Like-for-like sales held flat at Homebase for the first half of 2011, but slumped 9.1% at sister chain Argos. 

Non-food shop price inflation increased to 1.4% in August from 1.3% in July, the first increase since May, driven by accelerating inflation in the DIY, gardening and hardware category. 

UK consumers spent £38.7bn on the home and garden in 2010, according to new data from the Mintel British Lifestyles 2011 report. 

Retailer plans to redefine its home assortment and bring decorating ranges and home accessories together to create a one-stop shop, complete with room sets and 'create the look' cards in store. 

UK retail sales values fell 0.6% like-for-like in August, against a 1% rise in August 2010, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 

Wickes has launched a new business information website for tradesmen, providing industry-specific advice and guidance. 

BHETA members were given a unique opportunity to meet buyers from Homebase last week, in a special 'meet the buyers' day organised as part of BHETA's new 'Drive for Growth' initiative. 

B&Q UK & Ireland ceo Martyn Phillips has announced two appointments to the B&Q board. 

Like-for-like sales figures are worst for two years, says BDO, as mid-market retailers report a year-on-year sales drop of 2.2% , with home and non-fashion badly hit. 

Coventry-based tool distributor Buck & Hickman has been acquired from owner Travis Perkins by industrial distribution group Brammer for £27.6m. 

Next has revealed plans to open more home and garden stores after the format's successful debut in Shoreham, and is already scoping out possible locations. 

Speciality chemicals brand keen to grow its UK market share and expand the DIY side of its business to reach smaller hardware stores. 

Hillier md Andy McIndoe confirms Redditch garden centre will be under new management from early September. It is understood former Webbs chief exec Boyd Douglas-Davies' Hill View Group is behind the acquisition. 

Shares in Kingfisher, owner of DIY chain B&Q rose sharply on Tuesday afternoon this week, on the back of rumours of a takeover. 

Argos is looking to recruit 12,000 extra staff to work in its stores over the Christmas period. 

As consumer price inflation continues to outstrip earnings growth and the average family is £11 a week worse off, consumers rein in their spending and buy into own-brand ranges. 

Retail sales volumes fell year-on-year in August at the fastest pace in more than a year, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. 

Department store reports 3% uplift in sales for the week ended August 26, with fans, cooling equipment and large and small electricals selling well. 

A new High Street Fund has been launched by a group of UK companies and London Mayor Boris Johnson to help small businesses affected by the UK riots get back on their feet. 

Topps Tiles has issued a profit warning after like-for-like sales plunged 10.4% in the first seven weeks of its fourth financial quarter.