launderess
Well-known member
Like rats from a sinking ship:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money...sears-to-spin-off-lands-end-business/3888811/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money...sears-to-spin-off-lands-end-business/3888811/
Sears Spins Off Land's End
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danemodsandy
Well-known member
Sears -
The only stores in the world that make Macy's look high-end.
The only stores in the world that make Macy's look high-end.
The end is near
For both Sears and JC Penney. Within 5 years we'll either see a merger between the two or Ch 11. Look for more store closings.
And the article is right, the stores do look like hell indeed. Just when both need foot traffic, they are not making the necessary investments to lure customers which results in fewer sales and reduced cash flow. Out of stocks are legion and I wonder if vendors are expecting payment upfront prior to shipment.
For both Sears and JC Penney. Within 5 years we'll either see a merger between the two or Ch 11. Look for more store closings.
And the article is right, the stores do look like hell indeed. Just when both need foot traffic, they are not making the necessary investments to lure customers which results in fewer sales and reduced cash flow. Out of stocks are legion and I wonder if vendors are expecting payment upfront prior to shipment.
launderess
Well-known member
Five Years?
J.C. Penny's has about one or two the most if that. Sears will die a long slow and painful death long as that hedge fund vulture as at the helm. Bits and pieces will be sold off as oft the same old story so investors can get their taste, what is left of the carcass will go into bankruptcy.
J.C. Penny's has about one or two the most if that. Sears will die a long slow and painful death long as that hedge fund vulture as at the helm. Bits and pieces will be sold off as oft the same old story so investors can get their taste, what is left of the carcass will go into bankruptcy.
launderess
Well-known member
Shame Really
Lands' End the only reason one has kept our Sears credit card open. Other than that there is not much else one wants or needs from Sears.
Lands' End the only reason one has kept our Sears credit card open. Other than that there is not much else one wants or needs from Sears.
Such a shame too
I can remember the "big 3" catalogs we used to get. Pennys, Sears, and Wards. I grew up in JC Penny Plain Pocket jeans and all our appliances I remember as a child were JC Penny. Dad had a hard on for Sears. Said back then everything we bought from them was junk. So we became Pennys shoppers. I do remember we had 3 B&W 19 inch portable TV replaced from sears in less than 2 years because the transformer kept blowing out.
One can hope lands end will land (no pun intended) someplace solid and go back to offering what made it successful in the first place. Ever since sears bought them, the quality has gone down and the price up.
I can remember the "big 3" catalogs we used to get. Pennys, Sears, and Wards. I grew up in JC Penny Plain Pocket jeans and all our appliances I remember as a child were JC Penny. Dad had a hard on for Sears. Said back then everything we bought from them was junk. So we became Pennys shoppers. I do remember we had 3 B&W 19 inch portable TV replaced from sears in less than 2 years because the transformer kept blowing out.
One can hope lands end will land (no pun intended) someplace solid and go back to offering what made it successful in the first place. Ever since sears bought them, the quality has gone down and the price up.
I rarely go to Sears anymore, Penny's more, and Macy's Never. My local Sears is outdated looking though it was redone 4 or 5 years ago. Penny's just got the major makeover and it's very attractive, marble and bright lighting it actually makes me want to shop there. Macys, what can I say -bane of retail shopping. they absorbed so many unique and interesting regional retailers and turned them into cookie cutter mush.
I'm going to miss Sears when they're gone. I have many fond memories of shopping there with my parents when I was a kid. The December trip to the Soto Street Sears here in L.A. was a long standing tradition for my family, and a sure sign to us kids that Christmas was just around the corner.
I drove by that store a little while ago when I had the DG906 dryer parts galvanized. It's a massive art deco structure built in 1927 to pull double duty as a retail store and a distribution center. Not having much to distribute anymore the distribution center's been vacant for years. The retail store is still hanging on, though it's enormous parking lot was nearly empty when I passed by.
