Kmart
Kmart Gets Preppy
What: Just in time for back to school, Kmart is taking its latest step in fashion forward retailing by debuting THRE3, a line of polo-inspired clothes for men, women, boys and girls designed by the United States Polo Association. The line, which features polo and rugby shirts, along with jeans, sweaters, and long-sleeve fleeces, is available in stores nationwide and online with prices ranging from $9.99 for graphic tees to $26.99 for bootleg jeans.
What They Say:
“The THRE3 brand was designed to depict the authentic lifestyle concept of the sport of polo in the United States. It’s comfortable, casual, and accessible to everyone in the family. We believe the relationship with Kmart is a well-chosen step toward the long-range success of the THRE3 brand,” said Cliff Lelonek, President and CEO of U.S. Polo Assn.
What We Say: Kmart may be a little late to the game when it comes to discount stores launching branded fashion lines, but they’re right in time for back to school shoppers. And with the recession in full effect—and families looking to cut costs wherever they can this year—THRE3’s rugby and polo shirts just might be the budget conscious alternative to Abercrombie and Fitch that we’ve been looking for.
MySears.com/MyKmart.com: Site Review
Sears and Kmart, despite their cheap prices, have long been all but off our clothes shopping radar; we don’t count them out completely but as a general rule the quality and style is just sub-par—after all, cheap doesn’t mean it’s a deal. Having said that, we would shop Sears and Kmart for other stuff—particularly household items—so we’re open to checking out anything new they have to offer their customers, like their new shopping community sites, MySears.com and MyKmart.com.
Our Review: First, let us just say we’re pleased that Sears and Kmart are making some efforts to be current and responsive to customers. The MySears and MyKmart sites are basically shopping communities for customers to join—a place to write reviews, give feedback, ask questions, take polls and, most importantly, share ideas to improve the Sears and Kmart shopping experiences. It’s a “we’re all in this together” marketing approach that, quite frankly, could be pretty darn effective in this age of social media.
The sites themselves are fine—visually appealing and user-friendly. But in perusing the user comments and blog entries, we find ourselves wondering how many of the positive posts are by actual users and how many are by Kmart/Sears marketing folks. We mean, in response to an announcement about a new Kmart website design, someone wrote “OMG what a great idea!!! Go Kmart!! I’m glad to see Kmart is moving and moving in the right direction!!!” Okay, maybe they really are just super excited about it—who are we to judge? But still.
Interestingly, much of what you’ll see in the discussion boards are complaints, but you’ll also see Kmart representatives responding and offering advice. Which we gotta give them props for. You’ll also find coupons on the sites, so it’s worth a look before you start filling your online shopping basket or head out to the store ...
The Verdict: Overall a yea, assuming you are a Sears or Kmart shopper already; if you’re not, at least it might be worth making some suggestions to make the stores more appealing, since they seem to be open to input ...
How to Shop K-mart
Attention K-mart shoppers…. If that phrase conjures up images of the masses running towards the blue light special isle and makes you want to avoid shopping at the store at all cost, we offer fashionistas who truly shop on a budget some tips to navigating the store.
Buy Now, Pay Later. Give your credit cards a break and still pay over time by taking advantage of K-mart’s Layaway Program. You make an initial 10% down payment, plus a $5 service fee, and then payments are schedule for every 2 weeks over an 8-week period. There is a cancellation fee of $10 and merchandise will be re-stocked if you miss a payment by more than 7 days.
Not All Brands Are Created Equal. Okay, so Alexander McQueen isn’t doing a line with the chain anytime soon, but Martha Stewart Everyday is still available despite her deal with Macy’s. If you need some simple layering pieces, Basic Editions lives up to its name, solid color blouses and t-shirts can be found for less than $10, regular price. Jaclyn Smith may not be as hip as Thakoon, but she was one of the first celebrities to do a fashion line exclusively with a chain store and you have to admire her staying power. Season after season she produces clothes that go from the boardroom to the bar and offers petite and plus-sizes.
Try It Before You Buy It. Couture tailoring can’t be expected when you are buying discounted shirts next to the lawn and garden department, so size and fit may vary among brands. Save yourself the headache of having to return the item later by trying it on before purchasing. In-store purchases have a 90-day return policy with a receipt, and online transaction can also be returned to the store with the original packing slip or by mail for a full refund.
