The end of Sears

Sears Holdings will soon ask a bankruptcy judge for permission to liquidate its remaining assets.

(That means “sell all its stuff.”)

We have been without a Sears in northern Alabama for some time, and it now very much appears that everyone will be. The death of the quintessential American department store is imminent. Remember looking at the Wish Book every Christmas? Remember the old Kenmore—Solid as Sears commercials?

(And oh, it’s taking Kmart with it too. Same folks.)

I’ve written fondly of Sears a time or two over the years, and when we had one I made a specific effort to do some business with them from time to time. It was a mall stalwart, of course, and I remember the free-standing store in northern Anniston from my childhood. (Was it on Noble or Wilmer?)

Their most iconic brands will live on—Craftsman is at Ace and Lowe’s, for example—but is it the same?

At least, thanks to the inimitable James Lileks, you’ll (always?) be able to go back to 1973 right here.

So long, Sears. I will miss you. Part of me wishes we could have done more for you, but it was probably a matter of when, not if.

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