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Obituary: Michael Dandy

Michael Dandy, former md of builders merchants chain Gibbs & Dandy, died last month aged 56. 
19 May 2011

Garden & Leisure teams up with Waitrose for new garden centre development

Redevelopment of Percy Thrower's Gardening Centre will see the addition of a Waitrose store on site. 
19 May 2011

National 'You Can Do It' rollout for B&Q

B&Q is launching nine new 'You Can Do It Centres' this weekend, following the success of the first six. 
19 May 2011

Consumer confidence down but signs of stability emerge

While confidence is still hovering slightly above recession levels, a modest two point decline in April suggests some stability. 
19 May 2011

DIY a job for both sexes, says new survey

Findings reveal that men are no longer held responsible for tackling household DIY jobs, while picking up a paintbrush is seen by many as the easiest DIY task. 
18 May 2011

New regulations on importing plastic kitchenware

From July 1, imports from China and Hong Kong must carry proof that they comply with limits on the release of harmful chemicals. 
18 May 2011

B&M Retail expresses interest in Focus stores

General merchandise retailer hopes to takes on leases of "a handful" of properties occupied by collapsed DIY chain to help with its own expansion plans. 
18 May 2011

D&G owner buys fifth store

Toby Roberts, owner of independent hardware shop chain D&G Hardware, has added the fifth store to his expanding portfolio of stores. 
17 May 2011

Product of Year raises £1,800 for Rainy Day Trust

Industry charity the Rainy Day Trust has received a much-needed boost of nearly £1,800 thanks to the generosity of guests at last week's Product of the Year Awards, organised by DIY Week and its sister magazine Housewares
17 May 2011

Mary Portas to conduct review of the high street

Retail guru to lead an independent review to identify what the Government can do to tackle the issue of empty shops and develop more prosperous and diverse high streets. 
17 May 2011

Wickes buys 13 Focus stores

Administrator Ernst & Young confirms it has agreed to sell up to 13 stores and transfer all associated employees to the Travis Perkins-owned DIY chain for £8.4m. 
17 May 2011

2011 Product of the Year Award winners announced

Gold and Silver accolades handed out to the host of industry names that triumphed at this year's awards event. 
16 May 2011

Record month at Home Hardware Scotland

Home Hardware Scotland has reported a record month for April, with turnover up by 12.3%. 
12 May 2011

DIY and hardware sales see further growth

Retailers in DIY and hardware sector report uplift in Q1, while furniture and floorcoverings see a return to growth. 
12 May 2011

Garden sector reports strong first quarter

The latest Garden Market Update from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) reveals a strong start to 2011, with trade across the sector up on 2010 and 2009 levels, boosted by the warm spring. 
12 May 2011

Obituary: Footprint chairman John James Jewitt

Footprint Sheffield chairman John James (Jack) Jewitt has died, aged 87. 
11 May 2011

Comet to cut jobs as sales fall 15%

Electricals retailer Comet has seen like-for-like sales plummet 15.2% for the fourth quarter, as the company continues to struggle in difficult economic conditions. 
11 May 2011

Update from Focus administrators

Ernst & Young says it has received a "fantastic level of interest" in Focus DIY, which it is looking to sell as a going concern after the company entered administration on May 5. 
11 May 2011

Outdoor DIY and garden sales boosted by Easter sunshine

Sales of DIY and garden products saw an uplift in April, helped by warm weather and Easter promotions, while homewares struggled as mindsets turned away from indoor products. 
10 May 2011

CBI lowers UK growth forecast, but says exports central to recovery

The UK economy will continue to make headway in 2011, the CBI has predicted, but growth will remain sluggish, restrained by fiscal consolidation and further erosion of household spending power. 
10 May 2011
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