Sales at Argos dropped nearly 10% in Q1, but remained steady at stablemate chain Homebase, according to figures released by parent company Home Retail Group (HRG) today. 

New Zealand-based shower manufacturer Methven has announced it is to receive £329,675 plus VAT from Focus administrators, after losing NZ$2m (almost £1m) when the retailer went under in May. 

GIMA has teamed up with ITV to produce a list of items expected to appear in the first episode of Alan Titchmarsh's new TV show, Love Your Garden. 

As the failed DIY chain's stores continue to trade, selling off stock before their planned closure next month, liquidators report impressive sales. 

The UK has fallen from 5th to 13th in a global ranking of low-carbon investment, as progress lags on decarbonising buildings, transport and industry, the CBI has said. 

Garden centre sales went up 25% in April, compared with the same month last year, as the garden industry capitalised on a late Easter, an extra Bank Holiday weekend and good weather. 

Non-food inflation slowed to 0.8% in May from 1.2% in April, reflecting the need for continued promotional activity in a bid to stimulate sales. 

Employee Larry Settle has been sentenced to eight years in prison after lax security systems at the US housewares chain allowed him to steal $1.15m worth of merchandise. 

UK retail sales fell 2.1% like-for-like in May compared to the same month last year, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 

Carpetright's UK md Christian Sollesse has stood down from his position amid a board reshuffle at the struggling retailer. 

Home Retail Group has held talks with Habitat owner Hilco about selling Habitat-branded items within Homebase stores, according to reports. 

Plant sales continue upward trend, boosted by GYO and a 'retreat to the home' mentality, while competition hots up between garden centres and DIY superstores. 

Reds, creams and neutral shades have come out on top as the nation's favourite colours for the home. 

Rain, and even hail in some parts of the UK, led to a 9.7% increase in cooking and dining ranges, as consumers chose to eat indoors. 

Rob Templeman, who will retire from his position at Debenhams on September 2, will succeed current BRC chairman Luke Mayhew. 

Plumbers and builders merchants group Wolseley has reported a 30% rise in group trading profit for the third quarter to April 30, despite UK profits falling 11%. 

DIY chain reveals growth plans with recent appointment of surveyors to secure 100 new units, significantly expanding its store portfolio. 

B&Q UK and Ireland sees positive like-for-like (lfl) sales growth for first time in six quarters. 

M-commerce could be worth £19bn by 2010 but retailers could be missing out on a significant number of sales due to problems with mobile broadband connections. 

Topps Tiles has reported a slight decline in profits for the first half of its financial year, but says it is "encouraged" by trading patterns seen during the period.