Retailers' December Sales Up
New York, NY, January 6—-The nation’s top retailers including Wal-Mart, Federated Department Stores and Best Buy posted December sales gains after steep discounts spurred a late surge in holiday shopping.
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.
Weekly Jobless Claims Up on Seasonal Factors
Washington, DC, January 6--Initial jobless claims jumped unexpectedly last week by 43,000, taking claims to their highest level since late September, a government report showed on Thursday -- but an official noted there were seasonal adjustment difficulti
Homebuilders: Multifamily Housing Trending Up
Washington, DC, January 6--Apartment and condo builders are optimistic that the multifamily housing market will continue to strengthen over the next six months, according to the latest Multifamily Market Index.
Business Community Displeased with Draft Asbestos
Washington, DC, January 6--Businesses facing asbestos claims are chafing at the latest draft bill aimed at limiting their liability, even as President George W. Bush on Wednesday increased pressure on parties to broker a deal.
Fed Minutes Reveal Rates Likely to Keep Rising
Washington, January 5--At the Fed's Dec. 14 meeting, policymakers boosted the federal funds rate by one-quarter percentage point, marking the fifth increase in this key rate in 2004.
Hicks Named JCPenney President
Plano, TX, January 5--J.C. Penney Co. has named Ken Hicks president and chief merchandising officer, the retailer said Tuesday.
Honeywell to Donate $1M to Tsunami Relief Efforts
Morris Township, NJ, January 5—-Honeywell announced that it will donate $1 million to assist with relief efforts for areas damaged by the recent tsunamis in Asia.
Former Federated CEO Charged with Perjury
New York, January 5--James Zimmerman, former chairman and chief executive of Federated Department Stores, was indicted for perjury on Tuesday by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer.
Boone Distributors Moving
Lakeland, FL, January 5-- A new home is in the works for Boone Distributors. The flooring distributor and wholesaler has hired Lakeland's Folsom Construction to build its 4,300-square-foot offices.
Design Center Solutions Forms New Company
Sausalito, CA, Jan. 5--Design Center Solutions has formed a new company, The Bridgeway Media Group. Builder process and non-design center products will now be offered under the Bridgeway Builder Solutions subsidiary.