Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

Focus closing down sale beats expectations

As the failed DIY chain's stores continue to trade, selling off stock before their planned closure next month, liquidators report impressive sales. 
8 June 2011

UK lags behind on low-carbon investment

The UK has fallen from 5th to 13th in a global ranking of low-carbon investment, as progress lags on decarbonising buildings, transport and industry, the CBI has said. 
8 June 2011

Garden centre sales soar in April

Garden centre sales went up 25% in April, compared with the same month last year, as the garden industry capitalised on a late Easter, an extra Bank Holiday weekend and good weather. 
8 June 2011

Weak demand leads to slowdown in non-food inflation

Non-food inflation slowed to 0.8% in May from 1.2% in April, reflecting the need for continued promotional activity in a bid to stimulate sales. 
8 June 2011

Williams-Sonoma fraudster jailed for eight years

Employee Larry Settle has been sentenced to eight years in prison after lax security systems at the US housewares chain allowed him to steal $1.15m worth of merchandise. 
7 June 2011

Consumer caution returns in May

UK retail sales fell 2.1% like-for-like in May compared to the same month last year, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. 
7 June 2011

Board changes at Carpetright as UK md stands down

Carpetright's UK md Christian Sollesse has stood down from his position amid a board reshuffle at the struggling retailer. 
6 June 2011

Home Retail in talks with Habitat

Home Retail Group has held talks with Habitat owner Hilco about selling Habitat-branded items within Homebase stores, according to reports. 
6 June 2011

HTA report reveals healthy growth in garden market

Plant sales continue upward trend, boosted by GYO and a 'retreat to the home' mentality, while competition hots up between garden centres and DIY superstores. 
6 June 2011

The UK's favourite paint shades revealed

Reds, creams and neutral shades have come out on top as the nation's favourite colours for the home. 
3 June 2011

Wet weather fails to dampen cooking and dining sales at John Lewis

Rain, and even hail in some parts of the UK, led to a 9.7% increase in cooking and dining ranges, as consumers chose to eat indoors. 
3 June 2011

Debenhams chief exec appointed BRC chairman

Rob Templeman, who will retire from his position at Debenhams on September 2, will succeed current BRC chairman Luke Mayhew. 
3 June 2011

Wolseley sees profits rise despite weak UK market

Plumbers and builders merchants group Wolseley has reported a 30% rise in group trading profit for the third quarter to April 30, despite UK profits falling 11%. 
3 June 2011

Screwfix to open 100 trade counters

DIY chain reveals growth plans with recent appointment of surveyors to secure 100 new units, significantly expanding its store portfolio. 
3 June 2011

B&Q reports strongest quarter for 18 months

B&Q UK and Ireland sees positive like-for-like (lfl) sales growth for first time in six quarters. 
2 June 2011

Mobile shopping to deliver £4.5bn boost to UK economy

M-commerce could be worth £19bn by 2010 but retailers could be missing out on a significant number of sales due to problems with mobile broadband connections. 
2 June 2011

Topps sees rise in like-for-like sales

Topps Tiles has reported a slight decline in profits for the first half of its financial year, but says it is "encouraged" by trading patterns seen during the period. 
2 June 2011

Focus closing down sale continues

Latest email shot to customers highlights big bargains and says more stock is coming into stores every day. 
2 June 2011

Sainburys doubles 'Click & Collect' network to grow non-food sales

Supermarket chain to introduce the facility in more than 800 stores by Christmas, as it confirms that non-food merchandise is 'a key area of focus' for the retailer. 
1 June 2011

William Sinclair reports strong trading in H1

Growing media firm's sales bolstered by acquisitions and good weather but ceo raises concerns over targets for peat reduction. 
1 June 2011
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