The volume of goods bought during October rose by 7.4% compared with last year, according to the Office for National Statistics, the highest rate of growth since April 2002. 

IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products, has partnered with Stone Productions to create its first ever animated TV advert. 

Devon-based Axminster Tools & Machinery was recently awarded the top Power Tool Supplier of the Year at the recent On the Tools awards held in the Emirates stadium. 

Police in North Wales are appealing for witnesses following an overnight raid on Homebase in Wrexham. 

A petition calling for Prime Minister Theresa May to ban shops from opening on Boxing Day so that retail workers can spend more time with their families has currently acquired almost 203,000 supporters. 

Two people have been arrested after Amazon's major distribution centre in Rugeley went up in flames in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

ManoMano, the French retailer which describes itself as "the only DIY specialist marketplace on the UK market" has announced discounts across its product range ahead of Black Friday next week. 

Fast-growing discount chain B&M has reported a 15% rise in its first half sales and has said it is expecting to meet expectations for its store opening programme. 

The Local Data Company, much to the chagrin of Marks and Spencer, has released a list of stores it has calculated to be most at risk of closure following the store's announcement last week that 60 clothing and home stores would close. 

Crown, Coloroll, Vymura and Arthouse are the latest wallcoverings brands to join BHETA.  Inspired Wallpaper is the collective brand which encompasses Crown, Coloroll and Vymura. 

Garden tools and gifts manufacturer Burgon & Ball has been honoured in the first ever Garden Trade News Greatest Marketing Team Awards, part of the GTN's Greatest Awards 2016. 

Travis Perkins-owned DIY retailer Wickes has struck a deal with Channel 4 to sponsor its Homes on 4 programmes, including Location Location Location and Grand Designs, from 2017. 

A B&Q depot centre in Colney Street near Radlett has closed down and 100 staff have been made redundant. 

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) has announced that it has moved its head office to Chester following the relocation of the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) to Chilcot. 

Doncaster-based Tembe DIY and Building Products has raised £11,000 for Children with Cancer UK through the sale of HIPPO Heavy Duty Trade Wipes. 

Bunnings UK and Ireland managing director PJ Davis was the headlining speaker at the recent BHETA networking forum at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, last week. 

Marks and Spencer has released its half yearly results, with overall group revenue of £4,993.5m, up 0.9% on last year, but with statutory profit before tax at £25.1m, down 88.4% from last year, the decision has been taken to reduce the number of clothing and home stores. 

B&Q has announced plans to roll out its new format store - introduced at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol over the summer - across 10 stores as well as the introduction of a one hour click-and-collect service. 

Following a rocky nine months, the UK's high street has finally started to grow again according to figures released by the BDO high street sales tracker - and sales of housewares were particularly buoyant. 

Based in Dublin, Ireland, the owners of family-run import and distribution firm Lucretia Tiles have launched Tile Devil, an online retailer aimed squarely at the UK home improvement market.