Smith & Hawken Taps Dee Marie Rawlinson as General Merchandise Manager and Andrew Wadhams as Vice-President of Stores

Furniture World Magazine

Smith & Hawken announced today that Dee Marie Rawlinson is joining the company as Vice- President and General Merchandise Manager, and that Andrew Wadhams has joined as Vice-President of Stores. Both will report directly to CEO Barry Gilbert. Ms. Rawlinson joins Smith & Hawken from Banana Republic, where she most recently served as Merchandise Manager for their Home and Men's Accessory division. Prior to this, she worked as Divisional Merchandise Manager for Pottery Barn's Home Accessory division where she oversaw product development, design, planning and distribution. Additionally, she spent 8 years at Habitat in London. "We are delighted Dee Marie is joining Smith & Hawken, as she has the perfect background-sourcing, merchandising, and distribution-all in high- quality, upscale home decor and gardening categories," said Mr. Gilbert. Mr. Wadhams comes to Smith & Hawken from Bebe stores, where he served as Vice-President for their domestic and international stores, and directed the growth and execution of bebe.com and the creation of the company's real-estate expansion plan. Prior to joining Bebe, Mr. Wadhams was Executive Vice-President, Retail for Big Dog Sportswear, where he was responsible for all financial and operational aspects of over 200 stores. Prior to that, Mr. Wadhams held management positions at Imaginarium, and Banana Republic. "Andrew brings a new level of sophistication and experience to us, especially as we ramp up our store expansion," said Gilbert. "Andrew's experience with over 200 stores chains is vital to our plans" Both Mr. Wadhams and Ms. Rawlinson were recruited through Sandy Jackson Associates, Inc., Atlanta, GA. Smith & Hawken offers high-quality products for the garden and home through 45 retail locations, a comprehensive catalog, and online at SmithandHawken.com. The company was founded in 1979 in response to organic gardeners' need for well-crafted garden tools. Its product line has since expanded to include heirloom teak furniture, hand-thrown pots, weekend workwear, unusual plants, garden structure and ornaments, and a wealth of gifts inspired by the garden. The company's trade division is a leading supplier to architects, landscape designers, resorts, hotels, and institutions. Smith & Hawken has earned a reputation not only for its quality products-known for craftsmanship, authenticity, sustainability, and beauty-but also for providing support and information about gardening to people at all levels of expertise. The Smith & Hawken catalog is a source of inspiration to everyone who loves the garden. The company's stores provide printed brochures on everything from composting to bulb forcing. A complete list of stores and events is accessible on the company's web site, where the resident Garden GuruTM answers questions from curious cultivators all over the world. Smith & Hawken employs more than 800 people in its Novato, CA corporate offices and retail stores. Privately held, the company does not release financial data.