Craftsman Tools Now Carried At Ace Hardware

[Bigpigdave]

I saw an ad this week for Craftsman Tools at Ace Hardware Stores. I have been reading articles for more than a year about the demise of Sears, do you think this is an indication? Craftsman is one of the few Sears brands that is still popular and profitable, spinning it to other retailers (Kmart, Fastenal, Ace) could be a test to see if it remains so if not exclusively sold at Sears. I'm concerned that the cost pressures from these retailers could lead to a continued decline in Craftsman quality. What do you think?

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm concerned that the cost pressures from these retailers could lead to a continued decline in Craftsman quality. What do you think?

Not to worry about that; Sears is doing that all by themselves.

If Danaher was smart, they'd realize that putting their name on the package of a Craftsman product constitutes more of an image liability than what the contract is worth.

 

[bonneyman]

According to my local Ace Hardware buddy, the Craftsman tool inventory is a 2 year pilot project. Guess Sears wants to see if Ace can move the product in the amounts they want. (Guess KMart didn't do that).
If the numbers are where they want to see them, Ace will continue to stock the brand. If not, Sears will end the deal. No more new sales of Craftsman from Ace will happen. However, Ace will STILL have to honor the lifetime warranty on anything they did sell, so items will be available - but only for warranty, not new sales.

A friend told me his Ace salesclerk told him that they're having a tool blowout deal in June, to kick off the collaboration. Craftsman will be selling cheaper than Ace's own brand. the guy said if you're looking for a tool, June is the month to buy.

 

[J..D]

I know the people at my local Ace and they told me they are just swapping the Allen brand they stock now for the Craftsman brand because the name will sell more.