Houzz Inc. recently released its Q4 2025 Houzz U.S. Renovation Barometer, revealing strengthened optimism among construction professionals following an increase in business activity, and moderate optimism among architectural and design professionals despite a slowdown in recent activity. “Construction professionals are …
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Walmart Partners With OpenAI to Create AI-First Shopping Experiences
Walmart recently announced a new partnership with OpenAI that will allow customers and members to shop at Walmart through ChatGPT using Walmart’s Instant Checkout feature. “For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a …
Read More »Report Reveals Impact of Skilled Labor Shortage on Homebuilding Industry
A decrease in production of thousands of newly built homes is due to a skilled labor shortage of $10.8 billion per year, according to the Home Builders Institute’s (HBI’s) recently released Fall 2025 Construction Labor Market Report. Key findings from …
Read More »Pleasants Hardware Opens New Richmond, Virginia Location
Taylor’s Do it Center and Pleasants Hardware recently announced a new Pleasants Hardware location in Richmond, Virginia. “Reaching our 22nd location is an important milestone, and we’re proud to expand in the Richmond market with a store that continues our …
Read More »Consumer Inflation Expectations Rise, Labor Market Outlook Worsens in September
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data recently released the September 2025 Survey of Consumer Expectations, detailing inflation expectations among U.S. households, showing an increase in inflation expectations in short- and long-term outlooks. Median inflation expectations …
Read More »June Retail Sales Up in Multiple States
Total U.S. retail sales were up in 25 states and the District of Columbia from June 2024 to June 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Monthly State Retail Sales report. Hawaii saw the most year-over-year growth (18.1%), followed by …
Read More »Remodelers Stay Optimistic Despite Ongoing Cost Pressures
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter of 2025, posting a reading of 60, a one point increase over Q2. “Overall, remodelers remain optimistic about the market, although …
Read More »Lowe’s Completes Acquisition to Expand Pro Reach
Lowe’s announced it has completed its acquisition of Foundation Building Materials (FBM), a building materials distribution company with over 370 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Through the acquisition, Lowe’s will be expanding its pro customer offerings and faster fulfillment. …
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