Mervyn’s Turns to Leto

Mervyn’s (Hayward, Calif.) has named Rick Leto, formerly president of Galyan’s Trading Co. (Plainfield, Ind.), as president and chief merchandising officer. He will assume his role on Jan. 5, 2005.

Leto will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing, merchandising, product development, strategic planning and allocation for the 260-unit department store chain.

At Galyan’s, where he was also chief merchandising officer, Leto was responsible for marketing, merchandising, planning and allocation. Prior to joining Galyan’s, he was evp, merchandising, of Kohl’s Department Stores (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) and evp, merchandising, for Macy’s East, the New York-based division of Federated Department Stores (Cincinnati).

“Rick’s strong merchandising background and retail experience make him an ideal fit for Mervyn’s,” said a Mervyn’s spokesperson. “He shares our mission to bring Mervyn’s customers stylish fashions at affordable prices and the best in both private label and national brands for the entire family.”

Mervyn’s, the former division of Target Corp. (Minneapolis), was purchased earlier this year by Sun Capital Partners Inc. (Boca Raton, Fla.).