Had Sears stayed with their original set up, I think they would have survived the competitive actions and left K Mart deteriorate on its own. I've had numerous disagreements with others because they think Sears bought KMart. All they remember is that KMart had already filed chapter 11. Not being able to pay for dairy products in their inventory. Once out of the red,they bought Sears. Bad move on Sears part and they're paying a high.price for KMs fuck up. I haven't been near a KM in decades. Ever since they ruined the reputation it took FRIGIDAIRE decades to earn. Once they made them more like a "budget or builders line", they began their spiral downfall. Prior to that, Frigidaire was an exclusive brand carried only by authorized dealerships who sold AND serviced their appliances. Unfortunately,they're gone as well.