Retail spending in 2012 is likely only to rise by  1.2%, the third lowest rate in almost four decades.

DIY retailer B&Q has launched its biggest ever online marketing campaign to promote its winter kitchen and bathroom Sale.

Hopes are rising that a long-awaited Christmas spending spree has at last got under way after sales rose strongly at John Lewis department stores.

Home and fashion retailer Laura Ashley has posted a rise in like-for-like sales as it progressed with plans to shut unprofitable shops.

B&Q organised a guerrilla Christmas decorating stunt on the London Underground this week to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to commuters.

At the end of the year general retailers had sadly underperformed the All-share index, while food groups were also down but not by as much as the market.

As Christmas loomed, store stocks headed south. Food specialists and general merchandisers alike underperformed the All Share index and were sharply down over the year.

Retailers bank on promotions to drive people into shops in the final few days.

The UK’s largest furniture retailer Ikea has appointed a new boss to replace Martin Hansson who is relocating to Shanghai to run its Asia Pacific region.

Robert Dyas chief executive Steve McVey has stepped down from the homewares and hardwares retailer after just five months and has been replaced by finance director Graham Coles.