Go to the nearest cash stand and have that Department's associate paged. We all have to multi-task now. But, Customers always come first. One of us, will come a run'n to help you. :)

Thanks! Susan

Thanks for submitting your idea! It looks like plenty of people also have an opinion about staffing in the stores!

of course someone would have to be there to be paged and ive seen it happen where there was no one to cover a couple of departments

This is what I experienced there was no one around anywhere?

yea i dont think anyone's made the connection that cutting hours = losing sales

I have also had problems at the Troy, MI Sears. Not only with no employees, but with uninformed employees - especially in the electronics department. We bought a TV elsewhere because the saleswoman didn't know anything about TVs.

Yup. Bless those Sewing Machine and Vacuum Associates for keeping an eye out on the section of our territory, that we don't have enough bodies to continuously monitor.

yeah,i was just trying to buy a pair of shoes,was looking for a sales person to see if they had my size,nobody never showed up...and there was not that many customers in the store...must have been lunch time...lol

well if you guys would stop calling in to work then maybe our customers wouldnt be fussing...I have also seen that at our store lol and had to cover my dept and others because for some reason people just dont like to come to work. Then customer blames sears for not getting waited on. oh that happens daily at our store well it did happen daily before june 1st now the law of attendance is being forced with no exceptions...lol. so the same ones that never come to work leaving us in bind well lets hope they take this attendance policy and believe it after all they only have 12 shifts to miss and then they dont have to worry about even coming at all...

well I dont know about that store but I also work in sears shoe dept and we get a truck 2 days a week and it that day could of been their truck day. Truck days are the worst days of the week..for shoes because we have procedures we have to follow and the the procedure for stock is all of the stock has to be put up in its location either on the store shelves or in its home in the stockroom in 24 hours and if that shoe dept clerk was doing truck then most likely they were the stockroom opening boxes stocking the shelves taging new shoes putting display stickers on the boxes and so forth and then again if they were the only one scheduled that time then they could been at lunch, sometimes it is hard to work the processes they require us to do and provide good customer service to our customers believe me the shoe dept is a never ending job.l dont get bored thats fersure.,.Usually if im doing the labor work of the shoe dept and the customers dont see me then they get the cashier to page me to shoes and usually im already there stocking cleaning and they just over looked me. Please go back to that store and try again Im not taking up for the person because I really dont know if my theory is even correct im just giving examples of what goes in my store. oh and if they dont have your size in stock tell the clerk to assist you with store to web its free shipping and you get the shoe in 3-4 business day. if your not happy with the shoe then return it to the store for a refund. shipping is like 8.00 bucks if you order it from home., but at the store its free and is shipped to your home..And policy says the shoe clerk is suppose to offer that service to all of the customers if we dont have the shoe they need, And not all of us do that but I do i enjoy helping people, and I hate truck days

oh your better not be implying me personally when you make those kinda comments because i don't want to hear it, Ive done more in the name of customer service in half a shift then most of you will in your whole careers

Wow, this idea is getting a lot of traction in the community. I think there are a few other ideas that are related to having more associates in the stores to help customers.

Unfortunately that would involve paying someone. That may interfere with the store managers bonus.

What about sears' pocket book? They can not or will not spend on extra people like that in our doom and gloom economy.

It is obvious that Sears has cut employee/staff to save money and did so quite some time ago. I gave up trying to get anyone to help me at sears long ago. Basically, as a result i only go there when I already know what i want becuase I know I am not going to get anyone to help me at the store. When you can find an employee - you will find them standing at a cash register. That is all they do anymore - run the cash register and try to sell you sears charge cards.

In these tough times it is easy to get down on our jobs....but remember the customer is the reason you have a job....times now everyone is a bit more selfish ....my parents always taught me it you work for a living do it to the best of your ability ...it makes everyone happier.

Had another good experience at sears will be back....

I always go to the Lands End department and I always have had help. There are usually two or three sales people located at the Lands End counter at the Sears in Cincinnati Tri-County Mall.

Overworked, underpaid, understaffed, ungrateful managers and demand of the public gee it sound like retail.

