Irish merchanting and retailing group hit by slowdown in trading but vows to emerge stronger and more competitive 

Independent wholesaler group United Housewares Merchants has two new members, taking the total within the group to 19. 

Specialist landscape products group look at sales opportunities in growth markets, an acceleration in cost reductions and ways to conserve cash to retain financial flexibility 

Alec Mulholland, one of the early pioneers of Toolbank, has passed away. 

Forum of Private Business (FPB) enters Matalan into its 'hall of shame' after the retailer imposes a new charge on suppliers to fund its growth. 

Investment bank heaps pressure on general retailer with a damning verdict on the retail business, its format, and the company's financial stability 

Leading trade associations and wholesale groups renew their support for Totally Tools, Totally DIY, and Totally Secure. 

Staff, including three company directors, move into purpose-built offices overlooking recently opened distribution facility 

Rumours rife that hundreds of employees will be offered redundancy after staff letter leaked to press. 

Garden centre rewards former commercial director with new role that reflects his invaluable help in rejuvenating the business, says executive chairman, Jim Hodkinson. 

Icelandic investment group contacts Woolworths' shareholders in bid to bring retailer's directors to negotiating table to talk about a buy-out of retail division. 

Settlement reached between both parties after adjustments to earlier offers as more than two-thirds of workers vote in favour of an amended pay deal. 

Howard Luft, Eric Mullholland and Joe Devitt welcome the brand's return to independence and vow to build on its heritage. 

Former Iceland founder, Malcolm Walker sends in a proposal by letter for retail arm only 

Brothers Robert and Richard Hodges return to business they founded in 1999 and floated on the stock market in 2004. 

Centres being actively marketed to potential suitors with sale completion expected towards the end of the year 

Optimistic retailers aim to stay strong and refuse to accept doom and gloom. 

Frosts Garden Centres and Millbrook Garden Centre shine in regional heats 

Wilkinson has announced ambitious plans that will see it operate from 500 stores by 2012, generating sales of £3bn - a rise of more than £2.5bn on current trading in 40 months. 

Argos one of three retailers facing 'largest action' taken in UK for a faulty product.