Strengthening Wet Seal

The Wet Seal Inc. (Foothill Ranch, Calif.), which recently announced plans to sell or close all of its 31 Zutopia division stores, has announced several management appointments designed at strengthening its Wet Seal division and positioning the company for further growth. The company operates 485 Wet Seal and 103 Arden B. stores.

Elayne Masterson has been appointed chief merchandising manager of the Wet Seal division. Masterson, who has worked in senior roles at The Disney Store and The Limited, most recently was vp, merchandise process planning for Wet Seal Inc.

Additionally, Roy Schiefner has been hired as vp, merchandise sourcing for the Wet Seal division. Schiefner previously worked for Levi Strauss and has been a consult to Wet Seal since May 2003. Steve Horak has been named vp, planning and allocation for the Wet Seal division, and Laura Nichols has been promoted to vp, store operations for the company's Arden B. division.

“These appointments further strengthen and support the existing management team within the Wet Seal division,” says ceo Peter Whitford. “The talent and experience that each of these individuals brings to the company will help us reposition Wet Seal as the leading destination for the fashion-forward teenager.”

In addition, the company announced it has opened a satellite design office in Los Angeles. “We believe that design talent in Los Angeles is as strong as it is in other fashion centers,” says Whitford. “This new office will tap into that market and provide support to our in-house design talent.”