Levitz Taps Gilmartin to Head Merchandising

August 7, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on August 2006 Jane Gilmartin has joined Levitz Furniture as senior vice president and chief merchandising officer. She reports to Chief Executive Officer Tom Baumlin and will be responsible for buying, merchandise planning and allocation, and visual merchandising at Levitz’s 78 furniture and bedding stores.

Gilmartin came to Woodbury, N.Y.-based Levitz from specialty retailer Linens ‘N Things, where she served as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Her senior executive retail experience also includes working with 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,” Baumlin said. “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 chief financial officer, Gilmartin’s appointment to head Levitz’s merchandising effort is another step in the company’s move to revitalize its retail brand.

“The newly opened and recently renovated Levitz stores are receiving tremendous support from our customers and trade partners,” Gilmartin said. “I’m eager to lead another key element of our plans.”