Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Two Surrey shops re-launch under Home Hardware identity

A DIY retailer has a new identity after becoming part of the Home Hardware group. 
7 October 2013

Good move for DIY Week Awards

DIY Week is ringing in the changes for its annual awards event, with a new date and a new venue for 2014. 
7 October 2013

Blue Diamond looks to buy Fermoy's Garden Centre

Fermoy's Garden Centre in Devon has said it is in talks about Blue Diamond taking it over. 
4 October 2013

Yale launches animated character for online campaign

As part of its social media and online campaign, Yale has created an animated advice expert character that offers help and tips to its customers. 
4 October 2013

Baking and making boost Lakeland's annual sales

The rise and rise of home baking helped boost 2012 sales at Lakeland 4% to £157.4m. 
3 October 2013

Summer boost for garden centre sales

The HTA has reported that garden centre sales have grown for five consecutive months and that year-to-date sales figures are above the 2012 levels. 
3 October 2013

British Coatings Federation expands its training programme

The British Coatings Federation (BCF) has expanded its training programme by teaming up with a new partner, Vincentz Network, to take the web-based Coatings Training worldwide. 
2 October 2013

Would-be suppliers learn what Lakeland wants

Lakeland director of buying Matthew Canwell revealed to another record audience at BHETA's latest forum what are the retailer's hottest product categories right now. 
2 October 2013

Whitehall Garden Centre's centenarian Phyllis Self dies

Phyllis Self, a former director of Wiltshire's Whitehall Garden Centre, has died at the age of 105. 
2 October 2013

Possible takeover for Fermoy's

Fermoy's Garden Centre in Devon has confirmed that there are talks of it being taken over by a new owner. 
2 October 2013

Critics slam Miliband's business rates plan

Opposition leader Ed Miliband has said a business rates freeze would provide some relief for small businesses, but others say there is much more that needs to be done. 
2 October 2013

Sales surge at Poundland

Sales at Poundland were up 15% to £880 million last year and 51 new stores opened. The company said it also plans to open 1,000 new stores across the UK. 
1 October 2013

CHA announces 2014 independents' cooking day

The Cookshop and Housewares Association has set the date for its next fun-filled CHA Independents Day. 
1 October 2013

Topps Tiles predicts small rise in annual profit

Topps Tiles is expecting to report a marginal rise in profits when it posts its full-year results on November 26. 
30 September 2013

Essex garden centre forced to shut up shop

Competition from supermarkets and online retailers is forcing the closure of a long-established Essex garden centre. 
30 September 2013

Home Hardware raises £525 for charity

A prize draw at the Home Hardware Southwest Autumn Trade Show raised £525 for the Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF). Fire Angel was also voted Best Display Stand, awarding a cash prize and certificate to the company. 
30 September 2013

BIRA announces details of 2014 conference

The British Independent Retailers Association has revealed the details of its next annual High Street Conference, which will take place on Thursday May 15, 2014 at Four Pillars Hotel, Cotswold Water Park. 
30 September 2013

Fire at Homebase store near Plymouth

A fire broke out at the Homebase store in Liskeard, near Plymouth, in the early hours of Saturday morning. After initial inspection, backup crews were called and around eight fire engines attended the scene to tackle the blaze. 
30 September 2013

Bristol garden centre gets set for major rebuild

An independent garden centre near Bristol is marking its 80th birthday this year by unveiling plans for a dramatic redevelopment. 
30 September 2013

Home Hardware Southwest pays £137,000 to members

The dealer-owned buying group recently made the payout in the form of dividends and rebates to its retail members. 
30 September 2013
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