Wal-Mart's U.S. Apparel Boss Resigns as Executive Exodus Continues

Wal-Mart's (WMT) U.S. Apparel chief Dottie Mattison has resigned, the latest in a string of high-level departures announced or slated to take place at the company since its new U.S. CEO was announced in late June.

Mattison resigned late last week, a move that came two months after the retailer cut her responsibilities in half as the retailing behemoth struggled to improve its "disappointing" apparel sales, according to a Bloomberg report. Mattison's former boss, John Fleming, the chief merchandising officer, is slated to depart on Aug. 1.

Both of their exits follow the resignation of Eduardo Castro-Wright, who previously served as U.S. CEO of Wal-Mart Stores before his appointment in late June to the position of CEO of Wal-Mart global.com and global sourcing. Castro-Wright resigned to care for his ill wife. In that same announcement of Castro-Wright's new role, the company announced the promotion of Bill Simon to Wal-Mart Stores U.S. CEO.

Within three days of Simon's promotion, he announced his new executive lineup and the pending departure of Fleming.

Wal-Mart appears to be looking for a quick way to ramp up to its sluggish apparel sales, which were a disappointment in the first quarter, when rival Target posted strong apparel sales, according to the report. Meanwhile, the company's kissing cousin, Sam's Club, reported "strong sales from fresh foods and health and wellness categories, as well as home and apparel," according to Wal-Mart's first-quarter earnings report.

Wal-Mart spokespeople were not immediately available for comment.