Sears, Kmart Online Integrating As One, Offering Free In-Store Pickup Between Stores

By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer

Customers and Shop Your Way members can now pick-up online orders from Sears.com or kmart.com, at any one of the stores, in over 2,000 locations across the country, a seamless network between both stores, simplifying the shopping experience for all customers.

With free in-store pickup at any of the two retailer locations, customers can purchase items from either store and have it delivered to any of the two stores that is the closest to their home. Shoppers can purchase a TV from Sears to have it available at their local Kmart store, or choose brand-name clothing, such as new lines from Sophia Vergara and Adam Levine from kmart.com and have it ready for pick up at their Sears store. Not only does the service enable convenience, it exposes customers to a wide variety of more brands. Items offered on sears.com or kmart.com that are available for free store pickup are labeled as “Free Store Pickup” merchandise. Shoppers must choose the desired pickup destination before adding to their online cart. After ordering, customers can expect their process to be ready within five minutes at their nearest location, as an email verification and confirmation will be sent when the order is ready. Customers can choose to pick up items at the pickup section, select a family member or friend to pick up the order or can request for a store associate to bring items to their vehicle. If the order is not ready five minutes after ordering, customers are guaranteed a $5 dollar coupon in return.

"Sears was the first broadline retailer to provide the convenience of free buy online pick up in store more than 12 years ago, and we continue to introduce integrated offerings to help our members shop on their own terms," said Imran Jooma, executive vice president, Sears Holdings. The company has recognized an increasing shift in shopping patterns through multichannel transactions—with 60 percent of online sales coming from multichannel purchasing, increasing by 26 percent since last year.

"We're excited to build on the success of this popular, convenient Free Store Pickup option with 2,000 Sears and Kmart stores, regardless of whether you order from sears.com or kmart.com, and have it ready for pickup in five minutes or less," said Leena Munjal, senior VP, Sears Holdings.