Merchant Paquette Joins Nourison

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/27/2006 12:00:00 AM

Saddle Brook, N.J. —

After more than 20 years working in retail, Paula Paquette has switched to the supplier side of the business, joining area and accent rug producer Nourison, assuming the newly created post of vp, soft home.

Most recently Paquette was vp/gmm of decorative housewares at Linens 'n Things, where she held her post for just over two years until the specialty retailer's new management let her and others go as part of a restructuring of its senior merchant team.

Prior to that she was at Kmart, where her last post was vp/gmm of the home division, which includes the Martha Stewart brand. Earlier she held the positions of merchandise manager, soft home division, and division vp, home fashion division.

Paquette also spent time at Caldor, where she was buyer, bedding, and buyer, table linens, basic bedding and rugs. She began her career with Zayre Stores.

At Nourison she will help expand the supplier's reach at retail for its assorted soft home offerings.

"We are excited with this appointment and believe we will see accelerated growth come from the area under Paula's direction," said Nourison evp Rita Karmiol.