Thorpe lines up new merchants at Dollar General

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/7/2006 1:21:00 PM

 Goodlettsville, Tenn. – James Thorpe, the former Sears Holdings executive who joined Dollar General in May as senior vp, gmm for seasonal, home and apparel, now has three key reports, including another veteran Sears/Kmart merchant, Bryan Wheeler.

The move is part of a reorganization of the merchandising structure at the 8,133-store discount chain.

Reporting to Thorpe are: Bryan Wheeler, vp, dmm home; Keith Reynolds, vp, dmm of apparel; and Rick McNeely, vp, dmm seasonal.

Wheeler has more than 20 years experience in merchandising, including stints as vp, gmm hardware for Sears Home Group and divisional vp hard home, Kmart. Reynolds, with 18 years experience, was previously with The Bon Ton Stores and with the Proffitt’s/McRae division of Saks Inc.

Thorpe reports to Beryl Buley, division president of merchandising, marketing and global supply chain. Also reporting to Buley are Dollar General veteran Rita Branham, senior vp, gmm consumables; and Victoria Kopyar, the former candle and accessories buyer at Target who joined Dollar General recently in a newly created position, senior director of product and brand development.