Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

International News

Akzo Nobel invests in major site upgrade in US

The Dutch coatings giant has made a multi-million dollar investment in transforming its wood coatings facility in High Point, North Carolina, into a best-in-class manufacturing site – with a view to strengthening the company's market position in the ... 
2 April 2019

German DIY chain slammed for 'racist' ad

An advertisement produced by German DIY chain, Hornbach, has met controversy and has even been called "racist" by members of the South Korean community.The controversial commercial depicts several white men doing garden work. They are then ... 
29 March 2019

The Home Depot named a leader on climate action

The Home Depot has been highlighted as a global leader on corporate climate action and continues to pursue its sustainability goals with new renewable energy initiatives in 2019.CDP, an environmental impact non-profit, has named The Home Depot to ... 
15 February 2019

Amazon trials new delivery robot

The online retail giant has developed a new, fully-electric delivery system – Amazon Scout – designed to get packages to customers in the US using autonomous delivery devices.The devices, created by Amazon, are the size of a small cool box, and ... 
28 January 2019

Dulux launches new concept store in Shanghai

Dutch paint giant, Akzo Nobel has set about creating a fully-interactive experience at the new concept store for its Dulux brand, utilising digital technology and personalised services,The first of its kind in China, the store makes use of online ... 
28 January 2019

Kingfisher One transformation adds to challenges in French market

The international home improvement giant described operations in France as “difficult”, as retail profit plummeted more than 30% and sales across its Castorama chain fell 6% in the first half, impacted by activity surrounding its five-year turnaround ... 
19 September 2018

IKEA’s services platform TaskRabbit expands to Canada

Small jobs online platform TaskRabbit, which was bought last year by the world’s biggest furniture retailer IKEA Group, has said it is expanding into Canada, its third market after the United States and Britain.TaskRabbit, whose platform connects ... 
18 September 2018

The Home Depot reports an increase of 8.4% for Q2

The Home Depot has reported sales of $30.5 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2018, an 8.4% increase from the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Comparable sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2018 were positive 8.0%, and comp sales in the U.S. ... 
17 August 2018

Akzo Nobel strengthens African presence with new coatings facility in Kenya

Dutch paint giant, Akzo Nobel has opened a new coatings production facility in the capital, Nairobi, and says its long-term plan is to expand further and use Kenya as a gateway to the whole of East Africa. The site, which produces coil coatings ... 
9 July 2018

Mr DIY set for rapid expansion following online launch

Malaysia’s largest home improvement chain has announced plans to open 300 new stores across Asia Pacific this year, reflecting a substantial investment in its bricks-and-mortar portfolio, following the launch of its online platform. Mr DIY has ... 
6 July 2018
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