Sears should consider developing a mobile application so that customers can use their phone to scan the bar code of products they are interested in, and then their phone will give them information about the product (Sears' price, manufacturer's information, product reviews, Walmart's price, online price, etc.) To vote on this idea, kindly go to the following link: http://www.mysears.com/ideas/Mobile-Application-for-Customers

Good response goodole312 !! Sears is the BEST. My hubby worked for Sears for 35 years/shipping~receiving, knew the merchandise ~ We wouldn't have it any other way. Great merchandise, great customer service; much better than any other.

Yeni in the Sears Photo Department was very helpful and took excellent family pictures. I went to the West Covina Fashion Plaza.

I bought a craftsman lawnmover at sears and have used it for over 10 years. no problems yet. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.optionsoutlet.com/hosting/Hostgator_webhosting_coupon.html

We need a heating and A/C unit and ductwork in our home to replace using a woodstove and fireplace and baseboard heaters in our home since my husband may not be here this winter. I can keep the fires going, but not chopping and hauling all the wood in. I have inheritance money and set aside quite a bit just for this work to heat our home. I scheduled a date and time for someone from Sears to come give us an estimate for a Carrier or Kenmore heat pump, etc., and then they changed the time, which we altered to. Then they called and completely cancelled. My Grandmother, Olive Walden worked for Sears for many, many years. I grew up believing in Sears. We have purchased all of our major appliances from Sears. I'm flabbergasted. I do understand the current economics, but I don't understand committments being made, altered and then being evaporated. THIS is how you lose customers. You've just lost me. And trust me, word of mouth can make or break. And I really hate to break a long-standing Co like Sears. This really ... I'm really sorry Sears is falling apart like t**** Damn!

I have been shopping for a new TV, and being so many brands, I was not sure which I should chose. They are so very complicated, I felt I needed to have them explained fully. I had read an article in our local paper about the salespeople in the electronic department in our Thornton, CO store. So I went to see if they could help me. I was welcomed by Jessica. I told her I needed some good information about a TV. She was super, she showed me all the brands they carry and the things I wanted to know. I had inquired about putting one in lay-away,and she said, that the lay-away program did not include electronics. She asked me if I would like to apply for a sears card. I really did not think I would get one, but I did get one. I ended up with a beautiful Samsung 40" TV, a surround sound system, and a stand. This is what I wanted, for our 54th anniversary, and Jessica was so helpful, and knowledgeable. I will go back, and I will do my Christmas shopping.

Happy 54th anniversary! It is so good to see a happy customer. I am an employee and I work very hard at our Sears. I know we have happy customers and it is great hearing from you today. I'm glad you were able to get the Sears card too, we use the 0% financing option when we buy an item like a mattress or large appliance and we pay it off over 6 months or a year . This is a great way to get the things you need and pay it off over time. Enjoy your new TV!

You need more salespeople at more registers.

Generally it is difficult to locate salespeople. Today I came in as the store opened and there was a cashier on hand. I really try to shop at your store as much as possible.

I echo that comment, I realize the competition dictates the self service concept, however, when I can not locate an sales associate I walk out.

Thank you everyone for your insightful comments here! We're actively talking about this idea and will give you an update shortly.

Your quality of salespeople's knowledgable of the product has deminished. No one is trained on the products they are representing on the floor. We as customers are responcible for education on product before buying at store. I see more sales on line in the future due to this. Why be inconvenienced by insufficient compancy in person. Allentown, Pa 18052

INCREASE TRAINING WITH CASHIERS REFERENCE TO MANUFACTOR COUPONS. AND NO HOW TO REBURSE CUSTOMER WHEN PRICE OF ITEM NEEDS TO BE ENTERED INTO REGISTER.

INCREASE TRAINING WITH CASHIERS REGARDING MANUFACTOR COUPONS.

I live in Spring Valley, CA and there is a Sear's Essential practically next door. This is where I shop. Unfortunately I have not had a poor experience with the customer service at my local store. Yes there are fewer employees covering more departments, but when I am there I am always acknowledged by those employees whom I pass and they always ask if I require assistance. If they are not the one working the department they always get someone to help me. The cashiers are always fast & friendly - In fact on my most recent visit the cashier that assisted me with a large tool purchase 3 months ago inquired as to how my husband was enjoying the gift I had bought. She not only remembered me-but my purchase. This made me feel very important!!

