Sears and KMart open on Thanksgiving, plus Sears warranties during bankruptcy, a tale of the Retail Apocalypse

I ran across a couple of other news items while putting together Sears Holdings to close 40 more stores during bankruptcy, a tale of the Retail Apocalypse.  First, Wochit News reported Bankrupt Sears And Kmart Are Kicking Off Their Black Friday Sales On Thanksgiving.

It has been a rocky run for Sears and its sister store, Kmart. In October, parent company Sears Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announced it would be closing more than 100 stores before the end of the year.

But it's not giving up without a fight. The beleaguered chain is ramping up for the holiday shopping season and reminding customers that it's still very much open for business.

This year, Kmart stores will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight on Thanksgiving, before reopening at 6 a.m. on Black Friday — a slight extension on last year's opening hours. Most Sears stores will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving and close at midnight, then reopen at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.

Shoppers should expect to see some big discounts, especially as the company looks to clear inventory from the 142 stores that it said it would be closing before year-end.

Oh, my, the stink of retail desperation is strong with this one — not that I blame Sears Holdings.  The company and its creditors need every dime they can get.  They just won't get any from me, as Black Friday is Buy Nothing Day for me.

Next, Fox 47 asked Will Sears honor your appliance warranty during its bankruptcy?

Many Sears customers have warranties and service plans. How safe are they?

Consumers are finding out that "lifetime warranties" are good for the lifetime of the business, not the lifetime of the item or the customer.

Both of these stories share the same message — Sears and KMart are "not dead yet."


No, but it probably won't be long.