— Furniture Today,
Had been with Levitz as Sr. VP

WOODBURY, N.Y. — Levitz merchandising executive Chris Pelcher will leave the company to become general merchandise manager of Top 100 retailer Levin Furniture, the companies said today.

He will report to Robert Levin, president and CEO of the 12-store retailer, based in Smithton, Pa. Levin said the GMM post has been vacant for some time.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have someone of Chris’s caliber and experience join the company. It’s a great addition to our senior management,” Levin said.

Levin Furniture ranked 54th this year on Furniture/Today’s Top 100 U.S. Furniture Stores list based on estimated 2012 sales of $144 million, including $139.7 million in furniture, bedding and decorative accessories.

At Levitz, Pelcher has been senior vice president of merchandising since 2004 and earlier was case goods buyer for two years. Before joining Levitz, he spent 10 years at New York-based Fortunoff’s, leaving as case goods buyer.

Levitz CEO Tom Baumlin said that until a successor is named, Pelcher’s duties will be handled by the 80-store retailer’s two divisional merchandise managers, Carol Glaser in furnishings and Dave Wallens in work & play, a category that includes such products as home office and home accents.

Pelcher led Levitz’s merchandising effort as the company went through Chaper 11 bankruptcy and was acquired in December by Prentice Capital, in association with Great American Group.

“We are very appreciative of all of Chris’s efforts in a difficult post-bankruptcy time and we wish him all the success in his new endeavors,” said Baumlin.