Sears, Kmart launch 'Country Living' Collection
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. and NEW YORK The home goods industry may be struggling, but that hasn't stopped retailers from venturing further into this space. The latest example being Sears Holdings, which has partnered with Hearst Magazines, publisher of "Country Living," to launch the "Country Living" Collection at Sears and Kmart this summer.
The Country Living Collection will offer four distinct looks: Modern Countryside, Blue & White, Red & White and Faded Antique. Each will span traditional, classic and modern country sensibilities. Rolling out this August in more than 1,200 Kmart stores and 500 Sears stores nationwide, the product line will be priced accessibly, ranging from $3.99 for candles to $349 for dining furniture.
"The Country Living Collection at Kmart and Sears features a country style sensibility that is new to our assortment," said Doug Wurl VP and GMM Home Fashions at Sears Holdings. "It strengthens our ability to offer customers beautifully coordinated products which make home decorating incredibly easy and affordable. Country Living is a great American brand that offers a wide interpretation of what 'country' means. Our collaboration represents our continued commitment to our customers' love of good design, high quality and comfort."
The Country Living Collection was no doubt launched to compete with Walmart's Better Homes and Gardens line, which was introduced in September 2008. At the time, the new home collection represented the largest extension of publisher Meredith's Better Homes and Gardens brand in its 86-year history. It is likely that similar partnerships with well-known home magazines and retailers will be in the works.
