While some major companies are keeping their distance, Kmart's
The lady the Washington Times dubbed "the fabled dominatrix of gracious living" is set to go to trial in January on charges of securities fraud and obstruction of justice. Her legal troubles have led to her being pilloried in the press and have fueled a 22% drop in the circulation of Martha Stewart Living magazine.
For the wounded Kmart -- a victim of falling same-store sales in the face of tough competition from the likes of Wal-Mart
Perhaps Kmart management is paying more attention to the market's opinion of Martha than the media's. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
Apparently, Kmart and the Street expect Martha to emerge from her trial in much better shape -- and with much greater credibility -- than many think.