Direct To Consumer (DTC)

SAN FRANCISCO — Gap Inc. is expanding its e-commerce service to Japan. Japaese customers can now shop Gap and Banana Republic products online through its new Japanese e-commerce sites (gap.co.jp and bananarepublic.co.jp).  The sites offer Gap, GapKids, babyGap and Banana Republic products.

Topeka, Kan. -- Following earlier reports on Wednesday that Shopko CEO Paul Jones had departed the company to pursue another opportunity, Payless Holdings has announced that Jones has stepped in as chief executive for the shoe chain.

Jones, whose appointment is effective Oct. 22 and whose retail history includes executive positions with Sears and Kohl’s, will be based in Topeka.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. — The Wet Seal has named four new members to its board of directors and Lynda Davey as chairman of the board.

The new members, who joined effective Oct. 4, include: Dorrit Bern, Lynda Davey, Mindy Meads and John Mills.

San Francisco -- Gap Inc. announced Wednesday that customers in Japan can now shop Gap and Banana Republic products online through its new Japanese e-commerce sites (gap.co.jp and bananarepublic.co.jp). The sites offer Gap, GapKids, babyGap and Banana Republic products.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp., which in February announced it would spin off its Hometown and Outlet businesses as a separate publicly traded entity, said Tuesday it expects to receive about $446.5 million in gross proceeds from an offering tied to the spinoffs.

The offering of rights to purchase shares of the spinoff debuted on the Nasdaq under the "SHOSR" ticker symbol in September. According to Sears, the rights offering expired on Monday; preliminary results show that more than 95% of the options were exercised.

NEW YORK — H&M will cement its place in New York City with the opening of its 13th store in Times Square.

The retailer has announced the lease signing for a 42,500 sq. ft. space that will become part of the NYC skyline, complete with 70 ft. by 70 ft. signage at the top of the store.

The store will feature three floors housing collections for ladies, men and children.

New York -- Inditex’s home-décor concept Zara Home said Tuesday it is unveiling Zarahome.com in the U.S. on Tuesday.

The new e-commerce site will feature home textiles as well as select furniture, tableware, cutlery and decorative accessories.

Zara Home currently operates in 32 countries with more than 325 stores and offers e-commerce in 18 countries.

PHILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters is entered into an exclusive deal with World Co. to bring its Free People brand to Japan.