News Archive November 2010
Isaac Lord md to step down
30 November 2010
Andrew Weiss, managing director of specialist tool retailer Isaac Lord, will leave the retailer in May next year.
Petindex to relocate to "heart of Glee" next year
30 November 2010
Organisers confirm that the pet care show will take pride of place in Hall 5 at the NEC at Glee 2011.
Sales up at Topps Tiles
30 November 2010
Topps Tiles has revealed pre tax profits of £12.4m for the 53 weeks to October 2, 2010, up from £9.9m last year.
Shoppers to spend £22.4m an hour online today
29 November 2010
Retailers gear up for the busiest shopping day of the year, Manic Monday, with sales set to reach £537m.
Dixons' reformatting plans on track but outlook remains cautious
29 November 2010
Electricals giant Dixons Retail, formerly known as DSG International, has reported flat group sales of £3.4bn for the 24 weeks to October 16, 2010.
Latest sponsor for Product of the Year awards revealed
26 November 2010
Bosch has become the latest company to sign up as a sponsor of the Product of the Year Awards 2011.
Retailers gear up for Christmas as high street strengthens in November
26 November 2010
Latest figures show an increase in sales volumes for the fifth consecutive month, with shops optimistic that trend will continue.
B&Q offers January sale prices - in November
25 November 2010
B&Q is giving customers an early preview of its January sale over a four-day period this weekend.
Parking charge hikes could wipe out high street trade, warns FPB
25 November 2010
Councils could kill off high street trade if they hike up town centre parking charges, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) has warned.
UK manufacturers see rise in demand, says CBI
24 November 2010
Demand for UK-made goods improved in November, compared with the previous month, according to new figures released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last week.
Verdict lists top 10 Christmas ads
24 November 2010
John Lewis, Sainsbury's, M&S and Matalan among retailers praised for their commercials, as retail analyst highlights the importance of a strong advertising campaign and 'togetherness' over the festive period.
Product of the Year Awards – Enter now!
24 November 2010
The Product of the Year Awards 2011 is now open for entries - giving you the chance to prove that you have one of the best innovations in the marketplace.
Turnover up 15% at John Browns Garden Centre
23 November 2010
John Browns Garden Centre in Dorset has reported an increased turnover of 15% for the period from January to August 2010.
Brits spending power falls again in October
23 November 2010
Asda Income Tracker reports tenth month of decline, with UK families now £4 a week worse off than in the same month last year.
Totally shows set to be a sell out
23 November 2010
February trade shows have already exceeded the size they were in 2010, and sales director Paul Grinsell is confident that the shows will be a sell out.
Ted Lansdowne funeral arrangements confirmed
23 November 2010
The funeral of Ted Lansdowne, former managing director of Payless DIY and Green DIY, will be 11.30am on Wednesday December 8 at St Mary Church, Kippington Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2LL. There will be refreshments afterwards.
Obituary: Ted Lansdowne
22 November 2010
Ted Lansdowne, md of Green DIY in Sussex and former md of Payless DIY, died on Friday November 19 after multiple heart attacks. He was 67.
Sales stay strong at John Lewis in run up to Christmas
22 November 2010
Department store chain reports total sales of £88m last week as shoppers prepare their homes for the festive season, sending home categories soaring.
Business insolvencies drop 17%
22 November 2010
A significant year-on-year drop in business insolvencies has been recorded during October, according to the latest Insolvency Index from Experian.
Merchanting sales rise at Grafton but retail arm struggles
22 November 2010
Grafton Group has reported a 6% rise in UK merchanting sales for the year to October 2010.
Department store owner dines out with Channel 4
22 November 2010
Jim Godfrey, owner of L.R. Godfreys in Lowestoft took part in TV programme Come Dine With Me - to be aired December 3.
Next dismisses reports of planned garden centre formats
22 November 2010
Fashion retailer Next has dismissed reports that it is planning to open out-of-town shops with garden centres.
Gardman gets set for growth
19 November 2010
Garden sundries supplier Gardman has signed a deal for 242,000sq ft of new warehouse space in West Lynn, close to its main warehouse operations in Kings Lynn, Norfolk.
