Sears Plans for 2002

Sears, Roebuck (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) has announced plans to open 15 new full-line stores in 2002 and remodel an additional 50.

The retailer says the actions are part of its plan to revitalize its full-line stores, creating an improved, more convenient shopping experience for its customers while operating with greater efficiency.

“We think customers will like the new look and feel of shopping at Sears,” said Sears chairman and ceo Alan Lacy. “Our stores will be easier to shop and the merchandise more appealing. We'll emphasize better classic apparel while highlighting our strong appliance, electronics and home improvement merchandise.”

Of the 15 new stores planned for 2002, seven are relocations within local markets. The 50 remodels, to begin in the second quarter, are the first wave in a four-year remodeling program during which approximately 600 of Sears'largest stores will be updated to incorporate many features of the new stores.

Brand new stores will be built at Cottonwood Mall, Albuquerque, N.M.; Harford Mall, Bel Air, Md.; Southpoint Mall, Durham, N.C.; Arrowhead Mall, Glendale, Ariz.; Peru Mall, Peru, Ill.; Warm Springs Promenade, Henderson, Nev.; Triangle Town Center. Raleigh, N.C.; and North Riverside Plaza, North Riverside, Ill.

Relocations include moving from Parole Plaza to Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Md.; to Hulen Mall from Fort Worth Town Center in Fort Worth, Texas; to Hagerstown Mall from Long Meadow Center in Hagerstown, Md.; to Prescott Gateway Center from Ponderosa Plaza in Prescott, Ariz.; to Riverdale Village from Riverdale Crossing in Coon Rapids, Minn.; and to West Shore Plaza from Tampa Bay Center in Tampa, Fla. Sears will also replace its current store at Manassas Mall, Manassas, Va.

Details on the store locations being remodeled were not disclosed.

Among the details of the new format will be open-sell in apparel and other softlines departments, new layouts, centralized checkouts and simplified signage and fixtures.