Sears offers veterans their own store

Hoffman Estates, Ill. Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears is offering military veterans a chance to own their own Sears Hometown Store through their Operation Stores and Stripes contest.

The contest, which is sponsored in part by Maytag Appliances, will supply the winner with their very own Sears Hometown Store location and license, merchandise, renovation, the first 90 days of the lease as well as 90 days of operating cash flow up to $130,000.

But Sears isn’t handing over keys to a brand new store to just anyone who’s ever worn a uniform, the contest includes a strict vetting process to asses applicants retail experience as well as their financial stability. To apply, applicants must meet certain requirements aside from being military veterans such as have a minimum of $100,000 net worth, $10,000 of which must be liquid.

The company also laid out what qualities they’re looking for in their potential winner on their website. The contestants will be rated on five key elements according to the contest rules: Applicant’s ability to be capable of running a successful store/business taking into account past retail experience and financial literacy (35%); customer-focused individual (10%); overall character (10%); appropriately representing the Sears brand (10%); and financially sound (35%).

Qualifying military veterans have until June 25 to log onto searshometownstores.com/veteran to apply. Contest winners will be posted on the website Sept. 30. The contest has been running since May.