Metropark Hires Real Estate V.P.
Contemporary retailer Metropark plans to double its store count in 2007, and the retailer’s founders hope that real estate executive Karen Green will help them find the best spaces.
Green was hired Aug. 3 as vice president, real estate and construction, for Metropark, which was co-founded by Orv Madden. He also founded Hot Topic Inc. in 1989.
“Since our inception, we planned for Metropark to become a national chainstore operation,” Madden said. By year’s end, the retailer, based in City of Industry, Calif., will operate 25 stores. By the end of 2007, Madden said, it will double in size.
Green was vice president, real estate and lease administration, for Disney Stores Inc. from 1997 to 2004. That position was the latest job in a career during which she has served such major retailers as Gymboree, Ann Taylor and Laura Ashley.
Metropark opened its first four stores in the fall of 2004. Its focus was to bring boutique-style urban fashions to suburban malls. Brands include Obey Clothing, Hause of Howe, Paige Premium Denim and Rock & Republic.
By fall 2006, Metropark will open new locations in malls including San Francisco Center in San Francisco, Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, Calif., and Desert Passage in Las Vegas. —Andrew Asch
