Released on = January 5, 2006, 6:13 am

Press Release Author = Max Impact

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = NPK Redevelopment has been formed as an LLC, jointly owned
by Sears Holdings (80%) in New Plan Excel Realty Trust (20%). This move sends a
powerful signal that the days of the Kmart brand may be numbered.

Press Release Body = NPK Redevelopment has been formed as an LLC, jointly owned by
Sears Holdings (80%) in New Plan Excel Realty Trust (20%). This move sends a
powerful signal that the days of the Kmart brand may be numbered.

When Edward Lampert purchased a majority stake in the then Kmart Holding, it was
widely suspected that Lampert was more interested in the valuable real estate than
continuing the retail side of the business. Although denied by Kmart leadership,
this move signifies that the earlier suspicions were correct.

Integrity was widely questioned following the Kmart-Sears merger. Senior executives
at Kmart assured local residents Kmart would keep a \"significant presence\" in
Southeastern Michigan. It was widely thought, and not denied, that this meant the
base Kmart operations would be in Troy. Time proved this was not the intention.

Likewise, the corporation had assured other stakeholders that it was committed to
retailing. Forming a real estate venture confirms earlier suspicions that the
lucrative Kmart land is a major part of the long-term Sears financial plan.

SEC filings show New Plan operates hundreds of strip malls throughout the nation.
Wal-Mart is their largest tenant followed by Kroger and Sears.

According to Louis Taylor, an analyst at Deutsche Banc Securities in New York,
quoted in Crain\'s Business, \"This could start the process in earnest of unlocking
the value of the real estate. If the economics are what Sears hopes it will be, I
think you\'ll see Sears broaden it. Instead of three at a time, they can do a hundred
and split it up geographically, or have three or four different real estate
companies handle pieces of it\"

Most industry analyst have expected that lamp or would sell 200 to 300 Sears stores
that are falling short of required revenue. However according to a recent report
from Morgan Stanley, Sears properties are worth only about $50 a square foot. This
is due primarily to their location in malls, which continues to be a lesser desired
location for large stores and big boxes. On the other hand Kmart\'s properties are
estimated to be worth an average of $85 a square foot, according to the same report.
Kmart\'s locations are in well-developed areas where land is premium and their
locations in strip malls are a target of big-box retailers.

This development, along with prior experiences with Kmart dating back to
pre-bankruptcy days, shows a continued problem with the integrity. MaxImpact\'s
TrustBallT explains it this way: once trust is questioned, the individual or
organization must go to the on-deck circle before they can enter into a trusting
relationship with customers, suppliers, and employees. It is in the on-deck circle
that a batter warms up and prepares for the next at-bat. Once at-bat, the hitter
will once again be able to establish trust. However without the proper \"warm-up\"
the batter will not even get the opportunity.

TrustBall is available as a workshop, keynote address, and as part of a Catapult
coaching program. For more information contact MaxImpact at 248-802-6138.

Web Site = http://www.getmaximpact.com

Contact Details = Rick Weaver