The Sears Hometown Difference
Starting your own business can be both a rewarding and complex process. As one of America’s premier retailers, Sears Hometown knows what works and what doesn’t. Unlike many other concepts, Sears Hometown offers a smart business model that allows you to do what you do best – develop and maintain relationships with both customers and the community. There is a low cost of entry; no franchise fees, license fees and no inventory or transportation expense.
Why Sears Hometown?
Sears is one of the most trusted and preferred brands in retail and has served generations for more than 125 years. Today Sears Hometown Stores is expanding in a market near you. We are looking for owners/entrepreneurs to set up a Sears Hometown store that will serve your community by offering customers the largest selection of:
- Home appliances: Top 10 appliance brands including Kenmore®
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Tools
- Exercise Equipment
- Mattresses
Sears Hometown Stores provide exceptional customer service, price match guarantee, credit and protection agreements, as well as delivery and installation services.
We own the inventory, which averages $200,000-$300,000 per store. The store owner is responsible for operating costs, including rent and payroll, and is paid a commission on sales. In addition to selling merchandise, stores also sell and earn revenue on Protection Agreements, Credit Offerings, and Delivery and Installation services. Other notable details about Sears Hometown Stores include:
- 98% are owner operated; with over 900 stores
- Average 6,000 selling square feet
- 60% of sales are home appliances, 23% of sales are lawn and garden
MARKETING
Sears Hometown provides marketing support throughout the life of your retail business. Using weekly circulars, weekly updates of digital and social media, seasonal programs, re-branding opportunities and ongoing cause-related marketing, we invest over $40 million annually across the Hometown stores.
You will have access to an experienced retail development team who will guide you through market analysis, site location, lease negotiations and construction/retrofit. Additionally, we will provide assistance with fixture set up and merchandising the store, as well as preparing for your opening.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
New Owners receive extensive training and support which continues throughout the ownership of your store. This continuous support of our owners is a priority, because we are successful only when you are successful!
Prior to opening:
- Initial training in a Certified Training Store
- An in-depth week of training at our Training Store in Dekalb, IL and our Headquarters in Hoffman Estates, IL
- Field Trainer visits to your store prior to and during your Opening
After opening:
- Continuing training through online curriculum
- Intermediate owner training at our Headquarters 6-12 months after you open
- In- store training with our Field Trainers and Vendor Partners
- Annual Hometown Celebration: training on new products, sharing of best practices, motivational speakers, and an opportunity to connect with other owners and enjoy world class entertainment
- Your store will be assigned a District Sales Manager, who will partner with you to coach you on the skills needed to drive sales and profits for your business.