B&Q's like-for-like sales in UK and Ireland in the first 23 weeks of the current year were down 5.6% compared with the same period the previous year. On the face of it, that's a pretty unimpressive figure. ... Read entry

So, the Robert Dyas sale saga has finally come to a conclusion, with the news that Ryman's owner and star of BBC's Dragon's Den Theo Paphitis has bought the retail chain. The businessman proudly announced the acquisition on his Twitter page, exclaiming: "I am in the ironmongery business!" However, he may get a bit of a surprise when he reviews the retailer's offer, as last time I checked, there wasn't a huge amount of ironmongery to be had. ... Read entry

News has spread this week that former Focus employees could be in line for compensation after the firm and its administrators failed to carry out a proper period of consultation when axing staff last year. Sounds like a great outcome for those who lost their jobs - except when you look at the fine print. ... Read entry

The issue of price is something I've no doubt the industry is battling with constantly. In tough economic conditions, the temptation is to drop prices to encourage shoppers to spend but then, of course, you start eating into your margins.... Read entry

Out and about at Chelsea last week I was encouraged by how many big industry names were on show again this year - whether they had taken a stand or created a spectacular show garden. ... Read entry

Our front page story generated quite a bit of interest this week and, I was actually quite surprised at the number of people who came out in support of Beckworth's decision to close over the Jubilee Bank holiday Monday and Tuesday.... Read entry

With the news that, after just two months in the job, Argos' new boss is launching a full review of 748-strong retail chain, the end result may provide an answer to the question on many people's lips; is the Argos format outdated? ... Read entry

Council tenants being offered free DIY courses at B&Q - and being given £400 vouchers to spend at B&Q as well. What's your take on that?... Read entry

So is the MEM's advert sexist? When I first read the description of it I thought this was a bit of an overreaction by the ASA.... Read entry

Good stuff first: the show was well planned, well dressed and well promoted. There was a strong spread of exhibitors, and plenty of worthwhile new products. And the visitor numbers were on a par with those achieved before the show left London in 2009.... Read entry