Sears Faces Closure of More Stores as Retail Presence Shrinks

Sears, once the largest retailer in the United States, continues to operate a dwindling number of stores, with only a few locations remaining as of August 2025. The iconic brand, which once boasted approximately 3,500 brick-and-mortar stores worldwide, has seen its physical presence shrink dramatically. Reports indicate that as of late July 2025, only eight retail outlets were still operational, a number that is expected to decline further by the end of August.

Founded in 1886 by Richard Sears, the company initially sold gold watches from a train station in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He partnered with watchmaker Alvah Roebuck the following year, establishing a mail-order watch and jewelry business in Chicago. By 1888, the duo released the first “Sears, Roebuck and Co.” catalog, which quickly expanded to include a wide variety of products. By 1894, the catalog had grown to 322 pages, featuring items from children’s clothing to household appliances.

As the decades progressed, Sears became synonymous with American consumer culture, launching famous brands such as Kenmore, DieHard, Craftsman, and even Allstate Insurance. The legendary “Book of Bargains,” affectionately known as the “Big Book” or “Wish Book” by loyal customers, eventually exceeded 1,000 pages, offering over 100,000 products, including tools, furniture, and even house kits starting in 1908.

In 2018, Sears Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and was subsequently sold to former CEO Eddie Lampert, who established Transformco to manage the remaining stores. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted any attempts to revive the brand.

Currently, Sears operates three stores in California—located in Whittier, Burbank, and Concord. The Whittier store closed on July 26, 2025, while the Burbank location is set to close on August 31, 2025. The Concord store at Sun Valley Mall is still open, with no immediate closure plans announced.

In Puerto Rico, the 242,686-square-foot Sears store at Plaza Las Americas, operational for 53 years, will also close by the end of August. As of now, Sears remains open in Braintree, Massachusetts, and at Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. Two stores in Florida—Miami and Orlando—are still operational but face uncertainty regarding their future. Reports from Costar, a commercial real estate analytics platform, indicate plans for a 1,000-unit multifamily development at the Miami location, while the Orlando store is up for sale or lease.

The decline of Sears marks a significant shift in the retail landscape, reflecting changing consumer habits and the challenges faced by traditional retailers in the digital age. As the brand continues to navigate these turbulent waters, its legacy as a pioneer in American retail remains a poignant reminder of a bygone era.