The Sears basement

Sears Auto Center

In the 9-1-2026 article, I wondered just what was on the basement level of Sears. A couple of readers said there was a very large auto shop and one sent some photos from a long ago Sears promotion.

I never took a car there but as far as I know, the auto shop was in business right up until the store closed in 2018.

Patty Hale shared her personal experience with the store:

I worked at Sears for the last 5 years it was open. And was part of the clean up crew for a month after it closed. The “underground” basement was huge and full of surprises.

Management offices, a paint shop, a carpentry shop & rooms of mannequins. Rooms of display & decorative stuff- like Spring & Christmas themed. Plus everything needed for shipping & receiving- including 2 forklifts.

Sears opened at Aurora Square (now Shoreline Place) in September 1967. In July of 2017, it sold its property to Merlone Geier, then leased back part of the space to continue store operations. The store closed in 2018.

--Diane Hettrick