Growth Amidst an Economic Downturn

Doesn't it feel good to be part of something successful? In fact, if your team wins, you feel like you've contributed, and that counts a lot for your psyche. The Minnesota Vikings won last week on the last second heroics of Brett Farve. I'm sure every Viking fan feels great that their team is 3-0 on the season.

I have the same feeling at Sears Outlet. Our team is on a roll this year. We're opening new stores, growing, and feeling like the hard work is paying off. We're getting close to the magical 100 store mark, and we'll hit that in the next year hopefully! Don't get me wrong -- we still feel the economic crunch, but we're adapting to the realities of the downturn. We're providing customers a channel for cheaper merchandise, and placing our organization on a different cost curve from other retailers. Who else sells refrigerators, washers, dryers and fitness equipment at 20-60% off everyday? Not many. Nordstrom did something wise last year by shifting its resources towards opening more Rack outlets than full-line stores. Sears did too. When the economy does come back though, Sears Outlet is planning to adapt again. We're in it to win it.