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.

ServiceMaster CEO Resigns

Downers Grove, IL, May 16, 2006--ServiceMaster Co., said that its chairman and chief executive, Jonathan Ward, has resigned.

Wal-Mart 1Q Earnings Up

Bentonville, AR, May 16, 2006--Wal-Mart Stores eported a stronger-than-expected 6.3% increase in first-quarter profit on sales in line with Wall Street's consensus estimate.

Builder Confidence Declines In May

Washington, DC, May 16, 2006--Rising mortgage rates, deepening affordability issues and the retreat of investors/speculators from the marketplace are prompting single-family home builders to further adjust their perspectives on the new-home market.

Saks 1Q Earnings Up on One-Time Gain

Birmingham, AL, May 16, 2006--Saks Inc. reported net income in the first quarter that rose to $81.5 million, or $0.60 per share, from $16.2 million, or $0.11 per share, a year ago.

Housing Starts Off in April

Washington, DC, May 16, 2006--Housing starts fell 7.4% in April to a seasonally adjusted 1.85 million annualized units, according to the Commerce Department.

Chain Store Sales Unchanged Last Week

New York, NY, May 16, 2006--Chain store sales were unchanged in the latest week as spending ahead of Mother's Day offset cool, wet weather and rising gasoline prices, according to a report on Tuesday.

Federated Raises 2Q Outlook

Cincinnati, OH, May 16, 2006--Federated Department Stores raised its second-quarter financial forecast by $0.33 per share, due to a favorable tax settlement with the Internal Revenue Service.