Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Garden Centre Group sees strong trading with 725% profit jump

122-strong gardening chain reports turnover and profit increase for 2009, showing recovery after 2008 sales drop. 
6 September 2010

Totally shows attract top names

Crown Paints, Henkel and Yale among the list of big brands who have already signed up to exhibit at the 2011 Birmingham show. 
6 September 2010

Focus supports fire safety campaign

DIY chain is keen to help raise awareness of dangers and promote fire safety products, as part of government scheme this autumn. 
3 September 2010

John Lewis sees sales rise

Sales at John Lewis increased 12.2% to £57.8m for the week ending August 28, as customers continued to spend in store and online despite looming tax increases. 
3 September 2010

Aldi to offer cut-price DIY tools

Discount supermarket chain Aldi is offering a range of cut-price DIY tools, available from September 12, 2010. 
3 September 2010

B&Q lights up stores with new range

B&Q has revealed big changes to its lighting department this week, launching 350 new designs after a £10m investment by the retailer. 
2 September 2010

DIY inventor bags £150,000 on Dragons' Den

Chris Elsworthy secures investment for his Power8 Workshop in show on Monday. 
2 September 2010

Grafton Group returns to profit

Grafton Group has revealed an operating profit of €14.8m for the six months to June 30, after making an €8.3m loss last year. 
1 September 2010

Akzo Nobel secures "landmark deal" with Walmart

Coatings company selected as primary paint supplier for Walmart's 3,500-plus US stores. 
1 September 2010

Brits borrowing more to pay for DIY

One in five of all personal loans taken in the UK was used to pay solely for home improvements in the first half of 2010, according to new research from Sainsbury's Finance. 
1 September 2010

Wickes raises £100,000 in a week

Wickes has raised £100,000 in just one week for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research to celebrate the charity's 50th birthday. 
1 September 2010

Clas Ohlson to open in Doncaster

Swedish retailer Clas Ohlson is set to open a new store in Doncaster in December. 
31 August 2010

Consumer confidence up in August

Shoppers take a more positive view of the economy and future prospects, with the overall confidence level reporting its first increase since February. 
31 August 2010

Bennetts branch to open in Kings Lynn

East Anglian independent electrical chain to open a new superstore in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. 
31 August 2010

Obituary: Jim Bone

Worlds End Garden Centre founder remembered by friends in the industry. 
31 August 2010

DIY store arsonist sentenced to four years in prison

Benny Joe Dighton awarded jail term after pleading guilty to string of arson attacks on DIY stores in Kent over busy May Bank Holiday. 
31 August 2010

Confetti "optimistic" about finding a buyer

Update from administrators reveals that a sale could be on the cards for the online wedding business. 
31 August 2010

Fletcher O'Brien in liquidation

As expected, Tabs for Tools company appoints liquidators following creditors meeting yesterday. 
27 August 2010

Aga and Rangemaster’s sales bounce back

Cast-iron cookers drive £16.4m pre tax profit for the group after a slow start to the year. 
27 August 2010

Fletcher O’Brien creditors meeting rescheduled

Future of company still unclear but liquidator could be appointed at meeting today. 
26 August 2010
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