Sears Hometown Stores is Calling All Hometown Heroes to Participate in The First-Ever 'Operation Stores & Stripes' Contest

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When the nation's military heroes return from overseas, they bring with them a strong entrepreneurial spirit. As a result of their leadership skills and committed work ethic, many military veterans succeed as entrepreneurs in the United States. In light of this, today Sears Hometown Stores in partnership with Maytag Brand Appliances, announced the kick off of the first-ever "Operation Stores & Stripes" contest, where one deserving military veteran will win their very own Sears Hometown Store(1). Through June 25, qualified military veterans can enter the contest online at www.searshometownstores.com/veteran.

"We know that our country's military veterans are hard-working, committed to success and have a strong entrepreneurial spirit," said Will Powell, senior vice president, president, Sears Hometown Stores. "This initiative is yet another way we can give back to our hometown heroes and show gratitude to those who have done so much for us both at home and abroad. Sears Hometown Stores is very much looking forward to working with the contest winner and supporting them as they successfully open and operate their store."

Once the recruitment period closes, all submissions will be subject to a preliminary screening process and qualified candidates will be notified that they will continue on to the second phase of competition.

"We are thrilled to work with the military veteran community, and could not think of a better group to entrust with their own Sears Hometown Store," added Powell.

Sears Hometown Stores is a unique retailing concept that combines the value, selection and services associated with larger retail stores but is owned and operated by a member of the local community. Sears Hometown Stores provide exceptional customer service along with a wide assortment of tools, appliances, electronics, fitness equipment and lawn & garden merchandise offered by Sears Holdings' stores. This unique format allows customers in small communities to have access to the great products and brands usually only found in Sears stores.

"As a Sears Hometown Store owner of four store locations, I have the privilege of running a successful organization under the reputable Sears brand," said Joe Phelps, Sears Hometown Store owner. "And as a military veteran myself, this has been the ideal job, where I've found personal and professional satisfaction while being able to use the leadership skills, discipline and confidence I learned during my time in the military."

Beyond the "Operation Stores & Stripes" contest, Sears' ongoing commitment to assisting troops and their families is evident by a number of initiatives to which they have committed over the years, including several recruiting and employment programs. The retailer has set one of the most generous standards of support in the country.

For more information please visit www.searshometownstores.com.

About Sears Hometown Stores

Sears Hometown Stores were developed sixteen years ago to serve Sears customers in locations outside of major metropolitan cities. There are currently nearly 900 Hometown Stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. These stores carry all of the top home appliance brands, consumer electronics, tools and lawn and garden equipment. Sears Hometown Stores, LLC carry proprietary Sears' brands, such as Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, as well as a wide assortment of national brands. In addition, Sears Hometown Stores are locally owned and operated by dedicated, hard working individuals that take great pride in serving their communities and representing Sears nationwide. For more information, visit Sears Hometown Stores' website at www.searshometownstores.com.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada.  Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance.  Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year.  Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands.  It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart.  We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually.  Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.

About Maytag Brand

For more than a century, Maytag brand appliances have been synonymous with dependability and durability. Through the commitment of Whirlpool Corporation, Maytag brand's enduring tradition of quality production and performance continues to thrive. Exceptionally durable, commercial-grade components are found in many Maytag brand appliances – including Maytag® Performance Series front-load and Maytag® Bravos® top-load washers and dryers. Maytag brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $17 billion in 2009, 67,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on any Maytag brand appliance, visit http://www.maytag.com.

(1) Includes the store, license, merchandise, renovation and merchandised location, the first 90-days of lease as well as 90 days of operating cash flow.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation