New concept: Sears A&M

Amid store closings, net losses and sales declines, the Sears brand has taken a hit in recent months. Even in Canada, the news is negative — Sears Canada, which spun off from Sears in 2012, filed for protection from creditors.

But it’s not all defense. In Pharr, Texas, Sears has debuted a freestanding store concept dedicated to two of its strongest categories: “Sears Appliances & Mattresses.” The format expands the concept of the Sears Appliance store, which opened in Fort Collins, Colo., in 2016. The location has surpassed projections since its opening, Sears said.

The 20,000-sq.-ft. Sears A&M store features interactive displays of top home appliances brands in kitchen vignettes. It also allows visitors to experience top mattress brands.

“Like our Sears Appliances store in Fort Collins, this standalone location fully integrates in-store and online shopping to provide our members with the convenience of shopping with us wherever, whenever and however they choose,” said Leena Munjal, SVP of customer experience and integrated retail for Sears Holdings Corp.

The space includes a full-scale kitchen with a 122-inch interactive display. Using a tablet, shoppers can select kitchen layouts and appliances and further customize the experience by choosing colors and finishes. They can also use the display to shop for other products on the Sears website.

The Pharr store features free shipping on orders placed while in the store (for products not carried in the store), buy online and ship to the store as well as in-vehicle pickup. Shoppers can also go online to schedule in-store appointments with experts for assistance in purchasing appliances and mattresses.