Sears.com hot deals and clearance thread

[7avalon7]

Perfect example of a store getting closed regardless of its profitability... turns out that Sears has had a sweetheart $10/year rent for its 200k+ square feet in the Mall of America ever since that mall opened in 1992, yet Sears closed that location in March 2019. Still sitting empty.

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincit...is-long-gone-but-stores-10-year-rent-you.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2018/12/28/sears-will-close-mall-of-america-store.html

I wonder how much it cost to run stores that size. Even if the rent is free, I am not sure they can make enough profit to cover payroll, electric, heating, cooling, water, tax, maintenance, ads, etc etc.

42 piece 3/8 and 1/4 inch Flex socket sets are at $127.99 and spend $100 get $100 in points. I was able to cash in $42 in points add a utility cutter and got it to just over $100. Gonna get 4 installments of $40 over the next few weeks from two of these deals plus whatever the sweeps yield but I’m really really stretching on things to buy.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-42-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

You got a great deal. Those flex socket are nice and comes handy.

I am looking at the same $100 get $100 deal myself. I need a new washer, mine just quit working yesterday.

 

[Hexen]

Of course there are other costs, but if they weren't profitable in a basically-free building in the largest mall in the US, with 40+ million visitors per year, well...

Eddie thought he could earn more by subleasing it to some other company/ies. Instead it got ******* in court (MOA wants the lease terminated, so they can find their own new tenants at full market price, which would be several million per year), and nobody's earning any money from it now.

 

[kasander]

42 piece 3/8 and 1/4 inch Flex socket sets are at $127.99 and spend $100 get $100 in points. I was able to cash in $42 in points add a utility cutter and got it to just over $100. Gonna get 4 installments of $40 over the next few weeks from two of these deals plus whatever the sweeps yield but I’m really really stretching on things to buy.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-42-...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

Nice. I bought this set back in March. It was $123.11 during a 10% off tools + 5% off Midnight Madness sale. Then I used a $20 off $150 coupon which knocked off another 12.31. I added some more items to get my order to $150 and received $150 cashback. My total for the sockets was $110.80! My total order was $180 and I used $30 in points...

 

[giants]

Here's a deal on Craftsman Universal Socket and Ratchet set:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-19p...lerId=Sears&prdNo=19&blockNo=19&blockType=G19

and the Kobalt version:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746BF7WP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Are these brands/styles any good, eg durable?

Does anyone own either set?

What other brands/models are good?

Neither comes in 12 or 15mm sockets.

Toyota's second most common hex head is 12mm (10mm is #1). Anyone have problems with the missing 12 and 15mm? Any place to get 12 and 15mm individual sockets, or should I keep looking for a complete set?

 

[Hexen]

My gasket scraper set arrived at the store a day or two ago, and I picked it up today. Looks good, though they are made in China now. Original delivery estimate was 11/18, so they were a few days ahead of schedule. Ordered 10/28.

 

[yrly]

Here's a deal on Craftsman Universal Socket and Ratchet set:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-19p...lerId=Sears&prdNo=19&blockNo=19&blockType=G19

and the Kobalt version:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746BF7WP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Are these brands/styles any good, eg durable?

Does anyone own either set?

What other brands/models are good?

Neither comes in 12 or 15mm sockets.

Toyota's second most common hex head is 12mm (10mm is #1). Anyone have problems with the missing 12 and 15mm? Any place to get 12 and 15mm individual sockets, or should I keep looking for a complete set?

I’ve assembled the complete Craftsman set in pieces from 1/4 through 1/2 drive and the wrenches using various points deals and open stock stuff. I probably didn’t need all of them but that’s another story. These are Taiwanese of origin (unless it’s changed in the last year) and well made, fairly durable however if they get scratched up they can rust because they’re laquered or something to prevent corrosion much like the WF pliers and stuff were. If they get beaten up I’d put a bit of oil on them to keep them from rusting. The Kobalts are essentially identical.

