Complaint Review: Sears

One of the most common and irritating types of marketing used by retailers is advertising 'low ball priced' items they know aren't available for purchase. This is an effective method of getting customers into the store. The customer is, naturally, then exposed to more costly items that ARE available.
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Just this last weekend Sears sent out a flyer in the South Bend Tribune and other newspapers. I entered the Elkhart store within 8 hours of the arrival of the newspaper (and flyer). My intent was to respond to advertising on a 37 Vizio 720 resolution flat screen TV at $599.00 less 10%. I was immediately told we haven't had stock on that item for at least two weeks The sales person then determined there were none within a 50 mile radius of South Bend (or Elkhart).
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Granted, the subject TV was shown as a closeout'. I was given the tired diatribe about how the ad. flyers are composed many weeks in advance', and that excused the fact none were available. This episode wouldn't be as exasperating were it not for the fact this has occurred several times before at Sears (and other retailers).
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Their mantra seems to be get em into the store by any means'. We'll sell em something.

Adolph
Elkhart 46517, Indiana
U.S.A.