Poll
Question:
How much longer do you think Sears and Kmart Have?
Option 1: 6 Months
votes: 20
Option 2: 9 Months
votes: 11
Option 3: One Year
votes: 28
Option 4: Two Years
votes: 23
Option 5: Five Years
votes: 13
Option 6: Ten Years
votes: 1
Option 7: They'll be around forever!
votes: 9
A quick poll based on the events we've been watching regarding Sears Holdings with both Sears and Kmart.
(Mods, if you see fit, you can merge this with the Kmart closings thread.)
5 years.
Voted for two; ole Slick Eddie will keep finding a way to bleed the company for every last penny.
Fort Smith will be closing later this month (the auto center closed in December).
IF they survive 2018, they may be around for a more couple years albeit in a greatly reduced state.
They were predicted to disappear in 2016 and 2017, so I'm predicting they'll stay around forever.
They will be like cockroaches...nothing will kill them.
Here's a legitimate question what happens to the Dealer stores just operating on their own dime and paying to use the Sears franchise name? Do those stores get to linger on kind of how Blockbuster Video has?
Sears never had a huge presence in Hampton Roads, the only ones I can remember are one in Greenbrier Mall (may have already closed), a Sears Auto in Newport News that closed years ago, and a 2-story location still inexplicably living out of the husk of the former Newmarket Fair Mall in Hampton.
As for KMart, he Big Kmart in Denbigh finally gave up the ghost in '13 or '14, as did the one in Hampton in 2016. The Super Kmart in Tabb was shrunken down to a "standard" size in ~2015 to make room for an expanded Kroger, leaving just three locations in the Tidewater (One in Williamsburg, the aforementioned Tabb location, and one in Greenbrier).
I can't imagine them lasting as an independent company much longer than 5 years or so, though I could see a few hangers-on locations survive longer than that as subsidies.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 12, 2018, 09:54:07 PM
Here's a legitimate question what happens to the Dealer stores just operating on their own dime and paying to use the Sears franchise name? Do those stores get to linger on kind of how Blockbuster Video has?
One of the local Radio Shack stores changed their name when RS went down the first time. They actually expanded their inventory since they were then free to buy from other suppliers. Having established themselves over 30 years ago, they promoted themselves as "same family/different name".
Same has happened with some former HWI stores.
5 years maybe slightly longer. They've been on a long decline for a while.
My guess is the last Kmart will be the one in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Supposedly it's the busiest one in the entire chain.
I think Kmart will close the rest of their stores by 2020 and Sears Auto Center by 2021 and then Sears itself by 2023.
I'll guess a little over a year, with both closing after a bad 2018 Christmas season.
I said one year, because at the rate they've been closing, they won't make two years. And they'll try to make it through the Christmas season.
I saw that Sears same store sales (eliminating closing stores) was down 15% over this Christmas compared to last Christmas
Disclaimer: I've worked almost three years at Kmart in customer service, since July 2015. So, my post will be somewhat biased.
With that aside, I think Kmart's business model is more sustainable than Sears. Discount chains are still king. They've been able to diversify their in-store selections. Both Target and Walmart have added modest grocery sections. Most of what you can buy at a traditional "department store" as we know it, can be bought at other stores, whether specialized or not. Anything I can buy at Sears I can buy at Target, Walmart, Lowes or Home Depot or Best Buy. Hell, I'd even say a majority of merchandise on the salesfloor at Sears is on the salesfloor at Kmart. That right there is the company's biggest problem; Sears is dragging Kmart's business down. Sears is a dinosaur of the retail industry and it's business models is failing in the "I want it now and cheap" era of consumerism. That's not to say they haven't tried. They've implemented in-store pickup (which at my store is heavily utilized) and a rewards program with actually saves customers' money. Plus, a lot of customers I talk to say they prefer our store's smaller footprint compared to Walmart and Target. But here's the other problem, everything Sears Holdings does, they do it after everyone else has already done it. They've fallen behind the times and failed to keep up with consumer trends. But I reiterate: this is NOT without trying. Sears Holdings is still a company. It exists to make money. Corporate is doing everything it can to make money. They're closing underperforming stores so they can better focus their business, not because they've given up. Wait for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing before saying that.
Just went into a sears today at Washington Square mall: Maybe 10 customers. 20+ staff members. Macy's in comparison: Hundreds if not thousands of customers.
Although they are different companies......the very last Sears Canada store closed today.
Quote from: ghYHZ on January 14, 2018, 05:56:30 PM
Although they are different companies......the very last Sears Canada store closed today.
Yeah, Fast Eddie did off with them first. They've been closing locations for a while.
Sears remains at Harford Mall in Bel Air, Maryland. Kmart was demolished at the turn of the millennium for a sort of food court currently consisting of TGI Fridays, some frozen yogurt place, Firehouse Subs and Noodles & Company. There's also Mattress Firm and Pier 1 Imports among that row of Tollgate Marketplace. Anyway, yeah, Bel Air lost Kmart and got all that in exchange. I don't really want Sears to go.
I give one more year. Both stores have been rapidly shrinking in Connecticut. Kmart is nearly non-existent in the state right now.
Is the voting closed? I tried to vote and it said either the poll was locked, or I voted twice. Considering I only today voted for the first time, it must be locked already.
Quote from: roadman65 on January 14, 2018, 08:33:44 PM
Is the voting closed? I tried to vote and it said either the poll was locked, or I voted twice. Considering I only today voted for the first time, it must be locked already.
The poll was left open indefinitely, intentionally. You can edit your response, IIRC.
Quote from: Brandon on January 14, 2018, 09:39:59 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 14, 2018, 08:33:44 PM
Is the voting closed? I tried to vote and it said either the poll was locked, or I voted twice. Considering I only today voted for the first time, it must be locked already.
The poll was left open indefinitely, intentionally. You can edit your response, IIRC.
I can't edit mine.
Quote from: 1 on January 14, 2018, 09:40:26 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 14, 2018, 09:39:59 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 14, 2018, 08:33:44 PM
Is the voting closed? I tried to vote and it said either the poll was locked, or I voted twice. Considering I only today voted for the first time, it must be locked already.
The poll was left open indefinitely, intentionally. You can edit your response, IIRC.
I can't edit mine.
Neither can I. I can delete the poll or reset the vote counts, but I can't revote
They both act like cockroaches. Easy to kill, but they always come back unless you drop the Tsar bomb on them (and even then they still survive!).
Quote from: US71 on January 14, 2018, 09:50:57 PM
Quote from: 1 on January 14, 2018, 09:40:26 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 14, 2018, 09:39:59 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 14, 2018, 08:33:44 PM
Is the voting closed? I tried to vote and it said either the poll was locked, or I voted twice. Considering I only today voted for the first time, it must be locked already.
The poll was left open indefinitely, intentionally. You can edit your response, IIRC.
I can't edit mine.
Neither can I. I can delete the poll or reset the vote counts, but I can't revote
OK, all I can seem to do is to be able to add another response if I want.
I think Kmart will be gone before the end of this year. I am really surprised it hasn't happened already. As far as Sears goes I could see them being around a couple more years. Given it's such an iconic American brand I could see some movement to try to save it somehow. It's really a shame it is a unique brand to other retailers too bad they had to merge with Kmart otherwise I think they would be doing somewhat better.
Quote from: Thing 342 on January 12, 2018, 10:57:32 PM
Sears never had a huge presence in Hampton Roads, the only ones I can remember are one in Greenbrier Mall (may have already closed), a Sears Auto in Newport News that closed years ago, and a 2-story location still inexplicably living out of the husk of the former Newmarket Fair Mall in Hampton.
As for KMart, he Big Kmart in Denbigh finally gave up the ghost in '13 or '14, as did the one in Hampton in 2016. The Super Kmart in Tabb was shrunken down to a "standard" size in ~2015 to make room for an expanded Kroger, leaving just three locations in the Tidewater (One in Williamsburg, the aforementioned Tabb location, and one in Greenbrier).
I can't imagine them lasting as an independent company much longer than 5 years or so, though I could see a few hangers-on locations survive longer than that as subsidies.
There was a Sears at Pembroke Mall on Va Beach Blvd. I remember going there our family used to vacation in Va Beach a lot growing up.
Reno has one mall-sized Sears, at Meadowood Mall a little south of the airport. It's still open, but looking ahead to the next round of closings, plans have been filed with the city to subdivide the building into three smaller tenant spaces. Looking at the planning document linked in the article, they aren't just carving out a couple of cubbyholes; all three spaces will be decent-sized.
https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/02/07/reno-sears-renovating-into-three-unknown-tenants-according-planning-document/313250002/ (https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/02/07/reno-sears-renovating-into-three-unknown-tenants-according-planning-document/313250002/)
The nearest mall-sized Sears from there is in Roseville, CA, about 120 miles.
A Facebook page called "Dead and Dying Retail" has been pointing out that a lot of hardware sections of K-Mart stores located around the country have gone completely barren of all the Craftsman items they used to have. More than a few pics of near-empty aisles.
There's only one Sears left in Dallas. The most recent closing was one in north Dallas (was the oldest left in the metro) the middle of last year, with hardly a whimper much less any calls to save it. A few remain in the suburbs. There are (I think) 2 in Fort Worth. None of them have likely had a renovation in years.
Kmart has been gone from north TX for years.
As long as Eddie thinks of the stores as real estate pawns and less as retailers, it's likely the remains don't have long to live. I'd hate to guess... 5 years maybe?
Quote from: SectorZ on February 10, 2018, 11:58:36 AM
A Facebook page called "Dead and Dying Retail" has been pointing out that a lot of hardware sections of K-Mart stores located around the country have gone completely barren of all the Craftsman items they used to have. More than a few pics of near-empty aisles.
That may have to do with the fact that Sears sold off the brand. There's no reason for them to stock them anymore.
You just have to love the song and dance they put out in the press releases when they report their losses, or report closings. They say they are working to get the right balance of stores and demand to basically have a successful operation. I can safely say that after so many years of mismanagement, I know the answer "0". They no longer have anything that is special about either of the stores, except their rich history, which is truly history now. Anything you want to get there, you can just as easily if not easier purchase online or places such as Walmart. Please, please, please.....someone shoot this animal, it's been thrashing around way too long and it's been painful to watch.
It's been 9 months since I posted this, and bankruptcy may be declared this very week.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/10/business/sears-time-running-out/index.html
I hate my predictions.
Quote from: Brandon on October 10, 2018, 02:11:33 PM
It's been 9 months since I posted this, and bankruptcy may be declared this very week.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/10/business/sears-time-running-out/index.html
I hate my predictions.
No word yet on which part of the Federal bankruptcy law (Chapter 11 reorganization, Chapter 7 liquidation, etc)?
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on October 10, 2018, 03:25:18 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 10, 2018, 02:11:33 PM
It's been 9 months since I posted this, and bankruptcy may be declared this very week.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/10/business/sears-time-running-out/index.html
I hate my predictions.
No word yet on which part of the Federal bankruptcy law (Chapter 11 reorganization, Chapter 7 liquidation, etc)?
The article seems to imply a Chapter 11 filing.
Heh, I actually voted for 9 months. :evilgrin:
Quote from: cl94 on October 10, 2018, 05:16:46 PM
Heh, I actually voted for 9 months. :evilgrin:
Well, that makes 2 of us. :evilgrin: I wonder who the third person was? :hmmm:
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 10, 2018, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 10, 2018, 03:25:18 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 10, 2018, 02:11:33 PM
It's been 9 months since I posted this, and bankruptcy may be declared this very week.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/10/business/sears-time-running-out/index.html
I hate my predictions.
No word yet on which part of the Federal bankruptcy law (Chapter 11 reorganization, Chapter 7 liquidation, etc)?
The article seems to imply a Chapter 11 filing.
Based on what I've read, Lambert wants Chapter 11, but creditors want Chapter 7 . Is there anything left for Fast Eddie to skim off the top?
It'll probably end up being Chapter 7. There's not much left for Sears to use as collateral.
Quote from: US71 on October 14, 2018, 01:47:55 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 10, 2018, 05:01:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on October 10, 2018, 03:25:18 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 10, 2018, 02:11:33 PM
It's been 9 months since I posted this, and bankruptcy may be declared this very week.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/10/business/sears-time-running-out/index.html
I hate my predictions.
No word yet on which part of the Federal bankruptcy law (Chapter 11 reorganization, Chapter 7 liquidation, etc)?
The article seems to imply a Chapter 11 filing.
Based on what I've read, Lambert wants Chapter 11, but creditors want Chapter 7 . Is there anything left for Fast Eddie to skim off the top?
I doubt it. The best stores were sold (mostly to Seritage). Craftsman has been sold. Kenmore is being sold (or will be sold). Die Hard could be sold. But, that's it. It's toast.
Lowe's has started to sell Craftsman too.
CNBC is reporting (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/14/sears-ready-to-file-bankruptcy-later-tonight-in-fight-to-stay-alive.html) that Sears will likely file for bankruptcy tonight. At least 150 stores expected to close immediately.
One time years ago during a job search, one of my sisters told me I should go apply at Sears. "They'll always be around", or something like that. Little did she know. One time I'm glad I listened to the little voice telling me not to apply.
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
It's Chapter 11. They're going for a prolonged death. Sears built itself on selling stuff cheaper than their competitors could. It seems entirely fitting that they should fail because someone else played their own game better. They're getting bitten in the ass by karma. As it was at their birth, when the new model was better for the people, so it is at their death.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html)
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 12:46:56 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
Business doesn't really work that way. Innovation means nothing unless income outpaces expenses. There's a lot of really cool stuff you can do but can't turn a profit with, so it doesn't get done. A big part of that is if the concept is marketable. The world's most efficient interchange is useless if you can't sign it in a way people can navigate it, and so the coolest product in the world is worthless if you can't market it.
Quote from: wxfree on October 15, 2018, 02:22:38 AM
It's Chapter 11. They're going for a prolonged death. Sears built itself on selling stuff cheaper than their competitors could. It seems entirely fitting that they should fail because someone else played their own game better. They're getting bitten in the ass by karma. As it was at their birth, when the new model was better for the people, so it is at their death.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html)
The beginning of the end. A plan to close yet another 142 stores, and the removal of Eddie Lampert as CEO.
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 07:19:15 AM
Quote from: wxfree on October 15, 2018, 02:22:38 AM
It's Chapter 11. They're going for a prolonged death. Sears built itself on selling stuff cheaper than their competitors could. It seems entirely fitting that they should fail because someone else played their own game better. They're getting bitten in the ass by karma. As it was at their birth, when the new model was better for the people, so it is at their death.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html)
The beginning of the end. A plan to close yet another 142 stores, and the removal of Eddie Lampert as CEO.
Heh, now they think it's the time to get rid of old Eddie?
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 15, 2018, 04:59:23 AM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 12:46:56 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
Business doesn't really work that way. Innovation means nothing unless income outpaces expenses. There's a lot of really cool stuff you can do but can't turn a profit with, so it doesn't get done. A big part of that is if the concept is marketable. The world's most efficient interchange is useless if you can't sign it in a way people can navigate it, and so the coolest product in the world is worthless if you can't market it.
Funny, I seem to recall groceries were part of the pitch for Prodigy Online sales too. It wasn't just Sears that pulled their money out mind you, a lot of companies did. Prodigy was marketed terribly and way over moderated. They let net provides like AOL slip in and sap take all their market share away (which was only a couple million at most) because they couldn't understand what their users wanted. It's hard to sell to a board of stockholders a product that is failing on the market like that.
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 12:46:56 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
You may not fully understand the meaning of "slow and chunky", and capabilities of hardware those days. Screen resolution is a fraction of cheap (64x480 or 800x600) is a fraction of what is standard for the phone these days, and it takes maybe a minute to download a full screen size picture at 33.6k
Catalog shopping was popular because a single catalog page could contain more information than you could ever download via the modem.
It may be for a good reason that Amazon - which started as a bookstore - grew up the way it did as you can sell books in a text-only mode without many issues.
Delivery was more expensive, and I believe credit card processing was more involved.
Maybe there was a way to improve catalog sales with dial-in service, but you mentioned groceries.. which were definitely a non-starter.
Something really trivial in 2018 was too difficult in the days of faxes.
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 07:19:15 AM
Quote from: wxfree on October 15, 2018, 02:22:38 AM
It's Chapter 11. They're going for a prolonged death. Sears built itself on selling stuff cheaper than their competitors could. It seems entirely fitting that they should fail because someone else played their own game better. They're getting bitten in the ass by karma. As it was at their birth, when the new model was better for the people, so it is at their death.
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html (https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/15/business/sears-bankruptcy/index.html)
The beginning of the end. A plan to close yet another 142 stores, and the removal of Eddie Lampert as CEO.
Good riddance to bad rubbish (lampert)
Quote from: kalvado on October 15, 2018, 08:36:11 AM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 12:46:56 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
You may not fully understand the meaning of "slow and chunky", and capabilities of hardware those days. Screen resolution is a fraction of cheap (64x480 or 800x600) is a fraction of what is standard for the phone these days, and it takes maybe a minute to download a full screen size picture at 33.6k
Catalog shopping was popular because a single catalog page could contain more information than you could ever download via the modem.
It may be for a good reason that Amazon - which started as a bookstore - grew up the way it did as you can sell books in a text-only mode without many issues.
Delivery was more expensive, and I believe credit card processing was more involved.
Maybe there was a way to improve catalog sales with dial-in service, but you mentioned groceries.. which were definitely a non-starter.
Something really trivial in 2018 was too difficult in the days of faxes.
Worse yet early services like Prodigy were also subscription based meaning you only had a limited number of minutes to use before overages occurred.
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Considering Walmart used to take out life insurance policies on its employees and pocket the money when they died, "a little better" doesn't really mean much. And I don't think it's that they treat their employees better so much as other companies are drawing media attention about their poor treatment of employees away from Walmart.
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 15, 2018, 09:54:46 AM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Considering Walmart used to take out life insurance policies on its employees and pocket the money when they died, "a little better" doesn't really mean much. And I don't think it's that they treat their employees better so much as other companies are drawing media attention about their poor treatment of employees away from Walmart.
Some of the Workman's Comp claims that come out of retail are really interesting. On the whole you have a work force that is generally given access to machinery like fork lifts and compactors with very little training. Most of the mundane accident come from poor lifting techniques or falls related to messy work environments.
Here's a map from CNBC showing all the locations then and now:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/15/sears-is-closing-another-142-stores-heres-a-map-of-the-locations-it-has-left.html
Here's the list of the store closings related to the bankruptcy filing:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-holdings-bankruptcy-store-closures/1645971002/
And the new list is out: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-holdings-bankruptcy-store-closures/1645971002/
And yes, my local Sears is on it. Fortunately, Sears Holdings leases the location from Seritage, so it shouldn't be empty too long.
Arkansas is losing its last K-Mart (in Russellville). I was never impressed by it: disorganized, dirty, poorly staffed. Also lots of wrong prices at check-out and no one available to resolve the problem.
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 15, 2018, 04:59:23 AM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 12:46:56 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
Business doesn't really work that way. Innovation means nothing unless income outpaces expenses. There's a lot of really cool stuff you can do but can't turn a profit with, so it doesn't get done. A big part of that is if the concept is marketable. The world's most efficient interchange is useless if you can't sign it in a way people can navigate it, and so the coolest product in the world is worthless if you can't market it.
Yes. Business does not work like that of course you have to make income in order to maintain . But have some of y'all forgotten what apple came from? Last time I checked Steve jobs was denounced CEO of his own company, because it was failing. Then a new head of people come in & made worse ideas & well you guys know what happened. Jobs came back & kept working on the same thing that failed. Computers & then the I-Pods,I-Phones, iPads & etc. but he made a game changer & that stuck with the American people. We can compare the *Apple Newton* to *Sears* trying the internet. It didn't work. But that doesn't mean give up. Sears messed up by just FOCUSING on internet. They should have been trying new things as-well that were head of the game.
iPhone
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 11:30:55 AM
And the new list is out: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-holdings-bankruptcy-store-closures/1645971002/
And yes, my local Sears is on it. Fortunately, Sears Holdings leases the location from Seritage, so it shouldn't be empty too long.
Two locals for me, Lincoln Park and Ann Arbor (Briarwood Mall). The LP store was the closest store to my house when I was growing up before the Livonia store opened in the mid-'60s; a lot of my back-to-school clothes came from there.
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 11:43:04 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 15, 2018, 04:59:23 AM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 15, 2018, 12:46:56 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:50:42 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:39:05 PM
Quote from: Tonytone on October 14, 2018, 11:30:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 14, 2018, 11:20:43 PM
Its time for them to go, this has been dragged out way too many years. A last minute buyer is just prolong what ought to happen now.
Amazon is the new Sears. Walmart blew Kmart out the water. Maybe if these stores studied statistics of what's popular like "Electronics" & fast "quick" service. They would have survived.
*Walmart is surviving because they are now putting their workers & stores first a little more* I Say this from experience of working in walmart in recent years. I know they were shitty back in the day. & sometimes they can be now. But they have turned around.*
iPhone
Irony there being Sears was a huge investor in Prodigy Online in the 80s/90s and was the first major retailer to have online shopping. They were actually in that market about a decade and a half too soon which made it a failure.
And thats the problem. Scared money don't make money. If sears would have taken the risk & not chickened out. They would have been a Walmart or amazon brand. But the old school is said to say over. A little bit will come back here & there. But people want technology & they want shit fast. The internet was scary at that time. But if you don't take risks sometimes. How will you know you failed?
iPhone
You're aware wireless internet wasn't mainstream for about another decade by the time Sears divested? That project bled money constantly no matter how hard Sears pushed it. They even had a show case on Regis and Kathie Lee that went nowhere, there was a later Howard Stern plug that also went bubkus. At the time we're talking dial-up internet and closed ISPs being the order of the day, speed definitely wasn't anywhere what we have today.
I understand that. But if the people who created AOL & Steve jobs who created Iphones. Didnt keep working on it & trying new things. Even when it was slow & clunky. What would we have today? A Ipear made by Leave bobs? Cmon sears could have really changed the game. They had basically everything at one point. Except a grocery store. Correct me if im wrong.
iPhone
Business doesn't really work that way. Innovation means nothing unless income outpaces expenses. There's a lot of really cool stuff you can do but can't turn a profit with, so it doesn't get done. A big part of that is if the concept is marketable. The world's most efficient interchange is useless if you can't sign it in a way people can navigate it, and so the coolest product in the world is worthless if you can't market it.
Yes. Business does not work like that of course you have to make income in order to maintain . But have some of y'all forgotten what apple came from? Last time I checked Steve jobs was denounced CEO of his own company, because it was failing. Then a new head of people come in & made worse ideas & well you guys know what happened. Jobs came back & kept working on the same thing that failed. Computers & then the I-Pods,I-Phones, iPads & etc. but he made a game changer & that stuck with the American people. We can compare the *Apple Newton* to *Sears* trying the internet. It didn't work. But that doesn't mean give up. Sears messed up by just FOCUSING on internet. They should have been trying new things as-well that were head of the game.
iPhone
That's what Dad used to say and he was the marketing VP of Prodigy Online. It's not like they didn't give it their all, they even sponsored a race team for a couple years. When you're an old school publicly traded company you have to answer to stock holders and a board of directors on where/what your money is doing. We're talking a far different world in the early 1990s, innovation wasn't coming from the old school giants of retail.
I'll give them until the end of the decade, 2020 is the max
Tony...you have no idea what the internet was like when Sears was pushing it. You couldn't readily download a picture. People also paid for their time online. If you didn't have a local number to connect to the internet, you had to pay to simply get online. And you paid per minute...which was easily 10 cents or more per minute as It was a local-long distance call. It was life-changing when you got 10 hours a month for free. I remember roadgroups at the time highly discouraging posting a pic on a post because of the incredible download time needed.
You simply can't compare 25 - 30 years ago to what we can do today. In hindsight maybe Sears could've done things differently, but it was so far removed from their core business model that it really didn't make sense at the time.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 15, 2018, 12:21:26 PM
Tony...you have no idea what the internet was like when Sears was pushing it. You couldn't readily download a picture. People also paid for their time online. If you didn't have a local number to connect to the internet, you had to pay to simply get online. And you paid per minute...which was easily 10 cents or more per minute as It was a local-long distance call. It was life-changing when you got 10 hours a month for free. I remember roadgroups at the time highly discouraging posting a pic on a post because of the incredible download time needed.
You simply can't compare 25 - 30 years ago to what we can do today. In hindsight maybe Sears could've done things differently, but it was so far removed from their core business model that it really didn't make sense at the time.
Hell most of the marketing was focused on shopping or checking stock quotes. Nobody could foresee that the message boards and chat rooms would become the most popular feature. I do miss those DOS based graphics...shame Mad Maze never got finished.
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 11:30:55 AM
And the new list is out: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-holdings-bankruptcy-store-closures/1645971002/
And yes, my local Sears is on it. Fortunately, Sears Holdings leases the location from Seritage, so it shouldn't be empty too long.
I'm surprised this location held on as long as it did.
Quote from: US71 on October 15, 2018, 11:33:56 AM
Arkansas is losing its last K-Mart (in Russellville). I was never impressed by it: disorganized, dirty, poorly staffed. Also lots of wrong prices at check-out and no one available to resolve the problem.
I'm surprised that any K-Marts lasted this long in the home state of Wal-Mart. It could happen just as easily with Wal-Mart if someone else takes care of the customer better or cheaper. At least they're investing in the stores and coming up with different ways to blend on and offline commerce, so there's hope that Amazon doesn't just run everyone into the ground.
My local Sears in Deptford and a Kmart in Glassboro are finally listed. I would go into Sears because my mom liked their Lands End clothing for Christmas. The Kmart I've been in twice in the past few years just for kicks, but usually walked out buying something.
Kentucky has two Kmarts on the list, in Grayson and Russell Springs. The one in Grayson does not have a local Walmart competitor, and I don't think the one in Russell Springs does either.
I see the Sears in Ann Arbor is closing as well as the one in Lincoln Park. After Lincoln Park closes that'll leave 3 Sears stores left in Metro Detroit (Livonia, Novi and Westland). Ann Arbor usually isn't included in Metro Detroit. And with Kmart closing in Lake Orion and Charlevoix that'll leave Michigan with 11 Kmart's left. At one time Michigan was Kmart's home state.
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 11:30:55 AM
And the new list is out: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-holdings-bankruptcy-store-closures/1645971002/
And yes, my local Sears is on it. Fortunately, Sears Holdings leases the location from Seritage, so it shouldn't be empty too long.
Since when did Sears Holdings sell the Joliet Mall property?
When I worked there 10+ years ago, Sears owned that Mall store...but I know they were looking into selling the properties at that time
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 15, 2018, 01:53:24 PM
I see the Sears in Ann Arbor is closing as well as the one in Lincoln Park. After Lincoln Park closes that'll leave 3 Sears stores left in Metro Detroit (Livonia, Novi and Westland). Ann Arbor usually isn't included in Metro Detroit. And with Kmart closing in Lake Orion and Charlevoix that'll leave Michigan with 11 Kmart's left. At one time Michigan was Kmart's home state.
Yes, it was originally known as Kresge's.
Quote from: ilpt4u on October 15, 2018, 02:44:36 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 11:30:55 AM
And the new list is out: https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2018/10/15/sears-holdings-bankruptcy-store-closures/1645971002/
And yes, my local Sears is on it. Fortunately, Sears Holdings leases the location from Seritage, so it shouldn't be empty too long.
Since when did Sears Holdings sell the Joliet Mall property?
When I worked there 10+ years ago, Sears owned that Mall store...but I know they were looking into selling the properties at that time
It's one of the ones sold to Seritage a few years ago (along with the former Orland Square store that's now slated to become a large movie theater). https://www.seritage.com/properties
Looking at it now, there's a pattern to a lot of the store closures. Check out the list, and then check out the Seritage property list linked here. A lot of the stores, both Sears and Kmart appear on both. I'm willing to wager that sales alone are not driving these closures. These are being driven partially by Seritage.
Boise's Sears is on the closing list. Pulling out of by far the biggest market in the state, in the biggest mall in the state (which is generally busy). Can't be a good sign. Surprisingly, the Sears in Idaho Falls seems to be staying open, making that the last traditional Sears in the entire state. Not counting hometown stores, there's a handful of those around still. The Boise area, for now, retains a Hometown Store in Nampa, and the Appliance Outlet store in Boise.
I can't say I've ever bought anything in the Boise store though, so I don't really mind. Looked into them (online) for new appliances, but I ended up going with Best Buy for fridge and dishwasher, and Amazon for gas range (ironically, a Kenmore) as they were better deals.
They should just close down completely. This would give the chance for somebody to reboot the company and make it a great again. Since it's already being done with Toys R Us it can be done with Sears as well.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on October 15, 2018, 02:50:19 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 15, 2018, 01:53:24 PM
I see the Sears in Ann Arbor is closing as well as the one in Lincoln Park. After Lincoln Park closes that'll leave 3 Sears stores left in Metro Detroit (Livonia, Novi and Westland). Ann Arbor usually isn't included in Metro Detroit. And with Kmart closing in Lake Orion and Charlevoix that'll leave Michigan with 11 Kmart's left. At one time Michigan was Kmart's home state.
Yes, it was originally known as Kresge's.
I think it was more along the lines that Kresge founded Kmart since it was the S.S. Kresge Company that owned them. Kresge's 5 and 10 stores were around well into the 80's. There was one about a mile from my house that closed in around 1988 and became a McCrory's after that, followed by a Big Lots and now it's an Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
I looked at the closing list and none of the stores owned directly by Sears are closing this round
Quote from: ftballfan on October 15, 2018, 06:37:32 PM
I looked at the closing list and none of the stores owned directly by Sears are closing this round
The Deptford Mall Sears is Sears owned I believe.
So far around here the Avenues Sears and Orange Park Sears are not slated for closing. Neither is the Sears Outlet near the Saint John's Town Center.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 15, 2018, 01:14:28 PM
My local Sears in Deptford and a Kmart in Glassboro are finally listed. I would go into Sears because my mom liked their Lands End clothing for Christmas. The Kmart I've been in twice in the past few years just for kicks, but usually walked out buying something.
That's disappointing - the Deptford Mall Sears was the one I grew up with. We spent alot of time in there over the years. I remember the snack bar and the big remodel (late 80s?). I haven't been in there in years and the Sears that was local to where I live now closed a year ago, but it's a another small piece of my childhood that is going. Most visits to the mall started at that Sears.
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 10:06:53 AM
Here's a map from CNBC showing all the locations then and now:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/15/sears-is-closing-another-142-stores-heres-a-map-of-the-locations-it-has-left.html
When did the one at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL close?
Quote from: Revive 755 on October 15, 2018, 09:58:24 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 10:06:53 AM
Here's a map from CNBC showing all the locations then and now:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/15/sears-is-closing-another-142-stores-heres-a-map-of-the-locations-it-has-left.html
When did the one at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL close?
Um, that one is still open.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on October 15, 2018, 10:07:36 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on October 15, 2018, 09:58:24 PM
Quote from: Brandon on October 15, 2018, 10:06:53 AM
Here's a map from CNBC showing all the locations then and now:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/15/sears-is-closing-another-142-stores-heres-a-map-of-the-locations-it-has-left.html
When did the one at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL close?
Um, that one is still open.
I didn't realize how bad things had gotten until I was looking at buying something from Sears online and the nearest store to me is in North Riverside.
So strange...the day I hear about the bankruptcy, I see 2 Sears Outlet commercials on TV. I don't think I've ever seen ads for Sears Outlet on TV before.
Saw the closures list; this round will leave Dallas with no more Sears in the city limits and only 1 left in Fort Worth. If my math is right, 5 remaining suburban Sears will be left. Kmart has been gone from most of TX for years now.
Surprised to see the only local closure planned here is the K-Mart at Springfield Plaza (Sears at Fair Oaks was already slated to close).
Once in awhile if I see a Kmart that's still open I'll stop in just to see what the store looks like. I haven't been in my local one's lately (Midland is the closest, Clio isn't too far behind). After this next round of closings Michigan will be left with 11 Kmart's. The remaining stores are in Belleville, Clio, Grayling, Hastings, Marine City, Marshall, Menominee (the U.P.'s only remaining Kmart), Midland, Oscoda, Warren and Waterford. I don't think there is a city anywhere around here that has two Kmart's left, I know Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois have no cities with at least two Kmart's. Saginaw use to have three Kmart's with the first one closing in 2004, second one around 2007 and the third one in 2014 (due to a roof collapse that happened in the middle of the night in the middle of winter snow on the roof caused the collapse). Bay City's Kmart closed last year and it was about halfway in between a Meijer and Walmart location. Very surprising that the Clio store remains open with a Walmart across I-75 from it.
Could this guy be any more full of shit? :rolleyes:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/16/sears-eddie-lampert-speech-to-employees-post-bankruptcy.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/16/sears-eddie-lampert-speech-to-employees-post-bankruptcy.html)
Quote from: LM117 on October 16, 2018, 10:19:54 PM
Could this guy be any more full of shit? :rolleyes:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/16/sears-eddie-lampert-speech-to-employees-post-bankruptcy.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/16/sears-eddie-lampert-speech-to-employees-post-bankruptcy.html)
Was the whole negotiating his way out of a kidnapping even really a thing?
I am still surprised that they both held on this long. In Orlando K Mart has been gone for a long while. Sears, on the other hand, is still holding on in the Florida Mall, Fashion Square, and Altamonte. I am not sure if Sears is still in West Oaks or not, but I am sure they closed a few years back.
Edit: Wikipedia says it closed back in 2013.
Quote from: roadman65 on October 16, 2018, 10:52:20 PM
I am still surprised that they both held on this long. In Orlando K Mart has been gone for a long while. Sears, on the other hand, is still holding on in the Florida Mall, Fashion Square, and Altamonte. I am not sure if Sears is still in West Oaks or not, but I am sure they closed a few years back.
Here in Jacksonville it is pretty much the same scenario, with Kmart having been gone for awhile now and Sears no longer having a presence at the nearly dead Regency Square Mall. They do still have a presence at the Avenues Mall and Orange Park Mall and a Sears Outlet not far north of the Saint John's Town Center.
The immediate Grand Rapids area (and inner-ring suburbs) had six Kmarts briefly in the mid-1990s. Four were gone by the 2002 bankruptcy, while the remaining two hung on until 2016. Sears still has one store left in the Grand Rapids area (at RiverTown Crossings, one of the last full-line Sears stores to open (the store and mall opened in 1999)). The Woodland Mall store closed early last year and will be replaced by Von Maur and some inline stores.
