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Multiples up the ante with more promotional activity this month

In a bid to get consumers spending again Tile Depot launches BOGOF deal, while B&Q, Focus, Wickes and Homebase, offer as much as 70% off kitchens and bathrooms. 
12 February 2010

Barrettine's birthday bash

Chemicals manufacturer Barrettine is celebrating more than 130 years in business as an independent company. 
12 February 2010

John Lewis 'at home' to open in Croydon

Department store chain's second new format store will open its doors this autumn. 
12 February 2010

Wolf-Garten distributor adds Wilkinson Sword brand

EP Barrus secures a trade license agreement to market and sell the Wilkinson Sword range of garden tools in the UK and ROI. 
12 February 2010

Carbon compliance deadline approaches

Time is ticking for manufacturers who need to reduce their carbon emissions before the government's Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) scheme kicks off in April 2010. 
12 February 2010

Fastener Fair sold

Mack Brooks Exhibitions has acquired the entire shareholding of Fastener Fairs Ltd for an undisclosed sum. 
11 February 2010

B&Q and Richard Branson offer insulation help

Euan Sutherland and Sir Richard Branson give a helping hand to insulate a Londoner's loft in support of Prince of Wales' new Start initiative. 
11 February 2010

Mary Portas films latest series at Totally

Retail guru takes Lightwater Homecare in hand for the latest series of her BBC show Mary Queen of Shops, with live product demo at the trade exhibition. 
11 February 2010

January sales worst for 15 years

UK high street has "awful start to the year" as heavy snowfall stops shoppers spending. 
10 February 2010

Show party raises £17k for Rainy Day Trust

Industry charity the Rainy Day Trust is an estimated £17,000 better off after a successful fund-raising party at this week's Birmingham exhibitions: Spring Fair, Totally DIY, Totally Tools and Totally Secure. 
10 February 2010

Retail buyers pick the show's top new products

Faithfull, Eco-Ezee, Yale, Holdfast, Luxform and Trollul were the six exhibitors who picked up Gold Show Stopper awards at this week's Totally DIY show in Birmingham. 
10 February 2010

Focus disputes claims that 'cash is tight'

Home improvement retailer plays down reports that it is struggling and has been forced to ask for a payment holiday on rent. 
9 February 2010

FADS Parent company enters administration

Divalimit, the parent company of FADS, Texstyle World and Leveys has been placed in administration little more than a year after it purchased the brands according to reports. 
8 February 2010

Homebase launches tools from 99p

A new Value range of DIY essentials launched by Homebase this week includes tools offered for sale for less than a pound. 
5 February 2010

Thief 'couldn't be bothered' to queue in DIY shop

Man walks out of Homebase store with two power tools because he didn't want to wait in line to pay. 
5 February 2010

Dobbies centres to co-locate with Tesco stores

Tesco-owned garden centre chain aims to quadruple its number of outlets over the next eight years with a number of new branches to be built alongside supermarkets. 
5 February 2010

Garden & Leisure Group supports better environmental policies in garden centres

Garden centre chain backs environmental campaigner Sir Jonathan Porrit’s criticism that garden centres are complacent about having environmental policies. 
3 February 2010

Homebase introduces re-useable packaging

Homebase parent company Home Retail Group (HRG) has introduced a reusable bag as replacement packaging for sofas from its Homebase and Argos brands. 
3 February 2010

Snow keeps shoppers at home in January

January 2010 sees the worst start to a new year for retailers in half a decade, as footfall drops 5%. 
3 February 2010

New miracle spray-on glass to launch at B&Q

Silica-based solution, which makes cleaning easier and protects surfaces from bacteria, will be available at DIY chain this spring. 
2 February 2010
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