Retailer Enhances Customer Shopping Experience Through
New Distribution Technology Systems
HAYWARD, Calif.--As part of its commitment to enhancing the overall customer shopping experience, Mervyns, a leading promotional neighborhood department store, announced today the appointment of Bob Crosslin as senior vice president, supply chain. This leadership addition will ensure Mervyns delivers quality merchandise to its customers in the most cost effective and efficient way. Crosslin brings to the Company more than 30 years of experience in distribution and logistics services across multiple retail channels. He will report to Vanessa Castagna, executive chairwoman of Mervyns’ board of directors.
As senior vice president, supply chain, Crosslin will oversee Mervyns’ two distribution centers, distribution systems, as well as the transportation, logistics, engineering and vendor technology departments. In this new role, Crosslin will focus on leveraging the full potential of the new Mervyns systems, enhancing productivity levels and realizing increased efficiencies within the supply chain organization.
“The recent installation of the Mervyns’ supply chain technology systems marks a major milestone in our journey as an independent company,” said Vanessa Castagna, executive chairwoman of Mervyns’ board of directors. “As we continue to invest in Mervyns’ future, Bob’s in-depth industry expertise and strong leadership abilities will be instrumental as we evolve our supply chain organization to help achieve our ultimate goal – improving the shopping experience and value we offer our customers.”
Crosslin joined Mervyns from Cerberus Capital Management, where he served as a supply chain consultant. Prior to Cerberus, Crosslin was with Pinetree Holdings, a third-party logistics services company, where he was principal and chief executive officer. Prior to that, Crosslin served as vice president, logistics for Food Lion, a Southeastern-based food retailer. During his tenure, he had operational responsibility for eight full line distribution centers and oversight of logistics to support the $10.5 billion chain of 1,250 stores in 11 states. Crosslin also served as director of fleet services for Ralphs Grocery Company, a $5 billion grocery retail chain with more than 350 store locations. Crosslin began his career in logistics and transportation management roles with the Southland Corporation and the Dr. Pepper Company.
About Mervyns
Mervyns LLC, headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a family-friendly promotional neighborhood department store offering trend-right fashions and home décor for the entire family at affordable prices. With 187 locations in 10 states, Mervyns has a well-earned reputation for its extensive selection of national and private-label fashions and housewares. Community giving has been a cornerstone of the company’s business since 1949, with a focus on improving the lives of children and families by giving back to its communities by way of volunteerism and through its signature program, ChildSpreeSM. Since 1992, Mervyns’ award-winning annual ChildSpree program has donated more than $19 million in shopping sprees and served over 190,000 economically disadvantaged children in need. For a list of store locations, or for additional information, visit Mervyns’ Web site at www.mervyns.com.
