SEARS is set to close down one of its staple locations in the US on August 31 after the attempted relaunch was branded “the saddest thing I’ve ever seen”.
The once mighty retail empire has been destroyed over the past several years, and this closure will only leave a handful still standing.
Sears is set to close down one of its staple locations in the US on August 31 after the attempted relaunch was branded “the saddest thing I’ve ever seen”[/caption]
Sears shoppers have until August 31 until its store in Burbank, California, will close for good.
The store has been struggling since 2023, and the closure will leave just six Sears left in the US.
This is compared to more than 3,500 two decades ago.
The remaining Sears can be found in Florida, Massachusetts and Texas.
Sears was saved back in 2018 from completely going out of business, but now CEO Eddie Lampert launched a last minute bid for it of 5.2 billion, saving 400 stores in the process.
FAILED RELAUNCH
In 2023, what should have bene a moment of triumph for Sears in Burbank was ruined when customers stepped inside.
Following the initial closure of the 130,000 square-foot space, it was then reopened to the public, but they were ultimately less than impressed.
Many noted the poor condition of the store itself, along with the empty shelves.
One visitor said at the time: “There are a lot of empty shelves, with most of the shelves lining the outer walls off most of the Sears barren, outside of a few specific places like bicycles and toys.”
Another said: “It looks like it’s about to close up, not like it just reopened.”
But there were those who defended the Burbank reopening on social media.
A more positive customer wrote: “I’m rooting for you Sears. Don’t go gently into that goodnight, rage, rage against the dying of the light. Fight for every customer, every dollar.
“You have to start somewhere. People will predict your failure, interrupt them by exceeding expectations. Make those moments matter. I believe!”
Unfortunately, the relaunch proved unsuccessful, and the store has been struggling ever since.
BRANDS HARD HIT BY BANKRUPTCIES
Many chains have struggled to adapt to a post-Covid retail landscape, with several companies filing for bankruptcy
JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts announced it would close all 800 stores after filing for bankruptcy twice in a year.
Hooters announced plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February.
Liberated Brands announced that it would be closing all 122 retail locations for its boardsport fashion brands Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom.
Forever 21 shut down its headquarters after filing for bankruptcy and laying off 358 employees.
Macy’s announced major restructuring plans amid mass store closures.
MORE CLOSURES
Several Sears locations have been put at risk or closed in the past year, including one in Washington, possibly in Florida and very soon another in California.
The California store could be found in Whittier, a city about 20 miles south-east of LA.
The store is set to close on Saturday, July 25 after nearly 30 years of operation.
Liquidation sales had been put on leading up to the store going out of business.
In Orlando, the owners of a Sears put up a for sale sign in the window earlier this year, leaving its fate unknown.
And in Seattle, the closure of a Sears meant that the company no longer has any locations in New York.
Barbie Talamante, a former Sears staffer, emphasized the fall from grace that Sears has experienced.
She said: “It’s a landmark, it’s something you grew up with, it’s something you could trust.”
Sears shoppers have until August 31 until its store in Burbank, California, will close for good[/caption]
