Wal-Mart Shuffles Merchandising Team
August 20 2015 - 8:37PM
Dow Jones News
By Sarah Nassauer
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is shuffling its merchandising team, those
charged with stocking shelves of the world's largest retailer with
a consistent stream of best-selling products.
In a staff memo Thursday, Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Greg Foran said a
handful of executives would be given more responsibility. "These
changes include both exporting talent internationally and expanding
areas of responsibility for some of our most experienced Walmart
U.S. merchants," he wrote in the memo, which was reviewed by The
Wall Street Journal.
The Bentonville, Ark.- based retailer is in the midst of a
massive overhaul of U.S. operations, investing heavily to make
stores pleasant, efficient places to shop with consistently stocked
shelves.
The company is also working to improve sluggish sales in some
international markets, including China.
On Tuesday, the retailer reported a 15% drop in second-quarter
profit, sending Wal-Mart stock sharply lower. Sales in existing
stores increased 1.5%, the fourth quarterly increase after a long
period of declines.
Marybeth Hays, senior vice president of home for Wal-Mart U.S.,
will become chief merchandising and marketing officer for Walmart
China, replacing John Furner. Mr. Furner "will be returning to the
United States in a role to be announced soon," according to the
memo.
Walmart China's same-store sales fell 1.4% in the most recent
quarter.
Ms. Hays's responsibilities will be shared among two current
Bentonville-based merchants, Scott McCall and Terry Price. Rick
Hays, vice president of hardware and paint, will become vice
president of general merchandise for Sam's Club China.
Laura Wilkin, senior vice president of replenishment, will
become senior vice president of flow strategy and systems
innovation. Replenishment will fall to Scott Pleiman in addition to
his current role as senior vice president of strategy, pricing,
planning and modular development.
A Wal-Mart spokesman said the retailer often makes personnel
changes and the moves announced Thursday weren't part of a
cost-cutting effort.
Write to Sarah Nassauer at sarah.nassauer@wsj.com
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 20, 2015 20:22 ET (00:22 GMT)
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