Dive Brief:

• David Zant, who for the past six years has been executive vice president and general merchandising manager of Belk’s men’s, home, and children’s departments, will replace Kathryn J. Bufano as president and chief merchandising officer as of Aug. 11.

• Kathryn J. Bufano last week was named president and CEO of Milwaukee and York, PA-based Bon-Ton Stores Inc. as of Aug. 25.

• Zant has been with Charlotte, NC-based Belk department stores for 13 years, except for a short stint from 2005 to 2008 at Bon-Ton.

Dive Insight:

For the 125-year-old Belk, David Zant is a logical choice, considering his longevity with the company and his merchandising experience. Belk, like most U.S. department stores, is making an effort to compete in a new omnichannel retail age, while maintaining its strengths as a longstanding regional retail company with a Southern flair.