S18·E26 Sears

Discover the remarkable rise, dominance, and reinvention of one of America’s most iconic retail institutions. Beginning with Richard Sears’s mail‑order watch business in the 1880s, the episode follows how Sears, Roebuck & Co. revolutionized shopping for rural families through its vast catalog, delivering everything from clothing to entire prefabricated homes. As the company expanded into brick‑and‑mortar stores, Sears became a fixture of American life—synonymous with reliability, affordability, and middle‑class aspiration. The program explores the brand’s pioneering innovations, including Kenmore appliances, Craftsman tools, and the creation of Allstate Insurance, while also examining the leadership that shaped its corporate culture. Through archival footage and expert commentary, Biography charts Sears’s evolution across the 20th century and reflects on the challenges that later threatened its retail empire.