Retail sales tick up for second consecutive month
Consumers, enticed by cooler weather, early holiday discounts and an improving economy, spent a little more in October.
Retail
Articles
HHGregg’s quarterly earnings, sales jump
HHGregg reported a rise in quarterly profit and sales Thursday morning that exceeded analyst expectations, despite a decrease
in same-store sales.
Bloomington chamber weighs in on chain-store ban
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is opposing Mayor Mark Kruzan’s proposal to restrict chain stores and
restaurants downtown.
Hat World acquires 37-store Sports Fan-Attic chain
Locally based Hat World Inc. has agreed to acquire a popular 37-store athletic retail chain in hopes of doing for collegiate
and professional sports licensed apparel what Hat World did for headwear.
Saturn’s loss, Byrider’s gain
J.D. Byrider, the Indianapolis chain of used-car lots, is courting Saturn dealers to come into the fold as Byrider franchisees.
Anderson gas-station chain sues BP after 32-store deal sours
Ricker Oil’s Oct. 22 suit claims British petroleum giant BP is charging unjustified royalty fees while delivering no boost
from its national advertising, its proprietary IT system or its bulk purchase pricing.
Steak n Shake’s Biglari adds intrigue by buying stake in insurer
The Indianapolis-based company’s CEO revealed earlier this year that he intends to use Steak n Shake as a holding company
that will pursue purchases “either related or unrelated to its ongoing business activities.”
Downtown upscale eateries cancel their lunch plans
While fast food remains a favorite for value-minded patrons, several higher-end restaurants in the Mile Square and its nearby
environs have decided in the last year to pull the tablecloth out from under their lunch service.
Steak n Shake nearer to merger with steak chain
Under terms of the deal, Steak n Shake will pay Western Sizzlin shareholders $22.9 million and Western will pay its shareholders
a $15.9 million stock dividend, making the total deal worth about $38.8 million.
Haunted houses avoid recessionary letdown because they offer escape
Even in bad times
people want to be entertained.” Nationwide, roughly 2,000 haunted houses, hayrides and other attractions
rake in $1 billion annually of the $7 billion consumers spend on Halloween, according to St. Louis-based trade group Hauntworld
Inc.
Bankruptcies, store closings help Halloween shops scare up space
Like zombies coming to life in a low-budget horror flick, the Halloween specialty shops that invade empty store fronts are
groaning with activity.
New not-for-profit coffee shop in Fletcher Place will raise money for charities
The new coffee shop named for Calvin Fletcher, one of the city’s first lawyers, will give money to groups such as Second Helpings.
Yats opening new concept near Central Library
Yats plans to open a new restaurant and bar concept in the first floor of the The Ambassador apartment building next to the
Central Library.
Panel rejects major alcohol sale proposals for state
An Indiana legislative committee recommends carryout sales of alcohol remain banned on Sundays, and liquor stores stay the
only place to buy cold beer.
New coffee shop named for Fletcher Place founder
Local investors have opened a new coffee shop in Fletcher Place they plan to turn into a not-for-profit to raise money for
local charities.
Northeast-side CVS gets nod
The Metropolitan Development Commission has given its blessing to a new CVS store along 82nd Street just east of Interstate
69 over the objection of city planners.
Amusement center taking space in Clay Terrace
A children’s amusement center is taking over the former Circuit City space at Clay Terrace in Carmel.
Bloomington mayor to roll out chain-store ordinance for downtown
Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan believes this beloved college town loses a bit of its identity every time a national chain sets up shop.
Efforts target blight on 16th
A stretch of 16th Street could see new life as the Indianapolis Housing Agency plans to redevelop a troubled low-income housing project and Kroger revives efforts to acquire land and plan a new supermarket to replace a cramped, old-format location.
O’Malia’s closing northside market after 33 years
The O’Malia’s Food Market near 56th Street and Emerson Avenue will close for good this weekend after a 33-year run.