Wal-Mart Stores will remain without a chief merchandising officer for its U.S. stores for the time being. Instead, the chain has named four new product heads to take over that responsibility, according to a Reuters report. In a Sept. 3 memo to employees, Bill Simon, chief executive of the U.S. division, outlined four merchandising areas -- general merchandise and replenishment; food; softlines; and a group that includes consumables, health and wellness and walmart.com -- to be led by "seasoned merchants."Wal-Mart’s previous head of merchandising was John Fleming, who left the company as of Aug. 1.
John Fleming
Wal-Mart Stores reported Thursday that its general manager of apparel, Dottie Mattison, has resigned her position. She had reported to chief merchant John Fleming, who is departing Wal-Mart on Aug.1.Mattison shared her position with Lisa Rhodes, senior VP, who was appointed to her role earlier this quarter.
Walmart's strategy is evolving, and would have evolved regardless of what managers are in place. "Taking merchandise out of the Action Alley and providing clear sight lines has been a successful strategy," Spokesman David Tovar said in an e-mail, but added, "We are constantly listening to our customers and some have told us they liked seeing the rollbacks on merchandise in the aisles. .... We have given more autonomy to our store managers to make the decisions on what is right for their customers."
) Wal-Mart Stores on Friday said its chief merchandising officer John Fleming is leaving the company on Aug. 1 after 10 years of service.
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