Payless ShoeSource names GM for women's, accessories

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource, a business unit of Collective Brands, has named Michele Bergerac SVP and general merchandise manager for Payless' women's and accessories businesses, reporting to LuAnn Via, president and CEO for Payless.

Bergerac will oversee product creation and merchandising for the Women's footwear and accessory collections, covering a range of categories including dress, sandals, casuals and boots for women, as well as accessories including handbags, socks and hosiery, scarves, jewelry and beauty and body products.

Since 2009, Bergerac most recently served as divisional VP divisional merchandise manager for soft home goods at the Marmaxx division of TJX. Prior to TJX, Bergerac served as president, chief merchant for Bakers Footwear Group from 1999 to 2007, and from 1998 to 1999 she served as president for Edison Footwear Group. She served as VP women's, men's and vhildren's Shoes for Foley's from 1991 to 1998. Prior to Foley's, she served as VP divisional merchandise manager, women's shoes at G.Fox from 1987 to 1991 and as a buyer at May Company California from 1982 to 1987. Bergerac began her career in New York at Abraham & Straus, working her way up from the executive training program to buyer of junior and misses shoes during 1977 to 1981. Bergerac earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University.