Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Clas Ohlson to close half its UK stores

Swedish hardware retailer Clas Ohlson has confirmed it will be closing seven of its 13 UK stores. 
7 April 2016

Dunelm reveals revenue growth of 5.9% for Q3

Dunelm Mill revealed sales grew by nearly 6% for the 13 weeks to April 2, standing at a total of £229m, up 1.1% like-for-like. 
7 April 2016

Topps Tiles announces Q2 sales up 4.9% LfL

Total revenues for the 26 weeks ending April 2 at Topps Tiles stood at £108m, the retailer announced today, up £4m on last year, equating to a 4.7% like-for-like rise. 
6 April 2016

BHETA forging ties with supermarket watchdog

The British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) has developed an association with the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA), which oversees the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers. 
6 April 2016

Tembé DIY staff to run London Marathon

More than 1,000 superheroes - including Tembé DIY & Building Supplies' Guy Malam and Kevin Heath - will be donning capes, headbands and trainers to take part in the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon on April 24. 
6 April 2016

GMB union brands B&Q living wage deal as 'scandalous'

The GMB union is describing as "scandalous" the way in which B&Q is cutting workers' weekend and overtime pay to offset the higher costs of the new National Living Wage. 
6 April 2016

Survey shows 36% of Brits can't do DIY

A recent nationwide survey from JJ Roofing Supplies concluded that a high number of British people don't feel confident tackling basic DIY tasks on their own. 
6 April 2016

TV star to speak at HTA catering conference

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced the dates and speakers for its seventh annual catering conference, including the Maitre D from Channel 4 show 'First Dates.' 
5 April 2016

C.K meets the brief with new underwear range

Professional hand tool supplier C.K tools has launched a new range of underwear to offer comfort and support to professional tradesmen. C.K briefs are available in the brand's signature colours - black and yellow. 
1 April 2016

HRG gives Sainsbury's the green light for Argos

Home Retail Group has confirmed it is backing Sainsbury's £1.4bn proposal to take over Argos. 
1 April 2016

Last year saw smallest increase of indies in 6 years

The number of independent retailers increased by just 117 shops last year, according to data released by the Local Data Company (LDC) and British Independent Retailers Association (bira), the smallest number since LDC records began in 2006. 
31 March 2016

Retailers 'amongst hardest hit' as living wage comes in

Retailers are bracing themselves for tomorrow's introduction of the new National Living Wage (NLW), expecting to be amongst the hardest-hit of all businesses by the new regulations. 
31 March 2016

Argos sells distribution centre for £75m

Argos has sold its National distribution centre in Burton-upon-Trent to property investment company Tritax Big Box in a £74.65m deal. 
29 March 2016

Storm Katie counteracts positive Good Friday high street footfall

High street shops suffered the brunt of Storm Katie over the Easter bank holiday weekend, according to market research company Springboard. 
29 March 2016

Homebase's new owner pledges to pay living wage to under-25s

Bosses at Homebase's new Australian owner Wesfarmers have pledged to pay workers aged under 25 the new living wage. 
29 March 2016

Cookshop chain Steamer Trading acquires Divertimenti

The Steamer Trading cookshop chain has acquired up-market London cookshop Divertimenti. 
29 March 2016

Geka links with London & Lancs for UK distribution

London & Lancs has taken on the UK distribution of Geka, one of Europe's leading horticultural and gardening brands. 
29 March 2016

'Do-it-for-me' boosts paint and wallcoverings

The paint, wallcoverings and woodcare market has enjoyed a welcome boost in recent years - thanks in no small part to the 'do-it-for-me' trend. 
29 March 2016

Indies told to target the grey pound at BHETA forum

An upbeat group of speakers gave key advice tailored especially for independent DIY and hardware retailers at a recent forum hosted by the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA). 
29 March 2016

Brad Pitt stocks up on DIY supplies at B&Q

The weather may have put many DIYers off shopping this Easter bank holiday, but A-lister Brad Pitt was apparently not one of them. 
29 March 2016
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