Retail Briefs

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/6/2006 12:00:00 AM

Pamida Names Johnson President and CEO

Pamida, which operates 216 general merchandise stores across the Midwest, has named Larry Johnson president and ceo. Johnson was most recently vp of the Wal-Mart Stores division Sam's International.

Prior to his tenure at Wal-Mart, Johnson was in senior management at Toys 'R' Us, Victoria's Secret and Carter Hawley Hale. Johnson takes over the post at Pamida from Mike Hopkins, who is leaving the company.

Pamida is a division of ShopKo Stores, which was recently taken private by Sun Capital Partners.

Garnet Hill Licensed Rugs by Trans Ocean Are All Natural

Natural fiber home product catalog Garnet Hill is collaborating with area rug supplier Trans-Ocean in creating a collection of rugs. Consistent with Garnet Hill's tradition in selling natural goods, all of the rugs are made of 100% wool and are either tufted or hooked, depending on the design.

Under the licensing partnership, Garnet Hill provides designs and Trans-Ocean produces the rugs.

The initial group of the Garnet Hill Rug Collection consists of seven patterns — all based on original Garnet Hill artwork — in a variety of colors and qualities. These rugs are for sale at Garnet Hill's Web site, www.garnethill.com and its catalog, as well as at the stores of Trans-Ocean's retail customers.