Retail Sales Rise but Less Than Expected
New York, NY, June 3, 2011 -- Major retail chains reported a 4.9% gain in sales last month compared to a year ago, according to Thomson Reuters' survey of 24 retailers released Thursday.
Today's Flooring News
Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.
Propex Unveils Backing for Carpet Tile
Chattanooga, TN, June 3, 2011 -- Carpet backing firm Propex has launched a new backing for modular carpet called Isis.
NFIB Economist Says 'Weak Sales' Hurt Jobs
Washington, DC, June 3, 2011 -- Chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Business William C. Dunkelberg said progress on the jobs front "has slowed to a trickle."
Services Sector Expands Modestly in May
Washington, DC, June 3, 2011 -- Growth in the U.S. service sector accelerated slightly in May, according to a survey by the Institute for Supply Management.
Mortgage Rates Hit New Low for Year
Washington, DC, June 3, 2011 -- Fixed mortgage interest rates hit a new low for the year, representing the seventh consecutive weekly decline, according to the latest survey from Freddie Mac.
Initial Unemployment Claims Edge Down
Washington, DC, June 2, 2011 -- New claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, according to the Labor Department.
Oil Dips Below $100 on Higher Inventories
New York, NY, June 2, 2011 -- Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel Thursday in Asia after U.S. crude supplies jumped unexpectedly. Benchmark oil for July delivery was down to $99.82 a barrel.
Manufacturing Growth Slows in May
Washington, DC, June 2, 2011 -- The Institute for Supply Management on Wednesday said its gauge of U.S. manufacturing activity fell to 53.5% last month from 60.4% in April.
Armstrong Negotiating with Ceiling Plant Workers
Marietta, PA, June 2, 2011 -- Armstrong World Industries and its unionized Marietta ceiling plant workers resumed talks Wednesday, according to Lancaster Online.
Michigan, Indiana Tile Mart Stores Closing
Benton Harbor, MI, June 2, 2011 -- The five Tile Mart stores in Michigan and Indiana will close soon as the owner retires, according to Michigan Business Review.