J. Jill Appoints Retail Veteran Scott Edmonds to Serve on its Board of Directors

QUINCY, Mass., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- J. Jill, a leading multi-channel specialty retailer of women's apparel based in Quincy, Massachusetts, has appointed Scott A. Edmonds, an 18-year veteran of specialty retail and women's apparel to its Board of Directors. Mr. Edmonds most recently was the Chairman and CEO of Chico's FAS, where he led the company's growth from $155 million in sales and 200 locations to $1.5 billion and 1,076 locations over a ten year period.

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Mr. Edmonds' experience and insight will be leveraged in support of J. Jill President & CEO, Paula Bennett and her team's strategic position and direction to further grow the J. Jill brand and expand its reach.  

Paula Bennett, President & CEO of J. Jill, commented, "I'm very excited to have Scott join our Board of Directors.  His proven specialty retail success and expertise in this market segment will provide tremendous strategic support to the Board as we partner to accelerate the growth of the J. Jill brand and business."

Mr. Edmonds commented, "After reviewing several retail opportunities, I concluded that the best investment of my time and efforts was to partner with Arcapita, Inc. and Golden Gate Capital, both successful retail investors, along with the J. Jill brand and team.  With Paula's vision for the business, I recognized the tremendous opportunity the J. Jill brand has to significantly grow both revenue and gross profit dollars as it gains market share."  In a related move, Mr. Edmonds will make a significant financial investment in J. Jill, in concert with majority-owner Arcapita Inc., and Golden Gate Capital.

Today J. Jill has created a valuable brand footprint with 225 retail stores across the United States, and leverages its presence with a strong e-commerce and catalog-driven direct marketing business.

About J. Jill www.jjill.com

J. Jill is a leading multi-channel specialty retailer of women's apparel, accessories and footwear with over 225 stores nationwide, as well as strong e-commerce and catalog-driven direct marketing businesses. With a well defined fashion point of view and relaxed approach to style, J. Jill's exclusive designs offer quality trend-relevant styles that offer women an easy way to dress for effortless style.  Founded in 1959, J. Jill is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts.

SOURCE J. Jill