UK high streets if "freed from the shackles that hamper them", the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has said. 

Carphone Warehouse is considering the future of its Best Buy roll out following losses at the 10-strong chain of more than £60m for the full year to March 31 2011. 

Distributor Proteam UK has entered administration, owed £3m by Focus. 

Police forces are auctioning off tools confiscated from burglars and robbers in a bid to clear their store rooms and raise some cash. 

Sales at John Lewis rose just 0.5% to £54.27m for the week to June 4, despite the Bank Holiday and exceptionally good weather, the company has reported. 

Commtel Innovate has confirmed it is to put the Smart Bell doorbell, invented by 13-year-old Laurence Rook, into full production this July. 

Defra and the Environment Agency announce that parts of the Anglian region are now officially in a state of drought, with other areas on the brink, but reassures that water supplies are high enough to cope with dry conditions. 

Fashion and homewares chain Life & Style has entered administration. 

Hempel has acquired the leading paint brand for an undisclosed sum, as part of its ambitious expansion plans to double in size and strengthen its position in the decorative coatings industry. 

DIY chain uses guerrilla marketing so that a personalised ad appears at the top of the page when users Google Matt Prior - the cricketer who broke a window at Lord's with his cricket bat.