Charming Shoppes appoints LuAnn Via as group divisional president

LuAnn Via has been promoted to group divisional vice president of multi-channel, plus-sized women’s apparel retailer Charming Shoppes Inc., with leadership responsibility for the Lane Bryant and Cacique brands. She succeeds Lorna Nagler, president of Lane Bryant since 2004, who has left the company.

Via previously was president of Charming Shoppes Catherines brand, having joined the company in 2006. Via’s retail career prior to joining Charming Shoppes spans some 30 years and has included senior leadership, merchandising and product development positions for companies such as Sears, Roebuck & Co., and Saks Inc.

In her new role she’ll be responsible for strategic oversight and operational performance for both the Lane Bryant and the Cacique intimate apparel brands. While Charming Shoppes searches for a replacement to head up its Catherines brand, Dorrit J. Bern, CEO, will take charge in the interim.

“LuAnn has exhibited strong leadership and merchandising capabilities, and has had great success in driving the brand’s financial performance. In the past year and a half, LuAnn has proven to possess a keen eye for identifying growth opportunities,” says Bern. “I expect Lane Bryant to benefit from the leadership and vision that LuAnn will provide.”

Charming Shoppes is No. 100 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.