B&Q operations director Martyn Phillips has been promoted to the new role of ceo for B&Q UK and Ireland with immediate effect. 

Online spending increased by 18% during Q1 2011 compared with the same period last year, the strongest first quarter growth since 2008, according to the latest IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index report. 

Garden watering firm "surprised" by story published in The Telegraph claiming it is up for sale for £200m. 

Tesco has reported group sales up 8.1% to £67.6bn for the 52 weeks to February 26, 2011. 

The Asda Income Tracker has revealed the first month of improvement in spending power in more than a year. 

Organisers take the decision to put off the September show until market conditions improve. 

Department store chain reported 8% sales up lift last week as home and outdoor living ranges flew out the door. 

April 16 will see B&Q launch a series of project demos focusing on DIY jobs that can be completed in one weekend. 

Fashion retailer Next is set to open a new store this August featuring a garden centre-style offer alongside its existing home and clothing ranges. 

More than 60% of people say they'll be making changes to their home this year, according to the latest Wickes Home Improvement Report. 

Nationwide Spending Index reports an increase for the first time since the VAT increase, with overall consumer confidence also up five points, but figures still lag behind pre-recession levels. 

Homewares retailer Dunelm Mill has reported a 1.3% decline in like-for-like sales for its third financial quarter. 

Garden centre chain takes over the Walled Garden Centre at Elton Hall, marking the opening of its seventh outlet in the UK. 

Multichannel retailer Flying Brands Limited has suffered a difficult first quarter with its bird food and flowers businesses continuing to underperform. 

Sarum Wholesale is holding an online auction of its stock after entering administration at the beginning of March. 

Notcutts Garden Centres has become the first garden centre group to receive 'full member' status of the Growing Media Initiative (GMI). 

Manchester gardening business expands with new acquisition and hints at future growth plans. 

The use of temporary workers in the UK rose by more than 10% in March, according to new data from temporary agency labour procurer de Poel. 

The Anti Copying in Design (ACID) organisation is first-time exhibitor at this year's Exclusively Hosewares and will be on hand to offer advice on how to protect designs and products from copying. 

UK retail sales have suffered the worst decline for 16 years, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor.