Mad Money!

Hear what Jim Cramer, host of Mad Money (CNBC) had to say about Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia! What do YOU think? Play the video and let me know...

Comments

[Margie]

Martha,
I believe we will always look for honesty and stand behind your product indorsements. As we find our lives less in our control we need the support of companies such as MSO that can be our rocks or flag poles through clear and cloudy days. We believe in your company because we need you.
Thanks.

[J J]

Too much Martha? Are you kidding me? Is that what keeps all of us coming back for more and more? We all adore you and can't get enough of you!

[Tony Clark]

Jim starts with the background information that the public looks at and follows with how MSO is setup to recover. He may not have been a fan but as an investor he has observed what looks like a Company heading in the right direction. In this recession, if you can increase your client base you will have customers when the economy turns around plus some.

[Kenn]

I've been a stockholder in MSLO since the very beginning. I make it a point to understand as much about MSLO as possible not only as an investor, but as a consumer.

While I agree with elements of what Mr. Cramer had to say, I still see MSLO staying with the Omnimedia platform that has made it so successful. To move toward a 'merchandise company' would detract from that Omnimedia approach. Merchandise is great (my home is filled with it); but it's still essential to connect with the customer on a media level as well.. through magazines, books, radio, television, podcasts, webcasts, etc. MS Livng magazine (and other titles) continues to experience growth despite a market that is softening. Not too many (if any) magazines can lay claim to that fact. Why is it happening? Because effective 'branding' has resulted in a trust between company and consumer. Consumers see the circle logo, hear the name, and it's immediately associated with style, grace, and quality.

While I do read other 'shelter' magazines, watch other home / food shows, and enjoy their content, I don't see those alternatives as true 'experts' as I do with MSLO. I depend on MSLO to provide and inspire a style trend that works for ME and in turn, provide avenues to learn more about it (publishing), see it created (television/podcasts/radio), and purchase the products to make it happen in my own home (merchandising). It's a proven business model that is unique, and satisfies consumer demand on so many levels.

Martha Stewart branded retail outlets would be a step in the right direction IF the economy was better. However, because so much success has been made on licensing argreements, operating a retail outlet would be costly and a greater risk. Perhaps in time. I would love to see the return of Martha by Mail.. however, make MBM the one stop shop for ALL merchandise from the various collections and lines. Whether it's Macy's, Kmart, Michaels, etc.. there isn't one place that physically has the entire collection. It would be wonderful to have ONE place, where I could see the entire Martha Stewart Collection from Macy's or the entire craft line. Martha by Mail could be the on line catalog entry point for products. Order fulfillment could be left up to the retail companies. Just a thought.

Continuing to carefully select licensing partners, frequent additions to collections, and keeping quality first and foremost will continue to push MSLO to the top in the future. Consumers are brand loyal and will continue to be as long as they feel it's the right value and quality. MSLO has not let me down on either point.

Life after Kmart: I continue to hope that Target would be the next 'mass market' distributor for your merchandise. Well respected already for their merchandise selection, and their ability to merchandise their stores - I see Target as the perfect avenue for an 'everyday' type line. Wal-Mart would be an enormous distribution channel; but then you deal with poor perceptions from consumers. It's a tough balancing act.

I for one am in it for the long haul. I'm very loyal to this brand. I'm very loyal to the company and I continue to be inspired by the work of Martha and the entire staff at MSLO. Here's to an even better future!

[Deborah]

Martha,

I am the proud owner of MSO stock. I bought into you company's stock the day that it became available and have held on knowing that you and your company could withstand any obsticles.

[Kathryn]

I live in a metro area and my friends and I are very into Martha. I DVR all of her shows and shop for her products at Macys and Michaels. I subscribe to her Living Magazine and pick up Everyday Food at my grocery. I don't miss her daily blog.

When news people or tv people refer to her 'jail time' etc. they are doing so in mean spirited manner. Shame on them!

I hope MSO keeps soaring!

[Jean]

Hi Martha,
I'm a big fan and love all things
Martha.I would like to see you move into Target. We have know
Kmarts in this area. I like the
idea of opening your own stores you could sell your everything Marths!! Really good idea is the
pet products, the market needs
a healthy,holistiic food and treats for our cats.

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, First of all, thanks for posting this video of Jim Cramer. I haven't watched him in a long time but really respect him because, when you were @ "Yale", he seemed to be the only stock commentator who stood up for you. He's a hard fellow to watch but he has a lot to say and I agree with most of what he says. I, myself, love all aspects of MSLO and I would love to see you open MSLO stores all over the country and beyond. In the mean time, why not move your MSE products to Walmart along with the new craft lines. I'm still waiting for the new food products at Costco! Thanks so very much for sharing. Jan

[Sarah]

Bottom line: there are so many people that love the "Martha" lifestyle. All of your work is fantastic and you will always have a loyal following no matter what is going on in the economy. Heart you!

[Jennifer]

I agree merchandising is the key to future growth and success. I bought MSO stock right after Martha checked into the federal hotel because I knew it was a steal (no pun intended) and I just had to hold on and wait. If I would have sold it right after she came back from her little vacation I would have tripled my money but I have held it as I don't think MSO is done.

I am not much of a Walmart shopper but I have never been a Kmart shopper so many times that I saw products I liked advertised I did not buy them as I refuse to shop at Kmart. Macy's however I love and I wish the Martha by Mail catalog would come back - do you know how much some of the items from the catalog are selling for on Ebay used and new?? I have seen many items go for 3 to 4 times what the catalog sold them for plus the buyer had to pay shipping - it is just crazy and I think a missed opportunity for Martha.

Jennifer

[Laurel P]

Laurel P from Canada here.

In response to Jim Cramer's brief a mention of an "overseas" market, I would like to add a Canadian perspective.

I agree with the notion that expansion into a merchandise-based market is feasable. For example, our local Martha Stewart Furniture store is a gem!

However, I find fault with the notion that MSO would move away from publishing. Personally, I have spent way more money on MSO magazines than products. Likewise, I look to my parents, the baby boomers, who are a huge market of consumers. As they retire, they will be seeking lifestyle opportunities. As such, the time that they are afforded with mean more time for reading and doing (IE: cooking, baking, gardening, crafting, pet-keeping).
Therefore, the publishing side of MSO must be maintained & enhanced in order to support a demand for literacy-based product.

PS To Kenn, who posted a comment above - good show!

[Trish]

Martha Stewart stock is definitely worth more than what it sells for, but in my humble opinion, I can't see where merchandising worldwide is going to raise its value. Maybe in the long run but why expend all that energy scouting around for retailers. (I'm not so sure Wal-Mart was the best choice for crafts although one is very close to me. I guess time will tell.) Regardless, I don’t look at the Martha Stewart Brand as a stock option. I look at Martha Stewart the face on the brand as a great teacher, and I think to myself I hope she stays on TV forever and never stops publishing Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food magazines.

If you are concerned with your legacy which I hope you are not, wouldn't it be better to personally endear yourself more to the public? People do forget but not all of them and I still hear unpleasant comments about you when I am looking at your products in the stores. I let them know that I don’t agree with them but that they are entitled to their opinion. I just wish the remarks would end.

Your magazine is the best on the market as far as I'm concerned yet you don't mention it on the show as much as you used to nor do you do many of the projects on the TV show that often. In other words, your magazine doesn't 'come to life' as much as it used to and I also don't think you connect with your audience enough. Those are the people who should be in the kitchen cooking with you, not celebrities. That’s just my opinion. I don’t want to think of Martha Stewart as just a merchandising company when you are such a great teacher. I think as long as you never forget that, anything you have lost will come back to you. I have always liked Martha Stewart, the teacher. Trish

[RosaGlauca]

Good review for MSO! Watching the video reminded me why I love CBC in Canada and Martha is on the main channel every day!I refer to the style of delivery, fast clip of language etc. of the commentator. Looking forward to seeing the changes, see you at WalMart, Martha!

[Andrew]

I agree with Kenn on many points. I think MSO should maintain its Omnimedia status: many media over many platfoms with a unifying message and design philosophy at its center. That's how it was founded and that's how it ought to continue.

Rather than perceive it as a shift FROM publishing TO merchandise, I tend to perceive the changes as a period of more focus on merchandise expansion, but not at the expense of publishing.

Like others who have posted here, most of my money goes to the books and magazines, not so much the products, although I do get all my craft supplies from Martha Stewart Crafts and I love the bedding lines.

And I fully agree with designing a one-stop shop expierience. It's a bit annoying as a consumer to go here and there and everywhere to get, or even just to see, the merchandise: Michael's and Walmart for crafts, Sears (Canada) for the Everyday line, Lowe's for the paint, various outlets for the furniture and lighting, etc.... Having it all in one spot would be a dream come true from my perspective. I know you're not there yet, but I do hope it's a longterm goal of the company: The Martha Stewart Store.

