Retail sales in May continued to grow despite a slowdown on stocking up ahead of tariffs, according to the CNBC/National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Retail Monitor. “The data for May indicates that the pull-forward in consumer demand ahead of tariffs is …
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Labor Shortages Stunt New Housing Production
A study released by the Home Builders Institute (HBI) in collaboration with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) revealed that the impact of labor shortages on the residential construction industry is significantly responsible for the lost production of many …
Read More »Ace Exec on Company’s Push to Bring Service and Retail Together
As the company works to build a dual-channel model of retail and service, Ace Hardware has made promoting and expanding its Ace Home Services a priority in 2025. Ace Hardware Home Services brings professional home repair and maintenance solutions directly …
Read More »Home Improvement Market Forecast Revised Downward for Remainder of 2025
The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) announced findings from its latest U.S. Size of the Home Improvement Products Market Report, including a revised downward forecast in 2025 due to sustained macroeconomic challenges. The home improvement market as a whole reached …
Read More »Walmart Launches AI Shopping Assistant for Customers
Walmart recently announced the launch of a new GenAI-powered shopping assistant, Sparky. Using the smiling, “Ask Sparky” button in the Walmart app, Walmart customers can use Sparky to search for items, synthesize reviews and answer product questions. Walmart also announced …
Read More »Lowe’s Announces Creator Network, MrBeast Partnership
Lowe’s announced the launch of its home improvement creator network, designed for DIY creators and built for creators of all sizes. The Lowe’s Creator Network helps creators share project-driven stories that build affinity for their own brand and for Lowe’s. …
Read More »Import Cargo Projected to Rise During Tariff Pause
Import cargo at major U.S. container ports is expected to see a surge throughout the summer as retailers take advantage of a 90-day reduction in tariffs that were recently imposed on China, according to the National Retail Federation and Hackett …
Read More »2025 IHI Conference Exhibitors Offer Solutions to Industry’s Biggest Challenges
Taking place July 30-31, 2025, at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, the 2025 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) offers a dynamic lineup of expert-led sessions, panel discussions and opportunities to make connections with peers, manufacturers and service providers. Along with …
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