Apparel

The 2010 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards program recognized retailers from across the nation. Several of the regional retail winners are profiled below.



Matt Rubel learned his craft at an early age. The 52-year-old chief of footwear giant Collective Brands Inc., parent to such brands as Payless ShoeSource, Stride Rite and Sperry Top-Sider, was introduced to retail by his parents.


“I worked in their stores growing up, starting at a very young age,” Rubel said. “I learned that I loved customers and their passion for shopping.”


Rubel has remained true to his early vocation. After graduating college in 1979, he started his career at the legendary Bonwit Teller in New York. From there, he went on to hold leadership positions at some of the nation’s most prominent retail brands. From 1999 to 2005, Rubel served as chairman, president and CEO of Cole Haan, a subsidiary of Nike, where he led a multi-year turnaround,

New York City -- Aeropostale announced that, effective immediately, Thomas P. Johnson, co-CEO, has been named CEO. Mindy C. Meads, who has served as co-CEO along with Johnson since February 2010, will leave the company to pursue other interests. She will stay for a short period to ensure a smooth transition.

Hudson, Ohio -- Jo-Ann Stores reported net income for its fiscal 2011 third quarter ended Oct. 30, of $29.1 million, up from $24.1 million in the year ago period. The retailer also raised its full-year outlook.

Net sales for the third quarter increased 5.1% to $535.3 million, from $509.1 million last year. Same-store sales increased 4.1%.

Chairman and CEO Darrell Webb said the chain was encouraged by the results in its new and remodeled stores, and was increasing its plan for both new store openings and remodel projects in fiscal 2012.

New York City -- Developers Diversified Corp. announced the introduction of six new locations for teen fave Five Below in 2010. The stores were opened in Ohio; New Jersey; North Carolina; and New York.

Five Below currently operates over 100 discount stores across the country and intends to double its store count by the end of 2011 through a massive expansion spree.

Seattle -- Nordstrom plans to open a new Rack discount store next fall in the Portland suburb of Tigard, Ore.

The retailer said the new 45,000-sq.-ft. t store will open in Cascade Plaza in Tigard, about a mile away from a full-line Nordstrom store in the Washington Square shopping center.