I drove by that store a little while ago when I had the DG906 dryer parts galvanized. It's a massive art deco structure built in 1927 to pull double duty as a retail store and a distribution center. Not having much to distribute anymore the distribution center's been vacant for years. The retail store is still hanging on, though it's enormous parking lot was nearly empty when I passed by.
arbilab
Well-known member
I hate to see institutions fail (Sears, Wards, Pennys, Westinghouse, Maytag, Whirlpool.... ) but no sympathy, they all did it to themselves with airheaded new-age management.
whirlcool
Well-known member
Ever since sears bought them, the quality has gone down and the price up.
This happens a lot when stores get bought out by others. I remember Foley's in Houston for example, used to sell Armani & Austin Reed suits. When they were bought out by the May Co. the best they carried was Botany 500 suits which by then had almost become a bargain basement brand. They raised the prices for the cheaper goods. People stopped shopping there and then Macy's stepped in and the rest is history.
Even last week there were reports of Sears stores not being fully stocked. They may very well be on a cash only basis with some suppliers.
Penny's here in Houston seems to be coming back a bit. We were in there last week and the store seemed to be pretty crowded. Almost everyone had a coupon of some kind.
We have never been big Sears buyers anyway. The only thing I have ever bought there was Craftsman tools, and lately I have been buying those at our local ACE hardware. The closest two Sears stores have closed down. Sears never really was a huge player in the Houston market anyway.
Now as a kid I DO remember shopping with my parents at the original Sears Homan Ave headquarters store in Chicago. It was a huge store in a huge building west of the loop. But after the move to the Sears tower the whole Sears complex was torn down.
This happens a lot when stores get bought out by others. I remember Foley's in Houston for example, used to sell Armani & Austin Reed suits. When they were bought out by the May Co. the best they carried was Botany 500 suits which by then had almost become a bargain basement brand. They raised the prices for the cheaper goods. People stopped shopping there and then Macy's stepped in and the rest is history.
Even last week there were reports of Sears stores not being fully stocked. They may very well be on a cash only basis with some suppliers.
Penny's here in Houston seems to be coming back a bit. We were in there last week and the store seemed to be pretty crowded. Almost everyone had a coupon of some kind.
We have never been big Sears buyers anyway. The only thing I have ever bought there was Craftsman tools, and lately I have been buying those at our local ACE hardware. The closest two Sears stores have closed down. Sears never really was a huge player in the Houston market anyway.
Now as a kid I DO remember shopping with my parents at the original Sears Homan Ave headquarters store in Chicago. It was a huge store in a huge building west of the loop. But after the move to the Sears tower the whole Sears complex was torn down.
Sears keeps re-inventing, re-inventing, and RE-re-inventing itself!
And the newer, more tries it attempts, the shorter-lasting the results...
Land's End..., The Great Indoors..., --More failed signs, that soon this soon-to-be-extinct, dinosaur retailer is gonna croak...!
-- Dave
And the newer, more tries it attempts, the shorter-lasting the results...
Land's End..., The Great Indoors..., --More failed signs, that soon this soon-to-be-extinct, dinosaur retailer is gonna croak...!
-- Dave
cehalstead
Well-known member
spelling
PennEy's.
PennEy's.
I shopped Penney's almost exclusively
For my everyday work clothes and even suites.
But only when they ran sales. Then that guy from apple took over. He got rid of sales people to help fit you with a suit. They still sold suits, but then you had to go elsewhere to have them fitted. So no more for me.
Now I can't even find the type of clothes I like there. So I've been using sears for my everyday clothing needs.
sigh.
For my everyday work clothes and even suites.
But only when they ran sales. Then that guy from apple took over. He got rid of sales people to help fit you with a suit. They still sold suits, but then you had to go elsewhere to have them fitted. So no more for me.
Now I can't even find the type of clothes I like there. So I've been using sears for my everyday clothing needs.
sigh.
jerrod6
Well-known member
I remember when Lands End joined Sears because I thought it was a bad move. I am glad they have separated. There is no Sears near by so I haven't shopped in one in about 13 years--even then It wasn't all that good.
ptcruiser51
Well-known member
Fit & Quality
I ordered from Land's End catalogue for years because they had the size I needed, plus the option of hemmed or cuffed pants. Plus a long "rise" option which I need. Shirts could have nice touches like monogramming on pockets or cuffs. As soon as Sears took over, all those options vanished immediately. End of story.