I shopped at sears yesterday there were next to no customer service personnal to help out at all. The store was very hot and no cashiers to ring, people were leaving the store because they did not want to wait in line. I like sears but please hire more people...

we have owned a lot of sears lawn mowers over the 34 years we have been married they are tough lawn mowers easy to start and good speed love the exercise you get with a self propelled mower

The Sears store in Chicago on irving Pk is one of the oldest and best Sears stroes in Chicago. However i recall when Sears had more sales people to assist on the floor in some of the smaller deparments like shoes. I always enjoyed the personalized attention the sales people gave the customers. Now however it's all self serve. I know a lot of stores had turned to this to increase profits. But to me shoes take a personal touch....I miss that at Sears. I think they should bring back the personalized service back to the shoe depatment. Sears was one of the few large stores other then Macy's to offer this. It also gave Sears a touch of class...I miss that.

I just wish they'd do the simple free things. Like stop what they are doing and say, "Can I help you find anything?" and "thank you we appreciate you giving us your business."

was in the store today was going to by a frezzer no one help us so we left. Need more sales people.

Our store is very clean and friendly.

i agree, the only departments where you get bombarded with assistance is the ones where the associates make commissions, ex; large appli, lawn and garden, & electronics....cant someone just try to help that aren't out for extra $ in their pockets?

I shop @ a Sears in a town where the mall and other stores are leaving because of coal ash spilling into a nearby river. The sales personnel are wonderful, the prises are great (on sale). there are plenty of stores in a nearby town (9 miles away), but i prefer to shop @ a loca store, and ALWAYS have a good experience.

I am not pleased with you closing my local service dept. in Middletown, N.Y. 10940. I called your 800 number regarding servicing my snowblower and lawnmower.and was advised if you came to me it would cost $96.00 for you to come out however if I go to your service center in New Jersey it would only cost me the amount of repairs done. Why should I have to go out of state to service your products? This is a joke. Shape up or I will go elsewhere.

We were looking for a vacuum and almost walked away when a salesman stopped us and asked if we needed help. He got a new item from the back and demonstrated it. He knew everything about vacuums but didn't own one himself!! We loved it. We were also shopping for a few other items like sheets and an iron but that department didn't have anyone around so we never bought from that department. Our vacuum guy offered to help but we said it could wait.

I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AT SEARS,.

I shopped at the Sears in Lincoln, NE and they have 2 wonderful employees who went above and beyond the call of duty. The names of these 2 are Vanessa and Ashley B. Thank you for all of your great help.

to me sears is a good place to shop. i like they stuffs there ,they so helpful ,respectable ..i always found my desire , i really like sears

I shopped @ Sears on Friends and Family night 11/15 2009, in Watertown, NY. I bought a new gas Stove. The Clerk that waited on me was Steve he was supper and very nice, he made sure I got the lowest price for my stove. I aways buy my appliances@ Sears and have done busness with them for 51 years. I was 19 when I had my first charge account with them (that was before plastic was around). I will turn to them because I always get good service with them even when I need something repaired. Jean D

I shop at the Sears in Rockaway Mall , Rockaway NJ. Our Salesman Leo is terrific. He works in the Electronics department. Also there is a guy named Tim who is a master at just getting things done. I think is a go to guy for the sales associaties. The Manager Bob was extremely pleasant and helpful. This really is a Team Store. The Sales reps all respect each other and talk and share the customer base. It is just a joy to shop in the electronics dept at Sears Rockaway Mall NJ.. Posted by Bill Kolbe wkolbe@aol.com We bought the Samsung 40" LED. This is by far the hottest TV going.. The LED technology leaves Plasma and LCD in the dust big time. As much as I like Peyton Manning (Sony's talking head) I wish he was "hawking" for Samsung. Just goes to show that a football star can't sell inferior quality. Not that Sony puts out inferior products but Samsung is leading the pack with LED technology. It is truly worth the price. For those in business you know you don't apologize for your pricing when the value is there.

