Sears: 'Burning cash,' closing stores
- Thread starter chicane
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Swan
Well-known member
A sign from the Rochester, MN mall Sears Department store last fall.
sonvolt
Well-known member
Im sure we will see a lot more signs like that !
wrong ,kmart bought sears!
sonvolt
Well-known member
I just hit the Sears Hardware in New Milford and picked up some NOS USA breaker bars, SAE and metric hex bits 3/8 drive and then went to the car to find my tire almost flat, we'll there is a STS next door lol !
And that right there is why I don't have CM stuff save for a few odd pieces in the mix. What I do have doesn't need a warranty because I haven't been able to break it in normal uses.
Why own tools that have a history of failures? There are a few things in the lineup that should get a complete re-do while others are the mark of mediocrity. They work but.....
And yes, there is some good stuff too but why have to sort through a pile to get it?
Makes for good profits in reselling however. People seem to love the brand.
Well that's good that your unknown to us brand of tools work so well. I wouldn't own craftsman except my father in law (who is awesome) bought me the 383 or something piece set for Christmas a few years back. Hard to argue with a free complete tool set for the most part.
NorDel Garage
Well-known member
The Harbor Freight idea sounds interesting. There is no shortage of opinions concerning HF.
They are one of the few all tool stores and are growing. Most areas have a HF nearby. They understand the tool business, and seem to be more successful than Sears for the time being.
I could see them having a Craftsman line of tools. They could even position them as premium made in USA tools. They read the Garage Journal and know there is a big market for made in America/Canada tools. They could even bring back manufacturing to our shores.
As for warranties, they have the experience to deal with it.
While we lament that no one knows how to repair/ build anything anymore, there are still millions of us like minded people left, who will buy Craftsman if the give us ,the customer, what we want and need.
They are one of the few all tool stores and are growing. Most areas have a HF nearby. They understand the tool business, and seem to be more successful than Sears for the time being.
I could see them having a Craftsman line of tools. They could even position them as premium made in USA tools. They read the Garage Journal and know there is a big market for made in America/Canada tools. They could even bring back manufacturing to our shores.
As for warranties, they have the experience to deal with it.
While we lament that no one knows how to repair/ build anything anymore, there are still millions of us like minded people left, who will buy Craftsman if the give us ,the customer, what we want and need.
I have a mix of everything from mid quality Asain to top end German. Heavy on the cheaper stuff. Each item was chosen on merits of filling my needs more than any brand loyalty.
Mexican brands also have representation in my kit. Some are quite good.
I'm not trying to be snooty, not in the least. I have had a few decades to develop tastes and a few years to fine tune the kit, a luxury for me.
Free is good and we all had to start somewhere. Your FIL did well for you.
My first real kit was a 600pc set I bought new in 1984, CM no less. While it was impressively big I didn't find it impressive in use. By 1990 friends had borrowed it all away from me and I didn't miss it a bit. I had moved on to brands/styles that fit me better.
Mexican brands also have representation in my kit. Some are quite good.
I'm not trying to be snooty, not in the least. I have had a few decades to develop tastes and a few years to fine tune the kit, a luxury for me.
Free is good and we all had to start somewhere. Your FIL did well for you.
My first real kit was a 600pc set I bought new in 1984, CM no less. While it was impressively big I didn't find it impressive in use. By 1990 friends had borrowed it all away from me and I didn't miss it a bit. I had moved on to brands/styles that fit me better.
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Maybe Ideal should buy the Craftsman name? They already own Western Forge. I'd bet they could have the WF lines re-tooled in a month to start re-making Craftsman logo'd tools. And they'd be the solid Craftsman we all like and miss.
Craftsman tool trucks? Maybe. But keeping those trucks running is expensive. Don't know if that would help them or hurt them more.
Big mall stores? Probably not. But then I don't think that selling out of every nook and cranny K-mart, Ace, and whoever helps either.
I think they should open an all-tool store (similar to the HF idea) with a nice big CRAFTSMAN - MADE IN USA sign on the store front. Put it in a central location, staffed with people who work with and know - and love - tools, and have it stocked and ready to serve. Have rebuild kits on site, with people who can do it while you wait, treating it like the passed-down treasures that they are. And have computer terminals so customers can surf and compare options and prices and order sets of tools that will be delivered on time. I think enough people would patronize a store like that to keep it going and grow strong again.
