From KPTH FOX44 News:

A bogus e-mail about a number of well-known businesses closing is landing in inboxes all over the city. Reporter Samantha Suttle clears up the confusion.

On Wednesday, I called more than a dozen local stores and they all had the same response: “Where is this coming from?”

The e-mails in question alert shoppers of businesses that are closing or are scheduled to close. The e-mail suggests you not use credit cards at the listed stores or buy gift cards there either. It claims the gift cards will not be honored after the holidays. However, many of the managers at these Sioux City stores say this information is simply not true and is damaging to business. Some of the stores listed include Eddie Bauer, Talbots, J. Jill, Sprint/Nextel, Home Depot and JCPenney.

The Talbot and J. Jill companies have even issued a statement: “We do not plan to close all Talbots and J. Jill brand stores and there is absolutely no concern in buying a gift card from either brand this holiday season… Talbots and J. Jill remain open in Sioux City at Lakeport Commons.”

So the best advice I came across — don’t believe everything you read. Source