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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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 …
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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 …
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Affordability challenges and economic uncertainty continue to influence the housing industry as many homebuyers held off on purchasing new homes in June, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Newly built single-family home sales rose slightly by 0.6% in …
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Tractor Supply Company recently released its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Net sales for the company increased 4.5% in Q2, reaching $4.44 billion. This increase was primarily driven by new store openings and the growth in comparable …
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Students in the 2025 Retail Management Certification Program (RMCP) recently completed the first site visit of the year in Fishers, Indiana. Designed specifically for store owners, regional supervisors and managers, the program blends strategic leadership training, hands-on business improvement projects …
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While independent home improvement retailers are set apart from competition in areas like customer service and personalized product knowledge, a store’s return policy can also make independents stand out from the crowd—and keep customers coming back. According to the National …
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In June, nationwide total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 147,000, up from 144,000 jobs added in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The construction sector saw a 15,000-job increase in June compared to May. 21 states added construction …
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