First Blog

Sears and Amazon – twins born decades apart What do Sears and Amazon have in common? Do you recall the reputation of Sears back several decades?  They were notorious for systematically squeezing small and even large business suppliers to reduce prices (and profits) to increase their own profits.  My cousin’s business suffered this heavy-handed tactic.  Such has become the  modus operandi  of Amazon.  Evidence is mounting with coming holiday shopping.   Watch and see.  Low prices today to be followed by higher prices to come. These days Sears, having fed off excesses for decades, is dying.  In twenty-thirty years, we may see Amazon suffering the same fate. 

Are you relevant? JC Pennys, as a long time retailer has dropped precipitously on the New York Stock Exchange. They may go bankrupt.  As observer put it, "I don't see a need for Pennys," at this point.   I shopped at Penny's often over the years.  Another dinosaur is Sears.  Ditto for Sears.  (Ask me about parking at Sears in the 50's.) Both have adopted the model of cash stations, where you take your item to a station to pay.  There is no longer any expertise associated with or available for what you want to buy.  So, why would I go there?  No reason I can think of - except to see the goods and then buy elsewhere. Keep this in mind.  "You have value as long as you have actual monetary value."  We see this with: a. Uber - why need those taxis? b. Teachers - why not learn online? c. Elevator operators - you have probably never seen one (once ubiquitous) d. Banking - no need for money transactions anymore, now only loans. e. Cars and g