What does this mean for Craftsman?

[gda659]

To see what Sears would look like downsized to appliances, tools (weak selection), hardware, and lawn and garden at uncompetitive prices, just go to Orchard Supply and Hardware (OSH). Kenmore and Crapsman are available there.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I hope more Sears hardware stores open. We had one by me that was always packed and did a great business. It closed as a result of the k-mart merger since there was a k mart practically across the street. They moved all of the contents of the hardware store to Kmart and after a few years the crafstman tool department dwindled to a couple of shelves and no you are lucky if you can find a set of wrenches and a screwdriver.

Chris

 

[38Chevy454]

To see what Sears would look like downsized to appliances, tools (weak selection), hardware, and lawn and garden at uncompetitive prices, just go to Orchard Supply and Hardware (OSH). Kenmore and Crapsman are available there.

OSH is owned by Sears now. Been that way for a few years now. OSH still beats the **** out of Home Depot or Lowes for general hardware stuff.

I wish there was OSH here in NM, although I have a pretty decent Ace Hrdware not too far from my house - 6 miles but I live out on the country.

 

[GMCAMARO]

I've been saying that Kmart ruined Sears, just like inthe article. Kmart should have just died quietly, but no, they felt the need to drag Sears down with them.

Don't kidd your self, the CEO of Sears Holdings wanted KMART. He has ego problems.

 

[Bigpigdave]

Don't kidd your self, the CEO of Sears Holdings wanted KMART. He has ego problems.

Sears did not buy Kmart, Kmart emerged from bankruptcy and purchased Sears and it's assets. It than changed it's name to Sears Holdings. These "genius" prognosticators have been predicting the demise of Sears since at least 2009 and maybe longer. Sears Holdings has huge assets and that should allow them to keep Sears as an active Co. I wouldn't bet on their closing this year.
JMHO, Dave

 

[Soggy_Bottom]

The path D’Ambrosio is likely to take is to consolidate two brand into one–keeping the better performing Kmart and shuttering Sears.

Hmm. Merging the brands.. K-Ears? Sears-Mart? S-Mart?

 

[Soggy_Bottom]

Sears did not buy Kmart, Kmart emerged from bankruptcy and purchased Sears and it's assets. It than changed it's name to Sears Holdings. These "genius" prognosticators have been predicting the demise of Sears since at least 2009 and maybe longer. Sears Holdings has huge assets and that should allow them to keep Sears as an active Co. I wouldn't bet on their closing this year.
JMHO, Dave

Yeah, that pretty much tells you what they consider to be the more potent asset. They changed their name from Kmart holding company to Sears Holdings Company. If any brand goes, it will be Kmart, Sears is an American Icon. They just need to get to a point where they can open more stores, reconfigure their store layouts etc. They have to compete with Walmart and Target, sort of. Their quality is way above Wal-Mart, so they have to appeal to the customers that buy cheap disposable **** while still appealing to customers that want good quality for a good price. I think it's doable, they need to roll with those Sears Grand stores. Sears Grands are like Walmart Supercenters, they have groceries and everything. That gives people a reason to show up at the store, get some groceries, have the car worked on, buy some tools.. Another thing they need to do, and something I hear women complain about is to bring back the "Softer side of Sears" campaign, get the women in there to buy clothes etc.

 

[billspit]

Don't kidd your self, the CEO of Sears Holdings wanted KMART. He has ego problems.

\
Bigger company means bigger bonus, even if the company is going down the tubes.

 

[Boost Creep]

As far as Sears or even Craftsman opening a tool only store, it will never happen.

never say never... http://toolguyd.com/2010/08/first-craftsman-experience-store-opens-in-chicago/

 

[6768rogues]

I used to be a regular Sears customer. I bought a pair of pants and after a few washings one leg was 3 inches shorter than the other. I took them back and Sears would not call it a defect and replace them. I have not walked into one of their stores since. Used to be "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back" but that fell by the wayside as did many of their customers.
My parents shopped often at Sears and bought most of their appliances there. I have noticed at household auctions for deceased homeowners that Sears is a common name on many items. Maybe their customer base is aging out.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Sears did not buy Kmart, Kmart emerged from bankruptcy and purchased Sears and it's assets. It than changed it's name to Sears Holdings. These "genius" prognosticators have been predicting the demise of Sears since at least 2009 and maybe longer. Sears Holdings has huge assets and that should allow them to keep Sears as an active Co. I wouldn't bet on their closing this year.
JMHO, Dave

I agree with your opinion and thanks for posting that Sears was bought by Kmart not vice versa, as I hadn't got back to the thread.

I have felt that the Craftsman brand has suffered since Kmart bought Sears, more stuff from China just to make a quick buck. I think that has hurt and cut deep into the Craftsman name brand.

As far as Kmart doing better than Sears, I'd bet that is more of a numbers game. Figures can lie as liars can figure. If you buy off the Sears website, somethings are sold from outside vendors, not Kmart, Sears or Lands End. I'd venture to say all that is credited on the books to Kmart and not Sears.

 

[dlenkewich]

Screw Craftsman.

A&W is delicious.

 

[jvitez]

K-mart is keeping up, they got rid of the cafeteria's!

One of my fond memories from childhood was the rare treat of going out for dinner to a K-Mart "Skillet" restaurant. I would have a juicy, tasty, freshly cooked hamburger and a smooth, creamy strawberry milkshake, make in one of the old style metal milkshake machines. Yummy!

I guess that shows I'm getting old......

US Sears is far better than Canadian Sears. Our Sears tool selection is a few pieces of overpriced Chinese items. Their appliances are OK, but the clothing is junk, and they're in inconvenient malls far away. I'm surprised they're still in business here.

 

[mpire]

My father worked for Sears for 35 years.

Its been a big part of my life.

I know more about Sears that any employee, and I can work the register faster than they can.

After essentially growing up in a Sears store, its rather depressing seeing the stores today.

They are in a rapid downward spiral. The executives have raided the company more than once.

I give it 5 years, max.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Sears is still a big player in the outdoor power equipment business. Craftsman holds a decent bit of market share in mid-priced riding lawn tractors. Of course, what they sell are rebranded products (MTD for the low end, Husqvarna for the rest). I'm sure they would keep that going, but the other major players are eroding that too more and more each year.