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 …
Read More »Annie Palmer
Retail Sales Slow in September
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 …
Read More »Sunshine Ace Hardware to Host Grand Opening Celebration
Sunshine Ace Hardware is set to celebrate a two-day grand opening celebration at its Babcock Ranch store location. The event will feature grilling parties, giveaways, live music and opportunities to support Children’s Miracle Network. The store opened in May 2025 …
Read More »R.P. Lumber Enters Indiana Market
R.P. Lumber Co., recently announced the acquisition of Dye Home Improvement, a hardware store and lumberyard brand with locations in Monticello and Monon, Indiana. “I was somewhat familiar with R.P. Lumber before talks of an acquisition began,” says Art Dragoo, owner …
Read More »Import Cargo Volumes to Drop for Remainder of Year
Monthly import cargo volumes are expected to fall below the 2 million TEU mark for the remainder of the year, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. “This year’s peak …
Read More »Country Music Takes Center Stage at Rural King
Rural King announced a partnership with country artist Drew Baldridge to celebrate October’s Orange Days event series with exclusive in-store appearances across four locations. Stores in Evansville, Indiana; Hopkinsville, Kentucky; Vandalia, Illinois; and Mattoon, Illinois, are hosting Baldridge and offering …
Read More »Promoting Pro Loyalty Programs
Home Depot launched its Pro Xtra Week, a week dedicated to exclusive deals for members of the company’s Pro loyalty program. Through Oct. 12, 2025, members can earn up to 25% off select building materials, participate in tiered savings deals …
Read More »Hancock Lumber’s Matt Duprey Elected Chairman of NeLMA
Hancock Lumber recently announced Matt Duprey, the company’s sawmill chief of sales, has been elected as the newest chairman of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NeLMA). The NeLMA is a rules-writing agency for Eastern White Pine lumber and the grading …
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