Apparel

Walmart is hoping to catch some of those last-minute shoppers by holding its "Big Christmas Event" on Saturday, Dec. 17. 

On Dec. 17, Walmart said it will offer its lowest prices of the season on toys, games, electronics, bikes and more. In addition, Walmart.com is giving customers an extra day to shop by extending its shipping deadlines. 

Seattle -- REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) announced that it will open its first location in Ohio next fall at Rockwood Commons in Cincinnati. The one-story location will occupy 22,000 sq. ft. and will serve more than 5,000 active REI members as well as other outdoor enthusiasts in the community.

The company also announced that it will open a store in Medford, Ore. The 23,500-sq.-ft., one-story location will open next fall in Alba Village and help outfit approximately 7,300 local active members and other adventurers.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Stein Mart Inc. said Wednesday that it has been put on notice by the Nasdaq exchange because it did not file its third-quarter results by the deadline.

The retailer said it has been given 60 days to submit a plan to regain compliance, or it could be delisted from the Nasdaq exchange.

Minneapolis -- Christopher & Banks Corp. said Wednesday it has named Joel N. Waller as president for a one-year term, effective immediately. He will report to Larry Barenbaum, CEO.

Waller, who is charged with revitalizing the business and putting the company back on track to profitability, was most recently a consultant to various retail companies, including AM Retail Group, Inc./Wilsons Leather. He served as CEO of Wet Seal from 2005 to 2008, and as chairman and CEO of Wilsons Leather before that.

Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl’s Corp. said Wednesday that it has expanded its partnership with Vera Wang Group to launch Princess Vera Wang, a junior collection that will be sold exclusively by Kohl’s beginning August 2012.

The line will be available both in-store and online.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced it will offer extended shopping hours at its stores in 260 markets to give customers extra time to shop for those last-minute gifts. The company announced that select stores will stay open until midnight everyday from Wednesday, Dec. 14 through Friday, Dec. 23. 

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. —  Still looking for the perfect present for the kids in your life? According to The NPD Group, you can't go wrong with toys. The research firm found that among children ages 0 to 14, "toys" was the response given by 44% of caregivers when asked the question, "What is on your child's wish list for the upcoming holiday season?"

NEW YORK — The Tommy Hilfiger Group announced that it has named Avery Baker as chief marketing officer, a newly created position, effective immediately. Baker has been with the company for 15 years, most recently in the position of EVP global communications and marketing. Baker will continue to report to Fred Gehring, CEO of The Tommy Hilfiger Group.

Boston -- Zmags, a provider of rich media mobile and social merchandising, announced that Kenneth Cole has chosen Zmags CommercePro to create integrated web, mobile/tablet and Facebook-commerce brand experiences that drive product discovery and inspire purchase.

Kenneth Cole’s first commerce-enabled catalog launched in November, providing a dynamic and engaging experience to help its customers discover and buy the perfect gift.

New York City -- Retail sales rose 0.2% in November, following a 0.6% advance in October that was more than initially reported, according to figures released Tuesday by the Commerce Department in Washington. The November increase was the slightest gain in five months. Economists projected a 0.6% November increase, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey. Purchases excluding automobiles also rose 0.2%.