There was a time when America shopped at Sears. For decades the Middle Class America department store held a reputation for reliable and durable appliances and handywork items. If you bought a washer machine, there was a lifetime guarantee. A repairman would come to the house to fix the problem. Craftsman Tools were so good, if pliers were found in the ground after years, the tool could be returned, no questions asked. As Circular Economy and E-Waste topics come to the forefront, perhaps a template from the past could guide the future.
But the questions are: Do companies want to extend product life cycles? Will consumers pay more for longer lasting goods. How does a 24 hour shopping economy make repair effortless?
Stay tuned for our IFA 2025 coverage starting on Sept 3rd.