Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation appointed Boyd O. (“Bud”) Clark senior vice president, buying, effective Aug. 1. Thomas J. Schlauch, who has served in that role for 19 years, has resigned from the position effective Aug. 1.
Clark brings 35 years of retail experience, including 30 years as a buyer or merchandise manager. Clark has served in the company’s buying department since 1992, and as vice president, buying, for the last 12 years. Prior to joining the company, Clark was a buyer and divisional merchandise manager at another regional retailer and an independent manufacturer sales representative in the sporting goods industry.
“We are excited to have Bud lead our buying and merchandising team as we continue our efforts to align our product offering with today’s consumer,” said Steven G. Miller, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “With his wealth of experience and as a highly respected buyer in our industry, he has an ideal background to direct Big 5 Sporting Goods buying and merchandising programs. I am confident that Bud will be instrumental as we move forward with our business plan to deliver profitable growth.”
Schlauch has served Big 5 Sporting Goods in various capacities for 44 years. The company intends to enter into an agreement with him under which he will provide transition services and assist in special projects for the company.
Big 5 is a leading sporting goods retailer in the western United States, operating 396 stores in 12 states under the “Big 5 Sporting Goods” name. Big 5 provides a full-line product offering in a traditional sporting goods store format that averages 11,000 square feet. Big 5’s product mix includes athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, as well as a broad selection of outdoor and athletic equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, snowboarding and roller sports.
