Many people loved the department store Sears, and it was a part of American culture for decades. You may remember these exciting things about Sears, and you may even miss them!
Sears was founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck as a mail-ordering catalog company. The first retail location opened in 1925 in Chicago. Through the 1980s, Sears was the largest retailer in the United States.
The Sears Catalog and Christmas catalog were consumers’ original mail-order shopping opportunities. The Christmas’ Sears Wishbook’ was an annual event when it was delivered to the homes of children.
Sears was the first to offer the exclusive credit card ‘Discover.’ In 1985, the card offered a higher credit limit and no annual fee. ‘Discover’ added a ‘Cashback Bonus’ on purchases too.
The coveted ‘Craftsman’ tool line from Sears featured lawn and garden equipment, tools, and workwear. Sears never manufactured the brand, but they owned it and sold it beginning in 1927.
Sears used to have an expansive electronics section that allowed consumers to see TVs and stereos in person. The front of the store used to serve fresh popcorn as well.
Your memories may involve shopping in the stores or circling items as a child from the ‘Christmas Wishbook.’ From the catalogs to the department stores, Sears has been a large part of American consumers’ lives for over 100 years.
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