The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCE), the largest pure-play children's specialty apparel retailer in North America, today announced that Michael Scarpa, Chief Financial Officer, has also been appointed Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Scarpa will continue to oversee finance, information technology, distribution, logistics and wholesale, and will add store operations, store development and international to his current responsibilities. Mr. Scarpa will continue to report to Jane Elfers, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Children's Place.<br /><br />Ms. Elfers commented, "Mike is uniquely qualified for success at The Children's Place due to his extensive hands-on experience leading the finance and operational functions for major apparel companies coupled with his past working relationships with several members of our current management team. We all look forward to continuing to partner with Mike as we take The Children's Place to the next level."<br /><br />Prior to joining The Children's Place, Mr. Scarpa had more than 30 years of financial and operational management experience, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of The Talbots, Inc. Prior to Talbots, Mr. Scarpa was Chief Operating Officer of Liz Claiborne, Inc.