Citi Trends, Inc. today announced that Ed Anderson is retiring as CEO, effective March 21, 2015. Jason Mazzola, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 22, 2015 and has been appointed to the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Additionally, Bruce Smith, the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will also become its Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Anderson will continue as an employee of the Company, serving as Executive Chairman of the Board, in order to provide for an orderly transition of the Chief Executive Officer role. He will serve as advisor and counselor to Mr. Mazzola and will continue to serve as Chairman of the Company's Real Estate Committee. Mr. Anderson will also provide broad oversight of the Company's operations for the Board and Mr. Mazzola will report directly to him.

Mr. Anderson commented, "When I came back to the Company at the beginning of 2012, my job was to lead a turnaround of the Company. That work is largely complete as the Company just reported a very successful 2014 and again is in strong financial condition. The successful turnaround of Citi Trends could not have been done without Jason Mazzola. He is an extraordinarily skilled merchant, leader and executive. He has earned this promotion and he will do well.

"Another key to our turnaround efforts has been the contribution of Bruce Smith, our CFO. Bruce has proven to be not only an outstanding CFO, but a well-respected leader. Jason and Bruce have the skills to lead our company and take it to new heights of success. The Company's future is in great hands."