Blakley Corp. hires first outsider CEO
Indianapolis-based Blakley Corp., a specialty contractor and home-flooring retailer, has hired the first outsider CEO in the company's 114-year history.
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Pendleton Pike Kmart, Anderson Sears on closing list
Sears Holding Co. said Thursday it will close a Kmart store on Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis and a Sears department store in Anderson as part of a round of closures.
Sears closings shouldn’t be big problem for Simon
Simon Property Group has more shopping malls with Sears as a tenant than any other landlord, but any closings are likely have a negligible effect on the Indianapolis-based real estate company's overall earnings, an analyst says.
LEADING QUESTIONS: Expanded Kahn’s banks on holidays
How much bubbly does Kahn's Fine Wines & Spirits sell at year's end? How have operations changed with the addition of two new stores? Owner Jim Arnold has answers.
Bargain hunters divided holiday shopping season
The holiday shopping season turned out to be two seasons: the Black Friday binge and a last-minute surge before Christmas. Together, they added up to decent sales gains for most retailers.
Downtown restaurants planning for crowds
Pretty much every eatery in town will be packed from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5. However, with luck, a little savvy and some expert advice, it’s still possible to find a short-notice, sit-down meal.
Retailers to offer football fans unusual merchandise
It’s common for retailers in Super Bowl host cities to bring in a special cache of goods not usually sold in the market.
Fatal shooting creates human resources issue for Kroger
Kroger officials are reviewing the actions of a manager who fatally shot a would-be robber inside a grocery store while it was busy with customers.
Up to 120 Sears, Kmart stores set for closure
Between 100 and 120 Sears and Kmart stores will be closed, the retailer said Tuesday, after terrible holiday sales during what is the most crucial time of the year for retailers.
Police called to control rowdy shoe shoppers
Local police were called to two Indianapolis malls to control crowds waiting to purchase the newest generation of Air Jordan basketball shoe. Similar incidents have been reported nationwide.
Shoplifting Grinches: Tis’ the season to steal
During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, an estimated $1.84 billion in merchandise will be shoplifted this year, according to The Global Retail Theft Barometer. That’s up about 6 percent from $1.7 billion during the same period last year.
Finish Line got strong start to holiday season
For the three-week period ended Dec. 18, the Indianapolis-based athletic apparel retailer said sales in stores open at least a year increased 7 percent from the same time last year. For the entire quarter, company profit increased 35 percent, to $5.5 million.
INSIDE DISH: Patrick’s finds room at the Inn in ‘X-mas miracle’
Beth Dickerson and Patrick Mullen had one month to find a new home for their struggling restaurant and move. A lucky break at Brick Street Inn and dozens of patrons (straight out of "It's a Wonderful Life") helped make it happen.
White Castle burger chain tries offering alcohol
The 90-year-old company is testing beer and wine sales at a location in Lafayette that combines a traditional White Castle burger joint with a Blaze Modern BBQ, a new restaurant concept also being tried out.
Krieg Bros. building sold to owner of nearby structure
Buyer Rick Coombes also owns the building at 111 S. Meridian St., the former home of Brenner Luggage, located just north of where the religious store operated for decades.
Cracker Barrel rebuffs Biglari
Cracker Barrel shareholders appear to have rejected Sardar Biglari’s move to join the restaurant chain’s board, but stopped short of passing a “poison pill” plan that would deter outside investors from taking over the business.
Deceased HHGregg executive prospered in tough industry
Jerry Throgmartin, 57, died Jan. 22, 2012, at the age of 57. His family said he died from complications of meningitis—an infection that leads to inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Group plans another push for Sunday alcohol sales
A coalition of convenience and grocery stores said Wednesday that they will renew their push for Sunday carry-out alcohol sales and cold sales of beer, but with a twist.
CEO: Steak n Shake poised for global growth
In his annual letter to shareholders, Sardar Biglari says he has commitments for 110 new franchises and thinks the Indianapolis-based restaurant chain could take its concept overseas.
U.S. retail sales increase for sixth straight month
Americans spent more on autos, furniture and clothing at the start of the crucial holiday shopping season, boosting retail sales for a sixth straight month. Meanwhile, sales fell at grocery stores, building supply stores and restaurants.