The Last Sears in New England - Braintree, MA

Sears, Roebuck and Company was founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck, the company began as a humble mail-order catalog business. By 1906, Sears had been restructured under the leadership of Richard Sears and Julius Rosenwald, marking the beginning of an era of significant growth. This growth was underscored by the opening of the company’s first retail store in Chicago in 1925, a move that signaled its transition into a comprehensive retail powerhouse.

Throughout much of the 20th century, Sears stood as an emblem of American retail dominance and by the 1980s, it had attained the distinction of being the largest retailer in the United States. The company’s trajectory, however, took a downturn in the early 21st century. In 2005, Sears was acquired by the management of Kmart, leading to the formation of Sears Holdings Corporation. Despite initial hopes for revitalization, Sears struggled to adapt to the changing retail landscape characterized by the rise of e-commerce and shifting consumer preferences.

This struggle culminated in a series of setbacks, most notably its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October 2018. The once-dominant retail giant found itself grappling with declining sales and mounting debt. Following a bankruptcy auction in January 2019, Sears emerged with a significantly reduced store count, signaling a new chapter in its storied history. The closure of hundreds of stores underscored the sobering reality of Sears’ decline, as the company sought to navigate a path forward in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Despite efforts to restructure and streamline operations, Sears continued to face challenges. In December 2022, Sears Authorized Hometown Stores, LLC, and Sears Hometown, Inc., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. They announced the closure of 115 more stores soon after.

As of January 2024, Sears stands as a mere shadow of its former self. With only 22 stores remaining in operation, including the South Shore Plaza location, which is the last remaining Sears in New England.