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Hughes reopens six Bennetts stores

Hughes Electrical has reopened the six Bennetts stores it acquired after the company entered administration last month. 
5 April 2011

Returns charges could cost online retailers €10bn a year

Amendments to the Consumer Rights Directive will see e-tailers foot the bill for the return of goods valued at less than €40, further ramping up delivery costs, says IMRG. 
4 April 2011

Tile depot opens 16th store

Tile Depot's newest store officially opened in Tonbridge, Kent on Saturday (April 2), creating three jobs. 
4 April 2011

John Lewis pushes energy efficient electricals range

Department store chain launches new advertorial campaign highlighting its position as first European retailer to offer an own-brand range of large electrical appliances that is A-rated or above. 
1 April 2011

Focus to close Ipswich store

DIY chain chooses not to renew lease on "unprofitable" store, with outlet to close its doors later this month. 
1 April 2011

New pre-pack rules don't go far enough, says British Property Federation

The Government has announced proposals to improve the transparency of pre-pack administrations, but the British Property Federation says the new rules don't do enough to stop the system being exploited. 
1 April 2011

Alworths calls in administrators

Woolies-style retailer appoints insolvency and restructuring specialist Leonard Curtis. 
1 April 2011

Brian James Furnishings in administration

Tough trading conditions leads to appointment of MCR on Friday but administrators are hopeful of finding a buyer for the furniture firm. 
31 March 2011

Webbs chief exec to head start-up garden centre chain

Boyd Douglas-Davies to step down from his role at Webbs after nearly 20 years to pursue new venture with The Hillview Group (THG). 
31 March 2011

Dixons issues second profit warning

Electricals group Dixons Retail plc has issued a second profit warning after a poor trading performance hit by deteriorating consumer confidence. 
31 March 2011

Ikea recalls dangerous coffee maker after customers injured

Swedish retailer asks customers who have a Förstå coffee/tea maker to stop using the product and bring it back to any store for a full refund, after 12 people are burnt. 
30 March 2011

Topps Tiles acquires Pilkington's brand

Topps Tiles has announced the purchase of the Pilkington's Matrix ceramic wall tile brand, including all rights and remaining stock. 
30 March 2011

Obituary: Peter Cairns

Toolbank man Peter Cairns, aged 60, died earlier this month of a heart attack. 
29 March 2011

Best Buy announces next two stores

Best Buy will continue its UK rollout next month with two new stores - one in Bristol and one in Hayes. 
29 March 2011

Bathstore sees decline in H1

Parent company Wolseley reveals trading conditions were "particularly challenging" for the bathroom retailer. 
29 March 2011

RP Hardware pursues CVA

Hardware and plumbing wholesaler appoints insolvency specialist Wilson Fields to prepare a Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) in a bid to appease creditors and continue trading. 
29 March 2011

Ironmongery Direct shortlisted for ECMOD Awards

Ironmongery Direct has been shortlisted at this year's ECMOD Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation in the catalogue and multichannel sector. 
28 March 2011

Brits' spending power declines again

Asda Income Tracker reveals UK households were £11 a week worse off last month, as cost of transport and essential goods continue to rise. 
28 March 2011

FW Mason in administration

Nottingham-based timber products manufacturer FW Mason entered administration on Friday after struggling with rising fuel costs and a lack of finance. 
28 March 2011

UK manufacturing in recovery despite rising commodity prices

UK manufacturing remains in recovery despite price pressures remaining "intense", the CBI has said. 
28 March 2011
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