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LockedStore Upgrading

posted on January 14, 2009 at 01:23AM Inappropriate?
One thing I've noticed is that many of our Sears Holdings Stores, (Kmart and Sears), are really starting to look run-down. Inside and out. I've visited other stores outside my area, and the one in my area even, where it just looks like its done. I would would love to see more instore, and out-store upgrading. The company already owns the buildings, and the lots, lets do something with them. Show the communities around, that our company is ready and willing to drive themselves in to the future!
replies: 14 latest post: September 08, 2009 at 07:53PM by AdamO
Displaying all 14 posts
posted on January 14, 2009 at 09:58AM
 

You have my vote on that!  I argue over and over again the main reason drive right past Kmart to Wal-Mart is not because they don't think Kmart has good prices, but because they take one look at the dingy exterior and think, "That store is ready to collapse -- I'm not shopping there!"

Invest in paint, lighting, floor tiles and new carts -- I think they'd be shocked at the results.

posted on January 14, 2009 at 10:09AM
 

I love Sears, however I quit going to Kmart because there wasn't anything there for me to buy. I am a small built adult woman, the clothes I have found there go from children's, to old lady styles with not much in between. The sizes make that same jump as well. My kids are grown so I don't shop in the children's dept anymore but I'm not ready for the Granny Panties or Depends line of clothes just yet. Now I have moved to a town where there isn't even a Kmart in our town or any towns close to us.

 

posted on January 14, 2009 at 10:37AM
 

Yep, I don't go to Kmart anymore in large part because of how dingy the stores are. You don't expect a high-end experience in a discount store, but Kmart's are two-to-three decades outdated. (Their ability to have long check-out lines despite there only being a handful of cars in the parking lot is remarkable too.) Target has done a wonderful job of creating a great niche for themselves, and they've done it in large part through creating appealing discount stores. The pictures I've seen in the Kmart new store thread and on the renovation page on the Kmart site are good steps. But, now they need to actually do it in more than a handful of stores. I know, many would say that we're in a recession, so spending should be minimized. But, on the flip side, more and more people are seeking out discount stores because of the economy. So, now could be the perfect time to put a new face on Kmart.

And, I'm a fan of Sears, but I agree that they need to be careful. If they let stores go like Kmart has, I think they'll be in danger of dealing will perpetual same-store sales declines. I know Sears Holdings isn't a big fan of huge capital investments in store remodelings (and there's logic to that to a point), but basic updating must be done.

posted on January 14, 2009 at 12:36PM
 
I agree with the others.  I live in Springfield, MO and all three of the stores need to upgrade.  Looks, layout - move grocery items to one end -  I like to get these last, and please; quit advertising for wal-mart - get rid of any logos with a smily face; "Joe Boxer".  And LARGER carts.
posted on January 14, 2009 at 01:54PM
 

Hey Everyone! I just started a new topic on store remodels since there seems to be lots of discussions regarding the issue. Kmart has a list of stores that have recently remodeled and I would love to know if any of you shop or recently visited any of them...

Link to the list:   http://www.kmart.com/ue/home/06120_Store_Remodel_list.pdf

And here's a link to my post: http://sk-you.viewpoints.com/topics/Store-Remodeling/posts

 

posted on January 16, 2009 at 09:25PM
 
K-mart has a STARBUCKS!!??  Wow, that sure perks things up!  Hope to see more energy throughout.... even if it is caffeine induced! 
posted on January 16, 2009 at 11:45PM
 
hmmm overpriced crap coffee in a discount retailer theres some irony in there somehwere
posted on January 17, 2009 at 02:29AM
 
Most of the Starbucks business will probably come from the management
posted on January 28, 2009 at 10:30AM
 
YA know it dosn't have to be a starbucks ( learn a lesson from Target the SB's stink there)...but hey some of these guys know better than people in the biz and the actually customers who desire improvements. Irony aside
alot of prior suggestions may still work but the economy is setting up for a more
frugal attitude from some but coffee drinkers will drink it no matter so why not offer it.
Signed POPS.
posted on February 02, 2009 at 12:02AM
 
Most of the people that drink starbucks have enough disposable income to be welcome in any store. 
posted on August 13, 2009 at 02:30AM
 

Actually... the walk through the mall to Starbucks is very therapeutic to my injured knee, and I actually don't hear ANY Sears pages for noth'n, while walking to and back from the coffee stand.

The coffee helps activate my Tylenol and gives me a little bit of an energy boost to smile, while greeting Customers and doing those football field length stock checks in the store's warehouse.

I don't have a lot of disposal income.

But, I did get a Sears/Kenmore garbage disposer, a while ago.

Still works!

posted on September 08, 2009 at 11:58AM
 

To be honest, i think ALL underpreforming K-Marts should be closed. (and those associates moved into better preforming stores)

posted on September 08, 2009 at 12:02PM
 

I work in Electronics and in terms of promotions & pricing, we are among the same ranks at HH Gregg and Best Buy. (especcially dealing with quality associates) the difference is.. Our Sears has old fixtures and dingy carpets.... which creates this black hole... in an otherwise excellent Electronics department.

posted on September 08, 2009 at 07:53PM
 

We're warehouse upgrading, right now...

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