Careful What You Buy At Sears. Expert Shares 20 Items To Avoid (Plus 20 To Absolutely Get)

Brick-and-mortar stores such as Sears and others are having a hard time competing with online retailers, most notably Amazon. Sears has even had to go to the extreme of closing some of its stores to stay competitive, meaning that the best time to save big on items at Sears is now.

Store closures by Sears means that the retailer has reduced prices on items in an attempt to make a profit on them rather than having to pay the price to have to move them to another store. This means there are price cuts on many items that at one time were considered too expensive.

But, whether you are looking for a good deal in the wake of store closings across the country or are seeking the quality that Sears is known for, keep in mind that you can sometimes find the same or similar items for a better price elsewhere. Here are some of the things you should buy at Sears and some you should avoid.

Do Buy These Items at Sears

Here are some of the items you should consider buying at Sears. Whether you want small electronics, large appliances, or the quality Craftsman tools the store is known for, you can find a variety of items to buy at the retailer. Here are just some of the things you should definitely buy when shopping at Sears.

1) Small Electronics

You can find a variety of smaller electronics, including stereo systems, laptop computers, and digital alarm clocks, among other items at Sears. In addition to newer items, Sears also sells refurbished items, allowing you to save money while still getting the brands you want.

2) Outdoor Bar Supplies

Sears sells a wide gamut of outdoor bar supplies, including bar stools and seating, serving bar tables, and bar sets. Bar sets include all of the items you need to serve your favorite cocktails and drinks, including mixers, bowls, and utensils.

3) Small Appliances

In addition to bigger appliances, Sears is also currently selling its smaller appliances at greatly discounted prices. Whether you need a countertop microwave, air purifier, or a variety of other small appliances, you can find many items at the retailer for greatly reduced prices.

Freebies for a Cause
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Freebies for a Cause

4) Luggage

One thing you definitely need when going on a long trip is a luggage set to carry your clothing and other items. Sears is selling two-, three-, and four-piece luggage sets at highly discounted prices. This includes hard-shell, cloth, and vinyl luggage in such brands as Rockland, Forecast, and American Tourister.

5) Footwear

Footwear, such as shoes and boots, is another item that can cost a lot. Luckily, Sears, in a push to sell off some of its expansive stock of footwear, is selling items for 80 percent off or more.

Living Rich With Coupons
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Living Rich With Coupons

6) Coffee Makers

If you like coffee or espresso, then Sears has many items on sale. This includes coffee makers and espresso stations from such manufacturers as Mr. Coffee, Black& Decker, and others. Machine types include dual coffee makers, grind and brew coffee makers, and percolators.

7) Craftsman Tool Sets

While Sears no longer is the exclusive seller of Craftsman tools, the retailer still sells the popular brand of tools known for its quality. Best of all, with the company’s recent downsizing, you can find many Craftsman tool sets on sale, including socket sets.

8) Patio Furniture

Whether you need a casual dining set, a chaise lounge, or even a gazebo, you can find these items, and more, at Sears. Sears sells patio furniture items from a variety of popular manufacturers, including Garden Oasis, Sutton Rowe, and American Luxury.

9) Comforters

Sears sells a variety of comforters including both goose-down and microfiber sets. Depending on your preference, you can find comforters in a wide selection of fabrics, some of which include Egyptian cotton, cotton blends, and linen materials.

10) Exercise Equipment

If you want to stay in shape while at home, check out one of the many pieces of exercise equipment sold at Sears. Most often, you can find exercise equipment at up to 40 percent off. Exercise equipment sold at Sears includes ellipticals, treadmills, home gyms, and more.

11) Mattresses

Mattresses usually cost a lot to buy with more expensive mattresses running into the thousands of dollar range. While you certainly can’t expect the retailer to have such low prices forever, the store currently is offering 50 percent, or more, off such mattress brands as Serta, Sealy, and Beautyrest.

12) Smart TVs

Sears has a wide selection of smart TVs for sale, including from Sony, Samsung, and LG, among many others. In addition to TVs, Sears also sells a variety of TV accessories, such as wall mounts, universal remotes, and TV stands.

13) Washer/Dryer Sets

In an effort to sell off some of its stock of washer/dryer combos, Sears is discounting the large appliances up to 40 percent off. Sears sells a wide variety of brands of washer and dryer combos, including Kenmore, GE, and LG, among others. In addition, shoppers can find front- or top-load washers, as well as stackable washer-and-dryer combos.

14) Power Tools

You can also find a large variety of power tools for sale at Sears, including those from DeWalt, Craftsman, and Kenmore. Power tool types include both corded and cordless drills, electrical meters, and stationary tools, such as saws, drill presses, and others.

15) Bicycles

Sears is also selling a variety of bicycles at discount, including male, female, and unisex models. Some of the different types of bicycles that the retailer carries includes mountain bikes, freestyle bikes, and BMX-style bikes. Brands include Schwinn, Mongoose, and more.

16) Push Lawnmowers

Sears also sells Craftsman push lawnmowers, known far and wide for their quality. Best of all, you can find many of these mowers on sale, including self-propelled lawnmowers. Other lawnmower brands sold at Sears include Black & Decker, MTD, and Snapper.

17) Refrigerators

Sears sells Kenmore and other brands of refrigerators, many of which are being sold at very affordable prices in the wake of store closings. Some of the different brands and types of refrigerators sold at Sears include LG French door refrigerators, Frigidaire top-freezer refrigerators, and Kenmore bottom-freezer refrigerators.

