Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Dobbies Preston has starring role in Top Gear

Garden centre made its TV debut on Sunday after Jeremy Clarkson and crew filmed scenes at the site in Clifton for the BBC show earlier this year. 
5 August 2010

DIY inventor gets £100,000 investment for Wellitop

Peter Manning has seen his patented clip-on boot cover reach the shelves of garden centres, DIY and department stores around the country, thanks to backing from an investor found on the xénos angel network. 
4 August 2010

Lowest non-food inflation since November 2009

Non-food inflation slowed from 1.4% in June to 1% in July, the lowest rate since November 2009, according to the latest results from the BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index. 
4 August 2010

Argos tests same-day delivery service

Argos is testing a same-day delivery service in London allowing Check & Reserve customers to have their purchases couriered to them in as little as 90 minutes. 
4 August 2010

Carpetright remains cautious as lfl UK sales drop 3.4%

Carpet and flooring specialist expected consumer demand to "remain subdued", while the closing of operations in Poland affects group sales. 
4 August 2010

BHETA to create 'retail store' at Good Food Show

Members of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association will be showcasing their products to over 140,000 consumers at this November's BBC Good Food Show. 
3 August 2010

Business groups criticise 7p charge on carrier bags

CBI Wales describes proposition by Welsh Assembly Government as a "big rush" and claim that some big retailers are not even aware of the plans, which could come into effect as early as next spring. 
3 August 2010

Gardening clubs report jump in membership figures

RHS survey reveals a 'gardening renaissance' with increasing numbers of people joining their local garden and allotment clubs. 
2 August 2010

Retailers create 22,000 jobs in a year

Full-time retail employment was up 3.6% for the second quarter of 2010, compared with the same period last year, according to the BRC-Bond Pearce Retail Employment Monitor. 
2 August 2010

Portas to address HTA delegates

Mary Portas will headline at the Horticultural Trades Association Garden Futures Conference in October. 
2 August 2010

Another drop in family spending as one in eight fear job losses

The average UK family was £7 a week worse off in June 2010 compared with last year, while a nationwide poll revealed that just 34% of people currently feel secure in their job. 
2 August 2010

B&Q launches 'hero product' eco range

B&Q is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability with the launch of a new own-label range called 'Home Eco at B&Q' and its first Fairtrade products. Its exclusive JCB tool range will also be in store this year. 
30 July 2010

Smoothie makers 'a waste of money' says Which?

Smoothie machines and peanut butter makers are among 10 products written off as worthless in the latest issue of Which? magazine. 
30 July 2010

Home and bedroom furniture are star performers for John Lewis

Despite summer holidays and warm weather, customers "were in the mood for spending", sending furniture sales soaring at the department store. 
30 July 2010

Yale and Hozelock join BHETA

BHETA has welcomed two new DIY members to the association: Yale EMEA and Hozelock. 
29 July 2010

BDC sold by administrators

BDC 2008, the latest incarnation of the troubled Bridisco wholesale business, entered administration on July 20 and was sold the same day. 
29 July 2010

Travis Perkins results beat expectations

Travis Perkins has posted interim results ahead of management expectations for the six months to June 30, 2010. 
29 July 2010

Bedroom furniture market set to grow £79.4m, while floorcovering sales dip

Brits are spending money on beds and bedroom furniture, despite high-ticket prices, while the rest of the floorcoverings and furniture market continues to struggle. 
29 July 2010

High street sales beat retailer predictions in July

Sales on the high street increased in July compared with 2009, surpassing retailers' expectations, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. 
28 July 2010

Danaher and Cooper Tools launch Apex Tool Group

US tool manufacturers Danaher Tool Group and Cooper Tools have launched joint tool venture Apex Tool Group. 
28 July 2010
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