Business
Sears Files for Bankruptcy. What That Really Means.
After more than 125 years of business, Sears Holdings has filed for bankruptcy.
Under chapter 11 protection, the parent company of Sears and Kmart will continue operating while it comes up with a plan to restructure its business, pay off creditors and reduce debts.
In a letter to employees, Sears CEO and Chairman Eddie Lampert said the company “will continue to take action to streamline our store base.” That includes closing by the end of the year 142 unprofitable stores, on top of 46 store closures previously announced.
A Sears location in Joliet, and Kmart stores in Norridge, Moline and Quincy are among those closing shop.
In the same letter, Lampert said he’s stepping down from his role as CEO, a position he’s held for five years.
Since the news broke Sunday night, reaction on social media has included forgotten facts and memories of Sears, once dubbed as “Where America Shops.”
RIP Sears, Roebuck & Co... a little thread to salute some of the stuff they sold in their catalogs. First, the Allstate car (basically a rebadged Kaiser Henry J) pic.twitter.com/je3FXcALKx
— David Burge (@iowahawkblog) October 15, 2018
May Sears rest in peace and live on eternally in every 1980s Sears Portrait Studio family photo.
— Emotionally Mature Gambino (@MyNameIsMofuga) October 15, 2018
The end of an era. RIP Sears. pic.twitter.com/s8GD0d7rjd
— Giselle Valdez (@itsgissel) October 15, 2018
President Donald Trump also responded to the news.
“So Sears, Roebuck, when I was growing up, it was a big deal,” he told reporters Monday morning. “When you look at that whole filing that they did last night, for me is very sad. Somebody that is of my generation, Sears, Roebuck was a big deal.”
Joining us Monday on “Chicago Tonight” to discuss what the retailer’s future may hold is David Schaper, a national desk correspondent for NPR in Chicago, who reported the news about Sears early Monday.
Related stories:
Shopping Online? Pay Up: Out-of-State Retailers Charging Sales Tax
Bag Tax Study: Use of Disposable Bags Down But Still Above 50 Percent
In Homan Square, 102-Year-Old Building Gets a New Life
