Sears to Fly Solo

Sears, Roebuck & Co. (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) is planning a new prototype freestanding store to open in Salt Lake City in the fall of 2003.

Sears chairman and ceo Alan Lacy told Crain's Chicago Business that this store would be part of an effort to compete with such big-box competitors as Target Corp. (Minneapolis) and Kohl's Corp. (Menomonee Falls, Wis.).

The freestanding location would be distinctive for the nation's fourth-largest retailer, whose stores have tended to be mall-based. Lacy explained that for the past decade, Sears hasn't made enough money to buy new real estate. “We're not as close to the customer as we should be,” he told Crain's. “People are driving by the malls on their way to Target.”

If the test succeeds, Lacy said Sears intends to open more non-mall stores as it expands. The retailer is also considering expanding its assortment of lawn and garden and home improvement products at the prototype store.