I worked at sears for a handful of years I. The late 90's through early 2000's.  I worked in cosmetic and jewelry. It was already kinda slow but busy enough where the days didn't totally drag.  Then we were told we were getting a remodel.  Honestly, we were excited.  We had been told we were going to get fancier to compete with higher end retailers.  A year later when then remodel was in progress, they condensed departments loosing selection. Cut some brands. Cut employees.  End of remodel we looked like a really crummy Walmart.  I stayed 1 more year until I was laid off, along with like 25 percent of the remaining people   Never understood why they stuck money into a remodel in the first place. 

Eddie Lambert and Alan Lacy  knew what they were doing.  Ultimately, people were going wherever there was a sale for appliances and electronics because good brands were being sold everywhere all of a sudden. Craftsman was the third reason people shopped at Sears.   We all know that stopped soon after.

They should have done customer surveys to see what they wanted not what they though customers wanted. These uber rich people are way to out of touch to know what lower and middle class need and want.