KMART BRIEFS VENDORS ON TURNAROUND PLANS.(marketing plans )

HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, November, 2002 by Thau, Barbara

TROY, Mich.-Kmart is strengthening its standing as a high-low retailer with sharper promotions and has identified its home business as ripe for expansion. And recent reports that the chain will close 500-plus stores are merely examples of "irresponsible reporting."

That's some of what James Adamson, Kmart's chairman and chief executive officer, said during a meeting with vendors here, according to Bob House, Kmart's vice president and voice of the vendor. Other speakers at the meeting included Paula Paquette, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of home, and Barbara Firment, senior vice president of advertising.

Kmart executives also discussed the chain's new prototype store in White Lake, Mich.; its drive to better attract...