I've been watching for the Sears location in Fashion Square Mall to close. Since Genesee Valley lost it's Sears this year I thought Fashion Square would be on the next list but it's still open and not slated for closing at least not yet. Anytime I go in that Sears it's always dead and I count more employees than customers. It honestly wouldn't hurt my feelings to see that Sears close but Fashion Square has been able to hold onto all of it's anchors unlike Bay City Town Center (formerly Bay City Mall) and Midland Mall.
Sears closed the Bay City location in late 2014 or early 2015 I can't remember. Target closed the Bay City location in 2015. The Sears location became Younker's Home and Furniture store on one half and a Ollie's Bargain Outlet on the other half so when Younkers closed they actually vacated a store and a half in the mall. About a month or two ago Big R announced they are opening in the old Target location in the first quarter of 2019.
Sears closed the Midland Mall location in the summer of 2016, JCPenney closed about a year later and of course Younkers (originally an Elder-Beerman) closed in August of this year. I haven't been in this mall in awhile and really don't care for Midland Mall or Bay City Town Center too much. If I want a mall I'll head to Meridian, Twelve Oaks, Somerset or Lakeside.
Quote from: txstateends on October 16, 2018, 08:16:40 AM
So strange...the day I hear about the bankruptcy, I see 2 Sears Outlet commercials on TV.
Sears spun off Sears Outlets, which sells seconds and slightly irregulars and such like from the Sears warehouse, along with Sears Hometown Stores, the last remnant of its catalog business, as a separate company back in 2012.
That company, stock symbol SHOS, is under different management and not bankrupt.
I can't imagine the Sears in Lakeview Square Mall making it much longer. It's the only anchor store in Lakeview Square left since JCPenney and Macy's closed in 2017. It seems like the malls of similar size in Michigan have had the same fate. Bay City Town Center, Midland Mall, Laurel Park Place, The Mall of Monroe, Westwood Mall (Jackson) and Courtland Center have all lost a lot of tenants and anchor stores. Especially Courtland Center, that mall only has a JCPenney as an anchor store with numerous vacant storefronts in the mall and a Dunham's Sporting Goods on the other end. One day I counted about 40 vacant storefronts in Courtland Center.
Quote from: SP Cook on October 17, 2018, 12:19:25 PM
Quote from: txstateends on October 16, 2018, 08:16:40 AM
So strange...the day I hear about the bankruptcy, I see 2 Sears Outlet commercials on TV.
Sears spun off Sears Outlets, which sells seconds and slightly irregulars and such like from the Sears warehouse, along with Sears Hometown Stores, the last remnant of its catalog business, as a separate company back in 2012.
That company, stock symbol SHOS, is under different management and not bankrupt.
The irony being that the Sears name will likely live on for some time when the parent company goes belly up for good. There is also Sears franchise stores which probably will live on as well.
Here's an interesting article, likely to make one's blood boil a bit.
How Sears Was Gutted By Its Own CEO (http://prospect.org/article/how-sears-was-gutted-its-own-ceo)
QuoteSo the leadership of the Sears empire–Lampert–is gradually selling off bits and pieces of it, mostly to Lampert. The cash generated from those deals in large part serviced Sears's debt, the payments on which also went to Lampert. And now, having put Sears into bankruptcy, the top creditor–Lampert–stands to gain from the final fire sale.
Quote from: Brandon on October 18, 2018, 12:05:27 PM
Here's an interesting article, likely to make one's blood boil a bit.
How Sears Was Gutted By Its Own CEO (http://prospect.org/article/how-sears-was-gutted-its-own-ceo)
QuoteSo the leadership of the Sears empire–Lampert–is gradually selling off bits and pieces of it, mostly to Lampert. The cash generated from those deals in large part serviced Sears's debt, the payments on which also went to Lampert. And now, having put Sears into bankruptcy, the top creditor–Lampert–stands to gain from the final fire sale.
He's best known for being a hedge fund manager, it's practically in the mission statement to part companies out. He's done this with other investments in the past, Sears essentially made a deal with the Devil getting involved with him and fresh from bankruptcy Kmart.
This is why it should be illegal for a manager/shareholder or parent company of a company to finance its debt or to buy its assets (and continue to be illegal for 10 years after separation). Lampert should be spending the rest of his life in prison for what he's done (perhaps some DA could charge him with first degree murder since corporations are people now?), but instead, he'll make over a billion. I can only hope that the bankruptcy court sees what's going on and cancels Lampert's debts instead of allowing him to siphon off the money and stiff the other creditors and employees. I don't care what the law says about who is paid first (heck, if I were in charge, it would be employees and customers with things like gift cards that would be first). Any judge who allows him to take that money is aiding and abetting the problem and just as evil as Lampert is.
Quote from: vdeane on October 18, 2018, 01:24:22 PM
This is why it should be illegal for a manager/shareholder or parent company of a company to finance its debt or to buy its assets (and continue to be illegal for 10 years after separation). Lampert should be spending the rest of his life in prison for what he's done (perhaps some DA could charge him with first degree murder since corporations are people now?), but instead, he'll make over a billion. I can only hope that the bankruptcy court sees what's going on and cancels Lampert's debts instead of allowing him to siphon off the money and stiff the other creditors and employees. I don't care what the law says about who is paid first (heck, if I were in charge, it would be employees and customers with things like gift cards that would be first). Any judge who allows him to take that money is aiding and abetting the problem and just as evil as Lampert is.
Its a very 1980s move and the dude has a reputation for doing this to other businesses. He has a lot more in common with Jordan Belfort than he does with Warren Buffett which he was compared to so much early in his career. Unfortunately unless there is some changes to laws regarding stock holders making trade moves like this practices like it will continue to happen. I'm sure the investors who bought into the Kmart merger are mostly long gone and made there money.
At least it didn't come to being a Lampert tower...
Found this on Youtube today:
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 18, 2018, 11:51:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on October 18, 2018, 01:24:22 PM
This is why it should be illegal for a manager/shareholder or parent company of a company to finance its debt or to buy its assets (and continue to be illegal for 10 years after separation). Lampert should be spending the rest of his life in prison for what he's done (perhaps some DA could charge him with first degree murder since corporations are people now?), but instead, he'll make over a billion. I can only hope that the bankruptcy court sees what's going on and cancels Lampert's debts instead of allowing him to siphon off the money and stiff the other creditors and employees. I don't care what the law says about who is paid first (heck, if I were in charge, it would be employees and customers with things like gift cards that would be first). Any judge who allows him to take that money is aiding and abetting the problem and just as evil as Lampert is.
Its a very 1980s move and the dude has a reputation for doing this to other businesses. He has a lot more in common with Jordan Belfort than he does with Warren Buffett which he was compared to so much early in his career. Unfortunately unless there is some changes to laws regarding stock holders making trade moves like this practices like it will continue to happen. I'm sure the investors who bought into the Kmart merger are mostly long gone and made there money.
Is not Frank Lorenzo another one who bought out companies who ran them into the ground.
Eastern Airlines- Made the employee unions go on strike to cripple the once big carrier.
Continental Airlines- Now was forced to be merged with United.
https://www.businessinsider.com/sears-could-liquidate-in-weeks-court-filings-show-report-2018-10 (https://www.businessinsider.com/sears-could-liquidate-in-weeks-court-filings-show-report-2018-10)
Newark, Delaware kmart in college square is closing down. Not so sure about the governors square one.
iPhone
:hmm:
https://www.businessinsider.com/mall-owners-want-to-limit-sears-sales-signs-2018-10 (https://www.businessinsider.com/mall-owners-want-to-limit-sears-sales-signs-2018-10)
Quote from: LM117 on October 24, 2018, 10:21:52 AM
:hmm:
https://www.businessinsider.com/mall-owners-want-to-limit-sears-sales-signs-2018-10 (https://www.businessinsider.com/mall-owners-want-to-limit-sears-sales-signs-2018-10)
Makes me wonder if any of these mall locations have some sort of contingency plan for when their Sears goes out of business.
Quote from: inkyatari on October 24, 2018, 10:35:55 AM
Quote from: LM117 on October 24, 2018, 10:21:52 AM
:hmm:
https://www.businessinsider.com/mall-owners-want-to-limit-sears-sales-signs-2018-10 (https://www.businessinsider.com/mall-owners-want-to-limit-sears-sales-signs-2018-10)
Makes me wonder if any of these mall locations have some sort of contingency plan for when their Sears goes out of business.
Mall at Rockingham Park, Salem NH: It was originally two floors. Now, Sears only covers the first floor, and the second floor is a Dick's Sporting Goods.
Quote from: roadman65 on October 19, 2018, 10:53:16 PMContinental Airlines- Now was forced to be merged with United.
Actually, it was Continental that was the acquiring company, which was the reason why their color scheme & logo (but w/
UNITED titles) survived & is still used today, not United circa 2010-2011.
After being snubbed by their hostile take-over of Delta (Delta & Northwest would ultimately merge circa 2009-2010); then-US Airways CEO Doug Parker tried to make a grab for United. Glenn Tilton (United's CEO at the time) wasn't having any of it and literally ran into Jeff Smisek's (then-Continental's CEO) arms.
Imagine if Amazon purchased the assets and liabilities of Sears Holding and turned their remaining stores into Amazon Retail Centers. You could use these as hubs for same-day delivery.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 24, 2018, 02:35:10 PM
Imagine if Amazon purchased the assets and liabilities of Sears Holding and turned their remaining stores into Amazon Retail Centers. You could use these as hubs for same-day delivery.
Or, as we used to call them, "stores."
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 24, 2018, 02:37:37 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on October 24, 2018, 02:35:10 PM
Imagine if Amazon purchased the assets and liabilities of Sears Holding and turned their remaining stores into Amazon Retail Centers. You could use these as hubs for same-day delivery.
Or, as we used to call them, "stores."
You seem to be so 20th century...
Surprise, surprise...
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/25/sears-future-in-doubt-as-eddie-lampert-looks-for-more-protections.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/25/sears-future-in-doubt-as-eddie-lampert-looks-for-more-protections.html)
Oh, and did I say "surprise" ?
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-evercore-us/sears-directors-tap-evercore-to-examine-former-ceo-lamperts-deals-sources-idUSKCN1N00F7 (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-evercore-us/sears-directors-tap-evercore-to-examine-former-ceo-lamperts-deals-sources-idUSKCN1N00F7)
Quote from: LM117 on October 26, 2018, 02:53:10 PM
Surprise, surprise...
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/25/sears-future-in-doubt-as-eddie-lampert-looks-for-more-protections.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/25/sears-future-in-doubt-as-eddie-lampert-looks-for-more-protections.html)
Oh, and did I say "surprise" ?
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-evercore-us/sears-directors-tap-evercore-to-examine-former-ceo-lamperts-deals-sources-idUSKCN1N00F7 (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-evercore-us/sears-directors-tap-evercore-to-examine-former-ceo-lamperts-deals-sources-idUSKCN1N00F7)
Its no mystery in the business world what old Eddie was trying to pull. Supposedly some of the suppliers are refusing to give Sears credit or deliver holiday product.
Why we shouldn't mourn Sears (https://slate.com/business/2018/10/sears-bankruptcy-sexism-workplace-inequality.html)
I am wondering what will now happen to the lifetime guarantee for Craftsman tools and the free tire rotate-and-balance warranties on at least one, and possibly both, cars (I am sure the Saturn has its tires from Sears, and I think the same is true for the Toyota as well). But both questions are really academic. I have never actually had a Craftsman tool break, and I haven't felt comfortable taking a car to a Sears auto center here in Wichita since the store in Towne West closed in December 2014. The one in Towne East is still open but has a much worse reputation.
Quote from: J N Winkler on October 28, 2018, 04:01:15 PMI am wondering what will now happen to the lifetime guarantee for Craftsman tools and the free tire rotate-and-balance warranties on at least one, and possibly both, cars (I am sure the Saturn has its tires from Sears, and I think the same is true for the Toyota as well).
I'm not sure Sears Auto is going anywhere, and if they do, either someone should honor both warranties, or you're owed a refund for the unused portions (although with the latter, you'd have to get in line behind the rest of Sears' creditors).
I thought the lifetime tool guarantee was already long-gone.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on October 28, 2018, 05:52:13 PMI thought the lifetime tool guarantee was already long-gone.
Apparently not: still in effect (hand tools only, not wear items). (https://www.craftsman.com/customer-care/warranty-information) And it seems that although Craftsman tools continue to be sold in Sears stores (as well as Kmart and Ace), the brand was sold to Black & Decker last year for $775 million.
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 28, 2018, 05:15:32 PMI'm not sure Sears Auto is going anywhere, and if they do, either someone should honor both warranties, or you're owed a refund for the unused portions (although with the latter, you'd have to get in line behind the rest of Sears' creditors).
I wonder how they would calculate the residual value. I am likewise under few illusions that I, and others similarly situated, qualify as senior creditors.
Quote from: abefroman329 on October 28, 2018, 05:15:32 PMI'm not sure Sears Auto is going anywhere, and if they do, either someone should honor both warranties, or you're owed a refund for the unused portions (although with the latter, you'd have to get in line behind the rest of Sears' creditors).
I wonder how they would calculate the residual value. I am likewise under few illusions that I, and others similarly situated, qualify as senior creditors.
[/quote]I don't know how they would either. That's what actuaries are for.
Ruh-roh.
Whirlpool to Sears: We want our appliances back (https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-whirlpool-demands-sears-return-products-1030-story.html)
QuoteBenton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool, which stopped selling its branded products at Sears last year but makes appliances under Sears' Kenmore brand, asked the department store chain to return all merchandise it received in the 45 days before its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on Oct. 15.
In a letter filed in court last week, Whirlpool's attorney demanded that Sears "refrain from selling, disposing, or using ... for any purpose whatsoever" the merchandise it received from the appliance-maker during that time without permission from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
I honestly had this conversation with someone. I told them you can probably expect Sears to close several more stores in the next few years and I bet any money that the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall store will be on one of the next rounds of closures. This person goes on to tell me that the Saginaw store would have already been shut down if they were doing that poorly. I simply stated that they close the most non profitable stores in each round of closures and they just haven't gotten up to this store yet but I bet it'll be closing in maybe not the next round of closures but most likely the round after that. And this guy tells me that Sears is doing fine and will stay in business. I said look at Bay City, Midland, Flint, Lakeside Mall, Fairlane Mall, Southland Mall, Eastland Mall, Macomb Mall and you're telling me that a Sears is going to stay in business in Saginaw, Michigan just because you think they are doing well? I just named 8 Sears stores that have closed within the last 5 years all in Michigan.
The only place Sears was actually smart about location is Lansing. There are two malls in Lansing but instead of being in both malls or one or the other they have the Sears location about halfway in between the two malls which are located about 15 miles apart. The Lansing Sears is located next to Frandor Shopping Plaza very close to the East Lansing and Lansing city limits.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Fashion Square Mall's Sears on the list and it'd be a sad day when that happens because Fashion Square Mall has been able to hold onto all of it's anchors (JCPenney, Sears and Macy's). The Macy's was originally a Hudson's and then became Marshall Field's and then Macy's after that. Both Bay City and Midland only have one anchor left (Target for Midland and JCPenney for Bay City).
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 30, 2018, 10:10:39 AM
I honestly had this conversation with someone. I told them you can probably expect Sears to close several more stores in the next few years and I bet any money that the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall store will be on one of the next rounds of closures. This person goes on to tell me that the Saginaw store would have already been shut down if they were doing that poorly. I simply stated that they close the most non profitable stores in each round of closures and they just haven't gotten up to this store yet but I bet it'll be closing in maybe not the next round of closures but most likely the round after that. And this guy tells me that Sears is doing fine and will stay in business. I said look at Bay City, Midland, Flint, Lakeside Mall, Fairlane Mall, Southland Mall, Eastland Mall, Macomb Mall and you're telling me that a Sears is going to stay in business in Saginaw, Michigan just because you think they are doing well? I just named 8 Sears stores that have closed within the last 5 years all in Michigan.
The only place Sears was actually smart about location is Lansing. There are two malls in Lansing but instead of being in both malls or one or the other they have the Sears location about halfway in between the two malls which are located about 15 miles apart. The Lansing Sears is located next to Frandor Shopping Plaza very close to the East Lansing and Lansing city limits.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Fashion Square Mall's Sears on the list and it'd be a sad day when that happens because Fashion Square Mall has been able to hold onto all of it's anchors (JCPenney, Sears and Macy's). The Macy's was originally a Hudson's and then became Marshall Field's and then Macy's after that. Both Bay City and Midland only have one anchor left (Target for Midland and JCPenney for Bay City).
Heh, that brings me back...I took driver's education classes at the Sears on Grand River off of US 127. That whole shopping center was the place to go before the Eastwood Towne Center was built on Lake Lansing Road.
Quote from: Brandon on October 30, 2018, 09:57:49 AM
Ruh-roh.
Whirlpool to Sears: We want our appliances back (https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-whirlpool-demands-sears-return-products-1030-story.html)
QuoteBenton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool, which stopped selling its branded products at Sears last year but makes appliances under Sears' Kenmore brand, asked the department store chain to return all merchandise it received in the 45 days before its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on Oct. 15.
In a letter filed in court last week, Whirlpool's attorney demanded that Sears "refrain from selling, disposing, or using ... for any purpose whatsoever" the merchandise it received from the appliance-maker during that time without permission from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
:-D
They're fucked.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 30, 2018, 11:02:22 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 30, 2018, 10:10:39 AM
I honestly had this conversation with someone. I told them you can probably expect Sears to close several more stores in the next few years and I bet any money that the Saginaw Fashion Square Mall store will be on one of the next rounds of closures. This person goes on to tell me that the Saginaw store would have already been shut down if they were doing that poorly. I simply stated that they close the most non profitable stores in each round of closures and they just haven't gotten up to this store yet but I bet it'll be closing in maybe not the next round of closures but most likely the round after that. And this guy tells me that Sears is doing fine and will stay in business. I said look at Bay City, Midland, Flint, Lakeside Mall, Fairlane Mall, Southland Mall, Eastland Mall, Macomb Mall and you're telling me that a Sears is going to stay in business in Saginaw, Michigan just because you think they are doing well? I just named 8 Sears stores that have closed within the last 5 years all in Michigan.
The only place Sears was actually smart about location is Lansing. There are two malls in Lansing but instead of being in both malls or one or the other they have the Sears location about halfway in between the two malls which are located about 15 miles apart. The Lansing Sears is located next to Frandor Shopping Plaza very close to the East Lansing and Lansing city limits.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Fashion Square Mall's Sears on the list and it'd be a sad day when that happens because Fashion Square Mall has been able to hold onto all of it's anchors (JCPenney, Sears and Macy's). The Macy's was originally a Hudson's and then became Marshall Field's and then Macy's after that. Both Bay City and Midland only have one anchor left (Target for Midland and JCPenney for Bay City).
Heh, that brings me back...I took driver's education classes at the Sears on Grand River off of US 127. That whole shopping center was the place to go before the Eastwood Towne Center was built on Lake Lansing Road.
It's still a decent place to go shopping but a bit old. Sears is like Michigan and Clippert I haven't been in that Sears in awhile. But honestly out of any of the Sears I've been in none of them have been busy. I walked through Genesee Valley when they were going out of business and that store was bare empty. I was in the Sears in Saginaw the other night and saw a group of 7 people and a few other people scattered throughout the store no department was busy at all.
And another 40 gone, including the last one near me in Meriden, CT
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/08/sears-to-shut-40-more-stores-early-next-year.html
Quote from: Brandon on October 30, 2018, 09:57:49 AM
Whirlpool to Sears: We want our appliances back
I'm still kind of sour about Whirlpool. When my wife and I first got married, we moved to a house just a few blocks from a Maytag factory in Herrin, IL. Shortly after we moved there, Whirlpool bought out Maytag. Then they closed two of the factories they had taken over–which just happened to be the only two union factories of the bunch. One of them was the one by our house. For a town of only 12,000 population, that was a huge hit. It was pretty common after that to see someone driving around with a rear window decal of Calvin pissing on the Whirlpool logo.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on November 08, 2018, 04:35:41 PM
And another 40 gone, including the last one near me in Meriden, CT
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/08/sears-to-shut-40-more-stores-early-next-year.html
Another couple of Wisconsin stores bite the dust - the KMart in Cudahy (suburban Milwaukee) and the Sears at 2500 Milton Rd in Janesville.
Mike
There are still two in the metro Twin Cities, one each in proximity to one of the downtowns. Interestingly, the Minneapolis one faces threat not from declining sales (which from sources, it's actually still a profitable store), but from the fact that the store was built on top of a section of Nicollet Avenue, which the city of Minneapolis has repeatedly expressed a desire to raze/relocate Kmart so they can reconnect Nicollet.
The KMart at 6600 Clark Road in Paradise, CA wasn't on any closure list (yet) but it's on the list of buildings that are confirmed destroyed in the Camp Fire (https://www.chicoer.com/2018/11/08/prominent-buildings-in-paradise-that-have-been-destroyed-by-camp-fire/). It's part of a shopping center so Sears probably had a lease rather than ownership; anyway, scratch that one off the list too.
Edit: Watching a reporter's dash cam video, that report was false and the Paradise Big K lives on. The damage to the residences in the town is obviously appalling though so there won't be many customers when it reopens.
Looks like there will be only one Sears left in the Phoenix area after these closures - Arrowhead Towne Center.
Also, it appears that this round of closures include the first announced closures in Puerto Rico, with three Kmarts closing.
470 Lewis Avenue in Meriden, CT. In other words, Westfield Shoppingtown (mall). They already lost JC Penney a few years ago. That space later opened as the first Boscov's store in New England.
Metro Detroit will be down to three Sears locations left after the Allen Park location closes. They are all in the same general area as well. Westland, Livonia and Novi. Hard to imagine a metro area of roughly 4 million only has three Sears stores left.
In January 2018, Sears filed the federally-required notice (for businesses over 100) with the state that they would be closing the Bethesda, MD (Montgomery Mall) location in March 2018. At the last minute, they apparently reached a lease agreement (having sold this store and 2 others to the mall owner a year earlier) for another year, and told the state "never mind". In June, the mall owners announced Sears would close in March 2019. They're indeed on the newest list.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on November 08, 2018, 04:35:41 PM
And another 40 gone, including the last one near me in Meriden, CT
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/08/sears-to-shut-40-more-stores-early-next-year.html
The axe falls on what became the closest Kmart to me after the last round of closures.
Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek is losing it's Sears. This mall has already lost JCPenney and Macy's the last few years and will have no anchor stores left after Sears closes.
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 11, 2018, 07:01:38 PM
Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek is losing it's Sears. This mall has already lost JCPenney and Macy's the last few years and will have no anchor stores left after Sears closes.
Another one bites the dust.
All this talk made me think about how dated the book THE MALLING OF AMERICA is. So I Googled it and the first three links are to Amazon pages. Oh, sweet irony!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-sears-stores-for-sale-20181123-story.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kmart_Australia
The Only Kmart I see surviving in the near future is the Australian editions of Kmart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvZ1EcLJ-Hs
Abandoned Kmart video
Quote from: bing101 on December 01, 2018, 07:01:53 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvZ1EcLJ-Hs
Abandoned Kmart video
I know exactly where that Kmart was. It's the one on N. Saginaw in Mt. Morris. Flint doesn't have any Kmart's anymore and this one and the one on Dort Hwy. looked about the same. I'm trying to remember how many Kmart's Flint had but I can think of where there were about 5 of them. I knew the Kmart in the video as soon as I saw the building.
Sears Chairman Edward Lampert bids $4.6 billion to rescue iconic retailer from bankruptcy (https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-biz-sears-bankruptcy-bid-lampert-esl-1207-story.html)
QuoteThe bid from Lampert's ESL Investments includes about 500 Sears and Kmart stores, headquarters and distribution centers, and Sears brands and businesses including Kenmore, DieHard and Sears Home Services.
Word of the day: vulture.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/03/22/sears-retirees-worry-their-pensions-company-raises-doubts-its-future/99497610/
Sears uncertainties with its pension plans have come up.
I wonder if we'll see a large increase in the number of closures in the next couple weeks?
This watch may be just about over.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/27/sears-may-need-to-liquidate-if-no-bid-comes-in-by-tomorrow.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/27/sears-may-need-to-liquidate-if-no-bid-comes-in-by-tomorrow.html)
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 04:41:00 PM
This watch may be just about over.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/27/sears-may-need-to-liquidate-if-no-bid-comes-in-by-tomorrow.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/27/sears-may-need-to-liquidate-if-no-bid-comes-in-by-tomorrow.html)
I wonder if JC Penney will be next (97 cents a share) ?
I wonder if the dollar stores will now start selling JC Penney stock.
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 06:23:06 PM
I wonder if the dollar stores will now start selling JC Penney stock.
I read something the other day that there seems to be a backlash in many communities against dollar stores.
Quote from: US71 on December 27, 2018, 06:29:07 PM
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 06:23:06 PM
I wonder if the dollar stores will now start selling JC Penney stock.
I read something the other day that there seems to be a backlash in many communities against dollar stores.
To go off topic, I don't get this. Things like Walmart and dollar stores bring products at lower prices. It costs jobs, but it's more efficient. Fewer people costing less to pay move the same amount of merchandise. Improvements in efficiency have always been painful, but they always move us forward to something better. More people can afford to buy more things and, in some cases, those things are built better, because of increased efficiencies that cost people their jobs. I think we need to recognize this as a problem that needs to be addressed, but not address it by suggesting that we should instead build the economy around inefficiency. Taken to an absurd extreme, if our economy was so inefficient that everyone had to grow and hunt their own food, everyone would be employed. Every step of improvement will cost people jobs. We should have policies to mitigate those effects, but not by mandating that 20 people be hired to do the work of 5.
Quote from: US71 on December 27, 2018, 06:29:07 PM
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 06:23:06 PM
I wonder if the dollar stores will now start selling JC Penney stock.
I read something the other day that there seems to be a backlash in many communities against dollar stores.
Not sure what specific reasons were outlined in that article, but Dollar General was forced to cancel its planned Grand Marais, MN store after the city and residents rolled out the unwelcome mat, fearing the chain would hurt the town character (the town does have DQ and Subway, so it's not entirely a chain-free zone).
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 07:32:38 PM
More people can afford to buy more things and, in some cases, those things are built better, because of increased efficiencies that cost people their jobs.
And often times the price is lowered by cheapening out on quality instead.
Quote from: vdeane on December 27, 2018, 08:45:47 PM
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 07:32:38 PM
More people can afford to buy more things and, in some cases, those things are built better, because of increased efficiencies that cost people their jobs.
And often times the price is lowered by cheapening out on quality instead.
That happens, too. They also shrink the size to hide a price increase. They do these tricks because most people aren't good shoppers. But going back to mom-and-pop stores that take 5 times as many people to serve the number of customers won't fix that, either. Progress is uneven. More efficiency is good. Using lower quality or smaller quantity to mimic efficiency is not. These are things we have to work out over time.
The big dollar store chains actually and craftily sell certain products at a HIGHER price than Walmart. The power of marketing...
Sears could liquidate today...
https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/27/business/sears-deadline/index.html
One dollar store near me, not part of a chain, sells "Hitz" crackers. They look exactly like Ritz.
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 07:32:38 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 27, 2018, 06:29:07 PM
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 06:23:06 PM
I wonder if the dollar stores will now start selling JC Penney stock.
I read something the other day that there seems to be a backlash in many communities against dollar stores.
To go off topic, I don't get this. Things like Walmart and dollar stores bring products at lower prices. It costs jobs, but it's more efficient. Fewer people costing less to pay move the same amount of merchandise. Improvements in efficiency have always been painful, but they always move us forward to something better. More people can afford to buy more things and, in some cases, those things are built better, because of increased efficiencies that cost people their jobs. I think we need to recognize this as a problem that needs to be addressed, but not address it by suggesting that we should instead build the economy around inefficiency. Taken to an absurd extreme, if our economy was so inefficient that everyone had to grow and hunt their own food, everyone would be employed. Every step of improvement will cost people jobs. We should have policies to mitigate those effects, but not by mandating that 20 people be hired to do the work of 5.
Beyond the aforementioned issue that they sell substandard goods, I also read recently that a significant number of people are doing their grocery shopping there. Anyone who's spent time in a dollar store's grocery section can see why that would be a problem.
Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2018, 09:04:24 AM
One dollar store near me, not part of a chain, sells "Hitz" crackers. They look exactly like Ritz.
I've seen a collage of store brand versions of Dr Pepper. Wal-Mart's "Dr. Thunder" is still my favorite.
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 28, 2018, 09:06:44 AM
I've seen a collage of store brand versions of Dr Pepper. Wal-Mart's "Dr. Thunder" is still my favorite.
I'm partial to Kroger's Dr. K
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 28, 2018, 09:05:35 AM
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 07:32:38 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 27, 2018, 06:29:07 PM
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 06:23:06 PM
I wonder if the dollar stores will now start selling JC Penney stock.
I read something the other day that there seems to be a backlash in many communities against dollar stores.
To go off topic, I don't get this. Things like Walmart and dollar stores bring products at lower prices. It costs jobs, but it's more efficient. Fewer people costing less to pay move the same amount of merchandise. Improvements in efficiency have always been painful, but they always move us forward to something better. More people can afford to buy more things and, in some cases, those things are built better, because of increased efficiencies that cost people their jobs. I think we need to recognize this as a problem that needs to be addressed, but not address it by suggesting that we should instead build the economy around inefficiency. Taken to an absurd extreme, if our economy was so inefficient that everyone had to grow and hunt their own food, everyone would be employed. Every step of improvement will cost people jobs. We should have policies to mitigate those effects, but not by mandating that 20 people be hired to do the work of 5.
Beyond the aforementioned issue that they sell substandard goods, I also read recently that a significant number of people are doing their grocery shopping there. Anyone who's spent time in a dollar store's grocery section can see why that would be a problem.
Their prices are higher, the selection is sparse, and the quality isn't there. A lot of their cheese is what I call "fake cheese": cheese will added fillers.
Quote from: wxfree on December 27, 2018, 09:00:16 PMThat happens, too. They also shrink the size to hide a price increase. They do these tricks because most people aren't good shoppers. But going back to mom-and-pop stores that take 5 times as many people to serve the number of customers won't fix that, either. Progress is uneven. More efficiency is good. Using lower quality or smaller quantity to mimic efficiency is not. These are things we have to work out over time.
The measures that businesses use to plan their retail offerings and that government uses to plan the economy (there is always some planning of that type going on even in market societies) often do not capture well-being. From the perspective of a retailer in the grocery business, for example, it makes more sense to sell packaged foods, vitamin supplements, ground-up psyllium husk (Metamucil or generic equivalent), and Preparation H, than it does to sell fresh produce. All of the goods in the former category have fixed form factors and keep indefinitely, so they can be sold with negligible waste or loss. Meanwhile, fresh food requires refrigeration and since it is almost impossible to match supply exactly to demand that fluctuates over short time intervals, a high proportion of it goes into the trash.
Result: constipation is by far the most prevalent digestive complaint in the US, and its incidence is higher among the nonwhite demographics that are more likely to live in food deserts where fresh produce is not available.
The latest loonie concept is that of the "food desert", the junk science myth that poor people somehow do not have access to "healthy foods" due to stores in bad neighborhoods not selling it. Not true, of course. Stores carry what customers want.
Quote from: SP Cook on December 28, 2018, 12:08:39 PM
The latest loonie concept is that of the "food desert", the junk science myth that poor people somehow do not have access to "healthy foods" due to stores in bad neighborhoods not selling it. Not true, of course. Stores carry what customers want.
Isn't it odd how un-healthy foods such as hamburgers cost less than healthy foods such as salads?
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2018, 12:11:05 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 28, 2018, 12:08:39 PM
The latest loonie concept is that of the "food desert", the junk science myth that poor people somehow do not have access to "healthy foods" due to stores in bad neighborhoods not selling it. Not true, of course. Stores carry what customers want.
Isn't it odd how un-healthy foods such as hamburgers cost less than healthy foods such as salads?
Beef subsidies.
Quote from: SP Cook on December 28, 2018, 12:08:39 PM
The latest loonie concept is that of the "food desert", the junk science myth that poor people somehow do not have access to "healthy foods" due to stores in bad neighborhoods not selling it. Not true, of course. Stores carry what customers want.
Your habit of making bombastic statements and running away doesn't get more charming over time, you know.
No "bombastic statement" was made, simply a statement of fact and logic. And no one has run away. Most poor people are poor because they have made a series of really dumb decisions. Spending "your" food stamps on Ho-Hos and Ding-Dongs is just another in a lifetime of such bad decisions. If people want kale, the store will carry kale.
If you know what to get, healthy foods aren't always more expensive than junk foods. A single banana is about 18¢
* (exact price depends on weight), and while that's nowhere near a full meal, filling up on various fruits and vegetables can be fairly cheap.
However, it generally holds true. Things labeled "organic" are more expensive. Mott's large jar of natural applesauce is 46 oz, while their regular is 48 oz (also 3.9 instead of 4 for the small cups). Vanilla ice cream with real vanilla bean is more expensive than other vanilla ice cream brands.
For some reason, the plantains (large Hispanic population at this store) are 25¢ each regardless of weight, while the bananas are 49¢ per pound.
*and $200 cash back. Yes, someone really did this.Quote from: SP Cook on December 28, 2018, 12:25:28 PM
Most poor people are poor because they have made a series of really dumb decisions.
Sometimes, it's not under their control. Maybe their family was poor, but they didn't do anything wrong themselves. Maybe they got screwed over by their boss. Maybe they can't keep up with paying mortgage, insurance, and bills, even working full time for minimum wage.
Quote from: SP Cook on December 28, 2018, 12:25:28 PM
No "bombastic statement" was made, simply a statement of fact and logic. And no one has run away. Most poor people are poor because they have made a series of really dumb decisions. Spending "your" food stamps on Ho-Hos and Ding-Dongs is just another in a lifetime of such bad decisions. If people want kale, the store will carry kale.
" Food deserts don't exist" is a bombastic statement. They bloody well do. What you meant to say was "Food deserts exist, but I don't care because I'm not inconvenienced by them."
And this is out of character for you; normally you troll and ignore all the responses.
Quote from: 1 on December 28, 2018, 12:30:49 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 28, 2018, 12:25:28 PM
Most poor people are poor because they have made a series of really dumb decisions.
Sometimes, it's not under their control. Maybe their family was poor, but they didn't do anything wrong themselves. Maybe they got screwed over by their boss. Maybe they can't keep up with paying mortgage, insurance, and bills, even working full time for minimum wage.
