WESTON -- The Orton brothers, Cabot, Gardner, and Eliot, third generation proprietors of The Vermont Country Store, announced today that Chris Vickers has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer.

A veteran of the multi-channel retail business, Vickers joined the company in 2010 as Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer. Previously, Vickers served as Vice President of Merchandising at L.L. Bean, Inc. Chris holds a MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from Colby College.

"Chris has done an outstanding job bringing new expertise and focus to our business, particularly in Merchandising and Marketing. He is a natural leader and personally embodies the core values of practicality, frugality, family and community that permeate everything we stand for," said Eliot Orton, Chairman. "In 1945 our grandfather Vrest Orton went up to Maine to seek business advice from the legendary Leon Leonwood Bean. Mr Bean told him: "always under-promise and over-deliver, and the customer will be pleasantly surprised."

Chris Vickers exemplifies that very principle in everything he does," said Cabot Orton. "He is a savvy retailer, a thoughtful team player, and an example to the community. We are thrilled to have him lead The Vermont Country Store."

Truly honored

"The Vermont Country Store is a one of a kind company in today’s world." said Vickers. "I am truly honored to be a part of this family business, with strong values, that creates a tremendous emotional connection with its customers.

2012 was one of the best years in company history and we are well positioned for future growth. With the family’s commitment, we are making major investments to strengthen our outstanding team, further product innovation, and bring the authentic experience of visiting our iconic stores to millions of customers online."

Founded in 1946, now in its third generation of family ownership, The Vermont Country Store is nationally famous as The Purveyors of The Practical and Hard to Find, serving customers nationwide through its catalogs, online, and at two historic retail stores in Weston and Rockingham.