A report by the Office for National Statistics showed the overall value of sales had increased by 3.2% since February 2011 for retail overall, but that household goods sales decreased by 1.3% over the same period. 

Far from having closed down as reported recently, Jones Wholesale of Northampton is thriving - and is planning a significant development. 

Screwfix is scheduled to open its first dedicated DIY store on Saturday (March 24) at Shepton Mallet in Somerset. Named DIY Express, the 5,000sq ft store is located at the Haskins Retail Centre. 

The outdoor heating supplier recently challenged White Shores over alleged design right and trade mark infringements, resulting in La Hacienda winning damages and payment of costs. 

The British Retail Consortium has spoken out about the 11p increase in the national minimum wage for adults, calling it a "wise move" - but added that freezing the youth rate would make minimal difference to the retail sector at large. 

The tile adhesives and grouts manufacturer also saw a significant increase in sales of the company's levellers range, with figures showing a 38% uptake compared with 2010. 

As part of a panel discussion on the Channel 4 jobs report, The Range's Chris Dawson called for the Government to subsidise academies to train people of all ages ready for a job in retail. 

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) barometer of trade results showed an increase of 3% in the number of catering customers for member garden centres, while catering spend was up 5.5% and overall turnover increased by 6%. 

A pair Town & Country's wellintgon boots will make a special appearance in a new film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson. 

Supplier High'n'Dry will advertise its Hedgehog Gutter Brush at some of the country's highest profile sporting events this weekend. 

The DIY retailer's latest Spring/Summer marketing campaign launches on TV and online next Monday with a series of vignettes aiming to improve the sense of personal achievement associated with home improvements. 

Homebase reports tough start to 2012, as sales for the eight weeks to February 25, 2012 drop to £195m. 

The new 50,000 sq ft Garden World is Dobbies' second in the Kent area following the opening of a 48,000sq ft centre in Ashford last Spring. 

The Tile Association has revealed the shortlist for the 2012 TTA Awards, set to take place next month, honouring the best of the wall and floor tile industry. 

DIY sales are expected to flourish over the St Patrick's and Mother's Day weekend, says Retail Ireland, the Irish Business and Employer Confederation (IBEC) group that represents the retail sector. 

The solar garden product supplier is celebrating an "outstanding" year, as it reports a 100% increase in sales to garden centres in 2011. 

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Waterwise are delighted that agreement has been reached with Thames, Anglian and South East water companies to allow gardeners to use drip irrigation during the hosepipe ban. 

OMNOVA Solutions, the US-based company who owned the Muraspec wallcoverings business, has announced the sale of the UK-based business to a2e Venture Catalysts Ltd and its principal Amin Amiri, based in Manchester. 

Glee and the Pet Care Trade Association (PCTA) have decided to axe the separate pet show format in favour of integrating pet exhibitors into the main Glee show. 

More than 60 new staff members have been recruited for the new garden centre, which has been constructed over the last year on 15 acres of land previously housing commercial greenhouses alongside the original Roundstone Garden Centre.