Sears Shrinks to Just Eight Stores as Retail Legacy Fades

Sears, once the largest retailer in the United States, has dramatically reduced its presence, now operating only eight stores as of June 2025. This figure is set to decline further by the end of August, highlighting the brand’s ongoing struggles in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Founded in 1886 by Richard Sears, who initially sold gold watches at a train station in Minneapolis, Sears evolved into a retail giant. Alvah Roebuck joined Sears the following year, and together they launched a mail-order watch and jewelry business in Chicago. By 1888, the first “Sears, Roebuck and Co.” catalog was released, showcasing an impressive range of products. This catalog expanded to 322 pages by 1894, featuring children’s clothing, bicycles, household appliances, and more.

Over the years, Sears became synonymous with innovation, introducing renowned brands such as Kenmore, DieHard, Craftsman, and even Allstate Insurance. The iconic “Book of Bargains,” affectionately known as the “Big Book” or “Wish Book,” grew to over 1,000 pages, offering more than 100,000 items, including tools, furniture, sporting goods, and even house kits starting in 1908.

Despite its historic significance, the company faced severe challenges in recent years. In 2018, Sears Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and was acquired by its former CEO, Eddie Lampert, who established Transformco to oversee its remaining stores. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated efforts to revitalize the brand, leading to the closure of numerous locations.

Currently, three Sears stores are still operating in California: Whittier, Burbank, and Concord. However, the Whittier location shut its doors on July 26, and the Burbank store is scheduled to close on August 31. The store in Concord is not currently slated for closure. Additionally, the Plaza Las Americas store in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which has been a fixture for 53 years, will also close by the end of August.

As of now, Sears locations remain open in Braintree, Massachusetts, and at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. Two stores in Florida—Miami and Orlando—are still operational, although their futures appear uncertain. According to Costar, a commercial real estate analytics platform, a 1,000-unit multifamily development is planned for the Sears site at Searstown Plaza in Miami. The Sears location at the Florida Mall in Orlando is either for sale or lease, with reports suggesting it may already be closed.

As Sears continues to grapple with its diminishing footprint, the company’s storied past serves as a reminder of the changing dynamics within the retail sector. The transition from a once-thriving retail giant to a struggling entity underscores the challenges faced by traditional retailers in adapting to modern consumer habits and market demands.