Retail watchers keep a close eye on Target (TGT +0.6%) to see if the retailer matches the plans...

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User 489326 Comments (272)
 
It won't be long until stores are open all day T'giving.
9 Nov 2012, 12:21 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
Some people rather work and some people rather shop than stay with family and friends and eat.

This may be the quarter that may trigger that massive squeeze with Sears..
9 Nov 2012, 02:48 PM Reply Like

jasonrothman1 Comments (111)
 
Actually Kmart has always been open on Thanksgiving day. The only thing different this year is instead of closing at 9pm they will close at 4pm and reopen at 8pm for the next series of "Black Friday" ads. I know some people that work for Kmart, and they feel stressed out because many are being asked to work split shifts with nothing but part-time workers that were just recently hired.
9 Nov 2012, 06:00 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
At least they will receive holiday pay.
10 Nov 2012, 03:27 AM Reply Like

jasonrothman1 Comments (111)
 
The most they'll get is an extra 4 hours of pay, and that's if they get a full 8 hour shift at time and a half, which is almost non-existent now at Kmart and Sears, even during the holidays. Used to be workers could look forward to extra hours during the holidays, but not anymore. The way Sears does work schedules now is they figure in those extra hours or holiday pay and maintain the workers' usual amount of weekly hours so that workers don't get much if any extra pay but still have to work terrible shifts. All the workers I know would rather have Thanksgiving day or Christmas eve off, especially since it doesn't translate into much if any extra in their pay check, but they are not given the choice.

It's my opinion that these corporations could make more sales and profit if they would stop treating their employees like a number so they would feel better about helping customers that come in to buy their merchandise.
10 Nov 2012, 12:43 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
You are correct - it is not only Sears.

But remember Sears' COB Eddie Lampert is the largest shareholder of the company and if anyone he would want his employees to be happy - after all he would benefit the most.
11 Nov 2012, 01:16 AM Reply Like

jasonrothman1 Comments (111)
 
Well he better start doing something soon. All the employees I know from Sears and Kmart have worked there long before Lampert merged the two companies in 2004 and the haven't seen much change except for layoffs, hours cut, and no raises for years. If that's what he thinks will produce "loyalty and hard work" from his employees, then he is sadly mistaken. Just read this articles from earlier this year, even his top execs are feeling the strain.

http://bit.ly/TCNsde

http://bit.ly/UBU3n2

I will admit that the ads for Sears are finally getting better, but not so much for Kmart. Ron Boire seems to be helping with some better ideas than Lou has, but it's more of "micro-managing" of the stores than letting some of these stores have the power to tailor to their local customer base. Hopefully it's not too late to get sales up, but if he continues to forget about his workers, it'll be a losing battle in the end.
11 Nov 2012, 01:23 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
You have to remember it is not only about retail. Retail will be a large part of it and if it goes well it will be huge. Just think if Autozone and Autonation contract with Diehard battereis at all their locations and if Sears Auto sells their locations to Autozone. Guess who owns majority stakes in these companies......Lampert.

The company is Sears Holdings and it will slowly turn into a Berkshire Hathaway. This is not only my opinion but Bruce Berkowitz too and he is the second largest shareholder.

A $10,000 investment today will be worth a million dollars in 10 years.
11 Nov 2012, 07:34 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
Another bullish sign is that Sears stock has stayed above $60 this week, usually after it hits the resistance it falls below $60.00.
9 Nov 2012, 02:48 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
Look for better than expected earning news on Thursday with Sears.
Unfortunately - the storm will be great business for Sears. They are already the top appliance dealer and business was already improving.
Our prayers go out to all affected by the storm.
9 Nov 2012, 03:21 PM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
The out of the money call options are very high this is very bullish. We may get the massive squeeze that we anticipated this week.
The charts are indicating no resistance and all indicators are very bullish.
11 Nov 2012, 01:02 AM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
It appears like every other commercial is either Sears or Kmart. It worked with me I bought brand new appliances and all Kenmore brand. My family and friends like them too and they are buying also.

Commercials are not cheap.
11 Nov 2012, 01:30 AM Reply Like

MSF INVESTMENTS Comments (2069)
 
Lampert owns personally over a billion dollars worth of Sears common stock.
13 Nov 2012, 11:54 PM Reply Like