Despite a tough retail climate and weak demand in kitchen and bathroom, Wickes reported a increase in like-for-like sales and market share in the first quarter of 2011. 

Deloitte has reported the highest number of retail administrations in two years, with a 21% increase from Q4 2010 to Q1 2011. 

Spurred on by the warmer weather, customers flocked to the Swedish retailer over the May Bank Holiday weekend to stock up on garden furniture ranges. 

After three years, which saw two member votes, an EGM and the resignation of the association's ceo, The British Home Enhancement Trades Association (BHETA) has announced a final resolution to its protracted merger negotiations with the British Jewellery, Giftware and Finishing Federation (BJGF). 

Value retailer buys collapsed Alworths chain, with 15 of its stores and majority of staff to join the Poundstretcher group. 

The Range owner Chris Dawson has expressed an interest in purchasing Focus DIY, which entered into administration yesterday. 

UK interest rates have been held at 0.5% by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC). 

Former Pilkington's Tiles ceo Ray Tarr is to re-launch the brand in the British market. UK manufacturing operations, however, will not re-open. 

Parent firm announces that it has agreed to buy up to 31 leasehold properties from administrators for £23m. 

Shopping channel looks to the industry for people with a passion for kitchenware and household products to star in demos. 

40% of British homeowners planned to carry out DIY jobs over the recent Bank Holiday weekends, according to a new survey from HSBC. 

Woodie's DIY and Atlantic Hardware contribute 4.6% growth in parent firm's retailing operations, easing declines in Ireland in Q1. 

Focus DIY has entered administration, appointing Ernst & Young this morning after defaulting on its credit facility and announcing its intention to file yesterday. 

Going forward the association will now be known as the British Independent Retailers Association, or Bira. 

Shop price inflation increased marginally to 2.5% in April from 2.4% in March, as rising food inflation outweighed slowing non-food inflation, according to the latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index. 

Retailers and suppliers have a reported a fantastic Bank Holiday fortnight with large increases in sales as consumers enjoyed barbecue weather, time off work and a royal celebration. 

As garden centres and the HTA report record sales over the Bank Holiday weekends, new research finds that 78% of people in England and Wales want to keep May Day in May, rather than move to another date, as proposed by ministers. 

Family-run garden centre chain Squire's has confirmed that it has acquired Shoots Garden Centres for an undisclosed sum. 

Focus DIY has said it intends to appoint Ernst & Young as administrators, suggesting reported talks between its owner Cerberus and potential buyer GA Europe were unsuccessful. 

Family-run garden centre chain acquires Shoots for undisclosed sum.