A new Vice President and Chief Executive Officer has been named for the struggling Hackett's Hardware chain.
Herbert Becker is described as a veteran of both the retail and internet industries, with over 30 years in retail including more than 20 years as a senior executive.
The appointment was announced by Hackett's parent company, Seaway Valley Capital Corporation.
"I believe the core Hackett's brand has value, and my focus will be to position it in the marketplace to maximize this value," Becker is quoted as saying. "I also believe in the staff at Hackett's and together I truly believe we are going to make a change."
Becker said his initial goals would be streamline current operations, diversify its product mix to attract a broader customer base, and to aggressively purse an e-commerce division.
His background includes extensive experience with public corporations, internet companies and on-line shopping and e-commerce, the press release said.
Hackett's has been forced to close five stores in recent months due to financial problems that started in 2008 when its major line of credit was cut off.
