All Home & DIY articles – Page 255
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OpinionHabitat and the Twitter backlash
Habitat has provided a perfect case study in how not to use social media with its clumsy attempts to insert popular internet keywords into its promotional Twitter posts.
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NewsHabitat says misuse of Twitter keywords was a mistake
Habitat has been accused of trying to hijack interest in the Iranian election to drive users of the blogging site Twitter to posts about its special offer and Sale.
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NewsFocus mulls CVA
Struggling DIY retailer Focus is considering a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in a bid to secure its future.
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NewsHouseholds better off but still reluctant to spend
The average household’s discretionary income has risen by 25 per cent to £1,075 over the past 12 months, but consumers remain cautious about splashing out in stores.
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News
US DIY spending ‘lowest in 60 years’
US DIY spending as a percentage of America’s GDP is at its lowest in 60 years, Home Depot boss Frank Blake said.However, the retailer expects a smaller fall in annual earnings than previously feared. Originally a decline of 7 per cent was forecast but it is now expected to be ...
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Ikea abandons India investment plans
Ikea has abandoned $1bn (£611.2m) investment plans for India due to the red tape that still exists for foreign retail entrants.The furniture giant had been considering launching in India but wanted to do so with full ownership, which the law does not allow foreign retailers to do.After the election of ...
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NewsConran Shop launches entry-level price range
The Conran Shop is to roll out a lower-priced range in an attempt to introduce new customers to the brand who might have perceived it as too expensive.
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NewsHomebase scores for Home Retail Group
Recent sunny weather has helped DIY chain Homebase, which notched up a like-for-like sales increase of 3.8 per cent in the 13 weeks to May 30.
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NewsRetail sales slip in May
Retail sales volume fell 0.6 per cent month on month in May and was down 1.6 per cent year on year, ONS data showed. Sales by value were down 1.1 per cent compared with May 2008.
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NewsCargo owner launches soft furnishings chain
The parent company of furniture retailer Cargo has launched a new textiles and soft furnishings chain using the brand Homestyle.
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News
Steamer profits lift as it defies dire market
Kitchenware retailer Steamer Trading Cookshop has defied dire trading conditions to reveal a lift in full-year profits.
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NewsHomebase records first quarterly like-for-like sales growth since 2007
Home Retail Group has revealed a better than expected sales performance in its first quarter as it grew market share and benefited from the warm weather.
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NewsProduct of the Year logo recognised by half of UK consumers
The Product of the Year logo has experienced a “dramatic” rise in awareness levels among UK consumers.
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NewsWyevale appoints new chairman
Wyevale Garden Centres has appointed Andrew Sells as its new chairman.
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NewsWarm weather brings mixed fortunes for John Lewis Partnership
John Lewis had a tough week last week as the warm weather hit footfall and sales at its stores.
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NewsMay like-for-like sales hold up
Retail sales dipped again in May, after growing in March and April.
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News
Promotions lift Laura Ashley sales
Sales at Laura Ashley jumped 8.4 per cent in the 17 weeks to May 30, due mainly to targeted promotions and store openings. Like-for-like sales rose 6.9 per cent.
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NewsTrading Bargains to ramp up expansion
The Range owner Chris Dawson will continue with aggressive expansion plans for Trading Bargains, the brand he set up to sell stock bought following the collapse of MFI.
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NewsWickes turns focus from beds to bathrooms
DIY chain Wickes has replaced its entire bedroom and conservatory range with bathrooms in all stores as it seeks to capitalise on the “mass market” nature of the category.
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NewsMarks & Spencer Westfield London makeover as big-ticket sales struggle
Marks & Spencer is expected to begin a realignment of its Westfield London store, reflecting the challenges retailers have had selling furniture and groceries in the centre.