I would hate to see Sears close down.
RE: I would hate to see Sears close down.
The Sears Tower, America’s tallest building, is no longer called the Sears Tower. In March 2009, London-based insurance broker Willis Group Holdings agreed to lease a portion of the building, and obtained the building’s naming rights.On July 16, 2009, the building was officially renamed the Willis Tower.
When we were remodeling and shopping for household stuff, we were amazed at how places like Lowe’s, Home Depot and others were packed, while Sears had sales people standing around just waiting to serve you... not a good sign.
It's K-Mart all the way now, baby.
One side of my family were all Sears people back in the 30's through the late 80's. The company was based on Homan Ave. in Chicago. Employees were like one huge family. There was pride and esprit d'corps. It afforded great jobs with economic security for employees and their families.
My uncle was treasurer/comptroller of Sears, both national and international. Other uncles were buyers...experienced smart merchandisers, all of them.
When the slick, New York-type money-suits took over Sears years ago and the true merchandisers were relegated to playing second-fiddle, the end of Sears was nigh.
Over the decades, I've always had Sears appliances, too many to count. I still do. However, never again. Just try to deal with Sears' national phone number for customer service and speedy assistance.
You get sing-songy "service reps" stationed god knows where....India, Egypt, Upper Slobovia, Outer Mongolia, Ruritania.....
They know squat, and if you ask for a supervisor or an American for a special problem, you're put on hold with a smile where you sit listening to music till you realize no one ain't ever comin' back on the line.
The repair guys are still good....they know their onions.....but if they come to your house, just ask them what THEY think of Sear's "service" today. They hear the complaints. They know what's coming down the line for them, and they're too old to go elsewhere. You feel awful for them.
You can shoot a cannon through most Sears stores today....and not hit anyone. In our mall, the folks walk THROUGH the end-anchoring Sears just to get to the other stores.
The company long ago got rid of fine gifts, cosmetics, costume jewelry and other departments we used to love to shop. Shoes and other departments are sub-rented out. The clothing lines are unstylish, dull crap. The only departments that seem to be doing okay are work clothes, tools, riding mowers, some appliances and garden/camping stuff.
What a pity. Sears was an American institution. With money-men and overly-educated nincompoops currently still in charge, it isn't going to survive....and the only apropos application of the word "institution" in regard to good old Sears is where the arrogant jerks that ruined a fine company over the decades ought to be confined.
Leni