# Sears

> American multinational department store chain

**Wikidata**: [Q6499202](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6499202)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sears

## Summary
Sears is an American multinational department store chain founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck. Originally a mail-order catalog business, it grew into one of the largest retail corporations in the United States, known for its wide range of consumer goods and iconic brands like Silvertone.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck.
- **Type**: Public company, classified as a retail business specializing in the sale of goods to end-users.
- **Headquarters**: Originally based in Chicago, Illinois, with later operations in Hoffman Estates, a northwestern suburb of Chicago.
- **Stock Exchanges**: Listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and previously affiliated with the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
- **Parent Company**: Sears Holdings Corporation, established in 2005.
- **Subsidiaries**: Includes brands like Silvertone (electronics and musical instruments, founded 1915) and formerly owned Orchard Supply Hardware (home improvement retailer, founded 1931).
- **Key People**: Founders Richard Warren Sears (1863–1914) and Alvah Curtis Roebuck; affiliated figures include labor leader Sidney Hillman and collector Lessing J. Rosenwald.
- **Notable Properties**: Owned the Willis Tower (Chicago skyscraper, built 1971) and was involved in the development of the 1980 video game *Pelé's Soccer*.
- **Website**: [sears.com](http://www.sears.com)

## FAQs
**When was Sears founded?**
Sears was founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck as a mail-order catalog company.

**Where is Sears headquartered?**
Sears was originally headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and later operated from Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago.

**What type of company is Sears?**
Sears is a public company and a multinational department store chain specializing in retail sales to consumers.

**What are some notable subsidiaries or brands owned by Sears?**
Sears owned Silvertone (electronics and musical instruments) and Orchard Supply Hardware (home improvement retailer). It was also part of Sears Holdings Corporation, formed in 2005.

**Was Sears involved in any notable real estate or cultural projects?**
Yes, Sears owned the Willis Tower in Chicago and was affiliated with the development of the 1980 video game *Pelé's Soccer*.

## Why It Matters
Sears revolutionized American retail by pioneering the mail-order catalog model, making consumer goods accessible to rural and urban customers alike. Its expansion into brick-and-mortar stores solidified its role as a retail giant, influencing modern shopping trends. The company’s decline reflects broader shifts in retail, from catalogs to e-commerce, marking a significant case study in business adaptation.

## Notable For
- **Pioneering mail-order retail**: One of the first companies to successfully use catalogs for nationwide sales.
- **Iconic American brand**: A household name for over a century, synonymous with department store shopping.
- **Ownership of Willis Tower**: One of the most recognizable skyscrapers in Chicago.
- **Diverse product lines**: Sold everything from appliances to electronics under brands like Silvertone.
- **Corporate restructuring**: Formation of Sears Holdings Corporation in 2005 as a major holding company.

## Body
### History and Founding
Sears was founded in 1892 by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck as a mail-order catalog business. The company capitalized on the growing demand for consumer goods in rural America, offering a wide range of products through its catalogs. Over time, Sears expanded into physical retail stores, becoming a dominant force in American department store shopping.

### Corporate Structure and Ownership
Sears operated as a public company, with its securities traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2005, it became part of Sears Holdings Corporation, a holding company formed to manage its assets. The company also had international affiliations, including listings on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

### Key Locations and Properties
Sears was headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and later in Hoffman Estates, a suburb of Chicago. One of its most notable properties was the Willis Tower, a iconic skyscraper in Chicago built in 1971. The company’s presence in major cities like Chicago underscored its significance in American retail.

### Subsidiaries and Brands
Sears owned several subsidiaries and brands, including:
- **Silvertone**: A brand of electronics and musical instruments founded in 1915.
- **Orchard Supply Hardware**: A home improvement retailer founded in 1931, which Sears acquired and later sold.
- **Sears Holdings Corporation**: The parent company formed in 2005 to oversee Sears’ operations.

### Cultural and Business Affiliations
Sears was affiliated with notable figures such as labor leader Sidney Hillman and collector Lessing J. Rosenwald. The company also had connections to cultural projects, including the 1980 video game *Pelé's Soccer*.

### Legacy and Impact
Sears’ decline in the late 20th and early 21st centuries reflects broader changes in retail, including the rise of e-commerce and big-box stores. Despite its challenges, Sears remains a significant part of American retail history, known for its innovation in catalog sales and its role in shaping consumer culture.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2018/10/15/Sears-files-for-bankruptcy-plans-to-close-142-more-stores/8161539597835/)
2. CiNii Research
3. [Source](http://hdl.handle.net/1903.1/1450)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. MusicBrainz
6. Sears, Roebuck and Co.. MobyGames
7. Global LEI Index
8. archINFORM
9. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
10. Quora
11. [Source](http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6mt4j4m)
12. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiarch.php)
13. [Sears | Logopedia | Fandom](https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Sears)
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
15. Name Suggestion Index