Wet Seal appoints Melanie Cox as chief executive

Wet Seal has gone through a series of transition this year. The trendy, youthful retailer recently just appointed Melanie B. Cox as their new chief executive effectively immediately.

Taking the place of Ed Thomas, Cox will serve as one of the brand’s board member as well as chief executive officer. Previously, Cox worked as a merchant and also head of product development for the company. She began with the company when it retailed as a chain with only 11 stores. From then, she was promoted to chief merchandising manager other various retail chains such as Urban Outfitters, Contempo Casuals, and The Clothestime. Previous chief executive Thomas has complete faith in Cox. “I decided it’s the right time for me to step back after a grueling process and evaluate other opportunities, while being confident that Wet Seal is in Versa and Melanie’s able hands,” Thomas said in a statement.

In recent years, the company has not had the best of luck in growing teen sales. The company was brought through that bankruptcy period from Thomas. The hip apparel brand was founded in 1962 originally as Lorne’s. The apparel company is headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California. Wet Seal offers company-design apparel and accessories at a low-budget price. The retailer currently operates 171 stores in 41 states.