Well, the close 18-year relationship between Sears and Y&R Chicago has come to an end, for the most part. Six months after the brand’s advertising account went back into play, Sears reportedly intends to hire McGarryBowen as its new lead creative/strategic AOR, thought the NYT’s Media Decoder reports that Y&R will still work perhaps on a project basis with the company. In addition, MD claims that Peterson Milla Hooks will create campaigns for Kmart’s apparel and home lines. McGarryBowen beat out the likes of Hill Holliday, Fallon and Connors, Cosmopolous according to the report, which you can read here.

Update: The Y&R camp wants to clarify that it will still be working on the Craftsman tools, DieHard automotive supplies and Kenmore appliances campaigns, in addition to other special projects.