Hollywood, Fla. (Nov. 5, 2008)—The Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.), formerly NASFM, is proud to present its council of retail advisers for the new year. These leading retailers have been invited to sit on the council to help guide the association’s retail-focused programs, such as the annual A.R.E. Design Awards, Buyers Guide and Membership Directory, retailer web site, seminar track and booth at GlobalShop, and future retail-oriented programs and campaigns.

Executive Committee of A.R.E.’s Retail Council:
Bevan Bloemendaal, Senior Director-Global Creative Services, The Timberland Company (Retail)
Shanna Busman, Vice President & Creative Director, Aeropostale Inc.
Richard Hamori, General Manager, HBC Store Planning-Construction & Design, Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)
Brad Lenz, Vice President-Shop-in-Shop and International Stores, Liz Claiborne Inc.
Chuck Luckenbill, Vice President-Visual Merchandising, OfficeMax Inc.
Anthony Mancini, Senior Vice President-Capital Improvements, MGM MIRAGE Design Group
Karen Meskey, Divisional Vice President-Store Design & Planning, Macy’s Inc.

A.R.E.’s 2008–09 Retail Council:
Sergio Barbi, Franchising Manager, O Boticário
Christine Belich, Vice President-Visual Merchandising, Sony Style
Judy Bell, Group Manager-Group Insights, Target
Jackie Bonic, Vice President-Store Development & Real Estate, Liquor Control Board of Ontario
Timothy W. Brannon, Executive Vice President-NexCen Franchise Management, NexCen Brands
Mark Brodeur, Senior Director Entertainment-In-Store Presentation, Wal-Mart
John Cassimus, President and CEO, Zoe’s Kitchen USA
James Damian, Senior Vice President, Experience Development Group, Best Buy Co.
Elizabeth Dowd, Store Planning & Fixture Design Manager, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI)
Aaron Duncan, Senior Vice President and Creative Director, Global Licensing, Playboy Enterprises Inc.
Ray Ehscheid, Senior Vice President-Store Design & Merchandising, Bank of America
Elsom Eldridge, Director-Visual Merchandising, RadioShack Corp.
Joseph P. Flaherty, Operating Vice President-Construction, Macy’s Inc.
Jim Francois, Vice President-Director of Visual Marketing, JCPenney
Andrew P. Gallina, CMO, Hillwood
Ron Gerard, Manager-Store Fixtures and Retail Merchandising, Sprint PCS
Joe Goodbaum, Vice President-Retail Stores, TELUS
Ignaz Gorischek, Vice President Stores-Visual, Planning, and Design, The Neiman Marcus Group Inc.
Jim Harte, Director-Retail Environment, Stride Rite Corp.
David Hicks, Vice President-Store Design and Merchandising, Canadian Tire Corp.
Bob Higgins, President, Kira Plastinina
James Hilyard, Customer Experience-Director of Signing, Sears Department Stores
Brenda Houston, Consultant
Marc Jamieson, Director-Merchandising & Store Design, TELUS
Rob Jordahl, Senior Vice President-Store Planning & Construction, Belk Inc.
Tom Jowett, Vice President-Design and Development, Bass Pro Shops
Lynn Knutson, Retail Development Manager-Merchandising and Visual Standards, Harley-Davidson Motor Co.
Linda Lombardi, Corporate Director-Store Design, Chico’s Store Groups
Paul Loux, Retail Design Director, Nike
Michael McTamney, Assistant Vice President-Property Management, The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack
Thomas Mendes, CMO and Founder, plaza too
Russell Nishimoto, Concept Design Manager-Global Design, Starbucks Coffee Co.
Leatrice O’Neal, Visual Merchandiser, New Balance Athletic Shoe
Alvin R. Rodgers, Vice President, Store Design & Construction, Dollar Tree Stores Inc.
Paul Schleef, Director-Store Planning, Michaels Stores Inc.
Lee Svet, Director-Visual Merchandising, Helzberg Diamond Shops Inc.
Steve Szumlanski, Senior Manager-Store Planning, Chico’s FAS Inc.
Michelle Tomlinson, Senior Director-Visual Merchandising, Pacific Sunwear
Michael Trowbridge, Senior Manager-Strategic Sourcing & Supply OFI/Construction, GAP Inc.
Bob Waddell, Vice President-Purchasing, Limited Brands
Jennifer Zedic, In Store Marketing Director, Zellers Inc.
Bink E. Zengel, Senior Director-Design, Luxottica Retail
Bill Zuercher, Creative Director-Graphics and Visual Presentation, Shopko

Our sincerest appreciation goes out to these individuals for their commitment of time and expertise.

Note for editors: Photographs and biographies of council members are available online, as well as information on becoming a future retail council member.

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About A.R.E.
Members of the Association for Retail Environments, formerly NASFM, are retail environments professionals and proven industry leaders—companies that are well known for excellent craftsmanship, topflight service, and cutting–edge innovation. Member companies offer a full range of products and services for retail environments, and include store fixture suppliers, retail design firms, suppliers of visual merchandising products, and suppliers of materials and equipment for the retail environments industry. Member capabilities include importing, exporting, consolidating, installing, project management, engineering, design, and more.