Charming Shoppes Appoints Executives

Charming Shoppes Inc. (Bensalem, Pa.) has appointed Anthony Romano as president and ceo and Brian Woolf as group president – Lane Bryant. Romano also was named to the company's board of directors.

Romano joined the company in February 2009 as executive vp – global sourcing and business transformation and was promoted to the position of chief operating officer in October 2010. Since then, he has also served as an acting chief executive officer assuming responsibility for the overall operations of the company.

“Tony's extensive experience managing and working in the many facets of apparel retail operations, and especially his knowledge and familiarity with Charming Shoppes in its current business turnaround mode were key considerations in his appointment,” says Michael Goldstein, chairman of the board of directors of Charming Shoppes.

Romano’s career also includes posts at Ann Taylor and Ernst & Young.

Woolf will oversee the Lane Bryant, Lane Bryant Outlet and Cacique intimate apparel brands. He has served as the president of the company's Lane Bryant and Cacique brands since July 2008. Prior to joining Lane Bryant, he served as chairman and ceo of Cache Inc.

The company, which operates 2064 retail stores in 48 states under the names Lane Bryant, Cacique, Lane Bryant Outlet, Fashion Bug, Fashion Bug Plus and Catherine’s Plus Sizes, announced its total net sales grew 7 percent for the fourth quarter ended January 29, 2011, and same-store sales were up 9 percent.