Essential reading for retailers and suppliers in the home improvement market

Latest News

Poor turn-out for Bank Holiday, says shopper index

Data released today shows that 73% of the 3,100 stores that make up the sample for The Retail Traffic Index suffered a year-on-year decline in footfall. 
28 August 2007

BRC urges EU to reject import tax on energy saving lightbulbs

Retail body calls for EU commissioners to reject a move which will force consumers to pay more for energy efficient light bulbs. 
28 August 2007

Must-have features for the garden

New research by Halifax Estate Agents shows that mature shrubs and trees together with a paved patio area are the nation's favoured garden features. 
27 August 2007

Aylesbury is the first site for Home Retail's pilot homewares store

Home Retail Group is to open its first pilot Home Store + More outlet in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire this year. 
24 August 2007

Diy retailer websites fail to impress

August's website rankings of 100 retailers' sites has put diy retailers among the worst performers. 
24 August 2007

Dobbies to miss sales targets as poor weather hits profits

Dobbies Garden Centres has said the sustained poor weather over the key summer months will mean internal sales targets are unlikely to be met. 
22 August 2007

Boost for British suppliers as GIMA warns of the dangers of direct importing

In light of the recent spate of product recalls by toy manufacturers, GIMA has quickly added its voice to those praising UK-based suppliers and spelt out the dangers of importing from overseas. 
21 August 2007

Rolawn says turf prices are set to rise

Turf prices are going to rise over the next couple of years following difficult growing conditions throughout the UK, Rolawn has warned. 
21 August 2007

Aqualux claims top spot

Aqualux has officially been confirmed as the UK's number one volume supplier of shower enclosures. 
21 August 2007

Leahy expresses delight at Tesco takeover of Dobbies

Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said the company was 'absolutely delighted' after it finally won control of Dobbies. 
18 August 2007

Dobbies issues clarification statement after chief executive's comments

Dobbies has seen fit to issue a clarification statement to investors after comments made by its chief executive, James Barnes, to the Daily Mail. 
17 August 2007

Wet weather doesn't dampen Direct Company's momentum

The Direct Company has announced a 14% increase in turnover for the first half of a very wet 2007. 
16 August 2007

Metpost's new owners announce big plans

Continuous investment in its brand and its people are top of the agenda at Exmet, the new owners of Metpost, the UK’s top brand of fence post supports and accessories. 
16 August 2007

Two thirds of gardeners are feeling the effects of global warming

A survey by gardening.co.uk, the online home of Gardens Monthly magazine, finds climate change is affecting UK gardens. 
16 August 2007

Brand share gains for Bayer Garden

Bayer Garden says it has bucked the downward trend in overall sales of pest and weed control products and achieved an increase in market share. 
15 August 2007

NWF's six garden centres generate 38% sales rise

The NWF Group has reported turnover up 38% to £21.5 million in its preliminary results announced today. 
14 August 2007

Record results for diy outlets drive sales at Grafton

Sales at the Irish retail division of Grafton Group increased by 14.4% to £114 million (2006: £100 million). 
14 August 2007

Retailers in Scotland decide that Fair & Square is the way forward

Decco has further boosted its Fair & Square membership with the announcement of three key new members in Scotland. 
14 August 2007

Dobbies issues second rallying call for shareholders to back Tesco bid

The board of Dobbies has written to shareholders for a second time reminding them that the Tesco deal is the 'the only one on offer'. 
14 August 2007

Charles Notcutt to speak at HTA Conference

The former chairman of Notcutts Nurseries will join the line up of speakers for the key note opening session at the annual event. 
13 August 2007
*

Most read stories