Grafton Group has reported a 6% rise in UK merchanting sales for the year to October 2010. 

Jim Godfrey, owner of L.R. Godfreys in Lowestoft took part in TV programme Come Dine With Me - to be aired December 3. 

Fashion retailer Next has dismissed reports that it is planning to open out-of-town shops with garden centres. 

Garden sundries supplier Gardman has signed a deal for 242,000sq ft of new warehouse space in West Lynn, close to its main warehouse operations in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. 

The 12,000 lights on the biggest Christmas tree in the UK were switched on by Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd at Dobbies' Edinburgh garden centre last weekend. 

Scottish Government and SRC work to ensure businesses understands strict new regulations on sales of blades. 

Department store Philip Morris & Son in Hereford has been named the West Midlands Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2010. 

Online sales increased last month by 23% compared with October 2009, showing Christmas shopping is now in full swing. 

Westland Horticulture is launching its Masterclass Academy at the start of 2011, with a series of educational days across the UK. 

Reports suggest other retailers are being sounded out about acquiring some of the DIY chain's locations, as its owner Cerberus considers additional investment. 

Wholesale nursery New Forest Garden Plants has entered into administration, resulting in the loss of 40 jobs. 

Recent unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics show the labour market is "delicately poised", according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 

Stax Trade Centres has reported annual group sales of more than £92.3m for the period from September 2009 to August 2010. 

Non-food sales drop 1.1% in October, with homewares and DIY down on a year ago, as consumers remain cautious about discretionary sending. 

WD-40 is supporting the DIYers of the future by sponsoring the Scouts DIY activity badge. 

Gardeners are planning to keep spending next year, with a water feature named as the most desirable item for 2011, according to a new survey from Hangar Seven. 

Following the success of this year's inaugural European Home Improvement Forum, EDRA and fediyma have again joined forces, this time to launch a global event. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is set to form a new cash & carry group to assist the sector in growing the market and improving profitability. 

Department store chain opened the fourth of its new format stores last Thursday in Kent. 

According to new figures, nearly 70% of recruitment agencies are expecting a shortage of temporary agency workers over the festive period in most sectors, including retail.