Gordmans names new head merchant

Lisa Evans has joined Gordmans Stores as EVP and chief merchandising officer as the apparel and home décor retailer looks to restore growth following another disappointing quarter.



Evans appointment to the head merchant role at the 98 store chain was announced in conjunction with third quarter results that saw same store sales decline 7.8% on top of a prior year decline of 6.1%. Net sales declined 3.1% to $146.7 million. The company reported a net loss of $1.9 million, or 10 cents a share, compared to a prior year profit of $1.1 million, or 6 cents a share.



"Our third quarter earnings per share met the low end of our guidance range despite our disappointing 7.8% decrease in third quarter comparable store sales," said Andy Hall, Gordmans president and CEO. "The sales decline was magnified by a 2.5 percentage point comp penalty related to clearance sales as a result of reducing clearance inventory levels in the second quarter. In addition, third quarter sales were negatively impacted by record high temperatures in October this year versus record low temperatures last October."



Hall said the company is showing signs of operational improvement heading into the fourth quarter with reduced and fresher inventory levels and a favorable early reaction from shoppers regarding holiday offerings.



Another positive factor is the addition of Evans, a merchant with prior experience at Carters and Macy’s.



"Lisa is an exceptionally accomplished leader and merchant. Her experience in senior merchandising and branding leadership roles with world-class retail organizations positions her to make an immediate impact to the ongoing success of Gordmans,” Hall said. “Being highly respected in the industry and vendor community, she will be pivotal in building stronger relationships with branded resources.”



Evans most recently served as EVP and brand leader at Carters. Prior to that she served as SVP/GMM at Macy’s and earlier in her career worked for Kaufmann’s and the Foley’s division of the former May Company.



"Gordmans has a rich tradition and loyal guest base which, coupled with its unique market positioning, has the company primed for tremendous success," Evans said. "I am excited to join this talented team and to drive incremental shareholder value."