Scott Silver named EVP, merchandising, at Sears Canada

Announcement follows recent appointment of new president and CEO

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, June 28, 2011

TORONTO — Sears Canada has continued shaking up its senior executive team, naming Scott Silver executive vice president of merchandising in charge of home and hardlines. It was the second appointment in less than a week, coming just days after Calvin McDonald was named president and CEO following the departure of Dene Rogers.

In his new post, Silver will be responsible for the style and trend direction as well as the overall merchandising activities of the multi-channel retailer's furniture, mattress, major appliance, home electronics, housewares, home décor, bed and bath, fitness, hardware, lawn and garden equipment and seasonal businesses.

Most recently, Silver was CEO of Silver Lining Holdings, a New York City-based consulting and business development enterprise serving home products retailers and manufacturers in the United States.

From 2000 to 2008, Silver was a senior executive with Linen ‘n Things. His last post was executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, responsible for all aspects of merchandising and product procurement for the 660-store operation across Canada and the U.S.

Prior to Linens 'n Things, Silver held a series of senior merchandising positions at Le Gourmet Chef, Bloomingdale's and B. Altman & Co. He began his retail career at Macy's, where he was hired in the management development program after graduating from The State University of New York (Buffalo).

"Scott is an experienced and successful retail executive who can provide leadership to improve our offerings to customers, our relationships with vendors and learning opportunities for our associates." McDonald said in a statement. "The categories Scott will manage include some of Canada's most trusted and successful private brands, such as Kenmore, Craftsman, Sears-O-Pedic and Whole Home. With Scott's guidance, we envision a unified merchandising approach across our home and hardline businesses that will resonate positively with Canadians coast to coast."

Historically, Sears Canada has been one of Canada's largest furniture, mattress and appliance retailers. Furniture and mattresses are believed to account for between 8% and 10% of the company's annual sales.

"Sears has the largest market share in major appliances and furniture as measured by dollar sales," the publicly held retailer said in its annual report for the fiscal year that ended this past Jan. 31. It told its shareholders it is rolling out a number of new initiatives to grow its business in these categories.

In addition to McDonald, two other senior executive appointments have been made by Sears Canada in recent months. In May, Thomas Fitzgerald was named executive vice president and chief administrative officer. Last December, Sharon R. Driscoll was named senior vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Allen R. Ravas.

Approximately 90% of the outstanding common shares in Sears Canada are held by Sears Holding, the Chicago-based parent of U.S. retailers Sears Roebuck & Co. and Kmart.

Sears Canada operates 196 corporate department stores, 272 hometown dealer stores, 33 home improvement showrooms, 1,800 catalogue merchandise pick-up locations, 108 Sears Travel offices and a national home maintenance network.