NOT TRUE: Retailers are reacting to an e-mail on the Web that seems aimed at making consumers fearful of gift cards. The e-mail contended stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling gift cards that won’t be honored after Jan. 1. The message was followed by what appears to be a new list of store closings — when in actuality, many were announced earlier this year. The e-mail also falsely indicated that J. Jill is closing, when in fact the parent company, The Talbots Inc., said it has put the chain up for sale. One of the retailers on the list, AnnTaylor Stores Corp., said, “It has come to our attention that false and misleading information, regarding our company and our store closure program, is circulating on the Web as part of a hoax to scare consumers away from purchasing gift cards.” The company stressed its financial health and said it revealed plans last January to close 117 underperforming stores over a three-year period. The company stressed its gift cards will continue to be honored at all of its stores as well as on its Web site.
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