What’s happened to Sears says a lot about what’s been going on in America over the last 40 or so years, and it really makes me sad.
With all the people I’ve known, getting a Sears credit card was a part of becoming an adult. Making only those purchases you can afford to pay off at the end of the month, being an adult meant I was responsible enough NOT to buy something I wanted if I couldn’t afford it right now. I remember my first purchase at Sears, a starter Craftsman tool kit, and a small tool box.
Later, I furnished my first house at Sears. Washer, dryer, refrigerator, and microwave, all Kenmore, financed through Sears, and when I sold the house 23 years later, all of the appliances I bought at Sears were still running, and went with the house.
Their clothing was decent quality, and lasted a very long time. Craftsman tools were what you bought because you couldn’t afford Snap-On, but the quality was every bit as good. I used to get my auto serviced at Sears, anything I couldn’t do myself. I bought tires there, and I never needed more than one DieHard battery - I’d buy one when the battery in my car failed, and I never bought more than one for any car I owned, and I don’t believe I’ve ever owned a car for less than 10 years.
The company was terrific, and I was a loyal customer.
I recently went to a Sears, more out of curiosity than anything else. I noticed that the quality of tools had dropped markedly. The last time I had bought tools at Sears was right after buying my Ducati motorcycle, and I needed the metric wrenches and sockets, as well as T-handle Allen wrenches. That was in 1997, and they were still quite well made. Not so much any more.
Mark
That’s pretty much my experience. The last time I was in Sears many years ago I was hounded by three different employees to buy an extended service agreement.
Told the last one, “I don’t need to hear the pitch” and he acted put out. Last time.
Snow thrower has been great!
You said a mouthfull. Was in Sears a little after Christmas and picked up a bunch of tools at slashed prices. The store shelves were basically empty. They’re definitely going under.