Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Wilkinson's sales soar during downturn

Discount retailer unveils strong sales figures and ambitious plans. 
7 September 2009

Intensity of the downturn has moderated, says Grafton

Builders merchant and DIY group sees 31% drop in turnover but has witnessed more "stable sales" in recent months. 
7 September 2009

Ideal Home Show changes hands after a century

Publishing and events company, Media 10 snaps up the famous show 100 years after its launch. 
7 September 2009

John Lewis launches Value range

Department store chain set to take on supermarkets and cheaper rivals, such as Ikea, with new discount homewares lines. 
7 September 2009

Consumers choose retailer own over branded products

Loyalty shift to private label lines could be permanent, says Verdict, with customers opting for premium own-brand and eco-friendly ranges when recession is over. 
4 September 2009

Footfall down in August

Non-food retailers experience disappointing shopper numbers, with a recorded 2.9% fall in footfall compared with August last year. 
4 September 2009

Matalan launches recruitment drive

Home retail chain set to create 1,800 new jobs including Christmas staff and permanent positions. 
3 September 2009

Discount stores up 60% as they move into affluent areas

The demise of Woolworths and customers feeling the pinch has seen discount retailers and pound shops take over prime pitches in the UK. 
3 September 2009

More than 5,000 retailers to go bust next year

Decline in consumer spending in 2010 will drive up number of business collapses, predicts BDO Stoy Hayward. 
2 September 2009

Currys firm sales down 6%

Parent company DSG International says sales drop was better than expected for the quarter and reports an "encouraging start to the year". 
2 September 2009

Grays of Edinburgh to close after 190 years

Ironmongers set to close its doors in March next year as a number of senior staff retire. 
2 September 2009

Focus sees rush on sales of incandescent bulbs

DIY chain believes sales of the traditional lamps will continue to double this week as customers stockpile in response to EU ban. 
2 September 2009

Grange Fencing acquires Metpost

Grange acquires assets of fence post brand from Expamet for an undisclosed sum. 
1 September 2009

Lochlands Garden Centre hit by blaze

More than 20 firefighters battled to bring the fire under control in the early hours of Tuesday morning. 
26 August 2009

Hobbycraft doubles expansion plan

Strong sales encourage arts and crafts superstore chain to increase the rate of its store roll-out programme. 
26 August 2009

DEADLINE EXTENDED: There's still time to be Britain's Best!

Deadline for entry into Britain's Best Retailer Awards has been extended by a week to Friday September 4 - so there's still time to prove that you are one of the best retailers in the country. 
26 August 2009

Wolf-Garten closes UK office

Garden products manufacturer is to close its Worcester office as EP Barrus takes over as exclusive UK distributor for the brand. 
25 August 2009

Recycled nappies to be used for DIY products

Recycling technologies developer Knowaste launches new venture, which sees roofing materials manufactured from recycled plastic in nappies and incontinence products. 
25 August 2009

Is the industry ready for the light bulb ban?

News of the impending ban on opaque incandescent light bulbs has been rife but have you got your facts right and how do you plan to adapt your range? 
25 August 2009

John Lewis sees boost in sales of white goods and furniture

Weekly sales miss last year's level of trade by just 1.4% as online sales see double-digit growth and hard-hit categories experience a return. 
24 August 2009
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