Share this on

Claire's hires new CEO, moves ahead with bedding plans

Staff -- Kids Today, 6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Eugene Kahn, former chairman and CEO of May Department Stores, has joined Claire's Stores as CEO.

Claire's, a 3,000-store retailer of teen and tween fashion accessories, completed its merger/acquisition by an affiliate of Apollo Management, the firm that also owns Linens 'n Things.

The licensing agreement for Whisper Soft Mills to produce bedding and home décor under the Claire's Room brand has survived the corporate change of ownership.

Whisper Soft Mills president Vincent DeRosa said, "We will ship by the end of July into early August" for the back-to-school launch of the Claire's Room bedding. Retailers carrying the line will be announced before then.

DeRosa said pieced and appliquéd comforter sets are set to retail at $79.99 twin, with 200-thread count sheet sets at $29.99. In terms of styles, DeRosa said, "We've sold five of the cut-and-sew beds, and several of the pajama print group."

The collections include Miss Royalty, Pop Culture, School of Hearts, Cupcake Lime and Leather & Lace.

Peter Copses, a senior partner of Apollo, said of Kahn's executive appointment, "Gene Kahn is a proven executive in the retail industry whose leadership skills and background as an effective merchant were the ideal combination we were looking for in a CEO for Claire's."

Claire's also has announced that Mark Smith has rejoined the company as president and managing director of its European operations. Smith co-founded one of the predecessors to Claire's U.K. business and successfully led the European operations of Claire's from 1996 to 2002.

School of Hearts is one of several Claire's Room debuts from Whisper Soft Mills. Bedding will be in stores in time for back-to-school sales.

Share this on

Talkback

We would love your feedback!

Featured Company

Panjiva

Panjiva is the leading intelligence platform for global trade professionals. With detailed information on 1.5 million companies that do business across borders, Panjiva is the go-to source for information for global trade professionals who want to find... more