I would.
Craftsman tool trucks? Maybe. But keeping those trucks running is expensive. Don't know if that would help them or hurt them more.
Big mall stores? Probably not. But then I don't think that selling out of every nook and cranny K-mart, Ace, and whoever helps either.
I think they should open an all-tool store (similar to the HF idea) with a nice big CRAFTSMAN - MADE IN USA sign on the store front. Put it in a central location, staffed with people who work with and know - and love - tools, and have it stocked and ready to serve. Have rebuild kits on site, with people who can do it while you wait, treating it like the passed-down treasures that they are. And have computer terminals so customers can surf and compare options and prices and order sets of tools that will be delivered on time. I think enough people would patronize a store like that to keep it going and grow strong again.
I would.
mmack66
Well-known member
Craftsman doesn't have any more of a history of failures, than does any other manufacturer.
OutsideMachinist
Well-known member
Urrea tools are made or mostly made in mexico I think. I used a Urrea 3/4 ratchet yesterday. Wasn't anything spectacular but did the job.
carterbeauford
Well-known member
same thing happened to me 6 or 7 years ago. just a coincidence with a possible sale in your case. more likely they were punishing us for not spending.
(takes $4 socket to checkout)
"will this be on your Sears card?"
"no, financially responsible people don't pay 30% interest."
Wait, Mexican tools? What brands are those? you ask.
Urrea, up to 2013 was Mex made vintage Proto, good stuff. The new stuff via HD is not all Mex made.
Surtek, the 'Blue Point' to Urrea. Imports mostly, homeowner grade stuff and sometimes the same as Urrea but rebranded.
Knova is higher quality Asain rebrands mostly, downright bulletproof stuff if a little pricey. Basic models and time proven design. I really like the sockets they sold.
Truper, another rebrander brand with more innovative designs plus the regular stuff. Goes both ways on that, sometimes its better for real and sometimes worse.
Pretul is homeowner grade Truper stuff. Much like BP, Surtek Evolv et tal.... Its ok too just not noteworthy.
Santul, Bellota are a few others with less presence but I have a few pieces of each somewhere in the mix.
Noteworthy things are the Bellota backsaw and WP pliers, the Knova and Truper sockets and my Santul screwdrivers. Urrea wrenches, the old versions, are exceptionally good too. Truper adjustable wrenches have proven to be a bit better than most I've used.
Urrea, up to 2013 was Mex made vintage Proto, good stuff. The new stuff via HD is not all Mex made.
Surtek, the 'Blue Point' to Urrea. Imports mostly, homeowner grade stuff and sometimes the same as Urrea but rebranded.
Knova is higher quality Asain rebrands mostly, downright bulletproof stuff if a little pricey. Basic models and time proven design. I really like the sockets they sold.
Truper, another rebrander brand with more innovative designs plus the regular stuff. Goes both ways on that, sometimes its better for real and sometimes worse.
Pretul is homeowner grade Truper stuff. Much like BP, Surtek Evolv et tal.... Its ok too just not noteworthy.
Santul, Bellota are a few others with less presence but I have a few pieces of each somewhere in the mix.
Noteworthy things are the Bellota backsaw and WP pliers, the Knova and Truper sockets and my Santul screwdrivers. Urrea wrenches, the old versions, are exceptionally good too. Truper adjustable wrenches have proven to be a bit better than most I've used.
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They already tried something like that, and have since closed many of them, although perhaps if they'd taken your advise on the naming and features, they'd have done better than they've apparently been doing with them in the markets where they've already closed them.
They're the "Sears Appliance and Hardware Stores" and the "Sears Hometown Stores" and they mainly carry the full line of Sears hardware and tools, plus appliances, and outdoor/garden products. In other words, all the things that many people consider to be Sears' strongest brands and best assets.
mailpup
Well-known member
It's my personal feeling that this is more of a result of Citibank's financial woes than anything else. As you may know, Citibank actually handles Sears credit cards including Sears Mastercard. I had a Sears M/C but did not use it much over the years. After the big bank bailouts I received a letter from Citibank that reduced my credit limit to a few hundred dollars. I closed the account since it was no longer very useful to me. Citibank did a similar thing to a Citgo Mastercard I had and I closed that account too.
