Business spotlight - North Windham Sears Hometown Store - By Michelle Libby

Shopping for any season, from lawn and garden to snow and ice, exercise season to football season, North Windham Sears Hometown Store is the place to fulfill any needs. 

Owned by locals Bob Yates and Robert Yates, Bob’s son, this local store has the backing of a major company with the feel and customer service of the local mom and pop store. 

“Our main forte is appliances, lawn and garden, power equipment, tools and electronics,” said Bob. “We may be a small store, but we have access to everything Sears has. We can order it for you.”

Sears guarantees the lowest prices and they price match if necessary. “We have over 7 million parts – almost any brand, we can get you parts,” Bob said. 

Bob and Robert have owned the store for 17 years and are now seeing second generation customers and parents bringing their children in. “We know many of our customers on a first name basis,” Bob said.

Sears is known for its Nationwide service with 10,000 service techs that will come to a home to fix appliances or lawn and garden equipment. If the tool is portable, like a vacuum cleaner, it can be dropped off at the store to go to the central service center. 

“We have in home service on large lawn and garden, tractors, snow blowers. One thing you won’t find at the big box stores. We have 10 times more items, service and satisfaction,” Bob said. “We pride ourselves on service after the sale.” 

Another service Sears offers is a master protection agreement that covers an appliance or a tractor and all of the electronics on it, which most warrantees don’t cover. If the stove can’t be fixed, Sears will provide you with a new one. 

“We’re here to do business,” said Robert. Don’t need a stove, how about new washer and dryers on pedestals, which means you don’t have to bend over to get the clothes or a new stainless steel refrigerator that’s energy efficient, or a dehumidifier for the basement. 

Sears carries one of the best stainless steel cleaner and rang top cleaner, according to Bob.

Need a new mattress? They have some of those. Patio furniture will now give way to game room and exercise equipment to keep everyone busy this winter. 

If tools are on the list, Sears carries Craftsman, DeWalt and all the major brands. 

One of the biggest sellers for the store is vacuum cleaner bags. That is probably because in a leading consumer magazine Kenmore from Sears placed three models in the top five ranked vacuum cleaners.

Kenmore is the number one brand of appliances, which Sears sells, but they all carry all 10 major appliance brands. They also have more appliances on display than any other store in the area.

“We’re a small store, but a big footprint,” said Robert. 

The local Sears store can also ship items to students at college or to children who have moved away. By calling the North Windham store directly for orders, Bob or Robert can tell you exactly which part is needed. Items can also be shipped directly to the store to avoid shipping fees. 

“It’s always better to come in. We can ask all the different questions that need to be asked before placing the order,” said Robert. 

“We have better service. We go that extra step to make sure the customers are happy,” said Bob. “We’ll appreciate you. Shop local with us and we’ll give service after the sale.” 

Sears in North Windham is located at 771 Roosevelt Trail in the Windham Shopping Plaza.  

The North Windham Sears Hometown Store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Orders can be placed online or at 893-2370. To email the local store send it to SearsWindham@msn.com. Visit www.Sears.com.