Sears used to be one of the behemoths of the department store world. It was the go-to place for everything from clothing to appliances, furniture, and more.
But times have changed. Today, you can get these items at any online retail sites and platforms, and you can often do so at savings that help you get ahead financially.
As a result, Sears stores have been closing down for some time now. That trend is continuing in 2023. If you’re still a Sears loyalist, keep reading to see if your local store is closing this soon.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
North Carolina
Residents of North Carolina said goodbye to the state’s final Sears store this year. The Greensboro location was the last one standing and went out with a huge closeout sale in the spring.
The store is now closed, and with it, a chapter of retail history in the state has ended. The location was another casualty of the company’s financial struggles.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania also recently said farewell to the former powerhouse of the brick-and-mortar retail world.
The largest Sears in the state was located in Capital City Mall. In 2017, the full-line Sears closed only to open a new Sears Appliances & Mattresses immediately. But that location was slated for closure in 2023.
The last full-line Sears in Pennsylvania announced in 2022 that it would close its doors. Transformoco (which owns Sears) said it would redevelop the property at the Willow Grove Park shopping center in Montgomery County.
Colorado
Sears will soon be a distant memory in Colorado, as the final location shuttered its doors for good in June of this year. The Sears Appliance store was located in Fort Collins.
The location was open for over 50 years and announced its liquidation sale in mid-May, along with its June 18 closing date.
However, this is not the only department store to permanently shut its doors in the area this year. A Macy’s in the same shopping mall also closed earlier in the spring.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1 <p>Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.</p>
Louisiana
2023 has not been a great year for Sears in Louisiana. Earlier in the year, locations in both DeRidder and Bogalusa shut their doors for good.
That left one last store operating in Lafayette. However, store closure signs were posted outside this final location in May of this year, putting Sears on the path to becoming just a memory in the Pelican State.
This Sears Home & Life store opened in 2019 and is still listed as open on the official Sears site. If you’re a local, head over to say your goodbyes and pick up some heavily discounted merchandise.
States where Sears remains
The former retail giant is now a rare commodity in the U.S., with around a dozen locations currently standing. Even then, not all of them are technically operational.
For example, there are four locations in California, including Concord, Stockton, Whittier, and Burbank. However, the Burbank location is listed as temporarily closed.
Nothing is listed on the Burbank store’s Facebook page regarding whether this closure is permanent or just for regular maintenance or revamp purposes. California ties with Florida as having the most operational Sears locations, at just three each.
There are two stores still open in Texas and one each in Virginia, Kansas, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico.
Trending Stories
Bottom line
The decline of major department stores such as Sears is a hard pill to swallow for people still dedicated to brick-and-mortar shopping experiences.
However, this reflects a more significant shift in shopping habits as a whole. With the advent of e-commerce monoliths such as Amazon, it’s hard not to give in to their convenience, even at the cost of long-standing retail icons.
As you console yourself over the loss of Sears, remember that it's been replaced by other online and brick-and-mortar retailers that let you get what you need at a price that can boost your bank account.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.