Inside This Issue - Opinion

Customers have to come first

Retailing is in a rut. Some ­examples:

• In the aftermath of Whitney Houston’s untimely death, Sony immediately increased the price of her music collections, explaining this incredibly stupid decision and inexplicable lapse of judgment by telling its customers that the lower price was a ­mistake.

Financial results reflect depth of Sears’ problems

Even as Kmart, one of the pioneers in discount store retailing, marks its 50th anniversary, its future and that of its corporate parent, Sears Holdings, is uncertain.