Audrey Schlaepfer, a 24-year retail veteran with Macy's and Warner Bros., has been named executive vp and chief merchandising officer at Linens 'n Things (Clifton, N.J.). The company says she will be responsible for the strategic of the entire Merchandising Division, product development, branding initiatives, new business development and proprietary products.
She was most recently executive vp of merchandising at Warner Bros., responsible for all strategic initiatives, product development, sourcing, design, buying, planning and allocation. She began her career in 1977 with Macy's, where she held several positions, including vp of merchandising in Home Furnishings prior, to joining Warner Bros. in 1994 as vp of Home, Accessories and Gallery. The following year, she was promoted to senior vp of Hard Goods.
Linens 'n Things operates about 280 superstores (35,000 sq. ft. and larger) in 40 states. It has gradually been shifting its merchandising emphasis, expanding on the “things” (non-linens) part of its business, and opening more large-format stores, especially in the West, while closing its smaller stores.