Is Sears Still in Business Now

The once-ubiquitous department store, Sears, has been a cornerstone of American retail for over a century. From its humble beginnings as a mail-order catalog company to a sprawling empire of brick-and-mortar stores, Sears shaped how generations shopped. But in an era dominated by e-commerce giants and shifting consumer habits, many wonder: Is Sears Still in Business Now?

If you've driven past a deserted mall or heard news of store closures, you might assume Sears has vanished entirely. However, the answer isn't as simple as a yes or no. This article will delve into the current status of Sears, explore its dramatic transformation, and provide practical insights for anyone looking to shop with the brand today.

The Short Answer: Is Sears Still in Business?

Yes, Sears is still in business, but it's a vastly different entity from the retail powerhouse it once was. The iconic department store chain, which once boasted thousands of locations, now operates with a significantly reduced physical footprint and a primary focus on its online presence.

After years of financial struggles and a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2018, Sears was acquired by Transformco, a private holding company led by its former CEO, Eddie Lampert. This acquisition aimed to keep a scaled-down version of the brand alive, shifting its strategy to adapt to the modern retail landscape.

A Look Back: The Rise and Fall of a Retail Giant

To understand where Sears stands today, it's essential to briefly revisit its storied past and the factors that led to its decline. Founded in 1892, Sears, Roebuck and Co. revolutionized retail with its mail-order catalogs, bringing goods directly to American households, especially in rural areas. By the mid-20th century, Sears had become the largest retailer in the United States, a true titan of commerce.

What led to such a dramatic fall? Several key factors contributed to Sears' struggles:

• Failure to Adapt to E-commerce: While other retailers embraced the digital age, Sears was slow to invest in and prioritize its online platform, allowing competitors like Amazon to dominate the market.
• Increased Competition: The rise of discount giants like Walmart and Target, along with specialized retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot, chipped away at Sears' market share.
• Mounting Debt and Management Decisions: Sears faced significant debt, and strategic decisions, including the 2005 merger with Kmart, were criticized for failing to revitalize the brand. Asset sales, like that of the Craftsman brand, provided short-term cash but weakened the company's core offerings.
• Shifting Consumer Habits: Shoppers increasingly moved away from traditional mall-based department stores, favoring online convenience and different shopping experiences.

These combined pressures culminated in Sears Holdings filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2018.

Where Can You Still Find Sears?

While the days of a Sears in every major mall are long gone, the brand hasn't disappeared entirely.

Sears Online: Sears.com

The most accessible way to interact with Sears today is through its official website, Sears.com. The site remains active for online purchases, offering a range of products from appliances and tools to clothing and home goods. While the selection may not be as vast as in its heyday, it provides a functional e-commerce experience for those looking to shop with the brand.

The Few Remaining Physical Sears Stores

Perhaps the most striking change is the drastic reduction in its brick-and-mortar presence. As of July 2025, there are only 8 Sears stores left in the United States and Puerto Rico. This number is set to shrink even further, with three locations in California (Whittier and Burbank) and Puerto Rico (San Juan) slated for closure during the summer of 2025. This will leave just five Sears department stores remaining open.

The remaining Sears locations are:

• Braintree, Massachusetts
• Concord, California (though its future is uncertain)
• El Paso, Texas
• Miami, Florida
• Orlando, Florida

It's important to note that Sears Hometown Stores, which were independently owned and operated, have all ceased operations.

Sears Home Services

Beyond retail, Sears continues to operate its Home Services division, which is a significant part of its current business model. This service provides appliance repair, maintenance, and home improvement services, leveraging the brand's long-standing reputation for service. You can typically schedule these services through the Sears website or by phone.

What Does This Mean for Shoppers and Former Customers?

For those who grew up with Sears, its current state can be a bit disorienting. However, if you're a current or potential customer, here's what you need to know:

• Shopping: You can still purchase products directly from Sears via Sears.com. For a limited selection, a handful of physical stores remain, though their inventory and overall shopping experience may vary greatly from what you remember.
• Gift Cards: Good news! Sears gift cards are still valid and can be redeemed online at Sears.com and in the few remaining physical stores. They typically have no fees and no expiration date. These cards can also be used at Kmart, Lands' End, Craftsman, Kenmore, and PartsDirect.
• Warranties: Sears has stated that it will honor warranties as long as the company remains in business. If you have an active Sears warranty, it's generally advisable to confirm its status or consider using it sooner rather than later, given the company's volatile history.

Conclusion

So, is Sears still in business now? The definitive answer is yes, but not in the way most people remember. It has transformed from a retail behemoth with thousands of stores into a niche player, primarily operating online with a skeletal physical presence. While its glory days are behind it, the Sears brand endures, relying on its online platform and home services to serve a loyal, albeit smaller, customer base.

The story of Sears is a poignant reminder of the ever-evolving nature of retail and the challenges even the most iconic brands face in adapting to new market realities. What are your memories of Sears? Do you think legacy brands like Sears can truly reinvent themselves in the digital age, or are they destined to fade into history? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Sears stores are left in the US in 2025?

As of July 2025, there are 8 Sears stores remaining in the United States and Puerto Rico. However, three of these are scheduled to close during the summer of 2025, which will reduce the total to just five physical locations.

Can I still use Sears gift cards?

Yes, Sears gift cards are still valid and can be used for purchases on Sears.com and at the remaining physical Sears stores. They typically do not expire and have no associated fees.

Is Sears.com still active for online shopping?

Yes, Sears.com is fully active and operational for online shopping. You can browse and purchase a variety of products, including appliances, tools, and home goods, directly from their website.

What caused Sears' decline?

Sears' decline was a multifaceted issue, primarily driven by its slow adaptation to e-commerce, intense competition from discount retailers and online giants like Amazon, significant financial debt, and a series of management decisions that failed to modernize the brand and its stores.