Struggling department store chain revamps employee discount program

In its latest move to stay afloat, Sears is scrapping its associate discount program in favor of a new concept.



Sears’ employee discount program, which gave employees money off purchases at checkout, is transitioning to a service that will reward asso-ciates with points through the chain’s Shop Your Way loyalty program. The change, which will impact all active Sears Holdings associates, spouses and eligible dependents, is set to launch on Sunday, Jan. 29.



Under the new points program, associates will receive 20% back in points on softlines categories, such as clothing, and 15% back on hardlines pur-chases, such as home furnishings and appliances. Points can be used to-ward future purchases, according to Sears’ website.



“We recognize that this is a significant change for our associates, and the leadership team appreciates the open dialogue we have with our associ-ates about the benefits of the new program,” Leena Munjal, senior VP, customer experience and integrated retail at Sears Holdings Corp., said on the website.



“This program change is about walking our talk, and having our associ-ates engage with and help shape the future of the company,” she added. “We believe it will benefit them as shoppers and members, and by more closely connecting their efforts to the success of Sears Holdings.”



The program change comes on the heels of the highly publicized sale of the chain’s iconic Craftsman tool brand to Stanley Black & Decker for $900 million earlier this month.



Both initiatives, as well as impending store closures, are all attempts to rebuild its brand after booking $8.2 billion in cumulative losses over the past five years, according to Fidelity Investments.