Retailer Shopko hires a chief marketing officer

Shopko Stores Operating Co., a Midwestern retail chain that sells online at Shopko.com, has hired Nancy Altman as its chief marketing officer.

Altman previously worked as senior vice president, marketing, for Premier Salons, the operator of some 300 beauty salons, according to her LinkedIn profile. Between May 2004 and August 2009 she was vice president of marketing for Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. Prior to Ulta Salon, she was senior vice president, sales promotions, for Saks Department Store Group.

Saks Direct is No. 38 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide. Ulta is No. 337. Shopko is No. 584 in the new edition of the Internet Retailer Second 500 Guide.

Earlier this year, Shopko bought retail chain Pamida, based in Nebraska where it operated 193 stores. Shopko then went to work converting traffic from Pamida.com—which provided information about products but did not allow consumers to buy via e-commerce—to Shopko.com. Shopko also said it would convert most Pamida store locations to Shopko Hometown stores, combining pharmacies with department stores.

"Following our recent merger with Pamida, strategic marketing will be a vital element in our effort to seamlessly fold the two brands into one and clearly communicate the Shopko Hometown difference to current and new customers," says Paul Jones, president, chairman and CEO of Shopko. Altman, he adds," brings high-level marketing experience, a proven track record of success and a fresh perspective to our team that will be invaluable as we work toward our vision to become America's hometown retailer through expansion of our Shopko Hometown retail concept."