RE: “Sears and Lands’ End to Focus on Growth” (DIRECT Newsline, May 14)
I think the Lands’ End-Sears merger spells the end for Lands’ End.
Sears is the acquirer; Lands’ End is being acquired. That means Sears will call the shots. Sears has already proved it can destroy what was once the most successful catalog business in the world.
There’s no question in my mind the Sears name WILL diminish the Lands’ End brand. Who cares about Kenmore and Craftsman? Lands’ End sells primarily clothes and soft household goods like bedding and towels. Lands’ End’s service and quality are top-notch, while in these areas, Sears’ service and quality can’t beat Target, their pricing isn’t as competitive as Wal-Mart’s, and their service is famously dismal.
As a regular Lands’ End shopper, I’m saddened this stellar company is “marrying down!”
Betsy Shirey
Marketing Services Director
The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society
Research Triangle Park, NC
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