Pacific Trade International names new VPs of sales, merchandising

Appointments to focus on domestic and global brand expansion

Home Accents Today Staff -- Home Accents Today, 2/16/2011 4:12:45 PM

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Pacific Trade International, an integrated global marketer of candles, home fragrance and home décor products and parent company of the Chesapeake Bay Candle brand, recently announced the appointment of Julie Garza Kost to vice president of sales. Also, Elaine Hough Bauer, former vice president of sales, transitions to the new role of vice president of merchandising.

Julie Garza Kost

Elaine Hough Bauer

As Pacific Trade International prepares to open its first domestic factory in Glen Burnie, Maryland, the company is focused on expanding distribution of its Chesapeake Bay Candle brand in the U.S. and abroad. According to a press release, the appointments of Kost and Bauer will strengthen the company's sales, merchandising and product development, providing support for its expansion plans.

Before joining Pacific Trade International, Kost held positions at Estee Lauder Companies and Bare Escentuals.

"We are thrilled to have an executive of Julie's caliber join our organization," said Mei Xu, co-owner and president, Pacific Trading International. "We know Julie's arrival will bring renewed focus to strengthening relationships with our retail partners and developing our brands."

"I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with Pacific Trade International and Chesapeake Bay Candle during this pivotal point in growth," Kost said. "I look forward to celebrating a long journey of success as we move forward to establish strong brand presence globally, enhance our relationships with our customers and refine our distribution strategy to support our expansion plans."

In her new role, Bauer will focus on identifying emerging consumer home fragrance needs and developing product lines that meet such needs.

"With this promotion, our merchandising department gains the experience of a retail industry veteran with broad fashion merchandising knowledge to support consumer research, product development, and retail merchandising efforts," Xu said.

With over 25 years of experience in the retail industry, Bauer has also worked as senior vice president and general merchandise manager with Woodward & Lothrop Inc. and as divisional vice president with Kaufmann's in Pittsburgh.