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MIA

Idea_tail_up posted on May 12, 2009 at 09:59AM to Social Responsibility

Made in America, a new product line or perhaps, as long as we're imagining, Craftsman, Kenmore and Diehard. What I believe Sears needs is a national marketing theme for American made products. Sure, sell the imports but at whatever the expense, offer an exclusive product line that represents American capital, handiwork and design.  And a no-frills, non-profit Sears card at 10%.


Latest comment: October 12, 2010 at 01:26PM by face4radio • Total: 31 comments • leave a comment
posted on May 12, 2009 at 11:25AM
 

I don't know what you mean by "non-profit Sears card." A credit card is, by definition, for profit. If you mean no penalties for late/missed payments, there is no bank that would ever do that, because it removes any incentive for the customer to pay back the bill. However, I do agree that Made In USA needs to be marketed more heavily. There are lots of customers who look for that label, and we should be taking advantage of it.


posted on May 12, 2009 at 11:43PM
 

Non-profit as in a credit union. Credit Unions pay no tax because the profit is distributed to the depositors, the "shareholders". HMO's are tax exempt non-profit organizations too. Not that the employees don't get paid well in the process.


posted on May 14, 2009 at 06:01PM
 

I like the made in America idea I thought Jcpenney was doing it with the American brand but if you look they are made anywhere but America


posted on May 17, 2009 at 09:40PM
 

Made in America brand (or tagging) is a great idea, especially in this economy. Given equal quality, I'd favor a product I knew had supported an American worker, over buying a Chinese, Vietnamese, or Indian product, even if it cost a little more.


posted on May 19, 2009 at 03:44PM
 

I agree a "MADE IN AMERICA" brand would make a HUGE impact on the American Patriot consumer. A lot of people look for products that are truly American made. I understand the "global economy" the theory that all countries are linked via spending, but American made products have dominated the market as the best quality and value it is time to bring it back!


posted on May 23, 2009 at 04:35PM
 

Terrific idea that our family will support. Handyman Hubby prefers Craftsman tools and owns many. I prefer Sears Best Kenmore appliances and have a sewing machine, mixer, freezer, washer & dryer, much more to prove it.


posted on June 06, 2009 at 08:57AM
 

Yes, yes, yes, I agree that American made products should be given top priority . The problem is, it's going to be difficult to find any product that is 100% American made. Be aware also that a product can claim to be American made if it is made in Mexico or any country in "Central America" or "South America". Check carefully for the country of origin. Look for items made in U.S.A. Bring manufacturing back to U.S.


posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:22AM
 

Craftsman Tools "NEED" to be made in the United States! I have bought Craftsman Tools for a very long time and still continue to get "HAND" tools from the Craftsman line, only because I like the return broken for a new one! Now when it comes to anything with a motor? I go somewhere else. 'Example' a power tool 15 or more years old will probably keep going for some time yet, but if it has a motor and built in the past 15 years it has probably been replaced due to the cheap material the tools are built with, this includes drills, sanders, woodworking tools and just about anything with a motor.


posted on June 24, 2009 at 06:44PM
 

I've been searching for Made In America companies and came across a pressure washer/generator manufacturer, the engines are all suzuki's and kawasaki's <sigh>


posted on July 25, 2009 at 06:18PM
 

Who makes Kenmore? The first three numbers on the appliance "nameplate" before the period, will tell you. 103 Roper, 106 Whirlpool, 110 whirlpool, 119 Athens-Royal Chef, 144 Trane, 174 Caloric, 401 Samsung, 274 RCA, 233 Broan, 292 Lennox, 336 Electrolux, 183 Haier, 335 Amana, 342 York, 416 Carrier, 417 Kelvinator, 629 Jenn Air, 630 Bosch, 666 KitchenAid, 719 Tappan, 721 Goldstar, 795 LG, 934 Hitachi, 464 GE, 562 Toshiba, 564 Sanyo, 568 Panasonic, 575 Sharp. I could go on, but you probably guessed it, Kenmore doesn't even make Kenmore.


