I was surprised that there were still Sears stores open! Interestingly, for a period up until about 1950 or so they were an innovator in store design and location. They were the first to open car-centric out of downtown stores (perfect example was the Sears on 79th Street in Chicago - not a great picture - bad later renovation: ) and were very innovative from about 1935-50 in merchandizing inside the store and store design. Some of their stores were both unique as well as extremely appealing designs with parking on the roof in places like DC (iirc) and the LA area. But at some point they lost their way and weren't able to rekindle the excitement. It's interesting, at least to me, that in the UK retail has done much better because of superior marketing and product display within stores.
I remember even Marshall Field's had an appliance department (on State Street no less) - the Sony Trinitron we had in the 80's came from there. I think they had major appliances too - however, it has been 40 years....
I remember even Marshall Field's had an appliance department (on State Street no less) - the Sony Trinitron we had in the 80's came from there. I think they had major appliances too - however, it has been 40 years....