J.C. Penney executive to discuss merchandising at MU

COLUMBIA — Liz Sweney, executive vice president and general merchandise manager of J.C. Penney, is coming to MU on Tuesday as part of the Textile and Apparel Management department’s “TAM Executive in Residence.” Sweney will be speaking at 9:30 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. on “How to Create Private and Exclusive Brands” and “Things you Always Wanted to Know About the Corporate World,” respectively, in the Great Room at the Reynolds Alumni Center. A coffee reception from 9 to 9:30 a.m. will precede the event.

Since joining J.C. Penney in 2000, Sweney has helped launch some of the department store’s private and designer brands such as a.n.a., Nicole by Nicole Miller, Bisou Bisou and Liz & Co.

The Textile and Apparel Management department at MU recruits speakers throughout the academic year to provide students with a greater knowledge of the apparel industry.

“She will be a wonderful role model for students,” said Kitty Dickerson, chair of the department. “Hopefully it will bring us to have a closer working relationship with J.C. Penney corporation.”

Prior to joining J.C. Penney, Sweney worked with Montgomery Ward & Co. for 17 years. She also worked for St. Louis-based Kellwood Company, holding several senior level positions including vice president of merchandising for the women’s apparel line Sag Harbor.