News Archive - September 2008

Another homewares chain in administration 30-Sep-2008

Joy, the high street fashion and homewares chain which is parent company of the Hob cookshop and food stores, is the latest c...

Argos in hunt for 15,000 Christmas staff 30-Sep-2008

Argos has announced it has begun the search for thousands of extra staff to man its 700-plus branches over the Christmas peri...

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Tesco delivers 'robust' results 30-Sep-2008

Supermarket chain's interim results reveal sales and profit rise in the face of credit crunch.

Decco day gathers momentum 30-Sep-2008

Decco Ipswich open day, which will take place on Wednesday October 8, has secured more than 50 exhibitors.

Ikea recall after injury 30-Sep-2008

Ikea has recalled a chest of drawers after a design fault left a user injured.

The City says: Kingfisher 30-Sep-2008

City broker Investec has cut its pre-tax forecasts for B&Q parent Kingfisher by 2% for the current year, and by 9% for the ne...

Akzo Nobel announces 3,500 job cuts 29-Sep-2008

World's largest paint manufacturer also plans to defer share buyback programme.

First woman president for BHF Group 29-Sep-2008

Sadie Chalkley, managing director of Tenbury Wells hardware and housewares retailer J G Banfield will assume the BHF Group ch...

Parent buys brand after retailer collapses 29-Sep-2008

It has been announced that the Indian parent company of home textile and soft furnishings retailer Rosebys, has bought the br...

Rainy Day Trust launches collecting tins 26-Sep-2008

Hardware and diy retailers throughout the UK are being encouraged to support the Rainy Day Trust's latest fund-raising initia...

GIMA Business Meeting looks at 'what's around the corner' 26-Sep-2008

Association aims to help answer questions about economic downturn and believes retailers and suppliers alike have 'good times...

Manor Reproductions voted 'Best Display Stand' by Home Hardware 26-Sep-2008

Fireside accessories company rewarded for innovation and 'high standard' on stand at Autumn Trade Show.

Kelkay and Farplants named suppliers of the year at Klondyke Awards 25-Sep-2008

Plant wholesaler and aggregates supplier rewarded for consistency of supply, merchandising and customer service.

Irish economy in recession 25-Sep-2008

Central Statistics Office figures show the economy has technically entered recession.

William Sinclair issues price increase warning 25-Sep-2008

'Significantly' escalating costs from suppliers, and weather-hit peat harvest forces producer of commercial horticulture and ...

Malcolm Scott Consultants get go ahead for Hayes redevelopment 25-Sep-2008

Planning permission granted for a new 'World of Plants' at Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside, in the Lake District National Pa...

Eden Project co-founder and chief executive wins coveted Roy Hay Award 25-Sep-2008

Dutch-born Smit rewarded for considerable contribution to world-class horticulture via his transformation of the Lost Gardens...

Bahco merges with Eurotools Group 24-Sep-2008

The tool sector has a 'new market force', which will offer a complete tool range says John Lovatt, managing director at SNA E...

Top comic booked for retail awards dinner 24-Sep-2008

Award-winning Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert has been confirmed as the guest compere at the 200' Britain's Best Retailer Awards ...

Best of Glee Awards announced 23-Sep-2008

Innovation of suppliers and retailers from across the garden, pet and leisure industries recognised in the coveted Glee Award...

Belle Group and Altrad in merger talks 23-Sep-2008

Proposed merger will assist in meeting customer expectations and allow the new company to offer a wide range of products that...

Scotsdale shines at Haddonstone Stockist Awards 23-Sep-2008

Cambridgeshire garden centre named top performer in awards that celebrate the hard work of independent garden centres across ...

First day of autumn brings out crowds at Glee 22-Sep-2008

Surge in visitor numbers on second day of show, makes up for a quiet opening.

Glee director is 'In the Spotlight' 19-Sep-2008

As Glee prepares to open its doors, DIY Week gets to know the man in charge and puts show director Dan Thurlow 'In the Spotli...

Personnel changes give new look to HTA 19-Sep-2008

Support for garden retailing figures heavily in restructuring.

Kingfisher willing to part company with Hornbach 19-Sep-2008

'It has to be an option, because it's not core', says Kingfisher chief executive.

Obituary: Mark Skelton 18-Sep-2008

-ark~Skelton,~former~publisher~of~DIY~Week,~Hardware~&~Garden~Review~and~Housewares~-agazine~died~on~Friday~September~''~~He~...

Show is 'Totally' on track for great 2009 18-Sep-2008

Plans move on apace for January's Totally shows with new exhibitors, new speakers, new layout and another small screen appear...

'Solid set' of interims says Kingfisher 18-Sep-2008

Rises in group retail sales and profits but prospect of 'very tough times ahead' calls for hard work to maintain progress, an...

Tesco joins ranks with Asda and Argos 17-Sep-2008

Supermarket chain becomes latest retailer to slash prices in bid to entice value-conscious consumers.

Record interim losses prompts denial of sale at Woolworths 17-Sep-2008

Chairman maintains the retail business is not for sale but is open to suggestions about its future.

Pre-Christmas opening for Frosts' energy-efficient garden centre 16-Sep-2008

Project is part of a £2m development to add departments including a food shop, flower shop, and coffee shop.

Homebase faces significant asset write-down 16-Sep-2008

Home Retail Group to write down 'hundreds of millions' of pounds on value of assets at DIY giant to reflect poor trading cond...

