COVID-19

Sales at U.S. home improvement stores (NAICS 444) in June rose 17 percent over the same period in 2019, new data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows. Overall U.S. retail sales climbed 7.5 percent over May as many businesses reopened …

Orgill, Inc. has announced it will be harnessing the latest in interactive meeting technology to make its upcoming e-Volution online buying event a more immersive and interactive experience for attendees. Orgill is partnering with Zoom, the industry leader in online …

Following a postponement earlier this year, the National Hardware Show (NHS) has now cancelled its 2020 gathering, which was set to take place Sept. 1-3 in Las Vegas. Event organizers say the decision to cancel was made to prioritize the …

The eligibility period for small businesses to apply to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been extended until Aug. 8, according to NPR. The program, which extends potentially forgivable loans to businesses negatively affected by COVID-19, was set to expire …

spoga+gafa, the global lawn and garden showcase event, has postponed its previously scheduled 2020 event. Originally, the event was to take place in Cologne, Germany, Sept. 6-8, but will now be held May 30-June 1, 2021. Event organizers say going …

Lowe’s president and CEO Marvin Ellison recently discussed how the big-box home improvement chain is adapting to serve customers during COVID-19, prioritize shopper safety and respond to nationwide social movements. Ellison was the latest guest in the National Retail Federation‘s …

Pending home sales in the U.S. made a sharp rebound in May after declines in March and April, a possible sign of real estate and home construction stability after volatile weeks of COVID-19 disruption. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) …

As some localities’ COVID-19 restrictions ease, certain U.S. states have moved to mandate the use of masks and face coverings while in public, CNN reports. California: As of June 18, Gov. Newsom has issued a statewide order requiring the use …