See You on Facebook

Nov

20

2009

Welcome to Sears Hometown Shop Talk – our blog to share personal and professional experiences about Sears.

 

A few weeks ago, I flew to my home town near Long Beach, California to attend my elementary school reunion (yes, elementary school).  I went to a small school and had the same 30 people in my class for 8 years and, in some cases, high school. We were a tight-knit group and the bond we formed will last a lifetime. I have to say that everyone looked great and we had the best time.

 

This was only possible because we all reconnected on Facebook. We even dragged folks that weren’t already on the site along to ensure we had a good communication in coordinating the events. At the end of the night, I heard “see you on Facebook” from nearly everyone. That was interesting.

 

It truly dawned on me the power of this medium (so I’m a little slow on the uptake).  Along with the picture and status updates from friends, I see personal reviews on movies, music and products. All of this comes totally unsolicited and unbiased from my friends, the people I trust. To me, this is absolutely the most powerful form of advertising available.

 

I have seen people ask what type of vacuum cleaner to buy, what amazing dish washer detergent they are now using, and what type of service they received at restaurants and other retail stores.  All of this coming from people I trust is much more powerful than any commercial I see, radio ad I hear or weekly preprint I receive.  I have instant access to “my community” anywhere I go.

 

Our Sears Hometown Stores are located in areas where community means everything! The type of advice they receive on product and the service they receive will be known throughout the community almost immediately. Talk about pressure! 

 

The Sears Hometown Stores represent a physical “facebook” like environment where their legendary customer service is known throughout their communities. Go in and see for yourself how our Sears Hometown Store owners lead their communities.  They stand behind what they sell and will have you telling your friends how great the experience was! Find us. Friends us. Follow us.

 

About Me

 

My name is Carlos Fojo and I am the Vice President and General Manager of the Sears Hometown Stores LLC based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.  When not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife Cindy and three beautiful kids (they all get their looks from her) Julia, Emily and Charlie.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com 

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Proceed to Succeed

Nov

19

2009

This past weekend, I had an outing with my brother and 28 other guys that I wrote about planning for in a previous blog. On an unseasonably balmy November evening, we went to a partially indoor golf ball driving range where there were a series of games to play that involved hitting the golf balls towards various targets located on the ground. Luckily, the computer keeps score via microchips in each ball (what an excellent application of technology!). There were varying degrees of skill within this 30 man group. For those who don’t golf frequently, there was the thought in the back of their mind, “what will everyone think if I miss?” This thought doesn’t make it any easier to hit the ball in front of everyone! Many tried and some failed to hit the ball on occasion (I whiffed once), but fun was had by all and everyone improved as the games and events of the evening unfurled.

 

Someone once told me, “doubt is the devil’s most used but least recognized tool” and it seems to be true. “What will everyone think if I miss?” is doubting that success can be obtained through failure; if you never swing the club, you won’t improve. Doubt may hold you back from doing what you need to be successful and gain confidence in yourself. We’re trying www.mygofer.com, weblogs, social media, expansion through hometown ownership, and many other tools at Sears Holdings. How will you proceed to succeed?

 

About Me

 

I am John Farabee, and I am the National Inventory Manager for Sears Hometown Stores and Sears Home Appliance Showrooms based in Hoffman Estates, IL. My team and I work with all Sears teams and Hometown Owners to make sure the right amount of merchandise is in the right place at the right time because you’re important to me. 

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com 

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Shop Your Way

Nov

18

2009

Are you ready for some shopping? Sears Hometown Stores is ready for you come in and see the great selection of appliances, televisions, tools, sporting good equipment, and many other hot items.  The Hometown Stores team is gearing for a fantastic holiday season and will provide excellent customer service. You can expect to get the best price because we check our competition to make sure you’re getting the lowest price.  Now with the introduction of our new program Shop Your Way Rewards you can get 1% or more back in rewards and it’s free to sign up.

 

With more top brands than anyone else and great customer service, I ask again, “Are you ready for some shopping!” I’m ready!

About Me

My name is Ulsen Anderson and I am the Director of Finance for Hometown Stores.

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Customer Service

Nov

17

2009

I had the opportunity to visit another country to study the competition and look at various appliance and tool stores. I was surprised by the low levels of customer service. Visiting more than 20 stores, only in one, did someone even say hello when I walked in. In one store, the sales associate who was sitting in her chair asked me whether I needed any help as I passed in front of her, after being in the store for around 15 minutes. I said no, and she seemed happy continuing to sit down.