We had to sell out house when I was 14 because my dad's pay was cut. We were forced to move because lots of jobs didn't exist at the time. Five years later we were forced to move again when the boss died and the company closed.
We made our cars last a couple more years, took shorter vacations, even moved to poorer neighborhoods to be able to put food on the table.
It is disingenuous to blame the poor for their predicaments when those who have plenty want more, no matter who gets hurt.
If no one comes forth with a bid by tonight, I'd say those who though "1 year" were pretty accurate.
This may be moot in a few hours since they all may close sooner rather than later, but Sears announced 80 more store closings today. List is in the article. Nearest one to me is Novi, MI (Twelve Oaks Mall).
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-closing-80-more-stores-in-march-faces-possible-liquidation.html
And CT is down to 1 KMart. The old rinky-dink one in Watertown that updated from70's signage just this year survives. The Big K vintage one in Vernon bites the dust. Also surviving are the other one within an hour or so of me: Holyoke, MA, also survives.
Quote from: Brandon on December 28, 2018, 01:24:58 PM
If no one comes forth with a bid by tonight, I'd say those who though "1 year" were pretty accurate.
My guess is Fast Eddie will show up with 5 minutes on the clock claiming only he can save the company.
Wow the Chicago Ridge and Schaumburg IL Sears survive again :wow:
Quote from: catch22 on December 28, 2018, 01:46:48 PM
This may be moot in a few hours since they all may close sooner rather than later, but Sears announced 80 more store closings today. List is in the article. Nearest one to me is Novi, MI (Twelve Oaks Mall).
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-closing-80-more-stores-in-march-faces-possible-liquidation.html
Some of these are intriguing and surprising. There's the aforementioned Twelve Oaks, along with Mall of America, St Clair Square, and a fair number of successful malls that have Sears as an anchor. It's amazing that some of the more successful malls are losing Sears while some dying malls like Stratford Square and Spring Hill Mall have retained theirs.
My local Sears is on the chopping block, which means the one in Washington will be the only one left in southwestern PA.
With a mini casino now slated for the empty Bon-Ton location at Westmoreland Mall, the rumors of a hotel where Sears now sits might not be rumors any more.
SM-G965U
Less than 30 minutes until we know the fate of Sears.
Quote from: inkyatari on December 28, 2018, 03:35:27 PM
Less than 30 minutes until we know the fate of Sears.
Are we talking 4pm ET or CT? I'm sort of thinking the fat lady has sung.
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2018, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on December 28, 2018, 03:35:27 PM
Less than 30 minutes until we know the fate of Sears.
Are we talking 4pm ET or CT? I'm sort of thinking the fat lady has sung.
4 PM ET.
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2018, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on December 28, 2018, 03:35:27 PM
Less than 30 minutes until we know the fate of Sears.
Are we talking 4pm ET or CT? I'm sort of thinking the fat lady has sung.
I think I agree.
RIP, Sears (1886-2018) and Kmart (1889 as SS Kresge-2018).
Quote from: Brandon on December 28, 2018, 04:32:37 PM
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2018, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on December 28, 2018, 03:35:27 PM
Less than 30 minutes until we know the fate of Sears.
Are we talking 4pm ET or CT? I'm sort of thinking the fat lady has sung.
I think I agree.
RIP, Sears (1886-2018) and Kmart (1889 as SS Kresge-2018).
I think you meant to say that Kmart was founded in 1899.
Quote from: Brandon on December 28, 2018, 03:27:41 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 28, 2018, 01:46:48 PM
This may be moot in a few hours since they all may close sooner rather than later, but Sears announced 80 more store closings today. List is in the article. Nearest one to me is Novi, MI (Twelve Oaks Mall).
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-closing-80-more-stores-in-march-faces-possible-liquidation.html
Some of these are intriguing and surprising. There's the aforementioned Twelve Oaks, along with Mall of America, St Clair Square, and a fair number of successful malls that have Sears as an anchor. It's amazing that some of the more successful malls are losing Sears while some dying malls like Stratford Square and Spring Hill Mall have retained theirs.
Yep. The Streets at Southpoint mall in Durham is thriving while Triangle Town Center in northern Raleigh is on a downward spiral, yet Sears remains there.
Saved by the bell, or should I say at the bell:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-chairman-eddie-lampert-submits-bit-for-company.html
SM-G965U
Quote from: PAHighways on December 28, 2018, 05:44:41 PM
Saved by the bell, or should I say at the bell:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-chairman-eddie-lampert-submits-bit-for-company.html
SM-G965U
So essentially this will drag on until slick Eddie and his hedge fund goons milk all the left over scraps for all their worth.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 28, 2018, 05:47:27 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on December 28, 2018, 05:44:41 PM
Saved by the bell, or should I say at the bell:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-chairman-eddie-lampert-submits-bit-for-company.html
SM-G965U
So essentially this will drag on until slick Eddie and his hedge fund goons milk all the left over scraps for all their worth.
I thought this might happen.
Quote from: US71 on December 28, 2018, 06:49:09 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 28, 2018, 05:47:27 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on December 28, 2018, 05:44:41 PM
Saved by the bell, or should I say at the bell:
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/12/28/sears-chairman-eddie-lampert-submits-bit-for-company.html
SM-G965U
So essentially this will drag on until slick Eddie and his hedge fund goons milk all the left over scraps for all their worth.
I thought this might happen.
Well yeah, what else would be expected from the "next Warren Buffett?" :rolleyes:
The Sears in Twelve Oaks Mall is on the most recent list of closures which after that will leave the entire Detroit Metro area with only two Sears stores (Livonia and Westland). The Muskegon store is on the list as well and Lansing and Saginaw's stores have been spared for now. I'm wondering how far the Saginaw store is from closing because every time I've been in Fashion Square Mall or past it Sears has looked dead. The former auto center is slated to be demolished for a Texas Roadhouse. Lansing I can at least say Sears did it right there and located in between the two malls in a metro area that probably didn't ever need two Sears locations.
The last remaining Sears in the Rochester, NY area at 10 Miracle Mile Dr. (Marketplace Mall) is on the most recent list of closures.
Oddly, the only Northern Virginia Sears store that's closed is at Fair Oaks Mall and none of the others are on the list yet.
Yepper, Appleton (Grand Chute Township), WI (Fox River Mall) is getting the axe. The township where that is located is notorious for its cheapness in public works-streets spending and the area around it, despite its popularity, especially with out-of-towners, is becoming seriously threadbare. That mall lost its Younkers store last spring and its JCPenney store is looking to be in an increasingly perilous position - their corporate share price went below $1 for the first time in the company's history on Wednesday.
:-o
BTW, will there be any Sears stores left in Wisconsin when this round is done?
:hmmm:
Mike
Quote from: steviep24 on December 28, 2018, 09:28:03 PM
The last remaining Sears in the Rochester, NY area at 10 Miracle Mile Dr. (Marketplace Mall) is on the most recent list of closures.
What's odd is that I recall seeing this one on the list of stores that there were going to try to keep open. It's sad - Marketplace Mall will have lost 3/4 of its traditional anchors once this Sears closes (Macys and Bon Ton already left, and Dick's is newer than the other anchors, leaving only JCPenney).
Quote from: mgk920 on December 29, 2018, 12:15:53 AM
BTW, will there be any Sears stores left in Wisconsin when this round is done?
:hmmm:
Mike
According to this, there will be 2 full-line stores left, one in Madison and one in Janesville: https://www.sears.com/stores/wisconsin.html
With this announcement, and the 2 previous ones this year, I'm not sure how many this leaves in TX, but it's not very many. IINM, as far as north TX, only Hulen Mall (Fort Worth), Northeast Mall (Hurst), and Parks at Arlington (Arlington) will remain.
My sister told me almost 30 years ago, while pointing out the Amarillo store (which is on the latest closing list BTW): "You can always get you a job at Sears, they'll never go out of business..."
Definitely one time I listened to the little voice that said not to apply.
Quote from: txstateends on December 29, 2018, 01:26:52 AMMy sister told me almost 30 years ago, while pointing out the Amarillo store (which is on the latest closing list BTW): "You can always get you a job at Sears, they'll never go out of business..."
Definitely one time I listened to the little voice that said not to apply.
I applied in college and failed the personality/ethics/whatever the hell it was test. Kinda glad I did, the manager was a jerk in the few minutes of interactions we had prior to that and I'm sure it would have been hell if I'd been hired.
Quote from: txstateends on December 29, 2018, 01:26:52 AM
With this announcement, and the 2 previous ones this year, I'm not sure how many this leaves in TX, but it's not very many. IINM, as far as north TX, only Hulen Mall (Fort Worth), Northeast Mall (Hurst), and Parks at Arlington (Arlington) will remain.
My sister told me almost 30 years ago, while pointing out the Amarillo store (which is on the latest closing list BTW): "You can always get you a job at Sears, they'll never go out of business..."
Definitely one time I listened to the little voice that said not to apply.
Hopefully Sears would be only been a part time or temporary full time job! 30 years later you probably could retire!
I see the Kmart in Seven Hills (Cleveland), OH is finally closing. Good news for Meijer who has been circling over the property like a vulture the last 6 months waiting to put their superstore there.
One of the earliest Kmarts I went to as a kid is still on life support -- Brunswick, OH -- I believe opened back in 1972.
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 07:14:17 AM
Quote from: txstateends on December 29, 2018, 01:26:52 AMMy sister told me almost 30 years ago, while pointing out the Amarillo store (which is on the latest closing list BTW): "You can always get you a job at Sears, they'll never go out of business..."
Definitely one time I listened to the little voice that said not to apply.
I applied in college and failed the personality/ethics/whatever the hell it was test. Kinda glad I did, the manager was a jerk in the few minutes of interactions we had prior to that and I'm sure it would have been hell if I'd been hired.
It was called an LSI Exam, they used to give it to all their manager applicants. It was a logic test, most retailers used something like that for management positions for much the last decade.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 29, 2018, 11:48:22 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 07:14:17 AM
Quote from: txstateends on December 29, 2018, 01:26:52 AMMy sister told me almost 30 years ago, while pointing out the Amarillo store (which is on the latest closing list BTW): "You can always get you a job at Sears, they'll never go out of business..."
Definitely one time I listened to the little voice that said not to apply.
I applied in college and failed the personality/ethics/whatever the hell it was test. Kinda glad I did, the manager was a jerk in the few minutes of interactions we had prior to that and I'm sure it would have been hell if I'd been hired.
It was called an LSI Exam, they used to give it to all their manager applicants. It was a logic test, most retailers used something like that for management positions for much the last decade.
No, this was one of the "you see a coworker stealing, what would you do?" tests. I was absolutely not applying for a manager position.
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 01:00:48 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 29, 2018, 11:48:22 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on December 29, 2018, 07:14:17 AM
Quote from: txstateends on December 29, 2018, 01:26:52 AMMy sister told me almost 30 years ago, while pointing out the Amarillo store (which is on the latest closing list BTW): "You can always get you a job at Sears, they'll never go out of business..."
Definitely one time I listened to the little voice that said not to apply.
I applied in college and failed the personality/ethics/whatever the hell it was test. Kinda glad I did, the manager was a jerk in the few minutes of interactions we had prior to that and I'm sure it would have been hell if I'd been hired.
It was called an LSI Exam, they used to give it to all their manager applicants. It was a logic test, most retailers used something like that for management positions for much the last decade.
No, this was one of the "you see a coworker stealing, what would you do?" tests. I was absolutely not applying for a manager position.
That's the Unicru Test then. Basically they ask you the same questions repeatedly but phrased differently. Supposedly if you don't answer consistently it means you are being deceptive or something. Essentially it is some HR big wig's idea if taking the human factor out of the hiring practice to the fullest extent possible. There are three grades; green, yellow and red. You weren't even allowed to talk to someone as a hiring manager if they scored red.
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:56:02 AM
I see the Kmart in Seven Hills (Cleveland), OH is finally closing. Good news for Meijer who has been circling over the property like a vulture the last 6 months waiting to put their superstore there.
One of the earliest Kmarts I went to as a kid is still on life support -- Brunswick, OH -- I believe opened back in 1972.
Really? I think I've been in that Kmart before. It seems like kind of a small property for a Meijer store though.
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:23:14 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:56:02 AM
I see the Kmart in Seven Hills (Cleveland), OH is finally closing. Good news for Meijer who has been circling over the property like a vulture the last 6 months waiting to put their superstore there.
One of the earliest Kmarts I went to as a kid is still on life support -- Brunswick, OH -- I believe opened back in 1972.
Really? I think I've been in that Kmart before. It seems like kind of a small property for a Meijer store though.
Meijer has smaller-footprint stores, although they suck and don't last very long.
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:23:14 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:56:02 AM
I see the Kmart in Seven Hills (Cleveland), OH is finally closing. Good news for Meijer who has been circling over the property like a vulture the last 6 months waiting to put their superstore there.
One of the earliest Kmarts I went to as a kid is still on life support -- Brunswick, OH -- I believe opened back in 1972.
Really? I think I've been in that Kmart before. It seems like kind of a small property for a Meijer store though.
They are looking to get the whole city block, IIRC. Also on that block is a small strip plaza, 2 or 3 fast food restaurants a self serve car wash and a bank. Not sure how many of those are still in business, though. This is off memory of 12 years ago.
Re: dollar stores. I saw something recently that may be the same thing US 71 saw. People complaining about them opening in less-affluent areas of cities. And yes, the laughable term "food desert" was used in that story. And I say "laughable" because while fresh ears of corn may not be available within a 10-minute walk of some people, canned corn certainly is. And you're not going to die of malnutrition or come down with scurvy or rickets if you're eating canned green beans instead of fresh ones that you have to string and break yourself.
Around here, dollar stores (mostly Dollar General, but to a lesser extent, Family Dollar as well) are expanding in small towns, near major intersections in rural counties, and close to employment centers such as factories or other facilities in industrial parks. The premise is that it's easy for people to run and get something that they need on their way home from work. Prices may be a little more expensive than Walmart, but oftimes the convenience is worth it. You don't have to deal with huge parking lots and crowded checkout lines. And around here, the dollar stores undercut independent grocery stores on a lot of canned or prepackaged items. If I can get the same item for $1 at Dollar General vs. $1.79 at the local IGA, guess where I'm buying it? The dollar stores also have a pretty good digital coupon program that, when combined with sales, means you can get everyday items like toilet paper, laundry detergent, etc., at deep discounts.
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 04:16:12 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:23:14 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:56:02 AM
I see the Kmart in Seven Hills (Cleveland), OH is finally closing. Good news for Meijer who has been circling over the property like a vulture the last 6 months waiting to put their superstore there.
One of the earliest Kmarts I went to as a kid is still on life support -- Brunswick, OH -- I believe opened back in 1972.
Really? I think I've been in that Kmart before. It seems like kind of a small property for a Meijer store though.
They are looking to get the whole city block, IIRC. Also on that block is a small strip plaza, 2 or 3 fast food restaurants a self serve car wash and a bank. Not sure how many of those are still in business, though. This is off memory of 12 years ago.
That would probably take some doing. I believe there are apartments both north and south of there. I'm kind of surprised that Kmart is closing since it's not really anywhere near a Walmart.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Michigan has some places like that but where Lakeview Square is located there is already a lot of big box stores around there. There's a Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Menards, Lowe's and Kohl's all across the street.
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 07:48:10 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Michigan has some places like that but where Lakeview Square is located there is already a lot of big box stores around there. There's a Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Menards, Lowe's and Kohl's all across the street.
Or just turn the tear-down property into a sports venue of some sort.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 30, 2018, 09:34:57 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 07:48:10 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Michigan has some places like that but where Lakeview Square is located there is already a lot of big box stores around there. There's a Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Menards, Lowe's and Kohl's all across the street.
Or just turn the tear-down property into a sports venue of some sort.
I haven't heard anything about future plans there but I think they want to try to bring in more traditional stores and mom and pop type stores that you can see from the outside. The main entrance to the mall is in between a Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee's so they already have that and the stores in the mall are still there although not as many as before. I heard the city wants to try to bring a hotel in there and that they have a close relationship with the owners of the mall.
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 09:44:28 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 30, 2018, 09:34:57 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 07:48:10 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Michigan has some places like that but where Lakeview Square is located there is already a lot of big box stores around there. There's a Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Menards, Lowe's and Kohl's all across the street.
Or just turn the tear-down property into a sports venue of some sort.
I haven't heard anything about future plans there but I think they want to try to bring in more traditional stores and mom and pop type stores that you can see from the outside. The main entrance to the mall is in between a Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee's so they already have that and the stores in the mall are still there although not as many as before. I heard the city wants to try to bring a hotel in there and that they have a close relationship with the owners of the mall.
I don't know if that's going to work out long-term, we shall see.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 30, 2018, 09:45:27 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 09:44:28 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 30, 2018, 09:34:57 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 07:48:10 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Michigan has some places like that but where Lakeview Square is located there is already a lot of big box stores around there. There's a Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Menards, Lowe's and Kohl's all across the street.
Or just turn the tear-down property into a sports venue of some sort.
I haven't heard anything about future plans there but I think they want to try to bring in more traditional stores and mom and pop type stores that you can see from the outside. The main entrance to the mall is in between a Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee's so they already have that and the stores in the mall are still there although not as many as before. I heard the city wants to try to bring a hotel in there and that they have a close relationship with the owners of the mall.
I don't know if that's going to work out long-term, we shall see.
I had already labeled it as a dead mall after it lost Macy's and JCPenney. It really isn't surprising that Sears is closing that location but now I guess it'll really be considered a dead mall. There is a Sears about 25 miles from Battle Creek in Portage but that doesn't help this situation.
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 09:58:32 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 30, 2018, 09:45:27 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 09:44:28 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 30, 2018, 09:34:57 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 30, 2018, 07:48:10 PM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Michigan has some places like that but where Lakeview Square is located there is already a lot of big box stores around there. There's a Walmart, Meijer, Target, Sam's Club, Best Buy, Menards, Lowe's and Kohl's all across the street.
Or just turn the tear-down property into a sports venue of some sort.
I haven't heard anything about future plans there but I think they want to try to bring in more traditional stores and mom and pop type stores that you can see from the outside. The main entrance to the mall is in between a Buffalo Wild Wings and Applebee's so they already have that and the stores in the mall are still there although not as many as before. I heard the city wants to try to bring a hotel in there and that they have a close relationship with the owners of the mall.
I don't know if that's going to work out long-term, we shall see.
I had already labeled it as a dead mall after it lost Macy's and JCPenney. It really isn't surprising that Sears is closing that location but now I guess it'll really be considered a dead mall. There is a Sears about 25 miles from Battle Creek in Portage but that doesn't help this situation.
I see.
What is a lifestyle center?
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: Brandon on January 01, 2019, 10:34:53 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Oh, a town center.
Sounds like a fancy name for a retirement home.
No, that's "active community."
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 12:16:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: Brandon on January 01, 2019, 10:34:53 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Oh, a town center.
Sounds like a fancy name for a retirement home.
No, that's "active community."
But isn't it a lifestyle to be active?
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:22:35 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 12:16:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: Brandon on January 01, 2019, 10:34:53 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Oh, a town center.
Sounds like a fancy name for a retirement home.
No, that's "active community."
But isn't it a lifestyle to be active?
Yeah, but then there's also "sedentary lifestyle"
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 12:41:27 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:22:35 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 12:16:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: Brandon on January 01, 2019, 10:34:53 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Oh, a town center.
Sounds like a fancy name for a retirement home.
No, that's "active community."
But isn't it a lifestyle to be active?
Yeah, but then there's also "sedentary lifestyle"
At the Homewood Lifestyle Center we promote an active environment so Mom and Dad can enjoy an fruitful life with other like minded seniors. We offer rich educational courses taught by Sears University Professor and once declared "next Warren Buffet" Eddie Lampert. Courses includes "how to manage your Hedge Fund" and "how to part out your assets for maximum profit."
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 12:16:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: Brandon on January 01, 2019, 10:34:53 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Oh, a town center.
Sounds like a fancy name for a retirement home.
No, that's "active community."
Hopefully it's a golf cart community.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 01, 2019, 02:01:19 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 12:16:25 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 01, 2019, 12:06:13 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 01, 2019, 10:45:20 AM
Quote from: Brandon on January 01, 2019, 10:34:53 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 01, 2019, 10:00:50 AM
What is a lifestyle center?
Fancy name for an outdoor mall.
Oh, a town center.
Sounds like a fancy name for a retirement home.
No, that's "active community."
Hopefully it's a golf cart community.
"Alternative fuel community"
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
Hilldale (https://goo.gl/maps/CDbxR4cFygu) in Madison apparently didn't get the memo. Google hasn't captured the final stages of conversion from indoor to outdoor yet.
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
When Montgomery Ward went out of business, the former location at Yorktown Mall in Lombard, IL was turned into a lifestyle center. When the Orland Park Place Mall (across the street from the more successful Orland Square mall in Orland Park, IL) went under the whole thing was converted to a lifestyle center. Hell, the newish from scratch Promenade in Bolingbrook IL was specifically built as a lifestyle center.
Quote from: inkyatari on January 02, 2019, 08:46:29 AM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
When Montgomery Ward went out of business, the former location at Yorktown Mall in Lombard, IL was turned into a lifestyle center. When the Orland Park Place Mall (across the street from the more successful Orland Square mall in Orland Park, IL) went under the whole thing was converted to a lifestyle center. Hell, the newish from scratch Promenade in Bolingbrook IL was specifically built as a lifestyle center.
Old Orchard has done just fine as an outdoor mall for the past 50-60 years. The outdoor outlet malls in Aurora and Michigan City, IN and Pleasant Prairie, WI have done just fine (don't know what happened with the one in Huntley, though).
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 02, 2019, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on January 02, 2019, 08:46:29 AM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
When Montgomery Ward went out of business, the former location at Yorktown Mall in Lombard, IL was turned into a lifestyle center. When the Orland Park Place Mall (across the street from the more successful Orland Square mall in Orland Park, IL) went under the whole thing was converted to a lifestyle center. Hell, the newish from scratch Promenade in Bolingbrook IL was specifically built as a lifestyle center.
Old Orchard has done just fine as an outdoor mall for the past 50-60 years. The outdoor outlet malls in Aurora and Michigan City, IN and Pleasant Prairie, WI have done just fine (don't know what happened with the one in Huntley, though).
The one in Huntley is dead and demolished.
Quote from: Brandon on January 02, 2019, 09:30:59 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 02, 2019, 08:57:43 AM
Quote from: inkyatari on January 02, 2019, 08:46:29 AM
Quote from: dvferyance on December 30, 2018, 07:40:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on December 29, 2018, 01:22:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 29, 2018, 01:19:38 PM
I may have said something about this earlier in the thread but Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, Michigan once it's Sears closes will have no more anchor stores left. It's not in a bad location really either right next to I-94 at the M-66 exit.
I'd say tear it down and turn it into a power center or lifestyle center. Maybe even an outlet mall or something just to fill the void left by the tear down.
If it was in Florida or Texas I would agree with that but in Michigan? It can get pretty cold there during the winter months and that is when the busiest shopping season take place. Nobody is going to go to an outdoor lifestyle center when it's 10 degrees outside. I only go to indoor malls during the Christmas season not a good idea to build outdoor malls in cold weather climates.
When Montgomery Ward went out of business, the former location at Yorktown Mall in Lombard, IL was turned into a lifestyle center. When the Orland Park Place Mall (across the street from the more successful Orland Square mall in Orland Park, IL) went under the whole thing was converted to a lifestyle center. Hell, the newish from scratch Promenade in Bolingbrook IL was specifically built as a lifestyle center.
Old Orchard has done just fine as an outdoor mall for the past 50-60 years. The outdoor outlet malls in Aurora and Michigan City, IN and Pleasant Prairie, WI have done just fine (don't know what happened with the one in Huntley, though).
The one in Huntley is dead and demolished.
But it seems like it opened and closed in fairly short order, and I don't know why.
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 02, 2019, 10:39:46 AM
But it seems like it opened and closed in fairly short order, and I don't know why.
It opened in 1994-95 or so.
Apparently, it was beat out by the other outlet centers in the area, Aurora and Gurnee Mills. The one in Rosemont was the proverbial last nail in the coffin.
Quote from: Brandon on January 02, 2019, 12:26:11 PMIt opened in 1994-95 or so.
Oh, well, I was wrong about that, then; it lasted about 20 years.
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 02, 2019, 01:26:04 PM
Quote from: Brandon on January 02, 2019, 12:26:11 PMIt opened in 1994-95 or so.
Oh, well, I was wrong about that, then; it lasted about 20 years.
Tempus Fugit.
:wow:
Anyways, I wonder (seriously) if we should also start including JCPenney in this conversation - their share price went below $1 for the first time in the company's history last week Wednesday (2018-12-26).
Mike
How long until Penny's stock is worth pennies?
Sears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 12:13:33 AM
Sears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
It won't be until the Fast Eddie scheme falls apart, which still has a semi-decent chance of happening.
I was just in the Sears in Rivertown Crossing in Grandville, Michigan (suburb of Grand Rapids). I walked in on the upper level and walked out on the lower level. There were a decent amount of people in the store but I walked through some parts of the store that were very dead too. I noticed more people on the lower level than the upper level. I also went into Woodland Mall on the other side of Grand Rapids which lost it's Sears (becoming a Von Maur in the fall of this year). Rivertown Crossing seemed to be busier than Woodland but it's also bigger than Woodland so it was kind of hard to tell. I went through Macy's to get into Rivertown and went through JCPenney to get into Woodland, both those stores seemed to be doing fine.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 12:13:33 AM
Sears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
The deadline for the advisors to accept ESL as a "qualified bidder" is tomorrow, while Lampert is also offering a smaller bid involving 250 stores (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/02/eddie-lampert-offers-to-save-sears-or-salvage-in-partial-liquidation.html) should the first be declared not viable. Regardless, all bidders will be involved in an auction on Jan 14.
Quote from: rawmustard on January 03, 2019, 01:38:08 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 12:13:33 AM
Sears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
The deadline for the advisors to accept ESL as a "qualified bidder" is tomorrow, while Lampert is also offering a smaller bid involving 250 stores (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/02/eddie-lampert-offers-to-save-sears-or-salvage-in-partial-liquidation.html) should the first be declared not viable. Regardless, all bidders will be involved in an auction on Jan 14.
Interesting, at this point hopefully one of the other bidders puts in a better offer and just lets Sears die. It would be a shame to see Lampert and ESL make money from what surely will be a parting out of assets.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 12:13:33 AMSears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
Does anyone here think that the current
Sears situation remind them of...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdf5EXo6I68
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 03, 2019, 04:09:55 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 12:13:33 AMSears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
Does anyone here think that the current Sears situation remind them of...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdf5EXo6I68
Does anyone remember the PC Game version of the movie? There was a Tetris style "bring out your dead!" puzzler that was one of the best in-game secrets I've ever had the opportunity to stumble across. Maybe old Eddie will bring the Holy Hand Gernade to the bankruptcy auction...
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 04:17:42 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 03, 2019, 04:09:55 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on January 03, 2019, 12:13:33 AMSears dead yet? I haven't seen any new stories this week.
Does anyone here think that the current Sears situation remind them of...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jdf5EXo6I68
Does anyone remember the PC Game version of the movie? There was a Tetris style "bring out your dead!" puzzler that was one of the best in-game secrets I've ever had the opportunity to stumble across. Maybe old Eddie will bring the Holy Hand Gernade to the bankruptcy auction...
Yep. I remember this. I owned it and have been looking for a new copy ever since.
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 04, 2019, 06:59:06 PM
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
There were sign 'shaker' guys stationed on the streets around their Fox River Mall (Appleton, WI area) store when I was driving around there earlier today.
Mike
Quote from: mgk920 on January 04, 2019, 09:57:31 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 04, 2019, 06:59:06 PM
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
There were sign 'shaker' guys stationed on the streets around their Fox River Mall (Appleton, WI area) store when I was driving around there earlier today.
Mike
I wonder if Fast Eddie will pay them?
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 04, 2019, 06:59:06 PM
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
I'll believe it when it's offical. Knowing Eddie, he'll find a way to string this along a little bit more. He could squeeze a buffalo until it farts a nickel.
Quote from: LM117 on January 06, 2019, 11:10:50 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 04, 2019, 06:59:06 PM
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
... He could squeeze a buffalo until it farts a nickel.
I'll absolutely have to add that to my collection of euphemisms.
Quote from: wanderer2575 on January 06, 2019, 11:37:44 AM
Quote from: LM117 on January 06, 2019, 11:10:50 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 04, 2019, 06:59:06 PM
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
... He could squeeze a buffalo until it farts a nickel.
I'll absolutely have to add that to my collection of euphemisms.
It almost sounds like something the Angry Video Game Nerd would say.
I went to the Carlisle, PA K Mart on Sat, Dec 29th, it and Hummelstown are both closing as the last K-Marts in the Harrisburg area.
There were rumors that this store was built with the possibility that it would become a Super KMart, but that never happened.
When it was built, it would have been years, probably at least a decade, until Walmart and Target came to town.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190106/abf770d213390d727e7e1518645ea56b.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190106/263f1108aea982240eacb97ef68db288.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190106/8a378422de604bd4c5ec772bb7a2c73a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190106/315511a868c3621ab266e7ba6d22686e.jpg)
Quote from: LM117 on January 06, 2019, 11:10:50 AM
He could squeeze a buffalo until it farts a nickel.
Don't you mean "squeeze a nickel until the buffalo farts/shits"? That's the saying that's common.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-prepare-possible-liquidation-043659764.html
While not official news yet (as its per sources), it looks entirely likely that this week Sears will make a final and irrecoverable march towards liquidation. I imagine, if this is true, by the Spring Sears/K-Mart may likely be no more.
Quote from: cl94 on January 06, 2019, 01:54:07 PM
Quote from: LM117 on January 06, 2019, 11:10:50 AM
He could squeeze a buffalo until it farts a nickel.
Don't you mean "squeeze a nickel until the buffalo farts/shits"? That's the saying that's common.
I'm not common.
Quote from: SectorZ on January 06, 2019, 02:04:28 PM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-prepare-possible-liquidation-043659764.html
While not official news yet (as its per sources), it looks entirely likely that this week Sears will make a final and irrecoverable march towards liquidation. I imagine, if this is true, by the Spring Sears/K-Mart may likely be no more.
It is ironic that the franchise (Sears) is the one who was the primitive version of today's Amazon. At one point, you could order damn near anything from them -- including houses* (*assembly required). How they couldn't or didn't modernize that business model into the 21st Century surely is the fault of Lampert's failure to embrace and adapt to the future.
They had the distribution centers and delivery networks already in place. They could've converted the Kmart stores into neighborhood pick-up and delivery centers and move most of their products on-line for purchase, while keeping the Sears stores the places for people to touch and feel the tangibles that usually need to be seen in person (appliances, furniture and clothing).
I'm surprised how many stakeholders and board members drank the Fast-Eddie Kool-Aid and let him get away with what he did for so long without ousting him.
Perhaps the last innovating Sears did was sell their own brand of the Atari VCS (2600) as Tele-Games. They even retitled some of the individual games for their own stores. If only they had held on as the exclusive seller of Winnie the Pooh merchandise, they may still have been healthy today.
Sears lines up liquidator:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-liquidation/sears-picks-liquidator-should-rescue-talks-fall-through-sources-idUSKCN1P103R?il=0
Quote from: catch22 on January 07, 2019, 11:07:08 AM
Sears lines up liquidator:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-liquidation/sears-picks-liquidator-should-rescue-talks-fall-through-sources-idUSKCN1P103R?il=0
About time, the ESL bid was just a money grab. There isn't anything left to salvage outside of liquidating.
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on January 06, 2019, 09:58:07 PM
Perhaps the last innovating Sears did was sell their own brand of the Atari VCS (2600) as Tele-Games. They even retitled some of the individual games for their own stores. If only they had held on as the exclusive seller of Winnie the Pooh merchandise, they may still have been healthy today.
It goes back even a little further than that. Atari had a home pong console they wanted to get into stores, but didn't have the money to do so. They reached out to sears, and they fronted the money. Years later, Nolan Bushnell approached sears for backing for the VCS / 2600, and the rest is history.
There was a Japanese version of the 2600 called the 3200 (if I am not mistaken,) which was not released in the US. Sears released it as the Telegames II system.
(At one point Sears also sold the Intellivision as the Sears Super Video Arcade)
Quote from: inkyatari on January 07, 2019, 12:03:40 PM
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on January 06, 2019, 09:58:07 PM
Perhaps the last innovating Sears did was sell their own brand of the Atari VCS (2600) as Tele-Games. They even retitled some of the individual games for their own stores. If only they had held on as the exclusive seller of Winnie the Pooh merchandise, they may still have been healthy today.
It goes back even a little further than that. Atari had a home pong console they wanted to get into stores, but didn't have the money to do so. They reached out to sears, and they fronted the money. Years later, Nolan Bushnell approached sears for backing for the VCS / 2600, and the rest is history.
There was a Japanese version of the 2600 called the 3200 (if I am not mistaken,) which was not released in the US. Sears released it as the Telegames II system.
(At one point Sears also sold the Intellivision as the Sears Super Video Arcade)
This was standard Sears procedure for all items in all market segments until, IIRC, about the late 80s. Sears sold Sears (and Craftsman, Kenmore, et al) branded items. If you bought a TV, it was a "Sears". Now a quick study could figure out it was really a rebadged RCA or whatever, but that was Sears' way of doing things. Same with clothes, hardlines, everything.
Quote from: inkyatari on January 07, 2019, 12:03:40 PM(At one point Sears also sold the Intellivision as the Sears Super Video Arcade)
Were Intellvision games compatible with the Sears Super Video Arcade and vice versa?
Quote from: abefroman329 on January 07, 2019, 02:28:39 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on January 07, 2019, 12:03:40 PM(At one point Sears also sold the Intellivision as the Sears Super Video Arcade)
Were Intellivision games compatible with the Sears Super Video Arcade and vice versa?
Yes. It was just a rebranded Intellivision. Radio Shack also sold the Intellivision under their own name, the Tandyvision.
Quote from: SP Cook on January 07, 2019, 02:23:57 PM
Quote from: inkyatari on January 07, 2019, 12:03:40 PM
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on January 06, 2019, 09:58:07 PM
Perhaps the last innovating Sears did was sell their own brand of the Atari VCS (2600) as Tele-Games. They even retitled some of the individual games for their own stores. If only they had held on as the exclusive seller of Winnie the Pooh merchandise, they may still have been healthy today.
