tb!s the bargain shop Names Beryl 'Jack' Buley President and CEO

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- tb!s the bargain shop ("tb!s"), a leading Canadian discount store chain, today announced that Beryl "Jack" Buley has been appointed President and CEO, effective immediately.  Buley's promotion is designed to position tb!s to continue to expand its retail footprint and gain share in the Canadian market, as well as attract leading international brands.  Former President and CEO, Michael Roellinghoff, will assume the role of Vice-Chairman of the Board.

"Jack joined tb!s in late 2010 as EVP & Chief Merchandising Officer and his extensive merchandising, operational and management experience has been instrumental in evolving our understanding of our customer," said Nolan Bederman, tb!s Chairman of the Board.  "I have the utmost confidence that Jack will strengthen the presence of tb!s in the Canadian retail market, and am very pleased that Michael Roellinghoff will continue to serve the company's shareholders and management in the capacity of Vice-Chairman of the Board."

Under Buley's leadership, tb!s will be testing a re-designed retail model in some of its stores, focused on offering a greater assortment of convenience products to customers.  The new format will make stores more inviting and attract both neighborhood shoppers focused on value and convenience, as well as customers looking for a few items between shopping trips.  These re-designed tb!s stores will include enhanced grocery sections with freezers and coolers carrying ready-made meals as well as new product offerings in apparel, softlines, pet care, gifts and home care.

"Compared to the US retail sector, Canada's retailing environment is underserved," said Buley. "tb!s, with its high quality product offerings at compelling values and prime locations, is perfectly positioned to fill consumers' need for a comprehensive convenient shopping experience and ultimately gain share in the Canadian market.  I am thrilled to be working with the tb!s team and its evolving retail model which I believe will enable us to become an even larger and more successful retail destination."

Buley has extensive experience in the discount retail market, most recently at Dollar General ("DG"), where he served as Division President of Merchandising, Marketing and Global Supply Chain.  Buley was instrumental in building the team which has helped lead DG to the success that it is recognized for today.  His contributions included increased focus on price optimization, improved sourcing, and the development of DG's private label program.  Additionally, he oversaw the team that redesigned DG stores.

Previously, in his sixteen years with Kohl's, Buley was involved in their transformation from a privately-held, 124 store chain to a major national retailer with 550 locations. His accomplishments included his role in the expansion into key markets including Atlanta, Dallas, New York, and California.  

About tb!s

tb!s the bargain shop operates 238 stores from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland, and is Canadian owned and operated with headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.  tb!s, which has been called "the best kept secret in Canadian retailing", carved out its niche by operating its extreme value format mainly in rural and smaller communities.  tb!s originated as the Canadian arm of Woolworth's discount store chain and became independent in 1999.  tb!s carries a selection of products for home (including electronics, housewares and home textiles), as well as men's, women's and children's apparel.  tb!s also offers footwear, food, cleaning products and a large selection of toys, seasonal and health and beauty products.  To learn more about the company and the products it carries, visit www.tbsstores.com.

SOURCE tb!s the bargain shop