Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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B&Q launches DIY classes for schools

Home improvement retailer plans to bring lost skills back to hundreds of schools with its Job Done! Programme. 
29 October 2009

Another loft insulation war?

Retail giants, including Focus and Homebase slash prices on energy saving products, even offering 'buy one get three free' deals, to entice customers to spend in autumn. 
29 October 2009

'Recovery remains fragile', says Akzo Nobel

Paint and Coatings manufacturer reports 10% sales drop but mitigates UK decline with price increases. 
28 October 2009

Ad watchdog supports JML Twista Mop no-drip claim

JML Direct has successfully defended its claim that its Twista Mop wrings out every last drop of water. 
28 October 2009

UK still in recession but high street sees tentative growth

CBI reports most positive growth rate in almost two years but DIY and hardware stores report fall in sales. 
28 October 2009

Focus moves closer to break-even

Focus, Britain's fourth largest retail DIY chain, took a step closer back towards break-even – and perhaps towards profitability – in the year to February 22, according to latest results filed at Companies House. 
26 October 2009

Man jailed over £20m drug heist at garden centre

A drug supplier has been sentenced to five years in prison after he was arrested trying to smuggle amphetamines into Bolton in a delivery of conifer trees at Holland Nurseries. 
26 October 2009

Matalan considers sale

Homewares chain approached by private equity firm CVC Capital Partners in takeover bid. 
26 October 2009

BHETA appoints new DIY sector director

Eliza Tinsley's Peter Stone will take up the role in the New Year. 
23 October 2009

Planning permission successful for Forest Lodge site

Malcolm Scott Consultants Ltd gains double planning permissions for ambitious development at 14-hectare joint Forest Lodge and Birdworld site. 
23 October 2009

Habitat to be put up for sale?

Parent company orders strategic review of loss-making homewares chain. 
22 October 2009

Debenhams own-brands see positive results

Conversion of 53,000sq ft of sales space from concession to own-bought ranges pays off, as department store reports increase in sales and gross margin in 2009. 
22 October 2009

Rust-Oleum signs up as BBRA sponsor

Leading paints and coating specialist is the latest big name to come on board for Britain's Best Retailer Awards 2009. 
22 October 2009

Electrical housewares retailer launches online

Essex-based Household2U offers top brands, including Delonghi, Morphy Richards and Panasonic and hopes to create a more user-friendly shopping experience. 
21 October 2009

Rochford prosecuted for waste packaging offences

Garden machinery company fined £3,420 for failing to meet recycling obligations. 
21 October 2009

Homebase sales up 3%

Home enhancement retailer bucks the market trend as 'big ticket' sales boost its first half figures. 
21 October 2009

Lack of credit insurance has negative impact on UK businesses

Majority of firms believe insurers are not assessing risk accurately and that the Government's top-up scheme should be extended. 
20 October 2009

London outperforms rest of UK in September

City sales up 7.5% as milder weather encourages people out to the shops and the weakness of the pound attracts overseas visitors. 
19 October 2009

Flying Brands garden business sees 30% boost

Home shopping group recruits 22,000 customers to Gardening Direct in three months. 
19 October 2009

Footprint brand back in business

Sheffield-based hand tools brand Footprint has recommenced production at its Sedgley Road site in Owlerton, Sheffield under the name Footprint Sheffield, the former holding company of Footprint Tools. 
16 October 2009
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