Sears Adds Appliances to Hardware Stores

Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) has added home appliances to 35 more Sears Hardware stores, renaming the stores Sears Appliance and Hardware.

“This format extends our appliance offering in a convenient new way, right in our customers' neighborhoods,” said Beryl Buley, senior vp and general manager of home stores for Sears. “We plan to add appliances to most of our remaining 103 hardware stores by year-end.”

The Sears Appliance and Hardware stores offer up to 260 appliance models, including countertop microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, freezers, over-the-range microwaves, ranges, refrigerators and washers. Sears also has increased its offering of economy appliances, displaying appliances by brand in a “good,” “better,” “best” floor layout in the stores. To make room for the large assortment of appliances, the retailer has reduced the assortment of products in lower-demand categories, including cabinet and bath hardware, ceiling fans and lighting; reduced the number of items available in some hardware lines, such as rough electrical and plumbing supplies; and eliminated top stock inventory and signs over the aisles to improve the visibility and lighting in the stores.