And, yes, god bless the CBC! (I have a headache after watching that segment. All that's missing from that show is the glam-rock make-up and the pyrotechnics.)

-Andrew in Canada

[Betty Berg]

I can't wait to see what you do next. You go girl!!!

[michael anthamatten]

I think that Martha should be the head of the company-I wish it was a privately held company, Martha the primary owner. There could never be to much Martha? I am discouraged at the way K-Mart treats the MSE brand, no display, no in store appreciation. I love the Macy connection, though out of my range. I am waiting for the mass market to move to Target, or Wal-Mart or the Martha Stewart Everday store...I think that Wal Mart needs to class up, and Martha would help with some new branding-But there is such a gap between Wal-Mart and Macy's-I would love to see lawn furniture at Lowe's with lighting, carpeting. I love the MSL magazine-I loved the reference guide to find unique items, cool. I want a TV network-with home improvement shows and garden shows that do makeovers-Like DIY network-With the MARTHA brand. I want Paw-paw back and I miss Big Martha, things change. I long for a brighter, easier to achieve Martha magazine, without being to artsy. I love destination shows and magazine stories. I love Martha, more Martha...

[Becky from Wisconsin]

He also said to buy Disney, GE and McDonald's earlier this week. Your stock is the best deal price wise though, so I guess I'll buy some. I like Cramer, he's a no nonsense kind of guy. Have a great weekend!

[joseph]

I find the company in the same rut it was when Martha bought back her publishing rights from time warner.She had so many different markets all from different areas.They need to synergize and make it one solid strong company.Not rely on revenue from all over the spectrum.Also with the previous post ,It does seem like you can by the bedding at Macys the paint at Lowes ext...Its all over the place.And Martha has been denuded from the company.We want to see Martha's name on the magazine we want to see her calendar ext...and I don't want to watch Martha make a dessert with Lindsay Lohan.I want MARTHA!!!It is MARTHA STEWART LIVING.Not cooking with a guest..

[Jennifer]

Trish - I agree with your comment that the Martha Stewart daily show does not bring the magizine to life like the old shows did. However, I have been watching the Saturday special Martha Stewart show and really enjoy it as it combines past shows and I feel like I really learn a great deal more than the current weekday show. I would really like to see the format for the Martha Stewart daily show go back to the old format and content.

[Marsha Lundy]

I have been with you from the beginning Martha and adore you. To this day I consider you probably the best teacher in my life.
For the magazine I read an article that sales were down ...that got me thinking. Would you ever think about putting Alexis as a quest writer
as she is also a wonderful baker.
She might bring in some younger readers. Just a thought from this 55 year old!
Regards ,
Marsha Lundy

[INGRID BATTISTA]

WATCHED THE CRAMER COMMENTS AND WAS NOT SURPRISED ABOUT MSO STOCK.
EVERYBODY LOVES "MARTHA"MERCHANDISE .IT IS ALWAYS DESIGNED TO HELP THE CONSUMER IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
I AM GLAD THAT IT IS FINALLY SELLING (AND VERY WELL)AT WAL-MART.TARGET HAS ALWAYS BEEN MUCH PRICIER .THEY CANNOT COMPETE WITH WAL-MART.
I SAY RUN DONT WALK TO PURCHASE MSO.
THANKS FOR BEING HERE MARTHA.
YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT.THUMBS UP.

[~suet]

Martha, I am 52 yrs old, grew up in NJ, have lived in Ellsworth, Maine for the past 30 years. I miss the trust I used to have in the Sears brand. I have always wished your company would go small appliances (vacuums, etc.) that were affordable, quality machines. If you are expanding your merchandising, please give it some thought. Thanks. Take care.

[Judy Schmader]

All I can say is "you go girl", you have been a very successful business person and have a good company and the people working for you. So keep up the good work. I buy your line of products all the time!

[james]

It sounds great however there is never too much of martha you are the brand and the style. I think you have kept Kmart going for all these years but now that you have macys I don't need kmart. keep up the good work Martha you are the bomb and keep the ideas comming I will always be there to hear them

[Leanne]

Martha: I'd love to see Jim Cramer on your show in a cooking or crafting segment -- would be fun to see him "out of his element". He claims to be a "gentleman farmer" - maybe a gardening segment would be appropriate!