Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Non-food prices 1.3% lower than a year ago but DIY on the up

Big discounts and lower VAT mean non-food goods are cheaper than a year ago for the sixth consecutive month, but DIY and gardening shows a 2.3% increase. 
3 June 2009

Stax shows suppliers its new HQ

Cash & carry giant Stax Trade Centres this week showed its massive new Manchester warehouse to an invited audience of more than 200 suppliers. 
3 June 2009

Homebase boss misses bonus

Tough year for Home Retail Group hits chief executive Terry Duddy in the pocket. 
2 June 2009

B&Q doubles UK profit

DIY chain's UK profits jump to £58m in Q1 thanks to warm weather and late Easter. 
2 June 2009

What customers want

Survey reveals that 84% of consumers believe bathroom retailers should offer flexible opening times. 
2 June 2009

Independents named as Britain's best local businesses

Webbs of Crickhowell and Wright Ironmongers make the shortlist for Which? Local Business of the Year award. 
2 June 2009

Homebase well placed despite weaker market

Despite the economic pressures, which have resulted in Homebase and Argos parent Home Retail Group posting a £394m annual loss before tax, chief executive Terry Duddy says Homebase is "well positioned across the broad home enhancement market". 
1 June 2009

Ikea commits to charity drive

Ikea has teamed up with charity UNICEF to support children around the world with the Sunnan solar-powered lamp. 
1 June 2009

Over 45s prefer a spot of gardening to a pint

Older consumers more likely than average to spend money on gardening and home improvement than on drinking in pubs. 
1 June 2009

Inquiry after dog killed by Homebase slug pellets

Calls for better labelling on hazardous products after family pet dies from ingesting own-brand pellets. 
1 June 2009

House prices rise in May

House prices rose by 1.2% in May, according to Nationwide, the second increase in three months and the strongest increase for 19 months - another sign that we may be making tentative steps towards recovery. 
29 May 2009

Wolseley announces 80% profit drop

Building materials company blames "weakness" in market for drop to £72m and predicts trading conditions will remain tough into next year. 
29 May 2009

Extra space now available for GIMA Awards dinner

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) has had to make extra places available for this year's GIMA Awards dinner as demand has outstripped supply. 
29 May 2009

Tommy Gill resigns from Bayer Garden

A Bayer Garden spokesperson has confirmed to DIY Week that Tommy Gill, head of Bayer UK and Ireland, has resigned from the company with immediate effect. 
29 May 2009

Stronger Sterling boosts outlook

The pound has risen to its highest point above the dollar in almost six months, another indicator, slight as it may be, that the worst may be behind us. 
28 May 2009

B&Q launches range to rival Argos and Ikea

£18m investment sees DIY giant enter the furniture market, stocking sofas, beds and white goods. 
28 May 2009

Gordon Brown drops into local B&Q

Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid a visit to the new B&Q store in Kirkcaldy earlier this week ahead of its official opening on Friday (May 29). 
27 May 2009

John Lewis reveals name for new concept

Department Store chain John Lewis has announced that its new specialist homestore format will be rolled out under the name 'John Lewis at home'. 
27 May 2009

Jegs officially opens new building

David Amess, MP for Southend West officially opened the new Jegs premises this month. 
27 May 2009

Topps feels the pinch

Interim report shows profits plunge for tile retailer. 
27 May 2009
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