At the close of its 2000 fiscal year, Sears operated 863 mall-based retail stores, most with co-located Sears Auto Centers, and an additional 1,200 retail locations including hardware, outlet, tire and battery stores as well as independently owned stores, primarily in smaller and rural markets.

The company's services operations include product installation and repair services; service contracts; selected installed home improvements; and direct response. Direct response includes direct response marketing, clubs and services memberships; and merchandise through specialty catalogs.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. also is the majority owner of Sears Canada Inc., one of Canada's largest retailers. Sears Canada operates 125 full-line stores, 176 specialty stores, and 1,550 independently owned catalog agents and dealer stores.