Reciprocal tariffs have been placed on a 90-day pause that was originally scheduled to end on July 9. The tariffs will now begin on August 1, giving negotiators additional time to reach agreements. During a cabinet meeting, President Donald Trump …
Read More »
Inflation increased in June as President Trump’s tariffs continue to impact the U.S. economy. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.7% from June of last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest pace since February. Prices rose …
Read More »
Retail sales slowed in June due to continued consumer anxiety about the impact of government policies on the economy, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor released by the National Retail Federation (NRF). In the building and garden supplies sector, seasonally …
Read More »
The impact of new tariffs and other governmental policies on the U.S. economy are still unpredictable halfway through 2025, according to National Retail Federation (NRF) chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “This year began with high expectations for the strength of the …
Read More »
Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau showed retail sales growth in May despite a downturn in overall sales amid fluctuating tariffs on imported merchandise, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). May retail sales in the building and …
Read More »
The total home improvement market is projected to grow 3.4% in 2025, a reduction from the 5% growth projected in the Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) June outlook. HIRI announced findings from its latest U.S. Size of the Home Improvement …
Read More »
Headline after headline warns of the impending impact of global economic shifts, tariffs and other supply chain challenges on retailers. To better understand the realities of what’s happening in the hardlines supply chain and how retailers can best prepare for …
Read More »
Mortgage rates increased slightly in April, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage landing at 6.73%, according to Freddie Mac. An analysis from the National Association of Home Builders notes the rising rates followed a sell-off in U.S. Treasury securities, driven …
Read More »
Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
