I recently visited the Sears store in the Salisbury Mall to purchase a long handled shovel and a garden fork. Much to my surprise, they no longer carry shovels, picks, forks, etc. No garden or digging tools are there at all except a couple of low-quality rakes and some small gardening tools like loppers and hand cultivators. I asked the sales rep, who shrugged and said to check online.
Well, I did check online and much to my surprise, Sears doesn't sell or even make these things anymore. No more yellow-handled shovels, etc., just a couple of basic wood handled models and a couple of the same brand that's sold at Home Depot. This is a big difference from when they had a yellow-handled Craftsman line of probably twenty types of tools.
I guess that it's the end of another era.
When the public prefers to buy lower quality, cheaper, imported goods (such as tools) from the big box stores (Lowe's, Home Depot) the ability for the US manufactured, high quality products to compete is diminished.
ReplyDeleteCapitalism is based on supply and demand. Without demand, supply vanishes (or people go broke trying to sell things that nobody wants to buy).
When the buying public wants 'cheap and convenient' instead of 'durable and costly', that's what industry will supply.
I too miss the quality that Sears/Craftsman used to provide.
I have only one to say for that...Made in China!
ReplyDeleteI was told they are no longer going to sell Television sets or stereo's in their store.
ReplyDeleteGood post.Why does everyone tell us to go online for items such as those you mentioned when our area is loaded with stores that physically carry every imaginable implement? I always go to Bryan & Brittingham in Delmar 1st or the Tractor store next to Petsmart.I for one do not trust putting my info on line.
ReplyDeleteSears is winding down until they go out of business.
ReplyDeleteThe stink is dead quality and selection. Smells good.
ReplyDeleteSince Ace Hardware is now selling Craftsman tools, I think the name will live only at Ace. Sad to sell a great store like Sears starting to fad away. JcPenney as well.
ReplyDeleteI recently bought a shovel at Lowes and the handle bent after 1 day of use...yes, it was cheap...washed the dirt off of it and returned it. Ace is the place for quality.
ReplyDeleteIn a specialized and disposable world, people have less and less need for tools to repair and maintain things.
ReplyDeleteI've long envied my father's collection of Craftsman tools. They work very well, and have for decades.
That being said, Craftsman tools are now made in China like all the others. Sears' financial condition makes a "Lifetime Guarantee" much less valuable. They could go out of business any day now.
As I build up my own tool collection, I've mostly been centered on Kobalt from Lowe's. They work well enough, and also have a lifetime warranty. If you stalk the tool section frequently, it's not uncommon to get socket sets and screwdrivers for less than half their original retail cost. The key is to anticipate your needs and make the purchase ahead of time, so that you get a good deal and it's available when you need it. I'd also venture to guess Lowe's will be around long after Sears, which can't seem to make a profit any longer.
Tools that I know will only be used a few times in my life I tend to pick up at Harbor Freight. Even to somebody who isn't very handy, there's a noticeable difference in quality. But that grinder has served me well the few hours I've needed it, and that step up bit and the 1/2" ratchet and socket set got the job done the one time I needed them.
Specifically related to the Craftsman yellow handled shovel...I picked up a Kobalt fiberglass handle shovel for under $20 this spring. I had no problems digging a 4' deep hole, and the flat top gives a nice surface to use your feet to push the shovel head into the ground. The handle held up well when I was 3' deep and prying up tree roots. It weighs a fair bit less than a wooden handled shovel, too.
"Why does everyone tell us to go online for items such as those you mentioned when our area is loaded with stores that physically carry every imaginable implement?"
ReplyDeleteBecause it's a lot cheaper and more convenient to purchase online, so long as you can wait a few days for delivery. I can use that hour for shopping to mow the lawn or play with my kids, instead.
Then there's the specialty tool needs...you often either have to try a few stores or settle for what's available. You get more choices online.
I buy all my gardening tools at Ollie's and Big Lots. Good products at low prices.
ReplyDeleteCraftsman mechanics' hand tools are excellent. I hope that they never stop being made. Too bad about the garden tools. Most of my digging tools are Craftsman and they've lasted for a couple of decades of steady use. I did have one of them break at the shaft about a year ago and Sears replaced it, as always, with a smile.
ReplyDeleteWhat will be the effect of this on the warranty of these tools, which is supposed to be lifetime?
There was a sign painted on the Sears window in the old Salisbury Mall back when: Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed.
Yes, you're right, it looks like the end of an era. Sorry, kids.
Sears is history, lots of retail space there
ReplyDeleteLook for estate sales of older local people you can run up on the good older stuff for pennies on the dollar sometimes.Eastern Shore Auctions are the best.
ReplyDeleteI didn't miss Montgomery Ward's demise. I won't feel the same way about Sears'.
ReplyDeleteSears just announced many more store closings this year. K-mart too. It's just a matter of time before there are no more.
ReplyDelete