TOTSY Appoints David Niggli as Chief Merchandising Officer

NEW YORK, Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- TOTSY (http://www.totsy.com), the private sale site exclusively dedicated to delivering deals on coveted must-haves for moms and children, proudly announced today the appointment of David Niggli as Chief Merchandising Officer after serving as a consultant during TOTSY's first phase of growth. With over 25 years of experience in the children's specialty market, Niggli is widely recognized for introducing some of the most reputable toys and brands in stores, catalogues and online.

Most recently, David was President of FAO Schwarz, where he directed all merchandising, product development, special events and promotions, visual, and overall branding. During his tenure at FAO Schwarz, he introduced Barbie, Star Wars, Harry Potter, FAO Baby stores and developed a full line of FAO Schwarz private label products that became the number one volume brand at the retail chain. His role was not exclusive to toys; he introduced specialty apparel, baby gear and furniture to the FAO mix.

Niggli joined the team in 1987 and within seven years, was appointed to Senior Vice President responsible for new business, product development, strategic partnerships, store-line visuals and the opening of the FAO candy department. In 2000, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Director of Merchandising and in 2002, promoted to President.

Prior to FAO Schwarz, Niggli held buying positions at May Company corporate and Macy's, where he completed the executive training program.

"The Hub Magazine called David's work with FAO Schwarz the greatest toy story ever told," said Guillaume Gauthereau, CEO at TOTSY. "With TOTSY in the midst of its next wave of growth, David joining our team full time is a tremendous win.  We look forward to building on TOTSY's prior success under David's strategic guidance," he adds.

"I am very pleased to move forward with TOTSY and its team of highly talented and innovative individuals," Niggli notes. "It is very exciting to continue to be part of this terrific new business model. I look forward to introducing more of the wonderful specialty brands that I have had the great experience of working with throughout the years and also discovering new brands to introduce to our TOTSY membership. The great designs, ingenuity and quality of products available in the children's and family products space never cease to amaze me and my goal will be to bring the best of these products to the TOTSY member family," adds Niggli.

Niggli received his Bachelor of Science in Business Retailing from Rochester Institute of Technology, New York.

About TOTSY

Headquartered in New York, TOTSY is a privately held company dedicated to providing its members with access to coveted and essential products and brands designed for expecting moms, parents, babies and kids at sample sale prices. Shopping events are designer-specific and held over a 72 hour period. Membership is free of charge and by invitation only. For more information, please visit http://www.totsy.com.

SOURCE TOTSY