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Latest News

Wilko to trial new look

Wilkinson has announced a makeover with a new look to be trialled in three of its stores across the company. 
17 October 2008

HoF to buy Baugur stake?

House of Fraser has said it would consider buying the 35% of the chain owned by troubled Icelandic investment group Baugur...and that it has the funds to do so. 
17 October 2008

DIY retailers suffer after TP profit warning

Shares in the major UK DIY retailers suffered after Travis Perkins, owner of Wickes, reported a 10% drop in sales in September and early October. 
17 October 2008

MFI stores to close

The remaining loss-making stores that weren't saved in the management buyout of MFI last month will be wound down soon if no buyer is found. 
17 October 2008

Further Habitat closures in attempt to curb losses

Bromley branch the latest in a line of stores axed by the furniture retailer in a bid revive its fortunes 
16 October 2008

Luft leaves Crown Paints

Less than two months after a management buyout of the paint company is announced, the chief executive makes a surprise exit. 
16 October 2008

Baugur denies it is entering administration

Despite reports, the Icelandic retail group, which has interests in House of Fraser, Woolworths and Wyevale, continues to discuss options with its bankers. 
15 October 2008

Sir Philip Green to battle for Baugur’s assets

Interest from private equity firms, including TPG, impinges on Arcadia Group boss’ attempt to gain control of the UK retail empire. 
15 October 2008

Steamer Trading opens in Marlow, now looks north

Cookshop retail chain Steamer Trading opened its latest store last week, and confirmed plans to grow the business to 30 outlets within the next three years. 
15 October 2008

Mica Market is a sell out

Annual trade show sold out for exhibitors with 66 top names on show, including Draper Tools, Everbuild, LG Harris and Brabantia. 
14 October 2008

UK sales fall 1.5% for September

Like-for-like sales values down from September 2007 after a previous rise of 3%. 
14 October 2008

Sir Terence Conran to speak at 2009 conference

Following the success of the inaugural Housewares Conference last year, the 2009 event is continuing to gather support. 
14 October 2008

New 'green' Tesco to create 320 jobs

Plans drawn up for multi-million pound 45,000sq ft store in Caernarfon, North Wales. 
13 October 2008

Topshop boss to take control of Baugur portfolio?

Sir Philip Green flies to Reykjavik to negotiate a deal with Government ministers to buy the retail group’s debt. 
13 October 2008

Iceland founder drops interest in Woolworths

Chief executive Malcolm Walker now considering plans to buy up parts of the Baugur-owned frozen food chain. 
13 October 2008

Government's actions 'half-hearted', says BHF

Managing director Alan Hawkins provides diyweek.net with his take on the economic situation, the interest rate cut and the increase to the National Minimum Wage. 
10 October 2008

Another big-ticket retailer in trouble

Land of Leather's pre-tax profits drop 88% as the furniture retailer reports a full year loss of £0.4m compared to a profit of £16m last year. 
10 October 2008

Home Hardware Southwest opens new warehouse

New 54,000 sq ft site in Bedford hoped to generate more than £10m for wholesaler. 
10 October 2008

Alan Sugar buys into Woolworths

Entrepreneur and TV personality Sugar snaps up 3.9% of High Street chain. 
10 October 2008

Last credit insurer pulls out of Woolworths

High street chain’s woes deepen as Corface withdraws cover for suppliers amid concerns for retailer’s financial health. 
9 October 2008
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What do you think?

Which product lines are hardest to merchandise?

With all the extra social distancing measures retailers have been forced to put in place, floor planning, product positioning, creative merchandising and POS displays are more crucial than ever.
But which of the following product categories do you feel are the most challenging to merchandise?








Latest reader comments

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Daniel Wood
Safety should always be the first priority. If followed properly, these precautions are all we need to tackle all unwanted accidents. I ...

re: Further Homebase closures ahead

Shaun Collorick
Cheltenham homebase has closing down signs outside, but not Gloucester homebase.... Yet!...

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B&Q bob
No surprises from us on the shopfloor management paralysed by fear of jobs and to weak to take chances so bumble around. Ranges boring, and ...

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Miss l'a tesha gc Wilson
Please keep me updated regards all Store closures Thank you...

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I HOPE GRAHAM BELL THE NEW CEO OF B&Q GETS TO GRIPS OF THE COMPANY VERY SOON.MY WIFE WENT FROM SHADOXHURST TO GILLINGHAM TO GET SOME ...

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