Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> November 2, 1998
J.M. (MICKEY) ROBINSON is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
President of Footstar, Inc., a $1.7 billion footwear retailer. Beginning
in 1988, Mr. Robinson was President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Meldisco division of Melville. When Melville restructured its business,
which resulted in the formation of two companies - Footstar and CVS, Mr.
Robinson led the transition of the footwear divisions to become
Footstar, Inc. During Mr. Robinson's tenure with Meldisco, the company
achieved more than $1.2 billion in sales in 1994. Under his leadership,
Meldisco expanded its retail business into Mexico, the Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Hungary and Guam. The company also opened an overseas office
in Hong Kong to increase its Far East Purchasing operation. In addition,
Meldisco began a relationship with Payless Drugstores in 1989, leasing
approximately 100 feet of selling space in 218 stores to display
beachwear, slippers and other casual footwear. This venture has grown to
include Thrifty Drugstores with combined footwear sales of $32 million
in nearly 1,000 stores. Mr. Robinson joined Melville Corporation in 1986
as Director of Business Development. At Melville, he developed a new
start up division named Smart Step. He was appointed President of this
division in 1987. From 1978 to 1986, Mr. Robinson led the creation of
the concept and served as President of AutoZone for Malone & Hyde, Inc.
In seven years, the chain grew from its first prototype store to almost
300 units. From 1973 to 1977, Mr. Robinson lived in Hong Kong where he
was General Manager of Filmo (HK), Ltd., a subsidiary of Hutchison-
Whampoa, Ltd. Earlier, he served as Planning Manager for Duty Free
Shoppers. Mr. Robinson is Chairman of the Footwear Distributors and
Retailers of America. He holds an MBA from Harvard University and is a
graduate of the University of Memphis. Mr. Robinson also served as an
Officer of the United States Coast Guard. Profile
company. Place us in context as to what you see as your company, and as
your business today?
Mr. Robinson: Footstar
