On December 19, 2025, it was reported, Global container spot rates rose sharply again this week, extending a multiweek uptick as carriers pushed through higher pricing on the trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trade lanes, according to shipping analytics firm Drewry. Its World Container Index increased 12% to $2,182 per 40-foot container in its latest assessment. The gain marks the third consecutive weekly increase and continues a trend that began earlier this month after rates fell to near-year lows. Rates across all major lanes saw increases, with routes from Shanghai to New York jumping 19% to $3,293 per 40-foot container, while rates to Los Angeles climbed 18% to $2,474. Drewry said carriers have tightened capacity to support pricing, with 10 blank sailings announced for the coming week on the trans-Pacific trade lane. The reduction in available sailings has buoyed rates despite generally soft demand conditions. Asia-Europe routes also posted gains. Spot rates from Shanghai to Genoa rose 10% to $3,314 per 40-foot container, while Shanghai to Rotterdam increased 8% to $2,539. Rates on the lane have now held stable or moved higher for three consecutive weeks. That trend appears to be continuing this year, with carriers already reporting early bookings ahead of the Lunar New Year in February 2026. The earlier-than-usual booking activity has given carriers more leverage to sustain higher spot rates late into the year. Drewry expects rates to edge up slightly again next week due to continued capacity management and seasonal demand. The firm cautioned that broader market fundamentals remain fragile, with pricing sensitive to any easing of capacity controls or shifts in demand once the holiday-driven surge fades.
On December 19, 2025, it was reported, Tuskers Home Store and Tuskers Furniture & Patio Outlet announced plans to close after almost 20 years of business in the Florida Panhandle, as its owner is retiring. Final liquidation sales at both store locations will open to the public Dec. 26, and the showroom is for sale. Planned Furniture Promotions is overseeing the store's final sale event. "Tuskers Home Store has been a meaningful part of this community, and their commitment to customers shows in the loyalty they've built. We're honored to help them navigate this important chapter," said Tom Liddell, senior vice president of PFP. Built on integrity and a commitment to customer service, Tuskers Home Store earned a reputation for offering quality furniture and fair prices. The company also became known for its complimentary in-store design guidance and coastal-inspired furniture styles, including reclaimed woods, outdoor living pieces and complete room packages. To better serve the increasing number of homeowners furnishing properties along the coast, the business expanded in 2012 with the opening of Tuskers Furniture & Patio Outlet. Now, after 18 years, Tuskers Home Store and Tuskers Furniture & Patio Outlet are entering their final chapter with a major going-out-of-business event. The Tuskers team extends heartfelt thanks to its many customers, vendors and partners for their support through the years.
On December 16, 2025, it was reported, The Brand House Collective, formerly Kirkland's, reported a decline in net sales and consolidated comparable store sales for the third quarter ended Nov. 1 as it transitions under the pending acquisition by Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Net sales for Q3 were $103.5 million, down from $114.4 million in the previous year's third quarter. Consolidated comp sales, which are inclusive of a comparable store sales increase of 1.7% and an e-commerce decline of 34.6% year-over-year, were down 7.4%, while store count fell by 6%. Gross profit was $21.1 million, or 20.4% of net sales, compared with $32.1 million, or 28.1% of net sales year-over-year. The company attributed the drop to a decline in merchandise margin and the deleveraging of store occupancy costs on lower sales. Operating expenses for the quarter were $23.1 million vs. $34.5 million in the prior year. The reduction in expenses was driven by reduced marketing spend and lower cost for self-insured employee benefits as well as a $10 million gain on the sale of the Kirkland's brand to Beyond. Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2025 was a loss of $9.9 million compared with income of $500,000 in Q3 2024. Net loss in the quarter was $3.7 million, or a loss of 16 cents per diluted share vs. $7.7 million, or a loss of 59 cents per diluted share in the Q3 2024. As of Nov. 1, inventory was $88.9 million, down from $112.2 million on Nov. 2, 2024. During the period, the company closed three Kirkland's Home stores and converted three stores to Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores, ending the quarter with 303 Kirkland's and three Bed Bath & Beyond Home stores across 35 states.
On December 11, 2025, it was reported, Hooker Furnishings reported a deeper third-quarter loss as hospitality project timing, non-cash impairment charges and continued macroeconomic pressure weighed on results, but executives said the company's recent strategic divestiture and upcoming product launches have set it on a clearer path toward profitability. For the quarter ended Nov. 2, consolidated net sales fell 14.4% from the prior year, driven primarily by an $11 million decline in Samuel Lawrence Hospitality (SLH) shipments. Operating loss totaled $16.3 million, largely the result of $15.6 million in non-cash intangible impairment charges. Loss from discontinued operations was $8.6 million. The company also completed a major portfolio shift. On Dec. 1, Hooker announced the sale of its Pulaski Furniture and Samuel Lawrence Furniture value-priced brands within the Home Meridian (HMI) segment. T Margaritaville launch exceeds expectations Hooker executives highlighted what they view as the company's most significant organic growth driver: the new Margaritaville licensed collection, which debuted at the October High Point Market. The company said 55 retailers have already committed to installing Margaritaville-branded galleries. Hoff said the company's revised warehouse strategy centered on its new Vietnam facility now allows "collections from our various suppliers to be mixable in single containers and providing six to 10-week fulfillment to our customers' door,". S&A expenses declined $5.9 million in Q3 and $9.7 million year-to-date, reflecting restructuring progress . Hooker repaid $17.9 million of debt year-to-date and ended the quarter with $63.8 million in borrowing capacity. Inventory decreased to $52.1 million.
