Inflation held steady in December, matching November’s reading, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This report was the first to include a month-to-month figure since the government shutdown, but data distortions from the shutdown …
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Ace Hardware Ranks on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® List, Secures Top Spot in Category
Ace Hardware has ranked No. 4 on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® list and was named the No. 1 franchise in the Miscellaneous Retail Businesses category for the fifth consecutive year. “We’re proud to be recognized once again among the top …
Read More »R.P. Lumber Expands in Illinois
R.P. Lumber opened its 91st and newest location in Carlyle, Illinois, this week. “R.P. Lumber has proudly served Clinton County for many years through our locations in Highland, Greenville, Odin and Lebanon,” says Robert Plummer, CEO of R.P. Lumber. “Opening …
Read More »Walmart and Google Launch AI-Powered Shopping Experience
Walmart Inc. and Google recently announced plans to launch a new shopping experience with Google Gemini. With the new experience, customers can link their Google and Walmart accounts to receive personalized recommendations from Walmart based on past online and in-store …
Read More »EISENWARENMESSE Anticipates Strong Participation and New Format at 2026 Show
The industry’s premier international hardware show, EISENWARENMESSE, is set to host nearly 2,500 companies for new workshops, networking and experiences in Cologne, Germany, from March 3-6, 2026. For the first time this year, EISENWARENMESSE will be held from Tuesday to …
Read More »Tractor Supply Opens 2,400th Store
Tractor Supply Company recently announced the opening of its 2,400th store in Aiken, South Carolina. The new store is one of four Tractor Supply locations to host a grand opening within the first two weeks of 2026. “At Tractor Supply, …
Read More »Import Cargo Volume Expected to Remain Low Until Spring
Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is forecast to see a month-over-month gain in January, the first gain in six months. The ports are still expected to remain down year over year, according to the National Retail …
Read More »NRF Shows Strong Holiday Spending Data
Retail sales increased during the holiday season, rising 4.1% from November to December, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. The growth is in line with the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) forecast for record spending. “December Retail Monitor data saw a …
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