Discount retailer Dollar General Corporation has appointed James Thorpe to Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of seasonal, home and apparel.
Thorpe will lead the buying team in the key non-consumable categories. Along with Rita Branham, a Dollar General veteran who was promoted in March to SVP and General Merchandise Manager of consumables, Thorpe will help develop, direct and execute merchandising strategies for the company. Both Branham and Thorpe report to Beryl Buley, division president of merchandising, marketing and supply chain. Thorpe's appointment is effective May 15th 2006.
Thorpe previously served as the VP and General Merchandise Manager of hard home for Sears Holding Corp, where he built a solid 15-year retail career. At Sears, he was also tapped as VP of business development, divisional merchandise manager of consumer electronics, appliances buyer and commercial sales manager.
"Jim comes to us with exceptional skills and experience in an important merchandise area for Dollar General," said Buley. "He has a sound track record of galvanizing his team and raising the performance of key categories. Jim is an excellent addition to the Dollar General team."
Thorpe holds an MBA from the University of Illinois, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts.
Dollar General is a discount retailer with 8,072 neighborhood stores as of April 28, 2006. It offers convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel, house wares and seasonal items at everyday low prices.
Dollar General Corporation
marketing@alchempro.com
