As tariffs continue to put pressure on international trade, import cargo volume at shipping ports is tentatively expected to end 2025 5.6% below the volumes from 2024, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation …

A U.S. judge from North Dakota has vacated the Federal Reserve’s credit card swipe fee regulation that capped the amount banks can charge merchants for processing transactions. The ruling says swipe fees set by the Federal Reserve set the cap …

As it continually strives to make independent home improvement retailers better and more profitable, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) is leaning into technology to bring efficient and time-saving training offerings to the channel.  The new RetailWise program …

HIRI Cuts 2025 Home Improvement Growth Forecast The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) revised its 2025 growth forecast downward to 3.4% from 5%, as the $574.3 billion home improvement market faces sustained economic headwinds, including rising costs, tariffs and housing …

Independent Insights Sponsored by Quikrete Brick-and-mortar stores are still a critical component to retailers’ growth, but a recent study from Jumpmind, a point-of-sale software platform, found that the in-store experience frequently falls short of customer expectations. The study found that …

The Pittsburgh Paints Company (PPC) notified customers that it will implement price increases of 5.8% on its products beginning August 15, citing rising production and distribution costs. Additional higher increases on a smaller group of products were also announced, but …

Reciprocal tariffs have been placed on a 90-day pause that was originally scheduled to end on July 9. The tariffs will now begin on August 1, giving negotiators additional time to reach agreements. During a cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump …

Fast-Setting Concrete Mix (SPONSORED) Sakrete’s Fast-Setting Concrete Mix is a preblended, fast-setting mixture that gives users a rapid set without compromising strength. It is made of special cementitious materials, coarse aggregate and sand and sets in less than an hour. …