This is an exciting month. Maybe not for you, but certainly for me. Even though I’ve been doing whatever it is I do for the better part of 16 years, I can still visit new places, cover events for the first time, and most importantly... more

IT’S A START: Consumers spent modestly last month (February), a sign that the economic recovery is proceeding at a decent—but not spectacular—pace, according to the Commerce Department. Consumers boosted their spending by 0.3%, a tad slower than... more

They say Banff is one of the most beautiful places in North America. Who am I to argue... more

SWEET TOOTH: New research showed trust and brand equity in different market areas. Three of the five highest-rated brands among consumers in 2010, which includes trust as a factor in this over-the-counter loyalty, are... more

This year Floor Covering News established its Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize and celebrate those people who have not only made significant contributions to the floor covering industry, but more... more

WHATSIS NAME?: Go back to the last 'Remember When' article and study that picture at the bottom. There are 24 people in the photo, all well known at the time—July of 1989. Now, how many can you name? Half? All? The person who identifies the most people is the winner and will receive... more

I’ve never been a fan of economists. Talk to 20 of ’em and you’re likely to get 20 different opinions. I put them one rung above weather reporters. Except one... more

GETTING BETTER?: No one is declaring the recession over nor is anyone celebrating our return to prosperity, but there might be cause to raise an eyebrow. The U.S. Census Bureau reported retail sales totaled $355.8 billion in January, an increase of... more

It’s time for me to come clean. I’ve been doing this for more than 15 years, and I’ve visited my share of retailers. On each and every occasion, the purpose has been to write some sort of article. But I never walked into a... more

ADIEU: The 21st edition of Surfaces is history. It was a successful event, bordering on phenomenal when you consider the economic climate and the depressed state of business that surrounded it. And perhaps the glory that it achieved this year was a fitting salute and... more