Rack Room Shoes restructures buying team, launches The Athletic Shop

Rack Room Shoes restructures buying team, launches The Athletic Shop

Rack Room Shoes’ continued corporate growth, increased emphasis on its athletic offering, and mission to be the leading footwear retailer of choice for families nationwide has created new opportunities for personnel within the company.

Former Women’s Associate Buyer Laryssa Grant has been promoted to Women’s Buyer. In her new role, Grant will support the retailer in creating a product portfolio that resonates with the style preferences of today’s modern mom – in comfort, dress and casual categories.

“In her more than 10 years with the company, Laryssa has displayed leadership and excellence in areas of product development, merchandise selection and inventory analysis,” said Rack Room Shoes Vice President of Buying Terry Apple. “We are very fortunate to have Laryssa leading our women’s buying efforts, especially as our retail footprint continues to expand.”

Simultaneously, former Assistant Athletic Buyer Adam McDermott has moved into the role of Senior Project Manager in the Rack Room Shoes Marketing Department. McDermott will oversee the introduction and ongoing marketing strategy of The Athletic Shop, a shop-within-a-shop concept in both brick and mortar stores and e-commerce spaces. The new initiative highlights Rack Room Shoes’ products that cater specifically to customers with an active lifestyle and includes a strong investment in digital growth.

“Adam’s years of experience and deep knowledge of the athletic shoe industry will be an asset to the marketing team as we launch this new effort,” said Jan Mauldin, Rack Room Shoes Senior Director of Marketing. “Athletic sales have always been a crucial part of our business, and we’ve continued to see this sector grow. The Athletic Shop is a way to give our customers’ favorite brands the attention they deserve.”

A new branded look will launch The Athletic Shop which features top selling athletic brands including Asics, Converse, Nike, Vans and Skechers, among others. Online products are differentiated by categories such as running, trail, training and walking, while in-store displays will draw attention to athletic shoes with new, creative point of sale fixtures.

“Our expectation is that the new branding will drive awareness for our extensive athletic offering, as well as bring in new customers who are looking for top-quality, value-priced and stylish footwear that enhances their family’s active lifestyle,” added Mauldin.

About Rack Room Shoes
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Rack Room Shoes is the family footwear retailer of choice.  Known as an innovator in the shoe industry for more than 90 years, Rack Room Shoes offers a wide selection of nationally recognized and private brands of shoes for men, women and children in comfort, dress, casual and athletic categories.  For more information, visit Rack Room Shoes’ website at www.rackroomshoes.com.