National retailers report tepid sales for June
Shoppers, worried about jobs and the overall economy, pulled back on spending in June, resulting in disappointing sales for many retailers.
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J.C. Penney closing distribution center, laying off 230
The distribution center, which opened in 2002 near the Indianapolis International Airport, will close by the end of September, company officials said.
Finish Line stock jumps after profit exceeds expectations
The Indianapolis-based retailer’s profit fell 25 percent in the first quarter, but beat analyst predictions. Shares rose nearly 12 percent on the day.
Kroger convinces council member of need for gas station
Kroger Co. will add a gas station to its store at West 86th Street and Township Line Road after successfully lobbying an Indianapolis City-County Council member who'd threatened to stand in its way.
PROXY CORNER: Vera Bradley Inc.
Vera Bradley Inc., 2208 Production Road, Fort Wayne, Ind., 46808, sells handbags, accessories, paper-and-gift items and travel items through 55 retail stores, nine outlet stores, 3,300 specialty stores and through verabradley.com.
U.S. retail chains spending billions in bet on growth
For all the concern that the U.S. economy may be slowing, retailers from Express Inc. to Indianapolis-based Finish Line Inc. are poised to spend the most on capital improvements since the recession.
MainSource Bank snags prime former Borders space
MainSource Bank plans to open its first Indianapolis branch in part of the former home of Borders at the southeast corner of Meridian and Washington streets downtown.
INSIDE DISH: Smokers’ haven prepares for ban
Mass Avenue Pub survived a two-year hiatus in the mid-2000s after a massive infrastructure collapse. Its owners think going smokeless on Friday will be a comparative breeze, even though 65 percent of their clientele like to light up.
Steak n Shake woos real estate pros
Steak n Shake made a big splash at the International Council of Shopping Centers deal-making convention in Las Vegas as it pushes an aggressive plan to grow via franchising.
HHGregg’s profit jumps on life-insurance payout
The Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer on Wednesday reported fiscal quarterly profit of $53.6 million, including $39.6 million from a life insurance policy the company took out on former executive chairman Jerry W. Throgmartin.
Federal court to hear Steak n Shake franchisee appeal
The case involves an Illinois franchisee of Steak n Shake that successfully sued the company over its mandatory menu and pricing policies. The company’s appeal is set to be heard Wednesday by a federal appeals court in Chicago.
Biz boosters embrace One Click, but it’s no sure thing
Husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Randy and Angie Stocklin started Greenwood-based One Click Ventures out of their home with $20,000 in 2005. They now own a portfolio of niche retail websites, including SunglassWarehouse.com, HandbagHeaven.com and Scarves.net, which brought $5.3 million in revenue last year.
Business Furniture expands into Ohio with acquisition
Indianapolis-based Business Furniture LLC, the city's largest office furniture dealer, has expanded into Ohio by acquiring Everybody’s Workplace Solutions Inc. in Dayton.
Airport faces fiscal headwinds
The Indianapolis Airport Authority recorded a $31.3 million operating loss in 2011, a result that new board President Michael Wells believes underscores the need to find new sources of revenue.
Marsh CEO Kelley quits for job in New England
Marsh Supermarkets CEO Joe Kelley abruptly resigned Tuesday, and the Fishers-based chain launched a search for its third chief executive in a little more than a year. The company named Chief Operating Officer Bill Holsworth as its interim CEO.
Finish Line plans to add 327 jobs as part of expansion
The Indianapolis-based retailer of athletic shoes and apparel said it will add the jobs by 2016 as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion that will upgrade its e-commerce systems.
INSIDE DISH: Nostalgic Shallos does brisk business swiftly
The 31-year-old, south-side institution is approaching a potential turning point as it breaks sales records and continues to hone lightning-quick food prep and table turnover.
Castleton Square will get new stores catering to youth
Forever 21 is more than tripling its square footage at the north-side mall by taking the former Borders bookstore space.
Earth Fare grocery replacing Borders at Hamilton Town Center
An upscale supermarket chain focused on natural and organic products is taking the former Borders bookstore space at Hamilton Town Center. The store will be the first in Indiana for the privately held chain.
Finish Line to sell Special Olympics merchandise
The agreement to sell the organization’s items online and in stores is part of a multiyear partnership in which Indianapolis-based Finish Line has agreed to lend support to Special Olympics.