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Sainsbury's launches mobile shopping site for non-food

Sainsbury's has launched a mobile version of its general merchandise shopping website, allowing customers to buy home and garden products, appliances, toys, sport and leisure products on their mobile phones. 
20 July 2011

Record total for charity sale

The Faversham House Group charity sale on July 1, organised by DIY Week and Housewares Magazine, was the biggest yet. 
20 July 2011

Obituary: Charles Harrison

Charles Harrison, founder and managing director of CAT Enterprises, died suddenly on Tuesday July 19 after suffering a heart attack. He was 55. 
20 July 2011

Kirstie Allsopp reveals new wallpaper range for B&Q

B&Q ambassador Kirstie Allsopp has designed a collection of wallpapers to be sold exclusively at the retailer from October. 
19 July 2011

MP tables bill to amend Sunday trading laws

A bill to permit local authorities to temporarily vary restrictions on Sunday trading during major events is currently under discussion in the House of Commons. 
19 July 2011

Proteam bought out of administration

Proteam UK has been bought out of administration by clothing and protective equipment supplier Direct Corporate Clothing, via its subsidiary business Paroh Limited. 
19 July 2011

Garden furniture and DIY among most popular retail search terms

Garden furniture and DIY made the top five retail search terms in Q2 2011, while total retail search volumes grew by 27% year-on-year, the latest BRC-Google Online Retail Monitor has revealed. 
18 July 2011

Product development and sustainability to drive UK bathroom market

New research on the UK bathroom market has found bathroom retailers will benefit from shifting consumer preferences toward higher value bathrooms, with product development and sustainability driving growth this year and beyond. 
18 July 2011

Clas Ohlson extends plumbing and power tool offer

Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson has announced several new launches this summer, including a new own-brand power tool range and a significantly-extended plumbing offer. 
18 July 2011

GIMA winners honoured at awards dinner

The Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) named the 2011 GIMA Award winners at a black-tie dinner at Manchester's Midland hotel last week. 
18 July 2011

John Lewis launches online product reviews as web sales rise 20%

John Lewis has launched product reviews on its website, with thousands of comments from both customers and staff going live on johnlewis.com yesterday. 
15 July 2011

Solus to close Newcastle depot

Wholesaler Solus Garden & Leisure has announced the closure of its Newcastle depot, saying the 25,000sq ft site has become too small for the volume of stock the company now handles. 
15 July 2011

Residents fight to save local garden centre

Thousands of Mill Hill residents are campaigning to save their local Wyevale garden centre. 
15 July 2011

Homebase offers £500 prize for customer reviews

Homebase is offering customers the chance to win 100,000 Nectar points if they submit an online review of a product purchased at the retailer. 
14 July 2011

UK multiples closing 20 stores a day

Britain's multiple retailers have closed 20 stores a day on average between January and the end of May this year, says new research from the Local Data Company. 
14 July 2011

GCG takes on management of Country Gardens

The Garden Centre Group is reportedly taking on the management of Country Homes and Gardens, which trades as Country Gardens. 
14 July 2011

Topps Tiles see sales slide in Q3

Topps Tiles has seen a 1.9% decrease in like-for-like revenues for the 13 weeks to July 2. 
13 July 2011

The Apprentice comes to Welch & Tidy

Wholesaler Welch & Tidy welcomed contestants from 'The Apprentice' for last week's episode of the BBC TV show. 
13 July 2011

Government launches Green Deal trials with Homebase and B&Q

The Government has partnered up with Homebase and B&Q for a series of trials aimed at helping people insulate their homes and reduce fuel bills. 
13 July 2011

Non-food sales show "modest improvement", says BRC

Total UK retail sales went up 1.5% in June, decreasing 0.6% on a like-for-like basis - a better performance than expected after the month's spate of shop closures and administrations. 
12 July 2011
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