 

[bds1984]

I have had this set for a few years now. https://www.sears.com/craftsman-115-pc-universal-mechanics-tool-set/p-00932821000P?rrec=true I definitely like the splined sockets for gripping onto damaged/rusty/painted fasteners. The only gripe I have is the ratchet just feels coarse, even compared to the other Chinese/Taiwan made models so I default to my old Western Forge models. I definitely see rust being an issue on these style of sockets as mentioned above, but to be safe I lightly misted and wiped down mine with some Fluid Film. Also, I have seen others over the years clean up and dry their sockets/wrenches to apply a few coats of lacquer to give them a nearly brand new appearance. I would probably follow suit but I cannot tolerate the smell of lacquer even with good ventilation.

Speaking of closing profitable stores, that happens seemingly regularly with Sears/Kmart. I know for a fact that a few Kmart stores around me were only closed because of their lease being up or high real estate value/potential for company owned stores despite being profitable. After speaking with a store manager, there is no plan to move forward, there is just a controlled burn that is total neglect of every store and slowly closing them until a complete liquidation has happened and then real estate grab by ESL.

 

[Dh3256]

I have had this set for a few years now. https://www.sears.com/craftsman-115-pc-universal-mechanics-tool-set/p-00932821000P?rrec=true

I have that same set, got it during the $25 special a few years back. Generally like the kit and the spline sockets, they work a lot better than a 6-pt or 12-pt socket because they apply the torque more toward the middle of the side of the head rather than at the corners.

Ratchet handle is short and not that comfortable to use, but works great with a pipe as a cheater bar to extend length to apply more torque.

 

[bds1984]

I have that same set, got it during the $25 special a few years back. Generally like the kit and the spline sockets, they work a lot better than a 6-pt or 12-pt socket because they apply the torque more toward the middle of the side of the head rather than at the corners.

Ratchet handle is short and not that comfortable to use, but works great with a pipe as a cheater bar to extend length to apply more torque.

I have done the same with the thought in mind that I'll break it and then move on. So far it has lasted but man is it ever so sloppy feeling!

 

[giants]

The only gripe I have is the ratchet just feels coarse, even compared to the other Chinese/Taiwan made models so I default to my old Western Forge models.

Thank you.

Do you mean the universal ratchet that looks like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IQZOZGG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Hexen]

Reminder that the texting coupon is coming up in 8 days.

[11/4/19:] Sears and Kmart Black Friday ads have been posted. ...

Sears https://s7.sears.com/is/content/Sea...19/BlackFriday/Sears_Black_Friday_Leak_V2.pdf

Kmart https://s7.sears.com/is/content/Sea...iday/Ad Leak/1128_KMART_CASHBACK.wo crops.pdf

... But the big deal is, from Nov 24 through Dec 1 (i.e. not yet), you will be able to "Text THANKS 73277 to receive a $10 Coupon to redeem on a qualifying purchase of $10 or more at Sears stores." ...

 

[giants]

Sears, what the heck is going on?

Yesterday, I stopped by my out-of-town Sears and saw a huge display and a bunch of these Evolve (made in Taiwan) 1/2" deep impact metric sockets for only $11.99. Item #916887.

That price beats Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh version, which will go on sale for $19.99 starting on Black Friday.

I didn't REALLY need the Evolve*, but it would be a back-up set. I made the mistake of only buying on set, gifting to family/friends or just reselling them as options. Now, I can't find this price today; this is the best I could do:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-evo...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

* Warranty requires sales receipt, so I taped it to the socket set. Lesson learned.

 

[giants]

Reminder that the texting coupon is coming up in 8 days.

Thanks.

Link to Black Friday ad, on page 3:

https://s7.sears.com/is/content/Sea...19/BlackFriday/Sears_Black_Friday_Leak_V2.pdf

For that Craftsman 230 piece socket/ratchet set on sale for $89.99, part number 99920 (Sears.com) or 70190 (Amazon), are the ratchets and sockets any good, or would I be just wasting money?

I looked everywhere; what is the country of origin of the sockets and the ratchets? The ratchets are 45 tooth and have non-raised panel, tapered handles, so I'm wondering if those are Taiwanese?

 

[Hexen]

Thanks.

