Class Action Certification Hearing Date is Set!

The first step in a class action lawsuit is to have it certified as a legitimate class action by the courts.

We will be presenting our case on June 11, 2014 at the Milton, ON courthouse.

Any dealers or former dealers that would like to attend to show solidarity are welcome.

Termination

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.

It's All About the Kids: SNKCR 2013

SEARS NATIONAL KIDS CANCER RIDE

From September 5 -21, 23 riders will cycle across our great country in support of children and families living with and beyond cancer.

Sears is the national sponsor for this event, and your local Hometown stores are passionately supporting the effort as well.  Check the route on the SNKCR home-page listed below and please come out to an event, or sponsor a rider.

Its all about the kids and their families fighting the ravages of cancer, and we need to set aside our daily troubles and help carry them through a seemingly impossible time.

For those engaged in the fight, know that you are not alone.

http://searsnationalkidscancerride.com/html/index.html

A very personal account and a cold response from SEARS

You have to read this one...

http://www.osoyoostimes.com/sears-hometown-dealership-owners-in-osoyoos-join-national-class-action-lawsuit/

Martin and Andrea are the typical hard-working, salt of the earth people who make up the bulk of the dealer channel.  Like most of us, they go all-in and give it everything they've got, with the modest expectation of making an average living for their family.

Notice the cold-hearted reply from Vince Powers of SEARS at the end.

“We’re actively looking for new owners … Osoyoos has been a very good market for Sears,” he said.

We couldn't have said it any better, Vince....it's always good for SEARS.

CBC Radio Coverage

Listen to a Western Dealer's story here...

http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/Local+Shows/British+Columbia/ID/2397736008/

How We Feel

As you can see, there is no concern from SEARS management for the reality the dealers face.  There is only denial and more propaganda trying to pump up the dealer model as something it obviously is not.

None of our concerns were addressed, no thank you for our hard work, and no clear answer to our request for a meeting.

Instead we are admonished for the tone of our letter.  What do they expect?  We have every right to take them to task.  We are supposed to be partners.

We are not partners.  They treat us with disdain and contempt, as if we are all lazy and incompetent.  In fact, we are the exact opposite.  We are educated, dedicated entrepreneurs and good corporate citizens who serve our communities with passion and dedication.

SEARS' Response

Dear Mr. Kay 

It is with deep disappointment that I learned of the class action lawsuit you initiated. For almost 20 years we have worked cooperatively with our Hometown store owners in order to serve families in smaller communities across Canada. 

We are actively looking for ways to grow, improve and invest in our Hometown network to better serve our customers. In late 2012 we worked with six Hometown store owners to help refresh their stores; we have identified 11 markets where we would like to open new stores and are actively recruiting owners; and we have identified more than 20 stores we believe would greatly benefit from a refresh, expansion or relocation. 

It was with great pride that we opened our new 25,000 square foot store in Orillia in June, and I can tell you personally that the grand opening was warmly received by the community. 

In response to your letter dated July 17, 2013, let me say that I have always taken pride in how open and accessible I am to our partners in business, including our Hometown store owners. 

You must now understand that your actions, including the filing of the claim and the subsequent issuance of a press release as well as the tone of your letter make individual conversations between us much more difficult. It did not go unnoticed that you copied your legal counsel on your recent correspondence and referenced the threat of increased negative publicity. 

Unless I see a sincere desire to have a sit down and discuss matters, without any kind of threats on your part, be it legal or otherwise, I do not believe it will be a productive meeting. 
    
Sincerely, 

Calvin McDonald 


Calvin McDonald
President & CEO 
Sears Canada Inc. 
290 Yonge Street, Suite 700  | Toronto, ON  |  M5B 2C3