Browne leaving Wickes VP position after 17 years
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 23, 2003
Wheeling, Ill. — Industry veteran Joe Browne, vice president of merchandising for Wickes Furniture, has resigned after 17 years with the retailer.
He said he has no specific plans but intends to stay in the industry.
Wickes hasn't decided on a replacement, said Howard Slavin, named Wickes president earlier this year.
Browne worked with former Wickes Chief Executive Officer John Klein for 22 years, first at Burdines in Florida, where he was a divisional merchandise manager of furniture, and then at Wickes.
"I believe it's time for me to move on," Browne said. "I've enjoyed my time here, and I think Wickes will do very well and be very successful going forward. Rooms To Go has an excellent formula which will work for Wickes Furniture as well."
Rooms To Go and Sun Capital Partners acquired 34-store Wickes last summer. Slavin has said Wickes plans to replicate what RTG has done "by taking advantage of their buying power, merchandising expertise and advertising expertise."
Slavin praised Browne's work at Wickes, calling him "a loyal and dedicated executive who performed at the highest level."
Reports: Mervyn’s may file Chapter 11
07/22/2008Stalking horse bidder on Wickes leases named
03/10/2008Klein ousted as president, CEO of Wickes
12/14/2002Former Wickes Furniture HQ to be sold today
11/10/2008Slavin joins Wickes
09/28/2002
