Sears turns to new slogans, smaller stores for rebound

The retail giant is looking to emerge from bankruptcy and years of store closings with a new plan for scaled-down shops and a narrower brand mission. Will customers come back?

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Sears is ready to stop closing its mega-stores and start opening leaner, more focused locations.

The company that made its mark with one-stop shopping at giant retail centers is now paring down its offerings, and even opening a new store or two. The company plans to launch prototype outlets in Kansas, Alaska and Louisiana.

The company has also changed its name and adopted new slogans in the attempt to dig out of bankruptcy after it shuttered hundreds of stores nationwide. It also plans to partner with rival retailer Amazon.

CNN reported:

Sears, which narrowly survived bankruptcy earlier this year, is opening stores that will be much smaller than its regular outlets.

The company announced Thursday the new stores are called Sears Home & Life and will be about 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, rather than the 160,000 square feet of a typical store. They won’t sell apparel and instead will focus on home goods like appliances and mattresses.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.