Thread regarding Sears layoffs

It does seem hard to believe that people, in particular a certain billionaire, can be this inept, but my nearly 4 decades of experience of observing the antics at Sears suggest it's true. Most of the stupidity started long before Lampert came around. They began cutting commission pay (and payroll in general)in the early 80's. You would think 40 years would be enough time to figure a few things out, but the company can't break out of the cost cutting death spiral. Lampert seems especially hypnotized by the cost cutting model. He won't invest a nickel unless it shows an instant return on investment. So they end up doing a lot of half baked programs like SYW, pickup at the curb, reintroducing Weather paint, e.t.c..while sales go through the floor and the stores fall apart.

I am sure they are just riding things out. There is no way these people are possibly this inept.

Unfortunately that is exactly what SHC is doing. There is no real innovation it's simply cutting expenses by hiring unqualified associates for minimum wage when these day they can flip burgers for more money. Either they truly don't realize what they are doing to their stores or just don't care and are just riding things out

It is a shame. Commission sales--white goods, automotive, hardware, electronics, even furniture--at Sears used to be a great thing. People made very good money, and were knowledgeable and skillful at the job. Then some beancounter thought they could save a ton of money by getting rid of well-paid employees since apparently any moron could do the job for minimum wage...resulting in the buyouts of the 90s. Sears has been swirling in the crapper ever since. You cannot cost cut your way to profitability.

Some years ago it leaked out that Sears structured its commission program to produce a pay rate of about $11 an hour. So the typical commission salesperson could expect to make slightly more than minimum wage. The company has deteriorated a great deal since then so today anything above minimum wage might be wishing thinking. The $20 an hour claim is just a lie to get people in the door.

Back in Sears glory days, commission people made a good living and the company made money. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was nearly twice what it is today. But the company can't figure out the connection. The expensive service contracts and accessories don't sell themselves.

The best thing to do is hit the road and don't look back. Sears Holdings has a year or two left at the most.

Sorry to hear that. Sears used to be such a great place to earn money under the commission umbrella but they fail to realize that their competitors are on par with the product and have way better availability. People now don't necessarily care about the one on one experience as much as the better price and the faster delivery. Best of luck to you in your search and don't panic as there are plenty of opportunities out there