Sears Canada Launches 60th Edition of its Annual Wish Book

Celebrating 60 years of wishes

LONDON, ON, Aug. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - In 2013, Sears will celebrate its official 60^th Anniversary as a company, and 60 proud years of serving Canadian families.  To kick off the celebration, today Sears Canada President and CEO, Calvin McDonald, will be in his hometown of London, Ontario, to personally deliver special 60^th edition Wish Book catalogues in his old neighbourhood of Westminster Park.  Lucky neighbours who are home to receive this personal delivery will receive a $50 store gift card and Cooper,  Sears 2012 Collectible Charity Plush bear.  One randomly selected winner will receive a special grand prize of $1,000 to spend in a Sears store.

"As a young boy growing up in London, my first job was delivering Sears catalogues," said Mr. McDonald.  "I vividly recall my first look at that huge pile of Wish Books Sears delivered to my home and, because of its exciting contents, it quickly became by my favourite catalogues to deliver.  Being in London today brings back these great memories."

For 60 years, Sears has been a leading authority in Holiday must-haves for Canadians of all ages.  Since the first edition was published in 1953, the Company's annual Christmas catalogue has captured imaginations and created rushes of anticipation as it arrives on doorsteps across the country.  To celebrate this long standing tradition, this year's edition features a beautiful commemorative cover that includes images of every Wish Book ever published.  Over 3 million copies of this special edition Wish Book are being distributed across Canada, featuring 736 pages of extraordinary holiday gift ideas.

The catalogue offers the year's largest assortment of in-demand gift ideas for every budget—each one researched and hand-picked by Sears trend and product specialists.  From the fashionista, sports nut, outdoor enthusiast, and jet-setter, to the pet lover, handyman, gifted cook, or gamer, there is something for everyone.  The catalogue offers the latest fashions by Sears exclusive brands, celebrity brand cosmetics—look for 'Purr' & 'Meow' by Katy Perry, 'Someday' by Justin Bieber, 'Wonderstruck' by Taylor Swift, and 'Reb'l Fleur' by Rihanna—stunning home decor and furnishings, gorgeous jewelry and watches, electronics, health and fitness goods, and over 1,000 of the coolest toys and games a kid could ask for—and much, much more.  Also featured are timeless gifts ideas like gumball machines, espresso makers, pool tables, electric guitars, and TV, movie, and sports paraphernalia of all sorts.  The possibilities are endless.

From the collectibles section, Sears will donate two dollars from every purchase of 'Cooper the Bear' to programs that promote the healthy development of youth in Canadian communities.  Since 2005, proceeds from Sears Collectible Charity Plush have enabled the company to give over $1.3 million to Canadian organizations supporting youth development.

For shopper convenience, the catalogue has brought back its popular 'Gifts Under' section, featuring 46 pages categorizing gift ideas by price point from $10 to $200 making gift giving a breeze.  As well, shoppers have the option to pack a gift in a charming gift box for $4.99 that Sears will deliver almost anywhere in Canada.

"Today, the feedback I get from customers strongly indicates that the Wish Book plays as significant a role in the Holiday season now, as it has over the past six decades," added Mr. McDonald.  "Sears is proud to be part of this iconic Canadian Holiday tradition for so many families.  And as we look ahead and continue to improve our formats and operations, we want to take a moment to celebrate our rich heritage in Canada."

Canadians interested in obtaining the 2012 Wish Book and who are not on the Sears distribution list can visit the Sears Canada website at www.sears.ca or call 1-800-26-SEARS.  The Wish Book is also available in-store and digitally at www.sears.ca/catalogues. Orders placed on in-stock merchandise by December 20, 2012 will be delivered in time for Christmas in most regions. The website and customer service hotline are open 24/7.

A digital version of the Wish Book will also be available for iPad.  The Wish Book can be viewed from the Sears catalogue iPad application available for download via iTunes or at www.sears.ca/app by the second week in October 2012.

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 197 corporate stores, 276 hometown dealer stores, 20 home services showrooms, over 1,500 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 104 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.