It goes back even a little further than that. Atari had a home pong console they wanted to get into stores, but didn't have the money to do so. They reached out to sears, and they fronted the money. Years later, Nolan Bushnell approached sears for backing for the VCS / 2600, and the rest is history.
There was a Japanese version of the 2600 called the 3200 (if I am not mistaken,) which was not released in the US. Sears released it as the Telegames II system.
(At one point Sears also sold the Intellivision as the Sears Super Video Arcade)
This was standard Sears procedure for all items in all market segments until, IIRC, about the late 80s. Sears sold Sears (and Craftsman, Kenmore, et al) branded items. If you bought a TV, it was a "Sears". Now a quick study could figure out it was really a rebadged RCA or whatever, but that was Sears' way of doing things. Same with clothes, hardlines, everything.
And before then, before television (mainly during the 1930s and up to WWII), they sold broadcast radio receivers under the 'Silvertone' brand name. They are regarded as good quality sets in antique radio hobbyist circles.
Mike
As "Dandy" Don Meredith used to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over": https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/06/sears-rejects-eddie-lamperts-bid-to-save-company-will-liquidate-.html
SM-G965U
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 08:41:10 AM
As "Dandy" Don Meredith used to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over": https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/06/sears-rejects-eddie-lamperts-bid-to-save-company-will-liquidate-.html
SM-G965U
Been over for a long time, but Fast Eddie didn't want to turn out the lights
It's dead Jim.
The "intelectual property" to brand names like "Sears" and its brands have a value and will be bought by someone, and many of the stores are owned by Sears and, depending on local conditions, many have value and will be sold, other will lie abandoned forever.
Sears also innovated by partnering with IBM on Prodigy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prodigy_(online_service)), an early online service that offered, among other services, shopping.
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2019, 09:50:12 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 06, 2019, 02:04:28 PM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-prepare-possible-liquidation-043659764.html
While not official news yet (as its per sources), it looks entirely likely that this week Sears will make a final and irrecoverable march towards liquidation. I imagine, if this is true, by the Spring Sears/K-Mart may likely be no more.
It is ironic that the franchise (Sears) is the one who was the primitive version of today's Amazon. At one point, you could order damn near anything from them -- including houses* (*assembly required). How they couldn't or didn't modernize that business model into the 21st Century surely is the fault of Lampert's failure to embrace and adapt to the future.
They had the distribution centers and delivery networks already in place. They could've converted the Kmart stores into neighborhood pick-up and delivery centers and move most of their products on-line for purchase, while keeping the Sears stores the places for people to touch and feel the tangibles that usually need to be seen in person (appliances, furniture and clothing).
I'm surprised how many stakeholders and board members drank the Fast-Eddie Kool-Aid and let him get away with what he did for so long without ousting him.
It's also ironic that a chain that once relied heavily on in-store pickup of items purchased from the catalog bungled in-store pickup of orders placed online so badly. For some ridiculous reason, I could pick up items purchased at kmart.com at Sears, but couldn't return them at Sears - and, at the time, the nearest Sears was a hell of a lot closer than the nearest Kmart. That was the first and last time I purchased items at kmart.com or sears.com.
Quote from: SP Cook on January 08, 2019, 10:44:30 AM
It's dead Jim.
The "intelectual property" to brand names like "Sears" and its brands have a value and will be bought by someone, and many of the stores are owned by Sears and, depending on local conditions, many have value and will be sold, other will lie abandoned forever.
Actually, this only affects the Kmart and Sears full-line stores. Sears Outlets, Sears Appliances and Hardware, and Sears Hometown Stores are completely unaffected and will continue use of the name, having been spun off into a separate company a few years ago.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears_Hometown_and_Outlet_Stores
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 08:41:10 AM
As "Dandy" Don Meredith used to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over": https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/06/sears-rejects-eddie-lamperts-bid-to-save-company-will-liquidate-.html
SM-G965U
It appears a bankruptcy judge has granted a stay of execution: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/08/chairman-eddie-lampert-to-get-another-chance-to-save-sears-sources-say.html
SM-G965U
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 01:37:08 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 08:41:10 AM
As "Dandy" Don Meredith used to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over": https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/06/sears-rejects-eddie-lamperts-bid-to-save-company-will-liquidate-.html
It appears a bankruptcy judge has granted a stay of execution: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/08/chairman-eddie-lampert-to-get-another-chance-to-save-sears-sources-say.html
What is this? The execution skit from
You Can't Do That On Television?
IHeartRadio is another company this week that may be saved for the umpteenth time in court. Considering how they've ruined the radio medium, letting go hundreds if not thousands of jobs, they deserve to go under.
Quote from: Brandon on January 08, 2019, 01:40:24 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 01:37:08 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 08:41:10 AM
As "Dandy" Don Meredith used to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over": https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/06/sears-rejects-eddie-lamperts-bid-to-save-company-will-liquidate-.html
It appears a bankruptcy judge has granted a stay of execution: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/08/chairman-eddie-lampert-to-get-another-chance-to-save-sears-sources-say.html
What is this? The execution skit from You Can't Do That On Television?
Or perhaps Monty Python's dead parrot sketch.
Quote from: Brandon on January 08, 2019, 01:40:24 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 01:37:08 PM
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 08:41:10 AM
As "Dandy" Don Meredith used to sing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over": https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/06/sears-rejects-eddie-lamperts-bid-to-save-company-will-liquidate-.html
It appears a bankruptcy judge has granted a stay of execution: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/08/chairman-eddie-lampert-to-get-another-chance-to-save-sears-sources-say.html
What is this? The execution skit from You Can't Do That On Television?
Now I think that Eddie Lamprey will request to keep fewer stores open - say 100 - for the same financial offerings.
Just kill it already.
Quote from: LM117 on January 06, 2019, 11:10:50 AM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on January 04, 2019, 06:59:06 PM
So it looks like that Sears is going to be liquidated as there is disapproval of Fast Eddie's plan. Can't say I'm surprised. RIP Sears.
I'll believe it when it's offical. Knowing Eddie, he'll find a way to string this along a little bit more. He could squeeze a buffalo until it farts a nickel.
Quote from: PAHighways on January 08, 2019, 01:37:08 PMIt appears a bankruptcy judge has granted a stay of execution: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/08/chairman-eddie-lampert-to-get-another-chance-to-save-sears-sources-say.html
SM-G965U
I see my skepticism was well-founded.
Quote from: Brandon on January 08, 2019, 01:40:24 PM
What is this? The execution skit from You Can't Do That On Television?
It is how bankruptcy courts in the USA work. The law is really biased (using that word in the good context) towards keeping companies going, because that theoretically equals jobs. Even if 99 experts say it can't work, it will listen to the one guy that says he has a plan.
Eddie Lamprey has until 3 PM Central to submit a bit with $120 Million deposit.
Quote from: inkyatari on January 09, 2019, 12:11:13 PM
Eddie Lamprey has until 3 PM Central to submit a bit with $120 Million deposit.
How many more stores does he need to close to have the money? < /s >
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/09/eddie-lampert-reportedly-submits-revised-bid-of-roughly-5-billion-to-save-sears-from-liquidation.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/09/eddie-lampert-reportedly-submits-revised-bid-of-roughly-5-billion-to-save-sears-from-liquidation.html)
Quote from: LM117 on January 10, 2019, 08:19:57 AM
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/09/eddie-lampert-reportedly-submits-revised-bid-of-roughly-5-billion-to-save-sears-from-liquidation.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/09/eddie-lampert-reportedly-submits-revised-bid-of-roughly-5-billion-to-save-sears-from-liquidation.html)
Today's the day...maybe.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/auction-day-for-sears-will-it-stay-or-go
But, there's another Sears that will survive, but for how long?
https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/14/business/sears-hometown-bankruptcy/index.html
As they say in opera, it's not over until the fat lady sings
(https://c8.alamy.com/comp/PDB06W/anna-bahr-mildenburg-brnnhilde-PDB06W.jpg)
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1)
Quote from: LM117 on January 15, 2019, 09:30:05 AM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1)
Extending talks? Probably what Fast Eddie wanted. He's pretending to care while he guts the company
Quote from: US71 on January 14, 2019, 01:26:29 PM
As they say in opera, it's not over until the fat lady sings
I think she's at the mic, her mouth is open, and she has inhaled.
Quote from: US71 on January 15, 2019, 10:41:07 AM
Quote from: LM117 on January 15, 2019, 09:30:05 AM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1)
Extending talks? Probably what Fast Eddie wanted. He's pretending to care while he guts the company
The kicker is that the asshole wants protection from lawsuits.
Quote from: LM117 on January 15, 2019, 11:01:45 AM
Quote from: US71 on January 15, 2019, 10:41:07 AM
Quote from: LM117 on January 15, 2019, 09:30:05 AM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1)
Extending talks? Probably what Fast Eddie wanted. He's pretending to care while he guts the company
The kicker is that the asshole wants protection from lawsuits.
Fast Eddie is , in essence, admitting guilt.
Quote from: inkyatari on January 15, 2019, 11:58:27 AM
Quote from: LM117 on January 15, 2019, 11:01:45 AM
Quote from: US71 on January 15, 2019, 10:41:07 AM
Quote from: LM117 on January 15, 2019, 09:30:05 AM
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sears-said-extend-talks-lampert-021510196.html?bcmt=1)
Extending talks? Probably what Fast Eddie wanted. He's pretending to care while he guts the company
The kicker is that the asshole wants protection from lawsuits.
Fast Eddie is , in essence, admitting guilt.
He seems desperate to "save" the company himself.
Looks like they're still talking. Decision may be pushed off until tomorrow (Wed. 1/16) per this story.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-auction/sears-chairmans-takeover-proposal-faces-moment-of-truth-idUSKCN1PA02P
Quote from: catch22 on January 15, 2019, 08:37:24 PM
Looks like they're still talking. Decision may be pushed off until tomorrow (Wed. 1/16) per this story.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-auction/sears-chairmans-takeover-proposal-faces-moment-of-truth-idUSKCN1PA02P
....and the can gets kicked down the road a bit more?
Quote from: catch22 on January 15, 2019, 08:37:24 PM
Looks like they're still talking. Decision may be pushed off until tomorrow (Wed. 1/16) per this story.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-auction/sears-chairmans-takeover-proposal-faces-moment-of-truth-idUSKCN1PA02P
Does anybody else find it ironic that the bankruptcy judge's last name in this case is Drain?
Speaking of kicking the can down the road, looks like there's a tentative deal, subject to review by the court.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-lampert-idUSKCN1PA0SW
Quote from: catch22 on January 16, 2019, 06:10:45 AM
Speaking of kicking the can down the road, looks like there's a tentative deal, subject to review by the court.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-lampert-idUSKCN1PA0SW
Of course there is. :rolleyes:
And the deal was approved.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-lampert/sears-chairman-prevails-in-bankruptcy-auction-for-retailer-with-5-2-billion-bid-sources-idUSKCN1PA0SW
Quote from: inkyatari on January 17, 2019, 09:11:43 AM
And the deal was approved.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sears-bankruptcy-lampert/sears-chairman-prevails-in-bankruptcy-auction-for-retailer-with-5-2-billion-bid-sources-idUSKCN1PA0SW
The deal was accepted by the Sears board, but there's still a court hearing scheduled for Feb 1 when unsecured creditors will air their grievances (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/17/sears-unsecured-creditors-object-to-lamperts-deal-to-save-company.html).
I went in the soon-to-be-closed Sears at Virginia Center Commons yesterday. It was almost completely empty, with just a few racks of things in two separate parts of the store. The mall itself is dying as well, though the businesses around it seem to be thriving.
Quote from: Takumi on January 20, 2019, 04:48:24 PM
The mall itself is dying as well, though the businesses around it seem to be thriving.
Strangely how Collin Creek Mall, in Plano, north of Dallas, is these days. The mall is in an area where there are busy storefronts and restaurants along US 75, and near mixed-use developments that have come along since, but the mall is as sad as I've ever seen it. Even though further-flung malls and centers have opened since Collin Creek, which many say is a big reason for its decline, I still think that uncaring/listless/lazy mall management didn't help anything there along the way. Most of the lost or torn-down malls in north TX have ended up like that. A new buyer has come along for Collin Creek to try to re-develop it. It's a big hole to fill on a busy highway right near downtown. Hope something can be done. As for the topic, I think there may be 3 or 4 Sears left in north TX, while Kmart has been gone from the landscape for quite some time now.
There's one more Sears in the Richmond area, to my knowledge, at Chesterfield Town Center in the Midlothian/Bon Air area. It hasn't ever looked particularly busy when I've been there, but it also wasn't completely dead.
Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Sears to ESL hedge fund:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/07/investing/sears-decision/index.html
I guess we need to extend the death watch a while longer.
Quote from: catch22 on February 07, 2019, 04:10:10 PM
Bankruptcy judge approves sale of Sears to ESL hedge fund:
https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/07/investing/sears-decision/index.html
I guess we need to extend the death watch a while longer.
Fast Eddie hasn't ruined the company enough yet
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public (https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public)
Quote from: LM117 on February 23, 2019, 10:49:06 AM
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public (https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public)
Go public, take peoples' money to "rebuild", run the company into the ground again and walk away.
Quote from: US71 on February 23, 2019, 11:15:01 AM
Quote from: LM117 on February 23, 2019, 10:49:06 AM
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public (https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public)
Go public, take peoples' money to "rebuild", run the company into the ground again and walk away.
By which point the company and stores will be no more.
I could not believe that the Watchung, NJ Sears closed two years ago and already is redeveloped.
It was one of the few freestanding Sears not anchored to a mall that was in the state. It was built in 1965 and even had its own unique traffic signal on Terrell Road for its entrance. It used mono tube mast arms which at the time NJ was using either double guys or truss style arms. So it stood out as well as the fact it served no streets and used to flash on Sundays when Somerset County observed the old Blue Laws.
Anyway sad to see the building gone as we used to shop there a lot when I was a kid.
Quote from: LM117 on February 23, 2019, 10:49:06 AM
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public (https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/eddie-lamperts-new-plan-for-sears-including-possibly-going-public)
The last new, from-the-ground-up, Kmart opened in 2002 in Somers Point, NJ. And its closing at the end of the year.
Quote from: roadman65 on September 04, 2019, 12:20:20 PM
I could not believe that the Watchung, NJ Sears closed two years ago and already is redeveloped.
It was one of the few freestanding Sears not anchored to a mall that was in the state. It was built in 1965 and even had its own unique traffic signal on Terrell Road for its entrance. It used mono tube mast arms which at the time NJ was using either double guys or truss style arms. So it stood out as well as the fact it served no streets and used to flash on Sundays when Somerset County observed the old Blue Laws.
Anyway sad to see the building gone as we used to shop there a lot when I was a kid.
As they are closing the stores basically to sell the real estate, sounds like this is the way it should be done. When my local Sears closed, construction started very soon thereafter to remodel both the 1st and 2nd floors for businesses moving in. As transaction deals, and township permits and approvals, can take quite a while to finalize, this is an indication that this particular Sears closed due to willing buyer(s) ready to purchase the store. Also notable in New Jersey is the limited availability of liquor licenses, and one was scooped up by the mall around this same time period. They wouldn't spend the money without a deal in place.
Obviously not all closings are done in this respect, but it seems as if they can quickly sell off the store I would imagine that is their preferred option.
Based on this, I imagine those in the know, on a need-to-know basis, are aware of Sears/Kmart closings well before any news about such closing is made...definitely months if not years in advance.
The article I researched showed that someone other than Sears owned the land. So I assume Sears leased the land and not owned it.
However, Vernado, who used to own Two Guys of Harrison, did that as they closed the stores to actually lease the real estate and made more revenue as landlords than being in the retail industry. Two Guys basically was a Walmart with even a grocery store inside of it. Had sold liquor (although not all Walmarts sell booze), had a lumber store (which Walmart does not dabble in) and auto parts and light servicing.
So yes real estate is more valuable than anything retail can provide especially Sears let themselves go over the decades.
I really do not know, but I voted in the middle. 2 Years. I do not think it will be around longer than 2 years. How ever, there is The Kresge Foundation that might be around longer. Some of the other things that Sebastian Kresge did might still continue to be around. I am going to type the rest of my comments about Sears, K Mart, and competitions from other rival stores in the other "More K Mart Stores Closing" discussion.
Speaking of Sears, I heard the clothing brand Arrow has cut its ties with Sears after so many years of being together. Many younger people today often mistake Arrow for being a Sears private label even though the brand is actually owned by fashion giant PVH. I heard they are expanding their relationship with Kohl's.
I remember getting depressed every time my mom took us to Sears before school started. Sears used to have a running annual marketing slogan: First to Sears, Then to School.
That used to depress me as that always signaled that summer vacation was almost over.
Anyway I also think that Sears brand Kenmore was also a Whirlpool appliance as that manufacturer had contract with Sears to make it with the Kenmore name for Sears to sell as their very own.
Quote from: roadman65 on September 06, 2019, 10:30:51 AM
I remember getting depressed every time my mom took us to Sears before school started. Sears used to have a running annual marketing slogan: First to Sears, Then to School.
That used to depress me as that always signaled that summer vacation was almost over.
Anyway I also think that Sears brand Kenmore was also a Whirlpool appliance as that manufacturer had contract with Sears to make it with the Kenmore name for Sears to sell as their very own.
Yes, Kenmore appliances were typically just another sales channel for Whirlpool. Not that it was a bad one. They were usually pretty good appliances.
Quote from: roadman65 on September 06, 2019, 10:30:51 AM
Anyway I also think that Sears brand Kenmore was also a Whirlpool appliance as that manufacturer had contract with Sears to make it with the Kenmore name for Sears to sell as their very own.
Sears was the king of home branded merchandise made by others. They sold anything Atari under their tele-games label.
Atari has an interesting history with Sears. The video game industry would probably look quite different if it hadn't been for Sears.
I'm surprised my local Sears is still open, and I got cringe-worthy KMart back to school ads before they all went under in my area. Why show an ad for a business that doesn't exist in your area?
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 06, 2019, 11:32:40 AM
I'm surprised my local Sears is still open, and I got cringe-worthy KMart back to school ads before they all went under in my area. Why show an ad for a business that doesn't exist in your area?
Paper or online? If it was online then you probably signed up for ads once somehow.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 06, 2019, 11:32:40 AM
Why show an ad for a business that doesn't exist in your area?
The USPS, which charges you and me by the ounce, charges junk mailers by the ton. It is often cheaper to mail every address in a zip code zone, or even everyone in the state or DMA than to put thought into who might actually take advantage of the offers. I get ads all the time for businesses that are not geographically logical for my home.
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2019/09/05/western-pennsylvania-sears-kmart-additional-closures/
The last Sears in SW PA will be shuttered, and only 1 K-Mart will be left.
SM-G965U
I visited the newest k-mart.... *does a clarkson voice* in the country. And it was sad.
This store will be closing this fall, Somers Point NJ, 2003-2019.
(https://i.imgur.com/vUefVkH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uO5a4HJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sfsKDBO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6YITEIl.jpg)
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on September 06, 2019, 11:41:51 AM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 06, 2019, 11:32:40 AM
I'm surprised my local Sears is still open, and I got cringe-worthy KMart back to school ads before they all went under in my area. Why show an ad for a business that doesn't exist in your area?
Paper or online? If it was online then you probably signed up for ads once somehow.
Back when I actually watched live TV, they were aired there. That was the point in my life where I watched Cartoon Network and Nick a lot, so I suppose KMart did the right thing when choosing their audience.
Quote from: inkyatari on September 06, 2019, 11:15:18 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 06, 2019, 10:30:51 AM
Anyway I also think that Sears brand Kenmore was also a Whirlpool appliance as that manufacturer had contract with Sears to make it with the Kenmore name for Sears to sell as their very own.
Sears was the king of home branded merchandise made by others. They sold anything Atari under their tele-games label.
Atari has an interesting history with Sears. The video game industry would probably look quite different if it hadn't been for Sears.
That goes to show how much power Sears had in retail at the time. 40 years on the average person coming into work has no idea how this worked. It definitely makes it more of a challenge for us to sell the Sears Tele-Games products when they come in. Customers want the VCS/2600 to be just like the one they had when they were younger (even the VCS vs. 2600 discussion can be a challenge when selling a Vader to someone who had a Woody) and the Tele-Games look with the bird's-eye maple and silver bezel really throws them off. Never mind the different names on some of the cartridges such as Target Fun and the Pong variants. Oh and forget about trying to get $120 for a Sears Heavy Sixer; just try to get rid of it for the price of the later versions.
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 06, 2019, 11:32:40 AM
I'm surprised my local Sears is still open, and I got cringe-worthy KMart back to school ads before they all went under in my area. Why show an ad for a business that doesn't exist in your area?
Red Robin Hamburgers used to have ads in Orlando long before they had stores opened in Florida even.
Quote from: roadman65 on September 06, 2019, 11:09:06 PM
Quote from: ozarkman417 on September 06, 2019, 11:32:40 AM
I'm surprised my local Sears is still open, and I got cringe-worthy KMart back to school ads before they all went under in my area. Why show an ad for a business that doesn't exist in your area?
Red Robin Hamburgers used to have ads in Orlando long before they had stores opened in Florida even.
So did Sonic in CT.
^^So did Chick-Fil-A in Wisconsin, but I see they are building one in Appleton.
Sears has closed at Florence Mall. One anchor gone--officially a dying mall. Also, found out the K-Mart in Edgewood, KY will be closing in 2020.
Quote from: amroad17 on September 09, 2019, 04:43:06 PM
Sears has closed at Florence Mall. One anchor gone--officially a dying mall. Also, found out the K-Mart in Edgewood, KY will be closing in 2020.
A single missing anchor does not a dying mall make.
Quote from: Brandon on September 09, 2019, 05:52:44 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on September 09, 2019, 04:43:06 PM
Sears has closed at Florence Mall. One anchor gone--officially a dying mall. Also, found out the K-Mart in Edgewood, KY will be closing in 2020.
A single missing anchor does not a dying mall make.
OTOH, that may not be the case in a major city such as Cincy or Jax due to economics of scale.
Quote from: Big John on September 09, 2019, 04:16:25 PM
^^So did Chick-Fil-A in Wisconsin, but I see they are building one in Appleton.
That outlet, actually in an unincorporated area just west of the city, opened a couple of weeks ago. They've had an outlet in Racine for many years now and opened a couple in suburban Milwaukee within the past couple of years.
I'll wait until their novelty wears off a bit before I check them out - the lines continue to be too wackoly long.
:-o
Mike
Quote from: Brandon on September 09, 2019, 05:52:44 PM
Quote from: amroad17 on September 09, 2019, 04:43:06 PM
Sears has closed at Florence Mall. One anchor gone--officially a dying mall. Also, found out the K-Mart in Edgewood, KY will be closing in 2020.
A single missing anchor does not a dying mall make.
True dat. Wife and sister-in-law were there a few weeks ago, for the first time in years, and reported it to be booming.
If every mall with a Sears is officially a dying mall, then a whole lot of malls are dying -- even some that are doing very well.
Quote from: mgk920 on September 09, 2019, 08:44:12 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 09, 2019, 04:16:25 PM
^^So did Chick-Fil-A in Wisconsin, but I see they are building one in Appleton.
That outlet, actually in an unincorporated area just west of the city, opened a couple of weeks ago. They've had an outlet in Racine for many years now and opened a couple in suburban Milwaukee within the past couple of years.
I'll wait until their novelty wears off a bit before I check them out - the lines continue to be too wackoly long.
:-o
Mike
Madison has one near East Towne and West Towne malls. East Towne also recently got a Portillos
For some reason, they put the Chick-Fil-A in Latham, NY behind security at the Albany International Airport.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 06, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
I visited the newest k-mart.... *does a clarkson voice* in the country. And it was sad.
That's actually really nice for a Kmart.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 06, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/sfsKDBO.jpg)
That scroll under the Electronics header...guessing you couldn't actually buy a VCR...
Quote from: amroad17 on September 09, 2019, 04:43:06 PM
Sears has closed at Florence Mall. One anchor gone--officially a dying mall. Also, found out the K-Mart in Edgewood, KY will be closing in 2020.
That would mean malls were dying in the 1980's, when anchors were closing then too. True for a few of them, not true for the vast majority. The Sears closures are just an unusual way of closing out a store, combined with the fact that Sears often owns the actual building and real estate attached to many malls.
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 11, 2019, 04:00:35 AM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 06, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
I visited the newest k-mart.... *does a clarkson voice* in the country. And it was sad.
That's actually really nice for a Kmart.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 06, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/sfsKDBO.jpg)
That scroll under the Electronics header...guessing you couldn't actually buy a VCR...
Heck, I doubt you could really buy a stereo and video camera as well! Maybe they'll eventually get cell phones in someday in the electronics section though! :-D :-D
Those items really do look so sad and lonely....
:no:
Mike
Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 06, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
I visited the newest k-mart.... *does a clarkson voice* in the country. And it was sad.
This store will be closing this fall, Somers Point NJ, 2003-2019.
(https://i.imgur.com/vUefVkH.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/uO5a4HJ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/sfsKDBO.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/6YITEIl.jpg)
It never got the current logo on its entrance! Is it near any other big box stores (such as Walmart or Target)?
Kmart will not be missed. Their stores are dumps and very outdated.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 12, 2019, 09:27:51 AM
Kmart will not be missed. Their stores are dumps and very outdated.
S.S. Kresge is probably rolling over in his grave
Quote from: US71 on September 12, 2019, 09:57:52 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 12, 2019, 09:27:51 AM
Kmart will not be missed. Their stores are dumps and very outdated.
S.S. Kresge is probably rolling over in his grave
I would be too.
The DieHard brand has been sold to Advance Auto Parts.
https://transformco.com/press-releases/pr/2144 (https://transformco.com/press-releases/pr/2144)
Quote from: LM117 on December 27, 2019, 11:43:43 PM
The DieHard brand has been sold to Advance Auto Parts.
https://transformco.com/press-releases/pr/2144 (https://transformco.com/press-releases/pr/2144)
In one sense, Advance getting DieHard is not a big shock -- wasn't Advance Auto Parts owned by Sears or Kmart at one time a few decades ago?
Quote from: thenetwork on December 28, 2019, 10:26:03 AM
Quote from: LM117 on December 27, 2019, 11:43:43 PM
The DieHard brand has been sold to Advance Auto Parts.
https://transformco.com/press-releases/pr/2144 (https://transformco.com/press-releases/pr/2144)
In one sense, Advance getting DieHard is not a big shock -- wasn't Advance Auto Parts owned by Sears or Kmart at one time a few decades ago?
They were originally spun off of Pep Boys then acquired what was left of Western Auto from Sears.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_Auto_Parts
Sell off assets to pay for liabilities. But they still haven't caught up.
Quote from: SteveG1988 on September 06, 2019, 11:56:01 AM
I visited the newest k-mart.... *does a clarkson voice* in the country. And it was sad.
Wow warehouse ceilings in an entire Kmart, never saw that.
Both the Kmart and Sears here closed over the last two years. Both were pretty nice, 90s locations in the same mall but not originally, Sears was built several years later (not great for a mall to have two dying retailers as anchors).
At this rate who really knows. It wouldn't surprise me if Sears at least is around in some form 5 years from now. It seems Eddie wants the death to be as prolonged as possible. OTOH, I have to wonder with the way it is now, who is really going to continue to shop at either, or how they will be able to get any product in the stores. They have been having supply issues for quite a while now as it is.
I was shocked to see an open Sears store in Orange Park, FL, but was not surprised to see a banner over the door stating "STORE CLOSING SALE!"
I wonder if the virus will be the final nail in the coffin? Sears especially, since without food, there really is no point to going inside (as if their pre-virus stock levels were any incentive to begin with).
We will have to wait and see. Just like where the road we placed ourselves on leads us to.
Quote from: roadman65 on March 17, 2020, 12:45:21 PM
I was shocked to see an open Sears store in Orange Park, FL, but was not surprised to see a banner over the door stating "STORE CLOSING SALE!"
That's old news here. I won't miss Sears.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on March 17, 2020, 01:10:09 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 17, 2020, 12:45:21 PM
I was shocked to see an open Sears store in Orange Park, FL, but was not surprised to see a banner over the door stating "STORE CLOSING SALE!"
That's old news here. I won't miss Sears.
It new news if you live around many Sears that have closed their doors years ago.
Quote from: roadman65 on March 17, 2020, 03:04:07 PM
Quote from: kevinb1994 on March 17, 2020, 01:10:09 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 17, 2020, 12:45:21 PM
I was shocked to see an open Sears store in Orange Park, FL, but was not surprised to see a banner over the door stating "STORE CLOSING SALE!"
That's old news here. I won't miss Sears.
It new news if you live around many Sears that have closed their doors years ago.
I would only include the Regency location for that. That area went into decline years ago!
If you can find a Sears or K-Mart open, they probably have paper towels and toilet paper to sell. No one has gone in there yet looking for it. :banghead:
I drove by the site of Kmart #1 the other day, and noticed the site was being leveled. That inspired me to make this image of the site's birth, death and burial.
1) Stock photo from the location's early days in the mid-60s.
2) Picture I took as the site was having its OOB sale in February 2017.
3) Picture I took a few days ago showing the demo in progress.
I'm surprised that the parking lot light post survived without change, unlike everything else around it.
(https://i.imgur.com/QP665iZ.jpg)
Funny you should mention your observation about the light posts--the ones at the Edgewood, KY (now closed) K-Mart also survived without change and, surprisingly, look the exact same as the ones in your photos.
It looks like the lights themselves changed from a flat type to cobraheads. Though it might just be the picture. Man I'm bored
no more Sears in Greenville.
According to the date on Google Earth, this image is from August 2013:
Sears Now Open (https://goo.gl/maps/W2gt9TDCL5dp3Nba8), Deer Park, Washington. Kind of a smallish store.
Quote from: ErmineNotyours on March 28, 2020, 03:12:00 PM
According to the date on Google Earth, this image is from August 2013:
Sears Now Open (https://goo.gl/maps/W2gt9TDCL5dp3Nba8), Deer Park, Washington. Kind of a smallish store.
Looks like a hometown or dealer store.
Sears was really pushing for those in the 2000s/early 2010s.
When Sears came out with the Hardware-only stores, I liked that concept as many occupied vacant former grocery stores in my area that moved into newer, larger "megastore" buildings. They were in convenient locations.
Sears should have shifted their focus entirely to the items they are currently most known for - Craftsman tools and appliance sales - and shed the rest of the business while they still had time. In recent years the only real reason I entered a Sears was to buy tools, mowers and appliances. Selling off their most iconic brands like Craftsman and Kenmore was/is a terrible idea and pretty much will shut the door on Sears. Eddie Lampert should be tried for his crimes against retail.
Somehow we still have a local Kmart, the South Lake Tahoe store at the north junction of US 50 and CA 89, but the (long overdue) date of impending death has finally been announced (https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/longtime-south-lake-tahoe-retailer-kmart-closing-this-summer/).
QuoteThe store, located at 1056 Emerald Bay Road, is scheduled to begin the closing process with a sale on Thursday, June 17, and is anticipated to shutter for good on Sunday, Aug. 22, said an email to the Tribune.
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
The most shocking thing during Covid is that Sears and Kmart survived it. It's like they're so broke that they can't even die peacefully.
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
Prodigy, CompuServe and AOL started out the mid '90s on pretty even footing then AOL broke away big time and ruined Sears' chance to take full advantage of their Prodigy investment.
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 09:53:00 PM
Prodigy, CompuServe and AOL started out the mid '90s on pretty even footing then AOL broke away big time and ruined Sears' chance to take full advantage of their Prodigy investment.
Prodigy was a closed ISP until the mid-1990s when it had already fallen way behind it's competitors. The closed nature, high subscription fees and draconian moderation really buried it when things like AOL came to town. Nonetheless the infrastructure to support online retail as we know it now was still pretty far off. Don't forgot how primitive even eBay was in it's early years.
Weren't Prodigy, CompuServe, and AOL basically a combined ISP and app subscription service like Netflix? That is, instead of opening a browser you opened the Prodigy program and it let you access stuff on the Prodigy servers? What really made the Internet (and Amazon) take off was the World Wide Web (HTTP), which meant it didn't matter which company you subscribed to, you could access the same content. It wouldn't have worked if the Sears catalog was only accessible through Prodigy; since Amazon was on the WWW they had a bigger customer base.
The last Sears in Richmond (Chesterfield Towne Center) closed last year, but the signage still remains.
Somehow there is still a Sears in Denver near the north E470/I-25 interchange. It's amazing that they are still kicking.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2021, 12:07:20 AM
Weren't Prodigy, CompuServe, and AOL basically a combined ISP and app subscription service like Netflix? That is, instead of opening a browser you opened the Prodigy program and it let you access stuff on the Prodigy servers? What really made the Internet (and Amazon) take off was the World Wide Web (HTTP), which meant it didn't matter which company you subscribed to, you could access the same content. It wouldn't have worked if the Sears catalog was only accessible through Prodigy; since Amazon was on the WWW they had a bigger customer base.
In the case of early Prodigy (my father worked for them from 1988-1996) it was very much the case with it being a closed ISP. Essentially the main menu was nothing but a fancy bunch of DOS based text graphics which took you to a list of Prodigy services. The main feature was supposed to be things like retail from Sears and news (especially stocks). What really took off was the Bulletin Boards and the gaming features. Once Prodigy converted to a new ISP browser the live chat rooms became the main attraction. I want to say it was 1996 when Prodigy became true Internet when it adopted a Netscape browser.
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 16, 2021, 02:28:38 AM
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
Jersey City's the other end of the old Florida Special train service, so no surprise there.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 16, 2021, 02:28:38 AM
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
I know late last year there was a Kmart left in Hyannis MA but it closed at some point (it was also closing at 6 PM). Lebanon NH had one I think until late last year as well.
I haven't been to the South Shore Plaza in Braintree MA for a while. May have to go to check out what will probably be the last Sears remotely near me. It's weird that Sears has probably closed better locations to leave one open in a mall that has had multiple gang-related shootings in the past two years.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 16, 2021, 07:56:15 AM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 16, 2021, 02:28:38 AM
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
I know late last year there was a Kmart left in Hyannis MA but it closed at some point (it was also closing at 6 PM). Lebanon NH had one I think until late last year as well.
I haven't been to the South Shore Plaza in Braintree MA for a while. May have to go to check out what will probably be the last Sears remotely near me. It's weird that Sears has probably closed better locations to leave one open in a mall that has had multiple gang-related shootings in the past two years.