posted on September 20, 2009 at 06:19AM
 

I agree this should be promoted more....great Brett Favre commercial too!


posted on September 22, 2009 at 05:03PM
 

America needs to MAKE better quality to SELL better quality. Toyota and Honda prove that its not so much where its made, its how long it lasts that builds consumer confidence.


posted on September 27, 2009 at 04:11PM
In response to SawDust's comment from Jun 24, 2009 at 8:22AM:
 

There are no power tools made in America period! Sears does not actually make them. It you want to pay to build the factory, and pay the extra money for the Union workers go ahead. Craftsman is for the most part MADE IN USA!


posted on October 23, 2009 at 09:44PM
 

Love the "Made in America " concept. First you have to find a quality, affordable tool line that could survive in the wake of competition here in America. Sears credit card...nice if it were lower interest rate and more accessible to people.


posted on November 06, 2009 at 10:46AM
 

ABSOLUTELY ! I'm insulted, disappointed, furious, depressed seeing "Made in China" on everything now, from clothes to tools. I know "Made in America" will cost more: However, I am willing to pay more; employ OUR people; and buy something durable that can be repaired. Currently I check every available item stores looking for the one that was "Made in America, Europe, Canada, or Mexico before I will buy it. Otherwise I will do without, borrow from a friend, shop the Trade Shop, and e-bay for used items. I'm findignant that: 1. I can't get appliances now that last more than 8-12 years; 2. I can't find knowledgeable, competent repair people; 3. I get a quote for a repair that costs almost as much as "buying a new one" AND that these repair people tell me to buy a new one. Unconsionable, short-sighted Companies have exported their manufacturing over-seas to third world countries for more profit in their pockets and more trash in our land-fills. The result of their bad decisions 10-20 years ago are: 1. the current collapse of our whole economic system; 2. loss of our place in the world as a leader/ world power, massive unemployment, and loss of any control over planetary declines (air pollution, global warming, over-fishing, animal diversity and extinctions, and the demand on irreplacable systems...water and gasoline). Those "emerging" countries have no environmental laws, or oversight and are ignorant of sanitation, what constitutes a toxic chemical, and engineering principals. You think $4.00 a gallon was bad? The Americans sold the Chinese Hummers! Almightly greed strikes again. What exactly do you think our gas cost will be when all the millions of these weathhy people begin driving ? Nuf said. I bet you wil not post my comments anyway.


posted on November 06, 2009 at 11:02AM
 

Indeed madgolfer, a 10% interest Sears credit card is reasonable and fair. It would go a long way toward getting, and keeping business, and more importantly, getting and keeping good will. The Sears credit card rates now are close to 30% ...if that is not a disincentive, I don't know what is. It's punitive and insulting and I will not use the Sears card to buy any more than I can pay off before having to pay interest. But, I'm luckier than some. Many people can not afford to operate without a credit card balance. I believe that this unconscionable practice of (30% interest) ..."kicking a person when they are down" should have us all up in arms. Brenda


posted on December 02, 2009 at 12:56PM
 

i partly gree with you. maybe with the emergence of MADE IN AMERICA brand, it would make a vast impact on the American Patriot consumer. definitley, it will enhance our confidence when the admirable, premium products are on sale at the market. however, sometimes it is a bit difficult to define whether it is made in America or ~~~. after all, sometimes, a product manufactured is not the contribution by one. but no matter how, with so many products emerging in the market, with the table like made in china, made in korea, a new product line Made in America will brighten our eyes defintiely, making us being more pround.


