Sears, Roebuck and Co., commonly known as Sears, is an American chain of department stores founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck. Initially a mail-order catalog company, Sears transitioned to retail locations in 1925, with its first store opening in Chicago. The company's core mission was to provide quality products at affordable prices, making it a household name in American retail. In 2005, Sears merged with Kmart to form Sears Holdings. Today, Sears operates 425 stores, offering a wide range of products from appliances to apparel.
Notable figures in Sears' history include founders Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck, as well as Julius Rosenwald, who played a key role in its early expansion. The merger with Kmart was led by Edward Lampert, a significant investor. Key achievements include pioneering the mail-order catalog and becoming the largest retailer in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. Despite recent struggles and store closures, Sears has had a lasting impact on American retail culture and consumer habits.
