Mystery Buyer Bids for Stoddard
London, England, February 2--A mystery buyer has launched a last-minute bid to save Scotland's oldest carpet manufacturer, according to the Glasgow Evening Times.
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.
Defendant Companies Oppose Draft Asbestos Bill
Washington, DC, February 2--A group of asbestos defendant companies and insurers has declared its opposition to a Senate proposal curbing asbestos claims, and warned that industry groups working on the plan do not necessarily represent them.
Home Depot Signs Deal with Reality Show Producer
Atlanta, GA, February 2--Home Depot reached a promotional agreement with reality television company Mark Burnett Productions to have its products and services integrated in TV programs.
U.K.’s Carpetright Reports Subdued Sales
Rainham, England, February 2—-U.K. Floor coverings group Carpetright reported a "tough" January sale in the UK and Ireland and said trading in all its markets had been subdued.
Chain Store Sales Off 1.9% Last Week
New York, NY, February 1--The International Council of Shopping Centers-UBS Retail Chain Store Sales Index plunged by 1.9% in the week ended Jan. 29 from the week before, on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis, according to data released Tuesday
J.C. Penney Closing Utah Call Center
Plano, TX, February 1--A decline in catalog orders made by telephone has led to the closure of a J.C. Penney call center in Bountiful, Utah. As a result, 375 employees are losing their jobs, the company announced Friday.
Carpetright Same-Store Sales Decrease 3.8%
Rainham, England, February 1--Carpetright Plc, the U.K.'s largest carpet retailer, said same-store sales have dropped since its second half began as consumer spending has slackened. The shares fell as much as 4.3 percent.
Iranian Carpet Exports Up 140%
Tehran, Iran, February 1—-According to Iran's Customs Administration agency ILNA, machine-made carpets from March-December 2004 went up 140 percent to reach $41.1 million in the same period, while $22 million worth of yarns was exported.
Report: May-Federated Talks Hit Snag
New York, February 1—-According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, price appears to be a prime sticking point in Federated Department Stores’ efforts to acquire May Department Stores.
Universal Forest 4Q Earnings Up 38%
Grand Rapids, MI, February 1--Universal Forest Products Inc. reported that its fourth-quarter profit rose 38 percent, helped by higher lumber and chemical prices, and the company expects results to improve in 2005.