Learning Express Names Former Home Depot Executive, Bob Wittman, Chief Operating Officer

DEVENS, MASS. (Tuesday, October 11, 2005) - Learning Express Inc., the nation's leading specialty toy retailer, announced today that Bob Wittman has been appointed chief operating officer. Wittman has nearly two decades of senior leadership experience in retail in six different industries, including several years with Home Depot.



As COO of Learning Express, Wittman will focus on growing the companyýs franchise of owner-operated toy stores and continuing to strengthen the company's retail leadership position.



"We are delighted that Bob has joined our organization, and we are confident that he will help us to develop and implement a comprehensive franchise growth strategy that expands Learning Express presence across the United States. He will also help us to continue developing programs that build store sales," said Sharon DiMinico, founder and chief executive officer of Learning Express.



Wittman joins Learning Express from Home Depot, where most recently he was president of the companyýs EXPO Design Center division. In that position, he led a $30 million turnaround, restructuring and transforming the $1 billion, 35-store organization into a profitable $1.4 billion, 54-store company within 17 months. In addition, he was the architect behind Villager's Hardware and the highly successful Home Depot urban store concepts.



Prior to joining Home Depot, Wittman was co-founder of Aikenhead's Home Improvement Warehouse, a chain of home-improvement stores in Canada. He began his career in sales and merchandising management with major supermarket and discount store chains, Pathmark and Bradlees.



Wittman earned a bachelorýs degree in business administration as well as a master's degree in marketing from Farleigh Dickinson University in his home state of New Jersey. His business accomplishments have earned industry acclaim. Chain Store Age named Villager's Hardware "Retail Store of the Year" in 1999, and Wittman has been featured in articles in several business and trade publications, including National Home Center News, Business Week and Home World Business.



Wittman replaces Joe Diaz, President of Learning Express Inc., who has decided to leave the company at the end of the year. "During the next three months, Joe will be on board to help with the transition," said DiMinico. "We are all deeply grateful to Joe for his leadership and many accomplishments during the past three years, and we thank him for his continued commitment."



About Learning Express

Learning Express is the leading franchisor of specialty toy stores, with more than 100 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. Learning Express provides an extraordinary shopping experience with knowledgeable sales staff to offer expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for any occasion. The product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world and all have exceptional play value. Free gift-wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and consumer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of the community. To discover more about Learning Express, to find a store near you, or to learn about franchise opportunities, please visit www.learningexpress.com or call (800) 924-2296.

View all Learning Express Press Releases

This article has been read 404 times.

Printer Friendly