Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

Grays of Edinburgh to close after 190 years

Ironmongers set to close its doors in March next year as a number of senior staff retire. 
2 September 2009

Focus sees rush on sales of incandescent bulbs

DIY chain believes sales of the traditional lamps will continue to double this week as customers stockpile in response to EU ban. 
2 September 2009

Grange Fencing acquires Metpost

Grange acquires assets of fence post brand from Expamet for an undisclosed sum. 
1 September 2009

Lochlands Garden Centre hit by blaze

More than 20 firefighters battled to bring the fire under control in the early hours of Tuesday morning. 
26 August 2009

Hobbycraft doubles expansion plan

Strong sales encourage arts and crafts superstore chain to increase the rate of its store roll-out programme. 
26 August 2009

DEADLINE EXTENDED: There's still time to be Britain's Best!

Deadline for entry into Britain's Best Retailer Awards has been extended by a week to Friday September 4 - so there's still time to prove that you are one of the best retailers in the country. 
26 August 2009

Wolf-Garten closes UK office

Garden products manufacturer is to close its Worcester office as EP Barrus takes over as exclusive UK distributor for the brand. 
25 August 2009

Recycled nappies to be used for DIY products

Recycling technologies developer Knowaste launches new venture, which sees roofing materials manufactured from recycled plastic in nappies and incontinence products. 
25 August 2009

Is the industry ready for the light bulb ban?

News of the impending ban on opaque incandescent light bulbs has been rife but have you got your facts right and how do you plan to adapt your range? 
25 August 2009

John Lewis sees boost in sales of white goods and furniture

Weekly sales miss last year's level of trade by just 1.4% as online sales see double-digit growth and hard-hit categories experience a return. 
24 August 2009

Positive signs for UK economy

ICAEW's Business Confidence monitor reveals record rise in confidence and predicts that GDP will rise 0.5% this quarter, signalling the end of the recession. 
24 August 2009

Landlords set to back Focus CVA

Creditors meet with Focus today to seal a company voluntary agreement that could see 5,000 jobs saved at the DIY chain. 
24 August 2009

Focus CVA approved

DIY chain pleased with outcome after majority of its creditors vote for company voluntary agreement in today's meetings. 
24 August 2009

BHETA announces new director of housewares sector

Will Jones will take up the new role in September, replacing Helen Hibbert who held the position in the interim, following Pam Plant's departure. 
21 August 2009

Retail sales rise 3.3% in July

Household goods stores pick up, driven by hardware and furniture retailers, says ONS report. 
21 August 2009

Sainsbury's launches non-food catalogue

Customers offered 'taster' of kitchen, dining, DIY and bathroom ranges available on supermarket website. 
20 August 2009

Home Hardware pays out record rebate

Dealer-owned wholesaler pays £87,000 back to members as local consumers boost sales. 
20 August 2009

UK homeowners still reliant on DIY professionals

Research commissioned by WD-40 reveals that, despite the recession, the British public are not rolling up their sleeves and tackling DIY problems around the house. 
20 August 2009

UPDATED: Dobbies wins approval for allotments

Sefton Council recommends that go ahead be given for 20 allotments on land at Dobbies Southport centre. 
20 August 2009

Drop in sales for Lowe's as US puts DIY projects on hold

World's second largest DIY retailer sees 19.1% drop in net earnings, as "cautious consumers" remain reluctant to take on home improvement projects. 
19 August 2009
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