Stark Carpet Opens in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC, January 27--Stark Carpet Corp., will open its new 30,000-square-foot Charlotte facility in February.
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.
Solutia Dropping Acrylics Business
St. Louis, MO, January 26--Citing fierce competition overseas, Solutia said it will close its acrylic fibers business, cutting in half, to 250 people, its work force at an Alabama factory as the company presses to emerge from bankruptcy.
Consumer Confidence Index Edges Up in January
New York, NY, January 26--The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which had improved in December, edged up in January. The Index now stands at 103.4 (1985=100), up from 102.7 in December.
Sears Will Not Provide Forecasts in 2005
Hoffman Estates, IL, January 26--Sears, Roebuck and Co. said it would not provide a 2005 profit forecast during its upcoming earnings conference call because of its impending acquisition by Kmart Holdings Corp.
Judge Approves Armstrong Naming New CFO
Lancaster, PA, Jan. 25--A federal bankruptcy judge has allowed Armstrong World Industries to hire a new chief financial officer for more than $800,000.
Existing-Home Sales Off in December, Set Record in
Washington, DC, January 26--Existing single-family home sales surged in 2004, well above the previous record set in 2003, while the December pace declined from a monthly record in November.
Centex 3Q Earnings Up 28%
Dallas, Texas, January 26--Homebuilder Centex Corp. reported earnings in the third quarter that rose 28% to $253.8 million, or $1.91 a share, up from $198.7 million, or $1.52 a share, a year earlier.
Indian Carpet Industry Gearing for Global Competit
Badohi, India, January 25--With Indian carpets facing tough competition from global players, the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) in Badohi is imparting training on better designing techniques.
Home Depot Adopts Policy On Holder Rights Plans
Atlanta, GA, January 24--Home Depot said that it may adopt a shareholder rights plan without prior shareholder approval if its board determines that waiting for consent isn't in the company's best interest.
Study: Luxury Segment of Economy Hits $525B in 200
New York, NY, January 28--The "New Luxury" phenomenon has become such a defining force in the consumer economy that it represented approximately $525 billion in sales in the U.S. in 2004.