Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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‘Generation Rent’ would pay £72 more a month if they could decorate

Landlords are at risk of missing out on more than £850 in rental income a year by not letting their tenants decorate their homes, with bold statement walls a favourite trend amongst renters.New research has found that 20% of renters would pay extra,... 
12 October 2018

Sofology opens its 42nd store in Plymouth

Continuing their exciting expansion, Sofology has opened its 42nd store at Gateway Retail Park, Plymouth today.The Plymouth store marks the first South West opportunity, establishing the continued success of Sofology as a brand. Located over a 20,... 
12 October 2018

Nation’s interest in wildlife creates opportunities this winter

Wyevale’s ‘Garden Trend Report’ reveals that 82% of the British public want to attract more wildlife to their garden, with opportunities for retailers in the category during the colder months ... 
12 October 2018

September retail sales suffer says BRC

In September, UK retail sales decreased by 0.2% on a like-for-like basis from September 2017, when they had increased 1.9% from the preceding year.On a total basis, sales increased 0.7% in September, against an increase of 2.3% in September 2017. ... 
11 October 2018

Wilko hit by £65m loss but is "excited for new opportunities"

High street retailer Wilko has announced a loss of £65 million after "exceptional items and movements of derivative financial instruments", the company has reported.However the business has seen sales rise 7.1% as the online offer expands and own ... 
11 October 2018

Wyevale Garden Centres sells five of its largest garden centres to Dobbies

Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) has announced the sale of five garden centres to Dobbies Garden Centres. The centres include Gloucester; Heighley Gate; Huntingdon; Woodbridge and Woodlands.Chief Executive of WGC, Roger Mclaughlan said: “We are pleased ... 
8 October 2018

UK plumbers’ merchants market worth over £4.2bn

As Buildbase announces the launch of Plumbingbase within its estate and Screwfix reveals its specialist trade counters for plumbers are driving LFL sales growth, a new report from AMA Research reports that the plumbers’ merchants market was worth an ... 
4 October 2018

Topps lifts profit forecast but remains cautious

In a trading update for its full-year results, Topps Tiles has reported improved trading in Q4 and said pre-tax profits will be ahead of previous expectations but the group says it remains cautious in its outlook and is maintaining a tight control ... 
3 October 2018

Walton Flooring Centre eyes expansion with £250k finance package

The Liverpool-based flooring company - a 2018 DIY Week Award winner - has set its sights on ambitious growth plans, with a move to a new 36,000sq ft unit in Huyton next year after securing a quarter of a million pound bespoke finance package .... 
3 October 2018

UK pet industry toasts a successful year at PetQuip awards event

Around 200 luminaries representing the UK and international retailer and supplier pet sector attended the 2018 PetQuip Awards & Dinner party held on 23 September. The sixth edition of this annual event took place in the Ludlow Suite at the ... 
2 October 2018

Buildbase launches Plumbingbase

Builders’ merchant, Buildbase has launched a dedicated plumbing and heating business within 44 branches to help create a one-stop shop for tradesmen.Plumbingbase will be clearly branded alongside Hirebase, Electricbase and, Kitchen and Bathroom ... 
2 October 2018

Tile Giant teams up with with Homes & Gardens Magazine to launch exclusive range

Tile Giant has signed a deal to launch an exclusive range of tiles curated by the leading consumer decorating title.The six-strong capsule collection is set to launch this month both through the Tile Giant website and from selected stores nationwide.... 
1 October 2018

BREAKING NEWS: Akzo Nobel finalises sale of specialty chemicals business for €10.1billion

Following the announcement its decorative paints business had completed the acquisition of Fabryo earlier today, Akzo Nobel has just announced the completion of the sale of its specialty chemicals business to The Carlyle Group and GIC.In a statement ... 
1 October 2018

Villaggio Verge joins BHETA

Another housewares company has joined the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) it has been announced, Villaggio Verde.Villaggio Verde is an RHS gold medal winning grower of olive trees with 20 years’ experience supplying trees to ... 
1 October 2018

Aldi UK plans to open 130 new stores

Aldi, has announced record results for its last financial year, with sales continuing to increase in 2018 as growing numbers of British shoppers switch from the "Big Four" - Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons.Sales in the UK and Ireland rose 16.4%... 
1 October 2018

Rosebourne puts catering at the heart, as it opens second centre

Having secured a Wyevale centre for its third Rosebourne site, the doors to its second centre have opened today, with a strong focus on food and catering in order to create 'an experience' for shoppers and fend off online competition. ... 
28 September 2018

Wyevale Garden Centres sells four more garden centres

Wyevale Garden Centres has announced it has sold its garden centres in Croydon Purley Way, Sidmouth, Solihull and Windsor.Sidmouth and Solihull have been sold to operators who are expected to continue to run them as garden centres. Windsor will ... 
25 September 2018

New forums help homeware and DIY suppliers address industry challenges

Two new forums have been launched to help homeware, garden and DIY manufacturers tackle the challenges presented by ongoing retail industry woes and a looming Brexit.... 
25 September 2018

Toolstream buys Birchwood Price Tools

Tools supplier and distributor, Toolstream has acquired the Nottingham-based workwear and site equipment manufacturer from Travis Perkins, and is “in talks” with other brands, as part of UK expansion plans.This morning Toolstream confirmed to DIY ... 
24 September 2018

Houzz UK launches new pop-up shop

The online home improvement and design platform will welcome the public to browse and buy its products via a new pop-up shop in London over the next 10 days. Described by Houzz UK MD Marcus Hartwell as, “a new way to do retailing ... 
21 September 2018
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