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Media Contacts:
Carolyn Canington
864-672-4995
[email protected]
Brenda Christmon
704-491-1850
[email protected]
Rack Room Shoes restructures buying team, launches The Athletic Shop
Personnel changes prompted by retailer growth
Charlotte, N.C., March 29, 2016 – Rack Room Shoes’ continued corporate growth,
increased emphasis on its athletic offering, and mission to be the leading footwear
retailer of choice for families nationwide has created new opportunities for personnel
within the company.
Former Women’s Associate Buyer Laryssa Grant has been promoted to Women’s
Buyer. In her new role, Grant will support the retailer in creating a product portfolio that
resonates with the style preferences of today’s modern mom – in comfort, dress and
casual categories.
“In her more than 10 years with the company, Laryssa has displayed leadership and
excellence in areas of product development, merchandise selection and inventory
analysis,” said Rack Room Shoes Vice President of Buying Terry Apple. “We are very
fortunate to have Laryssa leading our women’s buying efforts, especially as our retail
footprint continues to expand.”
Simultaneously, former Assistant Athletic Buyer Adam McDermott has moved into the
role of Senior Project Manager in the Rack Room Shoes Marketing Department.
McDermott will oversee the introduction and ongoing marketing strategy of The Athletic
Shop, a shop-within-a-shop concept in both brick and mortar stores and e-commerce
spaces. The new initiative highlights Rack Room Shoes’ products that cater specifically
to customers with an active lifestyle and includes a strong investment in digital growth.
“Adam’s years of experience and deep knowledge of the athletic shoe industry will be an
asset to the marketing team as we launch this new effort,” said Jan Mauldin, Rack Room
Shoes Senior Director of Marketing. “Athletic sales have always been a crucial part of
our business, and we’ve continued to see this sector grow. The Athletic Shop is a way to
give our customers’ favorite brands the attention they deserve.”
A new branded look will launch The Athletic Shop which features top selling athletic
brands including Asics, Converse, Nike, Vans and Skechers, among others. Online
products are differentiated by categories such as running, trail, training and walking,
while in-store displays will draw attention to athletic shoes with new, creative point of
sale fixtures.
“Our expectation is that the new branding will drive awareness for our extensive athletic
offering, as well as bring in new customers who are looking for top-quality, value-priced
and stylish footwear that enhances their family’s active lifestyle,” added Mauldin.
About Rack Room Shoes
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is the family footwear retailer of
choice. Known as an innovator in the shoe industry for more than 90 years, Rack Room
Shoes offers a wide selection of nationally recognized and private brands of shoes for
men, women and children in comfort, dress, casual and athletic categories. For more
information, visit Rack Room Shoes’ website at www.rackroomshoes.com.
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