Retail

Police investigating a suspected organized theft ring at three Bloomington-Normal pawn shops got help from some of America’s largest retailers — which were also the victims of the alleged crimes.

Authorities say three pawn shops in Bloomington-Normal were part of an organized retail theft ring that allegedly bought and sold stolen goods still in their original packaging.

The city manager of Bloomington said it's time to raise the public profile of the issue of Eastland Mall improvement.

A dispute over the tax value of Eastland Mall in Bloomington suggests school district and local governments are frustrated with inaction by mall owners and with the retail center's decline. That came through in arguments made before the McLean County Board of Review in an appeal of the 36-acre mall's assessed value.

The Town of Normal is looking for a new restaurant tenant to move into a vacant first-floor space in its Uptown Station.

For those in need of a last-minute holiday gift — a stocking stuffer, gift card, or even a place to spend some Christmas cash — here's just a few options of the many in both Bloomington and Normal.

Beginning Friday and lasting through Aug. 14, the state will reduce its sales tax rate from 6.25 percent to 1.25 percent for certain clothing items costing less than $125 and school supplies.

A group of Illinois senators were joined by officials from the Illinois Retail Merchants Association and state attorney general’s office at a news conference Tuesday to outline an effort to combat organized retail crime.

Pawnbrokers are hoping that supply chain problems will prompt holiday shoppers to consider buying secondhand gifts this year.

Global supply chain issues are resulting in big delays and rising costs for smaller retailers.