San Diego

Over 200 Sears Stores Shutting Down This Year, Including One in San Diego

"I don't know that kids these days have ever been in a Sears," said Michael Belch, a marketing professor at San Diego State University

Another Sears store is set to close in San Diego, along with 200 other Sears stores shutting down this year nationwide.

The store located at University Towne Center (UTC) will start liquidation sales soon and should be closed by around September. 

Michael Belch, a Marketing Professor at San Diego State University (SDSU), told NBC 7 that mall stores are on their way out.

"Well, everything you're reading now is saying that the malls are dead," said Belch.

Despite this, many specialty stores are surviving and even thriving. While UTC is losing Sears, the center is also in the midst of a renovation and expansion, which includes the addition of new eateries.

Sears, however, appears to be suffering from a reputation, among customers, of being outdated.

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Belch says Sears can't seem to shake its reputation as your parents or grandparents store.

NBC 7 spoke to shoppers who view the store as old-fashioned and behind the times, despite its efforts to create a modern image. Sears joins others stores like Macy's and J.C. Penney. Despite a successful history, the stores are facing a troubled future.

All of these stores have faced layoffs and store closings. That leaves many to wonder if the traditional brick-and-mortar department store can survive.

"I don't know that kids these days have ever been in a Sears," added Belch.

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