This.
I was at the Sears tool dept. last week and asked the counterperson about what they're going to be selling, and he said they'll be carrying Stanley made.
So why have the clause about Craftsman from other sources? I have a couple of speculations. First, it may be a provision to account for existing Chiwan stock once the Stanley USA is released. Second, there have been over the years a number of design innovations and unique configurations of hand tools sold by Sears under the Craftsman name. In the event that Stanley intends to stick with primarily the hardline basic stuff in handtools, then Sears will still be able to sell some of the golly-gee-whiz pliers and other unique tool designs they've devised over the years. Something tells me that Stanley is not going to make every single hand tool design currently carrying the Craftsman name. The philosophy may then be that the basic CM hand tools can be sourced from a number of retailers, but if you want the special designed tools (like the locking adjustables, or strap wrenches, and so on...you get the picture) you'll have to go to Sears. This makes sense to me. Could be too that Sears will get a price break from Stanley that others will not have--this would NOT be public info, nor would it have to be publicized as part of the acquisition agreement.
In any event, we'll have to wait and see. Should be VERY interesting!
