(Filed Under Financial and General Interest News). Following the resignation of Jay Levitt, Charming Shoppes, Inc. has chosen MaryEllen MacDowell to succeed him as president of the company’s Fashion Bug division. MadDowell, who has worked for Charming Shoppes since 2002, most recently fulfilled the role of president for its Lane Bryant outlet division.
Jim Fogarty, president and chief executive officer of Charming Shoppes, expressed confidence in MacDowell’s ability to lead Fashion Bug. “MaryEllen is a seasoned and established merchandising leader and we are very pleased to announce her promotion and appointment today,” he said. “She has earned each of her successive appointments with the company, and we look forward to incorporating her vision and expertise as well as her proven successes at the Fashion Bug and our other brands.”
The company has also hired Laura Johnson as executive vice president, merchandising and product development of Fashion Bug, reporting to MacDowell. Johnson most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Zac Posen/House of Z LLC. According to Charming Shoppes, she has nearly 20 years of merchandising and design experience with companies including Urban Outfitters, Barneys New York, Banana Republic and Limited Stores.
As previously reported on BodyMagazine.us, Charming Shoppes continued to post sales decreases during the first quarter ended May 1, 2010, with net sales down 6.2 percent, comparable store sales down 2 percent and Fashion Bug division comparable store sales down 2 percent. However, Fogarty called these sales results “an improvement” over recent quarters.
He indicated that he is hoping to improve them even further with these appointments, saying in a statement: “As in other recent executive announcements, we view these appointments as an investment, and as vital in assisting our brands in succeeding. MaryEllen’s and Laura’s appointments follow a number of important acquisitions of talent we have made over the last year […] I believe our Fashion Bug brand has a great future and further believe MaryEllen, Laura and the rest of the team can help us unlock that future.”
Disclaimer: The views expressed in comments published on bodymagazine.us are those of the comment writers alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of Bodymagazine or its staff.
NOTE: Your Email will not be displayed.