Link to Black Friday ad, on page 3:

https://s7.sears.com/is/content/Sea...19/BlackFriday/Sears_Black_Friday_Leak_V2.pdf

For that Craftsman 230 piece socket/ratchet set on sale for $89.99, part number 99920 (Sears.com) or 70190 (Amazon), are the ratchets and sockets any good, or would I be just wasting money?

I looked everywhere; what is the country of origin of the sockets and the ratchets? The ratchets are 45 tooth and have non-raised panel, tapered handles, so I'm wondering if those are Taiwanese?

There appears to have been several very-similar sets under different item numbers, so I don't think it's safe to assume the one on Amazon under a different number is identical. I think that's a previous number, that may have been produced in a different factory. There was at least one other number, 95023.

The current version '99920' https://www.sears.com/craftsman-230-piece-mechanic-s-tool-set/p-00999920000P is definitely made in China.

A reviewer mentions it is improved from previous versions by now having "latches on three sides" of the plastic case. Also saw several mentions that you should lay a thin piece of cardboard on top of the sockets area before closing the case to help keep them in place.

Most seem satisfied. There were only 2 out of 167 reviewers complaining about the ratchets. And a few others who had shipping/packaging problems, wished there were different tools included than there are, or had one or two missing tools.

 

[giants]

Thanks.

It looks like the same set, with different part number on both Sears.com and Amazon.com:

"Item # 00999920000 Model # 70190"

Sears.com and the box lists the part number as 9-99920

 

[Hexen]

Thanks.

It looks like the same set, with different part number on both Sears.com and Amazon.com:

"Item # 00999920000 Model # 70190"

Sears.com and the box lists the part number as 9-99920

Ah, I overlooked that on the Sears page, usually Craftsman items have the same thing for both numbers (aside from the zeros and leading 9). Either way, it is made in China but most people seem satisfied.

 

[yrly]

Sears, what the heck is going on?

Yesterday, I stopped by my out-of-town Sears and saw a huge display and a bunch of these Evolve (made in Taiwan) 1/2" deep impact metric sockets for only $11.99. Item #916887.

That price beats Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh version, which will go on sale for $19.99 starting on Black Friday.

I didn't REALLY need the Evolve*, but it would be a back-up set. I made the mistake of only buying on set, gifting to family/friends or just reselling them as options. Now, I can't find this price today; this is the best I could do:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-evo...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

* Warranty requires sales receipt, so I taped it to the socket set. Lesson learned.

They bounce the the Evolve prices around a LOT. There is not necessarily anything wrong with them just like when they had Companion tools there was junk and good stuff. $15 or so is the fairly normal price for that set.

This set occasionally sells for $50 (though it’s $69 at the time I posted it).

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-evo...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=G5

 

[m6z]

Picked up the rest of the stuff I'd been waiting on over the weekend.

Screwdrivers, Impact screwdrivers (they are made in Japan and match up to the Vessel next to them) and the cotter pin tool.

Only picture I had handy.

 

[tcpoob]

good haul! I used the big Vessel on the left recently on the infamous Honda rotor screws - worked wonders.

 

[LNKMK8]

Apologies if this has already been posted - I went back a few pages and didn't see it.

Check your local stock - shipping is not available on some:

12" Strike Cap Pry Bar (Wilde) $5.94 (Shipping Available)
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-in-pry-bar-with-strike-cap/p-00943269000P

25" Strike Cap Pry Bar (Wilde) $7.94
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-25-in-pry-bar-with-strike-cap/p-00943383000P

31" Strike Cap Pry Bar (Wilde) $8.94
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-31-in-pry-bar-with-strike-cap/p-00943386000P

The 36" is still showing as full price. 3pc set with 12" 17" 25" is on sale at $32.95 with shipping available (not a huge discount)

 

[7avalon7]

Apologies if this has already been posted - I went back a few pages and didn't see it.

