By George Anderson
First, Aylwin Lewis sent a memo telling employees not to advertise when they buy products from competitive companies by bringing their bags onto Sears Holdings' property.
Now, a new edict from the company requires that employees working in Sears must wear clothing sold by the retailer.
The good news is that wearing Sears' brands, such as Lands' End, Covington, Structure, Dockers, Arrow, Apostrophe, A-Line, Latina Life, First Issue, Belongings and c.l.o.t.h.e.s, gets employees out of the black and tan pants look that has become the uniform at the company's stores.
The bad news is that, if employees have been buying their clothes at more fashion-forward or less expensive retailers, then they've got some shopping to do.
Ellen Davis, spokesperson for the National Retail Federation, told the Chicago Sun-Times that it's common for retailers to establish uniform guidelines for workers. "Retailers want to ensure that employees reflect an image they want to convey to shoppers, whether that's casual and chic or high-end and professional."
An unnamed Sears spokesperson told the Sun-Times that the company made this decision because, "We're proud of our updated fashion offering this fall, so we've decided to expand the dress code."
The new dress code is part of Sears' effort to improve its image with consumers. The same memo that announced the dress code change also included this directive: "We really need to be focused on smiling and greeting all customers within 10 feet, and asking customers, 'Are you finding what you are looking for?' when they appear to be searching."
A call to Sears Holdings asking whether all employees of the company working at its headquarters or in the field, including Edward Lampert and Aylwin Lewis, etc., would be required to wear the company's clothing while on the clock was not returned as of press time.
Moderator's Comment: Is Sears on the right path with its dress code and customer service initiative as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times? - George Anderson - Moderator