Know Your Codes. Before making your final purchase at K-mart online, remember to look search discount codes. If you are heading to the actual store, visit K-mart’s Web site for the Coupon Center offering printable coupons for everyday household items. The less you spend on necessities, the more you have to spend on building your wardrobe. Online you can also look up the weekly ad tailored to your zip code so you can know before you go what is on sale. Also sign up for K-mart’s email, to get alerts regarding upcoming sales. Just for signing up you get a coupon for $5 off a $50 or more in-store and online purchase.
Don’t Ignore Clearance Signs. Often overstuffed racks and shelves of random items can give you a headache trying to navigate, but if you have the time to sift through it all, you might just find some sweet deals that make it worth the effort.
Use your Sears Gift Card. The two retail giants merged back in 2004 and as a result you can use a Sears gift card at K-mart as well.
The Return of Layaway? You Betcha.
What: Could it be true? Layaway (when you put items on “hold” for a period of time and make payments toward the purchase of the item) is back.
What They Say: New York Daily News: “The old-fashioned purchase plan, which had its heyday in the ‘20s and ‘30s but dwindled in the days of easy credit, lets shoppers who can’t afford full price at checkout pay as they go. But instead of putting that toy or new coat on plastic and bringing it home, buyers leave items on hold at the store until they’re all paid up.”
What I Say: Yipee!! I have very fond memories of layaway (also called “Lay-By”), as it was the only way I was able to stock my closet full of Girbaud jeans back in the day. Now, with access to credit limited and bank accounts running empty, it makes sense that layaway makes a comeback. Also, layway is a lot less risky than issuing a credit card to the customer, as the entire value of the items aren’t lost if the customer doesn’t comeback for the items, but the entire amount owed on a credit card can be lost if the customer defaults.
Stores that have Layaway
Daffy’s
Marshalls
Sears
K-Mart
elayaway.com
Burlington Coat Factory
Wal-Mart (reports that it does/does not)
Photo/Art Credit: Anne Lee Arts
DIY Laundry Detergent, Tiered Serving Trays, and More: The Budget Casa
Check out some home decor and home care tips from our blog, The Budget Casa!
—Save gallons of money (you’ll get the pun in a second) on laundry detergent by making your own! You’ll need soap flakes, washing soda, and Borax. It’s cheaper, eco-friendly, and friendlier than bleach to your clothes.
—Put together a tiered serving tray for a much classier, restaurant-style look for dessert or cocktail hour at your parties. Instead of buying an expensive one, use items you already own and pull a quick DIY.
—Save money on bath decor from K-mart. Sure, Martha Stewart was once in prison, but she does design cute soap dishes.
Want more home decor? Check out The Budget Casa!
K-Mart Jewelry: Daily Deal
The Deal: Until August 2, save 70% off fine jewelry and get $30 off your purchase of $200 or more when you enter the code KJEWEL7.
The Lowdown: Sparkly things are the downfall of many women and this is a good chance to indulge yourself in pretty gemstones, gold, and diamond jewelry. Now is a good time to buy that a necklace to match the dress you’re wearing to that wedding or the earrings that match your necklace. We’re not suggesting you wear all the pictured pieces at the same time, but they are great starting points to K-Mart’s selection.
Ruby and diamond accent swirl ring, $56.99.
Gemstone and diamond cluster pendant, $77.99.
Our favorite—heart shaped blue topaz earrings, $23.99
K-Mart’s Saturday Sidewalk Sale: Daily Deal
The Deal: On June 14 from midnight to noon, head to kmart.com for discounts for you, your home and everyone in it. It’s worth it to stay on your computer instead of fighting the crowds that are always in K-Mart on Saturdays.
What We Say: Don’t be afraid to shop from a discount store—their clothes are stylish and fun, and trusted brands such as Levi’s and Route 66 make great jeans for women of all body types. Stock up on your beauty supplies during this sale too, and save on basics like makeup bags and hair dryers.
Check out our picks:
This studded tunic is a hot choice for going out at night. $19.99
Levi’s are one of America’s trusted denim brands, and these stretch bootcuts match with the above top perfectly.
