TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
MajorsJul 12, 2017
Sears Announces Closure of 43 More Stores
CEO Eddie Lampert is asking vendors to stand by the retailer as it tries to turn its business around.
Sears Chairman and CEO Eddie Lampert announced another round of stores closings and called on vendors for continued support, noting that the Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based retailer, whose headquarters are pictured here, is “determined to do what is necessary to remain a competitive retailer.”
Hoffman Estates, Ill.--Sears Holdings Corp. announced the closure of 43 more unprofitable Sears and Kmart stores nationwide.
In a post on the retailer’s blog, Chairman and CEO Eddie Lampert said the retailer would begin closing an additional eight Sears and 35 Kmart stores that are unprofitable, noting that: “Changes in consumer behavior are driving our vision and actions, and we continue to transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members.”
The stores will begin liquidation sales as early as Thursday and all will shut down by early October.
The 43 closings announced late last week is the latest in a line of store closing announcements and cost-cutting measures undertaken by the flailing retailer, which is fighting to stay out of bankruptcy.
Lampert said the closures are part of a strategy to stem losses from stores that are losing money while also reducing the size of other stores that are “simply too big for our current needs.”
“Having the right formats and right-sized stores will help us put Sears Holdings in a better position to meet the realities of the changing retail world,” he said.
While Sears has closed hundreds of locations over the past year, it also has been experimenting with new, smaller-format stores, opening an appliances-only store in Fort Collins, Colorado, and an appliances and mattress store in Pharr, Texas.
In his blog, Lampert asked the company’s vendors for their continued support, pointing out the progress Sears Holdings has made in cutting costs, expanding its borrowing capacity and selling off real estate to pay down debt.
“I believe the changes we have made will begin to build more confidence in the future of Sears Holdings among our vendors so that they will increase their support and put us on a more level playing field with our competitors. While there is still work to do, we are determined to do what is necessary to remain a competitive retailer in a challenging environment,” he said.
The list of the eight Sears and 35 Kmart stores that will close is on the Sears website. The stores are located in 25 different states.
Sears ranks No. 7 on National Jeweler’s 2016 list of $100 Million Supersellers, with an estimated $750 million in watch and jewelry sales in North America in 2015.
The company joins several other longtime names in American department store retailing to
shutter a sizable number of locations this year.
Macy’s Inc. is set to shed about 14 percent of its stores this year while J.C. Penney Co. Inc. will also shutter about 14 percent of its locations.
Macy’s Inc. is set to shed about 14 percent of its stores this year while J.C. Penney Co. Inc. will also shutter about 14 percent of its locations.
The Latest
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
CrimeJun 18, 2025
7 Men Indicted in $100M Brinks Jewelry HeistThe heist happened in Lebec, California, in 2022 when a Brinks truck was transporting goods from one show in California to another.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
