Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

International News

Walmart extends two-day shopping and returns policy ahead of Christmas

Asda parent and US retail giant Walmart is working with its marketplace sellers to make millions of items available for free two-day shipping without a membership fee and simplifying the returns process for items purchased from these sellers, in ... 
24 October 2018

Sears files for bankruptcy

US retail giant and Kmart parent, Sears Holdings has, today, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, as it strives to reorganise the business and become a "more competitive retailer". The decision was reportedly taken when Sears could not meet a ... 
15 October 2018

Akzo Nobel steps up market position in Spain and Romania with new acquisitions

Akzo Nobel has today completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Fabryo Corporation S.R.L. (Fabryo), becoming the leader in the Romanian decorative paints market.The news follows the announcement last month that the Dutch paint giant had ... 
1 October 2018

Sure Fit Home Décor acquires Protect-A-Bed

The acquisition of the firm, which is known for its patented mattress protection and mattress encasement protection, adds a new category to Sure Fit’s product portfolio, which already includes a wide assortment of home textiles and accessories.... 
1 October 2018

Clas Ohlson opens second Lab Store

The Swedish retailer opened the second of its new concept stores today in Helsinki, Finland, offering customers the chance to shop a more tailored, seasonal product range and experience Clas Ohlson “in a new and exciting way”.The Lab Stores are ... 
19 September 2018

Kingfisher One transformation adds to challenges in French market

The international home improvement giant described operations in France as “difficult”, as retail profit plummeted more than 30% and sales across its Castorama chain fell 6% in the first half, impacted by activity surrounding its five-year turnaround ... 
19 September 2018

IKEA’s services platform TaskRabbit expands to Canada

Small jobs online platform TaskRabbit, which was bought last year by the world’s biggest furniture retailer IKEA Group, has said it is expanding into Canada, its third market after the United States and Britain.TaskRabbit, whose platform connects ... 
18 September 2018

The Home Depot reports an increase of 8.4% for Q2

The Home Depot has reported sales of $30.5 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, an 8.4% increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Comparable sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were positive 8.0%, and comp sales in the U.S. ... 
17 August 2018

Akzo Nobel strengthens African presence with new coatings facility in Kenya

Dutch paint giant, Akzo Nobel has opened a new coatings production facility in the capital, Nairobi, and says its long-term plan is to expand further and use Kenya as a gateway to the whole of East Africa. The site, which produces coil coatings ... 
9 July 2018

Mr DIY set for rapid expansion following online launch

Malaysia’s largest home improvement chain has announced plans to open 300 new stores across Asia Pacific this year, reflecting a substantial investment in its bricks-and-mortar portfolio, following the launch of its online platform. Mr DIY has ... 
6 July 2018
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