Stein Mart searching for new chief merchant

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/10/2003 12:00:00 AM

Jacksonville, FL — Stein Mart announced this morning that Gwen Manto has resigned her position as vice chairman and chief merchandising officer to pursue other interests. She also resigned her position on the retailer's board of directors.

Manto joined the company as executive vp/chief merchandising officer in February 2000 and was named vice chairman this past February. She previously worked at Kids Foot Locker, where she was credited with the turnaround of that division of the Venator Group. Prior to that, she was senior vp and gmm of Kids "R" Us and Babies "R" Us. Her department store experience includes senior apparel merchandising responsibilities during 10 years with ich's/Lazarus/Goldsmith's Department stores, and prior to that, 15 years with Macy's Atlanta.

While Stein Mart seeks a successor, the vice presidents in the merchandising, planning and marketing areas will report to company president and ceo Michael Fisher.