Community Chat

[ROMARY]

As far as the economy, it probably depends on where you/we live.  Around here, the local shopping centers  are packed. Not only now, but all year long. Restaurants packed, parking lots packed.  All day long, from morning to late night. Signs everwhere in anchor and smaller stores asking for people to fill out applications (on tables) and listing all of the positions available.  Part time, full time, flexible, etc.  One would think that the nearby college students would love these flexible hours.  Well, anyway, no matter why or how, or from where the money is coming, some areas are at least 'seeing' a lot of spending going on.   And lots of stores 'begging' for employees.  I don't get it (can't figure it out).  But glad that folks are keeping some economies going.  Better than  worse alternatives. 

[ROMARY]

p.s.  I just thought of something:  A couple of weeks ago, one of the employees ( assistant manager ) handed me a few  employment positions leaflets, asking me to apply.   She said that their present employees are extremely overworked and that it's been difficult to acquire new employees.  My answer was that 'I'm too old' in a laughing way.  She said, 'No, you aren't at all' and named a couple of senior-age employees, etc.  Actually, I am thinking about maybe a flexible part-time job next year.  Maybe 'on call' if and when they need me, if that's at all possible.  (I'm the type that doesn't like a 'slow' environment.  I like to keep busy when working.  The more busy, the better! )  Anyway, it's just a thought..........we'll see.  The employees there are always very nice, cheerful.  I know many of them (in some of the stores) by name.  

[Nuttmeg]

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@SilleeMee wrote:

This news bothers me in the sense that it indicates how bad our economy is right now. But truthfully, I won't be missing either one of those stores. Can't remember when I last stepped foot in those stores...it's been that long ago.

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We are all shopping in different places now, online.  I was in my local Kmart during the summer, the quality of the products was horrible, and the store looked run down. This Kmart is not closing. People do shop there just not me. This is so sad. 

[Luvitorleaveit1]

Sears and Roebuck I remember growing up had the best appliances and customer service ever.  I can't remember one member of my family that did not buy appliances from them back in the day.  Unfortunately I found their products and customer service less than desirable in the past few years as more and more of these companies starting hiring outside contractors that sometimes caused more problems than solutions.

I am sorry for the loss of jobs that is the sad reality of this.

[ROMARY]

Yes, SOMETIMES (not always) those outside contractors steer folks into buying new appliances (instead of repairing) because of their commission on new appliances, etc.  From what I've heard, and not necessarily talking about Sears.  (Second and third hand info and rumors, just to be clear.)  Also, I've heard that some/many don't seem to have the parts on their trucks, so repairs are done a couple weeks or more later.   We used to have a very honest and trustworthy (private/small business) large appliance repair man for many years.  Repairs only; no sales.  He retired a few years ago. 

[Lilysmom]

I bought all of my appliances at Sears 11 years ago when I built my home.  I would never do that again.  The service is beyond horrible.  They argued with me for days about warranty coverage on a fridge.  I had to go into the store and personally show them in black and white that the warranty for the compressor on the fridge was 5 years, not 1.  They left me two weeks without a fridge.  

I found a local appliance repair man who worked at Sears for 30 years and have never gone back there.  He is working from his home and doing a great business.

I am not surprise to see the trouble they are in.  I don't think there is any way back for them.  Next time I buy appliances, it will be at Costco.  

Having said all that, I am sorry to see them fail.  It seems, like despite all efforts, they can't get the train back on the track.  LM

[TY]

The updated list of Sears and Kmart store closures is on the Fortune website

http://fortune.com/2017/01/05/sears-kmart-closings/

I notice that the Sears at Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood - north Seattle and the Kmart on 6th avenue in Tacoma are on the closure list.

I grew up in Tacoma so 6th avenue used to be a main drag before the freeway extension was built. I haven't been to that Kmart store in years -- it's a stand alone store not attached to a strip mall. A short drive away is a strip mall with a Target and a TJ Maxx. It's not a loss to me but I feel for the people who are losing their jobs.

[sgraham30]

I haven't set foot into a K-Mart for at least a decade. The last time I was in a Sears store was July or August 2003.

[JustJazzmom]

And on a side note, Sears has agreed to sell its Craftsman division to Stanley Black & Decker for $775 million in a bid to raise cash.

http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/05/business/dealbook/sears-craftsman-retailing.html?_r=0

[DiAnne]

I used to purchase appliances at Sears.  I think I remember if you used the Sears credit card you had six months to pay without any interest.  Last fridge I purchased I decided on-line which model I wanted and tried to order it from Sears and they had cancelled my credit card for nonuse.  I got the fridge from Lowes.  I remember when Kenmore was a reliable brand.