Fall 2006 was when all three went and started implementing the college designed marketing plans, and all of them by the end of 2007 lost at least a third of their value. 2007 was also the last year that Sears issued their very stripped down wish book. (the big books stopped being published in the US in 2005.)
I keep getting this strange feeling that colleges will be our downfall.
Some of the best businessmen and thinkers I have ever known were not college grads.
I worry about myself because I am (though frankly, I never thought much of it...except for the math).
I like the management style that pushes the decision making down to the lowest person in contact with the problem...down to the front lines.
Of course, with the decision making power comes the responsibility for success.
Eff it up and you get the axe.
Get it right and your authority grows.