The only thing the Sears store here in Boynton Beach offers that I appreciate is a "watch shop". I collect novelty watches (57 at last count) that are usually battery-operated. I can drop a bunch off for replacements and stop by later on and they're all ready, set to the correct time, and cleaned. Done. And at a reasonable price. The shop also sells seldom-seen-anymore items like cigarette lighters (!!!), ID bracelets, attractive key fobs and money clips at a good price.
I'll miss this when they're gone.
I ordered from Land's End catalogue for years because they had the size I needed, plus the option of hemmed or cuffed pants. Plus a long "rise" option which I need. Shirts could have nice touches like monogramming on pockets or cuffs. As soon as Sears took over, all those options vanished immediately. End of story.
The only thing the Sears store here in Boynton Beach offers that I appreciate is a "watch shop". I collect novelty watches (57 at last count) that are usually battery-operated. I can drop a bunch off for replacements and stop by later on and they're all ready, set to the correct time, and cleaned. Done. And at a reasonable price. The shop also sells seldom-seen-anymore items like cigarette lighters (!!!), ID bracelets, attractive key fobs and money clips at a good price.
I'll miss this when they're gone.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Land's End Quality
I also am a former Land's End customer. Quality used to be quite high, particularly for the price point.
The last time I ordered a pinpoint oxford shirt, the amount of polyester in the blend was so high I might as well have been wearing Saran Wrap, for all the breathability it had.
And when I say "the last time," I mean the LAST TIME. Good dress shirts are hard to come by nowadays; it seems to me that anyone making a point of offering good ones could make a killing.
I also am a former Land's End customer. Quality used to be quite high, particularly for the price point.
The last time I ordered a pinpoint oxford shirt, the amount of polyester in the blend was so high I might as well have been wearing Saran Wrap, for all the breathability it had.
And when I say "the last time," I mean the LAST TIME. Good dress shirts are hard to come by nowadays; it seems to me that anyone making a point of offering good ones could make a killing.
There aren't any retailers that are what they once were.
With today's market of dog eat dog....cut costs where you can....improve and increase your gross margin...price it higher...make it cheaper...the list goes on.
Oh, and don't forget the modern tech advances that we've all come to know and love....now you don't have to leave the comfort of your warm home to purchase anything your heart could possibly desire.....you just jump on this infernal contraption ...and a few key strokes later.....BOOM ....IT'S ON ITS WAY.
In the end...it's no ones fault but our own...what's happened has happened....we succumbed to this retail mess and now we have no one to blame but ourselves for suffering through it.
With today's market of dog eat dog....cut costs where you can....improve and increase your gross margin...price it higher...make it cheaper...the list goes on.
Oh, and don't forget the modern tech advances that we've all come to know and love....now you don't have to leave the comfort of your warm home to purchase anything your heart could possibly desire.....you just jump on this infernal contraption ...and a few key strokes later.....BOOM ....IT'S ON ITS WAY.
In the end...it's no ones fault but our own...what's happened has happened....we succumbed to this retail mess and now we have no one to blame but ourselves for suffering through it.
launderess
Well-known member
Quite honestly have found the quality of Lands' End items quite good. Indeed would feel comfortable in saying not that far off from LL Bean. However will have my eyes open to see what this spin off does, if things start slipping will drop them like a hot pot.
JCPenney
stores around here seem to do very well. The ones I go in are usually quite busy.
As for Sears, they must make money in some other way than selling things in their stores.
stores around here seem to do very well. The ones I go in are usually quite busy.
As for Sears, they must make money in some other way than selling things in their stores.
Wonder if Lands End should have stuck with boating equipment and suplies.Last time I was at Pennys-it was a joke-little "shops" in the store trying to sell various things-esp amusing was a "Kitchen" supply shop selling a British brand of small appliances-all colorful plastic with colorful prices-for the plastic colorful mixer--you could buy a BETTER Kitchen Aid machine at Wal Mart -and at a LOWER price.Think Penneys should have stuck with the brans we all know.The only times I go to Penneys was to get clothes.Now I may have to go somewhere else.Sears,Penneys,only invite their own deaths because of their inept,sloppy,incompetent management.Places are sure hiring BOZO managers these days-and they wonder why the stores go out of business.
