Brighton Sears Store to Close

After disappointing holiday sales, Sears Holding announced Thursday the first list of Sears and Kmart stores set to close at an undetermined time. The store on Grand River was among 79 stores on the list to close nationally.

On Tuesday, the retailer stated that 100 to 120 stores nationwide would shut their doors, but it did not say how many employees will lose their jobs in this cost-savings endeavor.

Brighton Patch asked on Facebook whether shoppers would miss the store. While some said they would miss being able to buy Lands's End and Craftsman brands, most said they favored shopping at other nearby stores:

• Melissa Hanks wrote: "I used to shop there as Kmart, have only been in there twice as Sears, never bought anything. Not very impressed. I will not miss it, but alas it will be horrible to have another empty store."
• Mike Voories wrote: "This store eventually failed as a K-Mart. I don't know why anyone thought hanging a Sears sign over the door and selling Craftsman tools would save it from the overwhelming competition of Meijer, Target, and other more modern retailers."
• Nicole Spence wrote: "This news sucks! There being a Sears in Brighton actually makes it way more convenient to shop for the Craftsman tools or Lands End without having to drive to Novi & put up with the constant construction and mall traffic!"
• Laura Ritter Schultz wrote: "We only ever went there for Lands' End and vaccuum cleaner bags, but we'll miss it. Bummer for Brighton. I hope the employees will be offered jobs at other Sears/Kmart stores in the area."