Consumer Sentiment Off in May
Washington, DC, May 12, 2006--Consumer sentiment dropped in May on rising gasoline prices and a softening labor market, according to media reports Friday of proprietary research.
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.
Fast Company to Get 2006 IIDA Star Award
Chicago, IL, May 12, 2006--The International Interior Design Association has said Fast Company magazine will be awarded the 2006 IIDA Star Award at the IIDA 12th Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Carlyle Group Puts $27.5M in China Flooring
Shanghai, China, May 11, 2006--The Carlyle Group is investing $27.5 million to buy new shares in Shanghai Anxin Flooring Co Ltd., China's largest manufacturer and distributor of solid wood flooring,
Business Inventories Up in March
Washington, DC, May 11, 2006--Business inventories rose a larger-than-expected 0.7 percent in March as automotive and building material stocks climbed sharply, a government report showed on Thursday.
Jobless Claims Off Last Week
Washington, DC, May 11, 2006--First-time claims for state unemployment benefits filed last week were off 1,000 to 324,000.
Retail Sales Up in April
Washington, DC, May 11, 2006--Retail sales increased 0.5% in April, but most of the increased spending was at the gas pump, the Commerce Department said Thursday.
NTCA Launches Contractor Safety Program
Jackson, MS, May 11, 2006--Effective May 1st, 2006, the National Tile Contractors Association introduced its new NTCA Contractor Safety Program for tile contracting companies.
Melrose Prefinished Hardwood Adds Jatoba
Mississauga, Ontario, May 11, 2006--Melrose Prefinished Hardwood Floors has announced the addition of Jatoba to its new line of textured hardwood flooring for the home.
Fed Raises Rates to 5%
Washington, DC, May 10, 2006--The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point to 5% on Wednesday and left the market in the dark about whether it would raise rates again.
NAM Slams Treasury For Ignoring China Currency
Washington, DC, May 11, 2006--The National Association of Manufacturers announced its disappointment that the U.S. Treasury Department chose once again not to cite China for currency manipulation in today’s Treasury Report to Congress.