posted on December 24, 2009 at 01:40AM
 

Made in America is Social Responsibility


posted on December 29, 2009 at 07:09AM
 

A M.I.A. campaign is great idea and would hook all my business back again for sure. Quality, made in America, and a price that is great value ( value doesn't mean the cheapest ever!) would help drive Sears back to # 1. I will not shop at a Wal Mart, unless it's just an emergency and I'm traveling and out of water. Target, to some degree the same but w/o the hatred of the store and business philosophy. I just hope they listen with these suggestions and that it isn't too late for Sears to return to the greatest department store once again. I wouldn't want to see another icon (Sears/Roebuck) go like Mont. Wards did with poor decisions and management. Alan1


posted on January 03, 2010 at 02:40PM
 

I have to agree 100%. This is missing from to many retail establishments in America today. I will seek out and purchase as many Made In America products as I can. I am sick and tired of supporting foreign countries economies while our own struggles. I also agree that shopping at Wal-mart only perpetuates this problem. How often do we as a country buy the "cheapest" as opposed to the best for our fellow Americans. I have seen too many businesses close due to foreign imports flooding the market. Wasn't the lead in toys scare enough for us to demand the quality of products made in America? What about the dog food et al.? It's time for us, as Americans, to support America!


posted on January 04, 2010 at 08:26AM
 

Here are two sites that, I think, you can refer to for socially responsible products. Keep american's working and use american made products. http://www.madeinusa.com/ http://www.unionlabel.com/


posted on January 20, 2010 at 05:18PM
 

This is an excellent idea. Often, I want to buy only American made products and can't find any in stores or the selection is very poor. My head spins with all the ideas of what can be done differently and then the pros vs. cons on each idea. Maybe the simplest answer is the best one. Start small. Take one item (as an above post suggested) for example Craftsman tools. A simple ad campaign telling consumers that Sears supports our Country by employing and using only American resources. In turn, Sears asks for 'our' help in supporting their company. Most people don't mind paying a little extra for a better quality product that should be built to withstand time. On a related note (as pointed out in an earlier post), Kenmore needs to make it's own products. It should be illegal for a company to buy something cheap and then slap their label on it only to charge more for 'their' product. It is very misleading to the consumer.


posted on February 06, 2010 at 09:01PM
 

Amen.. I try to shop at Sears so I can purchase more things MIA. The problem is, I had a very bad experience at Sears with the store manager and they almost lost me.


posted on February 12, 2010 at 06:14PM
 

Yes!!!!!


posted on February 19, 2010 at 06:11PM
 

Made in America is a great idea. It takes forever looking through things to see if they were made in America. Maybe this would help our economy, got Americans back to work. I never was much for out-sourcing to other countires.


posted on April 13, 2010 at 12:28AM
 

I don't think American Apparel would be out-of-place as a vendor in Sears. The demand is here for American-made clothing. This would boost both companies.


posted on June 19, 2010 at 06:59PM
In response to face4radio's comment from Apr 13, 2010 at 12:28AM:
 

Noooo. American Apparel generates too much negative press because of their ridiculous advertising campaigns.


posted on June 19, 2010 at 07:00PM
 

And always remember! Don't buy the grey tractor; always go for red!


posted on July 04, 2010 at 04:39PM
 

I agree with the comment that Sears should market their store with "Made in America, Put an American to work" theme.


posted on July 09, 2010 at 07:27PM
 

That will never fly! Too much is made else where. 10% on a Sears Card HA!!! I've had a Platinum Sears card for over ten years, never been late. Before the new credit card rules went into effect they jacked my rates up to 25% on unpaid balance. Saving grace is I pay it off every month if I even use it. They have never had enough employees at our store and the people they do have know about half as much as I do.


posted on October 12, 2010 at 01:26PM
In response to Stock6846's comment from Jun 19, 2010 at 6:59PM:
 

One man's "ridiculous" is another man's "forward-thinking." And we all know Sears can stand to think forward. More and more customers are looking to support American industry through their purchases. As an MCA, I helped a man search the Home Appliances section for 20 minutes for an American-made toaster; he had to settle for Canada.




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