Here's one of the reasons Sears is in so much trouble

From the WSJ:

From the outset, [CEO Eddie] Lampert's strategies for reviving the fading Sears and Kmart brands confounded retail experts, who especially question his decision to scrimp on renovating aging stores. While store chains typically spend $6 to $8 per square foot on annual maintenance according to retail experts, Sears is spending a fraction of that amount--about $1.90, according to investor research firm International Strategy & Investment Group. Mr. Lampert's bare-bones décor frustrated some of his business partners, notably Martha Stewart Omniliving Media Inc., whose relationship with Kmart ended acrimoniously in 2009. "Have you been to a Kmart lately?" Ms. Stewart said in a CNBC interview around that time. "It's not the nicest place to shop."

This week the retailer announced plans to close up to 120 locations after a sharp drop in sales this holiday season. That's only a small portion of the company's stores, but it does suggest some serious financial troubles.

Earlier: Want to revisit the 50s? Just shop at a Sears store