Department Store

The folks at Echochamber.com, a London-based consultancy, have a knack for rooting out hot retail concepts around the globe. Here’s a recap of the retailers who make up their latest “Top 10 Unmissable New Stores” report:

Dallas -- Alliance Data Systems Corp. said Monday that it has acquired the receivables associated with The Talbots Inc.’s existing private-label credit card file, and will acquire the credit card accounts, pending regulatory approval. The receivables portfolio totals about $145 million.

Alliance Data also said that its Retail Services business will provide private-label credit card services for Talbots, as well.

New York -- Saks Inc. said Monday it has launched AT&T Wi-Fi at all 44 retail locations nationwide.

The AT&T Wi-Fi network connects shoppers with mobile tools such as the new Saks Fifth Avenue app, which offers features such as shareable wish lists, fashion look books, event calendars and more. AT&T customers with select Wi-Fi enabled devices will auto-authenticate to the in-store Wi-Fi service, so frequent shoppers will be automatically connected to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Wi-Fi each time they re-visit the store.

Foothill Ranch, Colo. -- The Clinton Group Inc., a 7% shareholder in Wet Seal, made a formal request on Monday to replace most of the retailer’s current board of directors.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. said Monday it has named Rebekka Bay as creative director and executive VP for Gap Global Design, effective Oct. 1.

Bay is most noted for conceptualizing, developing and launching the COS brand for Hennes & Mauritz. She spent five years as creative director at COS.

Bay will be responsible for Women’s, Men’s, 1969, Accessories and Body lines worldwide.

Plano, Texas -- J. C. Penney Company said that in conjunction with an open house tour of its new in-store shops, the company will webcast a question and answer session with its chief executive officer, Ron Johnson.

The question and answer session will be held on Sept.19, starting at approximately 2:45 p.m. ET and will be available via live webcast on J.C. Penney’s Investor Relations page.

Replays of the webcast will be available for up to 90 days after the event.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings disclosed in a regulatory filing that "because we believe that the company has substantial liquidity and financial flexibility," the company has elected to contribute an additional $203 million to its domestic pension plan on Sept. 14, after which the plan will be 80% funded under applicable law.

Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) said Friday it is applauding the impending implementation of sales tax fairness in California, which stands to even the playing field between bricks-and-mortar retailers and online competitors.