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.

Smith Named Floor Expo President & COO

Atlanta, GA, Mar. 9--Jay Smith has been named president & COO of FloorExpo. Previously, Smith was executive vice president & COO of the company. He joined the firm in April 2000 as senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Employee Confidence Falls

Washington, DC, Mar. 6--Employee confidence fell to an all time low of 52 in February, as employees expressed increased concerns about the state of the nation's economy, according to the Gallup/UBS Employee Outlook Index, a joint effort of The Gallup

Judge Denies Berkshire’s Breakup Fee

Wilmington, DL, Feb. 28—The bankruptcy judge overseeing the Burlington Industries bankruptcy has denied a motion to authorize Burlington to pay Berkshire Hathaway a $14 million breakup fee should Burlington sell to another entity.

Dow Increases Carpet Latex Prices

Midland, MI, Feb. 28—The emulsion polymers business of Dow Chemical is increasing the prices of all latex products sold into the carpet industry by $0.02 per pound, effective April 1.

Manufacturing Slows But Still Grows

New York, NY, Mar. 4--U.S. manufacturing activity grew for a fourth straight month in February, but the pace of expansion slowed notably, according to the Institute for Supply Management. The group’s index of manufacturing activity fell to 50.5, slipping

Kmart Officials Vow Restraint

New York, NY, Mar. 5--Kmart officials have vowed to emerge from bankruptcy as a culturally changed business, with more financial controls in place, and say they are still on track to make that goal by April 30.

Unemployment Rate Rises

Washington, DC, Mar. 7--The nation's unemployment rate increased to 5.8% in February as companies cut 308,000 jobs, the biggest one month slide since the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Martha's Firm Still Struggles

New York, NY, Mar. 5--Martha Stewart said that the legal troubles that have tarnished her image and affected her company may soon be resolved.

Retail Sales Weak

New York, NY, Mar. 6--Winter storms and worries about war gave consumers more reasons not to shop in February, resulting in another month of disappointing sales.