Sears Is Looking for Rent Relief on Last-Standing Stores

In its heyday, Sears dominated the US from its headquarters in Chicago, once the country’s tallest tower. The retailer won over patrons with mail-order catalogues by taking advantage of the railroad system and the US Postal Service, but setting the stage for online shopping.

Now, Sears’ once-bright blue logo sits fading on abandoned, empty buildings in strip malls across the country, serving as a relic for passing drivers. And it’s struggling to hold onto less than a dozen stores it has…