I went to the Gvle, SC Sears at 6:30am on Black Friday and was impressed by the number of sales clerks available to assist in the electronics dept. In spite of the huge crowd and long lines, the clerks were very courteous and helpful.

I would shop more with Sears if you provided a few benches/chairs for those of us with lung problems. I find I have changed my shopping to stores I did not normally use because of the ability to rest and the availability of motor shopping carts.

Sears is my favorite store to shop at. It is walking distance of my home. Salespeople are very nice and helpful.

I shop at the downstown Sears store in Salt Lake City, Utah

the same happened to me in aurora mall..not enought employees to help with the correct information in the electonics dept.; but during week days there's a girl very handy for this

staff were great my visit. They were all friendly and helpful!

My husband and I always check out the Orangburg SC store...he is a craftman member and while he does his toy shopping I search else where in the store.... EVERY TIME SO FAR THE GUYS AND GALS ARE VERY HELPFUL AND CINSIDERATE,they all almost know us when we walk in now....they are always friendly ..and I love to see a smile when we walk in...I have been to other stores where they are in a circle discussing their schedule or what not.... Thankyou all for making our holiday day shopping fun!! go Orangburg....store.we don't know anyone..we live a little over an hr to Orangburg /Savannah ga/and chasSC and we preferr Orangburg..the ladys in jeweral could learn a lesson however in staying off the cell phone...I walked off because of this and went back over to tools.MERRY CHRISTMAS

My husband and I always check out the Orangburg SC store...he is a craftman member and while he does his toy shopping I search else where in the store.... EVERY TIME SO FAR THE GUYS AND GALS ARE VERY HELPFUL AND CINSIDERATE,they all almost know us when we walk in now....they are always friendly ..and I love to see a smile when we walk in...I have been to other stores where they are in a circle discussing their schedule or what not.... Thankyou all for making our holiday day shopping fun!! go Orangburg....store.we don't know anyone..we live a little over an hr to Orangburg /Savannah ga/and chasSC and we preferr Orangburg..the ladys in jeweral could learn a lesson however in staying off the cell phone...I walked off because of this and went back over to tools.MERRY CHRISTMAS

i like shopping at sears from judy mcguire

i like shopping at sears from judy mcguire

On my last visit to Sears, I was trying to save a little time so I went on line first and looked up the items I was thinking of buying, I made my list and went to the store, of all the items I had selected only 2 were in stock, which is understandable being Christmas time obviosly they ran out, I bought the 5-pc. oversized trays, I dragged the very heavy box to the register but there was nobody there, I left it there to go look for a shopping cart when I came back as I was approaching the register the phone started to ring and the man at the register answered the phone, all I wanted was for him to help me load the box in the cart...but i waited around 10 min. and decided to drag the box and push the cart to the next closest register... I know is Christmas season and is crazy everywhere but i thought that was rude. also at the home department, I was looking for a radio for the shower, when I couldn't find it I was trying to find somebody to help me, I didn't so I went to the register to ask where could I find this item, his answer was "I don't know, the associate in charge just stepped out and she'll be back in 1-hr, if you want to wait for her?"....then I asked, is she the only person that can help me, and he reply Yeah- don't take me wrong I still love Sears..

I agree. I hate wandering around looking for a sales person. Also, I wish that there were someone to put stuff together for me. I am not gifted in putting things together - and I wanted to buy one of those tall mechanics chairs $59, but they were all in flat boxes. I asked if I could buy the display floor model (even though it was kind of shopworn), The young man got his supervisor, and the supervisor said NO.

I agree. I hate wandering around looking for a sales person. Also, I wish that there were someone to put stuff together for me. I am not gifted in putting things together - and I wanted to buy one of those tall mechanics chairs $59, but they were all in flat boxes. I asked if I could buy the display floor model (even though it was kind of shopworn), The young man got his supervisor, and the supervisor said NO.

I was at Kmart store 9819 in Las Vegas Nevada 10/2009 and was late for work while desperately searching for a pair of pants i could not find my size in. An Associate by the name of Joerlyn came over to assist me and went out of her way to go to the back of the store to find my correct size. She did this without my asking which i found to be very thoughtful. I found my shopping experience that day to be pleasant though i was in such a hurry. Thanks to associates like Joerlyn i will continue to doing my shopping at Kmart thanks Joerlyn!!!!!!!!!!!!!

how do i compliment an employee so they can get recognized?

