Sears was a major American retail company founded in 1892 by Richard Sears and Alvah Roebuck. Initially starting as a mail-order catalog business, it grew to become one of the largest department store chains in the United States, offering a wide range of products, including clothing, appliances, and tools. Sears was known for its iconic Sears Catalog, which allowed customers to shop from home. Over the years, Sears expanded its operations, opening thousands of stores across the country. However, the company faced significant challenges in the 21st century due to changing consumer habits and increased competition from online retailers like Amazon. This led to a decline in sales, resulting in store closures and bankruptcy filings in 2018.