My Sears store is closing

[fan-of-fans]

It just occurred to me, I wonder if it would be possible to get that big Hoover mat in the vacuum department? I wouldn't mind getting some of the Kenmore signage as well. Do you think they would be willing to sell any of this? It could be a good opportunity to do so.

 

[vacuumlad1650]

I bought one at my Sears store when it closed. Wait until they sell "store fixtures" and offer to buy them. I got a Hoover rug that way for 5 dollars

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I got a HOOVER rug

when a Boscov's Dept store closed, as well.

 

[huskyvacs]

fan-of-fans

Go in and ask an employee and then they will get the manager, and then ask the manager. Sometimes the stuff has to be shipped back to the retailer because it is leased equipment and they cannot sell it, but ask them anyway and if they say yes, they should be able to put a claim ticket on it for you so it's not accidentally removed and you can pick it up on the final day before they close for good. Also when they start working actively at tearing the store out, keep checking their dumpster behind the store every week after closing and you can find more stuff as well as long as it isn't locked up.

My Menards store that has been open since 2000 just closed down and moved to a mega store down the road (literally 5 mins away). Before they closed I bought the hardware department desk, a few checkout aisle lights, some display pegboard and hardware, a ton of display light fixtures, and then kept rummaging in the dumpster and the trash bins sitting on the sales floor and claimed other odds and ends and signs for free as they told me they didn't care about it if it was in the trash.

A lot of people collect retail equipment (especially if vintage) and larger retail fixtures sell really fast because they cost a fortune in industrial catalogs, so the sooner you get your foot in the door, the better odds you have at claiming some stuff.

I was also at a Rue clothing store on closing day and they were selling all the mannequins and tables and display stuff. They also had all merchandise up to 80% off maximum. I got a $60 pair of sneakers for $3. lol

But really, probably a week before the final day, you should be able to go in there and you can pick out whatever you see, ask if you can buy it, and they will probably sell it, or if it is still needed, they will make you wait to pick it up after the last day. My Menards would just sell whatever I asked about to me for $5. lol

 

[fan-of-fans]

I'm waiting till the end too to see if I can get a display vacuum for cheap. I wouldn't mind getting a Kenmore Crossover upright or an Elite canister as one last Kenmore vac. But I don't have much space.

Might get some more horsehair Kenmore dusting brushes too if they mark them down enough, so far only 20% vacuums and accessories. No bags left for any of my machines, they all sold out fast...

I've heard from people trying to get souvenirs from Kmarts that closed that they generally will sell decor, department or aisle signage, but nothing that has logos or trademarks, so might not be able to get Kenmore signage or shelf signs.

 

[fan-of-fans]

I went yesterday and the vacuums were still only 30% off. And I'm thinking they probably won't get marked down anymore, since the store is closing next month. Except maybe the display models.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Went to Sears again today - most clothes and shoes gone. Not many appliances or tools left either. Only about 8 vacuums left - all Kenmore display models, uprights and canisters. Not a great deal on any of them, in fact they were all nearly full price!! Should have looked to see if I could get any horsehair dusting brushes left. Was trying to get marked down cloth bags, but all sold out over a month ago.

 

[dysonman1]

Our "Hometown Sears" store closed

And I couldn't be happier. They were great people. They only sold appliances, tv's and electronics, lawn stuff. You could order from the catalog and it would be 'in store' in two days. They sold a ton of Kenmore vacuum cleaners in the 30 years they were in business in our little town.

I sell so many Kenmore bags, and I work on Kenmore vacuums at least one a day. I signed up to be a Kenmore dealer and so I sell new Kenmore vacuums in my store. It's such an easy sale to an existing customer. Even with diminishing quality in recent years, the majority of people really liked their Kenmore vacuums. Being able to upgrade existing Kenmore customers to HEPA bags, new hoses, filters, brushes, etc. is a GOOD business and I make quite a bit of money now that our Store has closed.

 

[fan-of-fans]

Interesting. I knew you were selling the Titan vacuums, but I didn't know you could sign up to sell Kenmore vacuums. I assume they're the ones that are the colors like Amazon, Lowes, etc sell which are different than the Sears sold ones?

I wish we still had a vacuum store here. All of ours closed about 20 years ago. The only place you can get vacuums other than the big box stores now are one of the appliance stores, but they only sell Oreck.