Coldwater’s Pence Retires; Walgreens Launches AARP Catalog; Conney Safety Sold
People On the Move
Coldwater Creek: Dennis Pence, who cofounded this multichannel women’s apparel cataloger 23 years ago, retired as CEO on Oct. 30. He’ll retain his role as chairman, however. President/COO Daniel Griesemer was promoted to president/CEO and will serve on the company’s board of directors. Griesemer joined Coldwater Creek six years ago.
dELiA*s: The multichannel teen/tween apparel company has named Chris DiChiaro as the divisional merchandise manager of its Alloy division. Prior to joining dELiA*s, DiChiaro spent seven years as the vice president of merch-andising of intimate apparel for Victoria’s Secret Direct. dELiA*s also announced the hiring of Lee Bissonnette as senior director of e-commerce. Bissonnette most recently served as the operating vice president of e-commerce and Internet strategy at Bloomingdale’s. Both hires joined the company on Sept. 10.
Acquisitions
Conney Safety Products: The workplace safety products supplier has been acquired by Caxton-Iseman Capital, a New York-based private-equity firm, for $48 million. Conney Safety’s product line includes work gloves that protect against cuts, heat, abrasions and other hazards; hard hats; ear protection; portable eye-wash stations; and respirators. The Madison, Wis.-based B-to-B cataloger had revenue of about $60 million in 2005 and $74 million last year.
Caswell-Massey: The Equitim Group, a Miami-based private equity firm, has bought this health and beauty products cataloger-retailer from BFMA Holdings, a Pompano Beach, Fla.-based investment firm. The Edison, N.J.-based Caswell-Massey offers soaps, lotions, fragrances and accessories.
Catalogers’ Updates
Walgreens: The drugstore retail chain announced the launch of a new catalog, AARP Health Essentials by Walgreens, to provide AARP’s 39 million members access to discounted health, beauty and wellness products. The new catalog and Web site offer a 5 percent discount exclusively for AARP members on more than 20,000 products.
Sierra Trading Post: The discount apparel, footwear and outdoor gear merchant has spun off a new home products title. The Sierra Home & Gift book mailed Sept. 24 to 300,000 customers. The 64-page, slim-jim catalog sells clearance products for the home.
