Lisa Bachmann, former executive at Ames Department Stores and Casual Corner Group, has been hired by Big Lots Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) to oversee all merchandise planning and presentation groups, set strategic direction and manage supply chain execution.
Her title at the close-out retailing giant will be svp of merchandise planning, allocation, and presentation, and she will report to Kent Larsson, executive vp of merchandising and sales promotion.
Bachmann served most recently as svp of planning and allocation with full-line discounter Ames Department Stores, and before that spent 15 years with the Casual Corner Group, starting as a merchandise planner with the Ups N Downs division, later becoming director of planning and allocation with the Capezio division and vp of planning and allocation for the Casual Corner division.
“We are pleased and fortunate to have someone of Lisa's background and insight joining our team at a time when Big Lots is honing its focus on our customer-centric business model,” said Larsson. “As retailing complexities evolve, it's critical that Big Lots works aggressively to execute its merchandising strategies and product offerings at the highest level.” Big Lots operates more than 1300 retail stores serving 45 states, offering brand name consumables, seasonal products, furniture, housewares, toys and gifts at 20 to 40 percent below most discount retailers and up to 70 percent below conventional retailers.