Attention, Kmart (& Sears) shoppers: Your sites are ready

Retailers offer ‘My’ networks to give customers a community — and a forum for feedback

To “really connect with our customers,” Sears’ and Kmart’s parent company is providing consumers a sense of place and ownership not available on other social media locations.

Sears Holding Corp. launched the social networking sites MySears and MyKmart with the simple goal of learning about their customers by giving them a voice and a place to talk about themselves, the products they buy, and their experiences at the two retailing giants.

The sites have attracted a different demographic from the usual social media denizens, and more than 200,000 total members, and that population is growing rapidly, says Robert Harles, vice president of community for Sears Holding Corp.