HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–With its arrangement with Martha Stewart Living in its final months, Kmart said it is making “substantial strides” in broadening its portfolio with other brands in its home department.
Doug Wurl, vice president and general merchandise manager of home fashions for Kmart’s parent, Sears Holdings, cited last year’s introduction of the Jaclyn Smith Home collection, the addition of Cannon bedding and towels, and, most recently, the debut of the Country Living collection of home fashions as examples of the “new brands and new designs” Kmart is offering in its new home orientation.
Kmart’s contract with Martha Stewart ends in January 2010, according to a Martha Stewart spokeswoman. “After declining to pursue an extension of our contract with Martha Stewart, we are moving beyond an offering that centered on one brand,” Wurl said. “With supportive brand partners, we have the ability to innovate in ways that will surprise and delight our customers by bringing new brands, exceptional value and multichannel experiences to our stores and to our customers’ homes every day.”