Sears Hometown files for Bankruptcy Protection. Only 100 stores left with about 19 full Sears stores in operation. Kenmore is also sold by Lowes and Costco. This has been the longest drawn out closure. Our Sacramento area once had 5 Sears stores. Now there are two within about 60 miles, California still has 4 Sears one of the largest concentrations. When my local one closed I went over to look around and mourn. My last Kenmore appliance, a dishwasher died recently.
Is this the end for Kenmore?
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With the nostalgia of Sears (and the services they provided) so far in the past, I'd wonder if Kenmore has enough brand equity left to be spun off again...
panasonicvac
Well-known member
I think Sears and Kmart are done for, but someone else could keep the Kenmore brand going for many more years to come. They sold off the Craftsman brand and I'm betting they're gonna do the same for Kenmore now.
Without Whirlpool producing the Kenmore major appliance line anymore, the brand's reputation for quality and reliability, along with Sears backing their products and providing fast repair service, is long gone. Now Kenmore = Korean, which is no match for Whirlpool, and parts & service availability is abominable.
Uninformed buyers of a certain age may still assume that Kenmore is a smart buy, but that demographic is shrinking with each passing day. I don't think Kenmore will disappear, but it will never again reach the level of popularity it enjoyed for many decades, particularly without a strong merchandiser like the Sears of old standing behind it.
Uninformed buyers of a certain age may still assume that Kenmore is a smart buy, but that demographic is shrinking with each passing day. I don't think Kenmore will disappear, but it will never again reach the level of popularity it enjoyed for many decades, particularly without a strong merchandiser like the Sears of old standing behind it.
Costco has gotten big enough to be able to leverage the Kenmore brand (akin to Kirkland)...I spent an hour leisurely walking through Costco yesterday getting tires installed (props to them--made an appointment for 4 pm, showed up at about 4:15, and was on my way out the door at 5:35).
They have displays for LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE and KitchenAid (samples to order, NFS) , they had a single Samsung dryer grab-and-go, and had Midea small refrigeration (freezer/refrigerator/wine cooler grab-and-go).
Would not seem beyond the wit of mankind to hire a couple of product managers/category managers and Kenmore-ize their offering (perhaps just at the store).
I'm a tad unclear whether they do any of their own warehousing of major appliances (except for the grab-and-go stuff) or are just consigning them.
They have displays for LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE and KitchenAid (samples to order, NFS) , they had a single Samsung dryer grab-and-go, and had Midea small refrigeration (freezer/refrigerator/wine cooler grab-and-go).
Would not seem beyond the wit of mankind to hire a couple of product managers/category managers and Kenmore-ize their offering (perhaps just at the store).
I'm a tad unclear whether they do any of their own warehousing of major appliances (except for the grab-and-go stuff) or are just consigning them.
panasonicvac
Well-known member
Actually their vacuum cleaners haven't changed much, in fact they've made some improvements ever since Panasonic left the market and sold everything off to Cleva.
Kenmore-Whirlpool
Ralph, you are mistaken about no more Kenmore appliances being manufactured by Whirlpool. For example, most of the dryers listed on the Kenmore website are the 29" Whirlpool made models.
In addition to being sold by Sears, they also list list Lowes and Costco online, and and Howard's, an independent dealer in the Los Angeles area.
www.kenmore.com
Ralph, you are mistaken about no more Kenmore appliances being manufactured by Whirlpool. For example, most of the dryers listed on the Kenmore website are the 29" Whirlpool made models.
In addition to being sold by Sears, they also list list Lowes and Costco online, and and Howard's, an independent dealer in the Los Angeles area.
Electric Dryers | Kenmore
Kenmore electric dryers take the guesswork out of drying laundry. Spend more time enjoying your day and less time in the laundry room with our electric dryers.
Tom, I knew somebody was going to call me out on that blanket statement! Still, I think the uncertainty around who makes what with regard to the Kenmore brand alone -- parts/service/warranty issues notwithstanding -- is enough to diminish its market share potential compared to what it used to be.
Ralph, even 50+ years ago, some Kenmore appliances were made by companies other than Whirlpool and Roper (both partially owned by Sears), especially ranges. In the mid to late 60's and after, several range models - especially 40" - were Kelvinator. A friend bought a Kenmore range in the 90's that was made by GE. I agree that it doesn't have the market share it once had, when Sears stores were in nearly every city of any size, plus the catalog. I would also say the name probably is more marketable in the rural Midwest than in metropolitan San Francisco, or other such cities..
bradfordwhite
Well-known member
The Sears Hometown store next to another favorite merchant was open last month. Two days ago when I pulled in to park in front of the store I noticed only a few displays left in the back of the otherwise empty space.
I wonder who is managing the online aspect of Sears / Kmart?
My guess is someone owns the site(s) but is farming out webspace for affiliate marketers. Be that good or bad. Similar to how Walmart is doing it. I mean anyone (with some experience) can sell stuff under the Walmart name, taking full advantage of their coverage.
I wonder who is managing the online aspect of Sears / Kmart?
My guess is someone owns the site(s) but is farming out webspace for affiliate marketers. Be that good or bad. Similar to how Walmart is doing it. I mean anyone (with some experience) can sell stuff under the Walmart name, taking full advantage of their coverage.
Well I can't get Tappan, Kelvinator, Gibson, Caloric, O'Keefe & Merritt, so all things there also come to an end...
-- Dave
-- Dave
Dave, Kelvinator is still around as a brand for commercial freezers and refrigerators. I keep looking at one of the freezers when I go to Wasserstrom (restaurant supply), but haven't bought one yet. I think I want the 14 cu. ft. model, which has wheels.
Kenmore could possibly become a licensed "brand" name in much the same way as we see plastic junk being sold on tv under the once illustrious brand names like "Bell & Howell" etc.
panasonicvac
Well-known member
Kenmore has a eBay account that appears to be run by Cleva who makes vacuums for Kenmore.
www.ebay.com
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fan-of-fans
Well-known member
Didn’t read through the whole thread yet, but I don’t think so.
I’ve seen their vacuums sold in pretty much all the major retailers websites.
A few weeks ago I saw a Kenmore freezer for sale at Lowes, think they sell a French door fridge too.
I’ve seen their vacuums sold in pretty much all the major retailers websites.
A few weeks ago I saw a Kenmore freezer for sale at Lowes, think they sell a French door fridge too.