It strsngley makes sense though. Sears usually owns the building and property where they are located. The store closures often have much to do with the selling of the real estate. If there's conditions present that reduces the value of the land, such as the crime you mention, Sears is probably better off holding onto the store for a bit.
Quote from: SectorZ on June 16, 2021, 07:56:15 AM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 16, 2021, 02:28:38 AM
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
I know late last year there was a Kmart left in Hyannis MA but it closed at some point (it was also closing at 6 PM). Lebanon NH had one I think until late last year as well.
I haven't been to the South Shore Plaza in Braintree MA for a while. May have to go to check out what will probably be the last Sears remotely near me. It's weird that Sears has probably closed better locations to leave one open in a mall that has had multiple gang-related shootings in the past two years.
KMart in Hyannis died a couple of months ago. Not sad to see it go. The quality of products offered was declining at a rapid pace. I found a six pack of Vess soda in there two years ago. I didn't buy it.
The K-Mart near us (Springfield, Virginia) closed maybe two or three years ago and a grocery store (Giant) located in the same shopping center moved into the renovated K-Mart space because it's a much bigger location than Giant had before. Rumor is that the Trader Joe's in the same shopping center may move into the old Giant space once it's renovated, which would be a positive because the current Trader Joe's space is way too small (the store is extremely cramped if it's even mildly busy) and it's located too close to the new Giant. But I wonder whether a "standard" supermarket's space would be too big for Trader Joe's in terms of the amount of merchandise they carry. They could certainly use more space for customers.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 16, 2021, 12:36:31 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 16, 2021, 12:07:20 AM
Weren't Prodigy, CompuServe, and AOL basically a combined ISP and app subscription service like Netflix? That is, instead of opening a browser you opened the Prodigy program and it let you access stuff on the Prodigy servers? What really made the Internet (and Amazon) take off was the World Wide Web (HTTP), which meant it didn't matter which company you subscribed to, you could access the same content. It wouldn't have worked if the Sears catalog was only accessible through Prodigy; since Amazon was on the WWW they had a bigger customer base.
In the case of early Prodigy (my father worked for them from 1988-1996) it was very much the case with it being a closed ISP. Essentially the main menu was nothing but a fancy bunch of DOS based text graphics which took you to a list of Prodigy services. The main feature was supposed to be things like retail from Sears and news (especially stocks). What really took off was the Bulletin Boards and the gaming features. Once Prodigy converted to a new ISP browser the live chat rooms became the main attraction. I want to say it was 1996 when Prodigy became true Internet when it adopted a Netscape browser.
By "closed ISP", you mean that it didn't have a web browser, correct? When we got Prodigy in July or August of 1995 it had its own proprietary web browser (possibly another browser just with their frontend) but after a while -- probably 1996 as you state -- you could use some sort of plugin to use Netscape. Netscape was much better than the in-service Prodigy browser. You could definitely use things like USENET and Gopher in the Prodigy service when we got it.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 16, 2021, 08:09:24 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on June 16, 2021, 07:56:15 AM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 16, 2021, 02:28:38 AM
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
I know late last year there was a Kmart left in Hyannis MA but it closed at some point (it was also closing at 6 PM). Lebanon NH had one I think until late last year as well.
I haven't been to the South Shore Plaza in Braintree MA for a while. May have to go to check out what will probably be the last Sears remotely near me. It's weird that Sears has probably closed better locations to leave one open in a mall that has had multiple gang-related shootings in the past two years.
It strsngley makes sense though. Sears usually owns the building and property where they are located. The store closures often have much to do with the selling of the real estate. If there's conditions present that reduces the value of the land, such as the crime you mention, Sears is probably better off holding onto the store for a bit.
And the area might be under-retailed if it is in an actual high-crime, high-poverty area.
My local Sears finally closed down in April of last year, though I was surprised to see how long it stayed open. I only figured out it closed around a month ago because I rarely go shopping in the big mall in my city anymore where the store was located. When I was a kid, that mall would be packed, but that isn't the case now, especially with the pandemic.
The only Sears still open is in Orlando as Tampa and Lakeland are now closed.
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 16, 2021, 01:29:36 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 16, 2021, 08:09:24 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on June 16, 2021, 07:56:15 AM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 16, 2021, 02:28:38 AM
Just looked and there are no more Kmarts and only one Sears left in all of New England. There are only 9 Kmarts left within 100 miles of NYC, and also only 5 full service Sears left north and east of Philly (South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Newburgh, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and Sunrise Mall in Massapequa).
I know late last year there was a Kmart left in Hyannis MA but it closed at some point (it was also closing at 6 PM). Lebanon NH had one I think until late last year as well.
I haven't been to the South Shore Plaza in Braintree MA for a while. May have to go to check out what will probably be the last Sears remotely near me. It's weird that Sears has probably closed better locations to leave one open in a mall that has had multiple gang-related shootings in the past two years.
It strsngley makes sense though. Sears usually owns the building and property where they are located. The store closures often have much to do with the selling of the real estate. If there's conditions present that reduces the value of the land, such as the crime you mention, Sears is probably better off holding onto the store for a bit.
And the area might be under-retailed if it is in an actual high-crime, high-poverty area.
South Shore Plaza is owned by Simon in this case, so I am unsure if Sears owns their part of the mall. It's actually not nearly a high crime area, it's just sandwiched between two parts of the state that unfortunately bleed their problems into the epicenter between the two.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Right, there was a minimum quality level with Sears that is two steps above Wal-Mart and miles away from Amazon's floor of throwaway garbage that often doesn't even work when brand new let alone last long enough to sell or give to someone else.
Quote from: roadman65 on June 16, 2021, 04:15:18 PM
The only Sears still open is in Orlando as Tampa and Lakeland are now closed.
Orlando's a given being a tourist magnet.
Quote from: kevinb1994 on June 16, 2021, 10:13:35 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on June 16, 2021, 04:15:18 PM
The only Sears still open is in Orlando as Tampa and Lakeland are now closed.
Orlando's a given being a tourist magnet.
Yup. The Florida Mall.
I had a thought yesterday that shopping malls will die out in all but the most underserved communities across America. By underserved, I mean places with little retail business, poor Internet access a low median income and lack of major roadway connections.
Maybe that is what TransformCo is doing.
I would think at this point a full list of store that are actually open would be easier to post than a list of closed stores. Really were are the open full Sears stores?
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
The shareholders would not tolerate any changes to their dividends to help fund the needed changes. It all had to come out of operational margins.
This would have worked in the 1970's when Sears was a cash flow engine. and into the early 80's. But they spent a lot of excess capital acquiring other non-strategic entities. Entities they later had to sell off as per store profits started their long term decline in the late 80's.
Sears management tried and tried many times in the early 90's to cut the dividend so they could recapitalize their target markets and all of the pension funds refused to permit it. Wall Street had become risk adverse.
Former Sears leadership took over Home Depot because the Sears BOD refused to buy them. By the time the BOD approved the Sears Grand Central concept to compete with Wal-Mart, it was too little too late. The concept was a hit, but again, they couldn't put the capital together to execute it and they were all closed.
The list goes on ad-infinitum.
So instead of going through all of these so called "transformational changes" like AT&T does (and fool people over and over) every few years to keep Wall Street happy, Sears wasn't compelled to play the same silly game AT&T does to keep Wall Street at bay.
The list of worthless attempts at buys outs, mergers and new markets by AT&T is totally ridiculous, but Wall Street loves them because their churn looks like growth. But when you look at the list over the past 30 years, it has really become nothing but moving pieces around.
They haven't created anything.
If Sears had played the same game, they would have merged and spun off with several companies just like AT&T did. All to prop up that almighty dividend.
It really is sad how far the mighty have fallen...
Quote from: edwaleni on June 17, 2021, 10:04:36 AM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
The shareholders would not tolerate any changes to their dividends to help fund the needed changes. It all had to come out of operational margins.
This would have worked in the 1970's when Sears was a cash flow engine. and into the early 80's. But they spent a lot of excess capital acquiring other non-strategic entities. Entities they later had to sell off as per store profits started their long term decline in the late 80's.
Sears management tried and tried many times in the early 90's to cut the dividend so they could recapitalize their target markets and all of the pension funds refused to permit it. Wall Street had become risk adverse.
Former Sears leadership took over Home Depot because the Sears BOD refused to buy them. By the time the BOD approved the Sears Grand Central concept to compete with Wal-Mart, it was too little too late. The concept was a hit, but again, they couldn't put the capital together to execute it and they were all closed.
The list goes on ad-infinitum.
So instead of going through all of these so called "transformational changes" like AT&T does (and fool people over and over) every few years to keep Wall Street happy, Sears wasn't compelled to play the same silly game AT&T does to keep Wall Street at bay.
The list of worthless attempts at buys outs, mergers and new markets by AT&T is totally ridiculous, but Wall Street loves them because their churn looks like growth. But when you look at the list over the past 30 years, it has really become nothing but moving pieces around.
They haven't created anything.
If Sears had played the same game, they would have merged and spun off with several companies just like AT&T did. All to prop up that almighty dividend.
My understanding was Home Depot couldn't be acquired because of too much anti-trust overlap.
You are correct that the purchases of Dean Witter, Coldwell Banker, etc, in the early 80s ate away at capital, but they sold them off in the early 90s to refocus on the core retail. The problem was they did it wrong, they closed the catalog business and tried to become an primarily apparel store under Arthur Martinez's leadership, all while keeping themselves as a primary mall based retailer.
What should have been done is modernizing (computerizing) the stores and supply chain, spinning off all of the Low B/C/D mall stores into freestanding strip mall locations and modernizing the catalog to prepare for the shift to e-commerce.
Spinning an anchor store off from the malls wouldn't have helped in most cases in the past. It might help inline stores in a lot of cases (mall gets slow, also control over hours is a common concern) but it doesn't help anchors since they have their own entrance and the mall was letting them stay there basically for free. If they go standalone they have to build a building, buy land or pay a mountain of rent to someone who isn't going to give them a good guy deal like the malls did. Especially in areas with difficult terrain where you have to blast out a mountain to build.
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 17, 2021, 12:34:20 PM
Spinning an anchor store off from the malls wouldn't have helped in most cases in the past. It might help inline stores in a lot of cases (mall gets slow, also control over hours is a common concern) but it doesn't help anchors since they have their own entrance and the mall was letting them stay there basically for free. If they go standalone they have to build a building, buy land or pay a mountain of rent to someone who isn't going to give them a good guy deal like the malls did. Especially in areas with difficult terrain where you have to blast out a mountain to build.
Spinning off the B/C mall locations would have helped, as there were declining amounts of foot traffic in those malls anyway. Sears should have only kept anchors in A and high end B malls, the rest become freestanding locations. While far from the only reason for their downfall, having locations primarily on malls, and having too many different prototypes, was a big factor in how they got to where they are.
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 01:41:41 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 17, 2021, 12:34:20 PM
Spinning an anchor store off from the malls wouldn't have helped in most cases in the past. It might help inline stores in a lot of cases (mall gets slow, also control over hours is a common concern) but it doesn't help anchors since they have their own entrance and the mall was letting them stay there basically for free. If they go standalone they have to build a building, buy land or pay a mountain of rent to someone who isn't going to give them a good guy deal like the malls did. Especially in areas with difficult terrain where you have to blast out a mountain to build.
Spinning off the B/C mall locations would have helped, as there were declining amounts of foot traffic in those malls anyway. Sears should have only kept anchors in A and high end B malls, the rest become freestanding locations. While far from the only reason for their downfall, having locations primarily on malls, and having too many different prototypes, was a big factor in how they got to where they are.
I live near such a mall and our Sears closed last November.
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
Circling the toys and games wanted was a treat. Great times.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
They filed for bankruptcy last year and Simon Properties Group took them private.
Penny's had the advantage of not having Eddie Lampert as CEO. They actually gave a shit about innovation.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 17, 2021, 02:21:20 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
They filed for bankruptcy last year and Simon Properties Group took them private.
Penny's had the advantage of not having Eddie Lampert as CEO. They actually gave a shit about innovation.
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 17, 2021, 02:21:20 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
They filed for bankruptcy last year and Simon Properties Group took them private.
Penny's had the advantage of not having Eddie Lampert as CEO. They actually gave a shit about innovation.
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
I'd say Macy's is easily the next to go on life support. That could also be the swan song for a lot of malls, as Macy's in many situations is the only remaining anchor store.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 03:20:09 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 17, 2021, 02:21:20 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
They filed for bankruptcy last year and Simon Properties Group took them private.
Penny's had the advantage of not having Eddie Lampert as CEO. They actually gave a shit about innovation.
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
I'd say Macy's is easily the next to go on life support. That could also be the swan song for a lot of malls, as Macy's in many situations is the only remaining anchor store.
I actually think Macy's could survive as a niche retailer. IMO, their e-commerce is among the best in the traditional department store business. Plus, they are a shade or two nicer than JCPenney and Kohl's, both of whom seem to be lost and have no clear strategy going forward.
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 04:34:07 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 03:20:09 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 17, 2021, 02:21:20 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
They filed for bankruptcy last year and Simon Properties Group took them private.
Penny's had the advantage of not having Eddie Lampert as CEO. They actually gave a shit about innovation.
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
I'd say Macy's is easily the next to go on life support. That could also be the swan song for a lot of malls, as Macy's in many situations is the only remaining anchor store.
I actually think Macy's could survive as a niche retailer. IMO, their e-commerce is among the best in the traditional department store business. Plus, they are a shade or two nicer than JCPenney and Kohl's, both of whom seem to be lost and have no clear strategy going forward.
I don't know. I think Kohl's coupons remain popular amongst their loyal customers. That said, I have given up on them given how destroyed their clothes racks are. They just can't stay on top of keeping them organized. Even Walmart has them beat in that regard.
Quote from: Rothman on June 17, 2021, 04:45:09 PMI don't know. I think Kohl's coupons remain popular amongst their loyal customers. That said, I have given up on them given how destroyed their clothes racks are. They just can't stay on top of keeping them organized. Even Walmart has them beat in that regard.
Last couple of times making an Amazon return at Kohl's, I saw few people actually shopping. Their merchandise was/is overpriced and not much better than Target IMO. Macy's seemed a bit better IMO.
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 17, 2021, 02:21:20 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
They filed for bankruptcy last year and Simon Properties Group took them private.
Penny's had the advantage of not having Eddie Lampert as CEO. They actually gave a shit about innovation.
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
So where will those of us still in the middle class, who want something better quality than WalMart/Target but not as expensive as Nordstrom/etc. and who don't stop online, go for clothes? Do WalMart and Target even have office attire?
When I was in Richmond, Indiana I saw this and thought it was cool. Sebastian Kresge must be rolling over in his grave.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210618/7289367ba4de13624afd89b361f97fc9.jpg)
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
In my childhood, JC Penney was an anchor store at my local mall. I remember in the 90s for a while they tried to upgrade their image by changing the name tags of their employees from "Kathy" to "Mrs. Smith." I'm a very downmarket shopper. I buy most of my clothes at Walmart. The only reason I don't buy my shoes there is because I walk a lot and their shoes suck. That said, I was never impressed with JC Penney stores. They're maybe a whole step above Walmart, but only because their stores have more carpet. That store always struck me as cheap but uppity. I'd rather just go cheap and forget the fake image. My name for JC Penney is "The Pretentious Hillbilly."
Quote from: vdeane on June 17, 2021, 09:10:05 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
So where will those of us still in the middle class, who want something better quality than WalMart/Target but not as expensive as Nordstrom/etc. and who don't stop online, go for clothes? Do WalMart and Target even have office attire?
That's a great question, and a loaded one at that. The mid-priced department store is clearly struggling and the future remains bleak. Most people are just content with Amazon/Walmart/Target for everything I guess.
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 17, 2021, 09:10:05 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
So where will those of us still in the middle class, who want something better quality than WalMart/Target but not as expensive as Nordstrom/etc. and who don't stop online, go for clothes? Do WalMart and Target even have office attire?
That's a great question, and a loaded one at that. The mid-priced department store is clearly struggling and the future remains bleak. Most people are just content with Amazon/Walmart/Target for everything I guess.
For white collar people: I don't think Walmart or Target sell men's dress shirts in their stores. Amazon has definitely cut into the other stores' markets, however.
Quote from: Rothman on June 18, 2021, 06:55:29 AM
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 11:52:27 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 17, 2021, 09:10:05 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 17, 2021, 03:01:24 PM
I except they'll go away eventually as well, their business fundamentals are still terrible. Them and Kohls don't really serve a purpose anymore. Too pricy to compete with Walmart/Target/Amazon and not nice enough to compare with Nordstrom/Bloomingdales and even Macy's to some extent.
So where will those of us still in the middle class, who want something better quality than WalMart/Target but not as expensive as Nordstrom/etc. and who don't stop online, go for clothes? Do WalMart and Target even have office attire?
That's a great question, and a loaded one at that. The mid-priced department store is clearly struggling and the future remains bleak. Most people are just content with Amazon/Walmart/Target for everything I guess.
For white collar people: I don't think Walmart or Target sell men's dress shirts in their stores. Amazon has definitely cut into the other stores' markets, however.
Per Target's website, there are 188 dress shirt options in the store closest to me. Walmart, 7. When I worked at Walmart in the late 90's there was a very tiny section of dress shirts.
Quote from: wxfree on June 17, 2021, 11:31:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 17, 2021, 02:01:47 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 16, 2021, 08:39:43 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 15, 2021, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 15, 2021, 08:41:46 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 15, 2021, 07:30:55 PM
The Sears catalogue model was the low-tech spitting image of what the Amazon model became. All Sears had to do was transfer it to online in the 1990s and they might be at least holding their own against Walmart today.
Had they kept the catalog just 3 more years they could have made a seamless (for the time) transition. 1992 was the last year of the Big Book.
They essentially did try with Prodigy Online. It was WAY too soon for online retail to be viable and it flopped. Sears and IBM pulled their money out of Prodigy Online in 1997.
I think it was 1993 when Sears discontinued the catalog. And it was only 4 years later when they launched Sears.com on the WWW. Bad timing to say the least.
Yes, the downfall of Sears is inexcusable. Even with all the blunders they had made in the 80s/90s, they could have been resurrected in the last 15-20 years to become something like what Target has become for instance, but Eddie Lampert and to some extent, Alan Lacy (the last CEO before Eddie bought them) ran them into the ground.
I still think Walmart and Amazon would have surpassed Sears even if they had successfully reinvented themselves and moved their catalog business online, but at least Sears would be a solid #3 and a decent quality alternative to the Amazon/Walmart duopoly.
Oh man! The catalog used to be great! As a kid growing up in the 80s, it was a right of passage around Christmas each year to go through and circle 90 percent of the toys and video games featured!
JC Penny had a big one they put out at the holidays too. Speaking of....is it too soon to bring THAT store into this conversation?
In my childhood, JC Penney was an anchor store at my local mall. I remember in the 90s for a while they tried to upgrade their image by changing the name tags of their employees from "Kathy" to "Mrs. Smith." I'm a very downmarket shopper. I buy most of my clothes at Walmart. The only reason I don't buy my shoes there is because I walk a lot and their shoes suck. That said, I was never impressed with JC Penney stores. They're maybe a whole step above Walmart, but only because their stores have more carpet. That store always struck me as cheap but uppity. I'd rather just go cheap and forget the fake image. My name for JC Penney is "The Pretentious Hillbilly."
I always thought JCP was slow in remodeling their stores. Their black and blue P logo and associated color schemes in the store from the 60s was outdated by the 80s yet was still used well into the 90s.
Then in the 70s, they switched to their most familiar JCPenney font and went to the warm brown/yellow/orange colors which were the rage at the time. Much of that was still prevalent into the 00's in many of the stores.
Store atmospheres are like the fashions you're selling -- if you don't keep up with the times, you will quickly lose your core demos.
Upscale department stores -- Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, etc. -- have a much better chance at survival if they close locations not in major cities and focus on their wealthy core demographic. They key for them will be keeping their long-term debt low and the retirement of full time store employees who have legacy pension plans. That was a big problem with SHC; they had hundreds of millions of dollars in pensions to pay out and it was eating away at their ability cover expenses.
Quasi-upscale department stores -- Penny's, Kohl's, Macy's, etc., are in a more difficult position. Their softlines products aren't exactly "designer" and are probably made in the same factory as the clothing products of big box retailers and Amazon, and their hardlines products can often be had for cheaper elsewhere, especially online. So, for the average consumer, there's little incentive to set foot in these stores.
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I try to avoid Walmart if I can. If there is a Meijer store in the area I will go to Meijer before Walmart.
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
I was in one recently that had installed the turnstiles. I hadn't been in one for well over a year, so I was a bit surprised by that.
I didn't have my receipt checked, but that doesn't bother me too much. Costco has conditioned me to do that. :bigass:
Spider wrap on the hand basket? I haven't seen that before.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 10:54:20 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
I was in one recently that had installed the turnstiles. I hadn't been in one for well over a year, so I was a bit surprised by that.
I didn't have my receipt checked, but that doesn't bother me too much. Costco has conditioned me to do that. :bigass:
Spider wrap on the hand basket? I haven't seen that before.
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout. To me it's just security theater which Walmart put in place for it's otherwise lackluster sales floor standards and lack of customer service.
Apparently the Spider Wraps on hand basket phenomenon is common in certain Walmart regions. Apparently some areas had enough of them stolen to justify a 2/3 Alarm Alpha Spider Wrap (when I last checked was $4-6 dollars a unit) affixed to each hand basket. Things like that just more or less speak to the poor controls Walmart has in place above. I rather just shop somewhere else even if it cost a little bit more.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 10:54:20 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
I was in one recently that had installed the turnstiles. I hadn't been in one for well over a year, so I was a bit surprised by that.
I didn't have my receipt checked, but that doesn't bother me too much. Costco has conditioned me to do that. :bigass:
Spider wrap on the hand basket? I haven't seen that before.
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout. To me it's just security theater which Walmart put in place for it's otherwise lackluster sales floor standards and lack of customer service.
Apparently the Spider Wraps on hand basket phenomenon is common in certain Walmart regions. Apparently some areas had enough of them stolen to justify a 2/3 Alarm Alpha Spider Wrap (when I last checked was $4-6 dollars a unit) affixed to each hand basket. Things like that just more or less speak to the poor controls Walmart has in place above. I rather just shop somewhere else even if it cost a little bit more.
That's a valid reason to avoid Walmart.
I'd say another big difference with receipts between Costco and Walmart is Costco actually seems to look at the receipt and your basket. Not too thorough, but they at least look.
Walmart you could probably flash a year old receipt for some gummi bears and walk out with god know what. :-D
My final straw with Walmart was when they installed a bunch of surveillance cameras with a screen attached that make a loud, obnoxious "CHING!" noise whenever they detect movement, to try to get you to look at the screen and see that you're on camera. The local Walmart put a ton of these in their makeup and beauty aisles.
Well, my wife sent me to Walmart for a makeup and beauty thing, and not wearing makeup, I didn't know exactly where it was, so I had to walk up and down the aisles looking for it. The whole time I keep passing into and out of the range of the various cameras, so I was subjected to a constant CHING! CHING! CHING! CHING! which finally got so annoying I left and told my wife to just order it on Amazon.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
That's soured me on WalMart too. What are you supposed to do if you don't find what you're looking for, buy something you don't need/might not use just so you can use a checkout and leave the store? Ridiculous. I was pretty much only going there for things that were out at other stores, anyways, and that's less of a problem now, so I think I just won't (especially as, if things are sold out elsewhere, there are decent odds they'll be sold out at WalMart too).
Oddly enough, even though I use JCPenney for most of my clothing needs, there is one thing I buy from WalMart - shoes. Specifically, flats (though this may apply to boots as well, though not as strictly). For some reason, nowhere else still around sells any that are comfortable and don't rub the back of my ankle to oblivion. Payless was good for that too, but sadly they're online-only now.
I'll also likely be buying purses from Target from now on, as the last purse I got is from JCPenney and it isn't wearing out any slower than the two before it from Target. If I'm going to get Target quality anyways and the selection is equivalent, may as well pay Target prices.
I haven't been to a Walmart in years, and it's been even longer that I actually shopped there. Last time I went to one was to take a dump because the Wawa across the street was closed for renovation at the time.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 12:18:22 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 10:54:20 AM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
I was in one recently that had installed the turnstiles. I hadn't been in one for well over a year, so I was a bit surprised by that.
I didn't have my receipt checked, but that doesn't bother me too much. Costco has conditioned me to do that. :bigass:
Spider wrap on the hand basket? I haven't seen that before.
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout. To me it's just security theater which Walmart put in place for it's otherwise lackluster sales floor standards and lack of customer service.
Apparently the Spider Wraps on hand basket phenomenon is common in certain Walmart regions. Apparently some areas had enough of them stolen to justify a 2/3 Alarm Alpha Spider Wrap (when I last checked was $4-6 dollars a unit) affixed to each hand basket. Things like that just more or less speak to the poor controls Walmart has in place above. I rather just shop somewhere else even if it cost a little bit more.
That's a valid reason to avoid Walmart.
I'd say another big difference with receipts between Costco and Walmart is Costco actually seems to look at the receipt and your basket. Not too thorough, but they at least look.
Walmart you could probably flash a year old receipt for some gummi bears and walk out with god know what. :-D
At the end of the day at least there are other options that are superior to Walmart. Given I manage LP for a military exchange I rarely step foot inside any other traditional big box retailer nowadays for anything beyond a small purchase. My interactions with Walmart generally come from when I'm with my wife who really likes to browse clearance sections. If anything it is my fault for continuing to fall for the promise of a free meal if I go shopping with her.
Quote from: Takumi on June 18, 2021, 01:14:08 PM
I haven't been to a Walmart in years, and it's been even longer that I actually shopped there. Last time I went to one was to take a dump because the Wawa across the street was closed for renovation at the time.
Seems like a logical reason to visit a Walmart.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 18, 2021, 01:35:44 PM
Quote from: Takumi on June 18, 2021, 01:14:08 PM
I haven't been to a Walmart in years, and it's been even longer that I actually shopped there. Last time I went to one was to take a dump because the Wawa across the street was closed for renovation at the time.
Seems like a logical reason to visit a Walmart.
I'd dare to say Walmart's bathrooms are actually nicer than Wawas. And much larger.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 18, 2021, 01:36:56 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 18, 2021, 01:35:44 PM
Quote from: Takumi on June 18, 2021, 01:14:08 PM
I haven't been to a Walmart in years, and it's been even longer that I actually shopped there. Last time I went to one was to take a dump because the Wawa across the street was closed for renovation at the time.
Seems like a logical reason to visit a Walmart.
I'd dare to say Walmart's bathrooms are actually nicer than Wawas. And much larger.
And a lot of Walmart's have restrooms in the back of the store which rarely get touched by customers. Oddly Target stores tend to have nastier restrooms for some reason I've found.
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't boycott them, but I agree that the way they treat their employees isn't good. I only think I've known one person who actually enjoyed working at Wal-Mart. Everyone else has complained about their policies. The one I heard about that I most dislike is that taking scheduled time off counts "points" against you.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout.
Then don't stop when they want to check your receipt at Wal-Mart. Just keep walking. Didn't you use to work in security? They're only permitted to stop you if they physically saw you shoplift.
Quote from: kphoger on June 18, 2021, 02:19:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't boycott them, but I agree that the way they treat their employees isn't good. I only think I've known one person who actually enjoyed working at Wal-Mart. Everyone else has complained about their policies. The one I heard about that I most dislike is that taking scheduled time off counts "points" against you.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout.
Then don't stop when they want to check your receipt at Wal-Mart. Just keep walking. Didn't you use to work in security? They're only permitted to stop you if they physically saw you shoplift.
Still do, I mentioned it I think in my last reply. I don't stop at Walmart, but my wife complains at me when I ignore the greeter.
Quote from: kphoger on June 18, 2021, 02:19:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't boycott them, but I agree that the way they treat their employees isn't good. I only think I've known one person who actually enjoyed working at Wal-Mart. Everyone else has complained about their policies. The one I heard about that I most dislike is that taking scheduled time off counts "points" against you.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout.
Then don't stop when they want to check your receipt at Wal-Mart. Just keep walking. Didn't you use to work in security? They're only permitted to stop you if they physically saw you shoplift.
The people checking receipts should be trained that if someone doesn't want to show theirs to just say, "have a nice day."
I believe that really is Walmart's official training protocol.
You can walk out of Costco without showing your receipt, but if they identify who you are they'll terminate your membership.
Also, just be aware that if you do refuse to show you receipt they can trespass you from the property. I've seen a couple videos where the store manger does this.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 18, 2021, 02:33:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 18, 2021, 02:19:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't boycott them, but I agree that the way they treat their employees isn't good. I only think I've known one person who actually enjoyed working at Wal-Mart. Everyone else has complained about their policies. The one I heard about that I most dislike is that taking scheduled time off counts "points" against you.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout.
Then don't stop when they want to check your receipt at Wal-Mart. Just keep walking. Didn't you use to work in security? They're only permitted to stop you if they physically saw you shoplift.
The people checking receipts should be trained that if someone doesn't want to show theirs to just say, "have a nice day."
I believe that really is Walmart's official training protocol.
You can walk out of Costco without showing your receipt, but if they identify who you are they'll terminate your membership.
Also, just be aware that if you do refuse to show you receipt they can trespass you from the property. I've seen a couple videos where the store manger does this.
The Walmart receipt checkers get nasty sometimes about it. Either way I just ignore them and don't respond to it.
Quote from: kphoger on June 18, 2021, 02:19:39 PM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't boycott them, but I agree that the way they treat their employees isn't good. I only think I've known one person who actually enjoyed working at Wal-Mart. Everyone else has complained about their policies. The one I heard about that I most dislike is that taking scheduled time off counts "points" against you.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 11:49:35 AM
The thing with receipt checks at Costco is that is a well known part of your membership agreement. That's fine at Costco because I signed up for it, I didn't sign up for a receipt check at Walmart when I buy a Mountain Dew at self checkout.
Then don't stop when they want to check your receipt at Wal-Mart. Just keep walking. Didn't you use to work in security? They're only permitted to stop you if they physically saw you shoplift.
I never get a receipt check at Walmart. Sam's Club.... yes, but never at Walmart.
I'm not a huge fan of Walmart either, but I am trying to use them more for my e-commerce purchases as I consider them the lesser of the two evils compared to Amazon, whom I believe is becoming waaaaaay too powerful on many levels.
It was always a treat when one of the Christmas catalogs -- Penney, Sears, or Montgomery Ward -- came in the mail. My letters to Santa would include the page number of the specific catalog where I saw the item to help him in his choices. Little did I realize that I really was helping him find what he was going to bring me! :-D
Since this thread started, more than half the choices on the poll have passed. And they're still kicking. Or at least squirming and wiggling.
What about Barnes and Noble? It was the one left standing over Borders (I preferred the latter) but I haven't been in one in years. Are they still alive and kicking?
Or has Amazon killed them as well?
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 07:05:10 PM
What about Barnes and Noble? It was the one left standing over Borders (I preferred the latter) but I haven't been in one in years. Are they still alive and kicking?
Or has Amazon killed them as well?
Barnes and Noble seems to have gone awfully quiet and I think there's a reason for that. Just weathering the changes I suppose.
^^There sill is one B&N where I live.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 07:05:10 PM
What about Barnes and Noble? It was the one left standing over Borders (I preferred the latter) but I haven't been in one in years. Are they still alive and kicking?
Or has Amazon killed them as well?
I know of at least two in Richmond.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 01:33:28 PM
At the end of the day at least there are other options that are superior to Walmart. Given I manage LP for a military exchange I rarely step foot inside any other traditional big box retailer nowadays for anything beyond a small purchase. My interactions with Walmart generally come from when I'm with my wife who really likes to browse clearance sections. If anything it is my fault for continuing to fall for the promise of a free meal if I go shopping with her.
Jeez, I was hoping military exchanges didn't need LP at all.
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 18, 2021, 08:36:31 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 01:33:28 PM
At the end of the day at least there are other options that are superior to Walmart. Given I manage LP for a military exchange I rarely step foot inside any other traditional big box retailer nowadays for anything beyond a small purchase. My interactions with Walmart generally come from when I'm with my wife who really likes to browse clearance sections. If anything it is my fault for continuing to fall for the promise of a free meal if I go shopping with her.
Jeez, I was hoping military exchanges didn't need LP at all.
They do, it isn't anywhere in the same stratosphere as the real world though as far as theft issues. DECA/MWR don't have any similar oversight and have rampant theft issues every time I've been subcontracted to investigate their stuff.
Quote from: vdeane on June 18, 2021, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
That's soured me on WalMart too. What are you supposed to do if you don't find what you're looking for, buy something you don't need/might not use just so you can use a checkout and leave the store? Ridiculous. I was pretty much only going there for things that were out at other stores, anyways, and that's less of a problem now, so I think I just won't (especially as, if things are sold out elsewhere, there are decent odds they'll be sold out at WalMart too).
Oddly enough, even though I use JCPenney for most of my clothing needs, there is one thing I buy from WalMart - shoes. Specifically, flats (though this may apply to boots as well, though not as strictly). For some reason, nowhere else still around sells any that are comfortable and don't rub the back of my ankle to oblivion. Payless was good for that too, but sadly they're online-only now.
I'll also likely be buying purses from Target from now on, as the last purse I got is from JCPenney and it isn't wearing out any slower than the two before it from Target. If I'm going to get Target quality anyways and the selection is equivalent, may as well pay Target prices.
I have never been prevented from leaving Walmart without buying anything. The idea they would is a little extreme.
Quote from: Big John on June 18, 2021, 08:13:48 PM
^^There sill is one B&N where I live.
B&N's Appleton, WI area store is still operating, too.
Mike
Quote from: Rothman on June 18, 2021, 09:40:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 18, 2021, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
That's soured me on WalMart too. What are you supposed to do if you don't find what you're looking for, buy something you don't need/might not use just so you can use a checkout and leave the store? Ridiculous. I was pretty much only going there for things that were out at other stores, anyways, and that's less of a problem now, so I think I just won't (especially as, if things are sold out elsewhere, there are decent odds they'll be sold out at WalMart too).
Oddly enough, even though I use JCPenney for most of my clothing needs, there is one thing I buy from WalMart - shoes. Specifically, flats (though this may apply to boots as well, though not as strictly). For some reason, nowhere else still around sells any that are comfortable and don't rub the back of my ankle to oblivion. Payless was good for that too, but sadly they're online-only now.
I'll also likely be buying purses from Target from now on, as the last purse I got is from JCPenney and it isn't wearing out any slower than the two before it from Target. If I'm going to get Target quality anyways and the selection is equivalent, may as well pay Target prices.
