TJX has finally tipped a portion of its hand in its plans for Bob’s Stores, announcing last week its merchant group that will lead its strategy for the value chain. Bob’s has added three merchandise managers, bringing the total to five people which will report to new SVP/GMM Pat Kelly. Kelly, who will take on the new role on January 1, is currently VP/GMM for TJX’s California buying office. Kelly is an 11 year TJX veteran.

Four Bob’s Stores veterans will anchor a merchant team that will also add a solid footwear merchant in Jack Bellini, the former footwear GMM at Foot Locker who had joined the merchant team at The Sports Authority earlier this year.

Andy Annunziata is Assistant VP, Merchandise Manager responsible of Men’s Activewear, Team, and Kid’s Apparel. Ava Hill-Gaunt, is AVP/MM responsible for Men’s Apparel. Lisa Ramos has been promoted to AVP/MM for Young Men’s Action Apparel and Men’s Accessories. Lisa has been with Bob’s for six years, most recently as buyer for Young Men’s Apparel. Kelly Toussaint has also been promoted to AVP/MM for Missy and Junior Apparel after heading the planning and allocation group at Bob’s stores.

Bob’s has also added eleven additional buyers.

Bob’s president David Farrell said he was excited about the new team and the access the resources that new parent TJX provides.

“We’ll be able to spend more time in the market working with our existing vendors and developing relationships with new ones,” said Farrell.