Retail Sales Rise at Buffett Conglomerate

RAPAPORT... Revenue from the retail division of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway rose 2.5% to $16 billion in 2019, the company reported Saturday.The increase for the segment, which includes jewelry chains Borsheims, Helzberg Diamonds and Ben Bridge Jeweler, was boosted primarily by the company's car business. Pretax earnings for the entire retail unit grew 1.6% to $874 million for the year.Revenue from manufacturing of consumer products, which includes jewelry maker Richline Group, slipped 6% to $11.81 billion.Image: A Helzberg Diamonds store in New Jersey. (Shutterstock)