Community Forums

IC2 · 12-07-2018, 07:04 AM

The last Sears store in our area is scheduled to close in January. I still had a gift card with a few bucks on it so decided that a visit would be nice. Tools are 20 to 30 percent off with clothing even more(50-80%). I picked up a pair of slacks and a few odd tools that - well a guy can NEVER have enough tools. So, if you have a store nearby that is still open, might be worth a stop.

nothermark · 12-07-2018, 07:14 AM

I used to be a fan of Craftsman and the catalog. Then they changed owners and have been slowly killing off the business since. It's been a while since I was in a store and much longer since I made a significant purchase. Every once in a while I wonder if the folks who killed the catalog every look at Amazon...

twinboat · 12-07-2018, 07:16 AM

I've seen Craftsman tools being sold in Lowe's and Ace Hardware now.

Wrktfsh · 12-07-2018, 07:17 AM

Mismanagement......it’s anazing that a company that once “had everything” and was a go to for shopping, couldn’t keep pace with the targets and wal marts. They had everything in place but just couldn’t pull it off

DGBPokes · 12-07-2018, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrktfsh

Mismanagement......it’s anazing that a company that once “had everything” and was a go to for shopping, couldn’t keep pace with the targets and wal marts. They had everything in place but just couldn’t pull it off

It is inevitable.....and Wal Marts day is coming too. Once you get to the top, you always become, fat, lazy, inefficient, and someone will take your place. God Bless free enterprise!

Sweetbriar · 12-07-2018, 07:39 AM

Natural cycle of retail commerce. 50 years ago we had Sear's, JC Penny, Horn's, Gimbals and so on. Today those names are slowing being lost to history and replaced with new that will also be replaced some day.

brandss · 12-07-2018, 07:40 AM

I haven't been is a Sears store in 20 years. They used to be the best but the last few times I went there the children working the tool section didn't know a phillips screw driver from a flat head. Penny wise pound foolish.

60sumtin · 12-07-2018, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

I've seen Craftsman tools being sold in Lowe's and Ace Hardware now.

I've noticed that too. I'm wondering if they've bought the overstock.

Podivin · 12-07-2018, 08:07 AM

Sears and Ace started a partnership on the tools several years ago, that's why they were in Ace stores.
The Craftsman brand was sold off more recently, maybe a couple of years ago, it's no longer part of Sears. If I'm not mistaken Stanley Black and Decker now owns Craftsman. A few months ago they started selling the brand through Lowes.

BillJinOR · 12-07-2018, 08:12 AM

Yes the Craftsman "brand" was sold off a couple years ago as i think sears was trying to survive by selling the parts they could for a cash influx You will continue to see Craftsman Branded tools Lawn mowers etc.

Kraken · 12-07-2018, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandss

I haven't been is a Sears store in 20 years. They used to be the best but the last few times I went there the children working the tool section didn't know a phillips screw driver from a flat head. Penny wise pound foolish.

So true. Decades back, there we're actual adults working there that knew what they we're doing. Sears used to be so trusted, that people would go there just to talk to the clerks about their financial troubles. They sold everything including live animals and kit homes. My mom owned a Sears kit home and it was top quality. The wrenche's they sold back in the 60's we're very good quality; then that all went down hill. Sear's played a big part in building America over the decades. It's a sad ending.

MSHappyCampers · 12-07-2018, 05:01 PM

So sad to see an old company like Sears go under. I remember getting the Sears & Roebuck catalogs as a kid living way out in the country.

wlf00 · 12-07-2018, 05:38 PM

I used to buy nothing but Craftsman tools (both hand and power tools) starting back in the early 70's. Their lifetime warranty was great. If a hand tool broke or wore out, just bring it into your local Sears store and get it replaced for free on the spot.

A number of years ago I had a 100 ft and a 25 ft tape measure that had the ends broken. I just brought them in and they handed me a new 25 ft tape measure and a 100 ft tape measure refill. Two years ago I brought in another tape measure and they said that they no longer honor the lifetime warranty for any product that is no loner made by Sears. Since Sears no longer makes tape measures (they brand label from someone else), they cannot replace them for free. They said they can sell me a new one but I politely said No Thanks.

I too have seen Craftsman advertised at our local Lowes store. I do not know what kind of warranty Craftsman hand tools have now. Nor do I know what kind of quality they have now compared to many of the other brands out there.