Charming Shoppes Appoints Executives

Charming Shoppes Inc. (Bensalem, Pa.), a multi-brand apparel retailer specializing in women's plus apparel, has appointed Anthony Romano executive vp – global sourcing and business transformation. Romano joined Charming Shoppes in February 2009, with responsibility for executing the company's business transformation and cost reduction initiatives. His role has been expanded to include global sourcing, distribution, logistics, quality control and quality assurance.

The company announced that Bill Bass has accepted the permanent role of president of the company's Charming Direct division. He joined Charming Shoppes in January 2009 in a consulting capacity, with responsibility for upgrading the company's e-commerce platforms. Other appointments include Lisa Batra as director of e-commerce for the Fashion Bug brand; Kimberly Aylward as director of e-commerce for the Catherines brand; and Jeffrey Liss as vp – strategy, with responsibility for development and management of strategic activities of the company.

Charming Shoppes also announced it has ceased the exploration of the sale of its Figi's Gifts in Good Taste catalog business. Last August, the company initiated that process as part of its strategy to refocus the company's energies on its core brands, but stated it would only enter into a transaction at an acceptable valuation, which has not been achieved.

Charming operates 2272 retail stores in 48 states under the names Lane Bryant, Lane Bryant Outlet, Fashion Bug, Fashion Bug Plus, Catherines Plus Sizes and Petite Sophisticate Outlet.