New construction is great. But when a new business finds a home in a standing facility, it also helps the community by making use of what otherwise might be an empty building.
Such is the case with the Sears Hometown Store, which will occupy the building at 2015 University Blvd., formerly the home of a Christian bookstore.
Anderson’s retail image had taken a hard hit last April when the Sears department store at Mounds Mall closed. Shortly thereafter, Sears began looking for folks interested in investing in a Sears Hometown Store in the city. Local businessman Charles Shumate and a business partner stepped forward, and they found a good location along University Boulevard near the intersection of Scatterfield Road.
Sears Hometown Stores do not have the same breadth of goods as a traditional Sears department store, but they still offer a variety of items for the home, including appliances, tools, fitness gear, lawn and garden equipment and mattresses. The Anderson store will sell national brands and will offer standard Sears service, parts and installation.
Sears has a long history in Anderson, dating back to 1928 when the first Sears store in the city opened downtown. Last April’s closing of the Sears store at Mounds Mall severed the connection between the community and the retail giant. Now, Sears will have a presence again in Anderson.
Yes, it would be good for local consumers and the retail market in general to have a full-fledged Sears store in the city. But the new Sears Hometown Store, which will open in April, will be a nice fit in a good location, making use of a facility that had been empty.
Opinion
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The building that formerly housed the Family Christian Store at 2015 University Blvd., Anderson, will be the new location of a Sears Hometown Store. John P. Cleary
Discussion
Editorial: Sears Hometown Store to fill vacant space, retail niche
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