Sears Hometown Stores looking for Gautier franchise

The Singing River Mall and Sears store in Gautier are gone, and now Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. is looking for an entrepreneur or independent retailer to open a location in Jackson County.

Sears Hometown Stores sell appliances, lawn and garden equipment, Craftsman tools, fitness equipment and mattresses. The stores also have in-store kiosks for ordering through Sears.com, along with local repair service, product warranties and the Sears price match policy.

The stores are not considered franchises because Sears does not require an individual to purchase inventory or pay an annual licensing fee.

The company said in a press release that potential investors can open a standalone store, typically between 8,000 and 10,000 square feet, or add a Hometown Store to their existing business, occupying between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet of space.

Store-within- a-store partners can sell the 10 top appliance brands and full product lines in store and through the Sears website with no fees or royalties paid to Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores.

The local owner is responsible for start-up and on-going operating expenses, including payroll.

Contact: Mike Jones at mike.m.jones71@shos.com or 205-432-8969

Sun Herald

This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 6:06 AM with the headline "Sears Hometown Stores looking for Gautier franchise."