Burd Ford dealership closing by end of June
Manager Jon Parson told IBJ that he had "no idea" why the dealership was closing. Christine Burd took over the business in late 2009 following the suicide of her husband, Richard Burd.
Retail
Articles
Sound equipment retailer plans expansion, 316 jobs
A Fort Wayne-based retailer of music and sound equipment said Friday that it plans an expansion that would roughly double the size of its headquarters campus and create more than 300 jobs by 2016.
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.
Interchange project changes retail prospects on west side
Land at the Waterfront Office Park that sat vacant for decades is now ripe for retail development thanks to the reconfiguration of a west-side interstate interchange.
Developer ups retail ambitions for 86th-and-Keystone site
A Wisconsin developer has beefed up plans for the southwest corner of East 86th Street and Keystone Avenue across from The Fashion Mall at Keystone.
Ritter’s owners hope burgers will help fuel turnaround
Hoping to capitalize on the enduring appeal of Ritter’s Frozen Custard, the chain’s New York owners are launching another attempt to right-size the franchises with a new Indianapolis store, a revamped marketing plan, and burgers and fries.
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.
Developer Kite to remake key corner in Carmel
Kite Realty Group Trust is planning a Rivers Edge-like overhaul of two shopping centers it owns at 116th Street and Rangeline Road in Carmel. The Indianapolis-based real estate firm already has landed new tenants, including a natural and organic grocery store and a handful of restaurants.
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.
Binford-area neighborhood alliance upping ambitions
The two main retail centers in a northeast-side development area will be at 100-percent occupancy when Uncle Bill’s Pet Express opens in a small space at Binford Boulevard and 71st Street. Binford Area Growth and Revitalization, a super-neighborhood association better known as BRAG, began striving for this milestone in 2005.
First-quarter profit, revenue flat for Noble Roman’s
The pizza franchisor earned $365,079 in the quarter ended March 31. But it continues to see more growth from take-n-bake products in grocery stores.
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.
Noble Roman’s top investor loses Green Mountain chair
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. has stripped founder Robert P. Stiller of his position as chairman after he sold shares to meet a margin call at a time when the company’s trading policies prohibited such sales.
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.
Growth tear swells Simon Property Group
Simon Property Group Inc. this year joined the Standard & Poor’s 100 Index, a listing of the nation’s largest and most established companies including Apple, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. The Indianapolis-based company is the only real estate company on the list and is now the largest real estate company in the world.