Sears adds Bufano as evp, softlines

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/10/2001 12:00:00 AM

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL —

Sears, Roebuck and Co. has named Kathryn Bufano to the new post of executive vp, softlines, effective Jan. 1.

Reporting to chairman and ceo Alan Lacy, Bufano will focus on merchandising strategies, including brand development and worldwide sourcing for all men's, women's and children's apparel, footwear, home fashions and jewelry.

"Kathy Bufano is a talented, results-oriented merchant," said Lacy.

She comes to Sears from value-priced woman's apparel retailer The Dress Barn, where she was president and chief merchandising officer since February 2001. Before that, she was with Macy's East since 1995, serving as executive vp and gmm of women's apparel for the last five years. She also spent 17 years at Lord & Taylor, where she advanced from department manager and assistant buyer in 1977 to senior vp and gmm for misses sportswear, special sizes and juniors, a post she held from 1989 to 1995.

Elliot Jaffe, chairman and ceo of Dress Barn, said, "We are very disappointed that Kathy will be leaving us. However, she is one of the outstanding fashion merchants in the country today and this offer presents a challenge that she could not turn down. We all wish her every success in her future at Sears."