Check your local stock - shipping is not available on some:

12" Strike Cap Pry Bar (Wilde) $5.94 (Shipping Available)
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-in-pry-bar-with-strike-cap/p-00943269000P

25" Strike Cap Pry Bar (Wilde) $7.94
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-25-in-pry-bar-with-strike-cap/p-00943383000P

31" Strike Cap Pry Bar (Wilde) $8.94
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-31-in-pry-bar-with-strike-cap/p-00943386000P

The 36" is still showing as full price. 3pc set with 12" 17" 25" is on sale at $32.95 with shipping available (not a huge discount)

I have all of these except 31" version. If it is available to shipped, I might be tempted to complete my collection. These are great deals

The 36" is really great when you really need to put a lot of pressure on something.

 

[Farmall450]

Yeah it makes no difference. The most profitable Kmart in the state here closed but they left a complete junker open.

Perfect example of a store getting closed regardless of its profitability... turns out that Sears has had a sweetheart $10/year rent for its 200k+ square feet in the Mall of America ever since that mall opened in 1992, yet Sears closed that location in March 2019. Still sitting empty.

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincit...is-long-gone-but-stores-10-year-rent-you.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2018/12/28/sears-will-close-mall-of-america-store.html

There's gotta be more. It would be one thing if they quickly sold the property or something.

 

[2001ZR2]

If you want the pry bars at a good price try HJE. I went there when I found shipping wasn't available. They are local for me so I could go into the store.

Don't tell my son but I was able to put together the 3 piece set for Christmas. He's also getting the 8" as well.

Sent from my SM-G975U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[LNKMK8]

I have all of these except 31" version. If it is available to shipped, I might be tempted to complete my collection. These are great deals

The 36" is really great when you really need to put a lot of pressure on something.

Someone on a Craftsman group on Facebook said their local Sears store were able to order them in from the warehouse for those that were unavailable locally??

 

[fartymarty]

Even though I was resigned to let my air compressor order (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8123736&postcount=12751) languish unfulfilled until closer to Christmas, I got a wild hair up my rear and tried a second chat prod just to see what they said.

Gavin (23:04:26 GMT) : Thank you for choosing Sears, where moments matter. My name is Gavin. How may I help you today?
Martin C Cobb (23:05:21 GMT) : Hi Gavin, re: order #900xxxxxx salescheck# 093000xxxxxx.
Martin C Cobb (23:05:45 GMT) : Any updates on when I can expect this item to show up?
Gavin (23:06:48 GMT) : Martin, I will be glad to check the order and help you with the details.
Martin C Cobb (23:07:20 GMT) : Thanks, standing by have coffee can wait.
Gavin (23:07:41 GMT) : Sure, Sure.
Gavin (23:08:45 GMT) : This may take a minute or two to research. Thank you for your patience.
Martin C Cobb (23:09:12 GMT) : No problem, take your time.
Gavin (23:11:31 GMT) : Thank you for waiting.
Gavin (23:11:52 GMT) : Martin, I have checked and see order should be ready for pickup on 10/22/19 where its not yet done.
Gavin (23:11:56 GMT) : Am i right?
Martin C Cobb (23:12:32 GMT) : Yes last month on the 22nd. Never showed up.
Gavin (23:12:47 GMT) : Martin, Please accept my sincere apologies for the trouble caused.
Gavin (23:13:01 GMT) : Looks like item was not in stock and could not shipped for pickup.
Gavin (23:13:10 GMT) : I'm so sorry about this expected error on the order.
Gavin (23:14:14 GMT) : Is it okay to check for any similar item and place a new order where we can offer you a best deal?
Martin C Cobb (23:15:20 GMT) : No thanks, if that item is not and never will be available at that price then I prefer a full refund.
Gavin (23:16:24 GMT) : One momenr
Gavin (23:16:27 GMT) : *Moment
Gavin (23:17:31 GMT) : I have located a similar item with same features: Craftsman 20-Gallon Oil-Free Portable Air Compressor
Gavin (23:17:34 GMT) : https://www.sears.com/craftsman-20-...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Gavin (23:17:46 GMT) : Please check above item as I submit cancellation on this order.
Martin C Cobb (23:18:39 GMT) : I just checked it out, no thanks, I prefer a refund.
Gavin (23:18:49 GMT) : Sure, Martin.
Gavin (23:19:01 GMT) : I have requested our order processing team to contact the store and cancel the order.
Gavin (23:19:12 GMT) : This cancellation request will be completed within 72 hours.
Gavin (23:19:14 GMT) : You will also receive a cancellation email with the refund details once the order is cancelled.
Martin C Cobb (23:19:29 GMT) : Thanks Gavin
Gavin (23:19:57 GMT) : Martin, For the inconvenience caused, I will also honor 5% discount on your furture order for items sold and fulfilled by Sears/Kmart.
Gavin (23:20:13 GMT) : You just need to provide your Order# so that our associates can review my note and place new order for you with this offer.
Martin C Cobb (23:20:32 GMT) : OK, Thanks, bye.

