Sears Hometown and Outlet Widens Loss

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. said its loss widened in the final quarter of the year as sales at comparable stores edged lower and it booked charges related to franchisee receivables and IT investments.

The Illinois-based retailer was spun off from Sears Holdings Corp. in 2012 and sells home appliances, hardware and lawn equipment, among other items. The company operates in two segments-Sears Hometown and Sears Outlet. It has been struggling with a highly promotional retail environment lately.. . . more