Kmart Names John Owen to Key Merchandise Post

Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) today announced the appointment of John P. Owen, 33, as Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager-Hardlines, reporting directly to Kmart Executive Vice President, Merchandising Cecil Kearse, effective immediately. Owen will be responsible for merchandising all hardlines divisions including toys, electronics/appliances, do-it-yourself, car care, sporting goods and photo.

"As Kmart's senior hardlines merchandiser, John Owen will be instrumental in driving sales and profitability for this division," said Kearse. "John's in-depth understanding of what shoppers want from a discount shopping experience and his merchandise financial background will be of great benefit to Kmart."

A 10-year Wal-Mart veteran, Owen joins Kmart from his post as Vice President Merchandising responsible for the development of new, store-specific assortments and layouts. He also held the post of Vice President General Merchandise Manager-Hardlines and Home & Seasonal-Germany where he transformed the hardlines areas for the stores acquired by Wal-Mart. As Vice President, General Merchandise Manager-Hardlines-Mexico, Owen spearheaded the successful launch and marketing of exclusive brands for super centers. While Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager-Automotive, he managed the development and marketing of private label brands for automotive batteries and chemicals.

Owen joined Wal-Mart in 1990 as a store auditor rising quickly to more senior level financial positions including Financial Analyst-Treasury, Director of Finance-Specialty Groups and Director of Financial Development, Wal-Mart Discount Stores. Owen is a graduate of Arkansas Technical University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics.

Kmart Corporation serves America with 2,106 Kmart, Big Kmart and Super Kmart stores. In addition to serving all 50 states, Kmart operations extend to Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. More information about Kmart is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.bluelight.com/ under the "About Kmart" section.

SOURCE: Kmart Corporation

Contact: Steve Pagnani, Manager, Corporate Media Relations of Kmart
Corporation, 248-463-1021

Website: http://www.bluelight.com/