The Vitamin Shoppe has named Andrew Laudato as EVP and CTO, effective immediately. Laudato is a retail veteran with more than two decades of experience, and he will lead the retailer’s information technology, enterprise project planning and supply chain initiatives.
Laudato previously spent 15 years as CIO at Pier 1, where he spearheaded programs that created a comprehensive IT and corporate strategy and led an enterprise-wide process efficiency initiative. He was also Director, Systems Development at Jo-Ann Stores for 10 years, and served as a past Chair of the National Retail Federation‘s CIO Council.
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“In an omnichannel world, seamlessly integrating the supply chain with the in-store and digital shopping experience is a top priority,” Laudato said in a statement. “I have had the opportunity to work on many unique technology projects throughout my career and The Vitamin Shoppe’s clear purpose of connecting with its customers sets it apart. I look forward to joining The Vitamin Shoppe and working with the teams at such a pivotal time.”
The Vitamin Shoppe has been enhancing its technological offerings in recent months. The retailer enhanced the product data and search options at vitaminshoppe.com to improve accuracy in September 2018, with improvements including updated navigation, an increased on-site search box presence, new store locator pages and updated product listing and detail pages.
The retailer also unveiled the Launchpad vendor incubation program in July 2018, which was designed to introduce emerging brands and innovative products to Vitamin Shoppe customers. The program will add brand partners for both online and in-store distribution channels.
