Housewares retailer, Dunelm, has bucked the trend and reported an increase in like-for-like (lfl) sales for the 26 weeks to December 29. 

Paint and adhesives manufacturer, Tor Coatings, has made its first acquisition since joining the American giant, RPM, last year. 

BRC figures show retailers have had worst Christmas for growth for three years. 

The DIY & Garden Show and Totally Tools is the UK’s key trade event for diy – and diyweek.net will be bringing you all the news as it happens. 

Essential information - a travel guide to the show. 

Highlights include decorative, and gardening products, and new-look Fair and Square promotions. 

Rawlplug, Siemens, Trend, and Tacwise added to product line-up. 

John Lewis buying director confirmed for The Housewares Conference. 

Strong demand in the public sector and commercial markets help group. 

Supplier creates three new roles to meet demand. 

As an incentive to visitors to this week’s DIY & Garden Show and Totally Tools, exhibitors have been encouraged to offer irresistible one-off deals. 

The long-running takeover of one of Britain’s most famous companies has been completed. 

Irish and UK builders merchants and diy group, Grafton plc, has reported a 10% increase in turnover to over €3.2bn (£2.4m) for the last year. 

Kingfisher has been the worst blue chip performer after a gloomy outlook statement from Next and a profit warning from DSG International – the owner of Currys – today sent shares in the retail sector into a tailspin. 

A 26-year-old man from Grays, Essex, has been arrested on suspicion of arson following a devastating fire at a warehouse of the electrical distributor, Jegs. 

Calls for suppliers and retailers to discuss the buying group in some depth. 

Limited opportunities for market share growth, says chairman. 

Pursuit of a perfect lawn drives gardeners to spend £200 a year. 

HousewaresLive.net and Housewares Magazine have announced the launch of the first all-industry conference for the housewares sector. 

Wickes' parent, Travis Perkins, was upbeat as it said trading at the diy chain has remained strong since its last update in October.