Calling its 1981 experiment with five business and computer systems centers a "successful test," Sears Roebuck & Co. has announced that it will open 45 additional business centers across the country this fall. The five test stores were located in Boston, Chicago, and Dallas. Sears said the stores are designed to meet the needs of small businesses and small business professionals. Each location will include a display area for various product lines and a learning center designed for instructing customers in machine operations and business problem solving.
The stores will sell small computer systems, software, electronic typewriters, word processors, printers, desktop copiers, calculators, dictation and communications equipment, and supplies. Sears said equipment lines will include IBM, NEC, Vector Graphic Computers, Exxon, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, Olivetti, Panasonic, Saxon, Texas Instruments and Okidata. The equipment will be sold under "a broad range" of Sears and other brand names.
