Asda to finalise agreement with Dansk Supermarked A/S following OFT's announcement. First converted Netto store to open in Q1 2011. 

The Stewart Company has been named Dry Good Supplier of the Year 2010 by the Klondyke Group. 

DIY and homewares retailer JML has launched its new-look website to include widescreen video footage of products and a live chat service. 

Pre-tax profit at high street homewares chain Lakeland soared 140% to £10.1m and turnover increased by more than 5% to £141.9m in the 12 months to December 31, 2009. 

Suffolk town runs contest to encourage new businesses to fill 14 vacant units. Interested parties to present their business plan to a Dragon's Den-style committee. 

The British Hardware Federation has announced the cancellation of the Scottish Conference and Supplier Showcase Scotland due to lack of support. 

Small electricals distributor EPE has become the latest company to sign up as a sponsor of Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2010. 

Plumb Centre parent Wolseley has announced proposals to create a new group holding company which will be UK listed, incorporated in Jersey and have tax residence in Switzerland. 

Walmart has put in a non-binding proposal to acquire the leading general merchandise and home improvement retailer, with Asda chairman Andy Bond to oversee operations. 

B&Q has announced the appointment of ex-Asda marketing director Katherine Paterson. She will join the board later this year as marketing director. 

Latest figures reveal the rate of businesses going under has dropped to 0.07%, with smaller firms showing the most financial strength. 

Following the success of the gardening programme on BBC1 NI, a second series is currently in production ready for spring 2011. 

Weekly figures show 11.5% sales boost in home categories, while John Lewis reports market share growth in all three main categories - home, fashion and electrical and home technology in H1. 

Small businesses with just one week to claim at least £200m in backdated business rate relief can now use a free online claims system to avoid missing out. 

Dobbies is set to open a new 48,000 sq ft centre in Lisburn, Belfast tomorrow, its first centre in Northern Ireland. 

The winners of Glee's Best Stand Award were announced at the Glee exhibitor drinks reception last night. 

4Leaves Innovation Ltd's Peter Manning, creator of the Wellitop, generated a lot of interest when he appeared in front of Glee's Garden Angels at the NEC yesterday. 

Homebase has announced a £2.5m investment in a new 'ecohome' project instore, designed to help customers to save energy. 

Ironmongery Direct has reported a significant rise in operating profit for the first half of 2010. 

Less than a quarter of waste produced by retailers is now sent to landfill compared with almost 50% five years ago.