"Tom’s operational experience and exposure to the public financial markets make him a valuable addition to the Hastings Entertainment management team," said John H. Marmaduke, chairman and chief executive officer. "We look forward to the contribution he will make as we focus our efforts on increasing profitability and enhancing shareholder value."

Commenting on his move to Hastings, Mr. Nugent said, "I am excited to be part of the Hastings team and believe the Hastings small- to mid-size market concept is a great strategy for continued success."

Founded in 1968, Hastings Entertainment, Inc. is the leading multimedia entertainment retailer that combines the sale of books, music, software, periodicals, DVDs and videos with the rental of videos, DVDs and video games in a superstore format. Hastings superstores are designed to be fun and informative gathering places for customers to shop, offering such amenities as free gourmet coffee, comfortable chairs for reading, CD listening stations, video game preview stations, interactive information kiosks, telephones for free local calls, children’s play areas and in-store promotional events.