I have never been prevented from leaving Walmart without buying anything. The idea they would is a little extreme.
I've walked thru closed checkout aisles or other exit points countless times if I didn't find what I was looking for. Why would someone need to buy something to leave a store? I've never felt trapped inside a Walmart.
I did not know what to vote, so when I voted, I selected Two Years. Now I am not so sure. If that many people Shun Walmart, Sears will be able to make a full return and compete with them.
Barnes And Noble and even Pay Less Shoe Source are still around also.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 19, 2021, 12:51:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 18, 2021, 09:40:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 18, 2021, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
That's soured me on WalMart too. What are you supposed to do if you don't find what you're looking for, buy something you don't need/might not use just so you can use a checkout and leave the store? Ridiculous. I was pretty much only going there for things that were out at other stores, anyways, and that's less of a problem now, so I think I just won't (especially as, if things are sold out elsewhere, there are decent odds they'll be sold out at WalMart too).
Oddly enough, even though I use JCPenney for most of my clothing needs, there is one thing I buy from WalMart - shoes. Specifically, flats (though this may apply to boots as well, though not as strictly). For some reason, nowhere else still around sells any that are comfortable and don't rub the back of my ankle to oblivion. Payless was good for that too, but sadly they're online-only now.
I'll also likely be buying purses from Target from now on, as the last purse I got is from JCPenney and it isn't wearing out any slower than the two before it from Target. If I'm going to get Target quality anyways and the selection is equivalent, may as well pay Target prices.
I have never been prevented from leaving Walmart without buying anything. The idea they would is a little extreme.
I've walked thru closed checkout aisles or other exit points countless times if I didn't find what I was looking for. Why would someone need to buy something to leave a store? I've never felt trapped inside a Walmart.
I was responding to vdeane.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on June 18, 2021, 07:05:10 PM
What about Barnes and Noble? It was the one left standing over Borders (I preferred the latter) but I haven't been in one in years. Are they still alive and kicking?
Or has Amazon killed them as well?
While the number of stores has slowly declined, there are still a decent number of them with (per searching on their website) 15 within 50 miles of Chicago.
Side topic: Are there any Barnes and Noble locations besides West Town Mall in Madison, WI that have a used books section?
Still plenty of B&N in the Twin Cities metro.
Some of the Barnes and Noble stores in Seattle have closed, but some remain. If you really want to shop at a B&N you can.
Quote from: GCrites80s on June 18, 2021, 08:36:31 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 01:33:28 PM
At the end of the day at least there are other options that are superior to Walmart. Given I manage LP for a military exchange I rarely step foot inside any other traditional big box retailer nowadays for anything beyond a small purchase. My interactions with Walmart generally come from when I'm with my wife who really likes to browse clearance sections. If anything it is my fault for continuing to fall for the promise of a free meal if I go shopping with her.
Jeez, I was hoping military exchanges didn't need LP at all.
Thank you for making it clear what LP is :)
I'm sure that's why Target puts its bathrooms in the front, so the security person near the registers can keep an eye on who's going into the rest rooms and for how long. If they were in the back of the store they'd have to hire another security person.
Regarding Target, yes, they do have men's dress shirts, but not very nice ones. When I'm dressing up I want shirts that fit well and in nice fabrics, not poly-cotton in my choice from S to XL. If I had to wear them 5+ days a week for work, I might well feel differently.
Quote from: kkt on June 19, 2021, 02:26:06 PM
I'm sure that's why Target puts its bathrooms in the front, so the security person near the registers can keep an eye on who's going into the rest rooms and for how long. If they were in the back of the store they'd have to hire another security person.
Target loss-prevention operation makes the surveillance departments in banks and casinos look rinky-dink. They run an entire forensics lab just catching shoplifters.
https://www.paypath.com/Small-Business/why-target-is-the-worst-store-to-shoplift-from
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 19, 2021, 02:51:15 PM
Quote from: kkt on June 19, 2021, 02:26:06 PM
I'm sure that's why Target puts its bathrooms in the front, so the security person near the registers can keep an eye on who's going into the rest rooms and for how long. If they were in the back of the store they'd have to hire another security person.
Target loss-prevention operation makes the surveillance departments in banks and casinos look rinky-dink. They run an entire forensics lab just catching shoplifters.
https://www.paypath.com/Small-Business/why-target-is-the-worst-store-to-shoplift-from
Which in the grand scheme of things has such a small footprint on their overall LP operations that it is laughable they promote it. I worked LP ("Assets Protection" as Target would put it) at Target and it isn't anymore fancy day to day than any other retail company. When I worked at Target we couldn't even stop a shoplifter if they went into the Restroom or Fitting no matter how obvious the theft was. Most shoplifters wouldn't even try to steal in the Restroom anyways given we had a door guard ("Target Protection Specialist") staffed right at the front door.
^ I would imagine the reason they promote it so much, then, is to deter shoplifters who might hear that and decide to steal from Walmart instead.
I remember reading that the Target that got looted and torched in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder was the one that Target used to test all of their newest LP gizmos. Apparently there was resentment toward the store for that and it ended up being a factor in why that Target got...well, targeted. Afterward they rebuilt and remodeled the Target with community input and, presumably, without all of the extra LP tech.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 19, 2021, 03:09:29 PM
^ I would imagine the reason they promote it so much, then, is to deter shoplifters who might hear that and decide to steal from Walmart instead.
I remember reading that the Target that got looted and torched in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder was the one that Target used to test all of their newest LP gizmos. Apparently there was resentment toward the store for that and it ended up being a factor in why that Target got...well, targeted. Afterward they rebuilt and remodeled the Target with community input and, presumably, without all of the extra LP tech.
Target was also one of the last hold out for "hands on" shoplift apprehensions and hand cuff usage. Most of the field got away from it by around 2010 after loading apprehension videos onto YouTube got popular. That probably doesn't get advertised all that much by comparison to all that tech stuff but it was very much a thing.
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
The only reason why they're still open is that the nearest Meijer and Walmart are 10+ miles away, on the south side of Battle Creek. Before the first bankruptcy, there used to be a Kmart in Albion as well. Fun unrelated fact: Marshall and Albion schools consolidated a few years back, but Albion is nowhere to be mentioned in the district's name (likely due to Albion being a town in decline whose schools were about to be shut down by Rick Snyder prior to its consolidation with Marshall)
Have the receipt framed ;)
Is there a point to Shopyourway rewards with a single store left in Michigan?
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 19, 2021, 12:51:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 18, 2021, 09:40:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 18, 2021, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
That's soured me on WalMart too. What are you supposed to do if you don't find what you're looking for, buy something you don't need/might not use just so you can use a checkout and leave the store? Ridiculous. I was pretty much only going there for things that were out at other stores, anyways, and that's less of a problem now, so I think I just won't (especially as, if things are sold out elsewhere, there are decent odds they'll be sold out at WalMart too).
Oddly enough, even though I use JCPenney for most of my clothing needs, there is one thing I buy from WalMart - shoes. Specifically, flats (though this may apply to boots as well, though not as strictly). For some reason, nowhere else still around sells any that are comfortable and don't rub the back of my ankle to oblivion. Payless was good for that too, but sadly they're online-only now.
I'll also likely be buying purses from Target from now on, as the last purse I got is from JCPenney and it isn't wearing out any slower than the two before it from Target. If I'm going to get Target quality anyways and the selection is equivalent, may as well pay Target prices.
I have never been prevented from leaving Walmart without buying anything. The idea they would is a little extreme.
I've walked thru closed checkout aisles or other exit points countless times if I didn't find what I was looking for. Why would someone need to buy something to leave a store? I've never felt trapped inside a Walmart.
When I've not found what I'm looking for, I always just left the way I came - a path which is now blocked by the turnstiles. I'm pretty sure I've seen them block off closed checkouts at least once, though whether they do that all the time or blocked all of them, I can't say; I always use the self checkout, and the only time I've been inside a WalMart since the turnstiles were installed once, and that time I found at least one thing I was looking for, so the point never came up.
As for actually getting trapped in one, apparently it can happen... check out ~58 minutes in this roadtrip video (although he did enter 20 minutes after closing):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR41-IS9HTU
Anyone have insight into how Sears Mexico and Kmart Australia are doing these days?
Quote from: vdeane on June 19, 2021, 09:45:29 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on June 19, 2021, 12:51:47 AM
Quote from: Rothman on June 18, 2021, 09:40:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 18, 2021, 01:03:32 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 18, 2021, 09:47:46 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 18, 2021, 08:45:28 AM
I've boycotted Walmart because of the way they treat their employees.
I don't "boycot" per se, but I don't like the prison-like atmosphere most Walmart's have now. I don't like having to go through a security turnstile, have a spider wrap on my hand basket and "receipt checks" for everything.
That's soured me on WalMart too. What are you supposed to do if you don't find what you're looking for, buy something you don't need/might not use just so you can use a checkout and leave the store? Ridiculous. I was pretty much only going there for things that were out at other stores, anyways, and that's less of a problem now, so I think I just won't (especially as, if things are sold out elsewhere, there are decent odds they'll be sold out at WalMart too).
Oddly enough, even though I use JCPenney for most of my clothing needs, there is one thing I buy from WalMart - shoes. Specifically, flats (though this may apply to boots as well, though not as strictly). For some reason, nowhere else still around sells any that are comfortable and don't rub the back of my ankle to oblivion. Payless was good for that too, but sadly they're online-only now.
I'll also likely be buying purses from Target from now on, as the last purse I got is from JCPenney and it isn't wearing out any slower than the two before it from Target. If I'm going to get Target quality anyways and the selection is equivalent, may as well pay Target prices.
I have never been prevented from leaving Walmart without buying anything. The idea they would is a little extreme.
I've walked thru closed checkout aisles or other exit points countless times if I didn't find what I was looking for. Why would someone need to buy something to leave a store? I've never felt trapped inside a Walmart.
When I've not found what I'm looking for, I always just left the way I came - a path which is now blocked by the turnstiles. I'm pretty sure I've seen them block off closed checkouts at least once, though whether they do that all the time or blocked all of them, I can't say; I always use the self checkout, and the only time I've been inside a WalMart since the turnstiles were installed once, and that time I found at least one thing I was looking for, so the point never came up.
As for actually getting trapped in one, apparently it can happen... check out ~58 minutes in this roadtrip video (although he did enter 20 minutes after closing):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR41-IS9HTU
You're not ever going to be trapped in a Walmart for not buying something.
Quote from: ftballfan on June 19, 2021, 07:28:46 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
The only reason why they're still open is that the nearest Meijer and Walmart are 10+ miles away, on the south side of Battle Creek. Before the first bankruptcy, there used to be a Kmart in Albion as well. Fun unrelated fact: Marshall and Albion schools consolidated a few years back, but Albion is nowhere to be mentioned in the district's name (likely due to Albion being a town in decline whose schools were about to be shut down by Rick Snyder prior to its consolidation with Marshall)
Yeah I knew that was the reason it's still open. Still a long ways from another Kmart store though so it's in a rather isolated location for Kmart now. Seriously it felt no different than the Kmart in Clio before that one closed.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
I like how they can't even be bothered to get receipt tape that says Kmart on it, or even some blank receipt tape from Staples or something. Nah, just get an extra roll of Sears receipt tape, probably shipped from a closed store, and slap that bad boy in there.
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2021, 01:13:15 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
I like how they can't even be bothered to get receipt tape that says Kmart on it, or even some blank receipt tape from Staples or something. Nah, just get an extra roll of Sears receipt tape, probably shipped from a closed store, and slap that bad boy in there.
Lmao that was the first thing I noticed about the receipt.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2021, 08:07:32 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2021, 01:13:15 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
I like how they can't even be bothered to get receipt tape that says Kmart on it, or even some blank receipt tape from Staples or something. Nah, just get an extra roll of Sears receipt tape, probably shipped from a closed store, and slap that bad boy in there.
Lmao that was the first thing I noticed about the receipt.
That's a vestige of when Kmart was supposed to become Sears Grand. The Kmart name was going to be eventually dropped in favor of Sears. Part of the conversion was consolidating things like receipt tape and other like items to Sears.
The Sears Grand thing didn't come to fruition and all the stores that survived reverted back to Kmart after awhile. I did market investigations for bunch of SoCal Sears Grand stores before they reverted back to Kmart. The one in El Monte was particularly wild and even had a guy drive through the front of the store one time.
I don't think I told this before, but I used to work a courier route which occasionally delivered office supplies to various businesses. One of which was a Kmart regional distribution center just outside of Warren (Youngstown) Ohio about 15 years ago.
You'd have to drive past 2 checkpoints that would attach a zip-tie on the doors of your truck, then you pulled into a giant indoor loading dock with spaces for at least 150 trucks. Then you would have to wait (and wait....and wait...) for someone to unload their delivery from your truck before they put new zip-ties on your truck doors to check out with.
The inside looked like what I would assume would today be a modest Amazon fulfillment center with conveyors all over the place.
I assume that if that distribution center is still running, it's gotta be a shell of it's former self. If it closed, I wonder if anybody took the place over.as it had to be at least 4-6 football fields of warehouse space.
Quote from: thenetwork on June 20, 2021, 11:10:01 AM
I don't think I told this before, but I used to work a courier route which occasionally delivered office supplies to various businesses. One of which was a Kmart regional distribution center just outside of Warren (Youngstown) Ohio about 15 years ago.
You'd have to drive past 2 checkpoints that would attach a zip-tie on the doors of your truck, then you pulled into a giant indoor loading dock with spaces for at least 150 trucks. Then you would have to wait (and wait....and wait...) for someone to unload their delivery from your truck before they put new zip-ties on your truck doors to check out with.
The inside looked like what I would assume would today be a modest Amazon fulfillment center with conveyors all over the place.
I assume that if that distribution center is still running, it's gotta be a shell of it's former self. If it closed, I wonder if anybody took the place over.as it had to be at least 4-6 football fields of warehouse space.
That's how our distribution center still does things regarding security seals. We do the same thing for store-to-store transfers. It is only going to take one major theft from a truck in transit for that to suddenly become a problem. Really we don't have a high tech solution and it will cost a bunch of money (which is tight post COVID) to develop one.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 09:20:25 AM
That's a vestige of when Kmart was supposed to become Sears Grand. The Kmart name was going to be eventually dropped in favor of Sears. Part of the conversion was consolidating things like receipt tape and other like items to Sears.
The Sears Grand thing didn't come to fruition and all the stores that survived reverted back to Kmart after awhile. I did market investigations for bunch of SoCal Sears Grand stores before they reverted back to Kmart. The one in El Monte was particularly wild and even had a guy drive through the front of the store one time.
I don't know if it was ever a Kmart or was always a Sears Grand, but the Sears Grand at Gurnee Mills in Illinois (https://goo.gl/maps/cCAhJLFpkFLUVntUA) remained as a Sears Grand until its closure.
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 20, 2021, 12:43:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 09:20:25 AM
That's a vestige of when Kmart was supposed to become Sears Grand. The Kmart name was going to be eventually dropped in favor of Sears. Part of the conversion was consolidating things like receipt tape and other like items to Sears.
The Sears Grand thing didn't come to fruition and all the stores that survived reverted back to Kmart after awhile. I did market investigations for bunch of SoCal Sears Grand stores before they reverted back to Kmart. The one in El Monte was particularly wild and even had a guy drive through the front of the store one time.
I don't know if it was ever a Kmart or was always a Sears Grand, but the Sears Grand at Gurnee Mills in Illinois (https://goo.gl/maps/cCAhJLFpkFLUVntUA) remained as a Sears Grand until its closure.
Good question, it looks like it was converted from a Sears Full Line Store. The Full Line Stores were the typical fare you would see attached to large malls. Sears Grand was meant to be a big-box format like Kmart but with some Sears branded appliances added in.
Kmart would have still been around if they would have kept up with the times. I never did like the layout of a Walmart store either. Meijer and Target have a better layout and would be the stores to copy off of.
The same can be said for Sears. That was the dumbest thing Kmart ever did was bought Sears. Sears was actually a damn good store even as late as the 90s I think after that they started falling off though.
More stores on the closure list:
Kmart - Freedom, CA
Kmart - South Lake Tahoe, CA
Sears - Westland, MI
Sears - Media, PA
The Westland Sears store is about 2 miles from my house, and has been gradually emptying out over the last few months. This is the last Sears store in Michigan, and will leave Westland Mall with two dead anchor slots (this and the former Macy's).
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2021, 02:42:45 PM
Kmart would have still been around if they would have kept up with the times. I never did like the layout of a Walmart store either. Meijer and Target have a better layout and would be the stores to copy off of.
The same can be said for Sears. That was the dumbest thing Kmart ever did was bought Sears. Sears was actually a damn good store even as late as the 90s I think after that they started falling off though.
I'd argue Sears was the more viable of the two companies following the first Kmart Bankruptcy. The problem was the people who forced the merger were arrogant and thought that they could make a competitor to Walmart/Target on the cheap. Sears Holdings never spent much more on reinvesting into stores and thought they could use get away with consolidating brand equity. The customer brace saw the farce for what is was and went to the stores that continued to modernize. It doesn't help that a human-vulture hybrid like Eddie Lampert was at the helm of all of this.
Quote from: catch22 on June 20, 2021, 03:12:34 PM
More stores on the closure list:
Kmart - Freedom, CA
Kmart - South Lake Tahoe, CA
Sears - Westland, MI
Sears - Media, PA
The Westland Sears store is about 2 miles from my house, and has been gradually emptying out over the last few months. This is the last Sears store in Michigan, and will leave Westland Mall with two dead anchor slots (this and the former Macy's).
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/ (https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/)
I had forgotten about Granite Run...I'm surprised that the mixed-use revamp didn't immediately kill off the Sears. Or that the Sears there managed to hold on this long at this particular dead/dying mall.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 03:39:46 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2021, 02:42:45 PM
Kmart would have still been around if they would have kept up with the times. I never did like the layout of a Walmart store either. Meijer and Target have a better layout and would be the stores to copy off of.
The same can be said for Sears. That was the dumbest thing Kmart ever did was bought Sears. Sears was actually a damn good store even as late as the 90s I think after that they started falling off though.
I'd argue Sears was the more viable of the two companies following the first Kmart Bankruptcy. The problem was the people who forced the merger were arrogant and thought that they could make a competitor to Walmart/Target on the cheap. Sears Holdings never spent much more on reinvesting into stores and thought they could use get away with consolidating brand equity. The customer brace saw the farce for what is was and went to the stores that continued to modernize. It doesn't help that a human-vulture hybrid like Eddie Lampert was at the helm of all of this.
That's what I meant. Sears was fine until Kmart came along and bought them now Kmart has taken Sears right down with them. It's crazy that there will be no Sears locations in Michigan but I don't think I spent a dime in one in the last 15 years.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 19, 2021, 09:51:52 PM
Anyone have insight into how Sears Mexico and Kmart Australia are doing these days?
My understanding is Kmart Australia has long been spun off by its American parent, and is much more successful as it's on par with a Target or Walmart in the US that American Kmart never kept up with.
In Australia, K-Mart started as a 51-49 deal between K-Mart and a local grocery chain. Over the years this was bought out and the company has no relationship with its USA version, and it is now a part of a major Australian company. The trademark to K-Mart in Australia and New Zealand was sold to it a few years ago. The same company owns Target in Australia, but never had any relationship to Target USA, just an example of two businesses with the same name.
Sears Mexico used to be a part of the US company, but the ultra-protectionist policies of the PRI party forced it to sell locally manufactured products, not be an outlet for Sears branded items imported from the USA, and later Asia, which was the original business model. This was not what Sears wanted to do and it sold the chain to Carlos Slim, one of the richest people in the world.
Both are doing quite well.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 12:46:36 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 20, 2021, 12:43:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 09:20:25 AM
That's a vestige of when Kmart was supposed to become Sears Grand. The Kmart name was going to be eventually dropped in favor of Sears. Part of the conversion was consolidating things like receipt tape and other like items to Sears.
The Sears Grand thing didn't come to fruition and all the stores that survived reverted back to Kmart after awhile. I did market investigations for bunch of SoCal Sears Grand stores before they reverted back to Kmart. The one in El Monte was particularly wild and even had a guy drive through the front of the store one time.
I don't know if it was ever a Kmart or was always a Sears Grand, but the Sears Grand at Gurnee Mills in Illinois (https://goo.gl/maps/cCAhJLFpkFLUVntUA) remained as a Sears Grand until its closure.
Good question, it looks like it was converted from a Sears Full Line Store. The Full Line Stores were the typical fare you would see attached to large malls. Sears Grand was meant to be a big-box format like Kmart but with some Sears branded appliances added in.
The Gurnee Mills Sears Grand was built specifically to be a Sears Grand, before the Sears-Kmart merger. It was never any type of full-line store nor a Kmart.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2021, 04:10:13 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 03:39:46 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 20, 2021, 02:42:45 PM
Kmart would have still been around if they would have kept up with the times. I never did like the layout of a Walmart store either. Meijer and Target have a better layout and would be the stores to copy off of.
The same can be said for Sears. That was the dumbest thing Kmart ever did was bought Sears. Sears was actually a damn good store even as late as the 90s I think after that they started falling off though.
I'd argue Sears was the more viable of the two companies following the first Kmart Bankruptcy. The problem was the people who forced the merger were arrogant and thought that they could make a competitor to Walmart/Target on the cheap. Sears Holdings never spent much more on reinvesting into stores and thought they could use get away with consolidating brand equity. The customer brace saw the farce for what is was and went to the stores that continued to modernize. It doesn't help that a human-vulture hybrid like Eddie Lampert was at the helm of all of this.
That's what I meant. Sears was fine until Kmart came along and bought them now Kmart has taken Sears right down with them. It's crazy that there will be no Sears locations in Michigan but I don't think I spent a dime in one in the last 15 years.
Sears wasn't fine before the Kmart merger, it had been limping along since Walmart overtook them in the early 90s. However, it's fundamentals were a bit better and it could've been resurrected with the right leadership. Kmart went bankrupt and should have just been left to die out since it's fundamentals were bad. I blame Alan Lacy for enticing Eddie Lampert to engineer the merger.
Quote from: Brandon on June 20, 2021, 05:11:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 12:46:36 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on June 20, 2021, 12:43:29 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 20, 2021, 09:20:25 AM
That's a vestige of when Kmart was supposed to become Sears Grand. The Kmart name was going to be eventually dropped in favor of Sears. Part of the conversion was consolidating things like receipt tape and other like items to Sears.
The Sears Grand thing didn't come to fruition and all the stores that survived reverted back to Kmart after awhile. I did market investigations for bunch of SoCal Sears Grand stores before they reverted back to Kmart. The one in El Monte was particularly wild and even had a guy drive through the front of the store one time.
I don't know if it was ever a Kmart or was always a Sears Grand, but the Sears Grand at Gurnee Mills in Illinois (https://goo.gl/maps/cCAhJLFpkFLUVntUA) remained as a Sears Grand until its closure.
Good question, it looks like it was converted from a Sears Full Line Store. The Full Line Stores were the typical fare you would see attached to large malls. Sears Grand was meant to be a big-box format like Kmart but with some Sears branded appliances added in.
The Gurnee Mills Sears Grand was built specifically to be a Sears Grand, before the Sears-Kmart merger. It was never any type of full-line store nor a Kmart.
Same with the Westminster, CO location. That store opened in around 2003 and was the nicest Sears I'd ever set foot in.
iPhone
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2021, 01:13:15 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
I like how they can't even be bothered to get receipt tape that says Kmart on it, or even some blank receipt tape from Staples or something. Nah, just get an extra roll of Sears receipt tape, probably shipped from a closed store, and slap that bad boy in there.
Sometimes when the store I worked at ran out of tape, we'd buy generic rolls of it from a nearby Staples.
And the fact that Kmart still uses the IBM 4690 OS to handle its POS backbone is just amazing. For those that don't know, all Kmarts have used SurePOS 750 registers since the year 2000 and run off a JavaPOS app hosted by the system controller.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on June 21, 2021, 01:40:49 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on June 20, 2021, 01:13:15 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
I like how they can't even be bothered to get receipt tape that says Kmart on it, or even some blank receipt tape from Staples or something. Nah, just get an extra roll of Sears receipt tape, probably shipped from a closed store, and slap that bad boy in there.
Sometimes when the store I worked at ran out of tape, we'd buy generic rolls of it from a nearby Staples.
And the fact that Kmart still uses the IBM 4690 OS to handle its POS backbone is just amazing. For those that don't know, all Kmarts have used SurePOS 750 registers since the year 2000 and run off a JavaPOS app hosted by the system controller.
Sure made changing/correcting things in the POS software easier. We used to have several boot disks in the control room of every store. I don't know how much of a hinderance holding onto an older Operating System is now.
Belk used a similar system all the way to 2019. They had IBM monitors and had the floppy disk drives as well.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on June 21, 2021, 02:02:51 PM
Belk used a similar system all the way to 2019. They had IBM monitors and had the floppy disk drives as well.
And that is incredibly backwards for a modern retail operation. No wonder department stores are failing.
Quote from: I-39 on June 21, 2021, 03:52:47 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on June 21, 2021, 02:02:51 PM
Belk used a similar system all the way to 2019. They had IBM monitors and had the floppy disk drives as well.
And that is incredibly backwards for a modern retail operation. No wonder department stores are failing.
If anything I think retailers invest too much into new POS systems when it always seems like the cheaper ones are by far the most functional/problem free. The rise of chip readers definitely had a huge affect recently with a lot of retailers being forced to finally update to something more modern. There was a brief exemption by the credit card companies for chargebacks to become chip reader capable.
If you have to spend a bunch of time retraining staff to use a new POS/updates just so it matches how often you upgrade your home PC so that you can watch YouTube you might not have the right perspective on retail operations/IT. Migration can be a real nightmare and is the reason companies are always digging up addresses, phone numbers and other old info that is no longer accurate but you updated years ago. In addition, each feature your home PC has can make it completely wrong for a store. New, "cooler" stores have new POSes since they, as a company, are new and don't have to protect/access old data... AKA knowledge. There's a real magic that it takes for stores to be successful and updating the POS system to make it where you don't have to see a serial port isn't part of it.
In the case of credit card machines, yes that was an area where we as a nation were very behind Europe and it had the potential to truly have a negative effect on customers.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on June 21, 2021, 04:44:39 PM
Quote from: I-39 on June 21, 2021, 03:52:47 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on June 21, 2021, 02:02:51 PM
Belk used a similar system all the way to 2019. They had IBM monitors and had the floppy disk drives as well.
And that is incredibly backwards for a modern retail operation. No wonder department stores are failing.
If anything I think retailers invest too much into new POS systems when it always seems like the cheaper ones are by far the most functional/problem free. The rise of chip readers definitely had a huge affect recently with a lot of retailers being forced to finally update to something more modern. There was a brief exemption by the credit card companies for chargebacks to become chip reader capable.
Our Kmart got new CTTs when we started accepting chip-enabled cards, even though the old ones could accept them.
Apparently 4690 OS doesn't meet international standards for handling chip card processing, so we had to bring in a separate PC to handle it. Essentially, when you tendered a card payment, the system controller would just wait for a response from the card processing PC, saying if it was approved, declined or needed authorization and then complete the rest of the transaction on its end.
Innovative use for a derelict former Kmart in Antioch, CA. (https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/06/23/east-bay-city-approves-large-scale-cannabis-business-at-former-kmart/) Somehow this feels appropriate.
QuoteA proposed large-scale cannabis business with indoor cultivation, distribution, manufacturing and a dispensary got the green light to proceed from the Antioch City Council.
The council on Tuesday unanimously approved the use permit, a variance and design review application for an independent San Francisco-based company to locate at the site of the former Kmart at 3625 E. 18th St. in northeastern Antioch, one of the city's two designated overlay districts where such business is allowed.
...
The applicant plans to conduct cultivation operations entirely indoors, with 87 flower rooms to occupy 47,715 square feet on two floors, for a total of 95,430 square feet of plants. The proposed non-volatile manufacturing operation will occupy some 7,785 square feet, with three shifts operating seven days a week in conjunction with the cultivation operations.
Quote from: gonealookin on June 23, 2021, 11:43:47 PM
Innovative use for a derelict former Kmart in Antioch, CA. (https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/06/23/east-bay-city-approves-large-scale-cannabis-business-at-former-kmart/) Somehow this feels appropriate.
QuoteA proposed large-scale cannabis business with indoor cultivation, distribution, manufacturing and a dispensary got the green light to proceed from the Antioch City Council.
The council on Tuesday unanimously approved the use permit, a variance and design review application for an independent San Francisco-based company to locate at the site of the former Kmart at 3625 E. 18th St. in northeastern Antioch, one of the city's two designated overlay districts where such business is allowed.
...
The applicant plans to conduct cultivation operations entirely indoors, with 87 flower rooms to occupy 47,715 square feet on two floors, for a total of 95,430 square feet of plants. The proposed non-volatile manufacturing operation will occupy some 7,785 square feet, with three shifts operating seven days a week in conjunction with the cultivation operations.
Will they use blue grow lights? :bigass:
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on June 24, 2021, 12:58:09 AM
Quote from: gonealookin on June 23, 2021, 11:43:47 PM
Innovative use for a derelict former Kmart in Antioch, CA. (https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2021/06/23/east-bay-city-approves-large-scale-cannabis-business-at-former-kmart/) Somehow this feels appropriate.
QuoteA proposed large-scale cannabis business with indoor cultivation, distribution, manufacturing and a dispensary got the green light to proceed from the Antioch City Council.
The council on Tuesday unanimously approved the use permit, a variance and design review application for an independent San Francisco-based company to locate at the site of the former Kmart at 3625 E. 18th St. in northeastern Antioch, one of the city's two designated overlay districts where such business is allowed.
...
The applicant plans to conduct cultivation operations entirely indoors, with 87 flower rooms to occupy 47,715 square feet on two floors, for a total of 95,430 square feet of plants. The proposed non-volatile manufacturing operation will occupy some 7,785 square feet, with three shifts operating seven days a week in conjunction with the cultivation operations.
Will they use blue grow lights? :bigass:
Pretty inventive use of the space. Of course you can use any sort of building for a cannabis grow as long as you can climate-control it and control the light-dark cycle.
Like any plant, you want to give cannabis something at least approximating natural sunlight. UV is part of that spectrum, which means some
special blue (ish) lights are gonna be part of the mix...
Around here, a growing number of former Kmart locations are becoming Rural King stores. I'm becoming a fan of RK. They carry a lot of the same merchandise as Tractor Supply and Lowe's but at much better prices. They're even cheaper than Walmart on a lot of things.
Ooooh, the LAST Kmart in New York City/Manhattan
just up and closed with little notice. https://gothamist.com/news/kmart-unlikely-astor-place-icon-shutters-without-notice
Could the Fat Lady be finally stepping up to the microphone???
As previously mentioned, the last Sears in Michigan at Westland Mall is closing. I was in the mall the other day and took a quick lap through the store to check out the liquidation sale. Not much of anything left, but this store's stock had been dwindling for months so that's no surprise.
I took a few pictures: https://imgur.com/a/xHmSZ9d
This will leave the Marshall Kmart as the only ex Sears Holdings store in the state. The clock does continue to tick.
Quote from: catch22 on July 13, 2021, 07:39:22 AM
As previously mentioned, the last Sears in Michigan at Westland Mall is closing. I was in the mall the other day and took a quick lap through the store to check out the liquidation sale. Not much of anything left, but this store's stock had been dwindling for months so that's no surprise.
I took a few pictures: https://imgur.com/a/xHmSZ9d
This will leave the Marshall Kmart as the only ex Sears Holdings store in the state. The clock does continue to tick.
I was in Westland within the last two weeks. The Sears store is almost empty and will be closed within a month. The rest of the mall looks like it's going downhill pretty quick. That Marshall Kmart only remains open because it's the closest Meijer, Target or Walmart are in Battle Creek. If one of those stores opened in Marshall then that Kmart would close.
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
Quote from: I-39 on July 15, 2021, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html)
(edited to fix link)
Quote from: Revive 755 on September 16, 2021, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: I-39 on July 15, 2021, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html)
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on September 17, 2021, 06:32:04 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on September 16, 2021, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: I-39 on July 15, 2021, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html)
Just sad. There is no reason this had to happen. Sears could have been like Target today if Eddie didn't put his hands on the company.
Quote from: I-39 on September 17, 2021, 09:33:46 AM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on September 17, 2021, 06:32:04 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on September 16, 2021, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: I-39 on July 15, 2021, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html)
Just sad. There is no reason this had to happen. Sears could have been like Target today if Eddie didn't put his hands on the company.
Yep! A cautionary tale of poor management.
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 17, 2021, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: I-39 on September 17, 2021, 09:33:46 AM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on September 17, 2021, 06:32:04 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on September 16, 2021, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: I-39 on July 15, 2021, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html)
Just sad. There is no reason this had to happen. Sears could have been like Target today if Eddie didn't put his hands on the company.
Yep! A cautionary tale of poor management.
Lambert hastened the process, but Sears had been making bad moves since at least the 80s.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on September 17, 2021, 10:21:06 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 17, 2021, 10:07:15 AM
Quote from: I-39 on September 17, 2021, 09:33:46 AM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on September 17, 2021, 06:32:04 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on September 16, 2021, 10:29:46 PM
Quote from: I-39 on July 15, 2021, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: US71 on July 15, 2021, 11:40:22 AM
Quote from: ET21 on July 15, 2021, 09:35:01 AM
Our Sears in Chicago Ridge finally got the death notice, many thought it'd be the last survivor in Chicagoland or even Illinois.
How many are left in Illinois?
I think just Woodfield in Schaumburg, which I believe will be the last to close IMO.
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html (https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/16/sears-is-shutting-its-last-store-in-illinois-its-home-state.html)
Just sad. There is no reason this had to happen. Sears could have been like Target today if Eddie didn't put his hands on the company.
Yep! A cautionary tale of poor management.
Lambert hastened the process, but Sears had been making bad moves since at least the 80s.
True, but without Eddie, they could have been revived. I blame Alan Lacy and Arthur Martinez for setting the stage for Lamperts reign.
Sears should have acquired Target instead of being bought by Kmart. Combining the strengths of both brands would have helped save the company. Plus, Target would have given them access to more prestiges off mall locations.
Hindsight is 20/20. I can't help but be reminded of how Blockbuster had the opportunity to buy Netflix.
Very sad, there are no more Sears in what was its home region in Chicagoland. Ironically, people who call Willis Tower Sears Tower still (like myself) is still keeping the name alive at least lol
But if you call it Willis tower it reminds one of the late Wesley Willis -- another important Chicagoan.
