Blair appoints three executives as part of reorganization

Blair Corp., an online and catalog retailer of apparel and home furnishings, has named three executives to head the company's three new principal operating groups of Merchandising and Design, Merchandise Procurement and Marketing Services.

The reorganization is the result of an effort, started over a year ago, to re-focus Blair’s energies on its core business and position the company for long-term growth, Blair said. It has also sold its credit portfolio to a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems, expanded its internal marketing and advertising capabilities, closed its Crossing Pointe and Allegheny Trail divisions and invested millions of dollars to modernize distribution facilities. Blair, No. 79 in the Internet Retailer Top 400 Guide to Retail Web Sites, posted $91.7 million in 2004 online sales. Online revenues accounted for 15.3% of gross sales last year, up from 11.8% in 2003, the company says.

Blair appointed David Elliott senior vice president of merchandising and design, which will encompass all aspects of women’s wear, men’s wear and home products lines, including design and development.

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Lawrence Vicini, formerly vice president of Blair’s international trade division, has been given additional duties under the new title of vice president of merchandise procurement, overseeing sourcing, inventory management, quality and logistical operations.

Cynthia Dziendziel, formerly director of men’s wear merchandising, has been appointed vice president of customer service.

"Everything we are doing is about better positioning Blair for growth by providing improved customer service and marketing opportunities," said president and CEO John E. Zawacki. "Our overriding goal is to ensure the future of this company as a financially successful, customer-focused organization that is headquartered in northwestern Pennsylvania."

In addition, Blair announced the retirement of two executives: Robert D. Crowley, senior vice president of men’s wear, home and marketing services; and Steven M. Blair, vice president of customer services.