Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. announced 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. 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.