I haven't been in a Penney's for years, but they now have Conran and interesting designer stuff, so if I'm near one I will peek in.
Macy's really did a number on their former Marshall Field's properties, which had really gone down under Dayton-Hudson Target Corporation. Part of it is the stores, I mean generally, not just Macy's, are the same everywhere even regionally as well as lacking in actual variety. The brits do retail better from all I hear.
Macy's really did a number on their former Marshall Field's properties, which had really gone down under Dayton-Hudson Target Corporation. Part of it is the stores, I mean generally, not just Macy's, are the same everywhere even regionally as well as lacking in actual variety. The brits do retail better from all I hear.
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
I have defended Sear's in the past
And have had a very good experience when buying appliances.
With that said, and as I stated to Sear's on Tuesday. After being stranded by a one-year-old Sear's Die-Easy battery, Having to wait Three hours while they inspect my car to make sure it wasn't the reason the battery failed and charging me $21.42 for the privileged of sitting in their dilapidated, cold dirty waiting room . Then having the guts to tell me "I should have warranted that battery in the first place, we have had a lot of trouble out of the 65 series batteries:. The next time I set foot in a Sear's store is for the Liquidation sale ordered by the Federal Bankruptcy Court.
Extremely piss poor customer service. The CEO has no idea of retail, he's a hedge fund manager, not a retailer. Sear's is too far gone to save now. It's time for them to receive a decent burial. Sign the DNR, Remove life support, let it go.
So spinning off their savable entities may be their only hope. Maybe they can learn from the Sear's mistakes.
1. Increase not decrease customer service in times of crisis and poor economy.
2. Put money into the stores instead of the stocks.
3. Make your prices competitive, instead of looking at profit margin on every item. Wal-Mart has lots of Loss leaders. How much do you spend on Thursdays when you go in for 18 cent bananas?
4. Give your customers a reason to come back instead of a reason not to. Make easy returns, honor the warranty without question or hassle. See #1, don't make your customers run all over the store looking for someone to help them. Remember the customer is always right, and even when they aren't they are the reason you have a job.
So long Sear's, you had a good run.
[this post was last edited: 12/13/2013-18:17]
And have had a very good experience when buying appliances.
With that said, and as I stated to Sear's on Tuesday. After being stranded by a one-year-old Sear's Die-Easy battery, Having to wait Three hours while they inspect my car to make sure it wasn't the reason the battery failed and charging me $21.42 for the privileged of sitting in their dilapidated, cold dirty waiting room . Then having the guts to tell me "I should have warranted that battery in the first place, we have had a lot of trouble out of the 65 series batteries:. The next time I set foot in a Sear's store is for the Liquidation sale ordered by the Federal Bankruptcy Court.
Extremely piss poor customer service. The CEO has no idea of retail, he's a hedge fund manager, not a retailer. Sear's is too far gone to save now. It's time for them to receive a decent burial. Sign the DNR, Remove life support, let it go.
So spinning off their savable entities may be their only hope. Maybe they can learn from the Sear's mistakes.
1. Increase not decrease customer service in times of crisis and poor economy.
2. Put money into the stores instead of the stocks.
3. Make your prices competitive, instead of looking at profit margin on every item. Wal-Mart has lots of Loss leaders. How much do you spend on Thursdays when you go in for 18 cent bananas?
4. Give your customers a reason to come back instead of a reason not to. Make easy returns, honor the warranty without question or hassle. See #1, don't make your customers run all over the store looking for someone to help them. Remember the customer is always right, and even when they aren't they are the reason you have a job.
So long Sear's, you had a good run.
[this post was last edited: 12/13/2013-18:17]
Things don't look too bright for the Canadian side of Sears either. They've already sold off their downtown Vancouver store and iirc the large Marlborough store in Calgary.. Both are going to be Nordstroms I think. Now they're closing the flagship of flagship stores in downtown Toronto as well as their Sherway Gardens in Toronto and the Masonville Mall store in London Ontario.. I may have missed a few others. There was also something about closing some more of their repair/warehouse centers.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/sears-canada-to-close-flagship-toronto-store-4-others-1.2286483
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/sears-canada-to-close-flagship-toronto-store-4-others-1.2286483
whirlcool
Well-known member
There may be something going on with Nordstrom's/Sears. The Sears at The Woodlands mall has been replaced by a Nordstroms too. They not only took over the Sears space, but also tore the old Sears building(mid 90's)down and built their own store. Maybe Sears has agreed to sell some of their prime locations to Nordstrom's?
