Jane Gilmartin Named Senior VP, Chief Merchandising Officer For Levitz

Furniture World Magazine

Levitz Furniture, a leading specialty retailer of furniture, bedding and home furnishings, announced the appointment of Jane Gilmartin as Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer. She will report to Tom Baumlin, Chief Executive Officer. Gilmartin, who most recently was Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer for Linens 'N Things, will be responsible for buying, merchandise planning and allocation, and visual merchandising. She has served in senior executive roles within a variety of retail and retail associated environments, including DD's Discounts (a division of Ross Stores), Intercontinental Art, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Fortunoff. "Jane brings an incredible depth and breadth of experience to Levitz and will play a central role in our commitment to deliver an expanded and compelling merchandise assortment to our customers," said Baumlin. "Her diverse experience in fashion, visual merchandising, and executive leadership will be put to immediate use in our strategic and tactical planning as we build on the momentum established in the past few months." Following the recent appointments of Elliott Wahle as Chairman, Baumlin as CEO, and Kathy Guinnessey as CFO, the addition of Gilmartin as Levitz' chief merchant is a key milestone as the Company continues to attract accomplished retail industry veterans to guide the revitalization of the brand. "The newly opened and recently renovated Levitz stores are receiving tremendous support from our customers and trade partners. I'm eager to lead another key element of our plans," said Gilmartin. "Levitz is a world-class brand and an energized organization. We look forward to delivering improved and exceptional style, along with the unparalleled quality and value customers expect from Levitz." About Levitz Furniture: Levitz Furniture is a leading specialty retailer of furniture, bedding and home furnishings in the United States with 78 locations in major metropolitan areas, principally in the Northeast and on the West Coast of the United States as well as its presence on e-commerce site, www.furniture.com. Additional information about the Company and its brands is available at www.levitz.com.