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A Monday report by Bloomberg said that IKEA has received the go-ahead from the Indian government to open outlets in the country, making it perhaps the first major foreign retailer to set up its own stores in the region.

The Swedish furniture retailer was cleared by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board, according to a statement by Commerce Minister Anand Sharma. The approval is a turnaround for the Indian government which last year barred Ikea from operating cafes and limited retail wares it could sell in stores.

A report released Monday by the Commerce Department showed that retail sales in the U.S. climbed more than anticipated in September, boosted by unexpected increases in household spending.

Sales advanced 1.1% in September, on the heels on a 1.2% increase in August that was the biggest since October 2010. The median forecast of 77 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a 0.8% rise in September.

The Black Keys, a popular alternative rock group, is suing both Home Depot and Pizza Hut for allegedly using parts of the band’s songs during TV commercials, Bloomberg News reported.

The PayPal pilot at Home Depot stores is rapidly expanding, going from 51 test locations in the San Francisco Bay Area this week to all 2,000 Home Depot stores by the end of March, according to Bloomberg News.

PayPal director of communications Anuj Nayar told Bloomberg the digital commerce company will extend the trial to 20 additional retail partners by the end of 2012.

Green features around the house are an increasingly important part of a home sale in a buyer's market, according to Bloomberg report.

While the housing slump enters its sixth year, builders in Texas and California are explaining the benefits of environmentally friendly features that can add appeal to new construction.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's is making a big shift in its in-store work force, favoring part-timers over middle managers.

The move will cut about 1,700 middle management jobs in the stores, but will lead to an additional 8,000 to 10,000 part-time workers, according to Chris Ahearn, Lowe's VP public relations. The shakeup is expected to take effect Jan. 29.

Take the L train to Morgan Street station in Brooklyn, walk down the hill a few minutes. Turn right past the “Help Wanted” sign soliciting drivers and warehouse workers, and you’ll find the 2010 Pro Dealer of the Year—MarJam Supply Co.

After multiple visits to the Brooklyn yard and headquarters of MarJam Supply, Home Channel News is prepared to describe it as one of the busiest yards in the country.