gap inc

Greetings & Readings, a retail fixture in the Baltimore area for 49 years, is closing in January, blaming sales declines amid Internet competition.

Gap Inc. brands ¿ Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime, Athleta and Intermix ¿ are among a growing group of major U.S. retailers now paying more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour for entry-level employees.

They both sell suits, but in consumers' minds Jos. A. Bank Clothiers and The Men's Wearhouse are distinct brands. That's an advantage that the two biggest menswear chains should strive to keep as they join forces in a $1.8 billion deal, retail experts said.