HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOS) announced today that Michael (Mike) McCarthy has been hired as the Company's new Vice President, Merchandising and Inventory. McCarthy will join the company effective September 21, 2015.
In this role, McCarthy will work closely with the leadership team as the principal executive responsible for merchandising, assorting and inventory, including: product selection and assortment planning strategy, inventory management and productivity, product and visual merchandising, product marketing and awareness strategies, promotional design, as well as vendor relationships and support. McCarthy joins Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. with over 30 years of retail experience, including 28 years with Sears Holdings Corporation. Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. was separated from Sears Holdings in October 2012.
"Mike is a seasoned retail professional with comprehensive experience across multiple retail disciplines at a senior executive level and he has a track record of success," said Will Powell, CEO and President of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. "He has an extensive history with Sears Holdings Corporation, serving in many different capacities over nearly three decades, including executive-level positions in several functional areas. This includes direct experience working in our business formats, and multiple merchandising, assorting and inventory planning assignments. Not only does he understand our business model, he knows how to work effectively with dealers and franchisees."
McCarthy joined Sears Holdings in 1982, culminating in his role as the Senior Vice President (SVP) and General Manager of Sears Full-Line Stores, a position he held from 2007-2011. Prior to this, he was the SVP of Full-Line Store Retail Operations and Specialty Retail Formats, including the Sears Hometown Stores, Sears Appliance & Hardware Stores, Sears Auto Centers and Sears Outlet Stores. Other positions held during his time at Sears Holdings include: Vice President, Merchandising, Inventory and Marketing for the Hometown Stores and Director, Merchandising Planning and Placement for Sears Home Appliances.
McCarthy left Sears Holdings to pursue an opportunity with Macy's as the Executive Vice President, directing the company's North region. In 2014, he joined Pep Boys' corporate team as the Vice President of Store Operations and Administration.
"I'm excited to be joining Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores," said McCarthy. "The opportunity leverages my past experience and I look forward to being part of the executive team charged with the company's transformation."
McCarthy resides with his family in the Chicago area.
About Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.
Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOS) is a national retailer primarily focused on selling home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, tools and hardware. As of August 1, 2015, Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and its dealers and franchisees operated 1,215 stores across all 50 states as well as in Puerto Rico and Bermuda. In addition to merchandise, Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. provides consumers with access to a full suite of services, including home delivery, installation, and extended service contracts.
Operating through two segments—the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment and the Sears Outlet segment—Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and its subsidiaries offer franchise and dealership opportunities focused on selling, as applicable, top brand home appliances, hardware, tools, lawn and garden equipment and outlet merchandise. For more information about Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores, Inc., visit www.shos.com. To learn about the opportunity to own and operate a store format, visit www.ownasearsstore.com.