Plano, Texas – In a strategic move to reshape the retail landscape, JCPenney has merged with SPARC Group, resulting in the formation of Catalyst Brands. This merger brings together an impressive portfolio of brands, including Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica, positioning Catalyst Brands as a major player in the retail industry.
Executive Leadership Appointments As part of the merger, key JCPenney executives have taken on expanded roles:
- Marc Rosen, former CEO of JCPenney, now assumes the role of CEO of Catalyst Brands.
- Michelle Wlazlo, formerly JCPenney’s chief merchandising and supply chain officer, is promoted to Brand CEO of JCPenney.
- Natalie Levy will continue as Brand CEO of Aéropostale, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.
- Ken Ohashi takes on the responsibility of leading Brooks Brothers and Eddie Bauer as Brand CEO of both brands.
- Kevin Harper, a former Walmart executive, joins as Chief Operating Officer.
- Marisa Thalberg, previously JCPenney’s consulting chief marketing and brand officer, now serves as Chief Customer and Marketing Officer of Catalyst Brands.
Ownership and Structure Catalyst Brands is launching with over $9 billion in revenue, 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees, and $1 billion in liquidity. It is a joint venture between JCPenney and SPARC Group, with shareholders including Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group, and Shein. Previously, JCPenney was owned by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Corporation after being acquired from bankruptcy.
Additionally, Catalyst Brands has sold the U.S. operations of Reebok and is exploring strategic options for Forever 21, another brand previously under the JCPenney umbrella.
Catalyst Brands will operate from JCPenney’s current headquarters in Plano, Texas, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Catalyst Brands Catalyst Brands plans to leverage its expanded portfolio by integrating the strengths of its brands, including improved product design, sourcing, and supplier relationships. The company will also utilize cutting-edge data-driven and AI technology to enhance supply chain management, inventory control, and customer engagement.
With a customer database of over 60 million consumers, Catalyst Brands aims to deliver personalized shopping experiences, unified loyalty programs, and improved cross-selling capabilities across its brands.
“We are in an excellent position to move forward with a clean balance sheet and a clear vision for growth,” said Marc Rosen, CEO of Catalyst Brands.
As Catalyst Brands continues to innovate and expand, it’s poised to redefine the retail industry.