 

Coming to the U.S. only two years ago I was amazed at how quickly I had grown used to the level of service available here in stores. In India before the economy opened up, stores found themselves in the agreeable position of being in a sellers market –  customers often felt like sales staff were doing them a favor selling them anything they asked for.  Of course, things are changing now, but it’s clear from my own experience that customer service is of vital importance to building a lasting relationship between a brand or store and their customers.

 

Its not that the stores in the country I went to were understaffed. It was not that the customers didn’t want service (I waited outside stores and interviewed several of them). It was just that the associates were never taught the importance of customer service. The Hometown Store owners understand the importance of customer service, which is why you are always greeted when you walk in and made to feel at ease.  If and when we open the Sears Hometown Stores in this country, I think that customers will appreciate the full experience of our stores in the U.S. 

 

About Me

 

My name is Rohit Jacob and I am looking at international opportunities for Sears Hometown Stores.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Black Friday Now!

Nov

16

2009

What kind of shopper are you? Are you energized by the annual shopping event on the day after Thanksgiving or do you prefer something a little less hectic?  I’ll admit that on a few occasions, I’ve been in line outside in the cold at 5am waiting for the chance to buy door buster items.  It doesn’t extend much beyond that because I’m usually done shopping well before noon.  On the other hand, one former co-worker of mine makes Black Friday an annual excursion with her other family members starting at 4am and shopping all day until they drop.

 

No matter what your shopping style is, Sears has created several events to help make your Christmas shopping more flexible and affordable.  First is “Black Friday Now”.  Every weekend through Christmas, Sears is offering the type of door buster specials that would normally only be available on Black Friday.  Second, today Sears Hometown Stores is having a Friends and Family event where you can save 10% on almost everything in the store.  Finally, for the many of you that still relish the thrill of the hunt on Black Friday, Sears Hometown Stores will be open at 4am on the day after Thanksgiving with fantastic door buster specials through noon.   This is just another example of Sears’ commitment to letting you “Shop You Way”.

 

About Me

 

My name is Steve Swank, and I am the Divisional Vice President of Finance for Sears Off-Mall Formats.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Family and Friends Event: November 16th

Nov

13

2009

It’s that time of year again! I don’t know about you, but everything seems to be moving faster these days. Trying to keep up with all the holiday planning gets more challenging every year. Whose house is Thanksgiving going to be at? Have we received the “long” wish lists from the kids and the grandchildren? What are the plans for Christmas Day and New Years Day? How can we fit in all the friends and family we want to see? And to top it off, work is as busy as ever. I’ve always been a procrastinator and every year I make a New Year’s resolution that next year I’m going to make my lists early and get all of my Christmas shopping completed early so I can balance all the obligations and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

 

This year will be different for me because Hometown Stores has the solution. All day on Monday November 16^th our stores are having our special Family and Friends event, 10% off almost everything in the store and the ability to purchase most of the Day After Thanksgiving Specials without dealing with the crowds. While that alone is a great deal, the one that is going to make it easiest is that you will also get 10% off on mail-able items offered on Sears.com and Kmart.com and have all of your purchases shipped right to your home (or a gift for someone) free. I’m getting all of my shopping lists and I plan on heading to my local Hometown Store and finish all of my Christmas shopping so I can spend more quality time with family and friends.

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 part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com 

 

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Holidays and Giving

Nov

12

2009

The jack-o-lanterns are in the trash and most of the leaves off the trees. Despite a couple 70 degree days last weekend, Fall is firmly entrenched. This is the calm before the storm…not just the Chicago snow storms, but all the craziness of the holidays. Shopping, visiting, parties, decorating, cards, family, friends – it’s a fun time, but also an extremely busy time. Your local Sears Hometown Store is here to help with great gift ideas, extended holiday hours, and friendly service. The special buys and promotional prices are nothing short of spectacular – you sure don’t want to miss them.

 

This “calm” is also a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for as well as those less fortunate. The annual Sears Hometown Stores Food Drive (currently underway) helps provide for the needy and is an easy way to give back to the local community. Last year over 145,000 food items were donated by our owners, associates, and customers.

 

With the challenging economy, the need this year is even greater. So when you shop your local Sears Hometown Store, bring along a staple food item or two to contribute… it will make your visit even more rewarding.

