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%
Tracked Locations
MN (1)
Minneapolis
6970 Main St
Minneapolis, MN 55401
555-903-9395
PA (2)
Philadelphia
3296 Main St
Philadelphia, PA 19019
555-927-3734
Pittsburgh
3122 Main St
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
555-713-6717
TN (1)
Nashville
9614 Main St
Nashville, TN 37201
555-266-5417
TX (3)
Austin
8016 Main St
Austin, TX 73301
555-389-6795
Houston
7600 Main St
Houston, TX 77001
555-970-1155
San Antonio
3197 Main St
San Antonio, TX 78201
555-621-7077