Big Lots appoints new merchandising chief

Big Lots has appointed former Kitchen Collection executive Richard Chene as EVP, chief merchandising officer. Chene will oversee all merchandising and global sourcing strategies and execution, including the development and attraction of talent for the organization.



"Our edit to amplify merchandising strategy will focus on businesses that are top-of-mind with our target customer, Jennifer, and provide her with trend right product assortments at compelling values," said David Campisi, CEO and president. "Rich brings a wealth of experience in merchandising-related strategies that will be directly transferable to our mission to provide her with surprises in every aisle every day. He is well known in the vendor community in many of our merchandising categories, including a multitude of home-related products used in the kitchen, food preparation, tabletop, housewares, and home textiles along with food, consumables, and pet-related products. He is a lifelong merchant with command and a track record of getting results. We're delighted to welcome him as a member of our executive leadership team."



Prior to Big Lots, Chene was president of the Kitchen Collection, a subsidiary of NACCO Industries, which operates a chain of kitchenware stores in the United States specializing in kitchen-related and food preparation products. Chene has also held senior merchandising leadership positions with Petco, Sears Holdings, Giant Eagle and May Company Department Stores. Chene will report directly to Campisi and will replace John Martin.