Schrantz to succeed Zamberlan at Bon-Ton   

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/27/2007 11:36:00 AM

York, Pa. – Department store operator The Bon-Ton Stores said evp stores James Zamberlan will retire at the end of fiscal 2007, and will be succeeded as evp stores and visual by Barbara Schrantz, the current svp merchandise planning and internet marketing.

The change will become effective Feb. 29, 2008, the 280-store company said. Schrantz, who has more than 25 years retail experience, will report to Steve Byers, vice chairman, stores, operations, private brand and planning and allocation.

Prior to joining The Bon-Ton in 2005 as svp product development and private brand, Schrantz held merchandising posts at Proffitt's/McRae's, a division of Saks Inc. She had previously worked at Herberger's.

In other news, Bon-Ton will convert a former Elder-Beerman store and will shut down another.

The Muskegon, Mich. Elder-Beerman will become a 52,000-square-foot furniture gallery under the Younkers nameplate, set to re-open in summer 2008. The company said it will continue to operate its Younkers full-line department store at The Lakes Mall location nearby.

“Our Elder-Beerman customers will find an expanded merchandise selection at our Younkers department store in The Lakes Mall… The addition of the furniture gallery will enhance the total shopping experience for our customers in this market,” said Bud Bergren, president and ceo.

In Morgantown, W.V., the 71,000-square-foot Elder-Beerman Morgantown East store will close. The leasehold interest, acquired by Bon-Ton in 2003 as part of the Elder-Beerman acquisition, will expire Jan. 31 and will not be renewed, the company said.