Craftsman Miter Mate Brought to You by The Blue Tools Crew

Nov

20

2009

Have you ever thought about putting up crown molding or done it yourself?  Want to save money on wood by avoiding missed cuts?  You have to check out this amazing new tool from Craftsman that uses a unique angle transfer system to measure corners, inside and out.  This exclusive new system gives you a great advantage with no measuring, no math, no miss cuts and no wasted material.  This saw also manages all of the standard miter, bevel and compound cuts. 

The Miter Mate was awarded a Wood Magazine 2010 Editor’s Choice Top New Tool.  It was also awarded the 2009 Handy magazine innovation award.

Click below to see this item on Sears.com. 

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921226000P?keyword=00921226&sLevel=0

You can check out a video of the tool in action here. 

http://s7.sears.com/s7/video/flash_video.jsp?movie=Videos/MiterMateVideo.flv&company=Sears&config=Sears/EVideo_default_update&locale=en

Great New Craftsman evolv Tools

Nov

05

2009

Craftsman evlov, has some new additions to the family. The entry-level line from Craftsman is expanding to help offer a more complete line of tools to Sears and Kmart customers. These quality tools are affordable and are great for gift giving this holiday season. The new tools below are great for the occasional tool user

• 18-Volt Drill/Driver (#11383)

 
 

• 13-Piece Quick-Fit Nutdriver Set (#14064)

 

• 5-Drawer Tool Center (#13993, #1255)

Also available, but not shown are the 3-Gallon Air Compressor (#15206) and 12-Amp Circular Saw (#18780)

Happy Holidays from the Blue Tools Crew!

Innovative products brought to life by the Blue Tools Crew!

Oct

30

2009

One of the fun things about being involved with the products we sell is seeing the evolution from concept all the way to delivery in to the customer’s hands.  You can’t help but hope that everyone shares the same excitement you experience.  I remember the first time I saw these two new Craftsman innovation items and thinking about how cool and functional they actually were.  After all, it isn’t enough for a product to just be new.  It has to function to make your life easier, provide you with something that may be missing.

This Holiday, we are introducing a couple of great new wrench innovation items that I hope everyone likes just as much as I do.  Not only will they make your life easier, they will lighten the load in your toolbox and in you wallet

At $19.99, the Craftsman Dog bone has the unique functionality of fitting 8 different size sockets on one wrench.  It has a Go-thru swivel head that allows for easy access and fits just about any angle.  On top of all that, it has a built-in 8lb magnet great for holding fasteners without losing them.  When you really think about it, the beauty of this device is replacing 8 different size wrenches in your toolbox and replacing it with just one.  It’s durable enough to handle a rugged job, but convenient enough to take anywhere.  Pick it up today in standard or metric (14277/14278)

Also at $19.99 is the Universal Wrench Set.  Like the Dog bone, this wrench set promises to make your life easier.  The unique Universal tooth design on the box head of this wrench fits 6 different types of fasteners including Hex 6pt, Square 4pt, Hex 12pt, External Torx, Spline and partially rounded.  It also has a reinforced open end for increased access.  It comes in a 6pc set and includes a bonus 7^thwrench and case.  When you think about this wrench set, think about the tag line “one wrench, many jobs”.  Think about how many different wrenches this can replace in your toolbox.  Available in standard or metric (14018/14019)

This is just the beginning of Innovation for Craftsman Mechanic’s tools.  2010 is shaping up to be a stellar year with tons of exciting new products designed to be truly innovative. 

 

Find out how Duct Tape, a Mannequin, and a 7 Story Building Prove the Toughness of Craftsman

Oct

29

2009

Craftsman has a strong reputation for having some of the toughest tools out on the market. This reputation has been driven by the Craftsman Labs team. Yes, the Craftsman Labs is a true place that pushes products to the limit. In fact, products have to pass numerous tests before we allow the Craftsman name to be placed on a product. Now we knew showing off our tests in our lab wouldn't be as entertaining as letting 3 guys run loose in an abandoned building, so that is what we did. We provided Kenny, Matt, and Sam with all the Craftsman tools and props under the sun and let them push the limits of our tool brand. This is where duct tape, a Mannequin, and a 7-story building come into play. I mean who would have thought a drill taped to a mannequin ghostriding off a 7 story building would still work. Yet, that is what happened...check it out!!

I have to admit...shhhh...keep this a secret...but n our secret lab we do drop tests all the time on our drills. We climb up tall ladders and drop drills from all different angles because in fact, that is what happens on a job site or at home. If a drill doesn't survive we make it better and stronger, just think of the 6 Million Dollar Man.

