After more than three decades of serving shoppers in Washington, Sears has officially exited the state with the closure of its last remaining store at Southcenter Mall on December 15. The historic department store chain, once a retail giant, is now reduced to just a handful of locations across the country.
The Final Days of Sears in Washington
The Southcenter Mall Sears had been a staple in the shopping community, known for its wide array of products, including appliances, tools, and clothing. In the weeks leading up to its closure, the store held discount sales, drawing crowds of nostalgic shoppers eager to grab final bargains.
Shoppers like Barbie Talamante, a former Sears employee, lamented the loss of the iconic brand in the state. “It’s a landmark, something you grew up with, something you could trust,” she shared with KUOW-FM, Seattle’s NPR station.
The closure has left many reflecting on the chain’s cultural impact. One customer recalled telling their grandson that Sears was the “original Amazon,” a comparison that underscored its once-dominant position in American retail.