B&Q is to open its first eco shops in its flagship stores in New Malden and Sutton this Friday. 

In a letter to members, BHETA president Andrew Weiss has explained that the BJGF Board has requested a hiatus in the discussions regarding a merger with BHETA until the issue of presidency is resloved. 

The Steamer Trading cookshop chain has been honoured twice in this year's Global Innovator Awards (the GIAs) in Chicago, which recognise excellence in housewares retailing around the world. 

The SCR-KPMG Scottish Retail Sales Monitor has reported Scottish retail's worst February since 1999. 

New report from the British Chambers of Commerce finds that the 'relentless flow' of complicated employment law is risking future job creation and making the UK and EU uncompetitive. 

Robert Dyas is launching its new revamped website today to reflect its recent re-branding and boost online sales. 

Office products manufacturer Esselte has completed its acquisition of Isaberg Rapid. 

Department store chain increases market share with home range and reports strong sales of own-bought ranges. 

U.S. tool maker Stanley Works has won EU regulatory approval for its purchase of U.S. rival Black & Decker. 

BHETA non-executive director John Baker has resigned from the board with immediate effect, but has been co-opted back on until the next agm. 

The coldest winter in more than 30 years offered retailers opportunities in the sales of winter products but has prevented the move on to new season's stock. 

Retail sales up 9.9% in the capital, with improved footfall, while the country as whole saw an increase of just 2.2% in February. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is establishing a new Marketing Committee, which will meet for the first time in April. 

Jewson's parent company Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK (SGBD) has announced it has beaten its target for reducing waste to landfill in 2009. 

Recession alters consumer mindset, boosting sales in the garden products sector, as homeowners opt for low-cost pastime and grow your own. 

Hardware industry charity the Rainy Day Trust is almost £1,100 better off, after a charity sale at DIY Week publisher Faversham House Group on March 9. 

Bents Garden & Home supports Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool as its charity of the year for 2010. 

Shaw Trust Palmer Gardens victim of two break-ins, losing £3,000 of equipment in latest incident. 

Former Kingfisher group md Sir Geoffrey Mulcahy to receive the European Home Improvement Lifetime Award. 

Environment secretary Hilary Benn has called for a complete phase-out of peat from the amateur garden market by 2020.