I like Gavin's choice of words on the (23:13:10 GMT) line.

Of course I've spent the points I earned on that order, but it was all on stuff that was on sale and I was going to order anyway. The refund showed up fairly quickly and they as yet haven't charged me for the points used that probably should have been cancelled when I cancelled the order.

Did anybody on this site get one?

Regardless, thanks Hexen for all your help.

Silverplate: If you're reading this, I replied to your PM, but I don't see it in my PM sent history so I don't know where it went. It was a pleasure meeting you as well and I actually thought I saw you again a couple of days ago in Sears, however at my age it takes two face to face connects before my facial recognition kicks in good enough to commit to a "Hi".
If it was you, I offer this belated "Hi!". I checked out what you said about the tool section at the Parks Mall Sears, and yes, it is much better stocked and organized than the Hulen Sears tool department. The whole store seemed more alive than the Hulen store.

 

[m6z]

Spend $100 get $100 right now.

 

[m6z]

Craftsman EXTERNAL LOCK RING PLIERS $5.94

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-ext...lerId=SEARS&prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=G14

 

[Hexen]

Terrible news. My store that survived the Nov 6-7 closure announcements? It's now getting hit with a stealth closure. Beaumont, TX Sears will be closing in Feb 2020. I just drove past yesterday around 5pm and the signs weren't up then, so they must have just gone up today 11/20/19.

The only thing left for me will be a Hometown out in Liberty, way out of my way except for a couple times a year.

"End of an Era" indeed.

 

[Hexen]

Spend $100 get $100 right now.

Yeah, that's been going on for a week or two now (edit again: actually runs 11/3-12/7), we've talked about it before but a reminder doesn't hurt. It can be done daily, so you can stack up some huge cashbacks if you've got enough things worth buying OOP. The cashback comes in 4 biweekly $25 installments.

 

[upgrading]

Maybe they extended it.
Did one. Might do more BF and beyond.

Spend $100+, get $100 CASHBACK in points in 4 installments. Items Sold by Sears Offer valid in store and online 11/3–12/7/19. Get $100 CASHBACK in points when you spend $100 in store or at sears.com. First installment of $25 CASHBACK in points issued next day. Second installment of $25 CASHBACK in points issued in every 14 days. Points valid for 14 days each. Max. $100 CASHBACK in points per member per day. Items must be sold by Sears.

 

[Hexen]

Maybe they extended it.
Did one. Might do more BF and beyond.

Spend $100+, get $100 CASHBACK in points in 4 installments. Items Sold by Sears Offer valid in store and online 11/3–12/7/19. Get $100 CASHBACK in points when you spend $100 in store or at sears.com. First installment of $25 CASHBACK in points issued next day. Second installment of $25 CASHBACK in points issued in every 14 days. Points valid for 14 days each. Max. $100 CASHBACK in points per member per day. Items must be sold by Sears.

I'm not sure now, they keep changing dates around and/or having different dates in different places, the dates I added were from an SD post this afternoon since I didn't feel like searching back through this thread. (Update: Another person on SD confirms that even though the person who that stuff came from is a paid staff member, they managed to get the dates completely wrong, it hasn't changed from 11/3-12/7.)



