What to Know About Sears in South Carolina Today

Sears has largely closed in South Carolina, with only a handful of locations remaining

Sears, once a dominant department store chain across America, has shrunk dramatically over the past decade. In South Carolina, the retailer operated dozens of stores at its peak but now has very few physical locations where you can shop in person. Most Sears stores in the state have closed, though the company continues to operate online and through Sears Outlet locations in select areas.

If you're looking for a Sears store near you, your best option is to check the company's website or call ahead before visiting. The remaining locations tend to be in larger shopping centers or malls, and hours can vary. Understanding what Sears offers now—and where to find it—helps you plan your shopping trip or explore alternatives if your nearest store has closed.

Key Takeaways

• Most traditional Sears department stores in South Carolina have closed, leaving few brick-and-mortar locations in the state.
• Sears continues to operate online at Sears.com, offering home appliances, tools, clothing, and other merchandise for delivery or pickup.
• Sears Outlet stores, which sell discounted merchandise and returned items, operate in a few South Carolina locations and offer lower prices than full-price stores.
• You can check the Sears website or call customer service to locate the nearest open store and confirm current hours before you visit.
• Many South Carolina shoppers have shifted to other department stores, big-box retailers, or online marketplaces as Sears locations have disappeared.

Where Sears stores still operate in South Carolina

Finding an open Sears in South Carolina requires some research, as the number of locations has dropped sharply. The company's website includes a store locator tool where you can enter your zip code to see which locations are still operating. Some Sears stores remain in larger malls and shopping centers, particularly in the Upstate region and around Charleston, but availability changes as the company continues to close underperforming locations.

Sears Outlet stores, which are separate from traditional Sears department stores, operate in select South Carolina cities. These outlets sell overstock merchandise, returned items, and floor models at reduced prices. They carry appliances, tools, clothing, and home goods—often at 20 to 40 percent below regular retail prices. If you're hunting for a deal on a specific item, an outlet location may have what you need at a lower cost than a full-price store.

Shopping online at Sears.com

Sears.com lets you order from home and have items shipped to your address or picked up at a store location if one is nearby. The online store carries appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers), tools and hardware, clothing and shoes, home décor, and lawn and garden equipment. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on the item and your location, so check the product page for details before you order.

If you have a Sears credit card, you can use it to make purchases online and earn rewards points. The company also runs periodic sales and promotions, which are advertised on the website. Returns and exchanges can be handled online or at a physical store if one is open in your area, though policies vary by product type.

Sears appliances and tools in South Carolina

Sears has long been known for appliances and tools, and these categories remain central to the company's business. Kenmore, Sears's house brand for appliances, is sold exclusively at Sears and includes refrigerators, ranges, microwaves, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Craftsman tools, another Sears brand, are available in-store and online for DIY projects and professional use.

If you're replacing a major appliance or stocking a toolbox, Sears can be worth comparing to other retailers. Prices, warranty options, and delivery services differ, so check what competitors like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Best Buy are offering for the same item. Sears sometimes offers installation services for appliances, though availability depends on your location and the product.

Why Sears has closed so many stores

Sears filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and has been restructuring ever since. The company faced decades of declining sales as customers shifted to online shopping, specialized retailers, and big-box stores like Walmart and Target. Department stores in general have struggled nationwide, and Sears was hit harder than most because it was slower to adapt to e-commerce and lost ground to competitors in key categories like clothing and home goods.

The closure of Sears locations has reshaped shopping patterns across South Carolina. Communities that relied on Sears as an anchor tenant in malls have seen those malls decline as well. For shoppers who valued Sears's appliance selection or Craftsman tools, the shrinking footprint means fewer places to see products in person before buying.

Alternatives to Sears in South Carolina

If your nearest Sears has closed, you have several options depending on what you're shopping for. For appliances, Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, and regional appliance dealers all carry major brands and offer delivery and installation. For tools, Home Depot and Lowe's stock Craftsman and other brands, and you can also order online from Amazon or specialty tool retailers. For clothing and general merchandise, Target, Walmart, Kohl's, and online retailers like Amazon and Zappos offer competitive prices and wider selection in many categories.

South Carolina also has local and regional retailers that may offer products Sears once sold. Furniture stores, hardware stores, and specialty shops in your area might carry appliances, tools, or home goods. Shopping locally can sometimes mean better customer service and support for South Carolina businesses, even if prices are slightly higher than national chains.

Sears credit card and rewards

If you have a Sears credit card, you can continue to use it at Sears.com and at any remaining physical locations. The card earns rewards points on purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders. Cardholders sometimes receive special promotions and early access to sales. You can manage your account online or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

If you're considering opening a Sears credit card, weigh the benefits against other retail credit cards or general rewards cards you might use more often. Since Sears locations are now limited, a card that works at multiple retailers may be more practical for your everyday shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Sears store near me in South Carolina?

Use the store locator on Sears.com to find the nearest location by entering your zip code. You can also call Sears customer service at 1-800-349-4358 to ask about stores in your area. Hours and services vary by location, so confirm details before you visit.

Can I return items bought online to a Sears store?

Return policies depend on the item and how you purchased it. Check the return policy on Sears.com or contact customer service to confirm whether you can return an online purchase at a physical store. Some items may need to be returned by mail instead.

Does Sears still sell Craftsman tools?

Yes, Craftsman tools are available at Sears.com and at remaining Sears locations. You can also find Craftsman at other retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot. Availability varies by store and product, so check online or call ahead if you're looking for a specific tool.

What happened to all the Sears stores that used to be in South Carolina?

Sears closed most of its stores nationwide after filing for bankruptcy in 2018. Changing shopping habits, competition from online retailers and big-box stores, and years of declining sales led to the closures. A small number of locations remain open, but the chain is much smaller than it was a decade ago.

Can I shop at Sears Outlet if there's no regular Sears near me?

Sears Outlet locations are separate stores that sell discounted merchandise and returned items. They operate in select South Carolina cities and offer lower prices than full-price Sears stores. Check Sears.com or call to find an outlet location near you and confirm what's in stock before you visit.