Carpet and floor coverings retailer reveals encouraging results, with first like-for-like sales growth in a quarter for more than a year. 

Show director Paul Grinsell believes 'optimism is returning' in the DIY and security sectors. 

Half year results for Ironmongery Direct, released this morning show the company is bucking the retail trend with turnover up 36% to £4.5m compared with £3.3m for the same period in 2008 and operating profits up 62% to £105k compared with £65k. 

In a conversation with DIY Week this morning BHETA president Andrew Weiss confirmed Helen Hibbert's appointment as interim housewares director. 

John Lewis Partnership has announced that homewares, kitchenware and gifts will be sold through Waitrose's online shop and in some of its best performing stores. 

The Garden Centre Group (formerly Wyevale Garden Centres) has reported strong sales for the half year to June 30, with like-for-like sales up 6%. 

Local Data Company reveals average retail vacancy has reached 12%, with the North feeling the pinch worst in England and Wales. 

Tesco is to launch an exclusive range of small domestic appliances under the familiar Tricity brand. 

Kitchens and bathrooms turnover revealed to be up 16.6% in latest interim statement, while merchanting sector continues to "suffer". 

The UK's largest garden centre chain, Wyevale has changed its name in what promises to be a massive re-branding exercise for the company. 

Kingfisher-owned DIY chain invests £3.5m into home furniture range as it hopes to capitalise on the 'don't move, improve' trend. 

In a statement released today, following a meeting between Charles Harrison and BHETA president Andrew Weiss, the association confirmed the resignation of David French and Helen Hibbert and resolution of legal proceedings against Mr Harrison. 

Ken Blanks, formerly of Blanks Wallpapers and Kabco Wholesale, died on July 21, aged 78. 

CBI Distributive Trades Survey reveals that DIY, hardware and furniture retailers are among those affected as sales drop for the third month running. 

Price increases and cost cutting helps offset fall in sales volume and has positive effect on Dutch coating company's Q2 trading statement. 

Swedish retailer signs contract for new branch in Kingston-upon-Thames. 

Discount retailer announces exclusive range of summer garden equipment for limited period. 

DIY rental company in talks with lenders about the future of the business. 

Belinda Barnard has resigned with immediate effect from her position as managing director of troubled buying and marketing group Mica. 

Members of the BHETA Board spent yesterday afternoon discussing the ramifications of the morning's EGM, which produced the extraordinary result of a split vote on the proposed merger.