Sears Trying New “Fashion-Forward” In-Store Concept

Sears may be closing stores faster than we can keep up, but the once-great retailer is apparently not ready to throw up its hands and give up. The department store chain has embarked on yet another tactic it hopes will finally be able to drum up some sales, righting the sinking ship. The plan this time? Showcase foreign apparel brands with a store-within-a-store concept.

The concept, called “Showcase at Sears,” will encompass 10,000 to 15,000-square feet of existing space at five New York and New Jersey stores starting this fall, the retailer announced Tuesday. 

Sears plans to first focus on 10 European and Latin American brand, showcasing men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as shoes, intimates and handbags ranging from $10 to $175.

“We are creating an experience for our members unlike anything in the U.S. retail industry – a fashion-forward, shop-in-shop apparel collection featuring established and popular international fashion brands,” David Pastrana, president of apparel, Sears Holdings, said.

The brands, many of which are making their debut in the U.S., will be exclusive to Sears, the retailer says.

The following brands will debut at the Cross County Shopping Center, the Galleria at White Plains, and Green Acres Mall in New York, and the Newport Centre Mall and Woodbridge Center in New Jersey:

Screen Shot 2016-08-24 at 9.57.17 AM

“Showcase at Sears gives our members access to fresh international trends, styles and fashions at an affordable price – and only found at Sears,” Pastrana said.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.