Even though the Warsaw Kmart is closing this year, the city’s Sears is not looking at the same fate.
Ken Ashpole, store manager of the Warsaw Sears Hometown Store, 2816 Frontage Road, stated his Sears is separate from Sears Holdings.
Sears Hometown Store is one of 500 franchise stores that separated from Sears Holdings about six years ago, Ashpole said. The stores that separated are now Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. Because of this, they have different negotiations with vendors.
“We’re separate from the big stores,” he said.
Ashpole did state, however, the Kmart and Sears closings have affected his business, mainly because people think his store is still connected to Sears Holdings. On Friday, it was announced that five Kmarts and 21 Sears stores across the country were being closed, including the Warsaw Kmart.
Ashpole said he has seen a decline in business since Sears Holdings Corp. filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October.
“That hurts us right there,” he said.
Ashpole stated warranties will not be affected for customers.
“Those should not be affected should (customers) choose to purchase one,” he said.
Ashpole also talked about the price matching his store does.
“We will match online deal pricing,” he said, as long as the price is from a legitimate online dealer.
He stated there are some things that some people prefer to see for themselves and his store offers that.
“We want to maintain a presence in the community, but we need the community’s help,” he said.
