Pacific Trade International Hires New VP of Sales

As Pacific Trade International prepares to open its first domestic factory in Glen Burnie, MD as well as debut a new premium line of home fragrance products called The CBC Collection at Hallmark, the company is focused on expanding distribution of its Chesapeake Bay Candle brand in the U.S. and abroad. The appointments, according to the company, will strengthen its sales, merchandising, and product development areas to provide comprehensive support for its expansion plans.

Before joining Pacific Trade International, Garza Kost began her career at Estée Lauder Companies in merchandising, education, and sales, later moving on to branding and sales at Bare Escentuals.

“We are thrilled to have an executive of Julie’s caliber join our organization,” said Mei Xu, co-owner and president of Pacific Trade International. “We know Julie’s arrival will bring renewed focus to strengthening relationships with our retail partners and developing our brands.”

In her new role of VP of merchandising, Hough Bauer will focus on identifying and uncovering emerging consumer home fragrance needs and conceptualizing and developing product lines that will speak to consumer demands while delivering the Chesapeake Bay Candle brand promise.

“With this promotion, our merchandising department gains the experience of a retail industry veteran with broad fashion merchandising knowledge to support consumer research, product development, and retail merchandising efforts,” added Xu, who has shared the successes of Hough Bauer at Pacific Trade International over the past seven years. With more 25 years of experience in the retail industry, she has also held roles at Woodward & Lothrop Incorporated and its John Wanamaker subsidiary.