Former Nordstrom exec to head Saks Off 5th
Hudson’s Bay Co. has tapped a fashion merchandising veteran to lead Saks Off 5th.
The company named Paige Thomas as president of Saks Off 5th, effective immediately. Most recently, Thomas served as executive VP, general merchandise manager, full price - men’s and kids at Nordstrom. Earlier, she held the position of executive VP, general merchandise manager of Nordstrom’s off-price business for over five years during which time she helped drive the growth of Nordstrom Rack, launching its e-commerce site and leading its subsequent integration with HauteLook onto a dual platform with shared inventory, as well as centralizing merchandising teams across three locations. Additionally, she oversaw over Nordstrom Rack openings.
Prior to Nordstrom, Thomas held merchandising leadership positions at Kohl’s and Fred Meyer.
“Paige has a proven track record of achieving aggressive growth within off-price retail through superior cross-channel customer experiences,” said Helena Foulkes, CEO, HBC. “With her deep merchandising background and instinct to quickly capitalize on digital opportunities, I believe Paige is the right leader to further evolve Saks Off 5th and unleash its potential as a true off-price retailer.”
At Saks Off 5th, Thomas succeeds Marc Metrick, president of Saks Fifth Avenue. In January 2018, he assumed leadership of Saks Off 5th, heading up efforts turn around the business. As planned, Metrick’s role will be fully focused once again on Saks Fifth Avenue.
“I thank Marc for his leadership over the past two years and for establishing a solid foundation for Saks Off 5th’s next chapter,” said Foulkes. “From the outset, Marc was committed to turning the business around and setting it up for a dedicated leader, which I’m pleased he accomplished faster than expected. With this transition, he will double down on his tremendous leadership of Saks Fifth Avenue, further capitalizing on its position in luxury and solidifying the business as a category leader.”
Thomas takes on leadership of Saks Off 5th at a time when the off-price chain, which operates some 110 stores, has been showing increased momentum.
“We have seen positive results from strategic shifts in Saks Off 5th’s buying, marketing and service, including three consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales, thanks in large part to our successful digital channel,” said Foulkes. “I am confident in the opportunity for Saks Off 5th and believe now is the optimal time to bring in a dedicated leader.