I agree! There's never an associate available and the cashiers call for someone and then you wait and wait and wait for one. That is my experience in Miamisburg/Centerville, Ohio, every time I need help there.

I agree! There's never an associate available and the cashiers call for someone and then you wait and wait and wait for one. That is my experience in Miamisburg/Centerville, Ohio, every time I need help there.

I've had pretty good luck lately, especially during the holidays (don't know if this is due to the low level of shoppers, or beef up on employees); with that said, there seem to be a ton of sales lost due to efficient check out processes; I've seen people leave while waiting, comments made it's not worth my time, and just an all around negative perception due to the inefficiencies of the purchase and checkout processes; especially if it requires pickups...just my opinion from the Statesville and Hickory, NC areas from me...

I have to say, I never shopped at Sears until I worked here. But,,,When I visit other Sears stores I have noticed how all stores have there own setup. Very important showing that there are enough worker to help me with my purchase. I don't like just wondering around. Other times I do. So when I'm ready for help, I want someone right there to help me.

I have to say, I never shopped at Sears until I worked here. But,,,When I visit other Sears stores I have noticed how all stores have there own setup. Very important showing that there are enough worker to help me with my purchase. I don't like just wondering around. Other times I do. So when I'm ready for help, I want someone right there to help me.

I agree with so much of what I'm reading along the lines of the in store experience. People go shopping and spend money as a form of entertainment and we should create a pleasurable/ positive experience for all our customers. The personal touch and interaction with an informed associate is so important. There are great products at Sears throughout the house and the in store experience/ execution is a vast opportunity for the organization.

I am glad that all of you are standing up! As an employee (and former Home Improvement manager), I work in the Lawn and Garden/Sporting Goods department (in a NJ store) and I'm in my department usually by myself from store opening till 4 or 5 pm, which means the tool department has to cover my lunch and breaks and vice versa. Its hard to be the only one in a 'sales' environment, because if I'm selling a tractor to someone, then the other 'clients' must wait until I'm done, and sometimes it does take a good 20 min from start to finish to complete the sale! I give an apology to the "clients" that are waiting, but sometimes its just not enough. Usually, 4th quarter we are over staffed, then after lay-off we are so under staffed its ridiculous! And as to consultative sales people being pushy, come to my store, being the ONLY informed female in my department the guys I work with walk around holding conversations, or just disappear... Which is why you might not be able to find any one in a specific department.....

My Sears at Vally Mills Mall in Hickory. NC is the best. Their sales personal are always right there when a custmors. That is always my experience at My Sears.

The saleassoicate seen me walking down in the tools and asked if I need help Bob was there as so as I walk to were the tool was. Helped me very much until he checked me out .

Totally agree.

Wonderful people. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!

It seems that some of the Sears at the larger cities are the ones with the poorest service. I have been to the Sears in Troy, Sterling Hrights and Sears Essentials in Rochester Hills, Michigan. All three have very few sales associatiates who seem to not lnow anything about what they are selling. The only place where I received excellent service was the watch service and repair department. That is truly sad. But perhaps it is a commentary of our society in general. The employee pool the Sears has to choose from and how stressed they are in general in some of these areas. I agree with many of the other comments here that Sears is being short sighted by not having more employees on the floor. True you can not pay someone if there are no customers but you can not get customers when you do not have great service.

It seems that some of the Sears at the larger cities are the ones with the poorest service. I have been to the Sears in Troy, Sterling Hrights and Sears Essentials in Rochester Hills, Michigan. All three have very few sales associatiates who seem to not lnow anything about what they are selling. The only place where I received excellent service was the watch service and repair department. That is truly sad. But perhaps it is a commentary of our society in general. The employee pool the Sears has to choose from and how stressed they are in general in some of these areas. I agree with many of the other comments here that Sears is being short sighted by not having more employees on the floor. True you can not pay someone if there are no customers but you can not get customers when you do not have great service.

