Advertising art to find home at historical society
The collection brings to light a bygone era in advertising when Block's and other big downtown department stores ruled the retail landscape and employed their own fashion illustrators.
Retail
Articles
Agency increases effort to help state’s artisans sell wares
Three years after budget cuts threatened the state-run Indiana Artisan program, the newly independent organization is moving ahead with ambitious plans to broaden its reach—and help artists and food producers build their businesses.
Plan envisions hot growth for downtown Indianapolis
A study commissioned by the office of Mayor Greg Ballard envisions a much more densely populated, walkable downtown core stretched by several blocks and supported by another Circle Centre mall's worth of retail and enough new office space to double the size of Chase Tower.
Former Mike’s Carwash partner seeking $30M
Jerry Dahm is asking a Hamilton Superior Court judge to force the two owners of the company to buy his stake in its real estate arm for more than $26.2 million, on top of another $3.3 million he wants from his share in the car wash chain. The two owners already have agreed to pay him $17.1 million.
Political worries contribute to robust firearms sales
The presidential election is still a long way off, but large numbers of Indianapolis-area gun owners seem to think Barack Obama is a surefire bet for a second term. Uneasiness over his re-election (and fear that he might push for strict gun control laws) has sparked a run on weapons and ammunition.
Hendricks County promotes locally owned pizza
Amo Pizza Shop beat out Rock Star Pizza in a competition intended to boost sales for 16 homegrown eateries.
Hofmeister seeks financing to emerge from bankruptcy
Despite objections from unsecured creditors, a federal bankruptcy judge granted the jeweler's request to hire an outside consultant to help it seek alternative financing to repay the balance of a PNC Bank loan.
Local automobile dealers enjoy big month of sales
New car sales nationally rose about 13 percent last month as consumers replaced aging vehicles and took advantage of cheap financing. Sales were way up for many Indianapolis auto dealers.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Foodie rebukes allure of ‘Plan B’
What did the founder of Cafe Patachou learn from Butler's Brad Stevens? Why not try franchises? Martha Hoover responds in Part II of her IBJ interview.
Finish Line launches running venture, reports strong sales
The Finish Line Inc. will partner with a private equity firm to expand its specialty running shops and develop Run.com, the Indianapolis-based retailer said Friday. The company also reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, but its outlook sent shares tumbling.
Lafayette Square amusement center closes
America’s Incredible Pizza Co. shut down on Sunday, leaving a 75,000-square-foot vacancy in the struggling shopping center on Indianapolis’ west side.
INSIDE DISH: Patachou Inc. has full plate with expansion plans
Founder Martha Hoover expects to open two new restaurants by the end of the year and as many as six more by 2020, including eateries outside central Indiana.
New hardware store tries to carve out niche near downtown
In a city and industry dominated by big-box home-improvement chains, North Meridian Hardware owner Keith Payne hopes his independent store can build a loyal following among downtown’s denizens.
French mall operator looks to Simon for know-how
Simon Property Group Inc.’s cutting-edge experience as the biggest U.S. mall owner will help Klepierre SA boost rental income at its shopping centers, the French company’s CEO says.
Entrepreneurs see early success with new liqueur
Blue MF is a vodka-and-rum-based liqueur concocted by three Indiana University fraternity brothers turned entrepreneurs. Their firm, Indianapolis-based More Fun Liqueur, launched its signature drink in October and now is seeking investors to help fund expansion.
Purdue graduate takes top job at McDonald’s
McDonald’s Corp. said Chief Operating Officer Don Thompson, who grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Purdue University, will take over as CEO, becoming the first black chief of the world’s largest restaurant chain.
Mike’s Carwash trial awaits closing arguments
Lawyers on Wednesday finished presenting evidence to determine the true value of Mike’s Carwash Inc. and how much a former co-owner should have been paid for his share in the company.
Popular barbershop gets makeover from community
Whiteland residents have rallied around a beloved barber who has been cutting hair in the Johnson County community for more than four decades by helping him remodel his shop.
Law goes into effect banning retail sales of ‘bath salts’
Under the measure, retailers could lose their business licenses for a year if they're caught selling the synthetic drugs.
Annual profit, revenue rise for Noble Roman’s
Noble Roman’s saw royalties and fees from traditional franchises decrease last year, but royalties and fees from non-traditional franchises increased, and the company saw more growth from take-n-bake products.