Memory Bank: Finding a deal in 1955 as Charles Mayor and Co. is liquidated
This photo, taken Jan. 18, 1955, depicts the liquidation sale at the Washington Street building, which was torn down in 1959.
Retailers
Articles
Return of retail in Indy area far from business as usual
A smattering of shoppers found a mixed bag of offerings on the first day that nonessential stores were allowed to open, with many retailers remaining closed or still providing pickup-only service.
COVID-19 pushes small retailers toward e-commerce
Pedcor Cos. is promoting an e-commerce web site for its Carmel City Center retail tenants, some of whom had sold little or no merchandise online until COVID-19 came along.
Beyond COVID podcast: Indy Chamber is trying to help companies stay on their feet through the shutdown
Indy Chamber CEO Michael Huber talks about the programs, what kinds of companies need them most and how the experiences have changed the way he’s thinking about his organization and what its mission will be going forward.
Governor tightens retail restrictions, requires liquor stores to switch to takeout
The new executive order, which extends the stay-at-home directive through April 20, includes many of the same provisions as the initial order, which took effect March 25, but it adds new language in an attempt to strengthen the existing guidelines and creates an Enforcement Response Team to ensure businesses are complying.
Amazon to hire 100,000 in U.S., raise pay by $2 per hour to keep up with demand
Raises will go to workers at Amazon’s warehouses, delivery centers and Whole Foods grocery stores, all of whom make at least $15 an hour.
Hogsett closes gyms, entertainment venues and nightclubs—and warns against local travel
The order will be in effect for at least seven days. Hogsett plans to seek permission from the Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night to extend the order to April 5.
Victoria’s Secret getting new majority owner after 38 years under L Brands
Victoria’s Secret, beset by falling sales and uncomfortable questions about its billionaire owner who has run the company for four decades, is being sold to the private company that owns Hot Topic and Talbots.
UPDATE: Pier 1 files for bankruptcy protection, to close 7 Indiana stores
The retailer, led by the former CEO of HHGregg, has been struggling with increased competition. It plans to close seven stores in Indiana.
IBJ Podcast: Here’s why a mega liquor store is trying to move to Indiana
IBJ reporter John Russell explains a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could open the door to out-of-state liquor stores moving into Indiana—including Total Wine & More, a Maryland-based chain that has applied for a permit to open in a former Marsh store.
Indiana House backs tougher rules for tobacco retailers
Stores across Indiana would face tougher penalties for selling tobacco products to anyone younger than 21 under a bill endorsed Tuesday by the Indiana House.
Holiday sales rose 4.1%, nation’s largest retail trade group says
The positive December figures were partially offset by downward revisions to October and November sales. That suggests consumer spending likely grew more slowly in the final three months of last year than previously expected.
Pier 1 Imports to close half its stores as sales falter
Pier 1 Imports, which is led by the former CEO of defunct retailer HHGregg, plans to shut down hundreds of stores as it struggles to draw consumers and compete online.
Some Indiana retailers say they’re unaware of tobacco age change
It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product—including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes—to anyone under 21, according to federal law.
Expect department stores, apparel retailers to continue to retrench in 2020
More than 7,600 stores closed this year through October, a record for that point in the year, according to Credit Suisse. And the outlook for 2020 doesn’t look any brighter.
Sears limps into holiday shopping season that could be its last
Many of the stores that remain in the ever-shrinking Sears chain have the same old problems. They’re grungy and understaffed, poorly stocked and losing vendors.
Merry Clickmas: Black Friday online sales hit record $7.4B
In-store sales slipped, but sales by people who bought things online and then headed to the store to pick them up surged 43.2% on Black Friday, according to Adobe Analytics.
Louis Vuitton maker to buy Tiffany & Co. for $16.2 billion
The offer comes as luxury goods companies have been wrestling with changing habits of shoppers who are increasingly buying online.
Target jumps into holiday season with third-quarter earnings bang
Third quarter online sales rose 31% for Target in the third quarter. And customer traffic to its stores and website rose 3.1%.
Robust holiday shopping season expected, with some retailers facing challenges
With two weeks until the official start of the holiday shopping season, the nation’s retailers are gearing up for what should be another brutally competitive shopping period.