Aug 16, 2011 Lowe's closes seven stores, laying off 650, as sales flatten. Consumer uncertainty drives repairs rather than remodeling and improvement projects, according to Lowe's CEO. But Home Depot reports improved sales and has a more upbeat outlook.  Read the full story

Aug 16, 2011   Furniture start-ups are appearing in the Southeast. Kith Furniture is producing bedroom sets in a factory adjacent to Door Component in Haleyville, AL; and $3.5 million in grants are aimed a North Carolina furniture manufacturers. Read the full story

Aug 11, 2011  Bush Industries, Inc., a maker of case goods and ready-to-assemble furniture for office and home, says it has completed the final phase of separating into two operating divisions: Bush Furniture, for retail and online sales, and bbf, for the commercial market segments.  Read the full story


Norcraft cabinetry sales up, profits fall 08/14/2011 Cabinetry manufacturer Norcraft reported second quarter net income declined almost 60 percent, to $1.6 million, down from $3.9 a year ago. The drop came despite a net sales increase of $0.9 million, or 1.3%, to $75.0 million


Also among the top stories:

• Cryogenics harden maple wood
• Advance Cabinets may expand to new regions
• Ashley Furniture pays $6 million for Benchcraft assets