Moosejaw Mountaineering Names New CEO

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., 2009 – Moosejaw Mountaineering, the outdoor retailer famous for its quirky, irreverent marketing, is pleased to announce an important new addition to its management team.   Harvey Kanter, a veteran specialty retailer, has joined the company as President and CEO, while previous CEO and founder, Robert Wolfe, has assumed the role of Chief Creative and Chairman Emeritus.

“This is a great move for Moosejaw and me personally,” commented Wolfe. “It allows me to spend much more of my time on the unique, creative identity of Moosejaw which sets us apart from every other retailer on the planet.  Harvey brings a wealth of retail and leadership experience that will primarily be focused on enhancing operations and building the infrastructure to support the long-term growth of the company”

Kanter has over 25 years of retail experience, with executive leadership roles at Michaels Craft Stores, Aaron Brothers Framing, Eddie Bauer, and more.  “I am really excited to join Moosejaw.  I looked at a number of opportunities, but nothing offered the level of brand loyalty, customer engagement, and growth potential that I see in Moosejaw,” added Kanter.

In early 2007, Moosejaw partnered with Parallel Investment Partners of Dallas, TX, primarily due to the firm’s specialty retail investment expertise.   With Parallel’s help, Moosejaw has continued to grow its brick-and-mortar presence, created a state-of-the-art multi-channel e-commerce, mobile commerce and point of sale system, upgraded its call center and warehouse distribution center, tripled the size of the Moosejaw brand apparel line and much more.  “Harvey’s definitely the man for the job,” said Jed Johnson, Senior Partner of Parallel.  “He has deep leadership experience, broad retail knowledge, and is an incredible merchant, which are key long-term success factors for Moosejaw.”

 Along with brother Jeffrey and sister Julie Wolfe, Robert built Moosejaw from a single store retail outfit in Keego Harbor, Mich. in 1992, and turned it into a $40 million-a-year multi-channel retailer with seven shops, mail order catalogs, two mobile websites and five online websites.  Moosejaw was named an Internet Retailer Top 100 Website (2007 and 2006) and an Ad Age Top 50 Marketer (2007).  Julie will continue to work full-time for Moosejaw as its Chief Merchant, while Jeffery Wolfe is stepping away from day-to-day operations to partner with Robert on a new marketing venture.  Named The Folsom Project, the company will help other companies build unique marketing campaigns based on Moosejaw’s award winning approach.

About Moosejaw Mountaineering

Moosejaw is a leading multi-channel retailer of premium quality outdoor adventure apparel and gear. Moosejaw currently serves its customers through seven retail stores in Michigan and Illinois, through Moosejaw.com, and through mail order catalogs.

Moosejaw offers products from leading outdoor manufacturers including The North Face, Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, and Black Diamond as well as under its own Moosejaw brand. The company serves a diverse customer base including serious outdoor enthusiasts, active individuals pursuing an outdoor lifestyle, and high school and college students who are passionate about the Moosejaw brand.

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