Nathan has hired Michael Lewis to the key position of director of product planning, purchasing, and merchandising.
 
This latest move is indicative of Nathan’s continued dedication to brand growth, presence, and commitment to retailer partnerships in running specialty doors and all major sporting good chains. Lewis will support retailers by developing a merchandising strategy that drives sales for the brand’s growing line of best-selling accessories through powerful and consistent visual in-store presentations, compelling product assortment offerings, and strategic inventory purchasing, management, and allocation.
 
“Having had the opportunity to experience Michael’s profound insight and understanding of the retail space first-hand, I’m personally very excited to bring such a vibrant, skilled, and committed soul on board,” says Bridgit Lombard, EVP of Penguin Brands, Inc., Nathan’s parent company. “His unsurpassed ability to plan for and deliver on long-term goals, while also focusing on the more intricate details of merchandising, will play an integral role in supporting our retailers in the most robust way possible.”
 
Most recently, Lewis worked at City Sports’ headquarters as the category manager for equipment and licensing, a role he assumed in 2008 after working his way up the ranks from store manager to equipment and license buyer. During his time at City Sports, Lewis deftly mixed his keen understanding of consumer buying behavior and upcoming product trends with disciplined management of annual budgets in sales, inventory levels, and turn, resulting in double-digit revenue increases in his category.
 
“I’m excited by the opportunity here at Nathan to grow both personally and professionally,” Lewis says. “I know from my time at City Sports that the folks at Nathan are a very motivated and curious bunch. There’s a real commitment to rethinking how accessories are conceived, used, considered, and merchandised at retail, and I am really excited about the opportunity to enhance the brand’s impact on the retail floor and ultimately, how it resonates with both retailers and consumers.”
 
A Massachusetts native, Lewis earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing communication, advertising, and public relations from Emerson College before continuing his studies at Northeastern University, where he’s currently working toward his master’s degree in Sports Leadership.