Nashville, Tenn. — Kirkland’s, Inc. is strengthening its senior leadership team with the appointment of Mike Cairnes to executive vice president and chief operating officer, a new position, effective November 28, 2016.
Cairnes brings 25 years of experience in home décor retailing and manufacturing to Kirkland’s and will focus on improving execution and consistency across the organization. In his role as COO, Cairnes will be responsible for day-to-day operations, overseeing marketing/e-commerce, merchandising, planning & allocation, store and supply chain operations.
Cairnes was most recently with Michael’s Stores, where he served concurrently as president of its Aaron’s Brothers retail business, since 2015, and president of its Artistree framing business, since 2007.
“We’re delighted to have Mike join the Kirkland’s team,” says Mike Madden, president and chief executive officer. “He has an accomplished track record of operational excellence, driving meaningful financial improvement and managing change across a wide range of retail and manufacturing businesses. Mike’s a great cultural fit and will play a key role in helping us shape our vision and drive our strategic priorities.”
In addition, Sarah Hussey recently joined Kirkland’s as vice president of planning and allocation. Prior to joining Kirkland’s in the third quarter of 2016, Hussey worked in similar roles at Sports Authority, since 2000, and held merchandising roles at both Macy’s and Hess’s Department Stores.
“These additions are an important step in our ongoing efforts to better position Kirkland’s to achieve our long term growth objectives,” continues Madden. “While the industry faces challenges, we believe we have a differentiated concept with a unique opportunity to grow sales and profit as we improve our operational execution, expand our branding efforts and omnichannel experience, and focus on new ways to better serve our customers.”
Kirkland’s, Inc. was founded in 1966 and is a specialty retailer of home décor in the United States. Although originally focused in the Southeast, the company has grown beyond that region and currently operates 404 stores in 36 states. For more information, visit www.kirklands.com.
SOURCE: Kirkland’s, Inc.