Rack Room Shoes has strengthened its merchant team, promoting Melanie Ortlieb to senior director of planning and allocation and three senior buyers from the merchandising team.
In her new position, Ortlieb oversees and directs merchandise planning and inventory allocation policies. She joined Rack Room Shoes in 2019.
The family footwear retailer also promoted Nichole Duck, senior buyer, Women’s Active, Casual & Dress; Laryssa Grant, senior buyer, Women’s Athletic; and Chris Otto, senior buyer, Men’s Athletic.
“In addition to having a forward-thinking mindset, anticipating trends and developing strategies, our merchant team embraces the belief that evolution is key to long-term success,” said Brian Burnett, GMM and vice president of merchandising for Rack Room Shoes. “As we continue to evolve and plan for the next 100 years, it is necessary to energize and strengthen our merchant development through strategic vision, internal advancement and more of a presence with women in leadership roles.
The merchant team strengthened key categories with additional moves—Katherine Barton, buyer, Accessories; Tiffany Lane, buyer, Kid’s; Randy Woodworth, planner; and Chaela Avramovich, planner.
Rack Room Shoes operates more than 500 locations nationwide under the Rack Room Shoes and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse brands.
