Sears, Roebuck and Co.

Private Subsidiary, Headquarters Location
3333 Beverly Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179-0001, United States
(800)732-7780, (847)286-2500, http://www.sears.com

Primary SIC: Department Stores, Primary NAICS: Department Stores (except Discount Department Stores)
Description: Retail: Department store chain and mail-order house. Services: automobile repair, home appliance repair and maintenance services, opticians. Construction: Home improvement products and services such as siding, roofing, cabinet refacing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. More

Sears Roebuck and Company is located in Illinois and is the world's number two retailer behind Wal-Mart. Sears was founded in 1886 by Richard W. Sears as a watch company. The company prospered and began a mail order business. In 1931 Allstate Insurance was launched as a subsidiary of Sears. By the 1940's, Sears was operating over 600 stores and continued to grow. Over 650 independently owned stores still serve small towns. Mall department stores are located throughout the United States in approximately 833 locations. Specialty stores such as Sears Hardware, and National Tire and Battery are also owned by Sears. The company also offers home improvement services such as vinyl siding, appliance repair services and convenience services such as carpet cleaning. In the 1990's the company continues to restructure and is trying to project a softer image. Sears has over 320,000 employees.