For many, the name Sears evokes memories of reliable appliances, sturdy tools, and, importantly for car owners, dependable auto services and parts. Like reader Bill from Oregon, many Americans have fond memories of Sears Auto Centers and Kmart Auto Centers, places where you could get your car serviced and then browse a wide array of goods. With the changing retail landscape and the closure of numerous Sears and Kmart stores, it’s natural to wonder about the fate of these once-ubiquitous auto centers and the Sears Car Parts they offered.
It’s indeed a poignant moment as we witness the decline of retail giants like Sears and Kmart, including their auto service divisions. While the number of Sears Auto Centers has dwindled since 2008, with Kmart’s auto presence even smaller, there’s still a significant legacy to explore. To understand the journey of Kmart Auto Centers, we can look back to an insightful interview with Roger Penske from August, during the ABC Supply IndyCar 500 race. Penske, who once operated a substantial 562 Auto Centers, had a partnership with Kmart that unfortunately didn’t reach its full potential, dissolving in 2002 after seven years. Penske attributed the difficulties to Kmart’s bankruptcy struggles, the shifting customer base, and changes in how auto parts were integrated within Kmart stores. He also noted a significant difference in average repair orders: around $200 at his other Penske Auto Centers compared to just $65 at Kmart. This lower revenue at Kmart locations made it challenging to invest in top-tier equipment and personnel, ultimately hindering their success. This situation with Kmart might mirror some of the challenges Sears is currently facing, such as declining overall sales and financial losses.
My personal history with Sears and Kmart, especially concerning Sears car parts and auto services, is filled with warm recollections. Growing up after our move to Vineland, New Jersey in 1957, Sears was a weekly destination for my family. The Sears & Roebuck store there was equipped with a convenient auto center. My father would entrust our family car for oil changes, tire replacements, or a new battery, confident in the Sears car parts and service quality. While the car was being attended to, my brother and I eagerly anticipated the treat of hot dogs and Hires Root Beer from the store’s food stand.
Alt text: A vintage photograph of a Sears Auto Center service bay, highlighting mechanics working on cars and displaying Sears car parts and tires.
Sears truly had something for everyone, especially children. For us, it was a treasure trove of delights, from 1/24 plastic model cars to JC Whitney bicycles and Ted Williams sporting goods. While we explored the toy section, my mother would browse the ladies’ department, and my dad would periodically check on our 1955 Plymouth Savoy at the auto center, likely discussing Sears car parts options with the technicians. Interestingly, Sears even ventured into car manufacturing in the early 1950s with the Allstate, a rebranded Henry-J.
Years later, during my time as a paint department employee at the same Sears & Roebuck store in the late 1960s, I became a Sears credit card holder. This enabled me to purchase coveted Sears car parts like Hedman Headers, a Sun tachometer, and an AFB 4-barrel carburetor – all performance parts readily available at my local Sears. That Sears credit card, made of heavy paper back then, was my first step into building credit.
Moving into the 1980s, Kmart also became a significant part of our lives. Following the pattern established by my father at Sears, I would get my car serviced at Kmart Auto Centers while my young family enjoyed Little Caesars “Pizza-Pizza,” a Kmart staple still found in many locations today. Over time, Sears and Kmart merged, leading to a situation where many Sears products became available at Kmart stores.
Alt text: A close-up shot of a Sears Auto Parts display shelf, showcasing various car parts like oil filters, spark plugs, and belts, emphasizing the availability of Sears branded auto components.
While the future of Sears and Kmart remains uncertain, and other once-major retailers like Montgomery Ward (which also had auto centers where I recall getting an aftermarket air conditioner for my 1976 Gremlin X) are no longer with us, the need for car care persists. Sears Auto Centers, despite their reduced numbers, still offer valuable services, alongside independent auto centers and smaller garages. I believe there will always be a place for these service providers, irrespective of how technologically advanced vehicles become. The key will always be reliable service at a fair price.
While Sears car parts and auto centers may not be the primary factor in the overall financial challenges facing Sears Holdings, they represent a significant part of its legacy and customer connection. The larger issues for Sears involve real estate, brand perception, and competition from online retailers. However, when it comes to car maintenance and reliable Sears car parts, the memories and the need for dependable auto service endure. The hope remains that the spirit of accessible and trustworthy auto care, once embodied by Sears and Kmart, will continue to thrive in the evolving automotive service landscape.
