What Sears Is and How to Shop There

Sears is a department store chain that sells clothing, home goods, tools, appliances, and seasonal items. You can shop in physical store locations or online at Sears.com. The company operates under Transformco, which acquired Sears out of bankruptcy in 2019, so the store network is smaller than it was historically but still operates hundreds of locations across the United States.

To shop at Sears, you walk into a store or visit the website, select items, and pay at checkout. You can pay with a credit card, debit card, or cash in stores. Online orders ship to your home or can be picked up at a store location if that option is available for your item. Sears also runs periodic sales and clearance events, particularly on appliances and seasonal merchandise.

Sears operates a layaway program in some locations, which lets you reserve an item and pay for it over time before taking it home. You put down a deposit, make weekly or monthly payments, and pick up the item once it is fully paid. Layaway terms vary by location, so ask a store associate or check Sears.com for details about whether your local store offers it.

Key Takeaways

  • Sears sells clothing, home goods, tools, and appliances both in stores and online at Sears.com.
  • The Sears credit card offers store discounts and rewards, but carries interest charges if you do not pay the full balance each month.
  • Sears accepts returns within 30 days for most items if you have your receipt, though some categories like mattresses and special orders have different rules.
  • Layaway is available at select Sears locations and lets you reserve an item and pay over time before pickup.
  • Sears operates a rewards program called Sears Shop Your Way that tracks purchases and offers member-only discounts.

The Sears Credit Card and How It Works

Sears offers a store credit card issued by Citibank. When you open a Sears card, you receive a credit line you can use only at Sears and Sears Outlet stores. The card comes with periodic discounts — typically 10% off your first purchase and rotating member-only sales throughout the year. If you carry a balance (meaning you do not pay the full amount due each month), the card charges interest at a variable rate that Citibank sets based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

You can explore for a Sears card in store or online. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Citibank reviews your credit history and decides whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. If you are approved, you can use the card when ready in many cases, either in store or online.

The Sears card is linked to the Shop Your Way rewards program. Every dollar you spend earns points, and points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The card also gives you access to member-only sales and early notice of clearance events. However, the card is only useful if you shop at Sears regularly, since you cannot use it anywhere else.

Sears Shop Your Way Rewards Program

Shop Your Way is Sears's free rewards program. You can join online or in store by providing your email address and phone number. Once you are a member, you earn points on every purchase you make at Sears, whether you pay with the Sears card, another credit card, debit, or cash. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts applied to future purchases.

Members also receive personalized offers and early access to sales. Sears sends promotional emails to members with special discounts, clearance notices, and member-only pricing. You can manage your account online or through the Sears mobile app, where you can check your points balance, view your purchase history, and find available offers.

The program is free to join and does not require you to open a credit card. If you shop at Sears occasionally, joining Shop Your Way costs nothing and gives you access to member pricing and promotional events.

Returns, Exchanges, and Sears's Return Policy

Sears allows returns and exchanges within 30 days of purchase for most items, as long as you have your receipt and the item is in original condition with tags attached. You can return items to any Sears store or by mail if you purchased online. Bring your receipt and the item to the customer service desk, and an associate will process the return and issue a refund to your original payment method.

Some categories have different return windows. Mattresses, for example, have a 100-night trial period — you can return them within 100 nights if you are not satisfied. Special orders, clearance items, and items marked final sale cannot be returned. Appliances purchased through Sears may have manufacturer warranties that cover defects, separate from the return policy.

If you lost your receipt, Sears can sometimes look up your purchase using your phone number or Shop Your Way account. Bring a photo ID and the item, and a customer service associate will search their system. If they find the transaction, you may still be able to return it, though the refund may be issued as store credit rather than cash.

Sears Outlet and Clearance Shopping

Sears Outlet is a separate chain of stores that sells overstock, returned items, and clearance merchandise at reduced prices. Outlet items are typically 30% to 70% off regular Sears prices. You can shop Outlet stores using your Sears credit card or Shop Your Way account, and the same return policy applies — 30 days with receipt for most items.

Outlet stores carry a rotating selection, so inventory changes frequently. Items are sold as-is in many cases, meaning they may have minor damage, missing packaging, or be from a previous season. Check the item carefully before purchasing, since some clearance and outlet items cannot be returned.

Sears also runs online clearance sections on Sears.com where you can browse discounted items without visiting a physical store. Clearance prices are often lower online than in stores, and you can have items shipped to your home or picked up at a store location.

Sears Appliance Sales and Delivery

Sears is known for appliance sales, particularly on refrigerators, washers, dryers, and kitchen ranges. The company offers both name-brand appliances and Sears's own brands like Kenmore. Appliances are often discounted during seasonal sales — particularly around holidays and back-to-school periods.

When you purchase an appliance at Sears, you can arrange delivery and installation through the store. Delivery fees vary based on your location and the item, and installation may be included or charged separately depending on the appliance and the promotion running at the time. Ask the sales associate about delivery options and costs before you complete your purchase.

Many appliances come with manufacturer warranties that cover defects for one to two years. Sears also sells extended warranty plans that cover repairs beyond the manufacturer's warranty period. Read the warranty terms carefully before purchasing an extended plan, since they vary in what they cover and how long they last.

Shopping Online at Sears.com and Mobile App

Sears.com lets you browse and purchase items from home. You can filter by category, price, brand, and customer ratings. Items show availability at your local store or ship to your address. Some items offer in-store pickup, which means you order online and pick up the item at a nearby Sears location within a few days.

The Sears mobile app mirrors the website and lets you manage your Shop Your Way account, check your rewards balance, and receive push notifications about sales and member offers. You can also use the app to find store locations, check store hours, and see which items are in stock nearby.

Online orders typically ship within 3 to 7 business days, though delivery time depends on your location and the item. Large items like appliances and furniture may take longer. You can track your order using the tracking number sent to your email after the item ships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Sears credit card anywhere besides Sears?

No. The Sears card works only at Sears and Sears Outlet stores. It is a store credit card, not a general-purpose credit card. If you need a card you can use at other retailers, you would need a separate credit card from a bank or credit card company.

What happens if I do not pay my Sears credit card bill?

If you do not pay by the due date, Citibank charges late fees and interest on your balance. Your credit score may also be affected if the payment is reported to credit bureaus. Contact Citibank if you are having trouble making a payment — they may offer a payment plan or hardship options.

How do I check my Shop Your Way points balance?

Log into your Shop Your Way account on Sears.com or open the Sears mobile app. Your points balance appears on your account dashboard. You can also ask a customer service associate in store to check your balance using your phone number or email address.

Does Sears offer price matching?

Sears does not have a formal price-matching policy. However, prices change frequently, especially during sales. If you see a lower price online or at another retailer, ask a Sears associate whether they can adjust the price — they may be able to help, particularly on appliances and seasonal items.

What is the difference between Sears and Sears Outlet?

Sears stores carry regular merchandise at standard prices. Sears Outlet stores sell overstock, clearance, and returned items at discounted prices. Both accept the Sears credit card and Shop Your Way rewards, but Outlet inventory changes more frequently and some items are sold as-is.