M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Lecture Series

The 2010 honoree Mr. Bob Loeffler pictured above with Mr. Don Zale and the 2010 Zale Schoalrs

The M.B. Zale Visionary Merchant Lecture Series celebrates innovative merchandising. The Lecture Series recognizes M.B. Zale's vision and outstanding achievements in retailing by recognizing leaders in the industry with the Visionary Merchant Award.

M.B. Zale founded the Zale Corporation, an international jewelry chain, in 1924. He is widely respected as one of the giants in retailing. Donald Zale, the founder's son, is chairman of the M.B. and Edna Zale Foundation and a member of the class of 1955 at Texas A&M University. His challenge to three Texas universities to help retailing generated the creation of the Center for Retailing Studies at Texas A&M in 1983.

PAST HONOREES

Garrett Boone, Co-Chairman; Kip Tindell, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Sharon Tindell, Chief Merchandising Officer, The Container Store
Robert L. Tillman, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Lowe's

Leonard Riggio, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Barnes & Noble

Gordon Segal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Crate and Barrel, Inc.

Marvin J. Girouard, '61, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pier 1 Imports

Dr. Jeffrey L. Bluestein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harley-Davidson

Jim Carreker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Bombay Company

Bob Nardelli, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Home Depot

Maxine Clark, Chairman and Chief Executive Bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop

Mike Ullman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, JCPenney Inc.

Matt Rubel, CEO and President, Payless ShoeSource

Sam Duncan, CEO and Chairman, OfficeMax Inc.
Robert D. Loeffler, Former President, H-E-B