industry news


Homebase appoints M&C Saatchi Public


Relations Homebase has selected M&C Saatchi Public Relations to run its consumer PR, corporate PR and social media activity for the next two years. The agency joins a newly appointed roster of marketing and creative agencies working with Homebase to support the retailer’s turnaround plan. Claire Abercrombie, head of corporate affairs at


Homebase, said: “We’re delighted to welcome M&C Saatchi on board. Working together, we will continue to support our turnaround plan and step-change the way we share news about all the exciting things happening at Homebase.”


M&C Saatchi Public Relations adds Homebase to its established retail portfolio in the UK with other clients including Dixons Carphone, The Co-op, Foot Locker and Dreams.


Positive retail figures for


houseplant and pet categories The changeable wet Autumn weather of 2019 may have dampened outdoor plant sales in October, but houseplant and pet categories performed particularly well.


Houseplants saw an increase of 39% compared to October last year, and pets and aquatic sales were up 31% in month to month comparisons. Sales figures for hardy plants, bedding plants and growing media were down in October 2019 compared to October 2018, however all categories reported remain up on 2018 for year to date comparisons. Rolling year to October 2019, compared to 2018 show that sales are still up 9%.


The report highlights that average pay growth has been increasing steadily over the last two years, whilst the rate of inflation is decreasing, now at its lowest level since October 2016. This puts consumers in a more comfortable position, but also pressurises employers in the garden industry to remain competitive with salaries.


Celebrating excellence: Introducing The DIY Week Awards 2020


The key networking event for the DIY, home improvement and garden market, the annual DIY Week Awards, will take place at the Tower Hotel, London, UK, on Friday 1 May 2020.


Following the success of the DIY Week Awards 2019, this year the DIY Week Awards categories have been expanded to span the breadth of the industry, celebrating both supplier and retailer achievements. The awards event, organised by DIY Week magazine’s publisher, Datateam Business Media, is one of the leading occasions on the industry calendar, where guests come together to celebrate the innovative products and forward-thinking retailers across the home improvement and garden sectors. And 2020 will be no different, as the afternoon provides attendees with the opportunity to network with their peers during the exclusive drinks


8 | www.gardencentreupdate.com


reception, before enjoying a three-course meal and the awards presentations.


DIY Week’s awards events, including Britain’s Best Retailers and the Product of the Year Awards, have been at the forefront of best practice, innovation and excellence for decades, but this year’s luncheon is not just about the prestigious accolades; it is also a prime opportunity to socialise and network with friends and colleagues, as well as existing and potential new clients.


The event is attended by key figures and companies from across the industry – including pioneering independents, major high street retailers and global suppliers. In 2019, critically acclaimed comedian Shappi Khorsandi and household favourite – the voice of The National Lottery and Strictly Come Dancing – Alan Dedicoat were on hand to present the 20 awards to the leading suppliers and retailers


that the sector has to offer.


Commenting on the DIY Week Awards 2020, publication and event manager Sallie Payne said: “The event is a great advocate of the vibrancy and health of the DIY, home improvement and garden market. “After a successful event in 2019, we look forward to welcoming guests to the Tower Hotel in May next year. The Awards are now open to enter, so visit the DIY Week Awards website for more.


“We also have an early bird price on tickets available until Tuesday 31 December 2019, so don’t miss out!”


To find out more information about the DIY Week Awards, please visit: www.diyweekawards.co.uk To enter the Awards, visit: https://diyweekawards.co.uk/enter/


GCU December/January 2020


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