London continues to buck sales trend 16-Sep-2008

Figures from BRC indicate restaurants and fashion the main beneficiaries as rain and discounts force shopper indoors.

Interbuild show director leaves to launch own exhibition 16-Sep-2008

James Gower confirms departure; details of new exhibition expected in October.

Businesses ready to cash in on green living 15-Sep-2008

Gordon Brown's energy efficiency giveaway prompts special offers on eco-products.

GCA names Scotland’s Best Garden Centre 15-Sep-2008

Caulders Garden Centre in Kirkintilloch has been named as the Garden Centre Association’s Best Garden Centre in Scotland for ...

Cook's Companion on course to be a sell out 15-Sep-2008

More retailers have already signed up for more copies of the Cook's Companion than in any previous year, says CHA chairman Ca...

Longmead's failure to plug losses sees administrators called in 12-Sep-2008

Bathroom accessories supplier appoints Pricewaterhouse Coopers to sell group as a going concern.

Extensions boost for DIY retailers 12-Sep-2008

Revised planning permission requirements could create buzz of activity around home improvements as property owners opt to cre...

Housing slump prompts rise in visits to online DIY stores 12-Sep-2008

Hitwise analysis shows DIY and furniture retailers overtaking estate agents as property downturn hits home.

Exhibitors praise quality of visitors to spoga+gafa 2008 11-Sep-2008

The cathedral city of Cologne, which plays host to the international garden show, once again received praise from exhibitors ...

Update: Austin White 11-Sep-2008

Following news that the distribution company has entered administration this week, managing director Geoff Hounslea comments ...

Home Retail's sales fall 11-Sep-2008

Argos and Homebase suffer at hands of consumer slowdown; group still expects to meet half-year profit expectations.

Dunelm reports full-year profits rise 11-Sep-2008

~ome~furnishings~retailer~sees~pre-tax~profits~grow~'9.8%~and~strengthens~market~share;~upbeat~on~future~prospects~despite~di...

Austin White enters administration 10-Sep-2008

Begbies Traynor appointed to handle case of national housewares and DIY distributor.

Advertising watchdog calls on B&Q to remove misleading ad 10-Sep-2008

B&Q told press ad claiming a spotlight was cheaper than one from John Lewis must not appear again in its current form.

Conference returns for 2009 10-Sep-2008

Following its incredibly successful launch last year, the Housewares Conference will return in Spring 2009.

Glee Awards – retail awards shortlist announced 9-Sep-2008

Having beaten off stiff competition from dozens of entries to the Glee Awards, the shortlisted entries for the retail categor...

Jane Lawler leaves Bayer Garden 9-Sep-2008

Head of marketing signs up for same role at the UK garden and leisure company, Gardman.

Early indications of a low-spending Christmas 8-Sep-2008

Survey finds consumers plan to spend less on decorations and presents, but more on food and drink

Jo-El: product safety recall notice 8-Sep-2008

Carbon monoxide detector, Article No: 8226''

B&Q staff fear job losses 8-Sep-2008

Design consultants tell Daily Record they are being 'forced' to sign contracts.

GCA calls for wow factor at Ruxley Rose 8-Sep-2008

When the Garden Centre Association opens the Ruxley Rose competition later this month, it will stress entries embrace creativ...

Asda Living - the rollout continues 5-Sep-2008

Five stores this year across the UK

Interest rates: 'No surprise' says BHF Group 5-Sep-2008

Right decision for now, but we expect the 'inevitable decline' soon, says Alan Hawkins.

Forest Garden restructures with £2.5m investment 5-Sep-2008

Bank funds development of manufacturing buildings and storage facilities at Hartlebury headquarters. Eardisley site to close ...

Ed Byrne to star at DIY charity gala dinner 4-Sep-2008

Popular TV comedian, panel game and chat show guest, Ed Byrne headlines the entertainment at next year’s DIY gala charity din...

NWF garden centre sale close to completion 4-Sep-2008

The sale of the group's garden centre operation could go through imminently.

Spread Garden Supplies ceases trading 4-Sep-2008

Specialist supplier of gardening and leisure products winds down its two depots in St Helens and Beckford.

Stanley pledges brand investment 3-Sep-2008

Marketing head highlights support and product development as company commits to creating an extensive portfolio.

Rainy Day Trust increases readership for Annual Review 3-Sep-2008

The Rainy Day Trust Annual Review, which reports on the work undertaken by the charity during the previous year, will see its...

Scribble gives it 'sum wellie' 2-Sep-2008

Leisurewear supplier gets involved in world record attempt to launch new wellie range.

Fads' owner posts £145,000 loss after tough year 2-Sep-2008

Strategic Retail hit by market downturn; pulls plug on new store openings.

Letter from Andy Vaughan 2-Sep-2008

The BHETA DIY sector director Andy Vaughan expresses his thanks to the industry on his return to work.

Hodkinson leaves Wyevale Garden Centres 2-Sep-2008

Nicholas Marshall, owner of Country Homes & Gardens, takes on chief executive post to drive next phase of development and exp...

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Plenty for visitors at Home Hardware's Autumn show 1-Sep-2008

'ver '00 exhibitors plus special offers and stock deals at Exeter-based show.

Clas Ohlson hands advertising brief to Karmarama 1-Sep-2008

Agency famous for Ikea campaign wins account for all advertising, sales promotion and consumer pr.

PJH goes the distance for children's cancer charity 1-Sep-2008

Staff, including three board directors, raise over £6,000 at Manchester run.