A business-like man up north e-mailed the boss of Sears down here. I had a call from him within a couple of hours.
I have a new-new set coming. No ifs or buts.
If only I'd been able to talk to an executive a month ago...it would have saved more man-hours than you could shake a stick at.
When companies get so big that you can only talk to a computer or an answerphone, then it's time to have a serious re-think.
Everywhere, there remain reminders of what this company used to be. I purchased a wet-grindstone for my woodworking tools. It was on sale, but only one demo in stock. I could pick one up later, or have it delivered FREE OF CHARGE. It arrived UPS three days later. Just a hint of the old days.