The SEARS in the Orange Park Mall is closing. The last of SEARS and K Mart in the Jacksonville area. I find it sad because my Dad worked at that SEARS from the time the Mall opened in 1977 till 1990, when he went back to his home in Myrtle Beach, after divorcing my Mom. He did his last 10 at the Mall in Myrtle Beach, ending a FORTY year career with SEARS (1960-2000)
Even my Dad saw the writing on the wall over 30 years ago. I was home on leave while in the USAF, around Summer 1988. Dad was working and we had lunch at the Mc Ds that used to be in the Mall. I STILL recall him saying at lunch, 31 years ago, that he'd be surprised if SEARS lasted another 10-15 years.
That was about the time that SEARS was getting away from quality and Customer Service. Dad was always pissed...….I mean PISSED...how SEARS was more concerned about employees pushing credit cards and warranties. SEARS upper "Management" INSISTED employees ask Customers three times about credit cards or service agreements. A few times, Dad had Customers walk away when about to spend $$$$$. Dad spent his last 22 years with SEARS selling TVs, stereos, cam corders etc.
Not 2 months ago, I had nothing to get at SEARS but felt compelled to go upstairs just to see the area that used to be the Home Entertainment area, where Dad worked. It was sad seeing it reduced to 1-2 small isles (SEARS got out of TVs years ago) I'm gonna have to go there again before it's totally gone in 2-3 months.