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.

Hakatai Intros Aventurine Series

Ashland, OR, June 2, 2006--Hakatai Enterprises Inc., importer and distributor of glass mosaic tile, introduced Aventurine Series ¾” x ¾” glass tile.

1Q Productivity Revised Up

Washington, DC, June 1, 2006--Productivity rose at an annual rate of 3.7% in the first quarter, stronger than the 3.2% gain reported earlier, the Labor Department said Thursday.

European Economy in Solid Turnaround

New York, NY, June 1, 2006--For the first time in six years, the gap between real Gross Domestic Product growth in the euro area and real GDP growth in the U.S. is expected to narrow in 2006.

Initial Jobless Claims Rise

Washington., DC, June 1, 2006--Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose last week to the highest level since October, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

BASF to Increase Styrene-Butadiene Latex Prices

Charlotte, NC., June 1, 2006 -- Effective June 19, 2006, or as contracts allow, BASF will raise prices by three cents per dry pound in the United States and Canada on all Styrofan carboxylated styrene-butadiene emulsion polymer products.

Hovnanian 2Q Earnings Off

Red Bank, NJ, May 31, 2006—Home builder Hovnanian Enterprises reported earnings for its fiscal second quarter that fell 2.3% from the year-earlier period.

Mid East's Hospitality Boom Fuels Carpet Deman

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 31, 2006--The Middle East's hospitality sector boom, which industry experts predict will see some US $15 billion invested in up to 2,000 new hotels throughout the region in the coming five years.

Costco’s 3Q Earnings Up

Issaquah, WA, May 31, 2006--Costco Wholesale Corp., reported third-quarter earnings that were up 12.3 percent, aided by higher sales and membership fees.

Canada's Q1 GDP Up 3.8%

Ottawa, Ontario, May 31, 2006--Canada's economy powered ahead by a stronger-than-expected 3.8 percent on an annualized basis in the first quarter, thanks to a rebound in housing investment and a pick-up consumer spending.