The switch to “quarantine style” clothes — sweats and T-shirts and occasionally a “zirt,” a stylish shirt to throw on before Zoom meetings — is yet another hit to apparel stores, already a suffering sector before the coronavirus pandemic. The result is a glut of inventory, especially late winter and spring clothing, rampant discounting and retailers needing to reinvent their assortment as consumer preferences change. The disruption also created a windfall for companies such as Eagan-based...

The switch to "quarantine style" clothes — sweats and T-shirts and occasionally a "zirt," a stylish shirt to throw on before Zoom meetings — is yet another hit to apparel stores, already a suffering sector before the coronavirus pandemic. The result is a glut of inventory, especially late winter and spring clothing, rampant discounting and retailers needing to reinvent their assortment as consumer preferences change. The disruption also created a windfall for companies such as Eagan-based...

For the third time, Hy-Vee has pushed back the opening of its Spring Lake Park store. The Des Moines-based supermarket chain also has no updates on the timelines for other planned Twin Cities area stores. The 76,000-square-foot Spring Lake Park store at 8155 NE Central Av. with a restaurant and liquor store was originally set to open late 2019. Hy-Vee then delayed the opening to spring and then late this year. The newest opening date is spring 2021. The building’s exterior is completed, but...

Reviewing results from a quarter riddled with both restrictions and negative economic consequences from the coronavirus pandemic, the chief executive of Famous Dave's found reasons for some optimism. "Famous Dave's has fared somewhat better than other casual-dining competitors," said Jeff Crivello, CEO of BBQ Holdings, which owns Famous Dave's. "Famous Dave's has the ability to survive the pandemic. We're using it to test a lot of business models, converting a handful of full-service...

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in New Brighton has doubled in size, a move that could end up increasing the store’s sales to $1.5 million annually. Diane Patiuk of Roseville found herself at the store Tuesday doing what mothers do. “Finding things for our children,” she said. “My daughter’s new apartment doesn’t have room for a full-sized dining table so I found this drop leaf table for only $35.” Weekday ventures at ReStore and other retailers are becoming more common since the coronavirus...