Target vet joins Lovepop executive team

Lovepop has named its first-ever chief merchant.

The specialty pop-up card and gifts retailer appointed Ted Smetana to the newly created role of chief merchandising officer, effective January 11, 2021. He will lead Lovepop's brick-and-mortar retail partner expansion, consumer insights, product line planning, licensed partnerships and inventory and sales planning. 

 Smetana spent nearly 17 years at Target Corp., most recently serving as VP, merchandise operations from April 2015 to February 2020. During his tenure at the discounter, he was responsible for merchandising across a wide array of categories, as well as the advancement of the company's merchandising operating practices, insights capabilities and technologies.

"Ted is an inspirational and thoughtful leader who will accelerate Lovepop's growth in the retail space and beyond," said Lovepop co-founder and CEO Wombi Rose. "As a seasoned merchant focused first on understanding the customer, Ted will enable our team to continue blending art and science to create magical new ways for our passionate customers to share love."

"I'm over the moon to be joining Lovepop," said Smetana. "At the deepest level, I am motivated by the company's mission to build and enhance human connections. I am blown away by the product, energized by the phenomenal talent, and bullish about the opportunities that stand before us. I am thrilled to be boarding the Lovepop rocketship."