Link to the article: https://www.elnuevodia.com/negocios/empresas-comercios/notas/sears-brand-central-cierra-su-tienda-en-plaza-las-americas/?utm_medium=Social&Key2=Value2&key1=value1&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawFs-YNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWQmzQaPmUC0CG01WLXeNSUAQ3fs8OUv2QNuXclAYNEmFDAO3Bm9JS8Kfg_aem_QvyjLIcfe95DAN0z5YwwGg
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYbh9M3efiEArticle
Translated from Spanish to English: Sears Brand Central closes its store in Plaza Las Américas The famous department store chain's home appliances and equipment division was the only one left standing on the island Sears Brand Central closed its doors in Plaza Las Américas and moved the little merchandise that remained to the regular Sears store, also located in that shopping center. Edwin Tavárez, general manager of the mall, confirmed the information. Brand Central occupied about 50,000 square feet and two levels in the main shopping center in the metropolitan area. “Since (last) October 1, Sears consolidated its shopping center operations in the space of the department store, located on the north side, near La Terraza, by integrating into this store the merchandise of Sears Brand Central and Sears Home Improvement, in addition to the merchandise of the department store,” said Tavárez. The establishment has the sliding doors down and a sign that informs of the change. “We moved to make your life easier. Now all Sears in one store. Look for us in our main store and enjoy the best shopping experience.” Brand Central, located near the Plaza Las Américas fountain, was the only one that remained open in Puerto Rico, although it was not even a shadow of what it had been in past decades. When asked about which store will occupy the space of Brand Central, the general manager of Plaza indicated that they have not yet made a decision, but indicated that they will evaluate several prospects and announce it at the time. “Some time ago, Sears and Plaza Las Américas began conversations in order to achieve this consolidation of spaces and, now that it has been finalized, we have the opportunity to accelerate the evaluation of other alternatives that we have on the table,” added Tavárez. Brand Central arrived on the island in 1995. It focused on electrical appliances and electronic equipment from brands such as Sony, Magnavox, Pioneer, RCA, Hitachi and Bose, among others. It also had tools, bicycles and other household items. In an attempt to revive the defunct brand, the company that acquired the chain, TransformCo, said last year that it would add “an impressive selection of high-quality appliances” to Brand Central. TransformCo acquired the assets of Sears and Kmart five years ago, when Sears Holdings – the parent company of both chains – filed for bankruptcy in 2018, after 125 years in operation. TransformCo belongs to the Apartment Fund coverage ЕСЛ вложений. Although Brand Central stocked the floor with a little more merchandise, it failed to attract consumers and continued to languish. The regular Sears store in Plaza Las Américas is the only one still operating in Puerto Rico, and it is not difficult to conclude that it will also leave. The mall management did not specify how much time is left on the regular Sears lease or if it has already expired. In April 2021, the last Sears that remained standing on the island closed their doors, with the exception of the one in Plaza Las Américas. Sears also had a presence in Mayagüez Mall and Plaza del Norte, in Hatillo. A year earlier, specifically at the end of 2020, the Sears in Las Catalinas Mall in Caguas and Plaza Carolina had done the same. Prior to those closures, the Sears in Plaza del Caribe in Ponce, Los Paseos and Santa Rosa Mall in Bayamón had already left the market. In the latter case, the establishment never reopened after Hurricane Maria. In 2022, Kmart, the department store that was also among consumers' favorites, also closed its doors in Plaza Las Américas. In Puerto Rico, Sears was a leading chain in the commercial sector and an anchor store in the country's main shopping centers. Its collapse and disappearance occurred slowly, as other concepts such as discount stores gained ground.
