Sears Is Gone: Understanding the Current Status of the Retail Icon

The statement that "Sears is gone" serves as a shorthand for the near-total disappearance of the company from the American physical retail landscape. While a handful of branded locations persist in limited markets, the vast retail empire that once anchored malls across the United States has effectively ceased to function as a national department store chain, leaving behind complex questions regarding warranties, parts, and brand legacy.

The Transformation of an American Retail Giant

For much of the 20th century, Sears, Roebuck & Co. was the definitive retail force in North America. Known for its extensive catalog and its omnipresence in regional shopping malls, it functioned as the primary destination for everything from appliances and tools to apparel and automotive services. By 2026, the brand exists in a drastically different form than it did during its peak.

The transition from a dominant national retailer to a legacy brand began in earnest following the 2018 filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move initiated a series of store closures and asset sales that dismantled the company’s physical footprint. Today, the "Sears" name is primarily associated with a small number of remaining storefronts and a licensing business that keeps the brand alive in fragmented ways, far removed from its era of total retail dominance.

Current Retail Footprint and Availability

If you are looking for a physical Sears department store, your search will likely be unsuccessful. As of 2026, the retail chain has contracted to the point of near-invisibility. The decline was not an overnight event but a prolonged period of liquidation and real estate divestiture.

For the few remaining locations—often operating in specialized formats or regional clusters—the customer experience bears little resemblance to the high-traffic, multi-department centers of the past. These sites typically focus on appliances and home services rather than general merchandise. Because the remaining locations are so sparse, they cannot be considered a national retail solution for consumers.

What This Means for Consumers

The erosion of the physical store base has significant implications for consumers who historically relied on Sears for specific needs, such as appliance servicing and long-term product support. The primary issues include:

• Service and Maintenance: Accessing authorized repairs for legacy products has become difficult, as the network of proprietary service technicians has been largely disbanded or outsourced.
• Warranty Fulfillment: Warranties issued by the retailer or its specific brands are subject to the terms established during the bankruptcy proceedings and subsequent asset transfers.
• In-Store Returns and Exchanges: With the lack of brick-and-mortar locations, traditional return policies have been replaced by digital-only processes, which can be challenging for those who prefer physical retail interactions.

Managing Kenmore and Craftsman Products

A significant portion of the frustration surrounding the news that "Sears is gone" involves the status of popular private-label brands associated with the retailer, most notably Kenmore (appliances) and Craftsman (tools).

Craftsman

The Craftsman brand was sold to Stanley Black & Decker in 2017. As a result, Craftsman tools are now available through a wide variety of third-party hardware retailers and home improvement stores. Consumers should note that the ownership change affects how warranties are honored and where replacements can be sourced. If you hold an older "Made in the USA" Craftsman tool, you may find that the current iteration of the brand follows different manufacturing and replacement protocols.

Kenmore

Kenmore appliances are still manufactured, but the branding rights are managed differently today. They are no longer exclusive to Sears. Various manufacturers produce appliances sold under the Kenmore name, which are now distributed through various online marketplaces and specific retail partners. If you are experiencing a technical issue with a Kenmore appliance, your best course of action is to identify the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) based on the model number rather than seeking a Sears-branded repair center.

Navigating Appliance Support and Repairs in 2026

When a major appliance fails, the default instinct for many legacy customers is to seek an authorized service provider linked to the original purchase location. Because the physical Sears infrastructure is gone, homeowners must adapt their repair strategies.

Comparison of Support Paths

For those holding active extended service contracts or protection plans, the most important step is to verify the current administrator of your plan. Many of these contracts were transitioned to third-party insurance administrators during the company’s restructuring. Consult your original documentation or check the official website of the company that issued your policy to confirm the current procedure for initiating a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a new Kenmore or Craftsman product?

Yes, both brands remain in production. Craftsman tools are widely available at major hardware chains, while Kenmore appliances are sold through various online retail platforms. They are no longer exclusive to a single department store chain.

How do I handle a warranty claim for a product bought at Sears years ago?

You must check your original receipt or service agreement for the administrator's contact information. If the policy was held by the retailer, it may have been transferred to a third party. If you cannot locate this, check the manufacturer’s website directly using your product's serial number.

Are all Sears locations permanently closed?

While the vast majority of the national chain has closed, a very limited number of locations continue to operate in specific regions. However, these represent a tiny fraction of the company's historical size and should not be relied upon for national service coverage.

What should I do if I need a replacement part for a legacy Sears appliance?

Search by the specific model number of your appliance on reputable parts-supply websites. Avoid searching by the retailer name; instead, focus on the brand (e.g., Kenmore) and the specific model identification plate found on the unit itself.

Is the "Sears Home Services" division still active?

There are entities that still offer home services under this name, but their operations are distinct from the former retail store network. Verify the legitimacy and local availability of any service provider operating under a legacy brand name before authorizing repairs or payments.

Practical Steps for Legacy Customers

If you are a long-time customer managing legacy products or concerns, you should adopt a proactive approach:

1. Inventory Your Documentation: Gather your original receipts, service contracts, and warranties. In the absence of a physical store, these documents are your only proof of eligibility for legacy support.
2. Model Identification: Document the model and serial numbers for every appliance you own. Keep these in a digital file. Without a store to look up your purchase history, you must be able to provide this information to any third-party repair service.
3. Prioritize OEM Parts: When performing repairs, seek parts that match your specific model number rather than looking for branded "Sears" parts. The original manufacturer of your appliance is the most reliable source for components.
4. Avoid Unverified Third Parties: Be wary of websites or services claiming to be "official" Sears support. Always verify the status of a service provider through official manufacturer channels if you are dealing with a complex appliance repair.

The disappearance of the physical Sears footprint marks the end of an era in retail, but it does not mean your products are unsupported. By shifting your focus from the retailer to the manufacturer and utilizing independent, professional repair services, you can continue to maintain your home assets effectively in the years ahead.