Ex-Circuit Execs To Run Sears' Majaps, Tools

By Alan Wolf -- TWICE, 3/28/2008 8:18:00 AM

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears has tapped two top former Circuit City executives, John Froman and Doug Moore, to run core product categories for the chain.

Froman, one-time executive VP and COO at Circuit City, has joined Sears as a corporate senior VP and president of the company’s tools and lawn-and-garden businesses.

Moore, a former chief merchant at Circuit City who joined Sears last June, has been promoted from hardlines merchandising senior VP to corporate senior VP and appliances president.

Froman left Circuit City three years ago after nearly two decades with the CE chain. He most recently served as CEO of Namco, a regional chain of family recreation superstores.

Moore spent 17 years with Circuit City, including a 1998 stint as general manager of the retailer’s builder appliances sales division. He left last year as executive VP/chief merchandising officer.

Reporting to Moore is home appliance VP/general merchandise manager Steve Light, who succeeded Sears’ longtime majap chief Tina Settecase last month.

In a statement on Froman’s hire, Sears interim CEO Bruce Johnson said, “John’s wealth of retail experience and demonstrated success in retail operations, merchandising, and strategic planning will help us operate the tools and lawn-and-garden businesses more efficiently and effectively. John will also enable our company to be more responsive and competitive in this industry, as he has a strong record of developing and implementing key initiatives that drive shareholder value and build customer relationships.”

Sears’ chairman Edward Lampert has indicated that the company plans to better leverage its core private-label franchises, including Kenmore appliances and Craftsmen tools, and is considering offering the brands to other retailers.