By George Anderson
Sears has a softer side that most consumers apparently have no interest in. That's where Lisa Schultz comes in.
Ms. Schultz who helped upgrade the image of Kmart's fashion line has been named to a new position, executive vice president, Sears Holdings Apparel Design, to oversee clothing design for Sears and Kmart. She will report directly to Sears Holdings' chairman, Edward Lampert.
In September, Mr. Lampert put himself in charge of running Sears Holdings' marketing, merchandising, design and internet business.
Announcing Ms. Schultz's promotion in a released statement, Mr. Lampert said, "In two years, Lisa has assembled a team of talented and enthusiastic designers and has refashioned and defined the Kmart apparel line. She has also been a valuable contributor to the development of our strategy. Lisa's demonstrated ability to attract, retain and develop creative talent will be critical as she expands our combined design organization and works with our valuable design associates in New York City and Hoffman Estates."
This recent move appears to signal that Sears Holdings is not content to succeed or fail based on the company's stronger hardlines business. Last month, it was reported that Sears was experimenting with a store-within-a-store concept featuring the Lands' End brand. There is no indication, as yet whether that test will be rolled out to other sites.
Moderator's Comment: What has happened to Kmart's apparel offerings since Lisa Schultz arrived at the company in the Fall of 2003? What would you expect to see happen in Sears now that she has been named executive vice president of Sears Holdings Apparel Design? - George Anderson - Moderator