We are now joining the growing ranks of SEARS Dealer Stores that simply cannot continue, and have to close their doors.
We have issued our termination, and the Woodstock store will close Dec 15.
This does not affect our standing as plaintiffs in the Class Action Lawsuit, and we will vigorously pursue the case for the benefit of all dealer stores.
Almost 30 stores have closed this year alone, and while SEARS will subsidize 100% of special advertising costs for new dealers, there is no offer of help or subsidy to keep existing store owners going.
Many stores have asked for help paying a few monthly bills, or for extra advertising subsidy until SEARS can fix the business, but to no avail.
Instead there seems to be a few secret, select stores that receive "golden handshakes", where SEARS takes the dealership back and pays the dealer to stay on as a manager.
Why the double standard? If they can afford to run the store corporately, then how is it fair to let an owner walk away after investing so much in the business?
The answer is that it is not fair. Everything is done solely for the benefit of SEARS, with no regard for the people and families that are left holding the debt of a dubious venture.