Quote from: GCrites80s on September 19, 2021, 06:53:38 PM
But if you call it Willis tower it reminds one of the late Wesley Willis -- another important Chicagoan.
I picture Willis Drummond.
Quote from: 1995hoo on September 19, 2021, 08:44:52 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on September 19, 2021, 06:53:38 PM
But if you call it Willis tower it reminds one of the late Wesley Willis -- another important Chicagoan.
I picture Willis Drummond.
The many Chicago River crossings nearby remind me of Todd Bridges...
It appears that the Marshall, Michigan Kmart is closing, per this Sears Jobs' Twitter post. No date listed, but per other similar notices, I'd guess sometime in November.
https://twitter.com/SearsJobs/status/1441502012181385219
I think this was the last ex Sears Holdings location in the Midwest left after all the other recent closure announcements.
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 03:26:40 PM
It appears that the Marshall, Michigan Kmart is closing, per this Sears Jobs' Twitter post. No date listed, but per other similar notices, I'd guess sometime in November.
https://twitter.com/SearsJobs/status/1441502012181385219
I think this was the last ex Sears Holdings location in the Midwest left after all the other recent closure announcements.
I was in that Kmart a few weeks ago and it didn't appear to be closing and I can't find anything online that says it's closing I wouldn't be surprised if it did but then that would leave Marshall without a Meijer, Walmart, Target and Kmart if they are closing it.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 04:00:23 PM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 03:26:40 PM
It appears that the Marshall, Michigan Kmart is closing, per this Sears Jobs' Twitter post. No date listed, but per other similar notices, I'd guess sometime in November.
https://twitter.com/SearsJobs/status/1441502012181385219
I think this was the last ex Sears Holdings location in the Midwest left after all the other recent closure announcements.
I was in that Kmart a few weeks ago and it didn't appear to be closing and I can't find anything online that says it's closing I wouldn't be surprised if it did but then that would leave Marshall without a Meijer, Walmart, Target and Kmart if they are closing it.
I just had to say it, but the titling the tweet "Sears Careers" is a contradiction in terms.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on September 25, 2021, 05:03:32 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 04:00:23 PM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 03:26:40 PM
It appears that the Marshall, Michigan Kmart is closing, per this Sears Jobs' Twitter post. No date listed, but per other similar notices, I'd guess sometime in November.
https://twitter.com/SearsJobs/status/1441502012181385219
I think this was the last ex Sears Holdings location in the Midwest left after all the other recent closure announcements.
I was in that Kmart a few weeks ago and it didn't appear to be closing and I can't find anything online that says it's closing I wouldn't be surprised if it did but then that would leave Marshall without a Meijer, Walmart, Target and Kmart if they are closing it.
I just had to say it, but the titling the tweet "Sears Careers" is a contradiction in terms.
I couldn't even think of where the nearest Kmart after the one in Marshall is to me. It's weird to see them all shut down now but they have turned two of them that were near me into storage units.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:30:42 PM
I couldn't even think of where the nearest Kmart after the one in Marshall is to me. It's weird to see them all shut down now but they have turned two of them that were near me into storage units.
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Closing around Nov. 14:
Crossroads Shopping Center in White Plains, New York
Brooklyn, New York Mini Store
That's all that's left.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on September 25, 2021, 05:03:32 PM
I just had to say it, but the titling the tweet "Sears Careers" is a contradiction in terms.
If you really want a laugh, check out their career web site. All the appearances of a vital, thriving corporation that one should really be a part of.
"Jobs that transform [haha, I see what you did there] your career." Yeesh.
https://jobs.sears.com/en-US/
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:30:42 PM
I couldn't even think of where the nearest Kmart after the one in Marshall is to me. It's weird to see them all shut down now but they have turned two of them that were near me into storage units.
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Closing around Nov. 14:
Crossroads Shopping Center in White Plains, New York
Brooklyn, New York Mini Store
That's all that's left.
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:30:42 PM
I couldn't even think of where the nearest Kmart after the one in Marshall is to me. It's weird to see them all shut down now but they have turned two of them that were near me into storage units.
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Closing around Nov. 14:
Crossroads Shopping Center in White Plains, New York
Brooklyn, New York Mini Store
That's all that's left.
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:30:42 PM
I couldn't even think of where the nearest Kmart after the one in Marshall is to me. It's weird to see them all shut down now but they have turned two of them that were near me into storage units.
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Closing around Nov. 14:
Crossroads Shopping Center in White Plains, New York
Brooklyn, New York Mini Store
That's all that's left.
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Even when there were stores in my area I never shopped at Kmart.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Even when there were stores in my area I never shopped at Kmart.
At one time, maybe late 1980s, Kmart was a go-to for certain items. A shower curtain. An ironing board. Some cheap you-assemble-it furniture like a TV stand. But that was about it for me. Once Target opened stores in my area, Northern California at the time, Kmart's demise was inevitable.
Quote from: gonealookin on September 25, 2021, 07:44:30 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Even when there were stores in my area I never shopped at Kmart.
At one time, maybe late 1980s, Kmart was a go-to for certain items. A shower curtain. An ironing board. Some cheap you-assemble-it furniture like a TV stand. But that was about it for me. Once Target opened stores in my area, Northern California at the time, Kmart's demise was inevitable.
Yeah I remember that. We had three Kmart's in Saginaw and they all did well and are all closed now of course but at one time they did well. There was one on State Street in Saginaw Township where Horizons Conference Center is now and I remember going there in the 1980's it was the place to be and shopping at A&P for groceries was pretty cool too.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:47:46 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on September 25, 2021, 07:44:30 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Even when there were stores in my area I never shopped at Kmart.
At one time, maybe late 1980s, Kmart was a go-to for certain items. A shower curtain. An ironing board. Some cheap you-assemble-it furniture like a TV stand. But that was about it for me. Once Target opened stores in my area, Northern California at the time, Kmart's demise was inevitable.
Yeah I remember that. We had three Kmart's in Saginaw and they all did well and are all closed now of course but at one time they did well. There was one on State Street in Saginaw Township where Horizons Conference Center is now and I remember going there in the 1980's it was the place to be and shopping at A&P for groceries was pretty cool too.
Kmart was the go to discount store in the 70s/80s, but by the early 90s, Walmart overtook them in virtually every area as they built a much more efficient operation. Kmart hasn't been relevant in 20 or so years. They should have liquidated 20 years ago after the first bankruptcy, but Eddie dragged it out and had to take Sears down with them.
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 07:55:54 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:47:46 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on September 25, 2021, 07:44:30 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Even when there were stores in my area I never shopped at Kmart.
At one time, maybe late 1980s, Kmart was a go-to for certain items. A shower curtain. An ironing board. Some cheap you-assemble-it furniture like a TV stand. But that was about it for me. Once Target opened stores in my area, Northern California at the time, Kmart's demise was inevitable.
Yeah I remember that. We had three Kmart's in Saginaw and they all did well and are all closed now of course but at one time they did well. There was one on State Street in Saginaw Township where Horizons Conference Center is now and I remember going there in the 1980's it was the place to be and shopping at A&P for groceries was pretty cool too.
Kmart was the go to discount store in the 70s/80s, but by the early 90s, Walmart overtook them in virtually every area as they built a much more efficient operation. Kmart hasn't been relevant in 20 or so years. They should have liquidated 20 years ago after the first bankruptcy, but Eddie dragged it out and had to take Sears down with them.
Yep true. Too bad he had to take down two retailers.
This was never a plan to actually SAVE Sears Holdings. It was a plan to drag out the closings so the buildings didn't all hit the market at once. While Sears tanked, the company that they sold the buildings to is coming out like a thief.
Quote from: bwana39 on September 25, 2021, 11:01:37 PM
This was never a plan to actually SAVE Sears Holdings. It was a plan to drag out the closings so the buildings didn't all hit the market at once. While Sears tanked, the company that they sold the buildings to is coming out like a thief.
In the Eddie Lampert era, you are correct. But Sears could have been saved had Eddie not gotten his hands on the company and merged it with Kmart. Sears was actually in a decent position at the turn of the century when Arthur Martinez retired, but his successor Alan Lacy fumbled along between 2000-2005 and didn't have a clue on how to run the business properly, thus setting the stage for the horrible Kmart/Eddie Lampert takeover.
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 11:54:59 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on September 25, 2021, 11:01:37 PM
This was never a plan to actually SAVE Sears Holdings. It was a plan to drag out the closings so the buildings didn't all hit the market at once. While Sears tanked, the company that they sold the buildings to is coming out like a thief.
In the Eddie Lampert era, you are correct. But Sears could have been saved had Eddie not gotten his hands on the company and merged it with Kmart. Sears was actually in a decent position at the turn of the century when Arthur Martinez retired, but his successor Alan Lacy fumbled along between 2000-2005 and didn't have a clue on how to run the business properly, thus setting the stage for the horrible Kmart/Eddie Lampert takeover.
Yes, I was talking solely about Eddie Lambert.
The irony is if they had held on to the catalog for a dozen or fewer years, the internet would have taken Sears with an established framework to new heights.
Quote from: bwana39 on September 26, 2021, 12:22:50 AM
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 11:54:59 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on September 25, 2021, 11:01:37 PM
This was never a plan to actually SAVE Sears Holdings. It was a plan to drag out the closings so the buildings didn't all hit the market at once. While Sears tanked, the company that they sold the buildings to is coming out like a thief.
In the Eddie Lampert era, you are correct. But Sears could have been saved had Eddie not gotten his hands on the company and merged it with Kmart. Sears was actually in a decent position at the turn of the century when Arthur Martinez retired, but his successor Alan Lacy fumbled along between 2000-2005 and didn't have a clue on how to run the business properly, thus setting the stage for the horrible Kmart/Eddie Lampert takeover.
Yes, I was talking solely about Eddie Lambert.
The irony is if they had held on to the catalog for a dozen or fewer years, the internet would have taken Sears with an established framework to new heights.
Indeed, having the catalog business still around would have made the transition to e-commerce easier, but even without it, there is no excuse as to why they couldn't build up sears.com into a powerhouse. They had years to do it, but didn't invest enough $$$ into it.
The time to do that would have been the 90s, perhaps 2000-2010. After they started spinning off the jewels among their brands - Craftsman tools, Kenmore appliances - it was too late. Once they can't afford to keep merchandise in the stores, no one will be buying anything and there was no money for remodelling or starting a web commerce operation. All they had left was the bones - real estate to sell off.
Quote from: bwana39 on September 25, 2021, 11:01:37 PM
This was never a plan to actually SAVE Sears Holdings. It was a plan to drag out the closings so the buildings didn't all hit the market at once. While Sears tanked, the company that they sold the buildings to is coming out like a thief.
This is the most reasonable theory I've seen as to why this slow ridiculous drawn-out death is happening like this.
Walmart and Meijer simply have better stores than what Kmart and Sears ever had. Neglecting to remodel any of their stores or coming up with a new image is part of what killed them.
If Eddie hadn't been in the picture things could have probably been a lot better.
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
How does distribution work for stores spread that far apart? I understand there may be a need for a department store in Key West, Guam, and USVI, but what cargo airline owes Kmart that favor?
Quote from: formulanone on September 26, 2021, 10:17:49 AM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
How does distribution work for stores spread that far apart? I understand there may be a need for a department store in Key West, Guam, and USVI, but what cargo airline owes Kmart that favor?
I was wondering the same thing.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 26, 2021, 10:07:22 AM
Walmart and Meijer simply have better stores than what Kmart and Sears ever had. Neglecting to remodel any of their stores or coming up with a new image is part of what killed them.
If Eddie hadn't been in the picture things could have probably been a lot better.
One of the biggest issues was Sears not having enough off-mall locations that are more convenient to customers. They needed to aggressively add more freestanding/strip mall stores as well as gradually spin off the low traffic Class B and C mall stores into freestanding locations.
Quote from: formulanone on September 26, 2021, 10:17:49 AM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Here's a list of the remaining Kmarts that someone posted on Reddit a few days ago:
Still open:
Freestanding store in Tauming, Guam
McKnight Crossing Shopping Center in Grass Valley, California
Key Plaza Shopping Center in Key West, Florida
Kendale Lakes Plaza Shopping Center in Miami, Florida
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Bitterroot Valley Shopping Center in Hamilton, Montana
Delco Plaza Shopping Center in Avenel, New Jersey
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center in Westwood, New Jersey
Bridgehampton Commons Shopping Center in Bridgehampton, New York
The Shops at Bruckner in the Bronx, New York
Bay Plaza Shopping Center in the Bronx, New York
Plaza Las America's Shopping Center in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico
Sunshine Mall in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Sunny Isle Shopping Center in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tutu Park Mall in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
How does distribution work for stores spread that far apart? I understand there may be a need for a department store in Key West, Guam, and USVI, but what cargo airline owes Kmart that favor?
Answer is probably "it doesn't, and that's why Kmart is failing".
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Where was it announced that Marshall is closing? I live in the media market, so it's doubtful it would have been reported without my noticing it.
Quote from: rawmustard on September 26, 2021, 01:51:58 PM
Quote from: catch22 on September 25, 2021, 05:43:40 PM
Marshall Plaza Shopping Center in Marshall, Michigan (but closing just announced, date ???)
Where was it announced that Marshall is closing? I live in the media market, so it's doubtful it would have been reported without my noticing it.
They haven't been very open about announcing closures lately, including this one. But they are advertising for liquidation jobs in Marshall on their jobs web site, just like they have done for all the other recent closures.
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 07:55:54 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:47:46 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on September 25, 2021, 07:44:30 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 07:09:10 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 25, 2021, 06:25:18 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 25, 2021, 05:51:54 PM
At this point I think it's time for Kmart just to cease to exist.
Yep, its only 20 or so years overdue.
Even when there were stores in my area I never shopped at Kmart.
At one time, maybe late 1980s, Kmart was a go-to for certain items. A shower curtain. An ironing board. Some cheap you-assemble-it furniture like a TV stand. But that was about it for me. Once Target opened stores in my area, Northern California at the time, Kmart's demise was inevitable.
Yeah I remember that. We had three Kmart's in Saginaw and they all did well and are all closed now of course but at one time they did well. There was one on State Street in Saginaw Township where Horizons Conference Center is now and I remember going there in the 1980's it was the place to be and shopping at A&P for groceries was pretty cool too.
Kmart was the go to discount store in the 70s/80s, but by the early 90s, Walmart overtook them in virtually every area as they built a much more efficient operation. Kmart hasn't been relevant in 20 or so years. They should have liquidated 20 years ago after the first bankruptcy, but Eddie dragged it out and had to take Sears down with them.
My area was slow to get both Wal-Mart and Target -- they didn't reach full saturation here until mid-late 2000s. We did have Meijer and Gold Circle (Lazarus/Federated) for that kind of stuff but there weren't that many Meijers at first and there was little time overlap with both Meijer and Gold Circle. There were also a few Harts which was a general merchandise/discount store associated with Big Bear. That meant K-Mart still had a lot of power in Central Ohio into the 2000s. Both Wal-Mart and Target didn't like that we had Meijer at all here plus all those K-Marts.
Like seriously there were maybe 2-3 Wal-Marts in the entire metro (Circleville, Hillard and ?) and 2 Targets (Lancaster and I guess Delaware? Any more at all) in 2000. None in Columbus as far as I know at that time. I will even dare say that there were more K-Marts in 1990 in the metro than there are Wal-Marts now despite the massive growth of the Columbus metro since then.
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 26, 2021, 10:07:22 AM
Walmart and Meijer simply have better stores than what Kmart and Sears ever had.
Meijer and Target, yes. Walmart - certainly not all of them. Sears stores were not bad at all over the years.
There is still K-Mart Australia which has 234 stores in Australia and New Zealand. AFAIK, this is a thriving company. This chain started as a joint venture between Kresge (where the "K" in K-Mart came from) and Australian retailer Coles. So in a sense, K-Mart still lives on.
I've noticed that Rural King is taking over a lot of the old empty Kmart locations.
Quote from: I-39 on September 26, 2021, 10:38:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 26, 2021, 10:07:22 AM
Walmart and Meijer simply have better stores than what Kmart and Sears ever had. Neglecting to remodel any of their stores or coming up with a new image is part of what killed them.
If Eddie hadn't been in the picture things could have probably been a lot better.
One of the biggest issues was Sears not having enough off-mall locations that are more convenient to customers. They needed to aggressively add more freestanding/strip mall stores as well as gradually spin off the low traffic Class B and C mall stores into freestanding locations.
Around here, I find the malls to be more convenient than many of the strip malls and freestanding stores, which are often out of the way relative to the interstates or have weird access restrictions (one, for example, is a simple right to get in but a right and two lefts to eventually go back the way you came; another is two miles down a congested arterial road; meanwhile, one mall is right off the freeway and the other is adjacent to an interchange).
Seems to me that the real advantage to off-mall locations is the lower rent, not convenient access for customers. Which makes sense - older development got their first and therefore gets the most convenient access, while newer development is stuck with what's left.
Quote from: vdeane on September 26, 2021, 09:56:23 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 26, 2021, 10:38:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 26, 2021, 10:07:22 AM
Walmart and Meijer simply have better stores than what Kmart and Sears ever had. Neglecting to remodel any of their stores or coming up with a new image is part of what killed them.
If Eddie hadn't been in the picture things could have probably been a lot better.
One of the biggest issues was Sears not having enough off-mall locations that are more convenient to customers. They needed to aggressively add more freestanding/strip mall stores as well as gradually spin off the low traffic Class B and C mall stores into freestanding locations.
Around here, I find the malls to be more convenient than many of the strip malls and freestanding stores, which are often out of the way relative to the interstates or have weird access restrictions (one, for example, is a simple right to get in but a right and two lefts to eventually go back the way you came; another is two miles down a congested arterial road; meanwhile, one mall is right off the freeway and the other is adjacent to an interchange).
Seems to me that the real advantage to off-mall locations is the lower rent, not convenient access for customers. Which makes sense - older development got their first and therefore gets the most convenient access, while newer development is stuck with what's left.
I guess it really depends on where you are, and if you live near a mall. When I lived in the western Chicago suburbs, there was a huge big box development boom along Randall Road during the 1990s and 2000s. Not one full line Sears store opened in those developments in that time. The nearest ones were in Charlestowne Mall, Spring Hill Mall or Fox Valley Mall. Not the most convenient if you live west of Randall, especially since you pass a bunch of their competitors to get there.
At any rate, Sears knew they needed more off mall full line stores, they just never got serious enough to pursue it.
I actually think the media is done with the reporting of Sears/Kmart stores. The brunt of the storm has passed and there is very little left to report on.
Sears/Kmart is now like Howard Johnsons -- the restaurant chain: they were pretty much dead before the last location finally closed for good a few years ago. People were surprised that there was still one left.
Quote from: vdeane on September 26, 2021, 09:56:23 PM
Quote from: I-39 on September 26, 2021, 10:38:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on September 26, 2021, 10:07:22 AM
Walmart and Meijer simply have better stores than what Kmart and Sears ever had. Neglecting to remodel any of their stores or coming up with a new image is part of what killed them.
If Eddie hadn't been in the picture things could have probably been a lot better.
One of the biggest issues was Sears not having enough off-mall locations that are more convenient to customers. They needed to aggressively add more freestanding/strip mall stores as well as gradually spin off the low traffic Class B and C mall stores into freestanding locations.
Around here, I find the malls to be more convenient than many of the strip malls and freestanding stores, which are often out of the way relative to the interstates or have weird access restrictions (one, for example, is a simple right to get in but a right and two lefts to eventually go back the way you came; another is two miles down a congested arterial road; meanwhile, one mall is right off the freeway and the other is adjacent to an interchange).
Seems to me that the real advantage to off-mall locations is the lower rent, not convenient access for customers. Which makes sense - older development got their first and therefore gets the most convenient access, while newer development is stuck with what's left.
It's not even lower rent -- if the mall owns the space, rent for anchors is almost nothing. In contrast to standalone where the landlord is going to charge a lot. If the anchor owns the space the costs are about the same -- mall or no mall.
Well, for what it's worth, the Marshall Kmart closing made it to the Detroit Free Press today. Not much to the story that we don't already know.
https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2021/09/27/last-kmart-michigan-close/5882648001/
When I was a kid, my friends and brothers and I would jokingly call Kmart "Kame-a-part" because their merchandise was so cheap it would fall apart. Now I guess you could call the whole company Kame-a-part.
Quote from: tchafe1978 on September 27, 2021, 11:42:45 PM
When I was a kid, my friends and brothers and I would jokingly call Kmart "Kame-a-part" because their merchandise was so cheap it would fall apart. Now I guess you could call the whole company Kame-a-part.
:-D
Kmart doesn't own the building in Marshall which is one reason why it has took so long to close. They couldn't just close the store down and then sell the property since they don't own it. Another reason is that it's the only big box retailer in Marshall, the closest Meijer and Target are in Battle Creek, about a 20 minute drive from Marshall.
I tried to find whether Marshall had a Marshall's. Google Maps really isn't being helpful.
Quote from: 1 on September 28, 2021, 07:40:08 AM
I tried to find whether Marshall had a Marshall's. Google Maps really isn't being helpful.
They don't. Kalamazoo has one and Okemos has one those are the two closest locations.
California's last K-Mart, in Grass Valley, is closing:
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/very-last-Kmart-in-California-is-closing-16545686.php
According to the article, Target is already slated to go in the space.
(https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/71431528.jpg)
The last Kmart in Michigan closed forever today. RIP Marshall Kmart.
Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a miracle worker!
It might not be forever if the theory about the Universe collapsing via the Big Crunch is true. Hypothetically that might just lead to another singularity which loops time via an endless cycle of death and rebirth for Marshall Kmart.
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 21, 2021, 07:22:19 PM
The last Kmart in Michigan closed forever today. RIP Marshall Kmart.
And last week, the last Sears store in its home state of Illinois bit the dust.
Party's over.
I was in the Marshall Kmart as recently as this past summer and just bought a pop so I could say I bought something from Kmart.
I miss rolling the Shop Your Way points over and over. I would buy a bonus point item that had enough points to another bonus points item and kept rolling.
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
Actually I posted the receipt from my very last trip to the Marshall Kmart.
I just read that Kmart plans on closing all but 6 remaining stores by the end of the year. Last time I checked there were around 16 Kmarts left so 10 stores. At this point why do they even bother keeping the remaining ones open?
Quote from: steviep24 on November 24, 2021, 05:06:28 PM
I just read that Kmart plans on closing all but 6 remaining stores by the end of the year. Last time I checked there were around 16 Kmarts left so 10 stores. At this point why do they even bother keeping the remaining ones open?
Yeah if there are that few why keep them open? I have no idea where the closest Kmart is to me anymore and don't think I'll ever be in one again.
Just saw too that the former Kmart in Grand Blanc will be home to several new businesses in a complex called Grand Blanc Marketplace. It also features a former Farmer Jack which was originally an A&P. This was the last A&P I ever stepped foot in.
According to Kmart's website which includes the Marshall, MI location that just closed this past Sunday still they have the following
3 stores still open in California.
4 stores still open in Florida.
1 store still open in Michigan (now closed).
1 store still open in Montana.
2 stores still open in New Jersey.
5 stores still open in New York (I think some of these stores are now closed).
So that would be 16 stores still open but some of them have closed so that number is higher than the real number of stores still open. So let's just say we're under 15 Kmart's now total.
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 24, 2021, 05:10:17 PM
Quote from: steviep24 on November 24, 2021, 05:06:28 PM
I just read that Kmart plans on closing all but 6 remaining stores by the end of the year. Last time I checked there were around 16 Kmarts left so 10 stores. At this point why do they even bother keeping the remaining ones open?
Yeah if there are that few why keep them open? I have no idea where the closest Kmart is to me anymore and don't think I'll ever be in one again.
My guess would be the lease agreement on the stores may not have an early termination clause that applies to this situation and may require the store to stay open.
Quote from: kkt on November 24, 2021, 05:33:13 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 24, 2021, 05:10:17 PM
Quote from: steviep24 on November 24, 2021, 05:06:28 PM
I just read that Kmart plans on closing all but 6 remaining stores by the end of the year. Last time I checked there were around 16 Kmarts left so 10 stores. At this point why do they even bother keeping the remaining ones open?
Yeah if there are that few why keep them open? I have no idea where the closest Kmart is to me anymore and don't think I'll ever be in one again.
My guess would be the lease agreement on the stores may not have an early termination clause that applies to this situation and may require the store to stay open.
That is probably true. I wonder how many of these Kmart stores are actually profitable.
Sears is also closed at the Triangle Town Center in Raleigh too. So no more sears in North Carolina!!! (This was posted late)
https://www.wral.com/sears-at-triangle-town-center-closing-in-october-markdowns-have-begun/19851276/
At this point, if you're still working for Kmart, when do you start looking for a new job? Or why wouldn't you have already found a new job? Why would anyone still be working on a sinking ship? Or is it like being part of the orchestra on the Titanic?
Quote from: tchafe1978 on November 25, 2021, 12:49:35 PM
At this point, if you're still working for Kmart, when do you start looking for a new job? Or why wouldn't you have already found a new job? Why would anyone still be working on a sinking ship? Or is it like being part of the orchestra on the Titanic?
A lot of people this last decade took it Kmart and Sears as an opportunity to get management experience. Example; one of the guys who used to be an LP investigator for me back when I worked at Sears 2005-2010 couldn't get an opportunity to be a manager when company still had a pulse. He basically stayed on for close to another decade closing stores down as an LP Manager and came away with solid paper experience he could take to other companies.
I would imagine a lot of hourly people just need jobs or potentially whatever benefits might be available. The annual turnover rate in normal retail is 40-60% anyways so I can't imagine that the remaining Kmart and Sears stores is viewed much differently to other retailers on that level.
Maybe I should start putting down on my resume that I was a general manager at Sears once they go under. How would anyone check?
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 25, 2021, 09:38:38 PM
Maybe I should start putting down on my resume that I was a general manager at Sears once they go under. How would anyone check?
About the best you can do is look up the address referenced. The store I was at closed a long time ago. When I was going through my Federal background it was the only item that had a viable reference point. I suppose it would be pretty easy to fake provided you can easily fabricate some "professional references" also.
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 25, 2021, 09:38:38 PM
Maybe I should start putting down on my resume that I was a general manager at Sears once they go under. How would anyone check?
That wouldn't work... nobody in their right mind would proudly say on a résumé that they worked at Sears. :bigass:
Quote from: LilianaUwU on November 25, 2021, 09:56:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 25, 2021, 09:38:38 PM
Maybe I should start putting down on my resume that I was a general manager at Sears once they go under. How would anyone check?
That wouldn't work... nobody in their right mind would proudly say on a résumé that they worked at Sears. :bigass:
Pre-Eddie Lampert dumpster fire with Sears actually used (probably does) to hold some weight for managment positions.
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2021, 07:39:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
Actually I posted the receipt from my very last trip to the Marshall Kmart.
I think some Targets kept their IBMs until pretty recently.
Quote from: epzik8 on November 25, 2021, 10:08:37 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2021, 07:39:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
Actually I posted the receipt from my very last trip to the Marshall Kmart.
I think some Targets kept their IBMs until pretty recently.
The thing that got me was the Sears receipt rolls like they ran out of their own so they probably just started using old ones from Sears that were never used.
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 26, 2021, 08:04:33 AM
Quote from: epzik8 on November 25, 2021, 10:08:37 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2021, 07:39:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
Actually I posted the receipt from my very last trip to the Marshall Kmart.
I think some Targets kept their IBMs until pretty recently.
The thing that got me was the Sears receipt rolls like they ran out of their own so they probably just started using old ones from Sears that were never used.
Do you think they worry about brand integrity any more?
Quote from: kalvado on November 26, 2021, 08:12:41 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 26, 2021, 08:04:33 AM
Quote from: epzik8 on November 25, 2021, 10:08:37 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2021, 07:39:49 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on June 19, 2021, 06:56:28 PM
I just went into the last remaining Kmart store in the state of Michigan which is located in Marshall. Serious lack of energy, and nothing has changed from the last time I was in a Kmart store. There are a few customers, empty shelf space, dead areas of the store. Talk about a company that is lost in the 90s. They were still using IBM monitors at their checkout lanes too.
I bought a pop on the way out just so I can say I bought something. By the way John was a very strange individual, he talked very loud and wanted me to help out St Jude's which I didn't.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210619/545c5a33b081dee7b9eb36132d2960f1.jpg)
Actually I posted the receipt from my very last trip to the Marshall Kmart.
I think some Targets kept their IBMs until pretty recently.
The thing that got me was the Sears receipt rolls like they ran out of their own so they probably just started using old ones from Sears that were never used.
Do you think they worry about brand integrity any more?
I think that went out the window years ago.
https://howmanykmartstores.com/
https://howmanysearsstores.com/
17 Kmarts and 23 Sears still open as of November 11.
Quote from: DenverBrian on December 08, 2021, 01:58:05 PM
https://howmanykmartstores.com/
https://howmanysearsstores.com/
17 Kmarts and 23 Sears still open as of November 11.
Part of me thinks....what's the use of keeping those open, especially since a quarter of that sliver will be closing soon. It's almost not worth having a home office staff for that small number of stores. Another thought is that Sears still has its Hometown stores and hardware stores. I think that may be where this goes, back into the small local town chain.
Quote from: DenverBrian on December 08, 2021, 01:58:05 PM
https://howmanykmartstores.com/
https://howmanysearsstores.com/
17 Kmarts and 23 Sears still open as of November 11.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on December 09, 2021, 11:03:40 AM
Part of me thinks....what's the use of keeping those open, especially since a quarter of that sliver will be closing soon. It's almost not worth having a home office staff for that small number of stores. Another thought is that Sears still has its Hometown stores and hardware stores. I think that may be where this goes, back into the small local town chain.
Being a union shop, Sears can't afford to shut down all of its stores at once. They have a fairly hefty severance package for their long-term union employees.
Quote from: Dirt Roads on December 09, 2021, 04:36:53 PM
Quote from: DenverBrian on December 08, 2021, 01:58:05 PM
https://howmanykmartstores.com/
https://howmanysearsstores.com/
17 Kmarts and 23 Sears still open as of November 11.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on December 09, 2021, 11:03:40 AM
Part of me thinks....what's the use of keeping those open, especially since a quarter of that sliver will be closing soon. It's almost not worth having a home office staff for that small number of stores. Another thought is that Sears still has its Hometown stores and hardware stores. I think that may be where this goes, back into the small local town chain.
Being a union shop, Sears can't afford to shut down all of its stores at once. They have a fairly hefty severance package for their long-term union employees.
I don't think that's it; rather, I think the remaining stores are under long-term low-rent leases, so even if the stores are making only a bit of money, they'll keep them open until the leases expire.
Any mall stores left are paying little to no rent. Class B malls are ecstatic to still have a Sears and even some Class A -- or former enclosed malls that have seen partial demo but the Sears still marches on.
I happened to go to the Sears in Braintree, MA this afternoon, which I believe is the last full dept. store Sears standing in New England.
A few years ago, half of each floor was turned into a Primark, so it's still two floors but half the size.
The lower entrance there was an auto center at the entrance. It was recently closed, 11/24, per a sign at the desk. Meanwhile though, there was a stand of batteries and a toppled pile of 100+ air filters, maybe for sale, maybe not. Given they were in an alcove at the store entrance with no line of sight to an open register, I imagine anyone could make off with one without worrying about being caught.
The first floor was all hardlines, and not much of it. Like I've seen in other stores before a closing sale, some aisles look filled with merchandise, but then you see the whole aisle is in many cases the same exact item. Just tons of the same single item.
Second floor was softlines. Was a little more filled in and actually seemed like it had a lot of interested shoppers. I guess knowing Sears is biting the dust soon I'd be much less worried buying clothing then some sort of large appliance.
The mall it's in, the South Shore Plaza, was insanely busy and has the fewest vacancies of any mall I have seen around me, so I can see why Sears has stuck around there.
Feel sorry for the Sears headquarters staff. They're just playing out the cards in a game they've already lost. It won't be a bright spot on their resumes, no matter how well they play out their losing hands.
Quote from: SectorZ on December 11, 2021, 07:31:37 PM
I happened to go to the Sears in Braintree, MA this afternoon, which I believe is the last full dept. store Sears standing in New England.
A few years ago, half of each floor was turned into a Primark, so it's still two floors but half the size.
The lower entrance there was an auto center at the entrance. It was recently closed, 11/24, per a sign at the desk. Meanwhile though, there was a stand of batteries and a toppled pile of 100+ air filters, maybe for sale, maybe not. Given they were in an alcove at the store entrance with no line of sight to an open register, I imagine anyone could make off with one without worrying about being caught.
The first floor was all hardlines, and not much of it. Like I've seen in other stores before a closing sale, some aisles look filled with merchandise, but then you see the whole aisle is in many cases the same exact item. Just tons of the same single item.
Second floor was softlines. Was a little more filled in and actually seemed like it had a lot of interested shoppers. I guess knowing Sears is biting the dust soon I'd be much less worried buying clothing then some sort of large appliance.
The mall it's in, the South Shore Plaza, was insanely busy and has the fewest vacancies of any mall I have seen around me, so I can see why Sears has stuck around there.
I went in there looking for something a few months ago. It was hard to make sense of the fact that the store was open. Maybe 50% of the floor space was being used. Merchandise was spread out unconvincingly to look like the space was filled. The store closes at something like 6 PM. Almost nobody was shopping.
I'm curious what the rationale is here for being open. Maybe it's something about their lease? It was the closest I've ever seen to a store officially going out of business without them officially going out of business.
Quote from: Pete from Boston on December 12, 2021, 09:51:31 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on December 11, 2021, 07:31:37 PM
I happened to go to the Sears in Braintree, MA this afternoon, which I believe is the last full dept. store Sears standing in New England.
A few years ago, half of each floor was turned into a Primark, so it's still two floors but half the size.
The lower entrance there was an auto center at the entrance. It was recently closed, 11/24, per a sign at the desk. Meanwhile though, there was a stand of batteries and a toppled pile of 100+ air filters, maybe for sale, maybe not. Given they were in an alcove at the store entrance with no line of sight to an open register, I imagine anyone could make off with one without worrying about being caught.
The first floor was all hardlines, and not much of it. Like I've seen in other stores before a closing sale, some aisles look filled with merchandise, but then you see the whole aisle is in many cases the same exact item. Just tons of the same single item.
Second floor was softlines. Was a little more filled in and actually seemed like it had a lot of interested shoppers. I guess knowing Sears is biting the dust soon I'd be much less worried buying clothing then some sort of large appliance.