I went to take a quick look around my now-closing store this evening. They have already dropped all the normal sales in-store - although they won't be in actual liquidation mode until after Black Friday weekend (so that they can still participate in the BF sales ad), they're trying to make it *look* like liquidation but they're calling it a "closeout" sale and not selling fixtures/supplies yet. Until they switch to actual liquidation, they are at full price minus 10% for all tools in-store, but are still willing to match the Sears website price, and are also still in the online ordering system. The auto center is also closing.

 

[tabs]

FWIW...i had a few points expiring tonight and needed to make an order, so i asked chat if they could provide free shipping (like theyve been doing since the blowout sale) and they didnt even give me any pushback--none of that, 'pay full shipping and we'll refund the amount' bs like they used to do. as with everything sears, a huge YMMV

ended up with the cotter pin tool 2.94, 5" ignition plier 3.94, 12" pry bar w/cap 5.94, 1" gasket scraper 3.94, free shipping, minus my points, $10.** OOP

edit: looks like theyre even splitting it into 2 shipments. there goes any profit. oh sears...you so silly sometimes

 

[Hexen]

FWIW...i had a few points expiring tonight and needed to make an order, so i asked chat if they could provide free shipping (like theyve been doing since the blowout sale) and they didnt even give me any pushback--none of that, 'pay full shipping and we'll refund the amount' bs like they used to do. as with everything sears, a huge YMMV

ended up with the cotter pin tool 2.94, 5" ignition plier 3.94, 12" pry bar w/cap 5.94, 1" gasket scraper 3.94, free shipping, minus my points, $10.** OOP

edit: looks like theyre even splitting it into 2 shipments. there goes any profit. oh sears...you so silly sometimes

Nice!


The Craftsman ornaments that were on sale for $6.99 a week or two ago have now dropped to $5.99. Got a price adjustment on the two I had ordered online.

 

[7avalon7]

"End of an Era" indeed.

My end of the era story:
About a month ago, bought a rod, reel and some tackle accessories box package deal for my kid. Item was sold by Kmart. The rod arrived, no reel or no box.

Ask PS, they going to ship the reel and box. Got another rod and reel yesterday, still no box So they screw up two shipment back to back. I decided I am just going to let this go. I just can not deal with this anymore.

 

[Hexen]

My end of the era story:
About a month ago, bought a rod, reel and some tackle accessories box package deal for my kid. Item was sold by Kmart. The rod arrived, no reel or no box.

Ask PS, they going to ship the reel and box. Got another rod and reel yesterday, still no box So they screw up two shipment back to back. I decided I am just going to let this go. I just can not deal with this anymore.

"End of an Error", there. Sad. Maybe you can sell the extra rod for enough to make up for the missing tackle box.

 

[Hexen]

Even though I was resigned to let my air compressor order (https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8123736&postcount=12751) languish unfulfilled until closer to Christmas, I got a wild hair up my rear and tried a second chat prod just to see what they said.
...
Of course I've spent the points I earned on that order, but it was all on stuff that was on sale and I was going to order anyway. The refund showed up fairly quickly and they as yet haven't charged me for the points used that probably should have been cancelled when I cancelled the order.

Did anybody on this site get one?

Regardless, thanks Hexen for all your help.
...

Glad you got your refund promptly. The points might end up putting your account into the red (negative points balance). If it does, you can either try to earn your way out of the hole, or cut your losses and take it as a sign it's time to move on from Sears. Let us know how the points situation turns out, haven't heard from anyone with negative points in a while.

 

[timoboy]

Glad you got your refund promptly. The points might end up putting your account into the red (negative points balance). If it does, you can either try to earn your way out of the hole, or cut your losses and take it as a sign it's time to move on from Sears. [emoji20] Let us know how the points situation turns out, haven't heard from anyone with negative points in a while.

Last time something like that happened I called and eventually got someone to neutral out my account because it was Sears’ fault (item showed up missing parts and I had to return it) I think it helped I had status in SYW. Probably not worth it at this point.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[7avalon7]

"End of an Error", there. Sad. Maybe you can sell the extra rod for enough to make up for the missing tackle box.