I know what you are thinking - all these tests - there was probably some fancy video editing involved....However, nothing fancy was done with these videos. The results are the results, so when we dragged the radio through the mud and it worked, it really still worked. When the guys smacked around the toolbox and it broke the golf club, it really broke the golf club. In fact to make a point - all the items were right off the shelf, the same Craftsman products you can go to your local Sears and purchase are what is used in these videos. I do have to admit though...it was fun making these videos. Check them all out at www.craftsmanlabs.com and don't forget to submit your thoughts on what we should test next. At www.craftsmanlabs.com we allow you to give your suggestions on how we should push the limit of some of our products.

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Shop Your Way

Oct

05

2009

What’s the mark of a superior shopping experience? Is it great customer service from knowledgeable sales people? How about a store with a large selection and a convenient location?  If both are important to you, you’re in luck, because Sears Hometown Stores want you to “Shop Your Way.”  It’s a philosophy where shopping revolves around you 24/7.

 

The in-store experience that you have come to expect in a Sears Hometown Store is even better because it has been integrated with the on-line convenience of sears.com. You can now research and compare products on-line at home on your computer or on-the-go with your mobile phone.  And when you’re ready to buy, your local Hometown Store will have your merchandise ready for pick-up.

 

You will still be able to rely on the personalized customer service in a Sears Hometown Store, and if a product is not carried in-store, your sales person can help you find what you need among the thousands of items sears.com. You can even have it shipped to your home.

 

With so many options available, Sears is offering customers a premier shopping experience. If you’re a regular Hometown Stores shopper, make sure to take advantage of these online options.  If you haven’t shopped a Sears Hometown Store in a while, come back and rediscover a store that revolves around you.

 

Please voice your opinion and leave us a comment and please support your locally owned and operated Sears stores.

 

About Me

 

My name is Steve Swank, and I am the Divisional Vice President of Finance for Sears Off-Mall Formats.  My wife, four kids and I recently relocated to Chicago from Texas when I joined Sears over the summer. We are looking forward to experiencing snow and using our new Craftsman snow thrower that we purchased on sears.com.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Customer Satisfaction

Oct

02

2009

What do you think about when you are asked about great customer satisfaction? 1) Were you greeted promptly? 2) Were you able to locate the products or services you were looking for? 3) Was the store neat and clean? 4) Quality of the product? I think the number one driver of customer satisfaction is often overlooked by many store managers, business owners, and service providers.

 

All of the above are valid drivers of customer satisfaction, but dedicated, knowledgeable associates are the key. Each one of us is a consumer and we all experience frustration with customer satisfaction from a store manager, business owner, or service provider on a daily basis. These frustrations usually end up driving us away from their place of business. Unfortunately, sometimes we settle for the best of the worst in satisfaction because we have no other options.

 

Imagine if your business had engaged, knowledgeable, and friendly associates! What would that do for your business? Customer surveys attempt to quantify the level of associate engagement, but that responsibility really falls directly on the associates’ supervisor or manager. Do we really spend enough time every day teaching, coaching, and training our associates? We all worry about sales and getting our assigned tasks done. But, how much energy do we put in developing our number one asset – associates?

 

Food for thought. Every business has had a great associate who decided to leave for one reason or another. When the associate leaves, there is a void, which impacts your business. The question I ask is, “Why did that associate leave? How could we have kept them on the team?” In most exit surveys, the number one reason quoted is not salary or benefits or work environment or schedule. It is “how I am treated by my immediate supervisor.” The simple answer to retain associates is to make sure you treat them with respect, listen to their ideas, and teach, coach, and train them every opportunity you get.

 

I started with Sears in 1971 as a tire installer in a small store in New Rochelle, NY where I was born and raised. A little known fact about me is that I have only received a W2 from one company, Sears! I have had many assignments and in almost every case I’ve been fortunate to work with teams that are passionate about our business and care about our associates! When I first started out as a Division Manager, I definitely had different priorities than today. I had four young children involved with lots of activities and a house to maintain on a limited budget. So, I made two requests of my boss. First was to make sure my paycheck was accurate and on-time and second was to have a flexible work schedule (so I can be a part of my children’s lives while working a 50+ hour work week). Obviously, my managers delivered and I, in turn, delivered by working extremely hard to meet or exceed Sears’ expectations.

 

If we look at each associate and take the time to understand and meet their needs, we will develop great associates who in turn will keep our customers coming back to us!

 

Please voice your opinion and leave us a comment and please support your locally owned and operated Sears stores.

