Kinney merchandising department gets makeover

GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. — Regional chain Kinney Drugs has promoted several executives in an effort to realign its merchandising department, the company said Wednesday.

Kinney, which operates stores in northern New York and Vermont, said the promotions would allow it to enhance relations with vendors and product planning and deliver improved product assortments.

"These changes are part of a long-term plan," VP retail merchandising Rick Cognetti said. "We want to ensure that the necessary merchandising structure is in place to support consumer demands and Kinney Drugs' continued success."

Category division manager Cheri Taylor has been promoted to the new position of director of retail merchandising, in which she'll be responsible for developing and implementing sales and promotional strategies, ensuring that sales and gross margin goals are met and the development of effective category management practices.

Merchandising presentation supervisor Marc Baum has been promoted to category manager in general merchandise, replacing the recently retired Sue Easton.

Steve Harris, who recently began working for the company as inventory and replenishment manager, will continue to take an active role in the implementation of supply chain software and will be a key player in developing an "advanced replenishment and inventory-control structure."

Taylor and Harris will report to Cognetti, while category managers will report to Taylor.

"This realignment positions us well for the future and will enable us to better deliver on our strategy of value, convenience and exceptional customer service while meeting the evolving needs of customers," Cognetti said.