Madewell’s 30-Year Industry Veteran Faces the Challenge of Adapting to Evolving Shopping Patterns and Attracting New Customer Generations
Adrienne Lazarus, a seasoned veteran in the specialty retail and direct-to-consumer sectors, is set to take the helm as president of Madewell, the more stable performing brand under J. Crew Group. Lazarus, with 30 years of industry experience, will assume her role in September and oversee all aspects of Madewell’s operations. Reporting to Libby Wadle, CEO of J. Crew Group, Lazarus will lead the brand as it navigates the evolving retail landscape.
Lazarus’s appointment comes as J. Crew Group aims to continue Madewell’s growth trajectory. The brand has maintained its appeal over the years, offering a blend of casual style and timeless appeal without succumbing to fleeting trends. However, with shifting shopping patterns and the changing demographics of its loyal customer base, Madewell faces the challenge of attracting a new generation of shoppers while sustaining its existing clientele.
Her arrival will enable Wadle to take on a more strategic role, focusing on the future directions of both Madewell and J. Crew. This shift aligns with J. Crew Group’s efforts to position its brands for continued success in an ever-changing retail landscape.
Before her current role, Lazarus held various leadership positions in the fashion industry. She served as the CEO of Bandier from 2019 to 2021 and was the CEO of Frye from 2015 to 2017. Prior to that, she was the president of Intermix from 2009 to 2013. Notably, Lazarus spent a significant portion of her career at Ann Taylor, spanning 17 years. She held the position of president of the Ann Taylor brand from 2004 to 2008. During her tenure, she led a major turnaround effort, achieving remarkable profitability for the company, as highlighted in the J. Crew release.
Adrienne’s exceptional leadership skills, creativity, and passion for building relevant, customer-centric and purpose-driven brands will be a great asset to our team as Madewell continues to scale. Her strategic approach, entrepreneurial spirit, and proven track record makes her the ideal leader to join Madewell as we position the brand for the future.
Libby Wadle, CEO of J. Crew Group
Madewell, known for its relaxed and youthful aesthetic, has been making strategic moves to stay relevant and cater to changing consumer preferences. With its fall 2023 collection, the brand continues to evolve, focusing on refined yet versatile styles that align with modern lifestyles. As Madewell aims to surpass $1 billion in sales, Lazarus’s expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s future direction.
The move also allows Wadle to focus her efforts on revitalizing J. Crew, which has faced challenges in recent years. J. Crew Group is eager to restore the brand’s popularity and style authority, recapturing its former glory.
Madewell’s track record of steady performance and its emphasis on creating a sense of community among its customers position it well for growth under Lazarus’s leadership. As the brand adapts to the changing retail landscape and strives to remain a staple in consumers’ wardrobes, Lazarus’s strategic approach and wealth of experience will be invaluable assets.