Gribetz back at Bloomies
Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/12/2001
NEW YORK -Lester Gribetz, one of home furnishings' premier merchants is returning to his roots-Bloomingdale's-as vp, home furnishings fashion direction, a new position.
Gribetz reports to Joe Laneve, senior vp, gmm of home. The divisional home fashions directors will report to Gribetz.
"We are thrilled that we are able to have Lester return to the Bloomingdale's family. His 40-plus years of fashion leadership in the home area are a valuable asset to our organization. Our home area is of great importance to the Bloomingdale's brand, and Lester will be a key player," said Michael Gould, Bloomingdale's chairman and ceo.
Gribetz began his retail career at Bloomingdale's in 1954 in the executive training program. He spent most of his career involved in home furnishings, becoming senior vp of home in 1977, gmm of home and cosmetics in 1979 and executive vp, general merchandise manager, home, cosmetics and restaurants in 1980. In 1989, he was named vice chairman with added responsibilities for special merchandising projects including private-label marketing and the men's division.
In 1992, Gribetz, and former Bloomingdale's chairman and ceo Marvin Traub, formed MTLG Acquisition Corp, with other investors and acquired the then Conran's home furnishings specialty chain from British-based Storehouse.
Gribetz later ran his own consulting business specializing in marketing for manufacturers and designers' merchandise.
