Apparel

Change at the top is an inevitable fact of life in any profession, and retail is no exception. While the reasons behind the need to find a new chief executive vary widely, the incoming executives face a common challenge: taking the business — be it faltering or thriving — forward without missing a beat.

New York City -- From the shimmering windows at Harrods in London to the gold-draped storefront at Gucci in New York, Chain Store Age has put together a collection of the best of this year’s holiday windows from around the world.

Click here to view our slideshow and prepare to be transported.

New York City -- It’s true: Everything old is new again. New York City’s retail maven, Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman’s Retail Leasing, Marketing & Sales Division, has put together a list of her favorite store makeovers of the past year. As Consolo notes, even the most iconic stores must constantly present a new, fresh face to keep shoppers coming. Here are her faves:

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart announced that D. Hunt Hawkins, previously the company's executive VP and chief administrative officer, has been named COO.

"Hunt has been an important part of Stein Mart since 1994 and has had a key role in our significant operational improvements over the last several years," commented Jay Stein, interim CEO of Stein Mart. "This is a great reward for his many years of quality service."

New York City -- Talbots Inc. has rejected a buyout offer from private-equity firm Sycamore Partners its biggest shareholder, saying the bid “substantially” undervalues the company. The bid was valued at approximately at $205.2 million.

Sycamore is Talbots biggest shareholder, with a 9.9% in the company. In a statement, Talbots called the proposal inadequate and said it will explore its strategic options to help maximize value for its shareholders. The retailer did not set a deadline for when its review will end.

San Francisco -- A new survey conducted this past weekend by Visa Inc. shows that 77% of consumers still need to buy holiday gifts this week. These last-minute shoppers will spend an average of $278 in the final days leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Paul White to the position of EVP and chief merchandising officer. White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

“Through Paul’s leadership and strategic vision, Family Dollar has created a compelling mix of discretionary merchandise, which has led to a more fun place to shop for our customers,” Bloom said. “Paul’s promotion will help us continue to broaden our appeal and deliver greater value to our customers.”

Being a celebrity athlete creates all sort of opportunities to leverage one’s likeness through licensing deals, oftentimes in ways that are inconsistent with the image and accomplishments that propelled the athlete to greatness.

Matthews, N.C. -- Family Dollar Stores said Monday that it has named Paul White as executive VP, chief merchandising officer. He will report to Michael Bloom, president and COO.

White joined Family Dollar in 2011 as senior VP, apparel, home and seasonal. Before joining the company, he served as the past president, CEO, and director of Goody’s, where he refocused the merchandising and marketing strategies on the core customer while leading the company’s exit from bankruptcy.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — eBay announced that it has partnered with Toys“R”Us, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Aeropostale for a new incentive for you to spend money online and in stores.

According to the companies, when customers spend $100 online using PayPal at Toys“R”Us or Babies“R”Us on eBay, ToysRUs.com, BabiesRUs.com, Dicks Sporting Goods or Aeropostale.com, they will earn $10 to shop in-store.