It’s been suggested that traditional department stores no longer have the same strong appeal to younger American consumers that they once enjoyed during their heyday in the last half of the 20th Century. What types of retailers are causing this competitive pressure? In 2004, Sears bought the Kmart chain, with great anticipation that the combined forces of the two chains would be highly successful in the American marketplace. Based on your experience and any online research that you might choose to do, how do you think the merger is working out? Who are their most significant competitors today? What recommendations would you make to help Sears to improve their profitability in the future?