Anna's Linens to open 30 new stores, adds new execs

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/20/2011 4:02:10 PM

Costa Mesa, Calif. - Anna's Linens is on track to open a minimum of 30 new stores this year, with 13 already up and running, and is supporting the expansion with two new hires to its executive team.

The privately home linens and furnishings chain opened its first location in 1987 in Los Angeles.

"In 2003, the 15th year of business, Anna's reached 100 stores nationwide. By the end of 2011, Anna's Linens will have 300 stores. We couldn't be happier with the growth and success we are experiencing," said Alan Gladstone, founder and ceo of Anna's Linens.

Anna's Linens has named Tracy Servaes senior buyer of tabletop and decorative accessories and appointed Lance Stern director of e-commerce.

Servaes comes to Anna's Linens from Garden Ridge in Katy, Texas, where she spent the past four years in buying and management positions. Her new duties include "keeping Anna's Linens ahead of the latest trends" in home décor, tabletop and decorative accessories, and employing her expertise in fashion for the home to continue to grow the brand, the retailer said.

"We know that Tracy will utilize her high-level retail and buying experience to manage these buying responsibilities at Anna's. We look forward to her bringing a fresh look to Anna's Linens' vital tabletop and accessories departments," said Carie Doll, chief merchandising officer.

Stern brings to Anna's Linens several years experience working in high-level management positions in which he helped establish e-commerce businesses for several other retailers. At Anna's, he is charged with managing the company's online business, which is Anna's Linens' fastest growing segment, and overseeing improvements in the functionality and aesthetic of the website as well building a state-of- the art fulfillment center.

"After a long and careful search, we're confident that Lance is the right person for this position and we are excited to have someone of Lance's caliber and expertise on the Anna's Linens team," said Steve Strickland, vp of marketing and e-commerce.