Kellwood hires ex-Wal-Mart apparel vp

NEW YORK Hope Brick, a former Wal-Mart vp of apparel, accessories and footwear design, has been appointed chief merchandising officer of Kellwood's Lifestyle Alliance, according to Patrick Burns, group president of The Lifestyle Alliance. In this newly created post, she will provide the leadership and oversight for the design, merchandising, marketing and category management functions for Kellwood's mainstream brands.

Brick most recently, she served as vp of at Wal-Mart, where she spearheaded and managed the launch of the retailer's New York design office. Prior to that, she held executive merchandising leadership roles with three operating arms of the May Department stores including Robinsons May, May Department Stores International, and Foley's. She began her career in fashion as a buyer with Macy's, where she ascended to fashion director before departing.

"Hope's comprehensive background in fashion trend direction and merchandising in the retail arena is a welcomed addition to our alliance. She is an accomplished merchant with extensive knowledge of the mainstream market and will certainly enhance our ability to better serve and partner with our retailers," said Burns.