OAKBROOK SPORTSWEAR by SEARS MEN'S VINTAGE THICK-RAILED CORDUROY LUX COAT/JACKET TAILORING: Shoulders Armpits Sleeves Length Sears, Roebuck, and Co. hold a storied place in American retail history, tracing its origins back to 1886. Richard Warren Sears, a former railroad station agent, founded the company after a fortuitous opportunity to purchase and resell watches. Teaming up with watch repairman Alvah Curtis Roebuck, Sears moved the burgeoning business to Chicago in 1887, where the first mail-order catalog was published. This initial venture into catalog sales laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential retail giants in the United States. By the early 20th century, Sears had diversified beyond watches and jewelry, offering a vast array of products through its catalog. This innovative approach revolutionized shopping for rural Americans, who previously relied on local general stores with limited selections and high prices. The Sears catalog, affectionately known as the “Consumers’ Bible,” provided a comprehensive and affordable alternative, featuring everything from clothing and household goods to farm equipment and even automobiles. The company’s commitment to quality and value helped it weather economic downturns, solidify its customer base, and expand its reach across the country.