Import Prices Up 1.1% on Oil Hikes
Washington, DC, August 12--With oil prices surging again, prices of imports rose 1.1% in July, the Labor Department reported Friday.
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.
NRF Reports Retail Industry Growth of 4.6% in July
Washington, DC, August 12-—Usually known as a transitional month for retail, July saw strong gains in retail sales as shoppers continued to supplement trips to the beach with visits to the stores.
Open Letter to Retailers & Distributors from Witex
Kennesaw, GA, August 12--Roland Elbracht, president, Witex Flooring Inc. posted the following open letter to Witex and Laura Ashley distributors and Retailers on the Internet:
UK’s Floors-2-Go to Opens Stores in Northern Irela
Birmingham, England, August 12—-The UK's biggest specialist flooring company will open six stores in Northern Ireland this month, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
Sears Hiring After April Firings
Hoffman Estates, IL, August 11--Months after firing 850 workers, Sears Holdings Corp. is hiring again.
Business Sales Up, Inventories Steady
Washington, DC, August 11--Businesses inventories held steady in June and rising sales pushed the stocks-to-sales ratio down to a record low, the government said on Thursday.
UK Retailer Carpetright Under Fire from Investors
Rainham, England, August 11--Carpetright chairman and chief executive Lord Harris is under fire from an investor lobby group for his apparent unwillingness to relinquish one of his roles.
Retail Sales Up 1.8%
Washington, DC, August 11--Retail sales rose 1.8% in July as auto sales enjoyed the strongest growth in nearly four years, according to the Commerce Department.
Distribution America Launches New Look for Retaile
Des Plaines, IL, August 11--Taking a cue from millions of customers who shop to remodel and redecorate, Distribution America and its distributor members have launched a new store environment package.
Nature Stone to Offer Franchises in Western Pennsy
Bedford OH, August 11--Nature Stone founder/owner Russ Masetta announced the company will offer exclusive franchises in western Pennsylvania and Ohio for its stone and epoxy flooring.