As far as car batteries go, there are only about three manufacturers of batteries here in the U.S. And these three make all the brands available. The Sears Die Hard is also sold as different names at places like Auto Zone, PEP boys, etc.
As far as car batteries go, there are only about three manufacturers of batteries here in the U.S. And these three make all the brands available. The Sears Die Hard is also sold as different names at places like Auto Zone, PEP boys, etc.
Sears (in their liquidation mode) is gradually selling off their AA-class properties to the mall developers which have a hole in their lineup in the individual malls. The hole in the lineup is generally Nordstrom, although some are creating more in-line space for small stores. The mall developers see the benefit in ushering Sears off their property in order to provide higher-level shopping experiences with Nordstrom or more in-line stores. The jewel in the crown was Ala Moana Center in Honolulu---Sears got something like $120million essentially to go away.
Lots of things have changed and the internet is probably the real driver in the loss of brick & mortar stores. I have noticed this year TV news spots that promoted safety while shopping have vanished. Things like NOT taking bags to your car and then returning to the store, common sense. I really think retail shopping is over. Why bother when you can order online get the correct sizes and colors? Everything arrives on your steps, via free shipping and you can do something enjoyable with your weekend.
alr
alr
twintubdexter
Well-known member
love to shake things up...
Poor Sears, everytime they're mentioned on here they get raked over the coals, barbaqued and shish kabobed. They get crucified if they recall an appliance that they've sold 500,000 of or if some ditzy customer gets his or her flipflop caught in one of their 22,000 escalators.
Dumping Land's End is about as important as Kellogg's discontinuing these...
Poor Sears, everytime they're mentioned on here they get raked over the coals, barbaqued and shish kabobed. They get crucified if they recall an appliance that they've sold 500,000 of or if some ditzy customer gets his or her flipflop caught in one of their 22,000 escalators.
Dumping Land's End is about as important as Kellogg's discontinuing these...
whirlcool
Well-known member
I also think that there is a switch over to Internet shopping going on. We did all of our Christmas shopping online this year.
A lot of stores have become nothing more than Internet showrooms. People who want to buy something go to the store to look at it in person; then go home and order it online usually at a better price than they found in the stores. I know Best Buy has this problem really bad.
A lot of stores have become nothing more than Internet showrooms. People who want to buy something go to the store to look at it in person; then go home and order it online usually at a better price than they found in the stores. I know Best Buy has this problem really bad.
All of the old major stores are bad compared to what they were in their heyday. It's not just Sears. It's completely unfair to expect any store to operate how they did in the 1950's-1970's.
I spent most of a day shopping for sheets and a comforter. I went to a couple Macy's, one JCPenneys, one Dillard's and a Bed, Bath and Beyond. I couldn't find a matching set I liked in the major department stores. It seemed I was picking through the leftovers of the black Friday sales. If they're not going to be well-stocked, why be open? I purposely avoided Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Their stores, some of their staff, and many of their customers are depressing and rude. I guess with all of the on-line sales, there's not customers to fill the old majors.
Honestly, when Wal-Mart completely takes over, I am staying home and ordering on-line. Our closest Wal-Mart resembles a huge trailer park.
I spent most of a day shopping for sheets and a comforter. I went to a couple Macy's, one JCPenneys, one Dillard's and a Bed, Bath and Beyond. I couldn't find a matching set I liked in the major department stores. It seemed I was picking through the leftovers of the black Friday sales. If they're not going to be well-stocked, why be open? I purposely avoided Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Their stores, some of their staff, and many of their customers are depressing and rude. I guess with all of the on-line sales, there's not customers to fill the old majors.
Honestly, when Wal-Mart completely takes over, I am staying home and ordering on-line. Our closest Wal-Mart resembles a huge trailer park.
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