In a move designed to “further strengthen the financial performance of two solid brands,” according to a statement, Hanover Direct is integrating its Domestications and The Company Store divisions. Both titles sell bedding and other home décor items, with The Company Store appealing to a more affluent customer.
John DiFrancesco, who had been helming The Company Store, is now president, The Company Store Group. Farley Nachemin, who had headed Domestications, was named chief merchandising officer of The Company Store Group and president of Domestications.
Edgewater, NJ-based Hanover is also moving fulfillment operations from a leased facility in Hanover, PA, to its own distribution center in Roanoke, VA. About 50 operations and administration employees will be laid off as a result, and the company will take a $2.4 million special charge this fiscal year.
The announcement follows news that the company, which also mails Silhouettes, International Male, and Gump’s by Mail, has appointed Brian Harris executive vice president for human resources and legal as well as secretary, effective Dec. 2. The move follows the Sept. 27 resignation of Charles Messina as executive vice president/chief administrative officer/secretary.
Harris, who had been Hanover’s executive vice president/chief financial officer, will continue to serve as executive advisor to the chairman until he starts his new role in December, according to a Form 8-K filed on Oct. 2 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.