Retailers forced to sell themselves

Frustrated by the poor economy and mounting debt loads, retail chains are increasingly putting all or part of themselves on the discount rack. It's a trend that shows no sign of letting up.

Talbots Inc. (TLB), a retailer whose shares have more than doubled this year, today agreed to sell "substantially" all of its J. Jill apparel and accessories chain aimed at women over 35 to Golden Gate Capital, a San Francisco-based private equity investment firm, for approximately $75 million.