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Hat World expansion to create 571 jobs in Indianapolis

 IBJ Staff
June 10, 2010
Keywords
Economic Development, Economic Development Agencies, Economic Development Incentives, Government & Economic Development, Hat World, Indiana Economic Development Corp., Real Estate & Retail, Retail, Retailers, Tax Abatements
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Hat World Inc., a retailer and manufacturer of sports hats and apparel, announced Thursday morning that it plans to expand its local headquarters and distribution operations, creating as many as 571 jobs by 2015.

The Indianapolis-based company, a subsidiary of Nashville, Tenn.-based Genesco Inc., said it plans to invest up to $22 million to lease and prepare additional space locally as it consolidates manufacturing and warehouse operations from Wisconsin.

Hat World’s 300 local employees currently work out of 195,000 square feet of leased space in Park 100 on the city’s northwest side. Hiring of additional workers is expected to begin this summer as new operations are phased in locally.

The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered Hat World up to $4 million in performance-based tax credits based on the company’s job-creation plans. Indianapolis will consider additional property-tax abatement.

Founded in Lafayette in 1995, Hat World later moved to Indianapolis before being acquired by Genesco in 2004. The company operates more than 900 retail stores in 48 states.
 


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  • too soon to tell
    Long wayawayJune 10, 2010 3:24 PM
    I know many political types like to tout all these jobs, but "by 2015" is a long way away and alot can happen. Weren't other jobs promised a few years back, yet not materialized.

    Don't count yer chikens b/4 thir hatched.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • I'm with Larry
    meJune 10, 2010 12:45 PM
    It's tough to celebrate getting 500 minimum wage jobs here when the Mayor just sent a $16 million tech project to a firm in NYC.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Jobs are jobs
    MeoupJune 10, 2010 12:03 PM
    Larry, We need minimum wage jobs because we have a large portion of the workforce who are qualified for these jobs (I know I'll take heat for saying that). We've been over paying in certain sectors and now the economy has reset so minimum skill jobs are again minimum wage. When I worked in a warehouse I earned $12.50 an hour I was being overpaid for my duties and skills. At this point people who used to earn a higher wage need to go get jobs, it's what I had to do. I earn 1/3 what I did 3 months ago but I'm earning so you aren't paying for my unemployment, health insurance and food.
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • Re: Awesome
    DaveJune 10, 2010 11:02 AM
    If it takes people off the streets than it is a good thing! Everybody needs to work...
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment
  • larryjoe@yahoo.com
    AWESOME!June 10, 2010 10:53 AM
    just what we need in Indiana, 500+ more minimum wage warehouse jobs, WOOFREAKINHOO!!! (the Chinese really DO love us, just don't be late with the check, and make sure the payments are in AMERICAN dollars!)
    Reply to CommentFlag Comment

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