International Marketplace district welcomes new, reopening restaurants
Meanwhile, plans are in the works for a $12 million International Marketplace welcome center and museum that would replace a former Value City Furniture store.
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Owner closes Butler-Tarkington hardware store after 43 years in business
The Ace Hardware owner cited a variety of reasons for the closure, including the difficulty of competing against larger retailers and increased business costs.
Reopening date for downtown T.J. Maxx store still uncertain
The store on the ground floor of the historic William H. Block Building closed in the spring because of the pandemic. It sustained damage during the riots and looting that took place downtown in late May.
Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain coming to Indy market
The Human Bean, which opened its first shop in 1998, is coming to Westfield. The local franchisee said he’s scouting Hamilton County for more sites. Also this week: Noble Roman’s, Big Woods and more.
Ecommerce startup TruLocal preparing to launch in Indianapolis
The San Francisco-based company plans to offer local retailers an online platform where they can reach customers and sell their products.
Pandemic testing shopper loyalty for clothing brands
According to a survey by McKinsey & Co, 46% of shoppers polled in the United States tried new brands or made new purchases with a new retailer.
What does Walmart see in TikTok? Millions of young shoppers
Walmart could make TikTok into an extension of its sales machine, helping advertisers, creators and others sell products.
Used-car dealer Byrider hasn’t suffered much in pandemic
The company says sales are up after an earlier drop-off, and it hasn’t yet seen a spike in delinquencies or defaults among credit-challenged borrowers, who represent its core customers.
Soul-food landmark Kountry Kitchen set to begin rebuilding after fire
Its owners are planning to begin construction on a new, bigger building this fall, following the January fire that gutted its original home. Also this week: The W Nail Bar, Crazy Tortas.
Crew Carwash taking over former CVS site
Crew got approval for the project even though it doesn’t conform to the city’s land-use plan. Also this week: Mass Ave Merchants Association, Prodigy Burger & Bar, Indy’s Burger Joint, Stage to Screen Catered Cabaret.
Simon partnership adding Lucky Brand to growing stable of retailers
News of the $140 million deal comes in the same week that Simon Property Group and Authentic Brands Group agreed to acquire legendary clothier Brooks Brothers.
U.S. retail sales regain pre-virus level, but slowdown expected
Sales at retail stores and restaurants have now risen for three straight months, after plunges in March and April. Still, much of the spending was fueled by government aid that has since expired.
Wendy’s, McDonald’s ready to revive chicken sandwich wars
One year ago today, Popeye’s fired the first salvo in the Great Chicken Sandwich Wars. And there’s no indication that America’s collective obsession with a crunchy bit of bird on a bun is going anywhere.
Noble Roman’s takes newest concept to Greenwood
The Indianapolis-based chain says it’s scouting sites for yet another Craft Pizza & Pub that it hopes to open by year’s end.
Simon Property misses Wall Street expectations as profit sinks
The Indianapolis-based shopping mall operator said all of its U.S. properties have reopened, with the exception of a handful in California that were forced to close for a second time on July 15 because of government mandates.
Fine-dining Japanese restaurant opens downtown
Hinata, which opened July 31, promises to offer diners authentic Japanese cuisine. Also this week, Tina’s Traditional Tearoom, Colts Pro Shop, The Warehouse Sale.
IBJ Podcast: The owner of Windsor Jewelry talks about surviving the riots and pandemic
Plus, hear from Mayor Joe Hogsett, who spoke to IBJ’s editorial board last month about some of the very problems Bires is concerned about for downtown.
Rep. Greg Pence criticized for race-related items sold at his mall
The Exit 76 Antique Mall in Edinburgh has more than 4 million items for sale by the merchants who rent booths, but sprinkled throughout the mall’s 72,000 square feet are also dozens of objects that trade in Jim Crow-era caricatures and stereotypes.
Westgate car dealership to be sold to Hoosier dealer group
The Plainfield business is bucking the trend of local dealerships getting scooped up by large national conglomerates.
Simon Property-backed venture makes offer to buy Brooks Brothers
Under the terms of the agreement, the Simon-back venture intends to purchase substantially all of the iconic retailer’s global business operations as a going concern. It has committed to acquiring at least 125 Brooks Brothers retail locations.