Sears Hometown And Outlet Stores, Inc. (SHOS)

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WSJ: "Sears Woes Hit Hometown Stores

Operators of the appliance retailer, also owned by Eddie Lampert, say they can’t get merchandise

"At a Sears Hometown store in Barre, Vt., shelves are bare of Craftsman tools, Whirlpool washing machines and Kenmore ovens. With little product to sell, owner Tom Coulter said he is turning customers away daily.

When the store has merchandise, the prices are often lower on the website of its sister chain, Sears. Mr. Coulter said his commission and bonus will be penalized if he matches sears.com’s prices, though he is able to match the prices of other chains without penalty.

Four years ago, the store was profitable. Today, it is barely breaking even. Mr. Coulter and his wife haven’t taken a salary since the spring, and they are struggling to pay their bills. If they walk away from their store, they could get sued. A similar story is playing out at Hometown stores across the country, the latest chapter in financier Edward Lampert’s dismantling of Sears..." more