BTW, in addition to what has been already mentioned, Craftsman tools are also sold at Orchard Hardware stores (aka OSH). I believe Sears bought them out several years ago. I'm not sure how big OSH's marketing area is but the one's I know are in southern California.
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mmack66
Well-known member
Even though it is now made in China? Deceptive, but I am sure it will work on most folks.
As soon as he can find the fairy dust necessary to make that fantasy a reality, I'm sure Eddie Lampert will get right on it.
I haven't read all the posts but the first line of the article from the link. I know I've said it along with other members too. . . .
Sears has been on a downward spiral almost since the day it merged with Kmart in 2005.
Sears has been on a downward spiral almost since the day it merged with Kmart in 2005.
I wonder if perhaps Sears might be transitioning to an online-only presence? They already sell many thing for less online then in a store.Thew K-mart brand has really been pushing online as well.
For instance,you can buy the Craftsman riding mowers for much less online than you can in the stores.
For instance,you can buy the Craftsman riding mowers for much less online than you can in the stores.
No, you misunderstood. I meant take all the money they're throwing down the drain on diversifying and put it into USA companies making the tools here like they did in the old days.
I think a fair percentage of folks would pay a premium price for tools that they know are made domestically, and that SEARS took the bold step to abandon their recent practices and bring the production back home. Look at how S-K and Enderes are doing.
motofool33
Well-known member
sears can close all their stores and do okay they own every mall they have a sears location on. they make money without the sears stores.
mmack66
Well-known member
I don't know what you mean by a premium price, but I doubt that the average tool buyer would be willing to pay much more for Craftsman tools than they do now, regardless of the COO. Certainly not enough to support the sort of store you outlined.
It doesn't matter anyway, because there's no way that Sears is going to fold up shop and then open a string of Craftsman stores.
RalphInCA
Well-known member
Source of this info? Sears may own or have long term leases on their mall stores, but they don't own the malls.
Around here, there are a chain of smaller Sears Hardware stores that only sell Craftsman tools, power tools, lawn power equipment, hardware, home stuff (locks, fencing systems, wood, etc..).
mmack66
Well-known member
That's a lot different than a store that only sells premium priced, made in the USA Craftsman tools. Oh, and it's been reported that those Sears Hometown stores don't do warranty exchanges on tools either.
I don't think so. Follow the link to a company that owns some large malls. Some of the anchor stores are Sears and they don't own the mall.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Westfield_Group_shopping_centres
MikeF2316
Well-known member
Interesting article in today's paper about the value of Sears' house brands, Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/repo...h-in-on-private-label-brands/article18739132/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/repo...h-in-on-private-label-brands/article18739132/
The English Hacker
Well-known member
You'd have to be crazy to purchase anything at Sears in Canada these days with a one year store warranty let alone lifetime. My local store closes at the end of the year.
comedyman809
Well-known member
Craftsman????? never heard of them, craftsman who???
comedyman809
Well-known member
bye bye sears, you sucked anyway. who buys anything at sears other than tools and washers. i think i bought tools, and work clothes and thats about it. never once did i buy anything else. its no wonder why they are done. i like shopping on amazon, i can shop in my underwear if i want. internet is a tough competitor for everyone, so I've embraced it. when i need something real quick and in a hurry, local hardware or worse....HD. but ideally, best prices are online. ***** for local economies, but local shops need to give me a reason to buy , and paying higher prices doesn't help. its not my responsibility to keep local business's in business, nor my problem. once again, bye bye sears/kmart(can't tell you the last time i visited a kmart)
So I broke one of my favorite breaker bars and took it in to Sears for a replacement but all they had were Chinese made bars (exact same part number).
No way was I exchanging it for a Chinese made bar. I explained my displeasure with the two of the sales guys and they totally agreed with me and shook their heads in discuss saying that they have seen this over and over and have told management. One guy was two days away from his last day in no small part because of decisions like this. I took a look at their hand tools and they all look like they are made in China now.
Every time I go into their stores now they are completely empty, I don't know how they pay the light bill.
No way was I exchanging it for a Chinese made bar. I explained my displeasure with the two of the sales guys and they totally agreed with me and shook their heads in discuss saying that they have seen this over and over and have told management. One guy was two days away from his last day in no small part because of decisions like this. I took a look at their hand tools and they all look like they are made in China now.
Every time I go into their stores now they are completely empty, I don't know how they pay the light bill.