Paint & Decorating Retailer

Consumer sentiment dropped to a near-record low amid government shutdown concerns, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer-sentiment index. The index reported a reading of 50.3 in November, down from 53.6 in October and down 29.9% year over year. This reading is the lowest since June 2022, which was the lowest level on record.  “With …

Import cargo volume at the nation’s major container ports is expected to see a typical end-of-year slowdown in November and December, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Hackett Associates. “We’ve spent most of the year worried about the impact of tariffs on both inflation and the …

Florida Paints recently revealed its 2026 Colors of the Year, Grape Soda and White Pepper. “This year’s colors tell a story of belonging,” says Santiago Quintero, Florida Paints color expert. “We found ourselves drawn to nostalgic hues that make a house feel like home. Grape Soda and White Pepper capture that story—bold and moody balanced …

Retail sales in November and December are expected to grow between 3.7% and 4.2% from last year, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) recently released annual holiday forecast. This translates to total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion. “American consumers may be cautious in sentiment, yet remain fundamentally strong and continue to drive …

Always ready. Always there. The venerable motto of the United States National Guard is what Tim Kromholtz lived out during his time in the Washington Air National Guard and in his executive role in the independent home improvement industry. Kromholtz’s military journey began in July 1978 when he was seeking college assistance. He enlisted in …

Valspar announced the launch of Valspar Oil-Based Primer+Sealer, a fast-drying primer made to block stains and odors while providing a lasting finish. “A beautiful finish starts with the right foundation,” says Krystal Mindeck, Valspar product marketing director. “Our new Oil-Based Primer+Sealer rounds out our extensive primer portfolio and gives pros a versatile option that blocks …

Behr Paint Company recently announced the launch of BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® ECOMIX™ Plant-Based Paint & Primer, an eco-friendly, 100% all-acrylic paint and primer. “The launch of BEHR PREMIUM PLUS® ECOMIX™ Plant-Based* Paint & Primer marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing products that are better for people and the planet,” says Andy Lopez, SVP, …

By Luke Vander Linden, VP of Membership & Marketing, Retail & Hospitality ISAC Every day, retailers may receive hundreds, if not thousands, of emails, invoices and payment requests. While these communications may seem standard, they present enticing opportunities for cybercriminals to impersonate trusted contacts, exploit relationships and redirect money or sensitive information. Here’s a look …

From high performance industrial paint to garage epoxies and coatings, a specialty paint category is an essential department in any operation serving both commercial and DIY customers. At Mountain Paint & Decorating, with three locations in Asheville, North Carolina, the coatings and specialty paint category is an important revenue driver, thanks to the expert education …

Unsure of what the future would hold or even what he wanted his future to look like, Kane Wilbanks turned to the military, joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 2017. “The unknown really drove my motivation to join the Marines,” Kane says. “I was undecided on my education plans after high school, and this unknown …

Like many facets of retailing, pricing strategy is part art and part science. How a retailer sets prices will have a direct impact on the viability of the business. Here are five pricing best practices that can help new managers keep their businesses competitive. It’s Not All About Price: Pricing is only one component of …

Coverings, the largest event for the ceramic tile and natural stone industry in North America, has officially opened registration for Coverings 2026, taking place in Las Vegas from March 30 to April 2, 2026. Attendees are encouraged to register early to gain all-inclusive passes for the event, providing full access to Coverings’ show floor, spanning …

Behr Paint Company recently announced it has selected Huge, a global design and technology company, to redesign its website, Behr.com.  “As a design company at heart, we understand that color is personal,” says Ez Blaine, chief creative officer at Huge. “We’re excited to help transform Behr’s website into a tool that sparks creativity, growth, and …

The Federal Reserve announced another ¼% rate cut, bringing the current federal interest rate to 3¾ to 4%, the lowest level in three years. The move is intended to ease financial conditions amid growing economic softening, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s target. “The economy is strong overall and has made significant progress toward …

The Sherwin-Williams Company announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2025.  Consolidated net sales in Q3 increased 3.2% to $6.36 billion. Net sales increased primarily due to higher sales in the Paint Stores and Performance Coatings Groups. In the Paint Stores Group, net sales increased 5.1% in the third quarter of 2025, compared …

Inflation was up in September, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3% in the last year, the highest reading since January 2025. The CPI rose 0.3% in September, following a 0.4% increase in August. The “core” CPI, excluding food and energy components, increased …

Benjamin Moore recently released its 2026 Color of the Year, Silhouette AF-655.  The charcoal color with espresso undertones is described as mimicking tailored suiting. The company also revealed its 2026 Color Trends Palette, featuring muted neutral shades Raindance, First Crush, Swiss Coffee, Batik, Narragansett Green, Southwest Pottery and Sherwood Tan, complementing the grounding Silhouette shade. …

Consumers plan to spend $890.49 per person on average this year on holiday gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items, according to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. “Time and again, Americans prioritize spending on loved ones for holidays despite economic uncertainty,” says NRF vice president of …

Retailers estimate that 15.8% of their annual sales will be returned this year, totaling $849.9 billion, according to the 2025 Retail Returns Landscape report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Happy Returns. “Returns are no longer the end point of a transaction,” says Katherine Cullen, NRF vice president of industry and consumer insights. …

Houzz Inc. recently released its Q4 2025 Houzz U.S. Renovation Barometer, revealing strengthened optimism among construction professionals following an increase in business activity, and moderate optimism among architectural and design professionals despite a slowdown in recent activity. “Construction professionals are closing the year with renewed confidence, supported by a surge in project activity in the …

Heading into 2026, many designers and contractors are seeing dark wood stains popping up as a popular choice among homeowners, according to House Digest. Moving away from the lighter wood tones seen over the past few years, dark stains bring a grounded, moody feel to a space. Here are four dark wood stains to stock …

Covering a whole room—walls, ceiling and trim—in one paint color may sound startling at first, but this trend, known as “color drenching,” has gained popularity recently. According to Houzz Inc., searches for the term “color drenching” on Houzz were up 325% in the first quarter of 2025.  Paint & Decorating Retailer recommends these five paint …

Water-Based Wood Finishes Apex® High Performance Polymer (HPP) Interior Clear Finish replaces solvent-based varnishes and lacquers and leads in the advancement of water-based spray technologies. Apex Clear is a single-component finish that delivers excellent clarity and chemical resistance, is easy to apply and delivers minimal grain raise with fast stacking times. This finish The post …

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data recently released the September 2025 Survey of Consumer Expectations, detailing inflation expectations among U.S. households, showing an increase in inflation expectations in short- and long-term outlooks. Median inflation expectations in September increased at the one-year-ahead horizon to 3.4% from 3.2% and at the five-year-ahead …