UK sales up 4.8% , with general merchandise and home putting in a strong performance but M&S chief exec is cautious about consumer confidence following the budget. 

Independent garden centre group Notcutts has launched its first e-commerce site, with more than 2,000 products listed. 

United Utilities announces it will impose a hosepipe ban in the north west of England – the first in the area for 14 years – as reservoir levels remain low. 

An episode of 'Mary Queen of Shops' which features retail guru Mary Portas filming at Totally DIY 2010 is set to air on Monday, July 12 on BBC2 at 9pm. 

The IMRG/Hitwise Hot Shops List celebrates its fourth anniversary, looking at how e-tail market leaders are doing, in terms of attracting visitors to their sites, while DIY retailers move up in the rankings. 

Survey reveals that more than half of companies in the capital are optimistic about future prospects, with expansion plans on the horizon but concerns are raised over the cost of doing business in London. 

Travis Perkins has confirmed that an agreement has been reached on its proposal to take over plumbing and heating merchant The BSS Group. 

LG Harris has announced an agreement to acquire the Lynwood decorating sundries brand for an undisclosed sum. 

Almost 400 guests joined the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association at the Manchester Midland Hotel last Thursday (July 1) to celebrate the 2010 GIMA Awards and to toast the winners. 

QVC beats off competition at the Freesat Awards, which recognises channels and services available on the free-to-air digital satellite TV service. 

Department store chain reports another week of sales increases, with summer ranges performing well but online showing the best growth as consumers chose to stay home and enjoy the sun. 

The European Commission has fined 17 bathroom manufacturers a total of €622m (£510m) for price fixing. 

Bents Garden and Home has teamed up with moneysupermarket.com to make a short film about the importance of insuring outdoor furniture and barbecues. 

Long-running fraud case, involving builders merchant's former sales and marketing director, is due to have its first court hearing next week. 

Climate change secretary Chris Huhne demands that energy suppliers stop promoting compact fluorescent bulbs in DIY stores and supermarkets in order to prioritise insulation. 

As threats of a hosepipe ban continue, the RHS issues a soil dryness warning to UK gardeners. 

Grafton Merchanting has announced the acquisition of Corgi-direct, an online shop selling a wide range of products for plumbing and heating tradesmen. 

Homewares and fashion retail reports sales of £1,119.6m, with own brands performing well. 

Carpet and flooring specialist reports a 7% sales boost for the year, driven by competitors exiting the UK market and a "trend back to carpet". 

Five further stores closed their doors at the weekend, with four outlets still holding out for a buyer.