Wal-mart's (NYSE: WMT) Sams Club unit has launched a furniture collection designed by Nicholas Sparks, the best-selling novelist and screenwriter. Some pieces of the Black Mountain Collection are made in the U.S.

Sam's Club, a unit of Wal-mart (NYSE: WMT), announced a new, exclusive furniture collection from best-selling novelist, screenwriter and producer Nicholas Sparks.

A minimum wage increase to $10 per hour passed the legislature last week in California, while a Washington D.C. "living wage" law, a subjects of a blog at WwoodworkingNetwork, was vetoed by the mayor.

Whether a manufacturer or retailer, all wood products companies should take note of Walmart’s wage debate with city officials in Washington, DC.

Among top wood industry reports this week: an articulated bandsaw from Italy was a hit at WoodworkingNetwork after it showed at IWF 2012 last month. Uniboard's sale, Haworth's closure and Chinese-made bamboo cabinets were also highly viewed.

Home improvement company, West Shore Window & Door, was selected by Wal-Mart to open a home design center in one of its local stores.

Wal-Mart chooses local home improvement company, West Shore Window & Door, to participate in a newly created small business pilot program. West Shore has been offered the opportunity to open up their own home improvement design center at the Wal-Mart store along Route 322 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. West Shore is one of few selected companies nationwide to be included in this business venture.