Sears Names Carrie Shigetomi Vice President Brand Development

Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE: S) has named Carrie Shigetomi to the post of vice president, brand development, effective Sept. 19. She will report to Mindy Meads, Sears executive vice president and general manager, apparel.

Shigetomi, 44, most recently served as Calvin Klein's vice president of design administration and product development, where she oversaw the design and product development of the company's women's collection, men's collection, cK men's and women's, and shoes and accessories.

"Carrie is highly regarded in the fashion industry and a proven leader with deep experience in brand building," Meads said. "She will play a critical role in Sears' strategy to build our national and private apparel brand offering."

Before joining Calvin Klein in 1998, Shigetomi held various executive design and product development positions with Polo Ralph Lauren Leathergoods, Ellen Tracy, and Cole-Haan. Early in her career, she was a successful entrepreneur, designing and manufacturing jewelry with sales to major department stores and better specialty stores.

Shigetomi is a 1980 graduate of New York University in art education with a concentration in jewelry.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a broadline retailer with significant service and credit businesses. In 2002, the company's annual revenue was $41.4 billion. The company offers its wide range of apparel, home and automotive products and services to families in the U.S. through Sears stores nationwide, including approximately 870 full-line stores. Sears also offers a variety of merchandise and services through its Web sites, sears.com and landsend.com, and a variety of specialty catalogs.

SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.

CONTACT: Lee Antonio, +1-847-286-5569, or Chris Brathwaite,
+1-847-286-4681, both of Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Web site: http://www.sears.com/