IMHO, Sears should transition its stores into a “home center” type of business - concentrate on hardware, major appliances, and automotive. Get rid of clothing, housewares, jewelry, sporting goods, and everything else.
Pffft! I refuse to shop at Sears for hardware anymore. I used to swear by Craftsman tools for everything, esp. their automotive tools. They used to warranty everything for life. Any time I broke a Craftsman tool or part, bent a box wrench, or tore up a socket wrench, I could go back and get a replacement free of charge.
Nowadays, they make inferior products and don't warranty them unless you pay an exorbitant replacement warranty fee, and knowing how Murphy's Law works, it always breaks AFTER the warranty period is up. I point to several drivers, a shop vac, two reciprocating saws, a table saw, and a router as proof.
I've gone over to De Walt, Makita, and Kobalt almost exclusively. At least the products go the distance.
At the Sears store nearest to us and their store in the next nearest city, there is no furniture, no lamps, no draperies and no cosmetics. Appliance purchases are pushed for extended warranties and and delivery charges in a market where delivery is generally “free” if you spend enough money.