SANDPOINT, Idaho, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Coldwater Creek Inc. (Nasdaq: CWTR - News) announced today that co-founder and Chairman Dennis Pence has assumed the duties of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, replacing Daniel Griesemer.
"Dennis is the architect of the Coldwater Creek brand and, along with co-founder Ann Pence, the visionary behind the unique customer experience integral to our company's success," said Georgia Shonk Simmons, President and Chief Merchandising Officer. "The Board believes there is no better person to ensure that Coldwater Creek capitalizes on its opportunities and drives value for our shareholders. Furthermore, we remain encouraged by the improvement in the trends in our business as consumers continue to respond favorably to our fall assortment."
Dennis Pence, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer stated: "It is my firm belief that this brand, now 25 years of age, has significant opportunities for substantial growth. The Board of Directors has asked me to return as our leader in order to accelerate the timelines for this growth, and for a return to long-term profitability, which our shareholders so rightfully expect. I look forward to moving expeditiously and will provide further detail as to our plans for future growth in the months to come."
Mr. Pence co-founded Coldwater Creek in 1984 as a catalog company and served as Chief Executive Officer from 1984 through December 2000 and then again from September 2002 until October 2007. During these periods, the Company enjoyed exceptional growth and developed a national brand that now spans 355 stores and generated more than $1.0 billion in net sales in fiscal 2008.
Mr. Griesemer has resigned from his position as a director, President and Chief Executive Officer. "I would like to thank Dan Griesemer for his many contributions," said Mr. Pence. "He has been an outstanding member of our team and we wish him great success in his future endeavors."
About Coldwater Creek
Coldwater Creek is an integrated multi-channel retailer of women's apparel, jewelry, gifts and accessories through a growing number of full-line retail stores across the nation, an e-commerce Web site at http://www.coldwatercreek.com and direct-mail catalogs.
CONTACT:
Lyn Walther, Divisional Vice President, Investor Relations
Phone: 208-265-7005
Web site: www.coldwatercreek.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the securities laws. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
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