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The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced the December 2025 Monthly State Retail Sales Report (MSRS), revealing a 2.7% year-over-year increase in total U.S. retail sales excluding nonstore retailers. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia saw positive and significant year-over-year percentage changes from December 2024 to December 2025. New York experienced the largest increase in …
Coastal Garage Doors Unveils New Website to Elevate User Experience and Showcase Innovative Garage Solutions Mossel Bay, South Africa — Coastal Garage Doors, a leading provider of premium garage door, automation, and gate solutions across the Southern Cape and Garden Route, today announced the launch of its newly redesigned website at https://coastalgaragedoors.co.za/. The updated digital platform …
Table of Contents Toggle The Roadmap – Your 3-Phase Plan for Independence The Roadmap Summary What You Save Why Start Today? Final Call to Action Ready to start Phase 1? Contact our team for a site audit today. For many in South Africa, the jump from a standard suburban home to a fully independent “Smart …
Editor: Before you read, on consider this – we are all ‘gatvol’ of the ever increasing costs of electricity. If Eskom can reliably demonstrate that the building of nuclear plants will put a stop to rising electricity costs then this time around this initiative will probably succeed. Read this – What it Costs Eskom to …
Major paint companies have announced upcoming price hikes due to supply chain disruptions and oil price increases caused by the conflict in the Middle East, which are now impacting customers directly. In a letter to customers, Pittsburgh Paints Co. announced consumers can expect an 8% price increase on paints, stains and coatings, an increase of 4% …
The OMODA C5 SHS hybrid expands the local lineup as the latest electrified model, combining a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor to deliver 165 kW and 295 N.m of torque. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds while returning a WLTP-rated fuel consumption figure of 4.9 L/100 km, CO2 emissions of 111 …
Sherwin-Williams recently announced the launch of its new high-performance coating, Forte Urethanized Acrylic. Designed for both vertical and horizontal surfaces, the product can be used by both contractors and homeowners to coat a wide range of interior and exterior surfaces. “We are incredibly excited about the versatility that Forte™ Urethanized Acrylic offers; this product reflects …
Table of Contents Toggle Gqeberha / Eastern Cape Rollout Updates The Comparison BYD Shark 6 EV vs. Toyota Hilux Legend (Diesel) Why it makes “Cents” (The ROI) 1. The Arbitrage Gap 2. Maintenance & “Measure to Manage” 3. The V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) “Crisis Playbook” Bonus The Verdict A couple of weeks back I was musing that …
Table of Contents Toggle Why Your Roof Deserves Real Attention What to Look for When Hiring Common Roof Problems Homeowners Deal With The Difference Between a Repair and a Full Replacement What Materials Are Out There How to Protect Yourself From Scams What a Typical Roofing Job Looks Like Keeping Your Roof in Good Shape …
Table of Contents Toggle Bucks County Weather and What It Does to Roofs How to Find a Good Roofer in the Area Knowing When You Need a Repair vs. a Full Replacement Materials That Work Well in Pennsylvania Watching Out for Storm Chasers What the Roofing Process Actually Looks Like Simple Maintenance Tips That Save …
Table of Contents Toggle How a Gearbox Works Warning Signs of Gearbox Problems Difficulty Shifting Gears Unusual Noises Slipping Gears Fluid Leaks Burning Smell Understanding Differentials Types of Differentials Signs of Differential Problems When to Repair vs Replace Reconditioned vs New Gearboxes Maintenance That Prevents Problems Driving Habits That Protect the Gearbox Finding a Reliable …
Informed by customer feedback and a sharp focus on today’s retail challenges, the National Hardware Show debuted the most significant evolution in its 80-plus year history yesterday in Las Vegas. NHS Concept to Commerce—a completely reimagined event built to streamline every stage of the go-to market process—officially kicked off yesterday in the West Hall of …
James Hardie recently announced an expansion of its strategic agreement with CBUSA, the nation’s largest group purchasing organization for custom homebuilders. The three-year deal will provide CBUSA’s network of builders with access to James Hardie products, such as TimberTech. The agreement builds upon a siding deal that has been in place since 2016. The addition …
Wallpaper is making a comeback, with many DIYers and professionals opting for wallpaper instead of paint during renovations. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global wallpaper market size was valued at $2.01 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $2.11 billion in 2026 to $3.01 billion by 2034. At Perspectives Inc. in Lexington, …
PaintCare officially launched its recycling program in Maryland on April 1, 2026. The program allows households and businesses to recycle leftover paint, stain and varnish conveniently and sustainably. Maryland’s paint recycling program was made possible under the paint stewardship law that passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore in …
Table of Contents Toggle The benefits of hybrids in a volatile world A balanced look at pros and cons Hybrids Traditional petrol or diesel cars Images Links South African drivers are bracing for one of the biggest fuel price hikes in the country’s history. Escalating conflict in the Middle East, including the ongoing war involving …
Navigating the world of retail, I’ve come to realize that managing conflicts, especially with vendors, salespeople and your own team, is not just part of the job—it’s an art. Whether you’re dealing with a change in sales mix, unexpected problems with a product line or personnel performance, it’s rarely you against the “person responsible.” It’s …
Tile trends are moving away from the cool gray and white that have dominated the tile scene and shifting towards natural colors reflecting earth tones and bold statement colors. Tile shape trends are also changing, with more homeowners choosing options that look handmade and are dimensional and mix-and-match. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen …
All retailers “slip” sometimes on most aspects of delivering their customer service. It is natural and unavoidable. But can these slips be neutralized in the minds of your customers? I’ve reviewed hundreds of customer surveys with candid comments about store service. These voices of your customers are quite revealing. Extensive research over the years has …
When it comes to paint sales, dedicating enough time to each customer and their questions while also staying productive and completing daily tasks in a timely manner can be tricky to balance. Small tasks like sampling the paint color on the can provide customers with easy ways to choose the paint shade they’re looking for, …
Table of Contents Toggle Why the Search for Local Roofers Matters Local Knowledge and Accountability What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor Licensing and Certification Insurance Coverage Understanding Roofing Estimates What a Good Estimate Includes Red Flags in Estimates The Importance of Roof Repair Near Me Promptness Seasonal Considerations Types of Roofing Work Repairs …
RS South Africa, a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, has highlighted the growing pressures faced by procurement professionals responsible for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies across the country’s vital economic sectors. This follows the release of the 2025 Indirect Procurement Report: Tackling the …
As tensions between Iran and the US continue to unsettle global oil markets, the effects are being felt far beyond the Middle East. The threat to supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz has kept energy markets on edge, and that pressure is now feeding directly into the fuel conversation in South Africa. Brent crude …
Consumers have seen price increases across all paint segments, including interior, exterior and exterior stain, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Paint Satisfaction Study. Exterior paint has experienced the largest increase, up $3.22 per gallon. While prices have skyrocketed, consumer satisfaction with value for price paid for exterior was up 14 points (on a …