Served as the Director of Customer Strategy for the Sears Holdings Corporation between 2007-2009. The Sears Holdings Corporation is now the ninth largest retailer in the United States and came into existence in its current form through the 2005 merger of Sears, Roebuck and Co. with Kmart Holdings Corporation. Almost 4,000 retailers across America operate under the Sears Holdings Corporation, including Sears and Kmart locations, The Great Indoors, Orchard Supply Hardware, and Lands’ End.
The 2005 merger provided many benefits for both companies. Sears had recently opened a number of stores outside of the mall infrastructure, called Sears Grands, and was purchasing many Kmart locations in the process. By combining their real estate holdings, the companies projected an increased $200 million annually in sales, combined with a decline of $300 million in operating costs, including supply chain and administrative overhead. After the merger, the companies, now united under the same entity, maintained their respective brands, continued to focus on different customer bases, and gained a larger demographic of potential buyers. The merger has also helped Sears start its line of Sears Essentials stores, which combines the Sears concept with the Kmart format and competes with stores like Wal-Mart and Target.
One of the most inspiring aspects of working for the Sears Holdings Corporation was its demonstrable commitment to diversity in the workplace. In the 2009 Corporate Equality Index, published by the Human Rights Campaign, Sears Holdings received a perfect score. 2009 marks the fourth year in a row that Sears Holdings has been honored with the highest possible rating. In addition, Sears Holdings has been recognized with many other awards for its efforts toward equality in the workplace. In 2004, Working Mothers Magazine placed Sears Holdings on its list of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers.
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