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 …
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Credit Card Swipe Fee Ruling Overturned
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 …
Read More »HIRI Reports Dip in Market Growth Optimism, Rise in Tariff Concerns Among Contractors
The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) released the Quarterly Contractor Business Tracker Q2 2025 report, evaluating how macroeconomic trends affect contractors’ operations and strategic decision-making. The report noted a dip in market growth optimism, with only 55% of respondents anticipating …
Read More »Do it Best and True Value Expand Outdoor Living Lineup With Broil King and Napoleon
Do it Best and True Value have added Broil King and Napoleon to their warehouse and drop ship programs, bringing a good, better, best product strategy to the grilling category. The partnerships come with no mandates or exclusivity and are …
Read More »Research Reveals America’s Housing Supply Crisis
The American housing market is facing a persistent shortage with home prices reaching record highs as affordability has decreased, according to an analysis by the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Eye on Housing. New home construction has not kept …
Read More »Houzz Report Reveals Rise of AI Adoption in Construction and Design
Houzz Inc. recently released the first-ever 2025 U.S. Houzz State of AI in Construction and Design Report, providing a comprehensive view into the industry’s reaction to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The report surveyed over 700 construction and design professionals, …
Read More »PPG Releases Q2 2025 Financial Results
PPG Industries Inc. recently released its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Net sales in Q2 decreased 1% year over year to $4.2 billion, primarily due to business divestitures. Net income decreased 9% from Q2 2024, down to …
Read More »The 2025 IHI Conference Educates, Invigorates the Channel
Addressing top-of-mind topics, gleaning practical operational best practices and learning to be a little more creative, attendees of the 2025 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) left Orlando energized and invigorated to move the channel forward. Hosted by the North …
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