NEWS NEWS IN BRIEF


n Stax Trade Centres in Manchester and Birmingham are set to play host to a visit by the RawlTruck roadshow, which recently set off on a major European tour. The roadshow celebrates 100 years of the Rawlplug brand, and it will be bringing a variety of live product demonstrations, discounts, on-site training and free giveaways to the Stax branches. n Despite the general increase in online sales, recent research by Van Vault has highlighted that tradespeople still prefer more traditional methods of buying equipment. In-vehicle secure storage supplier Van Vault says its research has unveiled surprising results, providing further insight into purchasing habits of its trade customers. The recent survey, covering a number of trades, including builders, electricians, plumbers and carpenters, showed that when buying secure storage solutions for their van, the preferred choice is to purchase in-store from a merchant. n Representatives from the horticultural industry visited Viridor’s Plastics Recovery Facility in Rochester, Kent to find out more about the plastics recycling process and the demand for polypropylene for recycling. Attendees included members of the HTA Nursery Working Group, plant pot manufacturers and representatives from the charity RECOUP. RECOUP and the HTA are working together on a campaign to ensure Local Authorities accept non-black plant pots in their kerbside recycling schemes. n Evergreen has launched its latest advertising and multimedia marketing campaign, with four TV commercials designed to communicate the key messages and product benefits of the company’s most tried-and-trusted brands to millions of consumers across the country. The TV campaign supports Evergreen Garden Care’s powerhouse brands, Miracle-Gro and Roundup and will run from March until the middle of June and aims to help consumers “unlock their love of the garden” with the help of these well- known brands.


4 DIY WEEK 12 APRIL 2019 Debenhams in administration Department store chain,


Debenhams, has announced the appointment of administrators, as it fell into the hands of its lenders, after much speculation when it was revealed the business had refused House of Fraser owner, Mike Ashley’s £150million rescue plan. FTI Consulting’s Chad


Griffin, Simon Kirkhope and Andrew Johnson are acting as joint administrators, with the appointment made by Debenhams’ secured lenders as part of a pre-pack administration process. The retailer’s lenders are made up of High Street banks and US hedge funds, including Barclays and Bank of Ireland, Golden Tree, and Silver Point. The


statement issued


explained that the business will “continue to trade as normal and honour their obligations (including guarantee obligations), such that the group’s


commercial stakeholders should not be adversely impacted by the company’s administration”. Debenhams has 166 stores, 50 of which have already been earmarked for closure as part of the department store chain’s restructuring plans, which remain ongoing despite the administration.


The news is no surprise to


many, who reported Debenhams was on the brink of administration since it turned down last-ditch rescue offers from Sports Direct and House of Fraser owner Mike Ashley, who has been locked in an ongoing wrangle over control of the retail business. Mr Ashley, who bought House


of Fraser out of administration in August 2018, revealed Debenhams had rejected the proposal made by his Sports Direct business to underwrite a £150million equity issuance by Debenhams. Sports Direct also noted that it continued to actively


evaluate all possible


Wincanton secures Homebase contract


Wincanton has won the contract


to


fully-managed order


provide a customer delivery service for


Homebase. The deal involves the provision of carrier management, invoice validation and Drop Ship Vendor services, which are part of the logistic firm’s wider e-fulfilment proposition. he service, which goes live in July 2019, is estimated to allow Wincanton to manage over 300,000 customer deliveries from Homebase distribution centres in the first year of operation. Homebase is one


of a number of new contracts Wincanton has won in recent months, including Britvic, Aggregate Industries, DCS Group, Marley Ltd, and Co-op. At the heart of the deal is


the retailer’s commitment to delivering a positive customer experience. Homebase head of distribution Stuart Tosh said: “We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Wincanton to ensure we deliver an efficient and effective service to our customers.” Wincanton director of home and e-fulfilment Paul


Durkin added: “The carrier management service we are


offering Homebase experience is


a powerful collaboration of Wincanton


and


people with Sorted, an agile, data driven software company. Together we are well placed to help Homebase transform their customer delivery experience and grow their business.”


Online garden centre see tree sales surge


Gardeningexpress.co.uk sees increase in sales of fruit trees and unusual varieties, such as Japanese maples, fuelled by consumers’ desire for a more sustainable lifestyle, as well as something unique in the garden. The business, one of the UK’s largest online garden centres, reported that ‘grow your own’ fruit


to a growing interest in grow your own and customers striving for a more sustainable lifestyle. He explained: “At the moment, trends across the board point


towards living


trees, has been one of its best sellers over the past few weeks, with customers snapping up the pear, cherry, plum and apple varieties, offered at £24.99.


Founder Chris Bonnett attributes this increase in sales


an environmentally-friendly, sustainable lifestyle, which is definitely reflected in the popularity of the fruit trees, in particular. Customers are looking at growing their own organic fruit and veg, free of harmful chemicals and, when the trees are delivered right to your door, there’s little reason not to!” Other best sellers


in recent


weeks include an Acer Japanese Maple Tree for £19.95, large


Prunus tribola (double flowering cherry)


for £29.95, Magnolia


Sunsation (£19.99) – a tulip tree with golden brush flowers, which is originally from the USA and is hard to find in the UK, and Hibiscus chiffon tri colour, which


boasts multi-coloured


ruffled double flowers, with three shades in one plant. Of the boost in ppopularity of unusual trees, Mr Bonnett said: “Some of the other best sellers – particularly the Japanese maple tree – show that homeowners are opting for unique spins on traditional British gardens, particularly when it comes to the bolder and more garish colours.”


Swedish retailer, Ikea opened its new Bromley planning studio, which specialises in helping customers to plan and order kitchens and bedroom storage. The Bromely outlet is the second city-centre store London, following the launch of its first Planning Studio on Tottenham Court Road last October. Located at the former


Mothercare and Early Learning Centre site on Bromley High Street, it responds to the growth of urban living and changes to the way people live and shop, by bringing the Ikea brand closer to more people in London. Ikea London city centre market leader Jane Bisset said: “We’re thrilled to open our doors in Bromley today and our passionate co-workers look forward to helping the local community with their next big home projects. The opening of Ikea Bromley is


in our city-centre


exciting step approach


and we’re currently exploring other locations in London for similar outlets, to help improve accessibility across the city.”


www.diyweek.net


options to support Debenhams. Mr Ashley has has reacted fury


with over the news,


describing the handling of the business “nothing short of a national scandal” and calling for the relevant authorities to reverse the administration. The retail magnate, along with other shareholders, has seen his stake in Debenhams effectively wiped


out with the business now in the hands of its lenders. His share of almost 30% is estimated to have cost around £150million to build up. All shareholders with a stake


of 25% or more have been given until 5pm on April 22 to announce a firm intention to make an offer for Debenhams. Read more at www.diyweek.net


Ikea opens doors to new Bromley Planning Studio


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