The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell by 6.7 points to 81.9 in September, down from 88.6 in August. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—fell by 7.9 points to 109.3. The Expectations …
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A Year In, Ace Hardware’s RedVest Media Expands Its Reach
Ace Hardware’s year-old RedVest Media network has now influenced more than $100 million in Ace retail sales as the company expands the vendor-funded program with new ways to reach customers—and potentially drive more business through its locally owned stores. Ace …
Read More »Construction Job Openings Drop in August
The number of open positions in the construction sector dropped in August, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The current level of open jobs is down from three years ago due to declines in …
Read More »PPG Announces Country Soil as 2027 Color of the Year
PPG recently announced Country Soil (PPG15-30) as its 2027 Color of the Year, a warm, saturated hue that blends beige, taupe and gray. Country Soil draws inspiration from the natural world, evoking clay-rich earth and weathered stone. The color is …
Read More »August Retail Sales Rise for 11th Consecutive Month
Retail sales rose modestly in August, marking the 11th consecutive month of gains, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation. “Retail sales climbed steadily once again in August,” says Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. …
Read More »The Inspired Home Show Moves to Atlanta in 2028 Through ANDMORE Partnership
ANDMORE and the International Housewares Association (IHA) recently announced a new, eight-year partnership that will bring The Inspired Home Show to AmericasMart Atlanta, co-located alongside Winter Atlanta Market, beginning in January 2028. The move brings The Inspired Home Show into …
Read More »Do it Best and True Value 2026 Fall Market Advances Integration, Retail Technology
Do it Best Group used its 2026 Fall Market to move the integration of Do it Best, True Value and United Hardware into its next phase, inviting True Value retailers to become full members of the cooperative while rolling out …
Read More »Do it Best Bolsters LBM Programs as Pricing Pressures Persist
Do it Best Group rolled out an expanded slate of LBM programs at its Fall Market in Indianapolis, including new Trex incentives and warehouse assortments, a metal roofing partnership with Central States, expanded interior product programs and new market data …
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