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MFI to relaunch online

MFI is preparing to relaunch as an online-only retailer at the end of this month, sources close to the company have revealed. 
11 November 2011

John Lewis launches Christmas ad

John Lewis launched its £6m Christmas campaign today, with a TV advert set to a cover of The Smiths' 'Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want', sung by singer-songwriter Slow Moving Millie. 
11 November 2011

William Sinclair moves into composting with new acquisition

Growing media supplier William Sinclair has acquired the assets and business of compost manufacturer Yorkshire Horticultural Supplies (YHS). 
10 November 2011

Comet sold for £2

Loss-making electricals chain Comet has been sold to private investment firm OpCapita for a token £2, just days after Best Buy pulled the plug on its UK operation. 
10 November 2011

UK brands boost sales at Grafton

Interim management statement reveals a 4.8% increase in turnover in the firm's UK merchanting business, while Irish operations report declines. 
10 November 2011

B&Q opens new eco store in Tamworth

B&Q has opened a new low-carbon store in Tamworth to trial a number of new initiatives as part of the company's plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 90% by 2023. 
9 November 2011

Builders merchant Martin & Partners scoops two awards

Family-owned Northampton builders and plumbers merchant Martin & Partners has won two national awards in as many weeks. 
9 November 2011

Fixings Warehouse opens new Ashford store

Fixings Warehouse has expanded its Ashford store into new premises in order to meet growing demand from DIY customers. 
9 November 2011

Obituary: Edmond Hobden

BHETA director Peter Stone pays tribute to Mr Hobden, who passed away last week. 
9 November 2011

Retail sales struggle as Christmas gets closer

Retail sales continue to drop, says BRC, with weak levels of consumer demand "worrying this close to Christmas". 
8 November 2011

Haskins opens £2.3m restaurant

Haskins Garden Centre at West End has officially opened its new £2.3m restaurant. 
8 November 2011

Creative Tops sold to US firm

Creative Tops Ltd has been acquired by US tableware, home décor and kitchenware company Lifetime Brands Inc. 
8 November 2011

Wolseley completes sale of Build Center

Heating and plumbing product distributor completed the sale of its Build Center business to Jewson on Friday, November 4, following a review by the European Commission. 
7 November 2011

Home Hardware inundated with orders for Christmas brochure

Member-owned buying group reports a record number of more than 1.3 million orders for its Christmas brochures and leaflets, which feature'3 for 2' deals to get shoppers spending over the festive period. 
7 November 2011

Plug pulled on Best Buy UK

More than 1,000 jobs at risk as Carphone Warehouse announces plans to close loss-making UK electronics chain by the end of the year. 
7 November 2011

Dobbies centre gives Santa the sack

Father Christmas impersonator creates petition to get his job back after he is let go from the temporary festive role. 
4 November 2011

NMBS dinner raises thousands for Rainy Day Trust

Prize draw at dinner dance event brings in £20,000 for buying group's chosen charities RDT and Crash. 
3 November 2011

Totally launches new strapline for 2012

The Totally Shows has introduced a new strapline - 'It's where the trade trades' - along with a new tool box image to promote the show this year. 
3 November 2011

John Lewis launches 'Made in UK' logo and reveals plans for next smaller format store

John Lewis is launching a 'Made in UK' logo to highlight British-made products instore. 
3 November 2011

Man jailed for stealing python from Dobbies

A man has been jailed for stealing a snake from Dobbies Garden World in Stirling. 
2 November 2011
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