Sears Hometown Stores Announces the Winner of 'Operation Stores & Stripes' Contest

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- America has spoken and votes have been tallied. After the five-month long contest, Sears Hometown Stores is proud to announce Edward Schrank as the winner of "Operation Stores & Stripes." Edward Schrank, a U.S. military veteran of the Marine Corp won a National vote on the Sears Hometown Stores Facebook page and now will become the owner of a Sears Hometown Store located in Rochelle, IL.

"I want to thank Sears Hometown Stores for giving me the opportunity to take part in this amazing contest. Small business ownership is a strong American tradition and I am proud to join the ranks of my fellow hardworking countrymen and women," said Edward Schrank. "Of course, I would not have won without my background in the military, the support of my community, my friends and my family. I hope everyone will join me at the ribbon cutting."

"We are proud to congratulate Edward Schrank and are happy to welcome him into the Sears Hometown Stores family," said Will Powell, president, Sears Hometown Stores. "We saw enormous levels of enthusiasm from both of our outstanding finalists. We thank them not only for sharing their military experiences, but of course, for their service to our country and their dedication to their communities."

"Operation Stores & Stripes" was kicked off in May by Sears Hometown Stores in partnership with Maytag Brand Appliances. Qualified military veterans from across the country entered the contest online for the chance win their own Sears Hometown Store that includes not just the store location and license, but also merchandise, renovation, the first 90-days of the lease and 90-days of operating cash flow.

Entries to the contest included an in-depth online application followed by a screening process, until the candidates were narrowed down to 15 finalists. The next round, also known as the "Ribbon Challenge," required contestants to submit assets such as photos or videos of themselves in uniform, letters of recommendation and proof of community service participation. Round three brought the top five contestants to Sears Holdings' corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates for face to face interviews with a panel of Sears leadership and Military Veterans, Store Owner and Whirlpool Corp. leadership. The final round was a public vote on the Sears Hometown Stores Facebook page between Schrank and David Wheatley.

More than 3,300 votes were received to determine the grand prize winner. Americans selected their favorite candidate in a poll supported by a gallery of the contestants' assets submitted during the Ribbon Challenge, including video testimonials from each of the finalists. In the end, Edward Schrank won with a 61% lead.

"I can't wait to receive the keys to the store and get to work," said Schrank. "In this economy, Americans need jobs and I'm proud to be able to open the doors to my own store and help energize local commerce and productivity."

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.

Schrank's new store will be located in Rochelle, IL.

For more information please visit www.searshometownstores.com or www.facebook.com/SearsHometownStores.

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 (Nasdaq: SHLD) 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, consumer 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.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation