Union, N.J. — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has appointed industry veteran Neil Lick as senior vice president, Owned Brands. Lick, formerly of Williams-Sonoma, will lead a newly formed team that expects to develop and launch a portfolio of customer inspired owned brands from 2021. The company’s product growth strategy includes a sharper focus on product curation and differentiation as well as higher penetration of owned brands in core categories such as bed, bath and kitchen.
“To rebuild Bed Bath & Beyond’s authority as the leading omnichannel home retailer, we are reimagining how we develop and curate an owned brand assortment,” says Joe Hartsig, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. “Neil has deep experience building brands that people love and will spearhead our new owned brand team to curate and develop a portfolio of truly differentiated brands that deepen our penetration in our core categories and our connection with our loyal customers.”
Neil Lick adds: “At a time when our homes have never been more important to us, I’m excited to join a brand that plays such a vital role in the lives of its customers. Finding new ways to help customers feel at home couldn’t be more relevant or exciting in the current context.”
Lick comes to Bed Bath & Beyond after a 22-year career at specialty culinary retailer Williams-Sonoma. During his tenure at Williams-Sonoma, Lick held various leadership positions within merchandising, product development, inventory management and as head of corporate social responsibility. He will report to Hartsig.
Bed Bath & Beyond plans to introduce an array of owned brands in 2021 with the anticipation that the portfolio will expand over time.
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. and subsidiaries is an omnichannel retailer that sells a wide assortment of domestic merchandise and home furnishings. The company also provides a variety of textile products, amenities and other goods to institutional customers in the hospitality, cruise line, healthcare and other industries. Additionally, the company is a partner in a joint venture which operates retail stores in Mexico under the name Bed Bath & Beyond.
SOURCE: Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.