Hoffman Estates, Ill.,–(PRNewswire)–Transformco, the parent company of Sears and Kmart, announced that in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), it will temporarily close all Sears stores effective April 4 at end of the day through at least April 30.
Sears.com, distribution centers, and customer care will remain open, fulfilling online orders and answering customer inquiries. Sears Home Services will continue to repair essential appliances. Except where required to close by law or government order, Kmart stores and Kmart Pharmacy locations will remain open to provide essential products and services.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our associates, members and the communities we serve,” the company said. “We remain committed to helping slow the spread of the virus, while also meeting the needs of our members. However, COVID-19 is having a serious impact on the entire retail industry, including our company. Therefore, to ensure the future viability of the company, we have made the decision to temporarily close all Sears stores. We believe that taking these temporary steps now will position Sears to continue to serve our members and customers when the COVID-19 crisis passes. We continue to serve our members at Sears.com and through our mobile app and hope they and their loved ones remain safe and healthy.”
The company has also made the difficult decision to temporarily furlough most Sears store hourly, salaried associates and the majority of its associates in Hoffman Estates and other corporate locations around the country.
The company will cover 100% of the premium costs through April 30 for all furloughed associates currently enrolled in Transformco’s benefits programs during this period. Many impacted associates are also eligible to receive state unemployment benefits, which were recently increased with the passage of the federal stimulus bill.
Transformco will continue to follow guidance from local, state, and federal officials as it anticipates gradually reopening Sears stores and corporate offices when it is safe to do so.
Members who had Shop Your Way points that expired in March have had these reinstated and the company has extended the expiration through the end of April.