About Me

My name is Jim Flynn. I am the Divisional Vice President, Operations and Process for Sears Hometown Stores, LLC.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

   

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – New Store Openings

Oct

01

2009

This is an exciting time of year for Hometown Stores. Not only are we on the verge of the holiday selling season, but this is when new store openings hit a frenzied pace. Not sure why it happens, but every year we peak around now. If all goes according to plan, we will open an average of two stores a week from here until the end of the year. The challenges abound, but getting stores open on time and under budget is what our New Store Team does best. We know each one is special and unique to the owner and their community and we treat it that way. Despite having been involved with hundreds of store openings, the excitement, the anticipation, the anxiety…and the sound of the register ringing…is still a thrill! (Those who’ve been there know what I’m talking about.)

Working part time at Sears in Brockton, MA during high school, it would have been hard to envision where my career would take me or how the company would evolve. I’ve had the good fortune to work with incredibly talented people and live in some great places (I’ve got to tell you, Chicago is nice, but it doesn’t compare to Newport, RI or Hyannis, MA).  For the last 16 years, I’ve been involved in business development, having worked with Homelife Furniture, The Great Indoors, and Sears Home Appliance Showrooms. But growing Hometown Stores has proved to be the most exciting. With over 200 new stores opened in the last four years…obviously this is a winning format!

One thing that sets this business apart is the way we operate. The organization is lean and empowered. Team members are talented and accountable. We measure results in days- not weeks or months. New ideas are welcomed (actually required) and processes regularly reviewed and amended…change is a constant. All of this allows us to move, adapt and execute fast while ensuring a high degree of quality and consistency. When combined with the energy and enthusiasm of our owners, it doesn’t get any better for people who thrive on this sort of stuff.

 

If you’re able and can spare the time, please support locally owned and operated Sears stores.

About Me

My name is Peter Nero. I am the Director of New Stores for Sears Hometown Stores, LLC. I have two kids and have pretty much worked for Sears forever.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com \

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

  

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Take a Little Raford with You

Sep

30

2009

Most people will read this title and think to themselves, what could “take a little Raford with you” possibly mean? To me, it is personal reminder of how important the customer is in retail.  It is easy to get caught up in the daily activities or running a retail store or working for a large corporation and forget about the most important asset that any retailer has.  It is not the inventory, the store location, the land or even the brand image, it is the customer.

 

On my first trip to Northern California with my wife some years ago, we were stumbling through the Russian River valley with no real plan.  It was a fly by the seat of your pants vacation, no plans, we will figure out as we go along.   Looking for a place to stay one night, we stumbled upon a bed & breakfast with a couple of palm tress in the front yard and I said “we have to go in here”.

 

Well, needless to say,   that was my first Raford House experience and now I cannot go to California without a stay there.  The inn is always neatly kept and clean, not fancy, but not shabby by any means.   The difference that this inn has over any other in the area is the innkeepers, Rita and Dane.  Both go out of their way to make sure every guest in their home is comfortable.  They make you feel as though you are one of the family and not simply a patron who is paying to stay there.

In the morning, Rita makes one of the best breakfasts that you will have and Dane is always there to greet the guests and to talk about what plans they may have for the day before he heads off to work.   He makes sure everyone has directions to where they are going and points out the best place to stop for lunch, wine or if you want to canoe on the Russian River.  The thing that stands out the most to me is this: Before Dane leaves and the guests head out on their daily adventures, Dane gathers Rita in front of the fireplace, thanks everyone for spending part of their vacation with them, wishes everyone a great day full of fun and exploration, and for those who have to leave and go home to make sure and “take a little Raford with you” wherever you go.

 

All departing guests are given a special gift when they leave. It is not a 10% off coupon for your next stay or a bottle of wine; it is a large bear hug from Dane.  Many people have probably read Jack Mitchell’s book, “Hug Your Customer”.  I would venture to say that Dane has not read Jack’s book nor did he go to business school to learn the theories of customer satisfaction and the best methods for customer retention.   It is the simply the theory of making a personal connection with every customer and making them feel special.  It is as simple as thanking every customer who decides to walk through your door, even if they are not buying, and make them feel as though they are the most important asset that you have. Help all of your customers “take a little Raford with them” as they leave your store.

 

I would like to hear about a customer service experience that was above and beyond what you expected.  Please reply to this blog post and let me know about your experience

About Me

 

My name is Jon Phillips. I am the Director of Field Business Development for the Sears Hometown Stores. I look forward to hearing about your great customer service experiences.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

    

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Holiday Shopping Tips

Sep

29

2009

Is it really too early to think about the holidays? Many of us would say “yes” it is. But, reality hits. The temperature in Chicago drops from 75 degrees to 54 degrees with 25 miles per hour wind gusts, my girls ask about Halloween costumes, my parents want to know Thanksgiving plans and now the holiday season is closer than I realize.

