J.C. Penney to close 130 to 140 stores

J.C. Penney said Friday that it will be closing anywhere from 130 to 140 stores as well as two distribution centers over the next several months as it aims to improve profitability in the era of online shopping. The closures represent about 13% to 14% of the department store operator’s current store count, and less than 5% of total annual sales.

Nordstrom drops Ivanka Trump brand from its stores

Nordstrom Inc. will stop selling the controversial Ivanka Trump brand this season, a move that follows boycott threats and concerns about the first daughter’s conflicts of interest. The department-store chain made the decision based on sales, according to a statement from the Seattle-based company.

Nordstrom turns to electronic-gifting service amid shift online

Nordstrom Inc., fighting to stay relevant with consumers who are shifting their spending online, is letting shoppers digitally send each other presents this holiday season. The upscale retailer has partnered with gift card provider CashStar Inc. to let customers email specific items from the retailer’s website to people on their holiday lists.