Bell Joins Bebe
Renee Bell was named executive vice president, merchandising, for Bebe Stores Inc., a Brisbane, Calif.–headquartered, mall-based, contemporary women’s apparel chain that operates 252 stores across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Bell most recently worked as president and chief merchandising officer for Metropark USA, the City of Industry, Calif.–headquartered, mall-based chain of 67 stores offering contemporary and streetwear looks for men and women. She was named Metropark’s president in June 2010. Prior to that, she had been the chief executive of the chain since 2007. Former Gap brand President Cynthia T. Harriss was named Metropark chief executive in June 2010.
Bell arrives at a time of recovery for Bebe. In 2010, the company debuted the new line Kardashians by Bebe. It also closed its PH8 division, which included 24 stores. On Jan. 6, Bebe released results for its fiscal second quarter ending Jan. 1. Retail sales for the second quarter were $132.7 million, a 2 percent decline from the same period last year. Same-store sales for the fiscal quarter were flat, compared with a 22.5 percent dip during the previous second quarter.—Andrew Asch
