October retail sales rise slightly, beat predictions
Retail sales rose more than expected in October due largely to a big rebound in auto sales. But broader consumer spending
remains under pressure.
Retailers
Articles
Rich buying again, but middle class still hurting
Recent earnings reports from major retailers suggest that the wealthy, who pulled back their spending the hardest during the
financial meltdown last fall, are once again being enticed to open their wallets and going back to higher-end outlets. But
those on the lower economic rungs are still scrimping by, heading to Walmart for the basics.
Retailers surprisingly upbeat as they head into holidays
Those in the trenches say this won’t be a blockbuster Christmas, but it won’t be horrid, either.
Former Smith-Holden Music employees open new Bloomington store
Two key employees of the recently closed store in downtown Bloomington have opened their own venture,
Melody Music Shop.
Retail sales tick up for second consecutive month
Consumers, enticed by cooler weather, early holiday discounts and an improving economy, spent a little more in October.
HHGregg’s quarterly earnings, sales jump
HHGregg reported a rise in quarterly profit and sales Thursday morning that exceeded analyst expectations, despite a decrease
in same-store sales.
Hat World acquires 37-store Sports Fan-Attic chain
Locally based Hat World Inc. has agreed to acquire a popular 37-store athletic retail chain in hopes of doing for collegiate
and professional sports licensed apparel what Hat World did for headwear.
Bankruptcies, store closings help Halloween shops scare up space
Like zombies coming to life in a low-budget horror flick, the Halloween specialty shops that invade empty store fronts are
groaning with activity.
Panel rejects major alcohol sale proposals for state
An Indiana legislative committee recommends carryout sales of alcohol remain banned on Sundays, and liquor stores stay the
only place to buy cold beer.
Northeast-side CVS gets nod
The Metropolitan Development Commission has given its blessing to a new CVS store along 82nd Street just east of Interstate
69 over the objection of city planners.
O’Malia’s closing northside market after 33 years
The O’Malia’s Food Market near 56th Street and Emerson Avenue will close for good this weekend after a 33-year run.
Underage alcohol program nabs 370 retailers
An Indiana State Excise Police initiative that uses underage customers to catch retailers selling alcohol to people under
age 21 netted more than 370 violations across Indiana in only three months.
Kroger ads in Star grab attention, raise eyebrows
A new eye-grabbing advertising design in The Indianapolis Star has some wondering where ad content stops and news
content begins.
Many retailers report September sales declines
Early September reports from retailers show sales are still falling for many amid worries about jobs and tight credit, but
many of the results came in better than expected.
Cabela’s puts Greenwood property up for sale
Cabela’s is selling the land on which it had planned to build a store in Greenwood.
Recession-stung stores plan old-fashioned holidays
Stores are turning back the clock, conjuring images of hearth and home as they stock their holiday merchandise. Retailers
hope embracing holiday traditions from cozier times will tempt recession-weary consumers to open their wallets in a season
expected to show flat sales at best.
Camera retailer Roberts adjusts to the times, plans new store
The home-grown retailer lately has sought to
supply cameras for government and law-enforcement entities as its once-reliable newspaper clientele scales back.
Bloomington looking at downtown chain-store ban
A committee will research a proposal from Bloomington’s mayor to ban new chain or “formula” businesses from parts of the city’s
downtown.
Hat World acquires Minnesota sporting goods dealer
Indianapolis-based Hat World Inc. said Monday that its Impact Sports division has acquired Great Plains Sports in St. Paul,
Minn.
Finish Line shares rise despite quarterly loss
Shares in locally based athletic retailer The Finish Line Inc. jumped Friday morning after the company reported a narrow loss
for the second fiscal quarter, mostly because of the large cost of unloading its unsuccessful Man Alive stores in July.