Rise in holiday hiring a good sign, Purdue prof says
Purdue University’s Richard Feinberg says an increase in hiring by many U.S. retailers is a sign they're confident they'll see higher sales in the upcoming holiday shopping season.
Retail
Articles
Gerdt Furniture closing Castleton location
The 26-year-old store at 8602 Allisonville Road is liquidating its merchandise and is marking down prices as much as 70 percent. Gerdt’s original and lone remaining store, in Southport, will stay open.
Finish Line boosts earnings outlook on Macy’s deal
The Indianapolis-based athletic apparel retailer expects its sales to grow by $250 million to $350 million a year as a result of a deal with Macy’s Inc. to become the department store chain’s exclusive athletic footwear partner.
Kennedys sell interests in running store chain
Bob and Melina Kennedy have sold their assets in BlueMile, a chain of running and fitness stores they founded 12 years ago as The Running Co. Co-founders Ashley and Andrea Johnson are now sole owners.
Women’s retailer plans $37M expansion, 242 jobs
New York-based Ascena Retail Group, whose female clothing brands include Justice, Lane Bryant, Maurices and Dressbarn, plans to transform its 794,000-square-foot warehouse in Greencastle into an e-commerce distribution hub.
HHGregg shares slide as company abandons Michigan plans
The stock price of the Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer fell by more than 18 percent this week after the company disclosed that it is postponing plans to open stores in Michigan.
Court rules Steak n Shake broke pact with ad agency
A District Court in Indiana this week ruled that Steak n Shake in 2009 breached its $4.36 million contract with its former advertising agency, Georgia-based Varnson Group.
VIDEO: Work on Fashion Mall at Keystone enters home stretch
Much-anticipated upgrades to the high-profile Fashion Mall at Keystone will be ready for shoppers by mid-November. Mall owner Simon Property Group provided a sneak peek on Wednesday of work under way.
Biglari agrees to antitrust fine in Cracker Barrel deal
The chain-restaurant operator that owns Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake has agreed to pay $850,000 to settle procedural antitrust violations stemming from its purchase of shares in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc.
Tutwiler auto dealership closes after 48 years
Tutwiler Automotive had long been known as Tutwiler Cadillac before changing its name two years ago when its General Motors franchise agreement expired. The dealership closed Saturday.
Noble Roman’s takes on take-and-bake format
Noble Roman’s Inc. has baked up an idea to expand its franchising opportunities nationwide and dramatically increase revenue. The Indianapolis-based pizza company is rolling out plans for a stand-alone, take-and-bake concept designed to rival Papa Murphy’s.
Wal-Mart again attempting to build in Zionsville
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has filed new plans to build a store along Michigan Road in Zionsville, six years after the town rebuffed its original proposal that drew the ire of local residents and merchants.
Indianapolis jeweler shot during home break-in
Indianapolis police say jeweler Gary Thrapp of G. Thrapp Jewelers was in stable but serious condition Sunday after being shot when two people broke into his home.
MainGate, Lids score Super Bowl merchandise deals
A pair of Indianapolis-based companies recently scored the largest single-event deal in the world of U.S. sports licensing, unseating 24-year incumbent Facilities Merchandising Inc. to win lucrative deals at the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Millcraft hoping to fill downtown paper-supply void
Millcraft Paper Co. is set to move from the far east side to downtown Indianapolis on Sept. 24 in hopes of filling a void left a few months ago by the closing of Arvey Paper & Office Products.
Finish Line stock falls after analyst’s downgrade
An analyst downgraded The Finish Line Inc.'s stock on Wednesday, saying that the Indianapolis-based sneaker and athletic clothing retailer will likely continue to lose share to rival Foot Locker.
HHGregg’s new push: Selling treadmills alongside TVs
The appliance and electronics retailer is quietly launching a test of furniture and fitness equipment, with rollouts scheduled for 31 of its more than 200 stores.
Steak n Shake loses appeal over franchisee’s pricing
A longtime Steak n Shake franchisee who sued the chain after it insisted on setting prices for menu items prevailed again Friday as the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed an Illinois federal court’s ruling in the franchisee’s favor.
Simon again considering acquisition of shopping mall rival
One of General Growth Properties Inc.'s largest shareholders says Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group has discussed acquiring the Chicago-based shopping mall competitor.
Don Marsh fighting to keep jury from learning he took Fifth
Attorneys for Don Marsh are trying to ensure that his refusal to answer questions during a 2010 deposition doesn’t come back to haunt him when Marsh Supermarkets' lawsuit against him goes to trial in October.