The mall it's in, the South Shore Plaza, was insanely busy and has the fewest vacancies of any mall I have seen around me, so I can see why Sears has stuck around there.
I went in there looking for something a few months ago. It was hard to make sense of the fact that the store was open. Maybe 50% of the floor space was being used. Merchandise was spread out unconvincingly to look like the space was filled. The store closes at something like 6 PM. Almost nobody was shopping.
I'm curious what the rationale is here for being open. Maybe it's something about their lease? It was the closest I've ever seen to a store officially going out of business without them officially going out of business.
I imagine all the remaining Sears look like this. Any of the ones I can think of that closed near me (Marlboro, Leominster, Salem NH, Nashua NH) had the same sparse look in the 1-2 years before closing.
I wish they took Diehard and instead of it being a product name make it a motto, because this slow whimper death is just so freakin' sad to watch. Not that I am super nostalgic about it (I was more about Kmart) but it's just so oddly nonsensical to watch.
Even when Die Hard was over Nakatomi Plaza still stood.
Before the Sears store closed in Fashion Square Mall in Saginaw in 2019 I would say it started looking sparse around 2016-2017 and I had kept wondering when it would be on the list of store closures for Sears. Well the one in Genesee Valley Mall in Flint closed in 2018 and I knew at that point that Fashion Square Mall was going to be on the next list of closures and sure enough it was. I had been thinking the store was going to close 2-3 year before that though.
I've mentioned it before but the last Kmart store in Saginaw closed not because of low profits but because the roof collapsed during a winter storm where we had several inches of snow the night that it happened. It happened in the middle of the night in January 2014. For awhile they were planning on reopening the store as this was at a time when Kmart still had several stores left in Michigan.
https://www.mlive.com/business/mid-michigan/2014/01/partial_roof_collapse_closes_s.html
My business trailed off before the stores closed, but most of the ones here leased away half their space (usually to Primark) and ended up crammed to the gills with too much merchandise in too little space. It got to be impossible for them to manage and I gave up. Just awful floor maintenance.
I have said many times that Sears ended up pretty well infected with Kmart's low-work-ethic culture, but honestly at times at the end it seemed even worse, if that's possible.
So Sears is still sending me emails. I clicked on one to see what they are selling and it is a sad state. It is a marketplace with a PS5 in stock teaser. The ad depicts the PS5 in stock but upon clicking you get $1000 bundle options sold by a third party.
Kmart is deceased in California as of this past Sunday, as the final store in Grass Valley closed (https://www.theunion.com/news/grass-valley-kmart-to-close-sunday/). Target will be taking over that building with an opening later on in 2022.
It looks like the lone Kmart survivor west of the Mississippi is in Hamilton, Montana. Plus there's one out on Guam.
Quote from: DenverBrian on December 08, 2021, 01:58:05 PM
https://howmanykmartstores.com/
https://howmanysearsstores.com/
17 Kmarts and 23 Sears still open as of November 11.
Ahh, so the nearest one to me is Orlando now. The last I heard it was Brandon.
I thought the last Sears in Brooklyn closed already. Now the only stores anyone in the New York Tri-State area has left are Jersey City and Newburgh.
As for K Mart, only two will be left soon in Bridgehampton and the Bronx (in New York), and the only two left in Florida are way down in SOUTH Florida.
I've been to the one in Bridgehampton, but not any of the ones in the Bronx or White Plains.
https://www.kpax.com/news/ravalli-county/hamilton-kmart-to-close-in-early-march
Hamilton, MT Kmart store will be closing for good on March 6. That will leave 5 stores in the continental US (2 in FL, 2 in NJ, and 1 in NY).
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/kmart-closing-last-stores-new-jersey-americana-20220220.html
QuoteOnly four Kmarts are left in the U.S. and two are in New Jersey.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 20, 2022, 11:56:31 PM
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/kmart-closing-last-stores-new-jersey-americana-20220220.html
QuoteOnly four Kmarts are left in the U.S. and two are in New Jersey.
That's incredible, one of the last Kmarts is the one I could walk to as a kid.
The Kmart store in Avenel, NJ is now on the closing list. 3 Kmart stores left in the mainland United States!
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 09, 2022, 12:56:26 PM
The Kmart store in Avenel, NJ is now on the closing list. 3 Kmart stores left in the mainland United States!
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Good grief.
Quote from: roadman65 on March 09, 2022, 12:57:10 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 09, 2022, 12:56:26 PM
The Kmart store in Avenel, NJ is now on the closing list. 3 Kmart stores left in the mainland United States!
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Good grief.
I saw an article where the Kmart in Key West is on the chopping block. I joked that Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to the closest Walmart.
Quote from: jdb1234 on March 09, 2022, 06:11:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 09, 2022, 12:57:10 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 09, 2022, 12:56:26 PM
The Kmart store in Avenel, NJ is now on the closing list. 3 Kmart stores left in the mainland United States!
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Good grief.
I saw an article where the Kmart in Key West is on the chopping block. I joked that Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to the closest Walmart.
That Kmart and the Sears across the street on Kennedy were the only big box retail in town. Unless you in the Navy that doesn't really leave you much choice but to head to the mainland in a pinch for a big general retailer.
Are those four the only ones left open, or just (at press time, before Avenel was announced to get the axe) the ones not announced to be closing? There are more than that listed on the Kmart website, but some have been noted here as closed.
I do fully appreciate that the Kmart website is probably run with the same level of attention as the stores themselves.
I can confirm that the one in Marshall, Michigan is closed. I have driven past it in it's post Kmart life already.
I may have said it before, but at this point, what is the reason to have any of them open? When you have less than 5 stores open (K-Mart), you really cease to be a chain, and one would think that there is no cost savings involved with purchasing, warehousing, or distribution. I know that there is a chain of Sears Hometown stores that Lambert owns separately, and I guess that they could use some of those facilities. Just have a wake for the stores and bury them into retailing history. They can take a chapter after the ones highlighting A & P grocery and Howard Johnson's Restaurants.
Quote from: Life in Paradise on March 11, 2022, 01:29:48 PM
I may have said it before, but at this point, what is the reason to have any of them open? When you have less than 5 stores open (K-Mart), you really cease to be a chain, and one would think that there is no cost savings involved with purchasing, warehousing, or distribution. I know that there is a chain of Sears Hometown stores that Lambert owns separately, and I guess that they could use some of those facilities. Just have a wake for the stores and bury them into retailing history. They can take a chapter after the ones highlighting A & P grocery and Howard Johnson's Restaurants.
There could be legal reasons to maintain a handful of stores while certain asset disposal issues, sale of company name, trademarks, etc. are finalized.
At this point, the remaining Sears/Kmarts deserve to be restricted to the island of Guam.
Quote from: jdb1234 on March 09, 2022, 06:11:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 09, 2022, 12:57:10 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 09, 2022, 12:56:26 PM
The Kmart store in Avenel, NJ is now on the closing list. 3 Kmart stores left in the mainland United States!
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Good grief.
I saw an article where the Kmart in Key West is on the chopping block. I joked that Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to the closest Walmart.
I'm surprised Kmart didn't sell its Key West store as a going concern to Walmart or Target or Publix
Quote from: ftballfan on March 11, 2022, 09:02:24 PM
Quote from: jdb1234 on March 09, 2022, 06:11:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 09, 2022, 12:57:10 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on March 09, 2022, 12:56:26 PM
The Kmart store in Avenel, NJ is now on the closing list. 3 Kmart stores left in the mainland United States!
https://www.sb360.com/select-projects/events/sears-list/
Good grief.
I saw an article where the Kmart in Key West is on the chopping block. I joked that Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to the closest Walmart.
I'm surprised Kmart didn't sell its Key West store as a going concern to Walmart or Target or Publix
Rumor has been for years that Target wanted to build a store on Rockland Key.
Quote from: thenetwork on March 11, 2022, 06:24:43 PM
At this point, the remaining Sears/Kmarts deserve to be restricted to the island of Guam.
What did Guam do to deserve that sad fate? Bad enough all the people there may make the island capsize.
Some of it probably has to do with the leases of the store if Kmart doesn't own their own stores which I don't think they did, I say did because I will never step foot into another Kmart. Anyway I think with the leases running out is when they have been shutting stores down. I really don't think any Kmart is profitable anymore. It was strange only having one store left in Michigan before it closed and even stranger not having any Kmart's left in the state. Our last Sears store has also closed.
Quote from: thenetwork on March 11, 2022, 06:24:43 PM
At this point, the remaining Sears/Kmarts deserve to be restricted to the island of Guam.
Yakko's World but it's all the countries that still have Sears/Kmart.
Down to three stores:
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01 (https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01)
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on April 11, 2022, 11:50:37 AM
Down to three stores:
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01 (https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01)
And one of them is the one in Bridgehampton, NY.
I wonder if the distribution center in Ocala is still serving the store in Miami.
Quote from: D-Dey65 on April 30, 2022, 07:03:36 PM
I wonder if the distribution center in Ocala is still serving the store in Miami.
What else would it serve? (I'm genuinely asking.)
I was working in the field this past week, and came across one of the most creative and unusual use for a former Kmart...
How about a new courthouse?
https://www.craigdailypress.com/news/trio-of-community-members-speak-in-favor-of-potential-new-courthouse-at-old-kmart-building/
Even though this article is old stating the Moffatt County Courthouse may or may not consider the old Kmart building, they officially have signs up touting the new courthouse and they are rehabbing the building as we speak.
Quote from: Takumi on April 30, 2022, 07:50:45 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on April 30, 2022, 07:03:36 PM
I wonder if the distribution center in Ocala is still serving the store in Miami.
What else would it serve? (I'm genuinely asking.)
I'm not sure that warehouse is even affiliated with KMart anymore.
Quote from: thenetwork on April 30, 2022, 08:28:31 PM
I was working in the field this past week, and came across one of the most creative and unusual use for a former Kmart...
How about a new courthouse?
https://www.craigdailypress.com/news/trio-of-community-members-speak-in-favor-of-potential-new-courthouse-at-old-kmart-building/
Even though this article is old stating the Moffatt County Courthouse may or may not consider the old Kmart building, they officially have signs up touting the new courthouse and they are rehabbing the building as we speak.
I know of at least one that became a church.
Quote from: thenetwork on April 30, 2022, 08:28:31 PM
I was working in the field this past week, and came across one of the most creative and unusual use for a former Kmart...
How about a new courthouse?
https://www.craigdailypress.com/news/trio-of-community-members-speak-in-favor-of-potential-new-courthouse-at-old-kmart-building/
Even though this article is old stating the Moffatt County Courthouse may or may not consider the old Kmart building, they officially have signs up touting the new courthouse and they are rehabbing the building as we speak.
(to the tune of The Midnight Special)
"Let the Blue Light Special
Shine the Light of Justice on Me!"
The courthouse in Rowan County, Ky., was converted from a former grocery store while I was in college at Morehead State.
Quote from: Takumi on April 30, 2022, 10:28:18 PM
I know of at least one that became a church.
Thank you for praying at K-mart.
We've got a Blue Light Special on wine and bread at the altar!
Quote from: GCrites80s on May 02, 2022, 10:29:09 AM
We've got a Blue Light Special on wine and bread at the altar!
Discounts on the King of Beers, brought to you by the King of Kings!
Quote from: GCrites80s on May 02, 2022, 10:29:09 AM
We've got a Blue Light Special on wine and bread at the altar!
:-D
Attention Kmart shoppers this will be the last blue light special ever. Take whatever you want.
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 02, 2022, 01:10:11 PM
Attention Kmart shoppers this will be the last blue light special ever. Take whatever you want.
Will the last shopper please turn off the blue light before you leave?
One former K-Mart because Lulu's Roadhouse of Kitchener, ON, with the dress code "NO JEANS" in big letters on the roadside sign. Sadly, the Google Streetview imagery has expired from here.
The nearest ex-K-Mart to me became a couple of short-lived flea markets and finally a Rural King.
Where I used to live, you had one in Middle Island and another closer to me in Farmingville. The one in Middle Island is dormant, once again, but I don't know what the one in Farmingville is now.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on April 11, 2022, 11:50:37 AM
Down to three stores:
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01 (https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01)
Might as well put 'em out of their misery now and get it over with. No sense in dragging it out at this point.
I don't know. It might be kind of cool to have a couple of them around still, kind of like an artifact of days gone by.
Quote from: LM117 on May 04, 2022, 08:12:34 AM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on April 11, 2022, 11:50:37 AM
Down to three stores:
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01 (https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01)
Might as well put 'em out of their misery now and get it over with. No sense in dragging it out at this point.
Also, Sears gotta go. They had too long to get their crap together, and they are down to 12 stores IIRC.
Quote from: snowc on May 04, 2022, 10:56:45 AM
Quote from: LM117 on May 04, 2022, 08:12:34 AM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on April 11, 2022, 11:50:37 AM
Down to three stores:
https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01 (https://www.fox61.com/article/news/nation-world/kmart-3-stores-left/507-5526c7c0-5367-4a45-8aa5-a4ec64705b01)
Might as well put 'em out of their misery now and get it over with. No sense in dragging it out at this point.
Also, Sears gotta go. They had too long to get their crap together, and they are down to 12 stores IIRC.
I'm reminded of a cartoon from when Sears and KMart merged: It showed the Nickelodeon cartoon character Catdog, labeling one part as Sears and the other as KMart.
What would be more amazing than anything else is if Sears or K-Mart actually opened a new store.
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2022, 09:46:43 AM
I don't know. It might be kind of cool to have a couple of them around still, kind of like an artifact of days gone by.
Like the last Blockbuster in Bend Oregon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockbuster_(Bend,_Oregon))?
Quote from: bulldog1979 on May 04, 2022, 01:36:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2022, 09:46:43 AM
I don't know. It might be kind of cool to have a couple of them around still, kind of like an artifact of days gone by.
Like the last Blockbuster in Bend Oregon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockbuster_(Bend,_Oregon))?
Which is actually a really fun side attraction now. Regarding Sears, there is still the Hometown stores which are mostly run by franchises:
https://www.searshometownstores.com/store-list
I don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was more about renting random video games and Maniac Mansion for the 27th time that I associate with Blockbuster. Basically it's all rose tinted nostalgia at the end of the day, but that's what makes the single location in Bend nice. They know they are catering to nostalgia at the last Blockbuster and don't have really do anything else but maintain the long dead store format.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2022, 01:43:28 PM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on May 04, 2022, 01:36:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2022, 09:46:43 AM
I don't know. It might be kind of cool to have a couple of them around still, kind of like an artifact of days gone by.
Like the last Blockbuster in Bend Oregon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blockbuster_(Bend,_Oregon))?
Which is actually a really fun side attraction now. Regarding Sears, there is still the Hometown stores which are mostly run by franchises:
https://www.searshometownstores.com/store-list
Got one in Dunn, now on the potential chopping block.
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PMI don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was nice having Blockbuster around if I wanted to watch a particular movie and didn't want to have to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix, but said movie had to be pretty mainstream in order for Blockbuster to carry it.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:46:28 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PMI don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was nice having Blockbuster around if I wanted to watch a particular movie and didn't want to have to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix, but said movie had to be pretty mainstream in order for Blockbuster to carry it.
Further back Blockbuster used to carry more obscure stuff. That's more or less how I originally binged most monster, horror and slasher movies.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2022, 03:48:54 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:46:28 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PMI don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was nice having Blockbuster around if I wanted to watch a particular movie and didn't want to have to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix, but said movie had to be pretty mainstream in order for Blockbuster to carry it.
Further back Blockbuster used to carry more obscure stuff. That's more or less how I originally binged most monster, horror and slasher movies.
How much further back? I don't remember a time when Blockbuster wasn't insisting on only carrying "family-friend" [read: no homos] movies.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:50:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on May 04, 2022, 03:48:54 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:46:28 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PMI don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was nice having Blockbuster around if I wanted to watch a particular movie and didn't want to have to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix, but said movie had to be pretty mainstream in order for Blockbuster to carry it.
Further back Blockbuster used to carry more obscure stuff. That's more or less how I originally binged most monster, horror and slasher movies.
How much further back? I don't remember a time when Blockbuster wasn't insisting on only carrying "family-friend" [read: no homos] movies.
1980s and 1990s. The only real obstruction was that I had to convince one of my parents or an adult to take the "scandalous stuff" up to the checkout.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:50:33 PM
Further back Blockbuster used to carry more obscure stuff. That's more or less how I originally binged most monster, horror and slasher movies.
How much further back? I don't remember a time when Blockbuster wasn't insisting on only carrying "family-friend" [read: no homos] movies.
[/quote]
That's a term I've not seen used in years.
Quote from: US71 on May 08, 2022, 10:09:14 PM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:50:33 PM
How much further back? I don't remember a time when Blockbuster wasn't insisting on only carrying "family-friend" [read: no homos] movies.
That's a term I've not seen used in years.
Should have been "family-friendly," oops.
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:46:28 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PMI don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was nice having Blockbuster around if I wanted to watch a particular movie and didn't want to have to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix, but said movie had to be pretty mainstream in order for Blockbuster to carry it.
Anyone remember the scene from "Ghost World (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162346/?ref_=ttls_li_tt)," where Enid and Rebecca are in that video store struggling to find a movie they want to watch, and then they cut to that scene were another customer is trying to find. "8 1/2 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056801/)" but the store offers him "9 1/2 Weeks (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091635/)?"
Quote from: D-Dey65 on May 09, 2022, 08:53:21 AM
Quote from: abefroman329 on May 04, 2022, 03:46:28 PM
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PMI don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
It was nice having Blockbuster around if I wanted to watch a particular movie and didn't want to have to wait for it to come in the mail from Netflix, but said movie had to be pretty mainstream in order for Blockbuster to carry it.
Anyone remember the scene from "Ghost World (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162346/?ref_=ttls_li_tt)," where Enid and Rebecca are in that video store struggling to find a movie they want to watch, and then they cut to that scene were another customer is trying to find. "8 1/2 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056801/)" but the store offers him "9 1/2 Weeks (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091635/)?"
Haven't seen it, sorry.
Quote from: kkt on May 04, 2022, 02:04:58 PM
I don't mind Blockbuster going away at all. I used to rent movies pretty often. But Blockbuster liked to substitute PG cut versions of R films without even any notice on the box. Maybe some parents with teen kids who are gonna watch the movie at home want that... but you've gotta tell people what they're paying for.
I haven't heard of that, but I have heard of independent stores in Utah that illegally pirated and created clean versions of R-rated movies. What Blockbuster did was demand a cut version of Requiem For a Dream (2000). It went out to theaters as unrated because it exceeded the content allowed for an R-rating, but the cut version went to video stores that wanted it, with "edited version" on the box. Later that version clogged up the for-sale used bin. Anyone interested in the movie wouldn't want the cut version anyway. Of course, Blockbuster had no problem stocking unrated episodes of The Sopranos. Target had no problem displaying unrated versions of Saw with its gross cover art.
You are Transformco,...You are running out of big box Sears and Kmart stores to close...But previously, you said the "independently owned" Sears Hometown stores will stay around...what can you do???
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/sears-store-closings-2022-full-list-hometown-locations/507-e9194dc5-c0c8-444b-9fa0-ee4301bf0f9a
The nearest, and only Sears Hometown I am aware of in my neck of the woods is in Montrose, CO....for now!
Sears/Kmart goes out not with a bang, but with an incredibly long, sustained echo over years.
Bump to announce Sears will be closing its last full service location in NY state. The Newburgh store will close 10/16.
https://hudsonvalleypost.com/popular-store-closing-last-hudson-valley-location-nearly-50-years/
Quote from: thenetwork on June 02, 2022, 11:00:41 AM
You are Transformco,...You are running out of big box Sears and Kmart stores to close...But previously, you said the "independently owned" Sears Hometown stores will stay around...what can you do???
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nation-world/sears-store-closings-2022-full-list-hometown-locations/507-e9194dc5-c0c8-444b-9fa0-ee4301bf0f9a
The nearest, and only Sears Hometown I am aware of in my neck of the woods is in Montrose, CO....for now!
In my county, the "Hometown Store" closed before the main Sears store.
And when the main Sears store was closing, the only thing I found worth buying was some toy truck, that I immediately donated to the nearest Toys for Tots drop-off area.
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 24, 2022, 11:07:56 PM
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
https://brostocks.com/2022/08/30/how-many-sears-stores-are-left/
Quote from: roadman65 on September 24, 2022, 11:19:00 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 24, 2022, 11:07:56 PM
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
https://brostocks.com/2022/08/30/how-many-sears-stores-are-left/
The K-Mart link is broken. So is the JC Penney link.
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 25, 2022, 04:33:27 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 24, 2022, 11:19:00 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 24, 2022, 11:07:56 PM
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
https://brostocks.com/2022/08/30/how-many-sears-stores-are-left/
The K-Mart link is broken. So is the JC Penney link.
That's okay because they are both pretty broke anyway.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 25, 2022, 05:34:06 PM
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 25, 2022, 04:33:27 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 24, 2022, 11:19:00 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 24, 2022, 11:07:56 PM
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
https://brostocks.com/2022/08/30/how-many-sears-stores-are-left/
The K-Mart link is broken. So is the JC Penney link.
That's okay because they are both pretty broke anyway.
😂😂😂😂😂
Quote from: D-Dey65 on September 25, 2022, 04:33:27 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 24, 2022, 11:19:00 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 24, 2022, 11:07:56 PM
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
https://brostocks.com/2022/08/30/how-many-sears-stores-are-left/
The K-Mart link is broken. So is the JC Penney link.
https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Kmart-USA/
Try this for Kmart.
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on September 24, 2022, 11:07:56 PM
So what Sears stores are left? What K-Mart stores are left?
13 and 9 respectively, according to this list that someone on Reddit manages:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R4W1eqCbpmThan0idnfZL3-dY-4qAQ2bUNqDjNYqSMw/edit
I went to the Westfield Shoppingtown Southcenter Sears location recently. That location is just a few decades old because it took over the Frederick & Nelson location in the early 1990s, when the nearby Renton Sears closed for the building of a Fred Meyer. The main floor still looks great, but the second floor is sparse, as if the liquidation sale has already begun. (Part of the mall opens directly to the second floor.) The third floor was closed off. Also, Sears closes an hour before the rest of the mall.
On the same day I paid a visit to the J. C. Penny's in the mall. The chain opened a toy department after Toys 'R' Us closed, and it has some odd selection. The stuffed animal section as lots of Tigger, Piglet and Bullseye (from Toy Story) and that's it.
For those of you who thought those "independently owned" Sears Hometown stores weren't going anywhere...
...think again!!!
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2023/01/sears-hometown-is-closing-all-of-its-115-stores-sears-appliances-mattresses-store-in-cumberland-county-to-remain-open.html
The Sears Hometown store in Montrose, CO was about the last trace of Sears/Kmart in Colorado. They recently remodeled the exterior (and outdoor sign) of their store., and now the independent owner gets screwed. I feel sorry fir them and not Ol' Eddie Lampert.
Eddie's doing just fine and doesn't need any sympathy.
Quote from: kkt on January 09, 2023, 12:51:19 AM
Eddie's doing just fine and doesn't need any sympathy.
But he's not the next Warren Buffett. I'm sure not living up to that hype and being known as "hedge fund guy" is quite the kick groin.
Sears. Where America Shopped.
I see the last Sears Hometown Store in Michigan is closing. It's located in Fenton.
https://www.the-sun.com/money/7878570/jcpenney-rival-closes-final-locations-permanently-department-store/
Quote from: roadman65 on April 16, 2023, 06:26:49 PM
https://www.the-sun.com/money/7878570/jcpenney-rival-closes-final-locations-permanently-department-store/
That is an odd-ass headline, even by Sun standards. :-D
Quote from: SectorZ on April 17, 2023, 08:08:13 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on April 16, 2023, 06:26:49 PM
https://www.the-sun.com/money/7878570/jcpenney-rival-closes-final-locations-permanently-department-store/ (https://www.the-sun.com/money/7878570/jcpenney-rival-closes-final-locations-permanently-department-store/)
That is an odd-ass headline, even by Sun standards. :-D
JCPenney I don't think even considers Sears their main rival anymore and hasn't for years. I think they view Kohl's as their main competitor.
And then there were two (come fall): https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/westwood/2023/08/02/kmart-in-westwood-to-close-last-one-in-new-jersey/70517276007/
Quote from: Mr. Matté on August 02, 2023, 09:34:37 PM
And then there were two (come fall): https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/westwood/2023/08/02/kmart-in-westwood-to-close-last-one-in-new-jersey/70517276007/
The question has been for the past few years: why haven't they just gone ahead and closed them all? Can you really have a "chain" with just a handful of stores (or in this case, two)? They could just go online and have a presence there like the Circuit City name (someone bought). Heck, Radio Shack has several hundred stores open; probably helped that there were franchises rather than company owned stores.
I speculate that it might have to do with the property arrangements on the stores. Leased stores with a draconian early exit clause? Or they own the property but don't have the staff to undertake a whole bunch of sales at once? Or they want to time the property sales market?
If Johnny Carson was still around on the Tonight show, he would be all over this news, especially, since it it plans on happening in "Beautiful Downtown Burbank"...
https://www.costar.com/article/1434809717/sears-moves-closer-to-rare-store-relaunch-in-los-angeles-county?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=IwAR09l27acLPjwe1RU00dldaLJ9DU9KxrS1_9bRy0GYMvC0907ECdn7cGCC8
Quote from: thenetwork on October 21, 2023, 02:19:29 PM
If Johnny Carson was still around on the Tonight show, he would be all over this news, especially, since it it plans on happening in "Beautiful Downtown Burbank"...
https://www.costar.com/article/1434809717/sears-moves-closer-to-rare-store-relaunch-in-los-angeles-county?mibextid=Zxz2cZ&fbclid=IwAR09l27acLPjwe1RU00dldaLJ9DU9KxrS1_9bRy0GYMvC0907ECdn7cGCC8
Wow, I would not have expected that. Is there some way that this store is not bankrupt? Otherwise, who would do business with them?
Speaking of recently closed Kmarts: https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/minneapolis-to-speed-up-demolition-of-lake-street-kmart-after-fire
You would think city planners, having been embarrassed into agreeing that closing Nicolett Av. in the late 1970s for something as ephemeral as a Kmart in Target's HQ city was a bad idea, would try to avoid any sort of plans beyond simply reopening Nicolett Av. But apparently not: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/programs-initiatives/new-nicollet/
Work has started on demolishing Kmart's former HQ building in Troy, Michigan.
https://www.facebook.com/SearsJerseyCity1044
Sears in Jersey City, NJ at Newport Centre closing sometime in March/April 2024...
No more Sears in New Jersey and the NYC region!
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on January 05, 2024, 10:15:41 PM
https://www.facebook.com/SearsJerseyCity1044
Sears in Jersey City, NJ at Newport Centre closing sometime in March/April 2024...
No more Sears in New Jersey and the NYC region!
The copium in that Facebook post, "Why, it's an iconic store, it makes no sense to close it, it's in a good location".
Quote from: SectorZ on January 06, 2024, 09:17:08 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on January 05, 2024, 10:15:41 PM
https://www.facebook.com/SearsJerseyCity1044
Sears in Jersey City, NJ at Newport Centre closing sometime in March/April 2024...
No more Sears in New Jersey and the NYC region!
The copium in that Facebook post, "Why, it's an iconic store, it makes no sense to close it, it's in a good location".
Yep. What they fail to realize is that this is the world's longest liquidation sale.
Quote from: Brandon on January 06, 2024, 09:37:05 AM
Quote from: SectorZ on January 06, 2024, 09:17:08 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on January 05, 2024, 10:15:41 PM
https://www.facebook.com/SearsJerseyCity1044
Sears in Jersey City, NJ at Newport Centre closing sometime in March/April 2024...
No more Sears in New Jersey and the NYC region!
The copium in that Facebook post, "Why, it's an iconic store, it makes no sense to close it, it's in a good location".
Yep. What they fail to realize is that this is the world's longest liquidation sale.
In my area, we have a western goods store that has prominently advertised a "Going Out Of Business Sale" for no less than 10 years now with a big sign in their parking lot.
Out of curiosity, I went in just to see what kind of "deals" there were about 5 years ago.
The place was stocked to the gills with cowboy hats, clothing, boots and belts. What looked like simple leather belts were priced at $200 plus -- before the alleged 60-80% GOOB discount "reductions".
It's no wonder why there is nobody in their parking lot, everyone knows the guy is a rip-off artist. I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
^^ No Oriental rugs? I have seen those sold only via going out of business sales.
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
False advertising laws.
Quote from: 1 on January 06, 2024, 07:26:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
False advertising laws.
...allow someone to sue the guy in civil court. To do so you have to allege damages. Who is damaged if someone says they are going out of business and then does not?
Two Sears stores in Burbank, CA and Union Gap, WA (near Yakima) actually reopened: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article283090363.html
Quote from: Bruce on January 06, 2024, 08:03:08 PM
Two Sears stores in Burbank, CA and Union Gap, WA (near Yakima) actually reopened: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/business/article283090363.html
Zombie apocalypse is beginning.....
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
I think on one state (Illinois?) you have to obtain a going out of business permit and permanently close by the date shown on the permit. And any ad they show for that sale must include the permit number.
A seasonal leather goods store in a mall near me has been GOOB for probably 6 years now. I suppose it's true since they are OOB during the warmer months.
Quote from: Big John on January 06, 2024, 08:18:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
I think on one state (Illinois?) you have to obtain a going out of business permit and permanently close by the date shown on the permit. And any ad they show for that sale must include the permit number.
That seems like it would preclude any sort of last-minute reversal of fortunes that result in the store staying open, though. Maybe if you said that a business could only have a going-out-of-business sale last for X many days, once every X years...
Really, though, although an endless going-out-of-business sale is very stupid, the reason for the sale is (or should be) immaterial to the purchasing decision. A sale price could be due to a going-out-of-business sale, or I-used-a-whole-jug-of-milk sale, or a I-farted-loudly-and-it-scared-my-cat sale. If you like the price on offer, great, buy it; if you don't like the price, don't.
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 09:38:18 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 06, 2024, 08:18:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
I think on one state (Illinois?) you have to obtain a going out of business permit and permanently close by the date shown on the permit. And any ad they show for that sale must include the permit number.
That seems like it would preclude any sort of last-minute reversal of fortunes that result in the store staying open, though. Maybe if you said that a business could only have a going-out-of-business sale last for X many days, once every X years...
Really, though, although an endless going-out-of-business sale is very stupid, the reason for the sale is (or should be) immaterial to the purchasing decision. A sale price could be due to a going-out-of-business sale, or I-used-a-whole-jug-of-milk sale, or a I-farted-loudly-and-it-scared-my-cat sale. If you like the price on offer, great, buy it; if you don't like the price, don't.
In ideal word yes. But I don't know the market for leather belts. I need one at reasonable price, but what is the reasonable one? I can assume store knows better, but I didn't look at anything yet. Now it's a 80% off deal.....
You may go down to economy basics and say whatever I am willing to pay... But since price negotiation is a theory these days and occur mostly as statistics - I don't have good price negotiation skills, especially for infrequent buys. One can call such "99%off" predatory
Quote from: 1 on January 06, 2024, 07:26:58 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
False advertising laws.
My hometown City of Appleton, WI has an ordinance that requires a city issued 'Close Out Sale' license that is specifically approved by a vote of the the city council.
Mike
Quote from: kalvado on January 06, 2024, 09:58:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 09:38:18 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 06, 2024, 08:18:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
I think on one state (Illinois?) you have to obtain a going out of business permit and permanently close by the date shown on the permit. And any ad they show for that sale must include the permit number.
That seems like it would preclude any sort of last-minute reversal of fortunes that result in the store staying open, though. Maybe if you said that a business could only have a going-out-of-business sale last for X many days, once every X years...
Really, though, although an endless going-out-of-business sale is very stupid, the reason for the sale is (or should be) immaterial to the purchasing decision. A sale price could be due to a going-out-of-business sale, or I-used-a-whole-jug-of-milk sale, or a I-farted-loudly-and-it-scared-my-cat sale. If you like the price on offer, great, buy it; if you don't like the price, don't.
In ideal word yes. But I don't know the market for leather belts. I need one at reasonable price, but what is the reasonable one? I can assume store knows better, but I didn't look at anything yet. Now it's a 80% off deal.....
You may go down to economy basics and say whatever I am willing to pay... But since price negotiation is a theory these days and occur mostly as statistics - I don't have good price negotiation skills, especially for infrequent buys. One can call such "99%off" predatory
How is that any different than any other kind of markdown sale, though? One could well have the same questions at a Black Friday sale.
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 08, 2024, 02:01:13 AM
Quote from: kalvado on January 06, 2024, 09:58:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 09:38:18 PM
Quote from: Big John on January 06, 2024, 08:18:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 06, 2024, 07:24:53 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 06, 2024, 12:46:28 PM
I'm just surprised that he is allowed to continue this sham for so long under the Going Out Of Business auspices.
How exactly would someone stop him?
I think on one state (Illinois?) you have to obtain a going out of business permit and permanently close by the date shown on the permit. And any ad they show for that sale must include the permit number.
That seems like it would preclude any sort of last-minute reversal of fortunes that result in the store staying open, though. Maybe if you said that a business could only have a going-out-of-business sale last for X many days, once every X years...
Really, though, although an endless going-out-of-business sale is very stupid, the reason for the sale is (or should be) immaterial to the purchasing decision. A sale price could be due to a going-out-of-business sale, or I-used-a-whole-jug-of-milk sale, or a I-farted-loudly-and-it-scared-my-cat sale. If you like the price on offer, great, buy it; if you don't like the price, don't.
In ideal word yes. But I don't know the market for leather belts. I need one at reasonable price, but what is the reasonable one? I can assume store knows better, but I didn't look at anything yet. Now it's a 80% off deal.....
You may go down to economy basics and say whatever I am willing to pay... But since price negotiation is a theory these days and occur mostly as statistics - I don't have good price negotiation skills, especially for infrequent buys. One can call such "99%off" predatory
How is that any different than any other kind of markdown sale, though? One could well have the same questions at a Black Friday sale.
And it is the question being asked. And people did find $8.99 price sticker below BLACK FRIDAY! 9.99 ONLY!
I am not going to get into the ethics of retail sales. I'm afraid it's the game where it is hard to win as both a buyer who would end up ripped off anyway or seller who has to go into dirty tricks to get their margins. Maybe there are some expert buyers who can navigate and enjoy all this, I am definitely not one of them.