According to the BRC’s Google Online Retail Monitor for Q4 2011, one in five Christmas retail searches were carried out on mobile devices. Total retail search volumes grew 24% in the fourth quarter compared with the same quarter a year earlier. The increase was driven by a rise in mobile/tablet search volumes, which grew by 169% year-on-year – on Christmas Day alone, mobile/tablet searches accounted for 26% of overall retail searches.

FIRA is holding a free open day on 16th February at its Stevenage headquarters, at which visitors will be able to explore the company, ask questions, tour the test facilities and hear about FIRA’s extensive offering first-hand.

After a long legal battle in two major trade mark disputes, ACID member Mosley Trading Company Ltd (Besp-Oak Furniture) has settled against Argos and Magical Investments, the settlement with Magical Investments coming from a mediation between the parties. While the conditions of both settlements remain confidential, this has ensured that Besp-Oak’s trade marks have been reserved for the company’s sole use for the future.

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) has launched its new environmental trademark, Made Aware. Suppliers to be awarded the label have to prove they are taking progressive action to reduce their environmental impact and to improve the welfare of the people who make their products. Each year, these suppliers will have to show they are continuing to make a worthwhile improvement, and have to pass stringent testing by a panel of independent judges to ensure they can keep the label.

The National Bed Federation (NBF) has announced a raft of exhibitors returning to the Bed Show between 25-26th September at the International Centre in Telford. These include Myers, Vi-Spring, Hypnos, Harrisons, Airsprung, Relyon, Breasley Consumer Products, Sweet Dreams, Vogue and Simmons. “It is fantastic that all the big players are coming back to exhibit at our Bed Show which confirms that we are definitely doing something right!” said Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF.

The BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor covering the five weeks from 27th November to 31st December 2011, found that UK retail sales values were 2.2% higher on a like-for-like basis from December 2010, when sales had fallen 0.3%, hit by snow. On a total basis, sales were up 4.1%, against a 1.5% increase in December 2010. On both measures, and excluding Easter distortions, sales performance was the best since January.

The total number of retailers in England and Wales falling into administration in 2011 increased by 11% from 165 in 2010 to 183, according to research by business advisory firm Deloitte. Despite the last quarter including the lucrative Christmas period, administrations still increased by 27% on the previous quarter, with a total of 42 retailers falling into administration, compared with 33 in Q3 2011.

The Malaysia Pride Quality Mark will be unveiled at this year’s IMM Cologne furniture fair, which is taking place in Cologne, Germany on 16th-22nd January. The mark is a branding initiative introduced by the Malaysian Furniture Promotion Council, and aims to bring together a group of established furniture representatives in an effort to promote and develop Malaysia's furniture industry as a whole.

Richard Plowman who is retiring from the position of Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) secretary following 12 successful years at the organisation’s helm. Richard has led the organisation to its largest-ever membership, launched the expanding Solex exhibition, and was the inspiration behind the soon to be launched Made Aware environmental scheme.