Headlines

Charming Shoppes Names Fashion Bug Execs

MaryEllen MacDowell to succeed Jay Levitt as president of apparel retailer

Published

16 years ago

June 16, 2010

VMSD Staff

Charming Shoppes Inc. (Bensalem, Pa.,) has appointed MaryEllen MacDowell as president of Fashion Bug and Laura Johnson as the executive vp, merchandising and product development.

MacDowell joined Charming Shoppes in 2002 and, since January 2009, has served as president of the company's Lane Bryant Outlet division. Her career also includes senior merchandising positions at Federated Merchandising Group, Lord & Taylor, Filene's, Wm. H. Block and Jordan Marsh.

“MaryEllen is a seasoned and established merchandising leader and we are very pleased to announce her promotion and appointment today,” says Jim Fogarty, president and ceo, Charming Shoppes Inc. “We look forward to incorporating her vision and expertise as well as her proven successes at the Fashion Bug and our other brands.”

Johnson 20-year executive career in merchandising and design includes serving as the general merchandise manager and design director of Urban Outfitters, as well as senior merchandise positions at Barneys New York, Banana Republic and Limited Stores. She most recently held the position of president and ceo of Zac Posen/House of Z LLC, a manufacturer of luxury women's apparel.

Charming Shoppes operates 2128 retail stores in 48 states under the names Lane Bryant, Cacique, Lane Bryant Outlet, Fashion Bug, Fashion Bug Plus and Catherines Plus Sizes.

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