Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Late Easter heralds slow start to sales in April

Retail sales decreased by 2.2% like-for-like in April, meaning a total reduction of 0.6% according to the BRC and KPMG sales monitor. 
8 May 2013

DIY spend sinks to new lows

Cash splashed on DIY goods last year sank to the lowest level in 13 years according to a new report by Lloyds TSB. 
7 May 2013

Charity shoot will help Rainy Day Trust

The Rainy Day Trust is offering an opportunity to spend a day at the UK's premier clay shooting school along with some of the UK's top DIY and home enhancement suppliers and retailers. 
7 May 2013

B&Q Ireland exits examinership, saving 640 jobs

More than 600 B&Q employees in Ireland had their jobs saved today as the High Court approved the examiner's recommendations for the Kingfisher-owned retailer. 
7 May 2013

Youngsters rely on parents to do the DIY

A growing DIY skills gap and an empty toolbox are leaving young adults ill-equipped to do basic household maintenance tasks, relying instead on mum and dad for both advice and hands-on help. 
7 May 2013

A sting in the tail for pesticide suppliers

The European Commission has decided to approve a two year ban on all products containing neonicotinoid pesticides due to their potential harmful effect on bees. 
2 May 2013

Howden sees revenue climb 9.3% during first quarter

Sales at Howden Joinery increased by 7.6% on a same depot basis for the first 16 weeks of 2013, according to an interim management statement released today, but the group has said it 'remains cautious' about the rest of the year. 
2 May 2013

The return of Rapid?

Rumours have surfaced that Rapid Hardware could be back trading again in a matter of weeks. An anonymous caller tipped off DIY Week that the failed Liverpool retailer's original owners, the Dohertys had bought the business from adminstrators and planned to re-open in coming weeks. 
2 May 2013

Homebase profits fall by £12m, but HRG reports a 'solid' year

Revenues at Home Retail Group, which owns Homebase and Argos, were reported as 'broadly flat' at £5.48bn for the 52 weeks ending March 2, 2013. 
1 May 2013

Michael Barrymore is working at Essex garden centre

The controversial former television entertainer Michael Barrymore is now reported to be working in a garden centre. 
1 May 2013

Screwfix tops DIY customer satisfaction awards

Kingfisher scored high in the DIY sector of the Verdict Customer Satisfactions Awards, with Screwfix winning first place and B&Q taking home second. 
29 April 2013

Duck Tape launches new website

Designed to educate and inform consumers about the many uses of Duck Tape, the supplier's new website recently went live. 
29 April 2013

Chelsea marks 100 years by letting gnomes through the doors

Previously banned at the famous gardening show, 150 gnomes will be on display at this year's event as part of its centenary celebrations, but not before they've had a makeover by some high-profile figures. 
29 April 2013

Homebase 'will see profits halved'

Homebase's performance has taken a severe blow over the past year, results released later this week are expected to show. 
29 April 2013

Home improvements take a hammering in financial squeeze

The economic downturn has generated "an extreme unwillingness to spend on homes", with home and garden set to be one of the slowest areas of growth over the next few years. 
29 April 2013

Paris Natar takes majority stake in Smart Solar

The former owner of Gardman, Paris Natar, has acquired a majority stake in Smart Solar for an undisclosed sum. 
29 April 2013

Police release CCTV stills following garden centre raid

Images of two women have been released by Herfordshire police following a theft from Carpenders Park Garden Centre in Little Oxhey Lane, Watford. 
25 April 2013

B&Q pulls out of Football League sponsorship

B&Q has pulled out of negotiations to sponsor the Football League from the start of next season. 
25 April 2013

Hillier's Eastbourne centre recognised as tourist destination

Hillier Garden Centre Eastbourne has been granted seven brown tourist signs by East Sussex County Council, officially putting it on the map as a tourist destination. 
25 April 2013

Greenfingers announces major new fundraising drive

A new appeal called 'Rosy Cheeks' has been launched by Greenfingers, the industry charity dedicated to creating gardens in children's hospices, with the aim of raising £750,000 over the next two years. 
24 April 2013
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