Sears Plans Reorganization to Revitalize Biz

Sagging fortunes since 2005 merger with Kmart prompts a shakeup
By Jim O'Neill,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 19, 2008 6:26 AM CST
Sears Plans Reorganization to Revitalize Biz
Alan J. Lacy, vice chairman and CEO of Sears Holdings; Edward S. Lampert, chairman, Sears Holdings; and Aylwin B. Lewis, president of Sears Holdings and CEO of Kmart and Sears Retail, answers following approval of the merger of Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Holding Corporation by shareholders of...   (Getty Images)

Foundering retailer Sears is hoping yet another change of course can help it sail out of its financial doldrums after watching its stock value drop in half this year and warning investors fourth-quarter earnings would plummet 57% from a year ago, reports the Wall Street Journal. Chairman Edward Lampert plans a reorganization creating as many as three dozen separate operating units.

Sears merged with Kmart in 2005, and has lost share to Walmart and big-box specialty retailers offering larger variety at competitive prices. The reorganization would allow Sears to spin-off or sell struggling units while growing its portfolio of recognized brands and its valuable real estate holdings. Critics warn the plan doesn’t create a cohesive image for the business. (More Sears Holding stories.)

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