Houzz Inc. recently released its Q4 2025 Houzz U.S. Renovation Barometer, revealing strengthened optimism among construction professionals following an increase in business activity, and moderate optimism among architectural and design professionals despite a slowdown in recent activity. “Construction professionals are …

Walmart recently announced a new partnership with OpenAI that will allow customers and members to shop at Walmart through ChatGPT using Walmart’s Instant Checkout feature. “For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a …

A decrease in production of thousands of newly built homes is due to a skilled labor shortage of $10.8 billion per year, according to the Home Builders Institute’s (HBI’s) recently released Fall 2025 Construction Labor Market Report. Key findings from …

Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware recently announced a new Pleasants Hardware location in Richmond, Virginia. “Reaching our 22nd location is an important milestone, and we’re proud to expand in the Richmond market with a store that continues our …

84 Lumber is celebrating its 10th annual community campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, entitled “Going Pink.” The company is participating in several initiatives, including planting 840 trees and donating $36,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). “For ten …

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data recently released the September 2025 Survey of Consumer Expectations, detailing inflation expectations among U.S. households, showing an increase in inflation expectations in short- and long-term outlooks. Median inflation expectations …

Total U.S. retail sales were up in 25 states and the District of Columbia from June 2024 to June 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Monthly State Retail Sales report.  Hawaii saw the most year-over-year growth (18.1%), followed by …

Retail sales slowed in September but increased on a year-over-year basis as retailers prepare for the holiday season, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. “Retail sales dipped in September as consumers hit the pause button after two solid months of …