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.
Retail
Articles
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: Monica Peck and Courtney Cole
Noblesville natives Monica Peck and Courtney Cole became the sixth-generation owners of Hare Chevrolet when they bought it from their parents in 2008. Now, thanks in part to a snappy ad campaign, sales have nearly tripled. But their biggest battle has been off the lot: Cole is battling cancer.
The Interview Issue: Kate Bova Drury
Kate Bova Drury started out as a boutique owner in Broad Ripple before making the change to baking. Now, she’s got five cupcake bakeries, one location for doughnuts and one combo store.
The Interview Issue: Thomas Main & Peter George
Once highly successful restaurateurs, Thomas Main and Peter George fell on some tough times in the 2000s and ended up as housemates. That’s when they started plotting a return to the industry as partners in a new venue that became the popular restaurant Tinker Street.
The Interview Issue: Lorenzo Acuna
What’s the key to 40 years in any industry? Love what you do, says Lorenzo Acuna, who has waited tables at St. Elmo Steak House for 40 years.
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.
Tesla would scale back Indiana operations under a legislative proposal
A Tesla executive said a proposal to prohibit direct-to-consumer auto sales would, if passed, prompt the company to make a U-turn with respect to expanding operations in the state.
Downtown Georgia Reese’s to be replaced with new steakhouse
Restaurateur Gary Brackett plans to replace his Georgia Reese's Southern Table & Bar in downtown Indianapolis with a steakhouse called CharBlue by the end of the year, he announced Monday.
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.
Developer of Coke site plans to preserve much of historic building
The CEO of Hendricks Commercial Properties says saving the structure as part of a massive $260 million redevelopment is important to "everything we're trying to create there."
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.
Fast-casual dining chain Newk’s planning 15 eateries in Indiana
Newk's Eatery announced Thursday that it has reached a development agreement with local investors to open 15 locations in the Indianapolis area and southern Indiana over the next several years.
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.