Sears Canada Announces Strategic Alliance for its Installed Home Improvements Business

SHS Services Management Inc. to operate Sears Installed Home Improvements

TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - Sears Canada Inc. (TSX: SCC) announced today that it has entered into a strategic alliance with SHS Services Management Inc., an Installation Services Org. company, whereby SHS will operate the Sears installed home improvements business.  The business will continue to operate under the Sears Home Services brand name.  Management of the operation by SHS is expected to take effect on March 2, 2013.

Sears installed home improvements include HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) products, windows, doors, roofing, home décor, gas fireplaces, carpet and duct cleaning, and more.  The operation includes 82 retail locations and 8 hubs. The value offered to customers will continue to include Sears Financial credit card special payment offers, including deferred payments, equal billing, and valuable Sears Club points as well as Sears Home Services satisfaction guarantee of not paying for installed home improvements until the customer is satisfied.

"Combining Sears brand, reputation and customer service with SHS's expertise, processes and technology is expected to significantly grow the efficiency and viability of the business, while creating an organization that provides Canadians with a trustworthy, reliable and affordable alternative in the installed home improvements arena," said Calvin McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sears Canada Inc.  "Working with successful organizations who can provide immediate credibility and continuity to our brands and services is a strategy we will continue to implement."

It is expected that most Sears associates will transfer over to SHS.  The transition is being planned to be seamless to Sears customers and of minimal disruption to associates and to the business itself.

"I am thankful to the hundreds of associates who have helped build our business to where it is today," added Mr. McDonald, "and I wish much success to those joining the SHS team as they continue to make Sears Home Services a part of so many homes coast to coast."

Sears Canada is a multi-channel retailer with a network that includes 195 corporate stores, 269 hometown dealer stores, 8 home services showrooms, over 1,500 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, 102 Sears Travel offices and a nationwide home maintenance, repair, and installation network. The Company also publishes Canada's most extensive general merchandise catalogue and offers shopping online at www.sears.ca.

SOURCE: Sears Canada Inc.