Sears’ Even Uglier Stepsister: Visiting A Series Of Incredibly Sad Kmarts

Image courtesy of This definitely expresses the level at which most Kmart staffers seem to give a crap.

A few weeks ago, Brian Sozzi of Belus capital Advisors did something simple enough: he went to Sears, took a bunch of pictures, and posted them on the company blog. Apparently, no one on the Internet has been to a Sears since 1997, since the post was a huge hit. Now he’s done it again for Sears’ sibling store Kmart.

Yes, internet, Kmart still exists.

In a recent post about the troubles of the Sears Holdings brands, we passed on a quote from a former company executive interviewed by Businessweek. Keep this thought in mind as you look at the photos:

Ultimately, your customer is going to make a decision about your brand based on the weakest link. If you have a fabulous website and a crappy in-store experience—or vice versa—that’s going to impact your business.

Want to buy some shoes? We won't show you any display models.

Want to buy some shoes? We won’t show you any display models.

What's in this secret passage? Who cares? Just slap some clearance items in front of it.

What’s in this secret passage? Who cares? Just slap some clearance items in front of it.

Merchandise? What merchandise?

Merchandise? What merchandise?

Craftsman hot sauce seems like an odd brand extension.

Craftsman hot sauce seems like an odd brand extension.

This definitely expresses the level at which most Kmart staffers seem to give a crap.

This definitely expresses the level at which most Kmart staffers seem to give a crap.

Meanwhile, we’ll add a Consumerist-exclusive contribution: here’s a picture I took of Kmart in my hometown while visiting family. See how the store has been repainted a more modern color, but they left the fitting room wall orange with pale yellow letters instead of replacing the fitting room sign. That sign has been there for as long as I’ve been able to read.

fittingrooms

The Tragic Death of Kmart is Happening Right In Front of our Eyes [Belus Capital Advisors]

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