J.C. Penney to close 154 stores, including two in central Indiana
In all, the department store chain—which filed for bankruptcy protection last month—is closing nine locations in Indiana.
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Dozens of downtown stores boarded up; workers begin cleaning graffiti from weekend protests
On what would likely be a day of people returning to work, downtown streets were eerily quiet, aside from a few dozen people milling around, taking pictures of the boarded-up stores.
Three downtown shop owners say they are not giving up
The owners of Centos Shoes, Red’s Classic Barber Shop and J. Benzal Menswear talked to IBJ about the damage their companies suffered after a violent weekend downtown and how they plan to move forward.
‘We pride ourselves on a unique brand of diversity’
The shop, which opened in 2007, has been closed since March because of the pandemic. It aims to reopen Tuesday.
City moving forward with plans to close streets for dining, despite Mass Ave merchant concerns
Altogether, more than 50 restaurants across the city have submitted applications to expand outdoor dining, including four on Broad Ripple Avenue and five on Illinois Street.
City considers major street closures to expand outdoor dining
Marion County’s reopening plan allows restaurants to open at 50% capacity on Friday—but only if diners eat outside.
U.S. retail sales plunged record 16% in April amid shutdowns
A long-standing migration of consumers toward online purchases is accelerating, with that segment posting a 8.4% monthly gain.
Memory Bank: Finding a deal in 1955 as Charles Mayor and Co. is liquidated
This photo, taken Jan. 18, 1955, depicts the liquidation sale at the Washington Street building, which was torn down in 1959.
Return of retail in Indy area far from business as usual
A smattering of shoppers found a mixed bag of offerings on the first day that nonessential stores were allowed to open, with many retailers remaining closed or still providing pickup-only service.
COVID-19 pushes small retailers toward e-commerce
Pedcor Cos. is promoting an e-commerce web site for its Carmel City Center retail tenants, some of whom had sold little or no merchandise online until COVID-19 came along.
Beyond COVID podcast: Indy Chamber is trying to help companies stay on their feet through the shutdown
Indy Chamber CEO Michael Huber talks about the programs, what kinds of companies need them most and how the experiences have changed the way he’s thinking about his organization and what its mission will be going forward.
Governor tightens retail restrictions, requires liquor stores to switch to takeout
The new executive order, which extends the stay-at-home directive through April 20, includes many of the same provisions as the initial order, which took effect March 25, but it adds new language in an attempt to strengthen the existing guidelines and creates an Enforcement Response Team to ensure businesses are complying.
Amazon to hire 100,000 in U.S., raise pay by $2 per hour to keep up with demand
Raises will go to workers at Amazon’s warehouses, delivery centers and Whole Foods grocery stores, all of whom make at least $15 an hour.
Hogsett closes gyms, entertainment venues and nightclubs—and warns against local travel
The order will be in effect for at least seven days. Hogsett plans to seek permission from the Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night to extend the order to April 5.
Victoria’s Secret getting new majority owner after 38 years under L Brands
Victoria’s Secret, beset by falling sales and uncomfortable questions about its billionaire owner who has run the company for four decades, is being sold to the private company that owns Hot Topic and Talbots.
UPDATE: Pier 1 files for bankruptcy protection, to close 7 Indiana stores
The retailer, led by the former CEO of HHGregg, has been struggling with increased competition. It plans to close seven stores in Indiana.
IBJ Podcast: Here’s why a mega liquor store is trying to move to Indiana
IBJ reporter John Russell explains a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could open the door to out-of-state liquor stores moving into Indiana—including Total Wine & More, a Maryland-based chain that has applied for a permit to open in a former Marsh store.
Indiana House backs tougher rules for tobacco retailers
Stores across Indiana would face tougher penalties for selling tobacco products to anyone younger than 21 under a bill endorsed Tuesday by the Indiana House.
Holiday sales rose 4.1%, nation’s largest retail trade group says
The positive December figures were partially offset by downward revisions to October and November sales. That suggests consumer spending likely grew more slowly in the final three months of last year than previously expected.
Pier 1 Imports to close half its stores as sales falter
Pier 1 Imports, which is led by the former CEO of defunct retailer HHGregg, plans to shut down hundreds of stores as it struggles to draw consumers and compete online.