posted on October 21, 2011 22:56
Austin should know by the end of the year whether Sears Holdings Corp. will move its headquarters from Illinois to Texas. Sears currently employs about 6,200 people outside Chicago.
Company officials visited Austin and Columbus, Ohio, according to sources close to Sears.
Sears representatives conducted various site tours in each location. Those sources also said both cities offer desirable and strong quality of life that appeals to Sears. At the same time, officials in Ohio and Texas appeared eager for Sears to move there and both are offering generous incentives, the sources said.
Sears officials met with local municipal and economic leaders, chamber of commerce members, as well as gubernatorial staff members while in Austin.
City, state and chamber officials declined comment.
A spokeswoman for Sears said scouting in Texas and Ohio was not deterring the company from working with Illinois lawmakers on a possible economic package.
Sears expects to decide soon, spokeswoman Kimberly Freely said.
Freely declined to comment on the type of real estate Sears might seek.
Founded in 1886, Sears is one of the nation’s largest retailers. Its brands include, Kenmore, Craftsman, Everlast, Lands End, Kmart and several others.
10/6/11, Cody Lyon, Austin Business Journal