Market Insights

The rebirth of brick and mortar, photo shopping and other concepts for today’s modern retailer.

The annual scoreboard tracks the sales of the biggest brands in the building supply business.

According to a Zillow study, homes with blue bathrooms can sell for $5,400 more than expected.

Out of those who are tending to their outdoor living area, most are substantially updating their lawns.

The Boa Closure System, which replaces traditional shoe strings with a durable closure system, will be featured on certain Red Wing work boots this spring. 

The Boa Closure system is tightened and loosened by a dial and is designed for comfort, safety and closure, the company said.

Unlike traditional shoelaces that can cause uneven pressure due to friction when tied, the Boa Closure System allows the lace to equalize pressure around the foot, creating a customized, glove-like-fit that never comes untied.

New York City -- The theme of the 2011 Building and Infrastructure Conference was posed as a question: "Is the recovery upon us?" 

The answer was a variation of, "well, sort of."

The Home Improvement Research Institute 2011 Spring Conference is slated for April 13 at the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City in Arlington, Va.

The one-day event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature seven presentations connected to the theme of "Understanding Today's Home Improvement Industry."

Presenters include the Mortgage Bankers Association, IHS Global Insight, The NPD Group and Synovate. Early registration discounts are available to those who register by March 11. 

A series of snowstorms in early 2010 boosted snow blower/throwers sales past every other category of outdoor power equipment, according to research released by The NPD Group, a market research firm based in Port Washington, N.Y.

In the 12 months ending November 2010, $5.5 billion worth of outdoor power equipment items and 38 million units were sold in retail, according to NPD’s Consumer Tracking Service. These include chain saws, trimmers, mowers (walk-behind & riding), leaf blowers, pressure washers and snow throwers/blowers.