Weekly Jobless Claims Rise, but Trend Is Lower
Washington, DC, Dec. 29, 2011 -- New claims for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, according to the Labor Department.
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.
Business Activity Expands in December
Chicago, IL, Dec. 29, 2011 -- Business activity in the U.S. expanded more than forecast in December, according to the Institute for Supply Management-Chicago.
Mortgage Rates End Year Below 4%
Washington, DC, Dec. 29, 2011 -- Mortgage rates finished the year slightly above their record lows, according to the latest data from Freddie Mac.
Sphinx Giving Away Kindles at Rug Market
Dalton, GA, Dec. 29, 2011 -- Sphinx by Oriental Weavers will host a “Kindle Your Fire” party at the Atlanta Area Rug Market on Jan. 12 from 4–7 p.m.
Max Windsor Adds Satellite Distribution Centers
Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Dec. 28, 2011 -- Max Windsor Floors has announced the expansion of its distribution facilities to include satellite warehouses for the Northwest, Southwest and Florida.
Poll Finds Economists More Optimistic
Washington, DC, Dec. 28, 2011 -- Economists are a bit more optimistic about the U.S. economy as 2011 comes to a close, CNN said, reporting the results of its own survey.
Retail Sales Rise Week Before Christmas
New York, NY, Dec. 28, 2011 -- Retail sales rose 4.5% last week from a year earlier, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Middle East Tension Keeps Oil Over $100
New York, NY, Dec. 28, 2011 -- Oil prices were above $101 a barrel on investor concern that rising Middle East tensions could disrupt crude supplies.
Sears Closing Up to 120 Sears, K-Mart Stores
Chicago, IL, Dec. 28, 2011 -- Sears Holdings said it will close up to 120 Kmart and Sears stores, or about 7% of its total, in an effort to increase cash flow.
New Home Sales Edge Higher in November
Washington, DC, Dec. 27, 2011 -- New-home sales rose 1.6% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 315,000, according to the Commerce Department.