Alistair Darling's pre-budget report reaches out to smaller UK businesses with extension of empty property tax and deferred increase in corporation tax. 

Swedish hardware retailer is continuing its UK rollout with the news that it has signed a lease agreement on a new store in Liverpool. 

Totally shows organiser Brintex has launched the search for the Best New Products Awards at next February's shows, this year re-named Show Stoppers. 

In what can only be seen as more encouraging news for the retail sector, department store chain John Lewis has reported its best ever weekly sales. 

Crown Paints has announced the appointment of Brian Davidson as group ceo. Mr Davidson takes up the role as of today and replaces Graham Hallworth, who steps down from his position as executive chairman. However, Mr Hallworth will remain involved as a strategic advisor. 

The European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) became an independent body this week, having previously been administered by the French FMB and the German BHB. 

Following its relocation to the Birmingham offices of the British Jewellery, Giftware & Finishing Federation (BJGF) BHETA is now keen to resolve the issue of a merger between the two associations. 

The Daily Mirror is planning to launch a range of garden products in the New Year under the Mr Digwell brand - the paper's fictional garden expert. 

B&Q parent company Kingfisher has reported a 5.6% increase in total sales for the 13 weeks to October 31 – but B&Q UK sees 45% profit jump. 

German tool and accessories manufacturer to close its UK office, making all staff redundant, as sales are affected by adverse exchange rate. 

Thousands of pounds-worth of Christmas trees have been stolen from two garden centres in the south of England. 

Wet weather and fewer pre-Christmas sales see retail footfall drop 0.8% in November but analysts expect a surge of shoppers this month. 

Garden centre chain receives 100 complaints after its Christmas brochure suggests men should make the woman in their life "feel special" with the laundry item. 

Wickes and Screwfix announce major fundraising initiatives, with Wickes alone hitting £1m milestone for Leukaemia Research, while Focus DIY plans to help break a World record. 

Facebook campaign nominates popular store worker Nigel Parker to turn on Portishead's illuminations, beating competition from celebrity rival Johnny Depp. 

Organisation offers set of security guidelines to help retailers thwart robbers. 

Sales growth at fastest pace in two years, say the CBI, with predictions it will pick up further in the run-up to Christmas. 

DIY giant issues statement and says any job losses will be a "last resort". 

Department store chain sees "another excellent week's trading", with home up 15.5% and some stores reporting double-digit growth on 2008 figures. 

Jan Nicolson of Jan's Mica Hardware on the Isle of Skye steps down as chairman and resigns from the board of Mica DIY.