I agree with most. Not enough help in each department. I was in TV's. The 1 sales person was selling to another customer. I finally went to the Best Buy across the street and bought the item I needed,

I hope that when a salesperson receives a commendation, that person will receive some type of recognition for their service.

I hope that when a salesperson receives a commendation, that person will receive some type of recognition for their service.

I hope that when a salesperson receives a commendation, that person will receive some type of recognition for their service.

Same situation, different location, different date. The Sears in Sacramento, CA can be such a lonely place during the week night, at least on this particular Thursday in February. Lost of stuff, but little to quiet. Maybe they should play some music, like FoodsCo. Help the shopper feel happy to be in the store. And when the employee hears a break in the music, requesting a sales associate to a particular department, a quicker response will result.

I ventured out to the mall to my Sears in Hamilton Township, NJ tonight. The store was very busy and there were not enought sales people to go around. I waited at the Jewelry counter for 5 customers before it was finally my turn to be helped. I felt so bad for the poor girl working that department. She was all alone and extremely busy. She called for a manager for assistance, and not one ever came over to assist her. But the girl kept her bright shiny happy attitude, and did a very good job of assisting all the customers. I feel that it would be very beneficial to Sears if they hired more sales associates and spoke to the managers, since many people in the same situation may well have decided to go shop elsewhere.

I went at 745pm on a Thursday night and I had an excellent experience with the associates at Sears. I wasn't shopping for anything exciting....vacuum bags....but they didn't make fun of me but were very helpful. Prompt and I was surprised at how clean the store was. I remember Sears being a little more chaotic a long time ago. In short I had a very good experience. I hope yours will be better next time

I wish I could either choose a sales associate to help me or have a self-help kiosk that would guide me to the right place (like they do in trade shows with map kiosks) or advise me on a product category (e.g. buying a gas grill) or help me make a brand selection (compare multiple brands side-by-side). It would also help the sales associate who might not work in the department. Bring the web to the store!

I wish I could either choose a sales associate to help me or have a self-help kiosk that would guide me to the right place (like they do in trade shows with map kiosks) or advise me on a product category (e.g. buying a gas grill) or help me make a brand selection (compare multiple brands side-by-side). It would also help the sales associate who might not work in the department. Bring the web to the store!

I asked why you dont start clubs at Sear

Especially in certain departments like the Optical department, home appliances and such, I have, in numberous occasions, experienced needing service but there not being enough people working to help me. I understand that you have to keep employee hours to a limit, but for the sake of what? Not having good customer service? It is frustrating, and at times, makes me want to leave or actually do so.

I was treated VERY UN-Professionay and with GREAT Dis-RESPECT and I felt RACIAL DISCRIMINATION at the Bryan/College Station, Texas Sears Store. I think it's a requirement for every Sears Store to be understaffed and with employees WITHOUT PROFESSIONALISM and COMMON RACIAL PROFILING even when your product is defective TWICE and only 2 months old and you still have the original BOX and Receipt! Shop at Home Depot. They have lowered their prices to be more competitive finally and you get better quality Lawn & Garden Equipment, LONGER WARRANTIES and BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE. Guess you GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!

A few more will help us alot

This is a wonderful opinion. The things mentioned are unanimous and needs to be appreciated by everyone ==================================== Jason <a href="http://www.localmotorhomes.com" rel="dofollow">Cheap Motorhomes</a>

It had been along time since I went shopping at Crestwood Mall in MO, was going there for bed & bath. Went into Sears, it was like a ghost town. Sales people were hard to find. I was lost trying to find things. The bathroom needed help also.

threr should be a person working in every department at all times thats how you loose money and customers

Sears Dealer Store 033107 El Dorado AR. could be improved with a new owner, One who didn't try to use bait and switch tactics when a product that was labeled a Lemon by Sears Service department and returned to the store for replacement. Any one at Sears care to find out what this about look into BLUE RIBBON SERVICE/ CASE # 3139364. I have read post about poor service in Sears Stores, this was not the case before Sears sold out to a foreign corporation, and stopped matching the employees $1.00 with a $1.00 worth of Sears stock towards their retirement fund. When an employee has a vested interested in the company they are interested in the company's success!