Focus On Value Investing

This article from 'The Cincinnati Enquirer' shows another example of Lampert's commitment to revamping stores and trying new concepts to create a turnaround rather than the anticipated diversification of assets. This isn't to say to that diversification away from retail will never happen but recent events such as the Restoration Hardware stake and the transformation of Kmart to Sears indicates the focus is on store operations.

From the article:

Three Sears stores here - Eastgate, Florence and Tri-County - have a new look and mission and just in time for the holidays.

Elements of the approach, called Solutions Centers, may one day be rolled out to the retailer's hundreds of other full-line stores in North America.

Officials plan to track sales trends through all of 2008 before making any judgment.

"We are offering a value proposition for the kitchen, laundry, garage, kid's room - vignettes or settings for every price range," Buchanan said. "This is a test-and-learn environment."

The company hopes the new approach will resonate with home renovation do-it-yourselfers, who may want a sneak peak at what the rooms will look like before they invest hundreds if not thousands of dollars.