Goodby Sears..... - Page 9

apple1964 · ‎08-07-2013

No great loss for me.

SahmIam · ‎04-16-2010

@AuntMame Very true. Department stores, historically, have been stand alone and OWNED their building and land. When malls were introduced, the idea to attach it to a known entity (hence the word "anchor store") was genius. It became the standard as malls were built around the country.

I watched his unfold as a company I worked for (they helped pay for college as I was going to work for them after I graduated) was allowed to go under because the mall wasn't making a profit off of them (unlike the kick-back they receive from all additional new anchor stores as well as the smaller stores in the mall). When they finally went under (more than 100 years after they opened), the management company and the county (because of how it works where I live), swooped in, bought the property for cheap, gutted it and then added a JC Penny but is getting a HUGE amount of revenue from them.

It was disgusting to watch the "new owner" of my employer allow the Grande Dame this store once was (as well as her sister stores up and down the coast) go to ruin. He walked away with millions as per his contract; employees of 25, 30 plus years got NOTHING even though they were supposed to. That was when I learned that a pension is not guaranteed though it was earned.

Experiencing it first hand was an excellent education, have to say. : (

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

I haven't been in Sears in many years...would never think of buying appliances there, as the one in my area is notorious for it's horrible service.

My Kmart closed some months ago, was immediately gutted, and is in the process of become a Ross, one of the chain pet supply stores, and something else. Once the Walmart opened across the street, that Kmart was doomed--but it took a lot longer than I expected...years! I don't know how they held on so long, there were very few cars parked there at any time of day. The few times I went there, there were almost no other customers. Even at Christmas it was easy to get in and out quickly.

CouponQueen · ‎10-21-2010

I figured this was on the way.

I have had a Sears CC for years..I am talking 30 years or better. I don't have a balance on it..but use it here and there for a small tool purchase for hubby to keep the card active in case he ever wanted something like riding tractor etc.

The other day out of the blue..was notified that my Sears card was being upgraded to Sears Master Card..now I have several and my first thought is they are going and the bank doesn't want to lose out on a potentional customer...

Sad as Sears used to be the go-to place for appliances, tools, toughskins for boys etc.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

Sears has been on the brink of disaster for years now.

My local Kmart was closed a few months ago. No Sears stores in my immediate area have closed.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@wildcat fan wrote:
I like to get Land's End clothing at Sears. I purchased several items there during Thanksgiving weekend sales. I don't bother to look at anything else there besides the Land's End.

A couple of years ago, I went to Sears for a new microwave. Their cost was not only higher than Lowes and Home Depot for the same microwave, but Sears also charged about twice as much for delivery and installation. They can't compete at those prices.

Things like this vary because different stores offer different buying incentives at different times. When DH and I needed a new refrigerator about 5 years ago, Sears has the best deal and they were offering free delivery and free set up.

About 3 years ago when we needed a new washer and dryer, Sears again had the best price. The delivery was high but we have a truck and DH was easily able to pick up the units himself, bring them home and put them in the basement.

About 2 years ago we needed a new stove, Lowes had the best price and were offering free delivery.

Lipstickdiva · ‎03-10-2010

@Bridgegal wrote:
@SilleeMee wrote:
@charvale wrote:
@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.

It's not the economy. Sales for the holidays are brisk in general. Sears hasn't kept up with the way people shop now. They've fallen behind and are reaping the results imho.

It's the result of a poor economy PLUS a number of other factors, especially shopping habits...i.e. internet.

We do not have a poor economy. Do some reading, please.

That certainly depends on where you live. The economy in my area is terrible.

My city was featured in one of the spots for one of the candidates talking about once thriving businesses leaving and how bad the area now is. My city was also one featured on a national news program and employees were interviewed about a once thriving business and how it is now gone and what has happened to our city.

viva923 · ‎03-12-2010

it has been many years since i have gone into a sears store and kmart store. both are quite far from where i live so i rarely got down to visit either store.

i remember sears growing up, that was the place to go to get washers-dryers, refrig's, and the craftman tools my dad liked. it was the store of the future back then (I am going back 60 plus years).

it will be sad to see sears close, it was a staple store at one time. they did have good clothes, shoes were ok. only got 1 washer from sears, it didn't last long.

Spurt · ‎03-20-2010

@Financialgrl wrote:
@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.
I don't think this has as much to do about the economy as it does that ppl don't shop brick and mortar stores anymore. Around here, JC Penney, Belk and Sears have always had few shoppers inside the last few years. Why fight traffic when u can sit in the comfort of your home and have stuff delivered right to your door?

@Financialgrl

That's not entirely true and I think it depends on where you're located in the U.S. perhaps malls aren't doing the business they once were, but shopping centers are in my town....one in particular called THE RIM it is jammed packed during the week, and on the weekend--OH MY!!!...in fact they had to close a highway entrance to the place because it was backing up the traffic on the freeway.....The difference is the store mix---- a little something for everyone....good stores and good deals....and I think people get a little bored doing everything from your home ---who wants to be stuck inside your house all the time!!!!! (besides shopping centers have restaurants and it's nice to shop and go out to eat too) and many consumers still want to see merchandise in person be able to ask questions on big purchases.....and you can immediately take the item home (although some online retailers offer ordering on line and picking it up in the store)......

Animals are reliable, full of love, true in their affections, grateful. Difficult standards for people to live up to.”

CANDLEQUEEN · ‎03-09-2010

Our Sears closed several years ago, and it was an anchor store in our mall, now there is a Sports Store in there, and I don't know how long they are going to last either... Our local KMart has been here forever, and it seems to be doing ok. I never go in there, and I rarely went into Sears, except for appliances...Our Sears seemed very lost, and definitely not keeping up with the trends.....But it did have a great appliance section!