Retail Briefs

A range of home textiles suppliers contacted by HTT have described a wait-and-see situation in regard to shipping goods to struggling mid-tier retailer Mervyns, which itself is keeping mum.

"We are working with our vendors and lenders, and our stores are working on maintaining business as usual, and maintaining our service to our customers," Mervyns senior manager of communications Roy Berces told HTT. He would not comment further.

Most of the suppliers indicated to HTT they have halted shipments sometime between May andmid-July. In some cases, the vendors said payment and credit terms offered by Mervyns were not acceptable. Some, under confidentiality agreements, were informed by Mervyns of specifics of its financial condition.

Boscov's appears to be the latest retail company suffering from credit problems.

Several home textiles vendors last week confirmed a July 25 report in The New York Post that asserts many suppliers have stopped shipping the company. Vendors told HTT that payments had slowed over the past five months or so, but that Boscov's had remained very open in its communications until earlier this month. Suppliers contacted by HTT reported halting their shipments from two months ago to two weeks ago.

At press time, Boscov's had not returned calls for comment.

Jane Gilmartin has joined Duckwall-Alco as executive vp and chief operating officer. In her new role, Gilmartin will be responsible for merchandising, marketing, supply chain management, and store layout and visual presentation.

Gilmartin's 30 years in the industry include senior vice president and general merchandising manager of home for dd's Discounts, the Ross Stores concept targeting low-income households; president and ceo of International Art; and president and chief merchandising officer of Service Merchandise. She previously held senior merchandising positions at Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n Things and Fortunoffs.

At Duckwall-Alco, she will report to president and ceo Larry Zigerelli.