Interim results for the 26 weeks to October 30 2010 show the floorcoverings retailer's sales slipped 4%, while underlying pre-tax profit tumbled 28.1%. 

The Totally shows have announced the introduction of a 'Retail Tool Box' for next February's exhibition at the NEC, with live demos, presentations and latest launches. 

Despite drop in sales of core products, Travis Perkins-owned DIY chain sees turnover jump 4.2% in last eight weeks of trading period, as consumers bring purchases forward. 

Swedish retailer bags the top position, beating more than 1,100 retail chains, in the largest consumer survey in Europe. 

60% of retailers and manufacturers intend to raise prices above the 2.5% VAT rate increase due on January 4 but KPMG warns of the danger of large-scale increases. 

Crown Paints has announced it's on course to announce a profit jump of close to 200% for the full year to December 31 2010. 

BRC's Christmas Trading Snapshot Survey reveals that almost two thirds of retail businesses expect sales over the Christmas period to be the same or better than last year. 

Department store posts sales of £121m last week - the most it has ever taken in a seven-day period - as shoppers flood the high street following the snow. 

DIY chain to offer discounts of up to 75% from Friday, December 17 as it kicks off its January sale earlier than ever. 

Homebase has revealed a 600% increase in online sales from mobiles in the past year as it launches its Reserve & Collect mobile app. 

Retailers are being forced to demand ID from customers wanting to buy Christmas crackers due to new EU legislation adapted in summer. 

Electricals chain Comet has suffered a retail loss of €6.4m for the first half, due to a combination of store refits, a brand relaunch and tough trading conditions. 

Despite widespread promotions, paint sales saw a decline in October, according to recent figures from GfK, while hand tools reported a 14% drop in sales volumes for the year. 

UK retail sales increased by 0.7% on a like-for-like basis compared with November 2009, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 

The over-50s are putting younger Brits to shame when it comes to preparing their homes for winter weather, says a new survey from Saga Home Insurance. 

Taps plumbers merchants has expanded out of the North East for the first time after opening a new branch in Yorkshire. 

Small businesses have experienced a rise in orders and turnover in recent months, but profitability has dropped, says the Forum of Private Business. 

Lords of Notting Hill won Online Business of the Year 2010 at the HSBC/Archant London Business Awards last week for their new website. 

A small electrical fire broke out at the Marylebone branch of The Tool Shop last Wednesday night, causing damage to the main sales area. 

Bristol-based tile supplier Tileflair Group has acquired KDP Tiles Ltd based in Chandlers Ford for an undisclosed sum.