After PacSun, Lee Joins Wet Seal
It was announced July 31 that Christine Lee was named executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of The Wet Seal Inc., she will start working for the Foothill Ranch, Calif.–based company on Sept. 3.
The announcement of the Wet Seal job follows on the heels of Lee resigning her position at Pacific Sunwear Inc. Lee served as senior vice president of women’s merchandising and design for the Anaheim, Calif.–based retailer since 2010. The resignation also was announced on July 31.
The beleaguered Wet Seal announced in April that its 54-store contemporary Arden B division would be shuttered. For its first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year, which was announced on May 27, same-store sales declined 16.9 percent. John D. Goodman, Wet Seal’s chief executive officer said that Lee would help turn the company around.
"Christine's track record as a successful merchant and extensive experience in specialty retail and junior fashion will be a tremendous asset to Wet Seal. She is an outstanding merchant who also possesses exceptional analytical and leadership skills. We look forward to the creativity she will bring to the Wet Seal brand as we navigate the changing retail landscape and execute our growth strategies, "Goodman said in a company statement.
Before working at PacSun, Lee spent 18 years at Urban Outfitters Inc. She started her career as a sales associate, and worked her up to the executive position of general merchandise manager, women's apparel and accessories and urban renewal & design.—Andrew Asch
