Downtown breakfast-and-lunch spot City Cafe closes
City Cafe, which began operating on North Pennsylvania Street about 15 years ago, has closed due to an owner’s ongoing health problem.
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Sears, Claire’s at high risk of retail failures, Fitch says
Sears Holdings Corp. and Claire’s Stores Inc. are among seven chains at high risk of defaulting within a year as shoppers shift to online merchants and spend more on experiences, according to a Fitch Ratings study.
Finish Line realizing benefits of closing stores
Finish Line's experience highlights the important, but difficult, path forward for retail chains that had become addicted to new stores as the only way to fuel sales.
Chuck Taylor sequel flops, dealing blow to Nike’s Converse brand
With a lot of fanfare last July, Converse released a more expensive version of the classic Chuck Taylor, the iconic brand designed by the former basketball player and salesman from Indiana. But fans still prefer the older model.
Finish Line’s supply chain woes under control, CEO says
Sales and profit for the apparel seller’s most recent quarter either met or exceeding Wall Street’s expectations. It’s now embarking on a plan for responding to clothing trends more quickly.
The Interview Issue: Robert Riesbeck
Just two months into the job, HHGregg CEO Robert Riesbeck believes the struggling retailer “still has long-term viability.” He aims to boost results in part by doubling-down on appliances—a strategy that includes opening more locations of the super-premium Fine Lines chain.
The Interview Issue: Bruce Pallman
Roberts Camera moved in 2014 from its longtime downtown location on South Meridian Street, which owner Bruce Pallman said has benefited the company amid fickle times in the camera business.
City councilors seek restrictions on booze-cruising pedal pubs
Under rules to be proposed next week, operators of foot-powered trolleys on Indianapolis streets would need to be licensed and insured. City councilors also hope to address noise complaints.
Holiday sales predicted to grow, but big chains to get smaller piece
Consumers are expected to buy more Christmas and other holiday gifts from niche retailers this year, pulling spending away from big store operators.
HHGregg adds IndyCar team owner to board
Michael Andretti, owner of Andretti Autosport, has become a director following a sponsorship deal between the struggling retailer and the racing team.
Chief exec has big plan to revive struggling Toys R Us
The chief executive who turned around Domino’s Pizza is trying to do the same for the problem-plagued Toys R Us chain, which has several stores in Indianapolis. Toymakers have every reason to be rooting for him.
Golfsmith bankruptcy brings fresh woes to Under Armour, Nike
Golfsmith, which has 109 stores in the U.S. and 55 in Canada, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday. The retailer has one store in Indianapolis.
E-commerce firm investing $4.75M to open 75-worker Plainfield fulfillment center
VMInnovations will distribute everything from electronics to baby products from a 160,000-square-foot building it is renovating at 2812 Airwest Blvd.
Aeropostale wins approval of $243 million sale to mall group
Teen clothing retailer Aeropostale Inc. won court permission Monday to sell its assets to buyers led by Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group Inc. and General Growth Properties Inc.
Kroger expects to earn less this year on falling prices
The Cincinnati-based supermarket operator—the No. 1 grocery player in the Indianapolis area— said Friday it was hurt by falling prices of eggs, meats and other products, forcing it to lower its earnings guidance for the year.
Simon Property-led group wins bid to keep teen retailer alive
A consortium led by Indianapolis-based mall giant Simon Property Group Inc. and rival General Growth Properties Inc. has won an auction for the assets of Aeropostale Inc., with a plan to keep open at least 229 of the bankrupt teen retailer’s stores.
Stock swoons at Lids’ parent after company cuts outlook
Shares in Genesco Inc.—parent of Zionsville-based Lids Sports Group—dropped almost 30 percent Thursday after the company reported lower-than-expected sales in the second quarter and downgraded its full-year outlook.
Gun store argues no liability for straw sale linked to officer’s shooting
Lawyers for an Indianapolis gun store sued for making an illegal straw sale of a firearm that was used to shoot an Indianapolis police officer argued Wednesday that Indiana gun sellers are shielded from civil lawsuits even when they break the law.
Simon part of group trying to save at least 229 Aeropostale stores
Without the rescue, it appears the teen fashion retailer’s remaining stores are heading for liquidation, an event that will put about 10,000 people out of work. Aeropostale has five Indianapolis-area stores.
J.C. Penney aims to be king of the mall as rivals retreat
J.C. Penney Co. is in a surprising position more than four years after it was almost run aground by a former CEO: It could be the last department store standing at your local mall.