Rachel Ungaro & Jim Ferree to support Fashion Bug brand

10 Feb '09

5 min read

Bass is an experienced executive with significant expertise in e-commerce and direct marketing. In 2006, he co-founded Fair Indigo, a multi-channel women's and men's apparel retailer.

In 1999 he joined Lands' End, where he served as Senior Vice President of e-commerce and international. While at Lands' End, Bass led the growth of the direct business to more than a half billion in dollar volume, while pioneering industry-leading technology such as live customer help, virtual models and custom clothing.

After Lands' End became part of Sears, Roebuck & Co., Bass served as the Vice President and General Manager of the direct-to-consumer business at Sears until 2005, where he oversaw a combined business in excess of $1 billion. Prior to Lands' End, he was Group Director of Research for e-commerce and new media for Forrester Research, Inc.

He is Chairman of the Board of Fair Indigo, and also serves as a member of the board of directors of Tractor Supply Company, a publicly traded company operating more than 800 stores nationwide, and The Direct Marketing Association. Bass holds an M.B.A. from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, an M.A. from the Stanford University School of Education, and a B.A. from Princeton University.

Rosskamm commented, "We are extremely pleased to announce that Bill has joined Charming Shoppes. His successes and experience in the direct-to-consumer business are well-known and respected in our industry. He has earned a strong reputation as an innovator and an effective leader, with a strong customer-centric focus. We welcome Bill and look forward to his leadership of Charming Direct."

Rachel A. Ungaro has been promoted to Sr. Vice President, General Merchandising for the Company's Fashion Bug brand, with responsibility for casual apparel, accessories and outerwear for plus and misses apparel.

She joined Fashion Bug in 1999 as a buyer for misses merchandise, and in 2000, was promoted to Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager with additional divisional responsibilities, including plus apparel, swimwear and dresses.

Ungaro also was a buyer for Fashion Bug from 1993 through 1996, and a senior buyer for Limited Brands from 1996 through 1999. Previous to those positions, she participated in the executive training program at Macy's, where she held a number of merchandising and buying positions.

James A. Ferree has joined Fashion Bug as Sr. Vice President, General Merchandising, with responsibility for career apparel, dresses, intimate apparel and footwear for plus and misses apparel. Prior to accepting this appointment, he served Macy's as Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager for women's and petite sportswear. During his 25+ year merchandising career, Ferree has also held merchandise management positions with Stage Stores, Lamonts Apparel, Sycamore Stores and Famous Barr.

Jay Levitt, President of the Company's Fashion Bug brand, remarked, "We are pleased to announce two important senior merchandise management appointments within the Fashion Bug brand. With more than 20 years of experience in merchandising and buying, Rachel Ungaro has repeatedly proven herself as a consistent and competent leader within our Fashion Bug brand, and I would like to congratulate her on her promotion.

I would also like to welcome Jim Ferree to Fashion Bug. He brings a strong background in direct product development and private label product strategy, as well as extensive experience in all facets of fashion merchandising. These appointments support Fashion Bug's planned transition to a lifestyle fashion retailer, with a strong assortments focus on casual and dressy lifestyles."

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