About Me

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

About Sears Hometown Stores

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Holiday Saving Tip: Free Shipping

Nov

11

2009

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only two weeks away. We have been blessed with some warm weather in Chicago recently, after a cold and rainy October, but now most of the leaves on the trees are gone and it is time to get ready for the holidays.

 

As you put together your shopping list this holiday and are looking for some money saving tips, check out your local Sears Hometown Store. Not only do they have a great selection of gift giving ideas, but if you need to send a gift to a relative or friend, why not have Sears pay for the shipping?

 

Want to get the latest Craftsman hand tool for your uncle that lives in Florida or the new video game for your grandson in Texas, you can order them from Sears.com at your local Sears Hometown Store and have them shipped for free within the continental U.S.

 

All you have to do is go to your local Sears Hometown Store and order a mailable product from Sears.com and the shipping will be free. You can have it shipped to your home or you could choose to have it shipped to a friend or relative.  Ask your friendly Sears Hometown store associate for assistance and they will even help you find the product you want and place the order.

 

Happy Holidays!

About Me

My name is Jon Phillips. I am the Director of Field Business Development for the Sears Hometown Stores, LLC based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

About Sears Hometown Stores

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Celebrating the Newest Addition to the Hometown Store Family

Nov

11

2009

Many times, when retailers are celebrating a new addition, it is the opening of a new store.  In fact, we did have a new store open today in West Monroe, Louisiana. It was a very exciting day for all as the 950th Hometown store opened its doors to friends, neighbors, and community members offering them the ability to shop locally with the support of a national brand. While the addition of another Hometown Store in a local community is exciting, there was actually an event that was even grander and it speaks to the connection that our Hometown Store owners have with their community and Sears.

 

Today at 3 pm our owners in Cleburne, Texas celebrated the birth of their first child. By 7 pm, the good news had spread to the Hometown Store community, fellow owners, and even the home office in Chicago.  This is what makes our format special as we all celebrate all of our newest additions together. So, if you are looking for a place to shop where you can be a member of the family and share in all the newest additions from product to people, Sears Hometown Stores may be for you.

 

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 shop for a baby gift…..look out Sears kids department.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com

 

Sears Hometown Shop Talk – Remembering Our Heroes

Nov

09

2009

Fred O'Connor, Chicago Bears former backfield coach, famously said, ''The first time I saw Walter Payton in the locker room, I thought God must have taken a chisel and said, 'I'm going to make me a halfback.' ''

 

I grew up watching Walter Payton and he was one of my heroes. By most standards, he was not big for a running back, he didn’t play at a big school, and he wasn’t from a big town. But, he accomplished a lot and his strength, hard work, and conditioning were legendary.

 

Most of us remember that Payton rushed for 16,726 yards and scored 125 touchdowns and he was a Super Bowl champion and NFL Player of the Year in 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. But, what I remember is his conditioning (running up steep hills), he only missed one game in his career, and on game days, he ran, blocked, and passed, high stepped and dove up, over, and into the end zone, and delivered punishing hits and stiff arms to would-be tacklers. Best of all was his nickname – “Sweetness”, which referred to his “sweet” moves on the field and his “sweet” personality and citizenship off the field.

This holiday shopping season, Sears remembers the men and women in the military who provide us our freedom through our Heroes at Home Wish Registry, Sears Hometown Stores remembers people who need help in our local communities through our Food Drive, and our country remembers military heroes on Veterans' Day.

Payton said it best when asked how he wanted to be remembered, “…I want to be remembered…as a winner…who gave his best effort…who has utilized every ounce of energy and strength within them to accomplish something. It doesn’t mean that they accomplished it or failed, it means they’ve given it their best. That’s a winner.” Walter Payton highlights

 

About Me

 

My name is Shaunak Davé and I am Director of Multi-Channel Integration at Sears Hometown Stores based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Multi-channel just means shop online, buy merchandise in-store or buy online, pick up merchandise in-store.

 

About Sears Hometown Stores

 

Sears Hometown Stores are part of the retail operation of Sears Holdings Corporation and located away from shopping malls. Sears Hometown Store is the locally owned and operated store and Sears 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 the largest selection of Home Appliances, Tool and Lawn and Garden equipment, and Home Electronics, Sears brands like Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard, and exceptional customer service, best price guaranteed plus credit, delivery, installation services 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

espanol.sears.com 

Fan us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SearsHometownStores

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SearsHTS