Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

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Focus to axe 750 jobs

Following a review of the business, DIY chain calls staff to attend store meetings to hear details of redundancies. 
6 October 2008

More woe for big ticket retailers

MFI is to place between 90 and 100 of its 192 stores into administration this week, according to reports over the weekend, with a loss of more than 1,000 jobs. While Magnet Kitchens has informed its suppliers that they must accept a 5% reduction on all prices from this month on. Read more... 
6 October 2008

BHF Finance reduces vehicle loan rates

Members to benefit as rates for used cars and vans are brought in line with new vehicles. 
3 October 2008

Seeds not 'sow' reliable

Annual Which? Gardening report reveals some leading flower and vegetable seed brands are still 'not up to scratch'. 
3 October 2008

Decco supports DIY Dinner 09

Decco has confirmed its support for the Rainy Day Trust (RDT) by again sponsoring the raffle at the DIY Charity Gala Dinner, held in aid of the industry charity. 
3 October 2008

John Lewis sees weekly sales slide

John Lewis has blamed the deepening credit crisis, or rather the coverage it is getting in the media, combined with unseasonably sunny weather for an 8.3% fall in sales for the week ending September 26. 
3 October 2008

Scotts announces Humax purchase

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company has announced the purchase of Humax for an undisclosed sum. 
2 October 2008

Notcutts buys NWF centres

Notcutts has been revealed as the buyer for the six NWF garden centres which were put up for sale in August this year. 
2 October 2008

Bridgemere Garden World to be demolished

The Nantwich centre is to be demolished, it has been announced, to make way for a brand new, improved multi-million pound centre. 
2 October 2008

Hillhout merger creates new company

Garden timber manufacturer Hillhout has merged with Dutch brand Gouderak BV, creating one of the largest garden timber firms in Europe. 
2 October 2008

National minimum wage increases by 3.8%

One million UK workers to benefit from the hourly rise, which is effective from today. 
1 October 2008

B&Q launches new City & Guilds qualification scheme

DIY chain becomes first UK retailer to offer nationally recognised Home Improvement Qualification. 
1 October 2008

Crown buyout completed

The management team of Crown Paints has today completed its buyout of the business from parent company Akzo Nobel. 
1 October 2008

The City says: Kingfisher

City broker Investec has cut its pre-tax forecasts for B&Q parent Kingfisher by 2% for the current year, and by 9% for the next. 
30 September 2008

Ikea recall after injury

Ikea has recalled a chest of drawers after a design fault left a user injured. 
30 September 2008

Decco day gathers momentum

Decco Ipswich open day, which will take place on Wednesday October 8, has secured more than 50 exhibitors. 
30 September 2008

Tesco delivers 'robust' results

Supermarket chain's interim results reveal sales and profit rise in the face of credit crunch. 
30 September 2008

Argos in hunt for 15,000 Christmas staff

Argos has announced it has begun the search for thousands of extra staff to man its 700-plus branches over the Christmas period. 
30 September 2008

Another homewares chain in administration

Joy, the high street fashion and homewares chain which is parent company of the Hob cookshop and food stores, is the latest casualty of the economic downturn. 
30 September 2008

Parent buys brand after retailer collapses

It has been announced that the Indian parent company of home textile and soft furnishings retailer Rosebys, has bought the brand name after the chain entered administration on Friday. 
29 September 2008
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