Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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B&Q staff star in new campaign

B&Q has announced that it is launching a new advertising campaign that signals a return to using real-life store staff. 
22 October 2008

Webbs proves a real winner

Webbs of Wychbold picked up seven out of 11 awards at the recent Garden Centre Association (GCA) Midlands Area Awards presentation. 
22 October 2008

Homebase sales drop 10%

Homebase has reported a like-for-like sales drop of 10.3% for the 26-week period to August 30. 
22 October 2008

Co-op gets thumbs up for Somerfield purchase

The Co-operative Group has been given the go ahead by the Office of Fair Trading for its £1.6bn deal to purchase the Somerfield chain. 
21 October 2008

Re-bookings ‘strong’ for Glee 2009

Despite a drop of more than 17% in visitor figures from just over 22,000 last year to 18,112 this year, Glee show director Daniel Thurlow was pleased with the show... 
21 October 2008

Dobbies could triple HO staff

In what was perhaps the clearest indication so far of Tesco's expansion plans for the Dobbies garden centre chain, the company applied for planning permission to double the size of its head office building in Midlothian earlier this month. 
20 October 2008

Homebase trials Check & Reserve

Home improvement retailer rolls out new facility across seven stores, following launch of national 'online stock check' service in May. 
20 October 2008

Job losses announced at M&S

Marks & Spencer is the latest high street retailer to announce job cuts in an effort to mitigate declining sales in the face of the credit crunch. 
20 October 2008

Wilko to trial new look

Wilkinson has announced a makeover with a new look to be trialled in three of its stores across the company. 
17 October 2008

HoF to buy Baugur stake?

House of Fraser has said it would consider buying the 35% of the chain owned by troubled Icelandic investment group Baugur...and that it has the funds to do so. 
17 October 2008

DIY retailers suffer after TP profit warning

Shares in the major UK DIY retailers suffered after Travis Perkins, owner of Wickes, reported a 10% drop in sales in September and early October. 
17 October 2008

MFI stores to close

The remaining loss-making stores that weren't saved in the management buyout of MFI last month will be wound down soon if no buyer is found. 
17 October 2008

Further Habitat closures in attempt to curb losses

Bromley branch the latest in a line of stores axed by the furniture retailer in a bid revive its fortunes 
16 October 2008

Luft leaves Crown Paints

Less than two months after a management buyout of the paint company is announced, the chief executive makes a surprise exit. 
16 October 2008

Baugur denies it is entering administration

Despite reports, the Icelandic retail group, which has interests in House of Fraser, Woolworths and Wyevale, continues to discuss options with its bankers. 
15 October 2008

Sir Philip Green to battle for Baugur’s assets

Interest from private equity firms, including TPG, impinges on Arcadia Group boss’ attempt to gain control of the UK retail empire. 
15 October 2008

Steamer Trading opens in Marlow, now looks north

Cookshop retail chain Steamer Trading opened its latest store last week, and confirmed plans to grow the business to 30 outlets within the next three years. 
15 October 2008

Mica Market is a sell out

Annual trade show sold out for exhibitors with 66 top names on show, including Draper Tools, Everbuild, LG Harris and Brabantia. 
14 October 2008

UK sales fall 1.5% for September

Like-for-like sales values down from September 2007 after a previous rise of 3%. 
14 October 2008

Sir Terence Conran to speak at 2009 conference

Following the success of the inaugural Housewares Conference last year, the 2009 event is continuing to gather support. 
14 October 2008
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