Finding high-quality home goods, tools, and appliances at a fraction of their original retail price is a goal for many savvy shoppers. For decades, Sears was a household name known for reliable brands like Kenmore and Craftsman. While the retail landscape has changed significantly, the demand for Sears surplus inventory and liquidation goods remains high. Whether you are looking for a single appliance for your home or bulk inventory for a resale business, knowing where to look is the first step.
Sears surplus typically consists of overstock items, floor models, customer returns, and scratch-and-dent units. Because these items cannot be sold as “new” in a traditional retail setting, they are often moved through liquidation channels at steep discounts. Understanding how this secondary market works will help you navigate the process and find the best deals available today.
Where to Find Sears Surplus Goods
The way Sears distributes its surplus has evolved over the years. You no longer have to wait for a local store to go out of business to find liquidation prices. Instead, several dedicated channels handle the flow of discounted inventory.
American Freight (Formerly Sears Outlet)
One of the most direct ways to find Sears-branded surplus is through American Freight. In 2020, Sears Outlet merged with American Freight Furniture and Mattress. These stores specialize in selling discounted appliances, furniture, and mattresses that often come directly from the Sears supply chain.
At these locations, you can find a wide variety of “new-in-box” overstock as well as “scratch-and-dent” items. Scratch-and-dent products are particularly popular because they often have only minor cosmetic flaws—like a small scrape on the side of a refrigerator—that do not affect the machine’s performance but result in a significant price reduction.
Sears Hometown Stores
While many large-scale Sears department stores have closed, Sears Hometown Stores still operate in various regions. These stores are often smaller and locally owned, frequently carrying a mix of current inventory and clearance items. They are excellent resources for finding deals on lawn and garden equipment, tools, and household appliances without the overhead of a massive mall location.
Buying Sears Liquidation Online
If you are looking to buy surplus inventory in larger quantities, or if you prefer shopping from home, online liquidation marketplaces are the primary destination. These platforms host auctions for bulk lots of merchandise that come directly from retail warehouses.
Liquidation Auction Platforms
Several reputable websites handle the liquidation of major retail brands. On these sites, you can bid on pallets or even entire truckloads of Sears inventory. This is a common route for small business owners who run thrift stores or online resale shops.
- B-Stock: This platform often hosts official liquidation marketplaces for large retailers. It allows professional buyers to bid on bulk lots of home goods and appliances.
- Direct Liquidation: This site frequently lists inventory from major big-box retailers, including items that were originally destined for Sears shelves.
- Liquidation.com: A well-known marketplace where you can find smaller lots, making it more accessible for individual buyers or small-scale resellers.
Local Online Classifieds
Do not overlook local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Many independent liquidators buy large lots of Sears surplus and then sell individual pieces to the public. Searching for terms like “Kenmore Liquidation” or “Sears Overstock” in your local area can lead you to nearby warehouses that are not widely advertised.
Understanding the Types of Surplus Goods
Before you make a purchase, it is vital to understand the condition of the goods you are buying. Surplus inventory is usually categorized into specific grades. Knowing these terms will help you set realistic expectations for your purchase.
Overstock and Closeouts
Overstock items are products that never sold at the retail level. These are generally in pristine condition and remain in their original packaging. Closeouts occur when a specific model is being discontinued to make room for a newer version. These are often the “cleanest” surplus items you can buy.
Customer Returns
Customer returns are items that were purchased and then brought back to the store. The reason for the return can vary wildly. Some items were returned because they were defective, while others were simply the wrong color or the customer changed their mind. Buying returns carries more risk, but it also offers the deepest discounts.
Floor Models
Floor models are items that were used as displays in a showroom. While they have never been owned by a consumer, they may have minor wear and tear from being handled by shoppers. These are usually sold with a substantial discount and are often fully functional.
Tips for a Successful Surplus Purchase
Buying surplus and liquidation goods requires a different approach than standard retail shopping. Follow these steps to ensure you get a fair deal and a working product.
- Inspect the Item Thoroughly: If you are buying in person, check for any visible damage. For appliances, open doors and drawers to ensure they move smoothly.
- Verify the Warranty: Many surplus items are sold “as-is,” meaning they do not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. However, some liquidation centers offer their own short-term protection plans. Always ask about the return policy before paying.
- Calculate Shipping Costs: If you are buying a large appliance or a pallet of goods online, shipping can be expensive. Sometimes the cost of freight can outweigh the savings on the product itself. Always get a shipping quote first.
- Research the Model Number: Before buying, look up the model number online to see its original retail price and read user reviews. This helps you determine if the “liquidation price” is actually a good deal.
Top Brands to Look For
One of the main reasons people search for Sears surplus is to acquire specific brands that were historically associated with the retailer. Even as the company has changed, these brands continue to be manufactured and supported.
Kenmore Appliances
Kenmore remains one of the most popular appliance brands in the United States. Because Kenmore products are manufactured by other major companies (like LG, Whirlpool, or Frigidaire) but branded for Sears, they are high-quality machines. Finding a Kenmore refrigerator or washer in a surplus warehouse is a major win for many homeowners.
Craftsman Tools
While Craftsman tools are now widely available at other retailers like Lowe’s and Ace Hardware, older Sears-era Craftsman stock still appears in liquidation lots. These tools are prized for their durability and the long-standing reputation of their lifetime warranty program.
DieHard Products
Originally a Sears brand for automotive batteries, DieHard has expanded into power tools and work gear. Surplus DieHard inventory is often available through automotive liquidation channels and retail overstock sales.
Conclusion
Finding Sears surplus inventory requires a bit of detective work, but the financial rewards are significant. By looking toward American Freight, exploring online liquidation auctions, and understanding the different grades of surplus goods, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on high-quality home essentials. Always remember to do your research, verify the condition of the items, and calculate the total cost including shipping. For more tips on smart shopping and home maintenance, explore our other guides on finding reliable household solutions.