Sears expanding successful Scrubology "store-within-a-store" concept to 91 stores nationwide

QUINCY, Mass., April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Scrubology, an innovative new "store-within-a-store" concept, is expanding into a total of 91 Sears and Kmart stores nationwide. Scrubology was developed in conjunction with Work 'N Gear, the largest retail chain in the U.S. specializing in work apparel and uniforms for professionals in industrial, service and healthcare fields. In collaboration with Sears and Kmart, 39 Scrubology "stores" in total had been opened to date. The concept has proven to be popular with customers so Sears and Work 'N Gear have teamed up to launch an additional 52 stores in Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C.

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The Scrubology concept is attracting a young and affluent demographic. In the key fourth quarter, Scrubology results met or exceeded expectations. The brand has also generated a significant following online through social media, especially on Scrubology's Facebook page which has demonstrated continual growth since November.  

"Sears Holdings is pleased thus far with the performance of the Scrubology concept.  This venture with Work 'N Gear and the development of this unique 'store-within-a-store' concept has allowed us to provide additional value to our customers," said Dave Schuvie, vice president, Licensed Businesses for Sears Holdings.

Highlighting the success of the relationship, Work 'N Gear CEO Anthony DiPaolo added, "We're very proud of the tremendous results Scrubology has generated for not only Work 'N Gear but also Sears Holdings. We're looking forward to expanding this successful concept to these new markets."

Each Scrubology "store-within-a-store" is located within select Sears and Kmart stores. Scrubology is designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals with new and stylish brands such as Cherokee, Dickies, Carhartt, Med Couture, Koi and their own fashion-forward Scrubology brand, allowing customers to express their own individual styles.

The expansion of 52 new Scrubology locations inside select Sears and Kmart locations will occur by May.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more than 2,300 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and Canada, which includes approximately 929 full-line and approximately 1,200 specialty stores in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears, Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End — among the most trusted and preferred brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at www.sears.com or the Sears Holdings Corporation website at www.searsholdings.com.

About Work 'N Gear

Work 'N Gear is the largest retail chain in the United States specializing in the work apparel and footwear industry, Work 'N Gear serves customers with the widest selection of apparel and footwear designed for use in service, industrial and healthcare environments. Work 'N Gear operates more than 42 retail stores throughout the Northeast and Midwest. Work 'N Gear has been a leader in the sale of apparel for healthcare professionals for more than 20 years.

SOURCE Work 'N Gear - Scrubology