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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Atlanta, GA, February 1--Georgia-Pacific reported its fourth-quarter net profit fell by almost half, after it increased funds to cover asbestos lawsuits.
Carthage, OH, February 1--Leggett & Platt posted an 11 percent increase in fourth-quarter earnings, driven by on asset sales, a lower tax rate, sales growth and full production at its steel mill.
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.
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.
Frankfurt, Germany, February 1--Lanxess AG, the spun-off chemicals and polymers business of German drug maker Bayer AG, made its debut on the Frankfurt stock exchange Monday.
London, England, January 31—-Smart floor tiles that sound an alarm when someone falls on them could save lives in fires, according to the Scotsman.com.