Around the world with DFS, with 32 years in retail
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer
Leading DFS-Hawai'i through its biggest challenge ever is a 32-year retail veteran who has been around the world with DFS.
Ohio native Bob Coe, 53, got his start in the industry in Dayton, Ohio, as an executive trainee with Federated Department Stores (now owner of Macy's) in 1970.
Bob Coe has been involved in the retail industry for 32 years.
He joined DFS in 1984 as Alaska division president and helped Anchorage International Airport generate the highest spending per departing passenger among airports worldwide.
Coe created the shopping/entertainment/dining "Galleria" store format for DFS while president of the Guam/Saipan/Palau region, which he served from 1989 to 1997.
In 1998, Coe was appointed DFS Group vice president for marketing and was involved in consumer research, store design, advertising and promotions.
Coe has been president of the Hawai'i region since March 1999.
