ST. JACOBS, Ont. — Home Hardware Stores Limited announced the appointment of new directors in its merchandise department to support strategic growth and focus on customer-centric category management. Tara Spengen has more than 25 years in retail experience at ACI Brands Inc., Korhani Home, Walmart Canada and Hudson’s Bay Co. She succeeds Brian Straus as director, merchandise hardlines. Carol Crystal’s nearly 20 years of retail experience includes time with Lowe’s Canada, Walmart Canada and HBC. She is taking over the position of director, merchandise hardlines, which was previously held by Dave Martin.
Craig Thompson was most recently a commercial planning and analytics leader at Walmart Canada. He will serve as director, merchandise hardlines, succeeding Rob Szekszer.
Meriyem Kaf will fill the newly created role of director, merchandise strategy and execution. She brings 15 years of experience at Walmart Canada, Sobeys and AC Nielsen with a focus on category management optimization. Spengen, Crystal and Thompson will join Home Hardware on August 31, reporting to Rob Szekszer, VP, merchandise – hardlines. Kaf will report to Marianne Thompson, senior VP, merchandise, when his appointment takes effect on September 8.
