Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

JML Magic Carpet mat ad deemed misleading

JML Direct has had its knuckles rapped by the ASA over a television advertisement for its Magic Carpet mat. 
5 May 2010

Cargo calls time on garden centre concessions

Home products retail chain Cargo has announced its withdrawal from garden centre concessions after trials failed to live up to expectations. 
4 May 2010

Top Drawer sponsorship for Product of the Year Awards

Top Drawer Home is the latest high-profile name to add its support to the Product of the Year Awards 2010. 
4 May 2010

Homebase gutted by 'suspicious' fire

A fire that ripped through a Homebase store in Kent at the weekend is being investigated as suspicious, along with the possibility of a link with another fire half an hour later at a local B&Q. 
4 May 2010

Best Buy opens this morning

As US retail chain Best Buy opens the doors on its first UK store this morning there may be a few surprises on offer - including electric vehicles, scooters and bikes. 
30 April 2010

Garden centre closes to make room for station car park

Abbeydale Garden Company in Sheffield will close in June, with the land lined up for use as a car park for Dore railway station. 
30 April 2010

GfK sees 'improving trend'

March saw sales of durable goods rise 3.3% in March compared with the same month last year, with DIY and garden only just behind the average. GfK says "worst of credit crunch appears to be over" but consumers remain cautious. 
29 April 2010

B&Q announces bank holiday bargains for May

B&Q is launching its biggest ever May price investment campaign in preparation for the double May bank holiday DIY season, the retailer announced yesterday. 
29 April 2010

Best Buy goes after Currys with consumer ad campaign

US electricals giant Best Buy has set Currys firmly in its sights with a new price comparison advert ahead of its first store opening at Thurrock retail park tomorrow. 
29 April 2010

Kynaston's to close after 104 years

Owner of Essex-based ironmongers blames sheds for demise as it plans to close its door for good next month. 
29 April 2010

Growth continues on the high street

Retail sales up for third consecutive month as shoppers spend despite fragile economy. 
28 April 2010

Home Retail sees 11% slip in pre-tax profits

Home Retail Group (HRG), owner of Argos and Homebase, has reported an 11% drop in pre-tax profits from £328m to £293m in its results for the year to 27 February 2010. 
28 April 2010

'Toxic sofa' claimants to get £20m payout

Hundreds of consumers injured by 'toxic sofas' are to receive a shared payout of up to £20m, the High Court agreed on Monday. 
28 April 2010

Trading slows at Dunelm after strong Easter

Homewares retailer reports a slowdown in sales over past four months, despite year-to-date figures up 19.9%, bolstered by strong Easter promotion. 
27 April 2010

Businesses settle bills faster

UK businesses are paying their bills up to three days faster than they did this time last year. 
27 April 2010

Lighting Association launches awards

2010 will see the LA's first Lighting Industry Awards. Closing date for entries Friday, May 28. 
27 April 2010

Family finances decline again in March

Asda income tracker reveals British households are £2 a week worse off than last year, with rising transport costs and inflation rates putting pressure on spending power. 
26 April 2010

Brits committed to gardening in 2010, as GYO trend shows no sign of abating

Weather permitting; UK gardeners plan to be out in full force this year, with 45% getting set to grow their own produce, according to latest research from the HTA. 
26 April 2010

EDRA adds weight to Product of the Year Awards

The European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) has confirmed its support for this year's awards by sponsoring the Decorative Product of the Year category. 
26 April 2010

Outdoor living up at John Lewis

Shoppers seek out summer ranges from garden furniture to barbecues, while home and kitchen ranges still strong. 
23 April 2010
*

Most read stories