july


weeks from its appointment to inform creditors of the amount they will receive, others should hear around the end of June. In the next issue, we will be reporting on the impact of the chain’s collapse, on both retailers and manufacturers. Has it affected your business? Does the chain owe you money? We would like to hear from any of you that have an opinion or have been impacted by this: please email me at naomi.davis@live.com


Squire’s marks 75 years with three new stores


and Squire’s says that its brand fits well with Squire’s in cultural, operational and geographic terms. The acquisition brings Squire’s empire to a total of 14 garden centres. Colin Squire, chairman of


Squire’s garden centre has added to the celebrations of its 75th anniversary by revealing that it has acquired Shoots Garden Centres, for an undisclosed sum. The three Shoots sites, in Cobham, Washington and Stanmore will continue to trade as normal, but will receive the added support and resources that Squire’s can offer. Shoots was created in 2004


Squire’s, commented: “We are delighted with this opportunity and it is reflective of our continued position in the industry as a leading garden centre business. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to the sector and our belief that there are still many opportunities for independent garden centres to prosper. Shoots is a great business and the team are very experienced and talented; we are excited at the prospect of working with them.”


B&Q makes the most of cricketer’s mishap


DIY chain, B&Q spotted the opportunity for some clever marketing when the story of England cricketer Matt Prior’s window-smashing antics hit the headlines. Prior smashed a window at Lord’s after being was run out during the fifth day of play against Sri Lanka. The media coverage that the incident gained suggested an opportunity to the team at B&Q, who saw a correlation between the story and its own offer. They quickly bought the ad-words ‘Matt Prior’, so that whenever the


team. It has expanded following being awarded the title of UK Garden Centre of the Year 2011, by the GCA. The new starters will be fulfilling various roles across checkouts, bedding plants and outdoor plants, and in sales assistant and maintenance operative roles. The board at the British Home


Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) is changing. Vice presidents, John Grayson and


Nick Ryder are standing down due to work commitments. Mr Grayson will remain on the board, whilst Mr Ryder will not. The board has revealed its preferred replacement candidates: Andrew Weiss, MD of Isaac Lord, and John Jackson of La Cafetiere. Members will vote on the matter at the AGM on June 21.


cricketer’s name was searched online, B&Q’s ad would appear at the top, with the lighthearted line, “Broken a window? Inadvertently thrown a bat through a window? Buy a new one at B&Q”. In a climate where many hardware stores are struggling to engage with younger consumers this is a great example of outside- the-box marketing. However practical the products your stores are selling, your brand still needs to be seen as innovative and on- trend, and it’s fast thinking such as this that can help.


dates June - July 2011


28-29 JUNE National Plant Show www.nationalplantshow.co.uk STONLEIGH PARK, COVENTRY The second edition of this plant focused show, at the best time of year for retailer to plan the next season.


17-20 JULY Home & Gift www.homeandgift.co.uk HARROGATE 900 exhibitors will be organised across six key product areas: Gift, Home, Jewellery & Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Men’s Gifts and Intro North, a section dedicated to all that the North has to offer!


18-20 JULY Solex www.lofa.com/solex TELFORD A great atmosphere, a concise collection of outdoor living suppliers and a complimentary lunch!


4-7 SEPTEMBER Autumn Fair www.autumnfair.com BIRMINGHAM, NEC Gift, home, craft, fashion, cards and wrap suppliers – all in one place.


15-17 JANUARY, 2012 Home http://home-london.net/ LONDON, EARLS COURT This new show is being launched alongside Top Drawer in 2012. Focusing on interior accessories, it will feature products such as small occasional furniture, lighting, accessories for the kitchen and bathroom, and tableware.


diary


To publicise your event, please send details via email to


naomi.davisl@onecoms.co.uk.


Garden & Hardware News 5


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