Five Below names EVP of merchandising

Michael Romanko was named Executive Vice President of Merchandising at discount retailer Five Below, reporting to President Joel Anderson.



Romanko will oversee all aspects of merchandising strategy and operations including product development. He joins Five Below from Patriarch Partners where he served as Chief Design Officer and was responsible for merchandise line building, sourcing and design for 75 businesses, according to a Five Below statement. Romanko is a 30 year retail veteran who held executive positions with national retailers including Macys, Toys "R" Us, Linens 'n Things and Fortunoff.



"We have been working to fill this role for a while now and I am thrilled to have Michael, with whom I have worked previously, join the team," Anderson said. "His broad range of experience and passion for merchandising will complement our seasoned buying and product development teams already in place. Furthermore, Michael's expertise and experience perfectly aligns with the Five Below mission, business and culture."



Romanko assumes his new role Jan. 19.



"We are excited to welcome Michael to the Five Below team," said Tom Vellios, Co-Founder and CEO of Five Below. "As a merchandising driven organization, we have worked hard to build the incredibly talented team we have in place today. As we continue to grow and expand the business, it was important for us to find someone with the right creative vision and expertise to lead our merchandising efforts. A retail industry veteran, Michael is a proven merchant with extensive experience in all aspects of merchandising, product development, branding and sourcing.”