Sears / Kmart
PE-Owned1 Documented ImpactOnce America's largest retailer, stripped by Eddie Lampert's ESL Investments. Sold off Craftsman, Lands' End, DieHard brands while stores deteriorated. From 3,500 stores to ~5. Over 250,000 jobs lost.
Ownership Information
Sears / Kmart is owned by ESL Investments. Private equity ownership often leads to cost-cutting, price increases, and reduced quality of service as firms prioritize returns for investors over customers and employees.Learn more about PE ownership impact →
Timeline
Sears / Kmart founded
Acquired by ESL Investments for $11 billion
Sears collapsed from 3,500 stores to 5 under ESL Investments
Eddie Lampert's ESL Investments systematically sold off Craftsman, Lands' End, DieHard, and Kenmore brands while stripping real estate into a REIT. Over 250,000 jobs lost from peak employment.
How Eddie Lampert Destroyed Sears
CNBC →Before vs. After PE Acquisition
Store count
Reported 2018
Before PE
3,500 stores
After PE
~5 stores
↓ 99%
Community Reviews
Share your experience →Tracked Locations
CO (2)
Denver
742 Main St
Denver, CO 80201
555-720-6497
Denver
6747 Main St
Denver, CO 80201
555-725-8920
FL (1)
Tampa
6923 Main St
Tampa, FL 33601
555-966-1599
GA (1)
Atlanta
8937 Main St
Atlanta, GA 30301
555-869-2406
IN (3)
Indianapolis
9124 Main St
Indianapolis, IN 46201
555-309-2033
Indianapolis
7997 Main St
Indianapolis, IN 46201
555-896-5093
Indianapolis
947 Main St
Indianapolis, IN 46201
555-190-8059