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Sears Closing StoresNo Word If Alaska Stores Will Stay OpenAn announcement from Sears could leave a hole in the retail scene. "I've been going to Sears since I was a kid," said David Morrow, standing in front of one of Anchorage's oldest department stores. "They have good soft goods, appliances, tools, I really like shopping there." After Sears Holding Company announced it would be closing more than 100 stores nationwide, he might not have the chance to anymore. The move comes in response to a nearly six percent dip in sales nationwide last quarter, and state economist Neil Fried said he's not surprised. Besides an influx of new retailers in Anchorage over the past few years, Fried said places like the Kenai Peninsula and the Mat-Su Valley are seeing a sharp increase in retail employment. "Their retail has grown by a thousand at the same time that the retail in Anchorage is not growing at all," Fried said. But while Anchorage's retail employment levels have remained stagnant, stores like Wal-Mart and Target are giving consumers more options than ever before. "What that means to me is, obviously we're splitting the pie up a little more," Fried said. Shoppers cited everything from poor product selection to uncompetitive prices as reasons for spending their money elsewhere. While Sears Holding Co. has yet to release a list of stores slated for closure, Freid said it's all part of the retail circle of life. Sears management did not respond to requests for comment on this story. |
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Susi said on Sunday, Jan 15 at 2:01 PM
Sears started going down hill when we could not go to the repair place on the old Seward Hwy. I grew up in a house that was bought from Sears & Roebuck,sent flat packed and lasted over 100 years. that was when Sears ment quality. Now it is about price and service, sorry Sears rethink your place in Society.
79917708cooljulie said on Tuesday, Jan 3 at 7:53 AM
Wonder if it's anything to do with their 'customer is always wrong' attitude? I got shafted by Sears more than once in the 90's, and haven't been back since. Good riddance.
79304169Justice said on Saturday, Dec 31 at 11:52 AM
I worked for Sears years back, and like most retail stores (especially Pennys)they out source their garments & items, jack up prices & when they go on sale,the tags have prices that are not original but hiked up so when you see the sale price its really the regular price.If items were genuine and made in the USA then you would probably get your moneys worth.Penny's is far worse, & yes I worked for them as did some of my friends.Their items are no better than K-Mart or Wal-Mart, you just pay more. Additionally for your information NOT ALL SEARS stores are closing, just the one that are not showing a profit. You can thank our present administration for the loss, as everyone suffers when you get a liberal,cheating, lying bunch of bafoons trying to tear down America.!
79197019Agree with Justice said on Saturday, Dec 31 at 8:38 AM
Except for jobs loss, which is a real sad thing, the store it self has nothing to offer. Poor quality everything.Comments are for anyone,not just for the "James" in the world that think his thinking is all there is. Get a life Jack! I mean James!
79190819James said on Friday, Dec 30 at 2:54 PM
People gets so nasty when something comes up.Better for them not to make any comments. Buck off!!!
79166074Justice said on Thursday, Dec 29 at 3:54 PM
Who would miss them? They have fallen down so low with lack of quality and the stores are a sham.Its like a five and dime.The sad thing is the people loosing their jobs.Wards did the same years back. They say K-Mart is next.
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