Retail sales up for third consecutive month as shoppers spend despite fragile economy. 

Home Retail Group (HRG), owner of Argos and Homebase, has reported an 11% drop in pre-tax profits from £328m to £293m in its results for the year to 27 February 2010. 

Hundreds of consumers injured by 'toxic sofas' are to receive a shared payout of up to £20m, the High Court agreed on Monday. 

Homewares retailer reports a slowdown in sales over past four months, despite year-to-date figures up 19.9%, bolstered by strong Easter promotion. 

UK businesses are paying their bills up to three days faster than they did this time last year. 

2010 will see the LA's first Lighting Industry Awards. Closing date for entries Friday, May 28. 

Asda income tracker reveals British households are £2 a week worse off than last year, with rising transport costs and inflation rates putting pressure on spending power. 

Weather permitting; UK gardeners plan to be out in full force this year, with 45% getting set to grow their own produce, according to latest research from the HTA. 

The European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) has confirmed its support for this year's awards by sponsoring the Decorative Product of the Year category. 

Shoppers seek out summer ranges from garden furniture to barbecues, while home and kitchen ranges still strong. 

Akzo Nobel have reported revenue growth of 6% in their Q1 2010 results published today. 

Sales of exhibition floorspace at Glee 2010 are more than 20% higher compared with this time last year, members of the Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association heard at its AGM yesterday. 

Bill Grimsey is stepping down as chief executive at Focus to become chairman at the DIY chain. 

Dobbies announced total sales of £104m for the financial year end (March 2009 to February 2010) on Tuesday, breaking the £100m mark for the first time. 

Hodgsons, appointed administrators for FADS parent company Divalimit, told DIY Week that the company's creditors are now likely to receive a 'prescribed-part payment' following last week's deadline for creditor claims. 

Non-food sales values up 6.7% for the month, with stronger demand expected to drive growth in Q2. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) says it will keep up pressure on the Government after assurances that the garden industry will be involved in discussions over a code of practice on hosepipe bans. 

B&Q has joined up with construction equipment manufacturer JCB to develop a range of power and hand tools. 

Retail sales up almost 10% in central London in March, with department stores attracting visitors. 

Spencer Goodall will be announced as the new president of the Garden Industry Manufacturers' Association (GIMA) at its AGM on Thursday.