Sears closes its last store in Washington

The closure of Sears' last store in Washington at Tukwila's Westfield Southcenter Mall on December 15, 2024, marks a significant moment in retail history. Opened in 1994, this store has been a community fixture, but it is now one of only nine Sears locations left in the U. S. The article discusses the broader implications of this closure, highlighting the challenges traditional retailers face due to the rise of online shopping. Local shoppers, such as 80-year-old Kay Smith, reflect on the store's importance in their lives.

Additionally, the article traces Sears' history from its origins as a mail-order catalog company in 1886 to its status as a retail powerhouse, noting its struggles, including a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in 2018. As the store prepares to close, it is offering discounts of up to 70% to sell off remaining inventory, serving as a poignant reminder of the changing retail landscape.