Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Guidance on knife sales issued to Scottish retailers

Scottish Government and SRC work to ensure businesses understands strict new regulations on sales of blades. 
19 November 2010

Philip Morris & Son wins regional business award

Department store Philip Morris & Son in Hereford has been named the West Midlands Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2010. 
19 November 2010

Christmas shopping boosts online sales

Online sales increased last month by 23% compared with October 2009, showing Christmas shopping is now in full swing. 
19 November 2010

Westland launches Masterclass Academy

Westland Horticulture is launching its Masterclass Academy at the start of 2011, with a series of educational days across the UK. 
18 November 2010

Focus stores could be sold off to raise funds for expansion

Reports suggest other retailers are being sounded out about acquiring some of the DIY chain's locations, as its owner Cerberus considers additional investment. 
18 November 2010

Wholesale nursery enters administration

Wholesale nursery New Forest Garden Plants has entered into administration, resulting in the loss of 40 jobs. 
18 November 2010

Labour market "delicately poised" says BRC

Recent unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics show the labour market is "delicately poised", according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). 
18 November 2010

Sales soar at Stax

Stax Trade Centres has reported annual group sales of more than £92.3m for the period from September 2009 to August 2010. 
17 November 2010

Sales growth slows in Scotland

Non-food sales drop 1.1% in October, with homewares and DIY down on a year ago, as consumers remain cautious about discretionary sending. 
17 November 2010

WD-40 sponsors Scouts DIY badge

WD-40 is supporting the DIYers of the future by sponsoring the Scouts DIY activity badge. 
17 November 2010

Gardeners' purchasing plans revealed

Gardeners are planning to keep spending next year, with a water feature named as the most desirable item for 2011, according to a new survey from Hangar Seven. 
17 November 2010

Global DIY Summit launched

Following the success of this year's inaugural European Home Improvement Forum, EDRA and fediyma have again joined forces, this time to launch a global event. 
16 November 2010

New HTA group to support cash & carry businesses

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is set to form a new cash & carry group to assist the sector in growing the market and improving profitability. 
16 November 2010

John Lewis opens 'at home' in Tunbridge Wells

Department store chain opened the fourth of its new format stores last Thursday in Kent. 
16 November 2010

Firms anticipate shortage of Christmas temps

According to new figures, nearly 70% of recruitment agencies are expecting a shortage of temporary agency workers over the festive period in most sectors, including retail. 
15 November 2010

Former B&Q manager convicted of theft

A former assistant manager at the Penryn B&Q store in Cornwall has been found guilty of stealing hundreds of pounds from the retail chain. 
15 November 2010

BRITAIN'S BEST RETAILERS ANNOUNCED!

This year's winners of Britain's Best Retailer Awards were announced at last Thursday's black-tie gala event and dinner... 
15 November 2010

John Lewis soundtrack tipped for Christmas number one

John Lewis' latest Christmas commercial debuted over the weekend, with the featured Elton John cover already at 10-1 odds of topping the charts this Christmas. 
15 November 2010

Suppliers show support for industry charity

Henkel Consumer Adhesives and Ultimate Products are the latest suppliers to throw their support behind the Rainy Day Trust, the charity of the hardware trade. 
14 November 2010

Sainsbury's reports 36% profit jump in H1

Supermarket chain opens first 100,000sq ft superstore, while growing non-food offer at three times the rate of food. 
10 November 2010
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