 

I ask myself how can I make holiday shopping easier and save myself the stress and anxiety of picking up last minute gifts.  We all know it is never fun picking a gift from the holiday gift leftovers. So, I gave myself the task of planning early and in my research I found some great tips.

 

First, make a list. I know it sounds so simple since 82% of us are doing it today and it is the easiest way to get started.

 

Second, set a budget (and don’t forget to save your change). In a time when many of us are being careful with our spending it is important to set a budget and see value in the budget. 

Then I realized there is a great budgeting tool available to me and everyone else this holiday season.  Why didn’t I think of this sooner?  It is the  Sears Christmas Club Card.  You can find the card at any Sears Hometown Store and it pays me back.  I can start saving today and place money on the card weekly either by stopping in the store or on-line plus Sears will pay me a 3% reward on the money I save.  Now I know I am way too busy when I didn’t think of this sooner. I will be starting my savings today.

Another great tip is to get the “easy” gifts out of the way early with Sears Layaway. My grandma always said it was the smartest way to shop. Gifts to the paper boy, teachers, and your boss don’t need to come out of your holiday budget for the family. So how can I do that without breaking the bank? First, my $500 holiday budget is now 3% higher (thank you Christmas Club Card savings program). Second, because Sears Hometown Stores has layaway, I can pick out all the gifts I need, pay for them over an 8 week timeframe, and have them just when I need them. Look out Will (he’s my boss), your Craftsman hammerhead (the hottest gift in tool innovation) is going on layaway today. 

  

The most important holiday tip is to enjoy the season, family and time together.  I know it all sounds so simple but every now and then a few tips can help make the holidays easier.  When you are shopping and working on your holiday lists, please stop by your local retailers and share your favorite tip.  We would love to hear your feedback at Sears Hometown Stores.

About Me

My name is Keri Durkin and I am the Division Vice President for Merchandising, Planning and Assorting for Sears Hometown Stores, LLC. I am excited to see how far my budget will take me this holiday season.

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – 1st Rule of Sales: Kill ‘Em with Kindness

Sep

28

2009

Recently, I visited a local coffee shop on my way to work. I visit this same coffee shop everyday due to its convenient location. As a creature of habit, I order the same thing everyday…coffee with cream. The service is usually fine and the process is operationally smooth.

 

However, I began to notice that the associates in this location were becoming less friendly each day. They were no longer smiling. No longer said thank you or exchanged pleasantries. As the associate handed me my coffee through the drive thru window, I noticed a sign posted for all employees to read (I noticed it due to the sheer number of exclamation points at the end of the note). I took a second to decipher the note and it stated, ”If you leave the drive thru window open, you will be written up!!!!” It was signed by the manager and clearly visible to every associate and customer. My initial reaction was, “Wow! They better keep that window closed!” Then, I asked myself a couple questions. Why would any manager speak this way to their team? How do the associates feel about this public command and threat? How do her customers feel about this note? Personally, I drove away with a negative feeling about this location.

 

I later found out that they have a new manager and she wanted to make a clear statement to her new team. Unfortunately in her zest for compliance, she lost the team and forgot about her customer. If you have the customer first in mind, you would not post a note like that. Maybe you would post something like this: “Remember to smile and say “Thanks, we’ll see you tomorrow!!!!”

 

This experience was a great reinforcement of the first rule of sales – “kill ‘em with kindness,” which means we must always keep our customers in mind first for any decisions we make. When we treat each other well, our teams well, everyone treats the customer well.

 

So, THANKS and we hope to see you tomorrow!!!! And, please support your locally owned and operated Sears store.

About Me

 

My name is Guy Reda and I am the Division Vice President for Sears Hometown Stores based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are two Sears store formats located away from shopping malls. Hometown Store is locally owned and operated Sears stores and Home Appliance Showroom is the leader in home appliance shopping. Our friendly and knowledgeable store owners and showroom managers proudly serve your local community and offer you largest selection of home appliances, tool and lawn and garden equipment, and home electronics, exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation and protection agreements.

 

Sears Hometown Stores established in 1993

www.SearsHomeTownStores.com

 

Sears Home Appliance Showroom established in 2007

www.SearsHomeApplianceShowroom.com

 

Sears in Spanish

http://espanol.sears.com