Bold bets on Hoosier firms yield horrific results so far
The millions of dollars they plunked down to buy stock in local companies over the past two years have shriveled in value,
leaving them way, way below break-even.
Retail
Articles
Worst auto market in 30 years might force consolidation
New car dealers, usually among the most resilient of all small businesses in weathering economic downturns, are hanging on
for dear life this time around, portending a shakeout among Indiana’s 520 dealers.
Airport’s ‘Indy 500 Grill’ food mediocre, but Georgio’s Pizza is delicious
This month, we’re breaking our traditional restaurant reviewing format and offering a four-part look at the eateries at Indianapolis
International Airport.
Despite sour economy, retail developers press on
Retail developers always have been an audacious breed. They spend millions to build shopping centers, confident that tenants will flock to fill the slots they didn’t prelease. To charge ahead these days takes more than the usual dose of intestinal fortitude. Everyone is nervous — from shoppers to lenders to retailers, many of which have […]
Y&L ad firm making ‘significant’ staff cuts
Young & Laramore is making what it says are “significant” staff cuts in the wake of losing the Steak n Shake account.
Exit of anchor complicates Lafayette Square overhaul
The demise of apparel retailer Steve and Barry’s University Sportswear deals another blow to efforts to turn around the ailing
Lafayette Square Mall.
Automotive Finance Corp. writes off $162 million, reflecting slow auto sales
Slowing auto sales have forced Carmel-based Automotive Finance Corp., which lends money to car dealers to buy used vehicles
at auction, to take a big write-off on the declining value of its loan portfolio.
Self-serve chili could help Charlie & Barney’s grow nationally
Charlie & Barney’s is quietly expanding into unorthodox niches, placing its product in unusual places — like convenience
stores.
HHGregg looks to grow as other consumer electronic businesses falter
HH Gregg has grown from a local to a national consumer electronic store chain and has its eye on expanding further, given
Circuit City’s bankruptcy filing.
Green Mountain entrepreneur compiles 17-percent stake in struggling Noble Roman’s
Robert P. Stiller, a lifelong entrepreneur who built Green Mountain into a wholesale coffee giant with 7,000 customers and
$500 million in revenue, owns 3.4 million shares, or 17 percent of the Noble Roman’s company.
After a dozen years, Natural Stone Specialist growing seeks more commercial biz
Twelve years after opening Natural Stone Specialists, Laura Christy is still just as passionate about the Carmel-based business,
which
sells high-end stone, metal and glass tiles.
More bad news for Indy malls
Bankrupt retailer Steve & Barry’s now plans to close all of its remaining stores, including anchor shops at Lafayette Square and Washington Square malls. Bay Harbour Management and York Capital Management,…
Steak n Shake seeks younger customers
Steak n Shake hopes to create buzz with its new marketing plan targeting youth.
Holiday promotional campaign helps Indianapolis venues boost their attendance
The 12 Free Days of Indy Christmas promotion runs through Dec. 24 and gives patrons of several city destinations the opportunity
to enjoy them without the cost.
Dreyer & Reinbold adds Maserati luxury line
In the midst of one of the worst financial markets in decades, Dennis Reinbold has launched Maserati of Indianapolis at his
Dreyer & Reinbold BMW Infiniti-Mini complex on the north side.
Retailers plan new locations
At a time when most retailers are cutting back, a few in the Indianapolis area are growing.
Around town retail round-up
Several retail nuggets to peruse today:
Reis-Nichols plans to add 2,000 square feet to its Greenwood store by taking over the former Steve’s Flowers & Gifts space. The $500,000 project is slated to…
3Mass taking shape
The luxury condo and retail project called 3 Mass is taking shape as sales pick up speed. Buyers have snapped up 26 of the 44 units, including $8 million in sales in September and October, said Todd Maurer of lead…
Steak n Shake CEO ordering up cost cuts, but shares still sag
The Steak n Shake Co. has dropped plans to build 20 new restaurants, is cutting overhead expenses by about $20 million,
and closed 14 locations. The Indianapolis-based restaurant chain found $16 million in tax savings dating
back to 2006 and is working on a new, simple menu built around burgers, fries and milkshakes–all part of
a turnaround plan orchestrated by the chain’s new CEO, Sardar Biglari.
Credit mess puts Ralston on hold
A $60 million project slated for South Street between Meridian and Pennsylvania streets is on hold until credit markets return to some semblance of normal, the developer…