UK's biggest Christmas tree lights up Dobbies
19 November 2010
The 12,000 lights on the biggest Christmas tree in the UK were switched on by Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd at Dobbies' Edinburgh garden centre last weekend.
Guidance on knife sales issued to Scottish retailers
19 November 2010
Scottish Government and SRC work to ensure businesses understands strict new regulations on sales of blades.
Philip Morris & Son wins regional business award
19 November 2010
Department store Philip Morris & Son in Hereford has been named the West Midlands Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year 2010.
Christmas shopping boosts online sales
19 November 2010
Online sales increased last month by 23% compared with October 2009, showing Christmas shopping is now in full swing.
Westland launches Masterclass Academy
18 November 2010
Westland Horticulture is launching its Masterclass Academy at the start of 2011, with a series of educational days across the UK.
Focus stores could be sold off to raise funds for expansion
18 November 2010
Reports suggest other retailers are being sounded out about acquiring some of the DIY chain's locations, as its owner Cerberus considers additional investment.
Wholesale nursery enters administration
18 November 2010
Wholesale nursery New Forest Garden Plants has entered into administration, resulting in the loss of 40 jobs.
Labour market "delicately poised" says BRC
18 November 2010
Recent unemployment figures from the Office of National Statistics show the labour market is "delicately poised", according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Sales soar at Stax
17 November 2010
Stax Trade Centres has reported annual group sales of more than £92.3m for the period from September 2009 to August 2010.
Sales growth slows in Scotland
17 November 2010
Non-food sales drop 1.1% in October, with homewares and DIY down on a year ago, as consumers remain cautious about discretionary sending.
WD-40 sponsors Scouts DIY badge
17 November 2010
WD-40 is supporting the DIYers of the future by sponsoring the Scouts DIY activity badge.
Gardeners' purchasing plans revealed
17 November 2010
Gardeners are planning to keep spending next year, with a water feature named as the most desirable item for 2011, according to a new survey from Hangar Seven.
Global DIY Summit launched
16 November 2010
Following the success of this year's inaugural European Home Improvement Forum, EDRA and fediyma have again joined forces, this time to launch a global event.
New HTA group to support cash & carry businesses
16 November 2010
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) is set to form a new cash & carry group to assist the sector in growing the market and improving profitability.
John Lewis opens 'at home' in Tunbridge Wells
16 November 2010
Department store chain opened the fourth of its new format stores last Thursday in Kent.
Firms anticipate shortage of Christmas temps
15 November 2010
According to new figures, nearly 70% of recruitment agencies are expecting a shortage of temporary agency workers over the festive period in most sectors, including retail.
Former B&Q manager convicted of theft
15 November 2010
A former assistant manager at the Penryn B&Q store in Cornwall has been found guilty of stealing hundreds of pounds from the retail chain.
BRITAIN'S BEST RETAILERS ANNOUNCED!
15 November 2010
This year's winners of Britain's Best Retailer Awards were announced at last Thursday's black-tie gala event and dinner...
John Lewis soundtrack tipped for Christmas number one
15 November 2010
John Lewis' latest Christmas commercial debuted over the weekend, with the featured Elton John cover already at 10-1 odds of topping the charts this Christmas.
Suppliers show support for industry charity
14 November 2010
Henkel Consumer Adhesives and Ultimate Products are the latest suppliers to throw their support behind the Rainy Day Trust, the charity of the hardware trade.
Sainsbury's reports 36% profit jump in H1
10 November 2010
Supermarket chain opens first 100,000sq ft superstore, while growing non-food offer at three times the rate of food.
October non-food sales see real terms decline
10 November 2010
UK retail sales rose 0.8% on a like-for-like basis from October 2009, thanks to growth in food sales, according to the latest figures from the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.
DHL to manage B&Q distribution operations
9 November 2010
The new contract will see DHL manage B&Q's Swindon distribution centre, as well as its regional consolidation centres, while safeguarding the company's operations in Worksop and Radlett.
