The unemployment rate rose to its four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4% year over year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Positively, employers added 64,000 jobs in November. Household survey data for October 2025 were not collected …
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Hot Products – December 17, 2025
Box‑Cutting Scissors (SPONSORED) Arrow’s new 8-inch 2‑in‑1 Box‑Cutting Scissors deliver power, precision and everyday versatility in one tool. Designed for clean scissor cuts plus quick box opening with a built‑in cutting edge, they’re perfect for home projects, packaging, crafts and …
Read More »Builder Confidence Rises, Still Negative
Builder confidence inched higher to end the year but remains well into negative territory as builders continue to grapple with rising construction costs, tariffs and economic uncertainty, and as many potential buyers remain on the sidelines due to affordability concerns. …
Read More »Record Number of Shoppers Expected Before Christmas
Around 158.9 million consumers plan to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The number is up from 157.2 million shoppers in 2024, …
Read More »Ace Hardware Shows Most Popular Home Improvement Gifts
The gifting season is here. New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania rank among the highest in hardware and home improvement gift giving, with 77.35 hardware and home improvement gifts given for every 1,000. These three states have some of the …
Read More »Even in Economic Uncertainty, Renovation Demand Remains Resilient
Houzz released findings from its 2026 U.S. Houzz Renovation Plans Report, revealing that renovation demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic uncertainty. Around 91% of homeowners say they will move forward with a planned renovation in 2026. Of those who plan …
Read More »Contractor Outlook Remains Optimistic
The Farnsworth Contractor Index for Q4 2025 shows contractors remain confident about near-term work, even as revenue expectations and growth soften compared to last year. Overall confidence in securing new business over the coming six months scored 8.3 out of …
Read More »Holiday Sales Predictions on Track
Retail sales saw strong year-over-year growth in November, with the first half of the month posting results on track to meet the National Retail Federation’s spending forecast, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. “Retail sales showed healthy year-over-year gains in November …
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