Sears Hometown and Outlet hires former Sears Holdings executive

HOFFMAN ESTATES -- Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores has hired former Sears Holdings executive Michael McCarthy as vice president, merchandising and inventory.

McCarthy will work 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 with over 30 years of retail experience, including 28 years with Sears Holdings Corp. Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores 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 and general manager of Sears Full-Line Stores, a position he held from 2007-2011. Prior to this, he was the senior vice president 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.