Hibbett Sports Announces New Merchandising Leadership Team

Rhea-AI Summary

Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ: HIBB) has announced a significant restructuring of its Merchandising Leadership Team, aimed at enhancing consumer focus through a 'toe-to-head' strategy across product categories. The alignment includes the appointment of industry veteran Stephani Smith as VP/GMM Hibbett, who brings 27 years of experience from Nike. This new structure is designed to improve customer shopping experiences by closely targeting specific demographics, particularly women, thereby potentially strengthening Hibbett's market position in the athletic retail sector.

Positive

• New organizational structure aimed at enhancing customer shopping experience.
• Appointment of Stephani Smith, an experienced industry veteran, expected to strengthen women's product focus.

Negative

• Unclear potential impact on existing team dynamics and continuity.
• Possible experience gaps as new leadership settles in.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ: HIBB), a Birmingham based premium footwear and athleisure retailer with nearly 1,100 Hibbett Sports and City Gear stores nationwide, today announced a new structural alignment for its Merchandising Leadership Team. The new alignment will allow for stronger focus on consumers by elevating a toe-to-head connectivity strategy across product categories including: Men's, Women's, and Kid's. The new Hibbett | City Gear structure will be focused "toe-to-head" and organized by gender.  

"Our priority remains delivering the very best products and the most customized ways to shop to our customers," said Jared Briskin, SVP & Chief Merchant, Hibbett | City Gear. "I could not be more excited about the new structure of my team and how we will 'wow' customers with an even more targeted and tailored shopping experience." 

As a part of the new alignment, Hibbett has also announced the hiring of industry veteran, Stephani Smith as VP/GMM Hibbett. Smith brings 27 years of industry experience with Nike, spanning across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Her experience includes Sales and Merchandising, as well as, General Management at both Nike and Converse. In her new role, Stephani will be focused on furthering the development of the holistic women's business by sharply focusing on the female consumer at Hibbett. 

"We could not be more thrilled to have someone with such tremendous experience join our team," said Jared Briskin, SVP and Chief Merchant of Hibbett | City Gear. "Stephani's background and leadership will complement the strength and experience of our current team." 

Merchandising Leadership Team Structure Alignment

• Jared Briskin, SVP & Chief Merchant, Hibbett | City Gear
• Alicia Kahn, VP of Planning, Hibbett | City Gear
• Varetta Banks, VP/GMM Men's, Hibbett
• Lauren Portera, VP/GMM Kid's & Team Sports, Hibbett
• Stephani Smith, VP/GMM Women's, Hibbett
• Brooke Frankel, VP/GMM, City Gear

About Hibbett Sports 
Hibbett, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading athletic-inspired fashion retailer with more than 1,000 Hibbett Sports and City Gear specialty stores located in 35 states nationwide. Celebrating its 75^th year, Hibbett has a rich history of convenient locations, personalized customer service and access to coveted footwear, apparel and equipment from top brands like Nike, Jordan and adidas.  Consumers can browse styles, find new releases, shop looks and make purchases online or in their nearest store by visiting www.hibbett.com.  Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @hibbettsports and @citygear. 

Media Contact: 

Wendy Yellin
WY Marketing & Communications
PR@hibbett.com
925-519-3363

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SOURCE Hibbett Sporting Goods Inc.

FAQ

What is the new organizational structure at Hibbett Sports?

Hibbett Sports has restructured its Merchandising Leadership Team to enhance consumer focus through a 'toe-to-head' strategy.

Who was appointed to the Merchandising Leadership Team at Hibbett?

Stephani Smith has been appointed as VP/GMM Hibbett, bringing 27 years of experience from Nike.

How will the changes affect Hibbett Sports' market position?

The changes are intended to improve targeted marketing and enhance the shopping experience, particularly for women.

What are the key goals of the new merchandising strategy at Hibbett?

The strategy aims to create stronger product connectivity across categories and improve customer engagement.