Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Retail buyers pick the show's top new products

Faithfull, Eco-Ezee, Yale, Holdfast, Luxform and Trollul were the six exhibitors who picked up Gold Show Stopper awards at this week's Totally DIY show in Birmingham. 
10 February 2010

Focus disputes claims that 'cash is tight'

Home improvement retailer plays down reports that it is struggling and has been forced to ask for a payment holiday on rent. 
9 February 2010

FADS Parent company enters administration

Divalimit, the parent company of FADS, Texstyle World and Leveys has been placed in administration little more than a year after it purchased the brands according to reports. 
8 February 2010

Homebase launches tools from 99p

A new Value range of DIY essentials launched by Homebase this week includes tools offered for sale for less than a pound. 
5 February 2010

Thief 'couldn't be bothered' to queue in DIY shop

Man walks out of Homebase store with two power tools because he didn't want to wait in line to pay. 
5 February 2010

Dobbies centres to co-locate with Tesco stores

Tesco-owned garden centre chain aims to quadruple its number of outlets over the next eight years with a number of new branches to be built alongside supermarkets. 
5 February 2010

Garden & Leisure Group supports better environmental policies in garden centres

Garden centre chain backs environmental campaigner Sir Jonathan Porrit’s criticism that garden centres are complacent about having environmental policies. 
3 February 2010

Homebase introduces re-useable packaging

Homebase parent company Home Retail Group (HRG) has introduced a reusable bag as replacement packaging for sofas from its Homebase and Argos brands. 
3 February 2010

Snow keeps shoppers at home in January

January 2010 sees the worst start to a new year for retailers in half a decade, as footfall drops 5%. 
3 February 2010

New miracle spray-on glass to launch at B&Q

Silica-based solution, which makes cleaning easier and protects surfaces from bacteria, will be available at DIY chain this spring. 
2 February 2010

Bents named Garden Centre of the Year…again

Glazebury-based centre wins prestigious GCA award for the second year in a row. 
2 February 2010

Make sure you're a winner!

Be the best: The countdown to the Product of the Year Awards has begun! 
1 February 2010

B&Q doubles apprenticeship scheme

In time for National Apprenticeship Week (Feb 1-5) B&Q has announced that it will double its apprenticeship intake this year. 
1 February 2010

Battery recycling not just down to retailers, says BRC

Trade association questions methods of collecting used batteries and believes retailers should not be expected to bear the entire responsibility for meeting recycling targets. 
1 February 2010

Cook Live! comes to Spring Fair

'Kitchen theatre' will showcase exhibitors' products, with celebrity chefs such as Raymond Blanc already lined up for the show. 
1 February 2010

Trumeter bought out of administration

Private equity firm Energize Capital has bought measuring tool manufacturer Trumeter for an undisclosed sum. The firm was placed in the hands of administrators Leonard Curtis on Friday after failing to secure a finance deal. 
1 February 2010

Housing market slump impacts Ikea sales

The Swedish furniture and home accessory retailer has reported a 58% drop in pre-tax profit for the 12 months to August 31 2009. 
1 February 2010

Furniture is star performer for John Lewis

Strong weekly trading for department store chain, as home steals the show, with furniture sales up 36.9%. 
29 January 2010

Wickes hits £1m milestone for Leukaemia research

DIY chain raises £110,000 with charity dinner, reaching its fundraising target for first ever charity partnership. 
29 January 2010

Restructuring complete, says Forest Garden

Garden timber manufacturer confirms it has completed its three-year programme and receives boost in funding from RBS. 
29 January 2010
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