Desk shortage forces people to get creative about workspaces
Online, sales of desks and accessories, such as desk chairs and lamps, were up 283% in August from the year before, according to Rakuten Intelligence, which tracks shopper behavior.
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Cracker Barrel launches ‘ghost kitchen’ test pilot in Indianapolis
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. is converting one of its Indianapolis restaurants into a food-preparation-only location as a way for the company to experiment with the emerging “ghost kitchen” trend.
Artisan gift shop coming to Fountain Square
The husband-and-wife owners previously sold their creations on social media and at craft fairs. Also this week: Joella’s Hot Chicken, SweeTie’s Gourmet Treats, Lily & Sparrow and Ross Dress for Less.
Dollar General to open urban-concept DGX store in BMO Plaza
Dollar General launched its DGX concept in 2017. It now has 14 locations around the nation, including one that opened this summer on Mass Ave.
David Simon may not seek spotlight, but he’s in it anyway
The media is fascinated by what he’s up to, as the nation’s largest shopping mall owner teams with partners to buy ailing retail chains while negotiating with Amazon to fill vacant anchor spaces with distribution centers.
Handmade leather-goods shop finds its groove
Five-year-old Howl and Hide is preparing to open a second location, a pop-up shop at Clay Terrace in Carmel.
Broad Ripple tequila-and-tacos joint expanding to Fishers
The three principals behind Sangrita Saloon are adapting the high-end Mexican concept for the 4,000-square-foot Sangrita Grill & Cantina in the Yard at Fishers District culinary hub.
International Marketplace district welcomes new, reopening restaurants
Meanwhile, plans are in the works for a $12 million International Marketplace welcome center and museum that would replace a former Value City Furniture store.
Owner closes Butler-Tarkington hardware store after 43 years in business
The Ace Hardware owner cited a variety of reasons for the closure, including the difficulty of competing against larger retailers and increased business costs.
Reopening date for downtown T.J. Maxx store still uncertain
The store on the ground floor of the historic William H. Block Building closed in the spring because of the pandemic. It sustained damage during the riots and looting that took place downtown in late May.
Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain coming to Indy market
The Human Bean, which opened its first shop in 1998, is coming to Westfield. The local franchisee said he’s scouting Hamilton County for more sites. Also this week: Noble Roman’s, Big Woods and more.
Ecommerce startup TruLocal preparing to launch in Indianapolis
The San Francisco-based company plans to offer local retailers an online platform where they can reach customers and sell their products.
Pandemic testing shopper loyalty for clothing brands
According to a survey by McKinsey & Co, 46% of shoppers polled in the United States tried new brands or made new purchases with a new retailer.
What does Walmart see in TikTok? Millions of young shoppers
Walmart could make TikTok into an extension of its sales machine, helping advertisers, creators and others sell products.
Used-car dealer Byrider hasn’t suffered much in pandemic
The company says sales are up after an earlier drop-off, and it hasn’t yet seen a spike in delinquencies or defaults among credit-challenged borrowers, who represent its core customers.
Soul-food landmark Kountry Kitchen set to begin rebuilding after fire
Its owners are planning to begin construction on a new, bigger building this fall, following the January fire that gutted its original home. Also this week: The W Nail Bar, Crazy Tortas.
Crew Carwash taking over former CVS site
Crew got approval for the project even though it doesn’t conform to the city’s land-use plan. Also this week: Mass Ave Merchants Association, Prodigy Burger & Bar, Indy’s Burger Joint, Stage to Screen Catered Cabaret.
Simon partnership adding Lucky Brand to growing stable of retailers
News of the $140 million deal comes in the same week that Simon Property Group and Authentic Brands Group agreed to acquire legendary clothier Brooks Brothers.
U.S. retail sales regain pre-virus level, but slowdown expected
Sales at retail stores and restaurants have now risen for three straight months, after plunges in March and April. Still, much of the spending was fueled by government aid that has since expired.
Wendy’s, McDonald’s ready to revive chicken sandwich wars
One year ago today, Popeye’s fired the first salvo in the Great Chicken Sandwich Wars. And there’s no indication that America’s collective obsession with a crunchy bit of bird on a bun is going anywhere.