"End of an Error" hahaha

So a little back story here, this is supposed to be a Christmas gift for the kid. Yes we probably are ahead if one looking from total value that we received. The fishing rod is probably the most valuable out of the three items, but kinda hard trying to explain to a little kid, so... Kmart messed up our order... so the good news is you got 2 fishing rods, 1 reel and no tackle box.

Kinda a hassle that I now have to go and find a tackle box separately... sigh...

 

[Hexen]

Turns out I was wrong about the 4-page Sears Black Friday ad that came out a couple weeks ago alongside an 8-page Kmart BF ad... they do actually have 8 pages in the final Sears ad too. They couldn't manage to turn those extra 4 pages out without some typos, though. Still only 1 page of tools, it only adds more appliances and clothes. https://www.bfads.net/stores/sears/ads/black-friday

 

[Hexen]

And now I'm catching up going through the recent employee layoff discussions.

The HQ (Hoffman Estates) layoffs that I'd mentioned in the past couple weeks were apparently slicing most remaining departments in half, plus getting rid of ALL of the "Online Item Build" specialists and managers... these were the people who actually get new products added to the Sears/Kmart websites! It sounds like they're not planning on having much to add from now on, just a downward spiral of out-of-stocks.

Here's what their job description was:

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/item-build-specialist-at-sears-741384549/

Item Build Specialist
Company Name: Sears
Company Location: Hoffman Estates, Illinois

The Specialist, Item Build is responsible for all activities regarding product-to-site, including troubleshooting and maintaining ownership of online content for a specific category of merchandise that is offered for sale on both Sears.com and Kmart.com.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoots/works reporting to identify item set-up issues:
o Missing samples
o Items that are on hand in the warehouse but are not online
o Top selling store items that are not online
o Data integrity issues
o Ensures item allocation indicators are correct

• Works in partnership with the following:
o Various offshore teams
o Photo studio
o Inventory/Fulfillment teams
o Buying team
o Engineering support team
o Sample team
o Vendors

• Use of various internal systems (i.e., iProbe, WAMI, IMA, SPIN)
• Attends required Item Build Specialist meetings.
• Performs special projects as determined by Manager
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Some College
• 0 to 2 years related professional experience
• Excellent computer skills with the Microsoft suite of products (Excel, Word Power Point)
• Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand and apply logic to complex systems and applications
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong organizational skills and detail driven

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-jarosch/

Ecommerce Manager, Online Item Build
Location: Hoffman Estates
Successfully manages and develops a team of 12 direct reports responsible for getting product to site.
• Recruit, hire, train, motivate and collaborate with my team to achieve success
• Manage the flow of product development to site across 10 verticals
• Coordinates IT and Engineering projects with internal and external vendors to implement systems that streamline processes
• Synchronizes the development of and enforces the compliance of image and copy guidelines
• Manages the working relationship with Sears Holdings India in regards to Online item builds, including compliance to image and copy guidelines.
• Resolves item build issues that prevent items from getting Online even when the scope of the resolution is outside of my immediate team
• Develops strong working relationships and partnership across all levels of the organization from Buying team to Leadership as well as External Vendor relationships to drive accurate and timely product development

It sounds like they had some people in India who previously only dealt with part of the process and needed to have their work checked/corrected by the US people. I'm guessing if they receive any new products from now on, the India people will have to handle the whole process unsupervised. And India "could barely build items correctly, much less investigate and fix online issues.", so that's sure to go well.

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/120FpmHW
https://www.thelayoff.com/t/120w6ErN


There were only about 700 total HQ employees remaining after the last round of layoffs in April. Apparently they are now down to about 450. The peak was 5000.

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/121ovwre


SF apparel office reportedly lost 80% of its employees this month. "the only people left is just the clean up crew forced to get things in order before the fiscal year ends."

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/120dCyBu


"Most of the buyers were let go so there will be no more new product in the stores. They were allowed to buy a little bit of spring merchandise and then everything was shut down for buying. Means they are not planning on having any stores left by the summer."

https://www.thelayoff.com/t/128y4Kfp