New Pres at Charlotte Russe

Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (San Diego), mall-based specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for young (15-35) women, has announced the promotion of Harriet Bailiss-Sustarsic to president and chief merchandising officer. Bailiss-Sustarsic, 43, had been executive vp and gmm.

“Ever since coming to Charlotte Russe almost five years ago, Harriet has played an instrumental role in the successful execution of our business plan,” said Bernard Zeichner, formerly president who will continue to hold the chairman and ceo titles. “She assisted taking a regional concept, Charlotte Russe, and successfully expanding it across the United States and Puerto Rico. She also played a key role in taking a retail business, Rampage, out of bankruptcy and immediately turning it around to profitability.”

Charlotte Russe operates 175 stores in 25 states and Puerto Rico under two distinct concepts. The Charlotte Russe stores offer fashionable, affordable and market-tested apparel and accessories. The Rampage stores feature emerging fashion trends for women willing to pay somewhat higher prices for cutting-edge merchandise. The company is also testing the Charlotte's Room concept — gifts, accessories and some apparel items for girls and younger women 11 to 19 — and expects to increase the number of stores to eight during the current fiscal quarter.