GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. — Regional chain Kinney Drugs has revamped its merchandising ­department.

The chain, which operates 91 drug stores in northern New York state and neighboring Vermont, says the move, which has seen several executives promoted, will help it enhance relations with vendors and improve its product planning and lead to better product assortments.

“These changes are part of a long-term plan,” vice president of retail merchandising Rick Cognetti comments. “We want to ensure that the necessary merchandising structure is in place to support consumer demands as well as Kinney Drugs’ continued success.”

Category division manager Cheri Taylor has been promoted to the new position of director of retail merchandising. She will be responsible for developing and implementing sales and promotional strategies, ensuring that sales and gross margin goals are met, and developing effective category management ­practices.

Merchandising presentation supervisor Marc Baum has been promoted to category manager for general merchandise, replacing Sue Easton, who retired from Kinney in October after 26 years with the company.

In addition, Steve Harris, who recently began working for the company as inventory and replenishment manager, will continue to spearhead the implementation of supply chain software and will be a key player in developing what executives call an “advanced replenishment and inventory-control structure.”

Cognetti notes that the changes will ensure that Kinney provides the best shopping experience for its customers.

“This realignment positions us well for the future and will enable us to better deliver on our strategy of value, convenience and exceptional customer service while meeting the evolving needs of customers,” he says.