Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. has hired a former Federated Department Stores executive as its senior vice president and merchandising manager.

        The Dayton, Ohio-based retailer hired Mark Zwerner, who worked in that position for the 52-store Burdines division of Federated, based in Miami. He left the company Aug. 1.

        At the 63-store Elder-Beerman, Mr. Zwerner will be responsible for cosmetics, accessories, intimate apparel, shoes and children's merchandise. He will work with senior management in continuing Elder-Beerman's new merchandising program that emphasizes its selection of moderate- and low-priced apparel.

        “He's got a lot of experience and is what we're looking for,” said Gloria Sieglar, Elder-Beerman spokeswoman. “We're happy to get him to leave sunny Florida in the middle of winter.”

        Mr. Zwerner has worked in retail since 1970 and joined Burdines in 1981. He became senior vice president in 1994. At Elder-Beerman, he replaces Jeff Askenas, who left in the fall for a similar position at J.C. Penney.

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