Dress, $24.99. We love this retro and colorful, fun print. The braiding beneath the bust line is a particularly nice detail.
Save on Swimwear at Kmart: Daily Deal
“THIS SALE HAS ENDED”
The Deal: Save on Swimwear, Route 66 and Basic Editions for the Family 4/20-4/26
The Lowdown: Sometimes you don’t need a uber-designer swimsuit for a day of fun in the sun. When you’re heading off to the waterpark or just basking in the sun in the backyard, a simple one-piece or basic bikini will do; pick up a no-nonsense swimsuit from Kmart’s latest collection to pick up your ensemble for $20 or less; this week, the Route 66, Basic Editions and other swimwear brands are all on sale, and you can even find a few Joe Boxer label sets (shown above) if you want to catch a trend or two.
Shop It: Save on Swimwear, Route 66 and Basic Editions for the Family 4/20-4/26
Basic Editions on Sale at Kmart.com: Daily Deal
“This Deal Has Ended”
The Deal: Basic Editions for Women on sale 2/24 - 3/1 at Kmart.com
The Lowdown: When you want some simple tees, pants, sweaters, or even a set of comfy pjs to relax in after a long day at work, a few casual pieces is all you need to wind down for the day. Put together that simple ensemble with Basic Editions, the Kmart brand offering long sleeve shirts, simple skirts, and plenty of low-key options to relax in. For a limited time, all pieces are marked down up to 40% off regular prices.
Shop It: Kmart.com
Yea or Nay: K-Mart
This week’s Yea or Nay is all about K-Mart, which still manages to hang on despite being surrounded by cheaper (Wal-Mart) and more stylish (Target) stores.
Here’s some facts (well at least as I see it) about K-Mart….
1. K-Mart was one of the first major discount department stores to do a celebrity fashion line (the Jacqueline Smith line, which has grossed over $600 million since it’s incept in the early eighties)
2. 99.9% of K-Marts are a total mess. Yes, Wal-Mart is a mess, too. But Wal-Mart is a cheaper mess.
3. The Martha Stewart line has great towels. (at least, according to my mom).
4. The worst, fashion related thing you can do is to take your kids clothing shopping at K-Mart. Even Goodwill is thought to be cooler. Except in Puerto Rico, where K-Mart is the spot on a Saturday night (I’m not kidding).
So why do people still shop there? Is there a particular brand that draws you in? Is it habit? Is it location? What, if anything, could they do to make it better?
Kmart: Yea or Nay?
Sears Essential: K-mart By Any Other Name is Still K-Mart
K-mart might be turning off the bluelight. I visited the new concept store, Sears Essential, developed by the folks at the Sears Corp to “reinvent” the totally dead K-Mart brand into a place where you would actually want to shop. It’s really sad day for your brand when SEARS is more fashionable than you.
All in all Sears Essential is like “Sears Lite”. All the products you expect from a Sears—mid to low range quality clothing, power tools, and undergarments. Oh and yes, Ty Pennington is EVERYWHERE, like some sort of Domestic God leading us to cross marketing redemption via over priced fuchsia sheets. But at least SE is clean and employee actually seem somewhat happy to be at work. That’s a lot more than I could say about “K”.
I’m sure the folks at K-Mart/SEARS spent tons of money coming up with this idea. Now K-Mart/SEARS could have saved tons of money by hiring me. This is what I would have told them . . .
- 1. Clean Your Store. Every K-mart I’ve ever been to is overwhelmingly junky. Yep. If your going to have a store that looks like a mess, you’ve got to have really cheap products and labor issues.
- 2. Get Cool Celebs/Fashion Designers to Have Lines. Jacyln Smith hasn’t been cool since 1982. Pay some fabulous designer oodles of money, like Betsey Johnson or Marc Jacobs, to design a cheaper bridge line for your store. If there’s anyone who can get fashionistas to head into a K-Mart, it’s Marc Jacobs. It worked for Target.
- 3. Have Things in Stock. Why does it always seem that K-Mart never, ever, has what you want in stock. It’s like the concept of stock management, employed with amazing precision by Wal-Mart
, totally skipped the management team at K-Mart.
- 4. Completely Change Your Name. K-Mart, the name, has been T-K-O by Wal-Mart
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