Business & Finance

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., April 15 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Sears Holdings Corporation today announced its plans to make stimulus checks go farther for its customers. In a move to help Americans stretch their dollars, the retailers will offer a 10 percent bonus to every customer who converts their government stimulus checks into gift cards at Sears or Kmart.

"In this tough economy, we know that our customers are focused on how to make their money work harder for them," said W. Bruce Johnson, interim CEO and President, Sears Holdings. "Every day we at Sears, Kmart and Lands' End are intent on bringing our customers the value, quality and style they deserve -- and our stimulus check program now provides even more value."

Johnson added: "Whether customers plan to use their stimulus checks for the everyday items they need, updates to their homes or wardrobes, purchasing Energy Star(TM) rated appliances, or perhaps even to get a head start on holiday shopping, the Sears Holdings stimulus check program provides the flexibility to redeem the gift cards at Sears, Kmart, Lands' End retail outlets or online at sears.com or landsend.com."

Sears Holdings also recently pledged support for a resolution in Congress introduced by Rep. Brian Baird to encourage Americans to spend their stimulus checks to invest in energy-efficient products to save money and energy.

How it works
When customers bring their stimulus checks to a Sears or Kmart cash register, they can convert the amount of the check into gift cards, plus receive a bonus gift card worth an additional 10 percent. To be eligible, the amount of gift cards purchased must be equal to the full value of the stimulus check. The gift cards can be redeemed at any Sears, Kmart or Lands' End retail stores or online at sears.com or landsend.com. The promotion is scheduled to last from May 14 to July 19, 2008.

Consumers want more bang for the buck
Even with a weak economic outlook, a recent survey conducted by Sears suggests that Americans still want to make small changes in their homes. While nearly all respondents agreed that in the current economy it is more important than ever to get the best value for your money, three out of five people said that despite financial concerns, they are still investing in small home improvements that can make a difference.

Beginning May 1, customers can learn more about this offer in stores, as well as in Sears Holdings' circulars, online, targeted emails and direct mail pieces. The gift cards and bonus cards have no expiration and no fees.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer, with approximately $50 billion in annual revenues, and with approximately 3,800 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, home electronics and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands. It also has Martha Stewart Everyday products, which are offered exclusively in the U.S. by Kmart and in Canada by Sears Canada. The Company is the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at http://www.searsholdings.com.