Venture overhaul empowers buyers - Venture Stores Inc - part 1

Discount Store News, Nov 6, 1995 by James Mammarella

The new plan is built around power presentations of more focused merchandise. In women's jeans, for example, Venture's new senior vp, gmm women's apparel, Jerry DeBoer, said that he expects to trim the current seven brands down to three brands in the new Venture: one higher-end national brand, one economy-priced brand and a Venture private label brand.

Wildrick said that the store layout will better serve customers, as will the new buyer responsibilities. "Light bulbs won't be in five departments, as they are now. They will be in one lighting department, along with lamps. Backpacks won't be in five different areas, bought by five different buyers--luggage, sporting goods, accessories, children's and stationery. One buyer is buying backpacks."

Yet another department store merchant has joined Venture's management: Ed Uchtman, senior vp, gmm men's and children's. Formerly with the Ohio division of the May Co. and regional chain MC Sports, Uchtman arrived at Venture headquarters before his official start date, cutting short a one-week sabbatical to attend a key presentation of a department store apparel brand.

To Wildrick, this was another indication that both management and the buying staff are sustaining a crucial sense of urgency. That drive is clearly in evidence at the top.

"This is more than a job to me: this is a quest. I am 100% committed to transforming this organization," Wildrick told DSN. Seated in the corner office, Wildrick sweeps a hand in a gesture that embraces the 17,000 Venture associates. "And they know that, they sense that. I'm committed to making this happen. If it doesn't happen, it won't be because I haven't given it everything I have. And that's all I ask of them."