18) Pressure Washers

When it comes to pressure washers, Sears has a wide selection to choose from, including Craftsman, Briggs & Stratton, and DeWalt washers. In addition, pressure washer types sold at Sears include both gas and electric models.

19) Lawn Care Equipment

Sears sells a selection of lawn care equipment, such as trimmers, edgers, and blowers, all designed to make taking care of your lawn easier. Brands sold at Sears include Craftsman, Husqvarna, and Black & Decker, among others.

20) Outdoor Grills

Sears also offers a wide selection of outdoor gas and charcoal grills, including those made by Kenmore, Craftsman, and others. You can also find a variety of grill accessories at Sears, including cooking utensils, grill covers, and replacement parts.

Don’t Buy These Items at Sears

While there are many items you should look for when shopping at Sears, you should also avoid buying certain items. This is mostly due to the higher price that such items cost at the retailer as compared to other stores. Here are some things you should avoid buying when shopping at Sears.

1) Coats and Jackets

While you can find a large selection of coats and jackets at Sears, you are better off buying them from Walmart or on Amazon. Buying them from either of those two sites, and not Sears, can save you money.

2) Riding Mowers

If you own any sizable plot of land, then more than likely you need a riding mower to keep it cut. Sears does sell riding mowers, but you can usually get them for less at Home Depot or Lowe’s, especially when it comes to zero-turn radius mowers.

3) Stoves

Like many households, you probably cook using your stove. When purchasing a range, you can get better deals on Amazon as opposed to Sears. This includes when buying Sears’ signature Kenmore brand appliances, which you can find cheaper on Amazon.

4) Car Batteries

The ability to consistently start your car on a cold morning comes down to your car battery. And while Sears does sell car batteries, you are better off purchasing one through a wholesale retailer, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, which in addition to great prices, also have a great return plan if something goes wrong with it.

5) Outdoor Canopies

An outdoor canopy can keep you dry when it rains and provide shade during the warmer summer months. Your best bet when purchasing an outdoor canopy is to avoid buying it at Sears, and buy it on Amazon or at Walmart instead.

6) Air Compressors

An air compressor comes in handy when you need to use air-powered tools or put air in a tire. While Sears does have a selection of air compressors to choose from, you are better off saving your money and buying one for less at Walmart or Home Depot.

7) Car Luggage Carriers

One way to secure your luggage and belongings while taking a road trip is to use a car luggage carrier. Sears sells a wide selection of both soft and hard-shell luggage carriers for the roof of your car or van, but they are expensive. Fortunately, Walmart has them for less.

8) Upright Vacuums

Having a good vacuum can make the difference between a clean or dirty house. And while Sears sells upright and canister vacuums, they do come at a high price. You are better off shopping for a vacuum at Walmart or on Amazon to save money on these devices.

9) Children’s Furniture

Outfitting your child’s room can give them a place to call their own and hang out when playing or studying. In order to save money on these items, which become less useful as your kids age, purchase them at Walmart or on Amazon, as opposed to Sears, to save money.

10) Car Seats

Car seats are an important safety device designed to protect your child when you are driving with them. Even though Sears sells car seats, you can find them for less at Walmart. Why pay more for a device that you can get at Walmart for less and that is just as good.

11) School Uniforms

A growing trend in the U.S. is the requirement by some school systems for the kids to wear school uniforms. This is usually an unforeseen financial burden on some parents. Avoid paying too much on school uniforms sold at Sears by shopping for them at Walmart or on Amazon.

12) Bath Towels

Walmart offers some of the best prices on bath towels when compared to Sears. Bath towels at Sears can run into the hundreds of dollars for a set of Luxor Linens, way too much for something that you use simply to dry your body.

13) Bath Mats

The same as bath towels can be expensive at Sears, bath mats at the store can get pretty pricey. To save money on bath mats, look for them online on Amazon or in your local Walmart.

14) Jewelry

You can find jewelry at Sears, but it is often overpriced when compared to other retailers. If you need a simple piece of jewelry and don’t want to pay too much for it, shop the selection at Walmart or on Amazon.

15) Steel-Toe Work Boots

Steel-toe work boots are a requirement in many warehouses or on job sites. To avoid paying the high prices that Sears charges for work boots, shop for all of your work boot needs at Walmart, where you can find them for way less.

16) Dishwashers

While Sears sells many different appliances for your home, you can actually save a little money when shopping for a dishwasher by purchasing it elsewhere. You can find the same brand of dishwashers at Walmart as you can at Sears, but for way less.

17) Snow Blowers

If you live in the Northern part of the U.S., you know how important it is to have a decent snow blower on a snowy winter morning. While you would think that you could find a snow blower for a great price at Sears, you can actually find them for less at Walmart and Home Depot.

18) Jeans

In the past, families would shop at Sears for most of their clothing needs, including jeans, but those days are gone. The best place to buy jeans is at a retailer such as Walmart, as opposed to Sears, which charges a lot more for the same pair of jeans.

19) Beds

While you might think Sears would be a great place to buy a bed set, you couldn’t be further from the truth. You are better off buying bed sets, which include the headboard, footboard, and runners, at places such as Mattress Firm or other bed specialty stores, instead of at Sears.

20) Handbags

Sears has a wide selection of handbags to choose from, including bags from Gucci and Prada. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay the high prices charged by Sears for their bags because even their most expensive handbags are cheaper on Amazon.

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As you can see, Sears has a wide selection of items to choose from when shopping there. As long as you keep in mind which items are good to buy and which aren’t from the retailer, you should be able to find the items you want at a price you can afford.