Opportunities for garden retailers this Christmas
9 November 2010
39% of garden centre visitors say they are likely to visit their local garden centre specifically for their Christmas areas and ranges, according to the HTA.
GCA and Westland announces sponsorship scheme
9 November 2010
GCA chairman Dennis Espley and Westland managing director Edward Conroy are offering 25 free places at the GCA annual conference in a bid to 'bring forward the future management of the industry'.
Positive Christmas forecast from weather analysts Planalytics
9 November 2010
'Business weather intelligence' provider Planalytics has revealed its forecast for retailers over the coming festive season.
Shoppers unaware wood products may be illegally sourced
9 November 2010
Half of British shoppers have no idea that the paper and wood products they are buying could come from illegal sources, according to new research from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Footfall drops in October
8 November 2010
Retail footfall fell 3.4% last month compared with October 2009, according to the latest Retail Traffic Index from Synovate.
Sales to jump 3%, as shoppers to have final fling this Christmas
8 November 2010
Brits are a nation addicted to shopping, says BDO, with predictions that spending will continue in 2011, despite a challenging consumer environment.
Consumers set to return to out-of-town retailers
8 November 2010
Consumer spending is set to increase at out-of-town shops by £14.7bn over the next four years, according to new research from Verdict.
Best Buy UK reports £29m loss as it enters online market
5 November 2010
Best Buy UK has incurred operating losses of £29m for the six months to September 30, 2010, according to Carphone Warehouse, which launched the format with US giant Best Buy in April.
Festive and home sales drive growth at John Lewis
5 November 2010
Christmas sales already strong, with trees up 80% and John Lewis 'at home' in Poole exceeds trading expectations as it celebrates its first anniversary.
Lanes of Cheddar wins Retailer of the Year Award
5 November 2010
Hardware and electrical store awarded top spot following Domestic & General survey of independent electrical retailers.
Home Hardware Scotland welcomes new members
5 November 2010
Three more independent retailers have joined Home Hardware Scotland, bringing the total number of member shops across Scotland and the north of England to 56.
Don't miss out! Last chance to book!
4 November 2010
Britain's Best Retailer Awards are now less than a week away so if you haven't yet booked your place you only have a few days left.
Consumer durables market reports increase for september
4 November 2010
DIY and gardening growth slows, with independents worst hit, while small domestic appliances report encouraging increases, up 7.4% on last year.
Record breaker Ellen MacArthur joins B&Q to promote sustainability
4 November 2010
Dame Ellen MacArthur joined Kingfisher ceo Ian Cheshire, B&Q ceo Euan Sutherland and Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change Greg Barker at the Houses of Parliament to learn more about how the retailer is helping consumers to make their homes more sustainable.
Baking back in fashion as Asda sales soar
4 November 2010
Shoppers opt for glam decorations and speciality bakeware, with sales of vintage cake stands up 168% and silicone muffin pans seeing growth.
The Da'core Group acquires furniture company Harbo Fritid
4 November 2010
The leading Danish furniture supplier has bought the trading activities of Harbo Fritid, further bolstering its position in the market following the acquisition of ATO Fritid just last week.
John Lewis to roll out another two at home stores
3 November 2010
Following success of previous 'at home' openings, retailer announces £15.5m investment and opening of outlets in Exeter and Chester, taking total number of stores to six.
Sales up at HSS Hire
3 November 2010
HSS Hire Service Group has reported a 14% increase in revenue to £44.6m for its third quarter.
M&S in talks over Government's 'Green Deal'
3 November 2010
Marks & Spencer is currently in talks with the Government over its 'Green Deal' policy, which aims to make up to 14m homes more energy efficient.
Welsh carrier bag charge reduced
2 November 2010
Welsh Assembly Government cuts compulsory carrier bag charge from 7p to 5p following advice from BRC.
Sales of household goods and DIY slow in October
1 November 2010
High street sales were higher than a year ago but household goods saw a slower increase, while hardware and DIY reported a decline.
Growth continues at Ikea despite market decline
1 November 2010
Ikea UK & Ireland has reported a like-for-like sales rise of 1% to £1.2bn for the year to August 31, 2010.