Home Hardware has announced the appointment of Steve Fletcher as business development officer (Midlands and North). He will take over from Ian Blake, who retires later this year. 

Data released today shows that 73% of the 3,100 stores that make up the sample for The Retail Traffic Index suffered a year-on-year decline in footfall. 

Retail body calls for EU commissioners to reject a move which will force consumers to pay more for energy efficient light bulbs. 

New research by Halifax Estate Agents shows that mature shrubs and trees together with a paved patio area are the nation's favoured garden features. 

Home Retail Group is to open its first pilot Home Store + More outlet in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire this year. 

August's website rankings of 100 retailers' sites has put diy retailers among the worst performers. 

Dobbies Garden Centres has said the sustained poor weather over the key summer months will mean internal sales targets are unlikely to be met. 

In light of the recent spate of product recalls by toy manufacturers, GIMA has quickly added its voice to those praising UK-based suppliers and spelt out the dangers of importing from overseas. 

Turf prices are going to rise over the next couple of years following difficult growing conditions throughout the UK, Rolawn has warned. 

Aqualux has officially been confirmed as the UK's number one volume supplier of shower enclosures. 

Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said the company was 'absolutely delighted' after it finally won control of Dobbies. 

Dobbies has seen fit to issue a clarification statement to investors after comments made by its chief executive, James Barnes, to the Daily Mail. 

The Direct Company has announced a 14% increase in turnover for the first half of a very wet 2007. 

Continuous investment in its brand and its people are top of the agenda at Exmet, the new owners of Metpost, the UK’s top brand of fence post supports and accessories. 

A survey by gardening.co.uk, the online home of Gardens Monthly magazine, finds climate change is affecting UK gardens. 

Bayer Garden says it has bucked the downward trend in overall sales of pest and weed control products and achieved an increase in market share. 

The NWF Group has reported turnover up 38% to £21.5 million in its preliminary results announced today. 

Sales at the Irish retail division of Grafton Group increased by 14.4% to £114 million (2006: £100 million). 

Decco has further boosted its Fair & Square membership with the announcement of three key new members in Scotland. 

The board of Dobbies has written to shareholders for a second time reminding them that the Tesco deal is the 'the only one on offer'.