Sales at John Lewis were up 0.6% year on year in the week to April 10. 

Synovate urges retailers to take heart from 'above seasonal average', despite wet weather resulting in an 8.5% drop in shopper numbers over the first week of Easter. 

Confidence among shoppers sees largest monthly fall since July 2008, while spending index picks up. 

The BRC has released its response to the three main parties' manifestos, which were published this week in the run up to May's general election. 

Compost manufacturer reports strong trading and announces £9m advance payment from Defra to cease peat harvesting at its Bolton Fell site. 

Aylett Nurseries in St Albans has become the first independent garden centre to become a full member of the Growing Media Initiative (GMI), the cross-industry scheme to reduce peat in bagged growing media. 

David Quayle, one of the co-founders of B&Q, has died aged 73. 

New rules on long-term sick leave are preventing small firms from hiring new staff, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 

Build and Plumb Center parent plans to double number of kitchen studio showrooms it will open across the UK. 

Administrators see 'no prospects of recovery for the ongoing business', and have initiated a closing down procedure of the decorating chain. Twelve of the 16 retail outlets that were still trading have already closed. 

The number of retailers entering into administration fell to its lowest level in four years in the first quarter of 2010. 

Total sales up 6.6% in March, with homewares driven by mid-season sales but BRC warns of consumer caution and a 'gloomier picture'. 

Garden centre group Golden Acres has reported a 20% retail sales increase. 

Sales of furniture and textiles saw a boost on the high street in March, with shoppers attracted by 'cleverly targeted promotions'. 

BHETA has announced that vice president John Newcomb will stand as president at the June 3 agm, with the full backing of the board and the sector committees. A number of other representatives will also stand for key positions on the board and on the committees. 

Home Retail Group was a top riser on the stock market today after media speculation suggested Asda parent Wal-Mart is eyeing the British retailer as a potential acquisition. 

EPE International was voted the 'best display stand' at Home Hardware's Spring Trade Show at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter on March 9. 

Department store's weekly sales up 30% on 2009, with its Never Knowingly Undersold campaign boosting sales in home categories. 

British houses are in the worst state of repair compared to the rest of Europe, with nearly every second home in need of renovation, according to research released last week by Bosch. 

Almost one in ten retail employees have committed a crime against their employer in the last 12 months, says new research from G4S Secure Solutions.