If there's one lesson to be learned from retail, it's that nothing ever stays the same. The inexorable process of change is constant and the evidence of that is ever apparent in the pages of DIY Week. Some changes are reactions to external forces, such as the economic climate or competition. Some are led by a changing consumer mind set or the latest trends and fashions. Some, like internet sales, completely alter the retail playing field for good, while others are merely a temporary adjustment.

Change is an inevitable, and necessary, part of growth, but it is in its response to change that a retailer shows its mettle.

Those that bemoan advances in technology or shifting consumer expectations will always be in danger of losing touch with their customer-base, while those that embrace new channels or new ways to communicate with buyers have a far better chance of staying ahead of the game.

Ibrahim Ibrahim's expert comment piece in the issue of DIY Week out on Friday is specifically dedicated to this topic. In it, he outlines some of the shifts in behaviour and expectation that will become more evident in shoppers - in particular, the next generation of customers.

Our sector focus on housewares, also in this week's issue includes some of the changes going on in housewares categories at the moment - an ideal time to review what you're giving shelf space to in the run up to Christmas!

And, in perhaps the biggest change for us here at DIY Week, we unveiled our new-look website this week. We hope you like the improved site and have already explored all its features, some of which will be familiar and some of which are new (with more to come).

One of the biggest changes we've instituted is the inclusion of a blog section on the site for the first time. We'll be adding to this editorially, offering comment, opinion and our slant on some of the issues which affect us all...but we don't want to be the only ones.

We want to hear your voice on the site; we want you to share your expertise and knowledge. We want you to pose questions, get on your soapbox, vent your frustrations or share your observations with us and with the industry community. In short we want to bag ourselves some bloggers.

So, if you've got something to say or something to share, from your own day-to-day experiences to your opinions about burning issues; if you want a platform or an outlet, if you want to make a difference - to effect change - get in touch with us now about having your say in your very own space on the site.